Case 79

A/N: stuff done in italics is Eva interviewing people (as a Journalist)

Chapter 2: Meet the Cast

"So Benjamin, what was your first impression of Mer- I mean Jonah Cross?"

"Yesh Eva! We've known each other for years! And do you know how weird it is to be calling him Jonah instead of Mercy?"

"I know, but I am trying to be professional Benny."

"Trying and not succeeding."

"Just answer the damn question."

"He was broken. A broken boy with a buried past putting up a strong front."

"That's very…accurate."

"I know"

"HAHAHAHA! What'd I say? You owe me a shower shift!" Barrel cackled to himself evilly.

"Okay fine Mr. Smart Chips, but what sector is he in?"

"Ours,"

I groaned, turning away from Barrel's grinning face. The absolute last thing we need is another patient in Sector D. this is not going to go well. I whirled to face Ben, who looked amused at our predicament.

"Well?"

He was looking out our common room door, his curly red hair poking into the hallway.

"Here he comes." He said simply, stepping out of the doorway and smoothing his gray flannel shirt. We all scrambled into a straight line, trying to look as presentable as possible. He walked in a few minutes later, looking slightly pissed about something. The room was silent, him staring at us and us staring at him. Finally, my big mouth had to just go and blurt something out all on its own.

"Why do you look so pissed?"

And he just cracked up. He laughed so hard he had to hold onto the door frame. Everyone just kind of stared at him. Oh god please lords don't make him a laugher. I hate the ones that laugh like maniacs. Oh, wait, they were. He straightened up, his laughter slowly fading.

"would you believe me of I said that was the most rational thing anyone's asked me all day? And the reason I'm well, pissed, is that their making me wear this thing." He stared pointedly down at his knee-length white hospital gown, and the fact that more than half his creamy white legs were showing. "look how short it is!" he said, almost helplessly.

And we all just lost it. Lulu's screeching laugh rang through the air, Frankie's booming one making my ears hurt. I laughed too, having to grab onto Ben to keep myself upright. We had all went through the 'gown' stage. People 15 and under had to wear hospital gowns while 16 and up get pants or in me, Lulu, and Jeanie's case, a dress. There were only two other kids in sector D with gowns at they were Dark and Bit. He just ignored our laughter, trying to look and see if his backside was covered.

"well fine then, but I don't just what's soooooo funny about me wearing a skimpy little thing that only covers me bum," he said, a little bit of a Cockney accent leaking through. Ben stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder.

"aw don't worry. We all go through the 'gown' stage eventually. I promise no one will look at you any different!" he chuckled. " care to meet the good lords and ladies of Sector D?"

His eyes automatically went from Benny's face to focus on us. His stare made me a little uncomfortable. His eyes were an amazing shade of navy blue, with a green tint to them. The seemed to pierce right to your soul. I shivered. What was it with this kid?

"I'm Benjamin, Benjamin Yates." He said, holding his hand out to Jonah.

"Jonah Cross, nice ta meetchya!" he said enthusiastically, shaking hands with Benny.

Now at this time I stepped forward, giving an awkward curtsy, not wanting to come off unladylike, or at least lady enough for this joint. He bowed deeply back, making me blush mightily.

"my names Eva Rae," I said shyly.

"why hello Eva."

Ben then proceeded to show off the rest of Sector D. he first pointed at Barrel, who waved shyly at Jonah who Hi'ed back. Next was Bit, who waved energetically at him, the leather restraints on his arms jingling. Jonah seemed unfazed by the restraints, but I saw his eyes narrow. He didn't like the fact Bit was In restraints. Good for him. Next came Lulu, who's hello just about shot him out of the water. Lulu was by far the, eh, strangest of us. She has this thing for hair. Which was why they hacked all her hair off. She just loved hair, and messed with mine a lot. So it was no surprise for us when she ran forward and almost tackled Jonah, running her hands through his silky black hair.

"ohmylordiLOVEyourhairit'ssopretty!" she gushed "mynamesLulu!"

He just stared at her, his mouth ajar.

"h-hello L-Lulu"

She screeched, throwing her arms around him, holding him embarrassingly close to her chest. Jonah stared helplessly at Ben, his eyes widened in what almost looked like fear. Ben disengaged Jonah from the girls strong grasp, murmuring an apology under his breath. Jonah nodded, smiling.

This boy really was something, to accept Lulu so readily like that.

Next was Frankie, who too hugged him but not near as violently and a lot more friendly. Jonah hugged him back, saying hello. Then came Dark, who just nodded slightly at him, his eyes glaring at him shiftily. But Jonah smiled and Hi'ed all the same

Last was Jeanie.

"hi!" the little girl said, giggling cutely

Jonah's smile seemed to get bigger. He crouched down to the 7 year old's level, smiling sweetly.

"what's your name little one?"

"mah name's Jeanie."

"nice to meet you Jeanie. My, you are very pretty!" he said, gazing at the little girl blushing before him, twirling a strand of her blood-red hair in her fingers.

"awwwwwww, youz don' mean it," "she muttered, but her smile was unmistakable.

"why of course I do!" he said in a mock-hurt tone, putting a hand over his heart.

Jeanie laughed the tinkling wind-chime laugh of hers again, and hugged Jonah.

This might….go well.