Later that night
Rylee POV
I feel really bad. Nate and I haven't even spoken since what happened at school. We've been in the same house for 5 hours and he hasn't said a word to me. I tried to apologise but he wouldn't listen, he just put his earphones in or went to another room. I replayed what happened in my mind and realised that I overreacted, the slap was unnecessary and it resulted in Nate going on a rampage. Every person who was hurt or injured in that confrontation is in their position because of me. Now my brother's got me worried, he left without saying a word to me about where he was going, as well as the fact he took his Carnifex.
"Rylee what's the matter" my mum had just entered my room, she could always sense when I wasn't in a good mood.
"Nothing important mum" I dismissed but Hannah Shepard isn't easily fooled
"What happened Rylee?" she interrogated
"Nothing happened!" I responded defensively. No.1 rule for all teenage siblings is that you never tell your parents anything about your siblings unless it's serious. Besides telling my mum would probably piss Nate off more than he already is at me.
"Tell your mother the truth Rylee" I hear a familiar voice, and from behind the wall Kahlee Sanders made an appearance or should I say my aunt. She's my mom's older sister. She's been there for us since dad died. Her name is Kahlee Anderson but she prefers to use her maiden name at school. Mainly because she doesn't want others to think she got to the position of Deputy Head of the school because of her relationship to Principal Anderson. And she doesn't want any of the questions that come with the information like people asking them about their love life or relationships, mainly from the other students. Very few people in the school also know about Nate's relationship to Anderson as an uncle otherwise parents will start to think that's why he's still a member of the school, especially after so many complaints, fights and incidents.
"Come on Rylee" she urged, but I remained silent. "Still fiercely loyal to your brother I see" she said with a hint of admiration in her tone. "Well. If you won't say anything I will".
"In school today Rylee and Nathan had a little confrontation" she began "Which resulted in Nathan pushing up against a wall and ready to punch her"
"Wait a minute I started it. I provoked Nate and he reacted you can't blame him for that" I defended my brother and speak of the devil here he is strolling in at 10:30. I can't see the door but it's DNA coded only me, Nate, mum and my aunt have access, he walks up the stairs face looking down, but there is a goofy grin on his face. Both my mum and aunt Kahlee cleared their throats in unison bringing him back to reality, he looked up still grinning until he sees the two women smirking cheekily at him.
"What's got you in such a good mood" my mum asked
"Nothing of your concern" he answered
"You guys never tell me anything anymore. I had to find out about Rylees crush on Garrus through Kahlee. Nate's fear of snakes through Miranda and now you two are causing trouble for each other at school" she accused, when she said school Nate looked at my with what I could only describe as anger, and it hurt. "You" he growled at me.
"It wasn't your sister Nathan it was me" Kahlee interrupted
"Why would you tell her" he asked with annoyance
"Because that is my job" she replied
"You could have talked to me first, why are you always a teacher before an aunt" he yelled and he got a punch to the face for his troubles, courtesy from my mother.
"Nathaniel John Eric Shepard, how dare you talk to your aunt that way" my mum yelled, if I thought Nate was angry, mum was furious. Her whole face contorted and her eyes went red, there was a vein popping out of her head, and feral growls were coming from her lips, Aunt Kahlee looked surprised at the violent outburst from mum. She was starting to cool down, indicated by her relaxing breathing pattern.
"Nate… Rylee has tried to take all the blame for the incident" she breathed out, my brothers was shocked, he then turned to me with a look of sorrow. "I also know that you never would have struck her" she further explained. "I don't even care about you hurting those boys, and believe me their parents have been ringing us all day wanting to either fight you or want you expelled" she chuckled. "What I'm pissed off about is how the two of you handled the situation, fair enough a few hours to cool down and think. Rylee thought it through, but clearly you didn't considering you've wanted nothing to do with her from the moment you both got home. Then you have the nerve to take your anger out at someone who cares as much about both of you as I do" she explained. She took a deep breath. "I want you to think about what happened and talk to Rylee tomorrow but for now both of you bed" she stated walking my aunt to the door.
Nate still looked pissed about being punched yet his features slowly softened. He walked out of my room into his and closed the door.
Nate POV
The Next Day
Ah crap I'm late again. I ran out of the shower into my room, to get dressed. But first I put on my rosary, kiss it and place it on the tattoo near my heart. I will always love you. I've had that tattoo since I was 14 and I've done this very ritual every day since. I put on my usual attire and walked out of my room. I saw Rylee just coming out of the shower.
"Hey Rylee" I call out, she turns around wearing nothing but a towel
"I'm S-uh rr" I coughed out
"What was that?" she asked
"I'm Suhgh ry" I cough out again and she cocks her eyebrow
"I'm sorry for how I acted"
"Wasn't your fault, I'm sorry I couldn't drop the issue" she apologised. You know how when two friends apologise to each other and there's that awkward silence, it's exactly like that right now.
"Now the awkward silence is out of the way I'm gonna wait for Garrus at the normal place, meet us there" I inform her.
I ran downstairs to find Garrus with Tali talking in my living room. Tali. Tali. Why is she in my house and better yet why Garrus would bring her here? And why is Garrus here in the first place.
"What's going on Vakarian" I inquired
"What you think I'm gonna wait out in the cold for your sorry ass" he quipped
"Not what I'm talking about Garrus" I said looking at Tali. I don't like people knowing where I live, only a few people actually know I live here and I have told those who do know that they aren't to tell anyone.
"Oh you mean Tali" he answered, the quarian started squirming a little out of nervousness. "Shepard you know she lives a few minutes away from you right". What?
"I figured since she lives near you, you wouldn't mind"
"I'm sorry for causing any trouble Nate, I'll leave now if that's what you want" she said getting up. Man she's actually gonna wait out in the cold just because of my privacy needs. I can tell she's a good honest person, that's truly rare and I won't be an ass about it. But that doesn't mean I can't have a little fun with Garrus.
"Yes it is actually" I tell her with a scowl, Garrus looked at me in disbelief.
"You're kidding me right"
"No you knew my rule and now she has to pay for it"
"You can't be serious" the Turian sniper shouted
"Of course not what do you take me for" I chuckled "Sorry about that Tali, we can leave now" I said "but can you not tell anyone about where I live" I asked her and got a nod. "Thanks".
"Hey Rylee come on we're late" I warn my sister. She ran downstairs hair still messy from the shower
"I need a few minutes for my hair" she complains, only then does she realise that Garrus and Tali are in the room. Her face gets flushed then she runs up stairs in embarrassment.
"I've never noticed it before but Rylee is very beautiful Nate" Tali complimented
"Really? And here I thought Nate was the pretty one" Garrus said sardonically
"More brilliantly handsome than pretty" I add truthfully
"I never noticed" Tali adds
"What. I'm sensitive, handsome and a good listener what more could you ever want" I joked, well not really. Tali started giggling while Garrus shook his head.
"Add delusional" Rylee commented walking downstairs, Garrus and Tali both started laughing. We walked out of my house to school.
On the hyper train there were a lot of people headed for school, for once I was actually gonna be early. I saw Kaidan and Liara standing next to each other. Kaidan then turned his attention in our direction.
When we were younger Kaidan was one of my closest friends, he was close to Garrus too. Our moms are great friends and even work together. We usually hung out and even went to the same Commando training in the summer but he was part of BAaT while I was part of the Ascension. We stopped talking when we were 14 and haven't said more than a few words with each other since. I thought he was looking at me. However he wasn't looking at me he was gazing at Rylee, who was ogling at Garrus. Both he and Liara then started walking towards us.
Tali gave them both a wave. "I just remembered, Rylee" Tali said turning to Rylee who was ogling at Garrus, who was too dense to notice but instead was talking to me. How doesn't he notice, he's looking right at her and she's behind me.
"Dr Chakwas isn't our form tutor anymore" the engineer informed.
"What? Why?" Rylee responded in surprise
"You know that Dr Michel was pregnant" she began
"Turns out the baby came early. She gave birth yesterday at Huerta Memorial and Dr Chakwas is the new school Doctor" Tali explained
"Boy or girl" Rylee asked enthusiastically
"What's the child's name" Liara quickly added
"It's a girl, she named her Chelsea" Tali squealed, she started tapping away at her omni-tool "She put her picture up on the school website"
"Awwwwww" the three girls fawned. What is up with girls and their obsession with babies, I mean fair enough the kid is pretty cute but you don't see me, Garrus or Kaidan making such a big deal out of it "She is so cute" Kaidan commented. Well me and Garrus. I guess Kaidan is still the same emotional guy.
"I know" Rylee agreed giving Kaidan a happy look to which the latter blushed.
"Wait a minute" I interrupted just realizing something "if I had gone to her office yesterday, instead of Dr Chakwas room, then Jack would have died" I remarked suddenly becoming aware as to just how lucky I was to make that choice.
"Well, well Mr Kill Joy strikes again" Garrus interjected. I gave him a good natured glare to which he laughed.
"If Dr Chakwas is the new nurse then who's the new Biology teacher?" Rylee questioned looking towards Liara
"It's Dr Solus" the asari maiden answered
"The motormouth, good luck that guy never takes a breath" I informed Rylee, Kaidan, Liara and Garrus all started laughing since we were the only ones that actually knew him
"So he's our new form tutor" Tali asked
"No, our new form tutor is Matriarch Benezia" Kaidan explained, I turned to Liara to see her reaction and she gave nothing away through facial expression or body language. I may not know her that well but I can tell that she and her mother aren't an entirely happy family.
"Does that mean our form room has changed" Rylee asked
"Yeah we've gotta go to the Academic wing" Kaidan explained. The rest of the ride was uneventful at best but at least I got to talk to an old friend.
Rylee POV
Me, Tali and Kaidan walked towards our new form room, me and Tali were talking about Dr Michels new born child while Kaidan remained silent, but every once in a while I caught him taking a sideways glance at me. On the last time I caught him I gave him a flirty wink, a blush stained his cheeks and he turned away looking so shy it was adorable. I have to admit he's pretty cute but, I don't know it's just something about him that tells me it wouldn't last. When we reached our destination we discovered we were the first ones here, I'm not surprised if it hadn't been for Tali I would be waiting outside of Dr Chakwas' room. Inside was a beautiful Asari, she looked aged but not wrinkly, she had this warm aura surrounding her, and her posture was like that of royalty.
"Hello" she greeted, her voice laced with wisdom
"H-Hi" Kaidan stuttered, I guess all guys do like Asari especially one in a pinstripe dress that shows off her curves and cleavage
"Please take a seat" she asked and we complied
"h-Hi" I teased Kaidan
"What, I got nervous" he defended
"What got you so flustered Alenko" Tali teased, Kaidan looks like he's thinking really hard about this, and since he's the only guy here he better be careful about how he answers
"It was her eyes" the biotic lied, with what he probably thought was a convincing facial expression
"Really?" I questioned
"Yeah. They were so deep and mysterious, staring right at my soul" Kaidan described, I swear to god he almost sounds like he believes what he's saying
"Her dress too" He added. That much I can believe.
"The material looks so soft and the designs are so simple but elegant" He said. He keeps adding more shit to his defence, and I can't help but giggle at how serious he sounds.
"What colour is her dress Kaidan" Tali asked out of the blue.
"What?" he quickly responded out of shock
"Yeah Mr Alenko, what colour is her dress, and her eyes for that matter" I asked, I've got him cornered this time.
"Well her eyes are a pale blue" he answers, damn that was a stupid question, all asari have blue eyes anyway.
"And her dress" Tali asked
"Well…" he's trying to buy time, "It's red" he guessed
"Close it's black" Tali retorted, I burst into a fit of laughter, just how bad is his memory. Then again most of the human guys I know have terrible memories unless in combat.
We carried on teasing Kaidan for a few minutes when someone surprised us by walking in. It was the bald biotic Jack, she walked straight past Benezia and sat in the far corner of the room, she reeked of medi-gel. We all turned to look at her. I noticed that she looked tired, and that she was wearing a Cerberus jacket instead of her usual body warmer as well as the fact that she winced a bit when she her arm hit the table.
The class slowly filled up, looks like people have finally decided to either go to reception or look at the school extranet site. Jacob, Kasumi, Kelly and Samantha all walked in together, each of them simultaneously noticed Jack sitting in the corner then all did the smart thing and sat down. Everyone was giving her a wide birth. There were also a few new people in our class like that Turian from my Infiltrator training, this salarian from my biology class Maelon and Khalisah.
"Hello class I am Matriarch Benezia T'Soni" she announced getting the classes attention. I scanned the room and saw exactly what I expected just about every male was gawking at Benezia, undressing her with their eyes, the only ones not staring was the aforementioned Turian and Kaidan who instead was looking at me.
"I'm sure you've noticed that you're forms have changed"
"This is because last night Dr Wilson was murdered" she explained, this awarded her some shrill shrieks, shocked gasps and profanity. My heart actually stopped for a second, the idea that someone in my proximity was actually murdered sent a chill down my spine, I hope that they catch the guy responsible. I scoped out the room and saw everyone in shock but Jack, who had a ghost of a smile on her face, it made me sick, there are very few reasons as to why we should be happy about someone dying.
"So his form has been re-allocated around the school" she clarified. The rest of form time was rather mundane.
Lunchtime
I can barely move right now. Anderson is a freaking slave driver. I just had soldier training which almost everyone has, so it's me, Nate, Garrus, Kaidan, James, Grunt, Jacob and Javik. There weren't a lot of females in this class, just me, Aria, Nyreem, Jedore and Maya Brooks. I didn't really know anyone else there.
The silver skinned Turian who's also in my class began walking towards me, he held a look of disgust on his face as me inched closer yet just before he spoke he smiles.
"That was some impressive work Rylee" he complimented
"Thank you…" I asked hinting for a name
"Saren Arterius" he introduced, but from the sound of his voice and the look on his face I got this really bad vibe from him, something inside my head was screaming for me to get away from him. He bent down a little and put his mouth near my ear
"Your fitness is impressive, the best I have seen from any human" he said
"Thanks, you too" he replied, he went to hug me, must be a friendly guy.
I felt the ridges on his face brush up against my skin. They were crocodilian, scaly, and felt as though a snake was slithering on my skin. He looked up and backed away.
"Nathan how good of you to join us" Saren patronised
"Get away from my sister. NOW" Nate ordered, there was this venom in his voice I had never heard before. "Rylee get over here" he commanded and He gave Saren a glare filled with pure, unmitigated fury and hatred. The only things stopping him from acting were Garrus and Kaidan, both blocking his path to stop him from doing something stupid.
"Why so hostile Nathan we were just talking?" the Turian faked offense only aggravating my brother further to which he threw his hands in the air out of surrender and strolled confidently out of the room. Nate stood next to me
"Stay away from that bastard" he ordered darkly
"I can't, he's in my form" I retorted
"I don't care stay away from him" he persisted
"Why should I" I asked, who the hell does he think he is to be ordering me to not do something
"Rylee I would listen to your brother" Garrus advised with a look of disgust, what the hell did this Saren guy do to piss them off so much.
"Rylee I know we might sound unreasonable but you have to believe us stay away from Saren" Kaidan pleaded. I understand Nate and Garrus getting along, but as far as I remember Nate and Kaidan haven't been talking for about 3 years. I scoffed and walked away.
Nate POV
I am gonna kill that Turian bastard if he so much as looks at Rylee the wrong way, especially after what he's done. And the girl has the nerve to get pissed off at me for warning her to stay away from a bad guy. The fact that I, Garrus and KAIDAN all warned her should be enough for her to get just how serious we are.
I really don't want to be in the middle of a crowd right now, because I'm not sure if I can contain myself, and all the noise will set me off. I need a little time to cool down before going to Biotics. I should probably look for someone I can stand but would respect my silence since there aren't any empty places without students in the school aside from classrooms. Thane, I should look for the drell at least then I have the option of having a conversation.
I went over to the tree where I last saw the drell only to find it was empty, which in honesty was really perfect so I took the opportunity to lay under the shade. I closed my eyes preparing to fall into a deep sleep, in order to take my mind off of Saren. After about 10 minutes of sleep. Thud.
Something had just landed next to my head, I turned to see a bag, looking up to see who the owner was I see it's Jack. Staring at me confusedly, she cocks her eyebrow.
"Why are you here" I asked annoyed
"I should be asking you that since I've eaten here every day since I got here" she spat
"What, Thane eats here" I stated
"Yeah and I've eaten with him every day" she said grinding her teeth together
This was frustrating, I'm not moving, I don't give a shit what she does or says, I am sleeping on this spot.
"What are you waiting for dumbass? Scram" she ordered gesturing for me to leave, but I don't take orders from anyone but Anderson, I stood to my full height defiantly. From what I can tell she's about 5'6 whereas I'm 6'2 so I towered over her.
"No" I announced defiantly, she then tried to punch me but I easily caught it and gave her hand a little squeeze to discourage her from moving, but I guess I don't know my own strength since her face contorts from hurt and she lets out a slight squeal. I let it go and she retreats a little like a scolded dog.
"Oh Crap" I cursed I walked up to Jack who swung at me which I blocked as gently as I could so I could see if I broke her wrist, but I'm positive I never used enough force to break anyone's wrist. When I got hold of her arm I pushed her jacket up her sleeve. To my shock her arm is littered with bruises, holes and cuts, and her wrist had a deep imprint of a strap. I know she had psychology since she's in Miranda's class so these couldn't possibly be from school and she was fine yesterday night when she showed me and James her tattoos. These had to be recent and by that I mean from about 11 last night to 8:30 this morning.
Someone did this to her or their self-inflicted, but that doesn't explain the imprint. I give her a sympathetic look and for my troubles I get a slight biotic shove to the ground, she sat on my chest and with her other arm she prepares to punch me or kill me with her biotics.
"I should kill you right now" she threatened, I know fully well what she's capable of after last night
"You're not stupid enough to kill me right here too many witnesses and you wouldn't make it to the front gate without ending up dead" I explained calmly which I could tell was aggravating her to no end. I may have pointed out she couldn't kill me but I never said she couldn't kick the crap outta me. She proceeded to really lay into me, her punches didn't really hurt but the ones she reinforced with biotics could have broken my Jaw. I decided enough was enough so I lifted her up in the air with my biotics.
"Look Jack I'm Sorry" that is a collector's item, me apologizing and meaning it. I kept her suspended in the air because, well I'm not stupid
"But you tried to hit me and I retaliated" I defended
"If you don't let me down, I will kill you and it won't be in school" she hissed
"Relax I'll let you down" I let her down but sent her a few meters back to be on the safe side, she then stormed up to me and we were once again at stand-off.
"Jack there are 45 minutes left of lunch" I started taking a deep breath, "But all I want to do is sleep, not disturb whatever lunchtime rituals or plans you have" I continued "So if I stay sleeping can I count on you not to kill me" I finished rather hopefully.
"Fine" she breathed out, turning around to look the other way. I took this as my opportunity to doze off.
20 Minutes Later
I'm awoken by a surge of giggles and chatter, I check my omni-tool and find out that it's only been 20 minutes but I feel great. I turn to the source of the giggles. It's a group of girls of various races, Asari, Human, Quarian even Turian all shyly staring at me. Here it goes again. This has been a problem for a while. Since humans are relatively new to the galaxy we are sort of uncharted territory to a lot of races. Since last year me, Kaidan, Miranda, James and Jacob have had a string of people fawning over us. And it seems with every new batch of students brings more of our 'fans' as Garrus so cheerfully put it.
"Um Hi" one of the Humans asked, she looked familiar, probably hear last year. "Hello" I responded
"I'm Khalisah" she introduced nervously
"I'm Nate" I chuckled, I have to admit it does boost my ego when people are in awe of me
"Yeah I know…. Can we sit here" she asked. I skimmed the area around me to see if Jack had left, not seeing anyone around but her bag remaining probably meant she'd be back. "I'm not sure if you c…" "Okay" she interrupted before I could answer and all her friends took this as a queue to sit with me. The others I'd never seen before.
"I'm Leira" the Turian said, she had a light red skin tone with and intricate black face paint design
"I'm Nassana" one of the asari said with a wicked smile
"I'm Dahlia" The other asari introduced, from their similar looks I could tell they were sisters
"I'm Emily" the Asian human introduced
"I'm Athenril" the quarian introduced
After the introduction was out of the way the shameless flirting began, each of them trying harder than they should, I would just leave but they'd follow me and telling them to fuck off would probably result in a screaming match and that would not do me any good considering I'm finally in a good mood. The only one that wasn't just throwing themselves at me was Emily. I looked past the girls and noticed that Jack had returned but kept her distance. A sadistic smile crossed her lips since she clearly sensed my discomfort and annoyance, she just sat back enjoying show, when I gave her a pleading look she started laughing, even still she girls were so focused on me they didn't hear her. I reached over to her bag and held it. Her smile didn't fade but instead she walked over to us.
"Having fun Nate" she joked giving me a smirk that made my heart race a little. I said nothing and gave her an amused look. "All of you Fuck off" she ordered turning to the girls
"What did you say" Khalisah spat standing up to Jack. Bad idea
"You're in my spot" Jack announced, but Khalisah didn't look afraid
"In 3 seconds you will all be in the air and smears on the ground" Jack threatened
"I would listen to her" I advised "Look at my lip, she did this" I told them pointing to the cut at the corner of my lip.
"I'm not scared of…" Khalisah began only for Jack to throw her back a few feet, when she got up the others took it as a queue to retreat.
"Thanks" I appreciated
"Yeah, Yeah" she dismissed
"So how come you didn't just fuck one of them and get it over with" she smirked
"Not my type" I said darkly, this isn't a topic I want to talk about it
"What, are you a virgin or something?" she accused laughing
"No. I'm Not" I admitted
"Are you and the cheerleader fuck buddies?" she accused this time with a scowl
"Jack Shut UP" I yelled
"What it's just sex" she dismissed
"And this isn't a subject I want to talk about" I informed her, hoping she would take the hint
"Alright, big bitch" I'm starting to wonder what in the hell made me so compelled to save her life yesterday. She was fidgeting as if there was something she wanted to say or do
Then she did something I didn't think she would ever do, she pulled me down and forced her lips onto mine violently. It was quick and I wasn't really prepared for it, however it still left me in shock
"Don't read too much into it, that's a reward for yesterday" she said with her back turned, even though it was brief the taste of her lips lingered, it tasted of chocolate.
"But I still owe ya" she said as she walked away. I was still in shock of what she'd just done. I haven't kissed anyone in years. I've had sex but not voluntarily kissed a girl for years. I've had better but for some reason I couldn't get it out of my head.
I don't know what it is about this girl but she is getting in my thoughts more and more often, but not like I'm constantly thinking about her, I'm not obsessed with her or anything. But I guess I want to know her, more than any sane person would want to. That's when my mind wondered to her wounds. They weren't pretty, and they were bad. As bad as they were what sent a chill down my spine was the imprints on her wrists. She's been strapped down to something or cuffed or her hands have been binded, whoever did this did it tight judging by how deep the lines were. Either she is in to some freaky ass shit or she's abused. I am hoping for the first.
After School 19:00
I was so bored when I got home, I got given some assignments about researching how to better improve my biotic control, but my control is near perfect, at my level practice is the only thing that can improve my skills. So I decided to head over to C-Sec Academy to hang out with Garrus. I got dressed in a black coat, jeans, white shirt and combat boots. I was about to get in the elevator to the wards when I saw Jack. She was down the steps from the presidium instead of taking the elevator and really slowly for that matter. I remembered the fresh scars and bruises on her arms and felt a need to see how she got him so I followed her.
I guess this would constitute as stalking but it's really just concern on behalf of a friend, and surprisingly that's the truth, I am actually curious to see what she does or what's been done to her. She makes her way to Access elevator that leads to Cerberus HQ. I've been there before when they tried to recruit me, that's where I met Miri and Jacob. I would have joined but Anderson advised against it, I'm not naïve I know that no one is a perfect saint, the Alliance and Cerberus are obviously involved in some dirty business but he said Cerberus is into some real messed up shit.
After she went down I followed in the next elevator, I'm not sure what to expect, maybe a home barely standing, reeking of weed, piss and alcohol, swearing and shrieks emanating from the house.
When I got out of the lift I was blasted into the wall, unfortunately for me this wall is above an electric eel pond so a fall could end badly for me. Apparently I'm not as sly as I thought and Jack picked up on the fact I was tailing her, her expression was blank but her brow was cocked in confusion.
"The fuck are you doing" she interrogated, I have to be really careful right now, if I'm stupid I could be in for a painful night, morning, week or however long it takes to heal, if I'm smart she throws me on to the pavement
"I'm here to see Miranda" I lied, I hope she buys it
"You want to see the cheerleader" she spat, okay that was stupid, I forgot how much they hate each other.
"Yeah I wanna hang out with her" I said
She tensed up for a second and I braced for impact however she lifted me to the pavement. I was surprised that she wouldn't drop me into the drink.
"Follow me" she instructed as she walked away. I followed suit checking out her ass, it is out of this damned galaxy, thank the lord she always wears tight bottoms. The Cerberus level of the Presidium looked like any other except adorned with Cerberus insignia and had no aliens at all, just humans and life natural to Earth like pigeons, pigeon shit, squirrels, moles even some monkey's, it was really nostalgic since I was born on Earth.
Jack led me to this mansion, which is probably where Miranda lived, but Jack's DNA was keyed into the gate. This is Jack's house. This place was damn sight better than mine. It's an old design probably from a hundred years ago, but that's probably what made it so nice, the design is 100% human no alien help or guidance, looks like it has 4 floors and at least 5 times as many rooms. Wow my initial thoughts on her home was blown out of the water, but to produce someone like Jack this house must be worse inside. When we went inside Jack told me to wait in the living room, we had to walk through various rooms to get here, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get out on my own.
In the living room there were various pictures of. Well Miranda, her school photo, ID picture and another little girl that looked like Miranda. In all of the pictures of Miranda, none of them is she smiling, laughing or even playful, they're all business. There weren't any pictures of Jack whatsoever.
"Who are you" I turned around and the little girl from the pictures was standing behind me.
"I'm Nate"
"I'm Oriana"
"How old are you Oriana"
"I'm 7"
"So you're a little girl"
"No I'm a big girl"
"Really prove it"
"I don't watch Peppa Pig anymore I watch Power Rangers now"
I had to chuckle a little at her innocence it was refreshing considering how much violence and destruction I see even if its simulated.
"Hey Jackie" Oriana greeted the biotic, she was now wearing a tank top, fingerless gloves and tight blue jeans
"Hey Kid scram" Jack ordered not even looking at Oriana but the kid just stuck her tongue out at Jack and ran out of the room and Jack actually smiled.
"You live here?"
"What's that meant to mean"
"Nothing, just never thought you and Miri could live together"
"I'm not happy about it either"
"This why you two don't get along, a sister thing"
"No we're not sisters and that's all you need to know". Family is obviously a sensitive topic for her
"How did you get those scars and bruises?" I finally asked, she instinctively held her hand and they wandered to her neck
"None of your FUCKING BUSINESS" she shrieked, only this time instead of anger her face contorted with pain and fear, as if someone has just woken up from a nightmare. She was about to run out of the room when a man stopped her as he walked in. he looked like Miranda so I'm guessing it's her father, his eyes were cold and uncaring glaring at Jack.
"Zero" he greeted with no emotion. Jack didn't reply but just sent him waves of hate through her eyes. The man then turned his attention to me and raised an eyebrow, a smirk crossed his lips.
"Zero report to Sigma level for training" he ordered "Our guest can let himself out" he said walking out of the room. Jack let out a frustrated roar and struck the wall of the mansion. "LEAVE NOW" she growled stomping out of the room.
I wondered around the house since I had no idea as to where to go, there were so many doors and rooms, how the hell does Oriana get around this place, she's only 7. I figure I should probably find a window outside and walk to where we walked in. in my quest to find a window I discovered a room which had scratches that spelt stay out and the door is made of metal so it was even more impressive. So obviously I had to walk in, it was beckoning me to. I tried walking in but it locked me out, there was a holo asking if I was sure I wanted to walk in and I said yes.
This room looked more like a big prison cell rather than a teenager's room, unlike the others the walls were made from cinderblock and the floor concrete, the bed looked uncomfortable as all hell and the lights were cracked. There was this dull grey desk littered with paper and school books, the desk itself had spots of blood on it but in contrast it smelt like lavender soap. I approached the desk and saw the name on the books, as I feared this is Jacks room. And I doubt that it's her choice. One of the books had the initials J.R. I opened the book and found a litany of poems, each conveying so much pain and anguish. 1 stuck out in particular.
My soul
Burns
With a fire of darkness
Quenched only in the pain
Of loneliness
I hold my breath waiting
Until spots appear black as the past
And fill my lungs up with lies of hope
I mark myself
Black and jagged
To cover the scars
That make me a monster
A warning
This is not a place of honor
No esteemed dead are buried here
It doesn't sound like much of a poem, doesn't rhyme or anything but even I could tell that this was honest and true. My first real insight into the psyche of Jack and it is disturbing. This girl is damaged beyond anything I have ever seen, her attitude, tattoos, scars, hair, mannerisms and now her poems. She is emotionally crippled but she keeps it all inside. I found myself developing a deep respect for the biotic on a personal level because of how strong she is even after what abuses she's suffered but I also began to worry, no matter how strong someone is everyone has a breaking point and she may be nearing hers. I flip through the book reading more and more poems.
Jack has a sensitive side to her. Who knew? I mean she constantly tells people to fuck off and her personal space is a mile radius but I think that's just to stop people from getting too close. And now I want to get close enough to find out why. Any sane person would say it ain't worth it but there's something about her that makes me want to know her
I walked out hoping to God that Jack wasn't coming and for once I'm actually lucky, no one is in the hallway, I walk back the way I came and Miranda is walking digging into her bag so she hadn't seen me, she was about to bump into me until I cleared my throat.
"What the hell do you want J-" she groaned looking up then jumped back a little when she saw it was me.
"Nate" she said in disbelief, she took a defensive stance "Is this some sort of trick" she barked, is it so unbelievable that I'm here
"Miri it's me" I responded
"Prove it" she ordered
"Last week in the advanced biotics we were in Omega and you tripped and landed in a puddlel of-" I began
"Stop, Stop, Stop I believe you" she yelled in embarrassment, she fell in a puddle of krogan piss and threw up.
She began to blush uncontrollably and fidget. Probably because she was about to attack me
"No need to be embarrassed you couldn't have hurt me anyway" I teased but I apparently misread the situation and her face showed shock, hurt and anger, she spent the next two minutes yelling at me about how much of an asshole I was and how blind guys could be. After her tirade she mellowed out and asked an obvious question.
"Why are you here?"
"I was bored and wanted to hang out with someone but everyone else was busy" I explained, well almost everyone is busy
"Nate you shouldn't be here otherwise-" she said not wanting to finish her sentence
"I know Jack lives here" I admitted
"Oh"
"I don't know why it's a secret"
"Its' complicated" that's code for fuck off
"I would love to talk Nate but I'm very busy"
"Yeah you're dad told me to leave and I got lost"
She sighed "I'll lead you out"
"Bye Nate" Oriana yelled from her room obviously eavesdropping
"Stop listening in ORI" Miranda shouted
Miranda led me away in silence never able to meet me in the eyes until we reached the door.
"See you tomorrow" Miranda departed the door closing behind her.
I just got an inside look at the girl who has been in my head for the past few days and just discovered that Miranda and Jack hate each other because they live together and that I should really think before I act.