CHAPTER FOUR

"I hate being blind."

"You're so annoying."

Lionel and Jace Carter burst into laughter, steadying themselves against the tray rack of the cafeteria. Other students turned and stared at them, some huffing about their immaturity. For once, Jace had managed to sneak away from his Aunt Leah, who had been buzzing around him for the past two years. Once they had recovered from their laughing fit, Lionel and Jace found their way to a table, where several of their friends were seated.

Heather Taylor glanced upwards and smiled confidently, patting the seat beside her. With a thank you, Lionel slumped into the seat and bit into the red apple that he had brought. Jace sunk into a seat beside Ben Stellar, someone who was friends with those girls involved in last year's accident.

"So, who's going to Family Legacy Day?" Cinder Hette questioned, breaking the ice that had settled uncomfortably over the student's lake.

Heather perked up at the mention of the infamous day. "Of course I'm going. You are as well?" She pointed the question at Lionel, who shifted in the spotlight, placed under the table's stares.

"I guess. Not that any of us really have any choice, right?" Lionel forced a weak smile.

"Not all of us have to go." Ben shrugged. "I heard some people are going out for a party during the day and getting high or whatever."

Cinder pushed Ben sideways, and the younger boy nearly fell from his chair. "Don't say things like that, Ben."

"Sorry." Ben mumbled, and then started making extravagant gestures. "Dana! Over here!"

Lionel watched as a short girl with blonde hair hurried over, perching on the spare seat beside Ben. "So, guess what? I've been chosen to audition for the Spirit Squad!"

"Spirit what?" Ben tipped his head sideways.

"Squad!" Dana clapped her hands together. "For Family Legacy Day! Mom's gonna be so happy!"

Cinder cleared her throat. "Well, good luck with that. I'm off to grab some things from my locker."

The school day had finished, and Jace patted the ground with his stick, finding his way down the steps and into the car park. Lionel was waiting with their father, Brendon, next to the family car. "You alright?" Lionel called as Jace got closer.

"I'm fine." Jace panted, leaning heavily on his stick. "Just so many stairs in this stupid school."

"Jace." Brendon warned, voice rising slightly. "This is a fine school."

Jace rolled his eyes and unsteadily got into the car, followed by his brother. Brendon started the car, reversing and beginning the journey back to their home. The Carter's small home was located half a mile from the school, down a long street of two-story buildings. Jace knew that Cinder and her family lived there, as well as several other kids from school.

Brendon looked into the mirror with a smile. "So what did you do today, boys?"

"I had sports." Lionel beamed. "They've asked me to join the rugby team. It's after school. Would that be alright with you?"

"Of course." Brendon turned his attention to Jace. "What about you? Anything interesting?"

Jace sighed. "Not much. Aunt made me listen to some audio biographies and we had to give this kid some bandages, but other than that I was dying of boredom."

The family was silent until they reached their home. The lights were on (indicating that their mother was home) and the sun had begun to dip behind the clouds. Jace made his way to the front door, letting himself in and finding the smell of Mac and Cheese.

"You're home!" Scarlet called and skidded out to find her children in the doorway, beaming excitedly. "I've made your favorite, and the news is on, so hurry up, guys!"

After dinner and watching an incredibly ordinary news, Jace made his way up to his room, passing an empty one. The door was open, a cool breeze drifting in from a window. Gritting his teeth, Jace pulled it shut, knowing that Scarlet hated the fact that this had been his sister's room. No, it is his sister's room. Still.

His room was messy. He knew this even without sight, because many a time he fell over piles of clothes or boxes, as if he was packing but going nowhere. Jace fell onto his bed, feeling it bounce underneath him, and felt around in his Dream Box. Nothing. His vocal recordings were still gone, but what had he expected? That someone would just happen to stumble upon them and return them?

All Jace knew was that he would find out who had stolen them and when he did, they would pay.

I hope that you liked this chapter! I know, it took me forever, but I just haven't had any inspiration. Sigh. Anyway, this chapter kind of focused on the Carters. If you want more on them, just leave a review and I might be able to do it.

As always, please review and follow, it'll be greatly appreciated. Constructive criticism, too!

Nat xx