Hedgesville, West Virginia
Caspian Residence
Sunday, August 11, 1996
9:19 AM

At long last Jennie had found her opportunity to escape the boundaries of the house by leaving out the front door when everyone else was too busy to notice. She took a deep breath and let out a long sigh.

Then she began her scan of the area, noting the whole house was surrounded by woods. It was pretty obvious that she was out in the middle of nowhere.

When she reached the backyard, she was awed at the sight of a small pond that sat in the middle of the enclosure. She paused in amazement.

“Beautiful,” she whispered aloud while glancing around.

Her eyes fell upon a nicely kept garden. Then her attention moved to the basketball court that was set up on the opposite side of the yard.

Reminds me of home.

Slowly she became aware of the odd sensation of someone watching her. Looking upward with weary eyes, she saw an unusual bird perched on the rim of the basketball hoop.

Its small eyes were focused on her while it bobbing its head up and down as if trying to figure her out. Unfortunately for Jennie, she found it nearly impossible to budge from where she stood.

“What kind of bird are you?” she questioned while curiously eyeing the animal.

Never had she seen a bird like it before. The top of its head was a dark brown that faded to a cream color as it neared its chest. Even the wings were the same color as the head.

“You’re really pretty,” she whispered in awe.

A high-pitch shrill escaped the bird as it spread its wings out, allowing Jennie to see the inner white under-wings. Then it swiftly leapt from the rim and dove at her.

Her whole body froze as her mouth stood open in shock. She had no idea what to do.

“What the fuck?!”

Jennie broke from her immobility and whipped around to find Rem stepping out of a sliding door at the back of the house. It definitely appeared that the green haired boy was highly aggravated.

Above her head the peculiar bird fluttered uncertainly then swiftly turned and flew off. It headed toward the surrounding woods in order to escape.

Whipping her head back to look for the bird, she found it disappearing into the darkness off the trees while the loudmouthed boy hovered over her. A look of displeasure was on his face while his hands formed into tight fists.

What’s wrong with him?

“Don’t be a fucking moron!” he shouted, whipping out a hand and grabbing her wrist tightly. He abruptly began to pull her toward the house.

“We’re out in the middle of nowhere! Wild animals can and will attack you!” scolded Rem.

“What?” Jennie asked, feeling the grip of his hand tighten. She winced. “You’re hurting me!”

Hastily her wrist was released as she stumbled backward. Rem didn‘t even bother to look back at her. Instead he kept his pace, heading still to the open door back door.

“I need to talk to my dad,” he mumbled flatly and without feeling.

Standing while rubbing at her aching arm, she watched him vanish into the house. Confusion set in to the way he reacted. What the hell was that all about?!

Without any thought to it, she followed. It was obvious the belligerent boy was going to complain to his father. Already she was able to read his moves.

Closing the sliding door behind her as she stepped into the house, she found herself standing in an empty living room. The television had been turned off. Briefly she caught a glimpse of a retreating Rem.

Chasing after him, she found the boy stepping into the room at the far back of the hallway, a door that was opposite the first floor bathroom.

Nick’s room, right? He’s actually going to tell his dad about what happened? Why? Does it really matter?

She inched her way closer as the door was slammed shut harshly. As she approached, she could already hear the teenager yelling.

“Her family gets executed,” Rem snapped loudly, “and she just parades outside like nothing happened. Naturally they‘re going to show up and try to finish the job.”

“Who?” Nick’s tone of voice was calm, but seemed concerned

A puzzled expression formed on Jennie’s face as she pressed her ear to the door more firmly. Is he talking about that bird? As in…the bird killed my parents? Yeah…sure…

“I don‘t know,” Rem shouted extremely loudly as the sound of something being broken was heard, “All those fucking birds look the same to me.”

“That was quicker than I thought,” responded Nick with a heavy sigh.

“You knew this would happen,” Rem stated in a forceful manner. “Another war and you’re throwing us right into the middle of it.”

A war? Her heart quickened at the words as she felt her blood run cold.

“If we do our jobs properly,” Nick confidently stated, “there won’t be another war. Or I should say ‘your’ job. I’ve already passed on my title of leader to you. You have to cool your temper and take on some damn responsibility.”

“I don’t want this shit,” Rem yelled. “Give it to Riley. He’s the oldest.”

“It’s not for Riley to do,” Nichola declared. “Whether you want it or not…you’re the only one. And I know you know what I mean. Keep ignoring it and you‘ll just get her killed.”

What are they talking about? Me?

Millions of different questions ran through her head, but she feared knowing the answers. She took a deep swallow then a heavy sigh.

“I don’t care,” Rem growled seriously. “If she dies, it‘ll be someone else‘s turn.”

“If that’s the case, why did you come in here?” Nick asked, “It appears to me…”

“I don’t need those fuckers coming in here. Dying sucks,” Rem stated.

“You know damn well we can‘t die that easily,” Nick stated.

“But it can happen!” Rem declared as a sharp and stinging sound of hands hitting a flat surface was heard.

“Maybe it would be best to just speak with her,” Nick said. “It would make things easier.”

A heavy sigh was heard.

“It would’ve been so much easier if I could’ve raised her as my own child, but her grandparents were too stubborn. They were afraid to see their only grandchild leave them.”

I don’t get it.

She simply stood quiet, taking in their words from behind the door. What they were saying made no sense.

“What the fuck do you want from me?” Rem abruptly asked, breaking the silence.

“Protect her,” Nick said earnestly. “Look after her like I looked after your mother. Be the strength she needs until she finds her own.”

“God knows how long that might be,” grumbled Rem. “Besides what can I do against a whole fucking army?”

Army? A distressed look befell Jennie as she clenched her hands into tight fists. What the hell is going on?

“I haven‘t seen someone as strong as you in a while. The last being your uncle. He…”

“I don’t want to hear your old war stories,” Rem shouted. “If I promise to look after the girl, will you stay off my back?”

“I can’t promise that,” Nick stated strongly, “she is my responsibility, too. You abuse her and I‘ll have to step in.”

“Fine,” Rem said cruelly. “Guess I should go deliver the news…”

“Not yet,” Nick said. The resonance of a chair being pushed across the floor was heard. “With all that just happened to her, it would be best to just hold it off for a while.”

“Why don’t I just tell her right now, ” Rem said. “Everything in one blow.”

“It‘s just too much at once,” Nick said in a composed voice, “Break it up. Make it easier.”

She stepped away from the door., but kept her eyes on it. Behind it were two men, talking about something she completely didn’t understand. Except for the fact they were talking about her.

“Something wrong?”

Looking up suddenly, Jennie found Riley walking toward her with his hands firmly planted inside the pockets of his jeans. He gave her a questioning glance.

“Nope,” she said hastily. She let out a small chuckle and slipped her hands behind her back. Innocently she rocked back and forth on her feet.

“You look a little lost,” he remarked.

“I went to use the bathroom,” she replied as she shrugged her shoulders. “You caught me on my way out…”

Riley’s eyebrow rose as if to question her, but said nothing. Slowly she inched her way around him, keeping herself facing him the whole time.

“I think I’ll go upstairs and take a nap,” she said. Swiftly she turned on her heels and ran.

Riley stood silent, watching the small girl retreat up the stairs, then looked to the opening door as Nick and Rem stepped out. The three stared at each other.

“What happened?” Nick questioned.

“Jennie,” Riley replied, looking to the side as if contemplating what was going on, “said she went to use the bathroom, but she was just staring at Dad’s door.”

“Okay, so what,” Rem grumbled, “she overheard us. Not like she could get too much from what we said.”

“Also,” Riley whispered, “I was trying to get a read on her, but it seems something is blocking me out.”

“I wouldn’t try anything too rash on her,” Nick said.

Standing at the top of the stairs, Jennie could hear them speak. Their words made no sense.

What are they talking about?

Turning slowly around, she gazed vacantly to the ground while heading to her new bedroom. Once inside she closed the door and pressed her back against it.

Trying to place everything she heard behind her, she began to study the room she was given. Why is everything…purple?

From the lavender carpeting to the royal purple curtains, Jennie felt she was in Disney princess hell. It was clearly obvious that the room was intended for a girl.

Whoever decorated this should be shot.

Heading toward the bed, Jennie paused and stared down at the white comforter that held lacy designs while various plump pillows sat on it. “Disturbing,” she whispered, grabbing the pillows and flinging them across the room.

Without caring she flopped to the bed and curled up in a ball, thinking about the conversation between Rem and Nick.

They know something…

Like who killed my parents…

And what’s going on in my family…

Rolling onto her back, she stared at the ceiling. “I don’t understand.”

A knock came to the door as Jennie bolted upright. When another knock was heard, she pushed herself off the bed then moved carefully to the door.

Pulling open the door, she found Rem standing in an awkward pose. Uncomfortable was more like it.

“Can we talk?” he asked.

“About?” she asked.

Rem fidgeted. A grimace formed on his face as he shifted back and forth on his feet.

“Can I just come in?” he questioned.

She stepped aside, allowing him to enter. Her eyes followed him as he strode to the center of the room.

“I want to talk to you about a few things.”

“And?” she questioned, watching him as he seemed to be checking out the room. By the look on his face, she could tell he found the room atrocious, too.

“You‘ll be going to my school,” he whispered, “so it would be a good idea to just stick close to me. I can‘t have you wandering off. Physically and mentally. You have to be with me one-hundred percent. Got that?! ”

His tone became harsh as he whipped around to glare at her. “If you so much as take one step away from me, something bad could happen. To you… And you’re my responsibility.”

“Why should I care?” she asked, looking away with a hint of anger in her eyes.

“You’ll care when it’s your fucking life at stake,” Rem shouted, reaching out a hand and snatching her chin. He lifted her face up so that he could look her straight in the eyes.

“There are a bunch of fuckers out there who have already killed your family and now want you dead. And I’m the only thing standing between you and these jackasses.”

Again his words were confusing. She just stared at him then shook his hand from her face.

“What are you?” Jennie questioned. “Some kind of freaking superhero?”

Rem gave her a startled look and backed away. It appeared her words fazed him a bit.

“I don’t need a babysitter,” she replied.

A shadow fell over her face as her body stiffed. “And maybe I just want them to kill me. Get it over with. I’m next anyway.”

“And maybe I should let them,” Rem muttered, “save me the trouble.”

Abruptly looking up, Jennie whipped out her hand and started to come down against Rem’s cheek, but her hand was quickly caught in mid-strike. She could feel the harsh grip around her forearm while her eyes watered.

“Look, bitch, I don’t have time to play your little mind games,” he stated, observing her with arrogant eyes, “I have things I want to do this summer before school starts.”

“Then go do them!” Jennie shouted while Rem released his hold on her, “I’m not stopping you!”

He glared down at her. “I’m going over to a friend’s house. Collecting some research shit for my dad. You want…to tag along? Meet my friends? They‘re suppose to protect you, too.”

“Protect me?” she questioned, staring fiercely into his eyes, “I don’t need you and anyone else. Just…get out of my room!”

Pointing to the door, she closed her eyes while the tears spilled down her cheeks. “Out!”

She felt him walk past her and heard the creak of the door opening. She quickly looked up to find Rem standing in the entryway with a smug smile.

“You’re kind of cute,” he said, “when you’re all fired up.” He flashed a toothy grin as Jennie’s eyes settled on the pointy canines at the corners of his mouth.

Fangs?

She was at a loss for words. He simply stood, eyeing her, as she stared at him uneasily.

“Well, if you change your mind, I’ll be downstairs,” he said. He turned and left, allowing Jennie to relax finally.

“Arrogant son-of-a-bitch!” Jennie screamed while stomping her foot on the floor.

Turning away abruptly in a huff, she walked toward the window that sat in a small alcove. Her distasteful thoughts quickly faded.

A bay window. I always wanted one.

Crawling into the nook, she sat her back against the wall and peered outside to the small field with the pond and surrounding woods. “Such a pretty view…”

Her eyes fell upon Rem as he entered the backyard. Opening her mouth to protest his sudden appearance, she watched as he bent down to retrieve a basketball that had been laying a few feet away. He held it in his hands and tossed it into the air.

The ball sailed into the basketball hoop with ease then rolled back to him. She calmly watched him play the game by himself as she cocked her head to the side.

Maybe I was too mean?

Her thoughts went to her parents as she looked down at her legs. They always taught me to be nice. Being rude to someone… Mom… Why am I really here? Did you know something?

Anxiety filled her, sending the hairs on the back of her arms standing up. She shivered as she rubbed her hands up and down her arms in order to get the hairs down.

“Suppose I should go apologize,” she whispered, pushing herself out of the window.

Wandering out of her room and down the stairs, she made her way through the living room. She didn’t even pause or blink an eye at the three residents who were sitting in the room, watching television. She simply walked outside.

“Look,” she called out, staring at Rem who clutched the ball in his hands, “I’m sorry for yelling at you. If you want to go, I’ll go, too.”

Get my mind off what just happened. Be normal. Do something…

The two stared at each other for a moment as Rem tossed the ball behind him. The sphere found itself sinking into the hoop once more as Jennie blinked at the sight.

“Okay then,” Rem said as he started to walk off, “we walk it. Come on.”

“Wait, what?” Jennie questioned, turning to watch him.

“We--walk it,” Rem repeated, looking back at her with a solemn gaze.

“Do they live close?” she asked, rushing up behind him.

“Not really,” he replied, “but the walk will do you good.”

Fighting the urge to snap again, Jennie clenched her hands into fists and stared at the ground with wide eyes. “You--said these people are my guardians? I thought--Nick was my guardian.”

“Parental guardian,” Rem stated, “the rest of us are going to be your bodyguards. When the time comes that you’re attacked by the ones who killed your parents, you’ll need us. Got me?”

“How the hell do you expect to protect me? And from who? If you know who killed my parents, then turn them in.”

“It’s not that simple,” Rem replied, “You should like my friends--”

“Quit changing the subject on me,” she cursed.

“There’s nothing more to say,” he stated flatly.

“Yes, there is!” she screamed, “Who killed my parents?!”

“I don’t know,” he grumbled.

“Yes, you do!” she yelled, clenching and unclenching her fists.

“Give me a fucking break,” he groaned, “I don’t.”

“Then how are you going to protect me?”

“Quit wasting my time. My friends--”

“You’re doing it again,” she snapped.

“Doing what?” Turning around to face her, he gave her an exhausted look.

“Changing the subject.”

“Leave me alone,” he moaned, “My head hurts. Just--stay here if you want.”

“Fine,” Jennie mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest, “What did you want to say about your friends? You seem so anxious to talk about them.”

“What’s that suppose to mean?” Rem bit back.

“Nothing,” she said with a shrug of her shoulders. Fag.

Rem stared at her as his eyes narrowed. He turned to walk off.

“Come on,” she announced loudly, “what about them?”

“I was going to say that you’ll like them,” Rem replied, “They’re all pretty boys. Except for maybe Mirage--”

Definitely gay--

“Where do you get off saying I’ll like pretty boys?” she snarled, “I don’t like guys who look prettier than me.”

“Single long?” he responded.

Jennie bared her teeth as she glared at the ground. “I like rugged guys.”

“Really?” he questioned, “so you like being roughed up?”

“I didn’t say that!” she shouted as her cheeks flushed.

“It was there,” he said, “I could hear it in your voice. I can see you on an episode of Cops. Don‘t take him. I love him!“

“No!” Jennie screamed, shaking her head violently. “Why the hell are we talking about what kind of guys I like anyway?! I’m not in the mood to discuss stupid shit like that. And especially to a jerk like you!

“I should be worrying about who killed my parents.” She came to a stop and eyed the ground again.

“Not this shit again!“ Rem stopped in his tracks and groaned. "If you are going to be miserable the whole time, then just fuck off!"

Staring at Rem, she opened her mouth. Her brow bunched up as she frowned. Anger furled inside her. "Whatever. I don‘t really want to be around you anyway. You or your freakish family."

She pointed a stern finger at Rem. "With your weird-ass hair and ridiculous eyes! Think you impress people with it? Think you are so God-damn special!"

Her expression turned desperate as she found Rem walking down the road, ignoring her rant. "Quit ignoring me, you jerk!" she shouted, chasing after him. Having a one-sided argument with herself wasn‘t her idea of sane. "You son-of-a-bitch!"

Unannounced, a hand jutted out and rammed forcefully into her throat. She quickly realized that Rem had whipped around at her insult with such ferocity that it went unseen by her eyes. He pressed her body against a tree alongside the road and pushed her up into the air where her feet dangled.

"Never call my mother a bitch!" he snarled through bared teeth before flinging her effortlessly to the ground.

Landing on the road with a sound thud, Jennie sat quietly on her rear as she rubbed at her aching neck while choking slightly. Her eyes fell silently upon Rem as he walked away casually with his hands in his pockets.

She never knew anyone who could have done that to her. So fluently he had rushed at her; and then lifted her up with such godlike strength that it made her freeze up. It hit her hard; the boy who she was going to have to live with was very inhuman.

"Who are you?" she asked quietly as Rem ignored her. "What are you?"

Getting to her feet, she began to follow him at a steady pace. The sun flickered in and out behind the surrounding trees, causing a wave of nausea in the pit of her stomach. Sweat beaded across her forehead as the heat began to slow her mind.

Breathing slowly, her eyes gradually began to close as her body made an abrupt lunge forward. She reached out her hand as she tried to grab at Rem's fleeting image. Her body slammed harshly into the earth as dust fluttered around her and her hair scattered out like a halo.

"What the hell..." Rem looked over his shoulder to find Jennie on the ground. His mouth opened in confusion as he stood silently, staring at her limp body. "What the fuck?!"