Author's Note: Hello darlings!
I wanted to post this on Sunday, but I remembered Saturday night that I had an essay and a lab due Monday, then I got 'sick' Monday night (you know what I mean by those quotation marks, right?)… Anyways, sorry about the lateness guys! It's been a crazy week! I know it's all my fault for not posting earlier, so please, feel free to throw stones at your own discretion (none to the head please!)
Anyways…I've sent this out in a few review replies, but for those of you who didn't review last chapter: you guys can add me on twitter! If you do, you'll get teasers for every chapter and access to outtakes to both The Boy With The Emerald Eyes AND The Finding! If you want to add me, it's sch _ 94 (remove the spaces!). Add me! I usually only take an hour to reply, based on where you live.
I have a little story for you guys: I was treated really rudely by a teacher (the organizer of the award ceremony at my school) when I went to go pick up an award the other day (I missed the ceremony because I was sick). She told me that in order to be able to receive my award, I had to write a letter detailing why I wasn't able to attend, and being the wimp I am, I did what she said. Now, you're probably wondering why I told this story… My parents and the lovely Christina thought I should've b****'d her out right there and then and taken my award ("You had a right to take what was yours, Steph!"), but I wanted to handle it peacefully and without conflict. My question to you is this: how would you have handled it? Now that the issue is resolved, what would you have done? Do you think I should've fought harder?
Anyways, that's it for this week. Enjoy the incredibly long chapter (and incredibly adorable 10 year old Simon)!
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This week's disclaimer is a co-lab between Christina and I! :)
Disclaimer: The girls are relaxing in Christina's room. Steph is jotting down ideas for updates and Christina is reading one of many fanfiction updates.
Steph: Christina, your reviews and disclaimers are always so funny. We should do that commentary thing like in Twilight where I write a paragraph and you comment on every single one.
Christina: *Looks up from laptop*
Sounds like a plan! Hey, I just finished your update, and I'm wondering…are you going to have Chloe, Derek, and Simon skinny dipping at any point in the story?
Steph: *Confused*
Skinny…? They're only ten!
Christina: *Getting excited now*
Oh, and can I run in naked from the forest and join in on the fun? Like that one oily guy from Family Guy? You know Simon will be happy to see me!
*Raises eyebrows suggestively*
Steph: *At a loss for words*
So you're suggesting that I should include child pornography AND indecent exposure of Christina in my story…? The one where I own the plot and the characters I dream up?
Christina: *Smiles*
Yep!
Steph: *Puts down pen*
I think it's time to discuss returning to therapy, Christina. Obviously your treatments aren't working yet.
Christina: *Scared now*
No, no! I was only joking!
Steph: *Gets up and begins to drag Christina out the door*
Sure you were! Now, common! We're going to go talk to those nice men in the white coats.
Christina: *Shudders*
But I don't like them! They have cold hands!
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Chapter #4: Truth
The worst lies are the lies we tell ourselves.
-Richard Bach
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Ten Years Old
There were a few tense moments as I stood there, without moving and without speaking. Simon kept his hand outstretched the entire time, clearing his throat and speaking after he realized I wasn't going to respond any time soon.
"Whadda ya say, Chloe? Wanna be friends?" he asked eagerly.
The sound of my name shocked me out of my revere. "How do you know my name?" I demanded, crossing my arms.
"Well, uh…Derek told me," he admitted, pointing at his brother for clarification. I stared at the other boy, who immediately blushed crimson.
"But how did he know my name?" I asked. "And does he always blush like that?" I added as an afterthought.
Derek's face turned a deeper shade of red.
Simon's little face scrunched up in confusion. "Umm…I don't know. He's usually never like this…" Simon turned around to face his brother and waved his arm in front of Derek's red face. "Hey Derek, you feelin' alright, bro?"
Derek grumbled something unintelligible.
"What?" Simon asked loudly, sounding like someone who was hard of hearing. "Louder, Derek! Chloe and me can't hear you!"
Derek rolled his eyes and grumbled something, louder this time. "I said, I don't like this, Simon. I think we should leave now."
Simon looked crushed. "Aww, common Derek! We just got here! We haven't even played with Chloe yet!" he whined. "Please Derek, can we stay?"
Derek looked thoughtful for a moment. "Ask her," he said, pointing at me.
Simon whirled around to face me. "Chloe?" he asked hopefully. "Can we stay?"
I bit my lip; I hadn't thought Simon's brother would agree to let them stay, and I hadn't prepared an excuse for them not to…
I decided to be blatantly honest. "I don't think that'd be a good idea…" I trailed off at the end, seeing Simon's hurt expression. I felt bad for upsetting him – upsetting Simon was probably really hard to do, judging by his cheery disposition - and I didn't want to add that to my list of things to feel guilty for.
I sighed. "Okay, fine; but on one condition: you guys have to tell me why the heck you're here!"
Simon beamed. "Deal!" he exclaimed, turning to Derek. His smile vanished. "I mean…is that okay, Derek? 'Cause if it's not-"
Derek looked defeated – apparently he hadn't thought I'd say yes either. "Fine," he sighed.
"Awesome!" Simon smiled with all his teeth. "So, what do you wanna do?"
"Can we talk first?" I asked eagerly.
Simon's smile wavered. "Actually….can I use your bathroom first? I really needa pee…"
***
I led Simon into my room, pointing towards the door of the adjoining bathroom. "In there," I whispered. "Be quiet though, I don't want Lauren and Andrew to wake up!"
He nodded and scurried in, closing the door behind him. I turned around-
-and almost collided with Derek, who was standing in the center of my room with his arms folded across his chest.
"I'm so sorry!" I hastily apologized, although I knew it was his fault for standing so close to me. He grumbled something and backed up until he was able to lean against the wall.
We just stood there like that for a while. If I was being completely honest, I would probably peg it as one of the most awkward moments of my whole life...
"So…it's Derek, right?" I asked, attempting to clear some of the tension from the air. "That's an… interesting name."
He looked up from the floor and starred at me with indifference. "Not really," he said bluntly before returning his gaze to the hardwood floor.
I groaned inwardly and rolled my eyes. After a week of loneliness, this is what I get? A mute?!
"Okaaaaay…" I said, emphasizing the 'a'. "What are some of your favourite things to do?"
He didn't respond. I waited a while and tried again, louder this time. "What are some of your favourite things to do?"
I was sure he was ignoring me purposely. He didn't answer; just crossed his arms again and turned to face the window.
I sighed. "Are you always this rude?" I demanded.
I looked over in time to catch the flicker of a smile that crossed his lips. "Only on weekdays."
I covered my mouth with my hand to stifle my laughter. He seemed to relax. "So this is your room?" he said suddenly. "It's very…"
"Pink?" I offered. He chewed the inside of his cheek nervously and nodded slowly. "Not that there's anything wrong with that," he added.
"No, I know what you mean. I don't really like it either, but Lauren – she's the lady who adopted me – worked really hard on it, and I-"
"And you didn't want to seem like an ungrateful brat?" he finished. I nodded somberly.
"That's pretty noble of you," he continued, sounding surprised. "Most kids wouldn't think twice before whining to their parents."
"I'm not like most kids," I admitted sadly.
He pursed his lips and looked at his shoes. "You have no idea," he mumbled.
It was my turn to blush then. I turned to face the wall beside my bed to hide my inflamed cheeks. "Your brother is taking a really long time!" I mused, in a desperate attempt to change the subject.
"He's probably captivated by the decorative soaps."
I giggled. Somehow his serious tone, combined with his impressive vocabulary made everything funnier. "You don't talk like a ten year old," I accused.
"That's because I'm not ten. I'm 11," he said gravely, as if he was admitting he had some sort of terminal illness.
"Oh…" The awkward silence returned, but thankfully – not much later – so did Simon.
"Are you guys friends yet?" he asked fervently. He turned towards me. "I was giving you extra time 'cause Derek can be kinda grumpy sometimes," he whispered. "Did it help?"
"Um…I can't say for sure," I whispered back.
Simon frowned and turned to his brother. "Can we tell her now Derek?"
"Simon!" Derek hissed.
"Tell me what, exactly?"
They continued to argue, ignoring my question.
"What? She wants to know why we're here!" Simon rationalized.
"That doesn't mean we have to tell her!" Derek retorted angrily.
"What are you two talking about?!"
"That's not fair, Derek! We can't just leave without telling her!"
"Yes we can! We can leave right now and never come back and she can go back to living her life like a normal person!"
"Hellooooo? Would you mind telling me what you're talking about?"
"But she's not normal! Someday someone's gunna find out, and then they'll come and take her away and it'll be all our faults!" Simon was practically in tears by this point, and I'd decided I'd had enough.
"WHAT'S GOING ON?!" I demanded, pushing them back out into the backyard so I didn't have to whisper. "What's Simon talking about?"
"Nothing!"
"Oh yeah? Tell me right now or I'll go wake up Lauren and Andrew!" Derek looked shocked by my threat; Simon looked triumphant.
"You're bluffing!"
"Wanna bet?"
I turned towards the door and began making my way towards it.
Something caught my arm. "Ow!" I shrieked, wheeling around and coming face to face with Derek. "Lemme go!" I whined. Simon was watching the scene from off to the side, looking horrified at his brother's actions.
Derek released me immediately. "Do you really want to know?" he asked, his tone business-like. "Because once you know, your whole life's gunna be different. Everything's gunna change."
More than it has already? I wondered. Not possible.
"I don't care! Tell me what you're talking about, right now!"
"I don't need to tell you anything. You already know what I'm talking about."
Say what?
"Think, Chloe. Isn't there something different about you? Something that makes you different from everyone else?" he prodded.
"N-no…I'm j-just a n-normal k-kid" I shut my mouth quickly; the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up.
Wait! He couldn't be talking about-
"Normal?" he chuckled darkly. "Oh, you're normal all right!"
"Yes, but apparently you aren't. What's your problem?" I asked rhetorically.
He ignored my comment completely. "You can talk to ghosts, can't you, Chloe?"
My heart sank.
"Chloe?"
"Y-you're cr-crazy!" I practically shouted.
"Der-ek! You're saying it all wrong! It's like this!" Simon whined. He pushed Derek out of the way and stood directly in front of me regally.
"Chloe, you probably don't know this, but you're real special," he said enthusiastically. "But don't worry! Me and Derek are special too! We-"
"I already told your brother, Simon: I can't talk to ghosts or whatever else you think I can do!" I said impatiently.
"Cummon Chloe! We've seen you talking to nobody! Either you can talk to ghosts or you're kookier than… that bird who loves coco puffs!"
"You've seen me…?"
"Yep! You were just sittin' there, talking to something in front of the wall, and-"
"Hold on a sec! You guys were spying on me, and you're calling me the crazy one?!"
Simon became flustered. "It was an accident the first time, I swear!"
"The first time? How many times were there?!"
"Simon!" Derek barked. "Don't you dare answer that!"
I shot Derek the dirtiest glare I could muster up. "Here's what's going to happen," I said authoritatively, though my nerves were beyond frayed. "You're going to sit down and tell me exactly what's going on here. Start from the beginning."
***
Something in my voice must've convinced Derek I meant business, because he did exactly what I'd told him to… without arguing.
We sat on some of the smaller boulders that surrounded the pool, getting as comfortable as we could on the overgrown stones. Once we were content with our positions, Derek took a deep breath and began telling the story.
"Simon and I are homeschooled; we have been all of our lives. Our dad didn't want us to be listed in any school systems so we'd be harder to track down. We-"
"Track down? Wait, why would someone be trying to track you down?"
"Don't interrupt! I'm trying to tell the story!"
"Sorry. Continue, I guess."
"Okay. We've been homeschooled all of our lives, and we've also been living in this area since we were really little, so it's really hard to find other kids our age to talk to."
I nodded sympathetically. Understandable, I guess. I'm already lonely, and it's only been a week!
"Well, two weeks ago we were playing in our front yard and saw a van drive past our house, heading deeper into the forest. There was a kid inside, and we got excited because another kid nearby meant a new friend."
"That other kid was me, right?"
"Yes; so we decided to follow the van. We knew the only house deeper in the forest was this one, so we cut through the forest behind our backyard and walked until we reached yours."
"That's really dangerous, though! You might've been attacked by something, like a bear, or a snake, or a wolf!"
"Yeah, well…"
"Derek would've protected me!" Simon interjected. I almost jumped at the sound of his voice – I had almost forgotten he was there. "Anyways, after we left the forest, we were gunna cross into your front yard and ring the doorbell and ask to play with you…"
"Why didn't you?" I asked.
"That was when we saw you talking to the wall!" Simon said with a crooked smile. I cringed – I had been so absorbed in Derek's story that I'd forgotten about their early accusations. "After he realized what you were doing, Derek said that we had to wait before we could make friends with you. He said he needed to figure out what to do about you."
"Did he, now?" I turned to Derek. "So, have you figured out what to 'do about me' yet?" I asked angrily. "Or were you just gunna keep coming back to make fun of the crazy girl who talks to herself?"
"Not necessarily. We were trying to figure out if you were one of us," he said calmly.
"That's a lie!" I spat.
"No, it's not. Trust me, I have better things to do than sit here every day and watch you talk to ghosts."
"I do not talk to ghost!"
"Yes, you do."
"No I don't!"
"Don't bother denying it. You said these people adopted you, right? What happened to your parents?"
"T-they-"
"They're dead, yet I heard you talking to your mother the other day. Are you gunna deny that, too?"
I stood up and hopped off the boulder. "I don't have to take this from you!" I called. "My parents taught me to ignore bullies, and that's what you are mister!"
"I'm not a bully, I'm just trying to help you. Don't be such a baby!"
"I am NOT a baby!"
"And I'm not a bully. You, on the other hand, are a girl who talks to ghosts-"
"And you're a mean jerk!" I stomped off, heading towards the forest boundary. Derek and Simon caught up to me within minutes.
"Stop being so overdramatic! It's not like you're the only one! Simon's a sorcerer, but you don't see him complaining!"
I sighed and came to a halt near an old maple tree. "I'm sure Simon's a…sorcerer? Like a wizard? I'm guessing he probably casts spells and hangs out with Ron and Hermione too, right?"
Derek groaned. "I'm not talking about some Harry Potter wannabe!" he said with an air of frustration.
"Frankly, I don't care what you're talking about! I don't believe anything you're saying, so you might as well just leave."
"Show her, Simon."
I turned to leave. Derek matched his stride with mine, while Simon hung back. "Just let us show you! Then-"
"No! You guys are gunna leave right now and never come back, or I'll tell Lauren and Andrew, and they'll tell your dad on you!" I finished smugly.
"Chloe, look!" Simon squeaked from behind me.
"No, I'm sorry Simon, but you and your brother are going to have to leave."
"Der-ek!" Simon whined from behind me.
"Just look, would you?!" Derek pleaded angrily.
"JUST LEAVE ALREADY!" I shouted.
"LOOK!" he shouted right back.
I thrust my fists down at my sides. "For God's sakes, WHAT?!"
I turned around, expecting to come face-to-face with Simon…
Simon was levitating a pool toy.
"W-what t-the -"
"See Chloe? We were telling the truth!" Simon said. His face was scrunched up in concentration, his eyebrows knotting together due to the strain.
"Y-you can st-stop n-now Simon, I believe y-you."
The toy immediately fell to the ground. I stared at it, still recovering from the shock.
" You believe us now," Derek said, stating it rather than asking.
"Y-yes, I b-believe you."
"Are you gunna tell us about what you can do?"
"Y-yes."
"Are you about to throw up?" he asked knowingly.
"Yes."
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A/N: And there you have it guys! Chapter 4, a little later than expected. How do you feel about this chapter? Be sure to tell me :) If I get 20 reviews before Thursday night, I'll post the next chapter on Sunday. That's a good deal, right?
Also, to those who are going to add me on twitter: check it Wednesday night! I'll be posting a link to the teaser for chapter 5 :D