AN: So I just wanted to thank you for sticking with me. We are fast approaching the end of this chapter of the Halliwell saga. Without further ado here is the latest chapter to A Charmed Generation.
DEMONS IN MY HEAD
"God, I hate that meat suit," swore a thin shadowy figure.
The Vrykolakas sat, curled by a roaring fireplace. "Stop complaining and step into the light, demon. Is it finished?"
The thin pale man slunk out of the shadows to stand directly behind the larger form of the female seductress. "You did not warn me that he would be strong willed. I nearly lost him."
The Vrykolakas waved her hand dismissively and conjured a delicate glass filled with a thick syrupy dark liquid. She took a sip and smacked her lips together appreciatively. "You can inform my mother I am most grateful for her gift when you return."
"Or you can tell her yourself, daughter."
The Vrykolakas jumped to her feet, and the thin man bowed low as the Queen of Vampires entered the room. She circled the room and settled on the distant dusty love seat as a worthy substitute for a throne. Delicately she lowered herself into the seat and called forth two more vampires to fan her with massive palm leaves. She did enjoy the older ways of doing things.
"Mother," said the Vrykolakas reverently. "To what do I own this auspicious honor?"
The Queen clucked her tongue disapprovingly. "Do not try and soften me up with hollow words of gratitude and loyalty. I have come for an update on your progress to seduce the young Halliwell. Our allies grow most impatient with your lack of progress, as do I."
The Vrykolakas bowed low and her form shrunk back to that of a human girl with dark hair and even darker eyes. "Forgive e me, mother, the witch is proving to be more immune to my influence than most. I have identified a reason for this apparent immunity and set a plan in progress to correct this unfortunate circumstance."
The Queen eyed the Vrykolakas with harsh eyes. "Explain your plan. Am I to understand it is the reason for you summoning my best possessor demon?"
The possessor demon straightened his back slightly at the compliment.
The Vrykolakas growled lowly. "Reserve your judgment on his abilities. He has yet to report on tonight's festivities."
The possessor demon gritted his teeth and dipped his head. "Of course, my Queen and lady. I will beg your indulgence in reminding the Vrykolakas that tonight's events are only a part of her plan. The success or failure of the plan as a whole does not rest solely on my performance tonight. Humans are very unpredictable. Some action you would assume would break them may, in fact, make them stronger."
The Queen rolled her eyes. "Stop your blathering and tell your story. I do not have all night."
The demon bowed again. "As you wish, I was ordered by the esteemed Vrykolakas to take control of a mortal boy. The boy, it seems, has a long-standing animosity toward the Halliwells. The possession was complete and followed orders as they were laid out for me. I captured the mortal girl the Halliwell is fond of without anyone noticing. Once alone I did what was necessary to break her spirit. Once done, I removed myself from the situation before releasing the mortal child from my spell. He will have no memory of the events."
The Queen turned her attention to her daughter. "Is that sufficient?"
The Vrykolakas begrudgingly nodded. "He fulfilled everything I told him."
"Then you are dismissed, possessor. You two as well," commanded the Queen.
The possessor demon wasted no time in shimmering out of the room. The Vrykolakas took a seat nearer her mother, but still far enough to give her time should her mother prove to be unfriendly tonight.
"Continue," said the Queen.
"The events of the night have shown Rebecca the dangers of being involved with the Halliwells. It will make her distance herself from Zachary. Being rejected by someone close to you is a powerful emotion. It leaves you open to all manner of vices. Zachary has a particular individual in his life he will turn to in order to mute the pain of a breakup. Once he is back in Angela's arms, he will be ripe for the taking."
The Queen nodded her head. "You have a month. If he is not under your spell by then, I will no longer be able to protect you from the anger of Rahab and her wretched brother. The attacks by the Halliwell matriarch have reminded them of exactly how dangerous the fire they are stoking is. They wish to move forward in their plans before the Halliwells get in the way."
The Vrykolakas frowned. "Why can they not act now?"
"Do not concern yourself with things beyond your comprehension, daughter. Leave the machinations of court and power to me. You focus on turning Zach Halliwell into your spineless lap dog." The Queen vanished with the sound of flapping wings.
The Vrykolakas balled her very human hands into fists and threw a fireball into the dying fire. Flames erupted and engulfed the fireplace. They soon spread to the rest of the room. The Vrykolakas looked around the burning room her eyes settling on a picture of a young mother holding a little baby girl in her arms. A name was inscribed in the photo's frame: Angela. The Vrykolakas shimmered away, letting the fire destroy the rest of the abandoned house.
Sophia watched helplessly as her loving father aimed a gun at her. He pulled the trigger, and the projectile hit her in the shoulder. The impact sent her spinning and crashing to the ground. Her shoulder stung and burned, as he fired two more projectiles. She rolled out of the way of the first, but the second caught her hand. It felt like she hand slammed her hand in a door multiple times over. She cursed and rolled back onto her feet toward her father. He leveled the gun at her again, and she sprang at him from a few meters away. He easily dodged her and hit her in the back with two more miniature bean bags. She crashed to the floor and stayed still.
"Are you giving up?" asked Adelrich.
Sophia rolled off her stomach and lay on her bruised and battered back. "It's impossible. How the hell are you supposed to dodge something moving so fast?"
Her father lowered the gun. "Go wash up. We'll start again after lunch."
Sophia would have groaned, but she had learned that such displays only earned her harsher training sessions. She pushed herself onto her feet and hobbled away to take a very hot shower. It had been three weeks since the disastrous Valentine's Day dance at school, and almost four weeks since her father had started her on the intensive training regimen of her ancestors, four insanely long and painful weeks.
She made it to her bedroom without too much trouble. Before heading to the bathroom, she checked her phone. Three texts were waiting her reply, all from Zach. She sighed and put the phone down. Three weeks down and she still did not have anything to tell her worried best friend. She suspected something, but there was no proof to back up her suspicions.
"You should get in the shower. It really does help with the pain."
Sophia jumped and spun around. "Damn it, Matt!"
Matt smirked, leaning in the doorway. "Sorry, your butler let me in. I know her dad has you on this strict training schedule, but I've not gotten to spend any time with you. Think I can convince him to let you go on a run with your boyfriend in place of whatever he's putting you through."
Sophia cringed and lowered herself onto her bed. "I don't know. He's been relentless, and I'm not sure I'm going to be running any time soon."
Matt sat down next to her and took her hand in his. "I'm worried about you, Soph. You've been running yourself ragged between this and school and whatever is going on with Rebecca. You need a break."
"You're one to talk. Last I heard, you'd gone on four demon hunts in the last two days," she commented laying her head on his shoulder.
Matt kissed the top of her head. "All part of the job, and it wasn't real demon hunts. They were a bunch of low-level punks harassing street kids. What does he have you doing?"
Serena sat up and pulled her shirt down low enough to reveal the newly formed bruise on her shoulder. "Active avoidance is what he called it. Pretty much he fires beanbags at me, and I have to dodge them. Double points if I can get the gun away from him."
Matt glanced at the door and leaned forward to kiss the bruise. It shimmered and slowly returned to normal.
"Healing already?"
Matt shook his head. "Dad doubts I'll ever develop that power, but I'm wicked good at brewing potions." He held up a small empty vial. "It's almost as good as a whitelighter healing you as long as the damage is minor."
Sophia took the vial and stared at it. "You brewed it?"
"Yip, Grandma Piper helped me figure out the problem with two ingredients that tend to not get along, but other than that it's my first original potion," he said proudly.
"You shouldn't waste it on me though," admonished Sophia, handling the vial back.
Matt rolled his eyes. "There's a whole cauldron fill of the stuff on the kitchen stove back at the Manor; besides, the potion is for you guys really. We've got Dad and Wyatt to heal us, and maybe even Zach if he ever gets to hang of it. Since none of you are their charges, their healing power might not always work."
Sophia rubbed her healed shoulder. "Thanks."
Matt stood up and pulled her to her feet. "Go shower. I'll go convince your dad you need a break."
"Have you seen Zach today?"
Matt shook his head. "He told Wyatt he was spending the day with Rebecca, but I think that was a lie. As far as I know, Rebecca hasn't spent much time with anyone besides you since Valentine's Day. I don't see how today is going to be any different. He's extremely worried."
Sophia nodded. "Yeah…"
"What aren't you telling us?" asked Matt hesitantly.
Sophia shook her head. "I can't, Matt, I promised."
Matt shrugged. "Well, if you talk to Rebecca, remind her we're all here for her." He quickly pecked her on the cheek and left.
She watched him leave and chuckled as he wiggled his backside to prove he knew she was watching. She picked up her phone and texted Rebecca. Whatever happened that night, she knew her friend could not deal with it on her own. They needed to talk. Actually, she thought Rebecca needed to talk to a professional. On a whim, she texted Wyatt, asking him to meet her at a coffee shop just before dinner. Swallowing back the rising tide of guilt, she gathered up her running clothes and headed to the shower.
Matt was right; the shower did help sooth most of the aches and pains. When she was dressed and back downstairs, she felt refreshed and renewed. She heard Matt's voice drift down the hallway leading to the formal dinning room. Her dad responded in a brisk tone. She hurried up hoping to stem any sort of argument.
"She needs to stick with this. There is no way around it. I will not have my daughter be defenseless," said her father in a commanding tone.
Matt in his usual blasé response to authority leaned back in the chair. Sophia could tell he was fighting the desire to roll his eyes. Her boyfriend was very respectful of her father, but there were times when he was pushed to his limits.
"I'm not asking for her to go wondering the streets at night blindfolded, sir. All I'm saying is she needs a break, and it's a productive break even. We're going on a run. I know from experience that sometimes when you're hitting a wall that a change of scenery helps lessons sink in. You know I've been taking karate since I was little," said Matt in a calm but unforgiving tone.
Adelrich tapped his cane on the ground, a clear sign of agitation. "I said no. You can join us for lunch, but then we must return to her training. You're welcome to go running together tomorrow after school."
Matt bit his tongue. "Could I join your training?"
Sophia jumped in at that moment. "Oh that'd be great, Daddy. That way I'll have someone else showing me how to do stuff. Please, daddy, please!"
The butler brought in the cart of sandwiches.
"Fine," consented Adelrich.
"There is an urgent call for you, sir, on line two."
Sophia spotted the way her dad sat up a bit straighter at the mention of line two. She frowned and joined Matt in selecting her lunch. Her dad dismissed himself and left the room in a rush.
"What's that all about?" asked Matt, taking a bite of his roast beef sandwich.
Sophia nibbled on her ham and Brie wrap. "No idea. I didn't even know we had multiple lines on our phone."
"It is your father's business line," explained the butler.
"Oh. Thanks." Sophia mused on the information.
Her father returned a few minutes later and sat down at the table without getting a sandwich. "It seems you're in luck, darling. I'm needed downtown, so you've got a free afternoon."
Sophia smiled tightly. "What's wrong?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Just the usual run around at city hall with permits for the film."
Matt nodded. "My dad hates all the red tape he has to cut through."
Adelrich agreed silently. "Right, I'll leave you two alone. No, closed bedroom doors."
Sophia sweetly batted her eyes and smiled. "Of course not, Daddy. Love you."
"Love you too. Matthew."
Matt tipped his head. "We'll see you, Mr. Watson."
Sophia's phone buzzed. The text was from Rebecca saying she was not feeling good today. Sophia replied with a generic get well soon and added that she was always willing to listen when Rebecca was ready.
"So, running?" asked Sophia, pocketing her phone.
Matt groaned. "Seriously?"
Sophia arched an eyebrow. "If you beat me, maybe we can do something else a bit more fun."
Daniel sat down for breakfast on Monday morning and switched on the news. He absentmindedly poured a bowl of cereal for himself and handed the box to his dad. He was sure his dad tried to talk to him, but he was lost in his own world. The past few weeks had been three of the worst weeks of his life. Andrew had unceremoniously dumped him. The boy who he loved more than he knew he could love anyone walked out of his life without so much as giving him a chance to explain himself. Their fight before the dance had been a bad one, but he saw the error in his way of thinking. He wanted to apologize. He wanted Andrew back.
A new story on the recent crime wave sweeping through the streets of downtown abruptly ended. The screen went black for a moment before switching to a room with blue curtains and a large podium with the White House's seal attached to the front. The scrawl on the bottom of the screen announced that the president would be addressing the nation.
"Hey, turn it up, will you?" asked his dad.
Daniel fumbled with the remote and turned up the volume. "What's going on?"
Jamal yelled, "Hey, honey! I think you might want to see this."
William Beck stepped into the kitchen a moment later with his shirt half buttoned. "Morning, all."
"SHH!" hissed Jamal, pointing at the screen.
William looked at the TV. "Why's the Pres…"
"No clue, sit and shut up," said Jamal pushing out a chair.
The room on the other side of the camera quieted as a door off screen opened up. Two very tall men in black suits stepped onto the scene and took positions on either side of the podium but off the stage. Next a woman with greying amber hair stepped onto the stage and took her place in front of the podium. Daniel like most teenagers was not very knowledgeable about politics, but everyone who watched any sort of news lately knew who the woman was. Madam Secretary Camilla Shields was the current head of the Department of Magical Affairs and a former Fleet Admiral and the United States Navy.
"Attention. Can I have your attention! Gentlemen and ladies, please let's find our seats. I understand these events have been slightly chaotic, but I must insist that everyone take a seat," said Secretary Shields in her gravely voice.
She waited a few moments before looking directly at the camera. "Good morning, my fellow Americans. It is my great honor to stand before you today and announce a momentous achievement has been made in the effort to continue our citizens' safety. In the early morning hours the House and the Senate both unanimously passed a bill allowing my department to share with you information, which I have long argued should be in your hands. Just a few moments ago I was in the Oval Office as our esteemed President signed that bill into law."
"Oh my God!" murmured William. "They fucking did it."
"…In accordance with the statues within this law my office will be working closely with a number of contractors to create a website where this information will be available to everyone. Finally after years of living in fear, you will be able to go onto this website and find out whether or not your neighbor is a member of this group of human beings I am charged with overseeing. You will be able to see exactly who is a witch or wizard or whatever else they want to call themselves…"
The rest of her comments were drowned out. William grabbed the remote and turned the television off.
"Jamal, go into the office and tell them I will be working from home today. Try and keep everything running as smoothly as possible. If any of our unique clients call in with questions direct their calls to me. Thank you, sweetie," said William, jumping into business mode.
Jamal stood up and kissed his husband on the cheek before rushing out of the room with a hurried good-bye to Daniel.
Daniel stared at the black screen. "What—what just happened? What unique clients?"
William stood up also. "Sorry, kiddo, but that's above your pay grade. As to what happened there, our government just gave every crazy fanatic the excuse to go out and attack his or her neighbor. I've got to make a few calls. I don't want you going to school today. Stay at home."
Daniel blinked at a complete loss for words. His dad tussled his hair affectionately and left him to his thoughts. He wanted to turn on the television, but a thought struck him and he reached for his phone.
"Zach?"
The boy on the other end of the phone answered. "What do you want?"
Daniel sighed. "Did you see the news?"
"No. Why?"
Daniel stood up and began pacing. "They're releasing the Registry to the general public."
There was silence. "Where are you?"
"I'm at ho—me?" Midway through his sentence, he found himself in Zach's room.
Zach was just in a pair of underwear and was rubbing the pale scar on his chest. "Fuck, that hurts like a bitch."
Daniel averted his eyes and hung up his phone. "How?"
Zach pulled on a t-shirt. "I orbed you. This isn't a conversation to have over the phone."
Daniel looked around the messy room. His eyes lingered on the door. Just beyond it somewhere in this house was Andrew.
"How's Andrew?"
Zach walked to his closet and started rifling through it for a pair of pants. "Not why you're here."
Daniel balled his hands up. "Dude…"
Zach spun around and poked him hard in the chest with a finger. "Don't dude me. You broke his heart. He is my best friend, my brother, and you broke his heart. I'm not your friend. If Andrew hadn't asked me not to, I'd have turned your face into minced meat."
"He broke up with me!"
Zach eyed his fists. "Did your dads watch the news?"
Daniel frowned. "Why'd that matter?"
"Because your dads are the lawyers for most of the magical community in the city. They met my uncle when they were in college together. After magic was exposed, he started referring people like my family to your dads if they had any legal issues. Turns out working for the rights of magical beings can be quite lucrative." Zach pulled on a pair of ratty blue jeans.
"Seriously!"
Zach heaved a sigh. "Yes. Why do you think I didn't hesitate telling you I was a witch?"
Daniel shrugged flopping onto the unmade bed. "I just—I don't know."
"Yeah, well, now you know. So did they?"
Daniel nodded slowly. "They know about magic. They know about your family?"
Zach raised both eyebrows and nodded. "Some of the few people in the world to know about us. Technically my family shouldn't be on any of the lists the government has. My other uncle saw to that when he was Secretary of Magical Affairs, but who knows what files the NSA kept on us or the FBI. I'm assuming the CIA has nothing."
"What are you going to do if you are on one of those lists?"
Zach shrugged. "Not much I can do. It's going to make things complicated. You know about Sophie's dad, right?"
Daniel bobbed his head. "He was the CIA liaison with the witch hunters."
"Yip, and his whole family are proper witch hunters."
Someone knocked on the door.
"WHAT!"
"You up yet?" asked Andrew.
Zach glared at Daniel. "Just fixing my hair; I'll be up in two secs."
Daniel's heart dropped on hearing Andrew's voice.
"Ok, you dad's got some appointment. He says to hurry up,"
Zach licked his lips. "Hey, have any of you seen the news?"
"I don't think so," said Andrew quizzically.
"Tell them they should." Zach pulled on a thick woolen sweater. "I take it your dad doesn't want you going to school?"
Daniel nodded. "How'd you…"
"It's practically a neon sign over your head. I developed a form of telepathy over the weekend. I've not learned to control it yet." Zach put his hand on the door handle. "Are you really sorry?"
"Yes. A thousand times yes."
Zach pursed his lips. "Call your dad. Tell him you're at my house. I'll orb you back there before we leave for school."
Daniel frowned. "You're going to school?"
"It's kind of the reason we came back to the city. It'll look suspicious if we don't go to school, the day the Registry is released. Don't expect a warm welcome."
Zach led the way up to the nearly empty kitchen. Matt and Richard were at the table both absorbed by the television. Zach ignored them and entered the dinning room. Everyone was in the conservatory watching the large screen television.
"Shit," said Chris with a phone to his ear.
"Morning! Look who decided to drop by," said Zach loudly.
Almost no one paid him any attention. Andrew, however, did avert his eyes from the news story for a moment. He paled and his eyes widened. His noses flared, and he took a step back.
"What the hell, Zach!"
Zach sheepishly shrugged. "He called about this."
The television forgotten, Andrew slipped out of the throng of Halliwells. "I don't—there's nothing to say," he hissed.
Daniel stumbled over his words. "Please?"
"Please? Please! After what you called this family? The best you can come up with is please. Get him out of here," sneered Andrew.
Zach placed a hand on Daniel's shoulder, but it was knocked aside. Daniel reached out and grabbed Andrew's wrist. "You—you've got to listen."
Zach's phone buzzed. "It's Kenny. Hello?" He walked off.
Daniel pulled Andrew further into the dinning room. "Drew, I'm so sorry. What I said, I was scared. I was terrified for myself and for what could happen to you. I don't know how I could ever cope if something was to happen to you. Can't you understand that?"
Andrew ripped his wrist out of Daniel's grip. "No, I can't. You—you…this house, those people in there. They are the only people to ever make me feel safe. This house was the only place I knew I could be myself if I wanted to be. And you wanted me to give up all of that just because you were a little scared? What the actual fuck! How'd you like it if I told you could never see your dads again? Huh? Would you just wave it off and accept it?"
"Everything ok here?" asked Wyatt.
Zach waved his dad off. "They're fine."
Andrew glared at his friend. "I can fucking answer for myself."
Zach held up his hands. "Whatever, dude, I tried."
Daniel took hold of Andrew's hand again. "Don't get mad at him. He doesn't deserve that."
Wyatt shrugged. "If you're sure. I've got to go. Chris'll take you guys to school. Do you need a lift back to your house?"
Daniel frowned. "Neon sign?"
"Huh? No, your dad called," said Wyatt, waving his cellphone.
"I'm good. Zach can orb me back. Unless…" he glanced at Andrew.
Andrew shrugged. "I've got to finish getting ready." He walked off.
Zach stuffed his phone back in his pocket. "Giving up?"
Daniel sighed. "What?"
Zach rolled his eyes and gestured in the direction Andrew left. "With Andrew? Are you giving up on him?"
Daniel gritted his teeth. "What's it to you?"
"Dude, I think you fucking suck, but clearly he doesn't. There's no way he gets that angry over someone he's given up on. He still loves you. You still love him. The only question is if you're willing to put in the effort to get him back." Zach stretched out his arms and yawned. "His room is the last one on the left."
Daniel scratched the back of his head. "You sure you hate my guts?"
Zach chuckled. "It comes in waves."
Voicelessly thanking Zach, Daniel rushed back down the basement stairs. The door to Andrew's room was slightly ajar. He placed his hand against it, ready to open it further, but a sound that crushed his heart stayed his hand. Sobbing, Andrew was crying on the other side of the door. Nothing could be worse than knowing he was the reason Andrew was crying. He steeled himself and pushed the door open. Andrew was lying facedown on his double bed. Daniel gingerly sat down and gripped the shaking shoulder of the skinny teen.
"I'm so, so sorry, Drew," whispered Daniel.
Andrew shifted his head enough to get a glimpse of Daniel. "I love you, Danny, but they're my family. I—I love them more."
Daniel squeezed his burning eyes shut. "I—I…"
Andrew rolled over and propped himself up on his elbows. "I can't do this to them. They've sacrificed a lot to help me. I can't be weepy and depressed. If being with you—m—means that I'm—I need to be stronger than this. I can't be that with you. Not like this—not with you scared of what they are…"
Daniel shook his head and blinked quickly. "Drew—I'm not scared of them. I'm scared of all the evils they attract. You can't tell me not to be afraid of those demons. They could kill anyone of us without blinking an eye. They're evil and dangerous."
"And the Halliwells are the only people standing between us and those demons," said Andrew harshly.
Daniel nodded. "I understand that. I know what they are. I know they're good and kind, but being good and kind doesn't mean they don't put you in danger. Maybe, it's not much more danger than the rest of us, but they are targets. When those creatures figure out how much you mean to Zach and the rest of them you'll be a target."
Daniel lay down and pulled Andrew onto his chest. The smaller teen resisted halfheartedly. "I know I was wrong. Asking you to not move in with them—to not see them. It was selfish of me. I can't stand the idea of you being hurt by anyone least of all by me. I don't think I'll ever be ok with you being so close to danger, but I'd prefer to be there right with you."
Andrew's breath hitched in his throat. "Danny…"
Daniel hushed him with a finger to his lips. "I—I'm…all I'm asking for is a second chance. If you—if that is too much, then can we at least be friends. These past couple of weeks have been hell."
Andrew opened his mouth to answer just as Matt walked through the open door.
"Shit—er—sorry. My dad says it's time to go," said Matt bidding a hasty retreat.
Andrew sat up and pulled Daniel up as well. The taller boy stared at him with his swollen and red eyes. Andrew half smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "We'll talk after school."
Daniel looked at him hopefully. "Drew…"
Andrew licked his lips. "I've got to go. Today, after school. I promise."
Zach appeared around the corner moments after Andrew left. "See you later, then."
Daniel blinked as Zach flicked his hands at him and found himself back in his room. Exhausted, he collapsed onto his bed with a small smile gracing his face.
Wyatt was not unaccustomed to having patients who knew his son or nephew. His practice was one of the most trusted in the Bay Area, and he was one of two family psychologists in his network who focused on adolescents. When Andrew had come to him, he struggled with the dilemmas that came with treating his son's best friend. He had expected some fallout after his son discovered the truth, but Zach was too much like his uncles especially Anakin. They were all too rational for their own good. This, however, was taking the whole mess to a whole other level. Wyatt sighed as Rebecca Sparrow walked through his office door.
"Morning, Rebecca," he greeted.
Rebecca put her bag down beside a chair and took a seat. She pulled her knees up beneath her chin, wrapped her arms around herself, and stared back at him blankly. This was not the vivacious girl he knew; something had clearly happened to her. Wyatt discretely unlocked his phone and texted his receptionist to reschedule all of his morning patients.
Smiling, the blond haired man leaned back in his chair. "Did your father bring you?"
"My mom," said Rebecca monotonously.
Wyatt nodded. "Would you like her to join us? Sometimes it is nice to have someone we trust close to us."
Rebecca rigidly shook her head from side to side once. "She—no."
Wyatt resisted the urge to purse his lips as he thought. "There—I can call my colleague if you feel more comfortable talking to…"
Rebecca's face paled and she started rocking back and forth slowly.
Wyatt held up his hands. "Or not. Or not, it was just a suggestion. Sometimes it is easier opening up to a stranger. It's why a lot of my patients come to me. They feel like they cannot talk to their parents about what is going on with them, so they come here."
Rebecca stopped rocking, but her face remained ashen white. "You—if I have to do this—I'll talk to you."
Wyatt frowned slightly. "Rebecca, you don't have to do anything you don't want to. Sophia and your parents set up this appointment because they're worried about you, but…"
Rebecca started laughing hollowly.
"What's funny?"
"I don't have to do anything I don't want to?" Rebecca scoffed. "That's a load of bullshit. There's plenty I have to do that I don't want to. I don't want to go to school. I don't want to be here. I don't—I didn't…"
Wyatt kept silent, allowing Rebecca to vent. The small girl shivered from head to foot, and covered her mouth with a shaking hand. In one of her hands she clutched a small sock monkey. Somewhere in his memory Wyatt recalled his son telling him how Rebecca was not allowed to have stuffed animals. The sock monkey had been a gifted from his son.
"What didn't you want to do?" asked Wyatt softly.
Rebecca shook her head vigorously. "No…no—not…no."
Wyatt turned on his computer and angled the screen so Rebecca could also view it. He opened up the conversation stream between Sophia and himself. He scrolled down to the message from a few days earlier. Studying Rebecca as she read the text messages, he felt the boiling rage in his chest intensify. The shock and horror reflected in the little girl's eyes were all the confirmation he needed.
"Who—how…" mouthed Rebecca.
Wyatt leaned in across his desk. "You have nothing to be ashamed of."
Rebecca glared at him. "I fucking know that! Do you really think I don't know that? Ashamed! Why would I feel ashamed? I wasn't the sick fuck who raped someone." Her eyes grew wide, and she slapped both hands over her mouth. "No, no, no. NO, NO, NO! No. You—you can't…that—forget it. Forget I said nothing."
Wyatt did not move. Rebecca looked like a tiny bird ready to take flight at the slightest movement. He slowed his breathing and softened his eyes.
"He can't know. No, no. Please, please…Mr. Halliwell, please, he can't know," whimpered Rebecca through her fingers.
"Who?" asked Wyatt.
Rebecca started to weep. "Zach—Oh my god. He can—he'll kill him. No, no, no. He can never know. That's what he wants. Zach'll kill him, but it's what he wants." She rocked in her seat, staring at nothing.
Wyatt kept his voice steady. "Zach doesn't matter at the moment. We need to help you at the moment. We can deal with anyone and everyone else later."
Rebecca sniffled. "Mr. Halliwell, this—I can't. Just forget I said anything. I'm fine. This is all fine. In a few weeks…"
"It won't be fine," said Wyatt.
Rebecca stared at him with fearful eyes. "What?"
"You need to talk about it. You can't process what happened to you by trying to forget it. I know it hurts. I know it sucks, but talking does help. If you don't want to talk to me that is fine. You won't hurt my feelings. You need to feel comfortable, but you need to do something."
Rebecca bit her lip hard. "I want to forget it ever happened."
"How's that going?"
"I can't go to school. Just—just the thought…I dream about it. Every night, I dream. It's a constant nightmare. I can't close my eyes without it replaying in my head. His smell. The sounds. The—the—fe—feeling. Oh God, Mr. Halliwell," choked Rebecca.
Wyatt stood up and took a seat closer to Rebecca. He offered her his hands, and she latched on tightly. "Rebecca, this is tough, I know, but…"
"How'd she know?" asked Rebecca. "Of all the things to—why that?"
Wyatt mulled the question over. "I honestly don't know, but Sophia is one of the smartest and sharpest young ladies I've ever met. She cares about you a lot, and she just wanted to make sure you were ok."
Furiously Rebecca wiped away the tears. "Aren't you going to tell me I should press charges?"
Wyatt shrugged. "Eventually. There are detectives in the Special Victims Unit of SFPD that I've worked closely with before. They'll tell you that no one has regretted pressing charges against their attacker, but there are those who regret not doing so. Personally I don't believe in absolutes."
Rebecca swallowed hard and cleared her throat. "Aren't you required to tell them?"
"That law was repealed a number of years ago because it was viewed by many in my profession to be a hindrance," explained Wyatt. "Unless the person who raped you is considered your guardian."
"God no—no it wasn't my dad. He's going to flip when he finds out," said Rebecca in the calmest tone since entering the office.
Wyatt nodded. "Do you want to tell me who did?"
Rebecca took a deep breath in and breathed out shaking her head. "I—I can't."
"He can't hurt you anymore."
"He can hurt Zach," murmured Rebecca.
Wyatt frowned. "My son can take care of himself, and I'm sure he wouldn't want to be the reason…"
Rebecca pulled her legs closer to her chest. "Even from himself?"
Silence fell between them. Slowly Rebecca relaxed slightly and lowered her legs. She put the sock monkey in her bag and pulled out a collection of Kleenexes. She blew her nose into one and used another to dry her eyes. She kept expecting Wyatt to start asking her questions, but her boyfriend's father seemed content to let the silence linger. She could tell he was watching her closely, but she did not feel exposed or concerned. Being in the office actually was the first time since the assault she felt partially in control of her life again.
"I can't…" she slipped back into silence feeling awkward.
Wyatt folded his hands in his lap. "This is a safe place. I know it sounds corny, but it's true. In here I'm not Zach's father or your boyfriend's father; I'm your therapist."
"How long did it take Andrew to not feel weird?" asked Rebecca with a small amount of sarcasm.
"He'll have to tell you that," answered Wyatt with a small grin, "but it took a while."
Rebecca wringed her hands, building up the courage. "I—the idea of letting anyone touch me, even a hug or kiss…it's unbearable."
"That's completely normal. You've had your person—er…"
Rebecca smirked. "I'm not going to break if you say it."
Wyatt bobbed his head. "Being violated is among the worst experiences a person can experience. It's going to take time to get back to who you were. For many they never reach that point, but they find a new way to be. This doesn't have to define you or stop you from being yourself. Some find power in defining themselves as survivors. Others prefer to leave the past in the past. You have to find the path that works for you."
"I never want to feel that powerless again," said Rebecca with firm conviction. "I won't be!"
"What do you think you have to do to make that true?" asked Wyatt.
Rebecca sucked in a breath as the truth crashed over her. "I have to name him. I want to name him. Just—you don't know. The—He told me what he wanted. He wasn't afraid of being exposed."
"He is afraid."
Rebecca nodded and licked her parched lips. "What happens if we get him arrested? It's been weeks."
"My detective friends are very good at their jobs. I can't promise they'll get a conviction, but they'll do their best," said Wyatt placing his phone on the desk. "Do you want me to call one of them?"
Rebecca looked over at the closed office door. "Can we do it here, and can we call me dad first?"
Wyatt agreed proudly. "That is completely up to you."
Rebecca snatched up the phone and dialed.
"Have you spoken to Becks lately?" inquired Zach in an undertone.
Sophia glanced up at their substitute teacher, Ruth Ianos. The vice principal was in the midst of discussing something with Angela. As was per usual concerning their vice principal, a shiver ran down her spine. There was something very suspicious about the whole Ianos family.
She leaned over the circular table they shared with Andrew and another girl. "Sorry, no. Not since last Wednesday when I dropped her homework off. You?"
Zach shook his head. "She won't even text me back. I've tried going to her house, but her dad refuses to let me see her. I'd—er—you know, but that feels wrong."
Andrew tossed the book he was staring at across the table. "This is a waste of time. Why have us come in on a day the teachers have to listen to some pre-record lecture?"
Sophia rolled her eyes. "I don't think this was planned. It's probably got to do with the announcement this morning."
"Oh right," murmured Andrew, glancing at Zach.
Zach breathed out, his lips flapping in exasperation. "It's got nothing…"
Ruth stepped up to their table. "I hope you are using your time productively."
Sophia nodded quickly. "Of course, miss."
"Zachary, how is Rebecca doing? I hope she feels better soon," said Ruth sweetly.
Zach bristled at the use of his full name. "She's much better," he lied.
"Right, well, back to work." Ruth straightened up and walked away.
Andrew shuddered as if shaking off some icy cold. "How did you ever put up with her as a babysitter?"
Zach shrugged. "I don't remember it much. Back then though, I spent most of my time outside."
The girl huffed and snapped her book shut. "Shut up!"
The three friends gave her surprised looks and returned to their conversation in hushed tones. Eventually Sophia opened up another textbook and stopped commenting. Andrew tried to keep Zach talking, but his best friend's mind was clearly elsewhere. He gave up and grudgingly pulled out the math homework he was supposed to have finished the night before. The pain in Zach's face scared him and reminded him of how good of a friend Zach was. The past two weeks had been hell for the both of them, but they had only ever discussed Andrew's problems. The doors to the library burst open and Matt jogged through them, breathing heavily.
"Mr. Halliwell!" exclaimed Ruth with slender hands on her hips.
Matt panted. "Sorry, miss, the principal needs you. He—he sent me."
Ruth frowned. Her curly hair bobbed in the slightly as she thought. "Right, all of you keep working. Mr. Halliwell, with me."
Matt cringed. "Actually, I need to—er—my cousin…"
Ruth glanced over at Zach. "Keep it brief. You should be in class."
Matt brushed her off and hurried to the table. He slipped into the remaining empty seat. "Mind giving us some space, Louisa?"
The girl gave him the finger but got up.
"Thanks!" yelled Matt sarcastically. "She's never forgiven me for standing her up that one time."
Sophia cleared her throat. "Keep the stories of your past conquests to yourself."
Matt chuckled and brushed his sweaty hair out of his face.
"Where did you come from? The Sahara?" asked Andrew.
"No. Gym. They've got us running around in circles, but that doesn't matter. I just saw Wyatt," said Matt breathlessly.
Zach clutched the table so hard his knuckled turned white. "What? Why's my dad here?"
Matt motioned for silence. "I was getting to that. He's here with Uncle Derek and two other officers."
Sophia gasped and dove under the table for her bag. She shot back up, clutching her phone. "I've—I've got to go."
She dashed off before any of the boys could get in a word edgewise.
"What the hell?"
Matt shrugged and returned to his story. "They were talking to Dr. Ianos. He spotted me—don't know how—and sent me to fetch Ruth. Wyatt didn't look happy."
Zach ran a hand through his hair. "You—you don't think…"
"No, no. Of course not. If it was that why'd they get Uncle Derek? We'd be rounded up by some of those witch hunters." Matt mouthed the last few words.
Andrew gulped. "Uncle Derek? Who's he again?"
Zach stared at the shut library doors and spoke in a monotone. "He's a friend on my dad from childhood. He moved back to the city a few years ago. He had been a police officer with LAPD, but his dad got ill. Now, he's the captain of SVU."
"SVU? What's that?" asked a kid from the table over.
"Mind you own business, Perkins," snapped Andrew.
Perkins cracked his knuckled menacingly
"You seriously think you can take me on, punk? You're half my size," mocked Andrew.
Zach spoke up before Perkins could respond. "It's the Special Victims Unit of the police. They deal with crimes of a more delicate nature. Don't you watch TV?"
Perkins sunk back into his chair. "Dad doesn't like TV. Thinks it gives you cancer."
Matt patted Andrew on the back. "It's not worth it, Drew."
"So why's you dad here with SVU?" asked Andrew, glaring at Perkins.
"How should I know?"
Matt stood up. "I should go before Ruth gets back."
"Bye," said Andrew.
"See yo…" started Zach.
The doors opened forcefully again, interrupting him. Dr. Ianos strode through the doors followed by Ruth and two uniformed police officers. Matt sat back down and hid his face behind an upside down book. Everyone followed the progress of the adults through the silent room. Dr. Ianos stopped in front of one of the larger circular tables. Seated there were a half dozen members of the swim team, including Peter Thomas.
"Shit," hissed Sophia, joining their group. "I was—never mind. Zach, I think…"
Dr. Ianos cleared his throat loudly. "Peter Thomas?"
Peter nodded, confused. "What's wrong, doc?"
The principal grabbed Peter by the shoulder and lifted him easily to his feet. He thrust the muscular teen into the unsuspecting arms of one of the officers.
"Take him away. His father will meet you at the precinct. I do not want his kind in my school any longer than necessary," ordered Dr. Ianos.
The wide-eyed officer guided Peter out of the room; his partner in tow. Ruth whispered something in her brother's ear and followed the policemen out of the room. Dr. Ianos clapped his hands together, gaining the rapped attention of the entire room.
"There has been an assault on one of your fellow classmates by Mr. Peter Thomas. I have made it perfectly clear that I will not tolerate student on student violence inside my school. If I find out that any of you were involved in the assault or in its cover up, I will dismiss you immediately and implore the district attorney to press charges. Have I made myself abundantly understood?" Dr. Ianos said, shaking from head to foot.
Perkins raised his hand but did not wait to be noticed. "Who did he attack, sir? We'd all guess Zach Halliwell, but he's sitting right here."
Dr. Ianos's eyes lit up. "Rebecca Starling."
Sophia grabbed Zach's shoulder, but he ripped himself out of her grip. His chair smashed into bookshelf behind it. Someone called his name, but the blood rushing through his ears drowned out all other sound. His vision narrowed, and his head pounded with growing anger. He sprinted down the hallway. He flew past Ruth Ianos. He reached the two policemen and Peter just as they turned down the corridor to the main office. He shoved the one officer into the wall. He drew back his fist and punched the surprised Peter right in the face. Blood gushed out of his broken nose. Zach tried to punch him again, but someone much stronger than him grabbed hold of his wrist.
"You fucking bastard! I'll kill you! I"LL KILL YOU!" screamed Zach, still struggling with his captor.
"Calm down, Zach!"
Zach rounded on his captor, his father. "Let me go! He deserves to die. He—he—he…" Zach found it difficult to breathe.
"Mr. Halliwell!" exclaimed Ruth.
Wyatt pushed Zach behind himself and glared at him. The locker behind Zach shuddered and exploded. "That is enough! Get a grip, NOW!"
Ruth screamed. "What was that!"
Wyatt rounded on his neighbor. "Ms. Ianos, I think you should go deal with the policemen in your office."
"Right, right," murmured Ruth.
Wyatt dragged Zach into the nearest classroom and shoved him into a seat. "Zachary, you cannot lose control like that."
"Don't call me, Zachary!" snapped Zach still seeing red. The teacher's desk shuddered and burst into flames. Zach clutched his chest.
Wyatt dismissively extinguished the roaring flames. "Zach, I know. I know. Believe me I want to throttle the kid myself, but it won't help anything. It'll only make matters worse if you get locked up. Rebecca wouldn't want that."
Zach breathed heavily. Sweat drenched his top and poured down his face. The pain from the scar intensified. It felt like boiling acid was blasting from inside his chest. A shooting pain shot down his arm, and he gasped. He tried to speak.
Wyatt dropped to his knees. "Zach, you need to breathe. Take a few deep breaths from me, son."
Zach tried, but the pain cut him off. A coughing fit exploded out of him, throwing him into his father. The older witch easily caught his son. Worried, Wyatt briefly considered orbing them back to the Manor, but the risk of exposure was too great. He needed to calm Zach. The less emotional the younger witch was the less unpredictable his magic would be. Without magic irritating the old wound, the less pain his son would be in.
"Just breathe, Zachy, please, kiddo. Just breathe. It'll all get better, I promise."
The coughing fit subsided, and Zach tried to take a deep breath. He gasped at an electrical shock. The world spun as he used up the remains of oxygen in his lungs. Try as he might, he could not take another breath. The pain was too much. The anger was worsening. He should have set Peter on fire. All the powers in the world, and he had gotten in one good punch. The kid should be a burnt crisp at his feet. His arms and legs grew heavily.
"Zach. ZACH. ZACH!" yelled Wyatt.
"I'm going to throw up," said Zach, struggling for each syllable.
A trash can shot from its usual spot by the door to next to the weak teen. Wyatt conjured a cold facecloth supported the young witch as he emptied his stomach of all its contents. Zach slumped back, and Wyatt wiped away stray splatters of vomit.
"You can't just attack someone like that," said Wyatt softly.
"He attacked Rebecca," chocked Zach. "God, he attacked her. All this time…I should have been with her. I should have protected her. The fucking bastard!"
Wyatt nodded. "He's a bastard, but you couldn't have prevented this. This wasn't your fault."
"How do you know? He hates my guts. He did this to get at me. He—he…" Zach gasped for breath.
Wyatt shushed him. "We don't know any of that, and it's pointless getting worked up over the unknown. Derek will interrogate him, and we'll see what needs to be done from there. But no matter what I can promise you this wasn't your fault. You have no control over other people's actions."
Zach rested his forehead on his knees and sniffled. "I should've been there. She—I should've protected her."
Matt, Andrew, and Sophia peeked in through the door. Wyatt waved them in silently.
"Zach, it's going to be ok. Uncle Derek'll crucify the…" Matt trailed off.
Andrew sat down next to Zach and pulled him into a hug. "And if not—we've kick his ass before."
Wyatt shook his head. "There'll be no ass kicking. This must be dealt with by the justice system."
"You mean…" Andrew bit his tongue to shut himself up. "Sorry."
Wyatt stood up. "I'll go sign you guys out. I've got permission from your dad, Sophie."
Sophia was still standing by the door. She rigidly nodded her head.
Wyatt gripped her shoulder as he passed her. "You did the right thing, Sophie."
Sophia mumbled something incoherently, staring down at Zach. "He's going to hate me."
"No, he won't. He'll understand," comforted Wyatt.
Zach sniffed and looked up from behind his knees. "Understand what?"
Sophia started to hyperventilate. "Z—z—Zach."
"What's there to understand? You took Rebecca home after the dance. You knew about this. YOU KNEW!"
Wyatt crossed his arms and arched one eyebrow. "Zach, that is enough."
Zach glared at his father. "She knew! For two weeks, she knew and did nothing!"
"She has done more than you know. Telling you or not telling you was Rebecca's choice, and she respected her friend's decision. As should you," warned Wyatt as he left the room.
Zach pulled his knees into his chest. "Why? Why not tell me?"
Sophia shrugged. "She—she wouldn't say. Zach, I'm so, so sorry. I should've…"
Zach held up one hand. "No. My dad's right. You helped her, and that's—thank you."
Wyatt returned. "All of you, let's go. I've still got patients to see."
Matt and Andrew helped Zach to his feet. Wobbly he made his way out of the room, but once in the corridor he had to stop and lean against a locker. The scar burned terribly unlike it had done since after his powers being unbound. Zach closed his eyes. Images of Rebecca lying on the floor bruised and bloodied flashed across the back of his eyelids. A laughing Peter echoed inside his head. His stomach churned.
"Zach, what's up?" asked Andrew in a whisper.
Zach forced his eyes opened. "Nothing. Everything. Let's go."
Only in the car did he realize his dad had somehow collected all of their backpacks. Ordinarily he would have questioned his dad, but his mind fixated on images of his girlfriend. The ride home was silent. They trudged up the walkway to the Manor. Zach let everyone walk on ahead; he made it to the porch stairs before pulling his father aside.
"I want to see Rebecca."
Wyatt smiled at him sadly. "No can do, kiddo."
Zach blinked. "Why not?"
"She doesn't want to see you," said Wyatt. Every word as painful for him to say as it was for Zach to hear.
Zach slid to the ground, pale as a sheet. There was only one reason Rebecca would not want to see him. She blamed him.
AN: Hope you all enjoyed it. Leave a review and let me know what you think! Peace...