PLEASE READ FIRST: okay i just wanted to remind you that i changed the names so if you have not done so already please go back and reread the first two chapters before you read this. enjoy.

It's been only a week here, but it feels as if I've lived here for years. Here being Maine, being at the tip of the USA, and Minnesota being so far from it. Clara told me that they had been planning for days in advance to come and find me, but she didn't tell me how she knew where and I didn't bother to ask either, I should be grateful that she did come.

School lets out in a few weeks, so I don't have to worry about that, besides their home schooled. Not like the regular home school though, instead of chemistry, geometry, and English, they learn how to use and control their 'power'. Which they are only supposed to use for protection.

It is still surprises me every time they use them, here I thought besides the whole protecting me and a blue stone from some kings loyal servants deal, that they were just ordinary people. I never thought about if they ever did run into the servants, that they would need something to defend themselves, obviously.

The first time I watched them was so amazing. Belle, petite, and long red hair, can create invisible force fields and barriers. Apparently she already had one up that day, and Ryan walked right into it, you could hear the bang as his head hit the invisible, glass like barrier. Then you could hear another bang as his head also hit the floor. It was very hard to keep from laughing.

Ryan, tall, thin, blonde, and very outgoing, is telekinetic, he can move objects with his mind. I watched in amusement as he clicked on the television, picked up the remote, washed the dishes, and took the garbage out without moving from his seat. I suppose that also makes him very lazy, but he doesn't think anything of it.

I don't think Clara has a power, if she does it's not an active one. I still watch out for signs that she does something. I don't mean she's not useful, but she has to have something. I just have to keep watching out.

William's power actually scares me a little. I suppose all of their gifts could be dangerous, but the fact that he already scared me before, makes it worse I guess. William has the ability to shoot lightening from his hands. It just continuously shoots out from his hands. I have only seen it once, it was in the backyard, and he was using it for target practice. When he was finished he looked at me, his breathing uneven, then closed his eyes and shook his head as if to clear it. Then he walked off and I just sat and stared after him, my facial expression one of fear and shock.

After that I tried my best to avoid him, but it was very hard considering we live in the same house with rooms' right across from each other. Occasionally we'd bump into each other and he'd sigh in frustration. I would just look at him with apologetic eyes and turn back to my room, forgetting about whatever I was on my way to do, and shut my door. Maybe I would come down later after I was sure he was gone, but tonight I won't even bother.

I laid down on my bed and stared at the ceiling. Then I looked around the room, and a random thought entered my head. None of it is mine. When I got here they already had a room for me with all this stuff in it. The bookshelf was full of books, the closet was full of clothes, and the room was filled with girly furniture. However, it was not just any clothes or books or room decorations. They are the exact kind I wanted. There are books that I haven't read yet, but I want to read. The closet is almost exactly like mine. Full of pretty skirts, bright colored blouses, matching ballerina flats, and random t-shirts for when I would stay in the house. The room is really cute, but still plain, exactly how I like it. The walls are a dark blue, cobalt maybe, and everything else is made of lighter shades of blue. Maybe it was coincidence that it is my favorite color.

Maybe all of it is a coincidence. Maybe they just wanted to make me feel at home, but how would they know exactly the way I want everything. I mean it's not like I'm complaining or anything, it's just strange is all. I'm sure it's nothing, I trust them. Honestly freaky coincidences are the least of my worries. According to Clara if the kings servants get their hands on me or this stone it could lead to the destruction of the world, how comic book is that.

I sighed and leaned up on my elbows. I looked at the only window in my room. I couldn't see anything though because of my curtains so I got up and moved them out of the way. Even then all I saw was wet grass and this big, ugly tree. It was so big that it blocked most of my view. Not that I would see anything but more grass anyway. I opened my window and leaned out. It was too far for me to jump down. So trying to be resourceful I reached out and grabbed one of the branches of the tree. When I had a good grip on it, I jumped from my window. For about four seconds I swung there, back and forth. Then I climbed my way to the trunk of the tree. I used the other branches to step my way down. "Freak," I muttered when I slipped. The rest of the way wasn't far so I jumped and landed on my feet.

I have no Idea why I am trying to sneak out. The exhilaration of defiance is so strong that I can't think straight. I looked up at the tree, my breathing uneven, and grinned. Then without thinking, not that I was before, I ran. Once I was in the street I kept running as fast as I could, blowing my bangs upward, ignoring the honks of frustration addressed to me. I know I am going to get tired soon, but it feels like if I stopped now all my problems would catch up with me. I rather run away from my troubles then face them head on. I am such a coward.

I ran all the way into town and slowed my run to a walk as soon as I got to a sidewalk. I stopped and bent over and put my hands on my knees, trying to slow my breathing. When I realized I was in a public area I looked around self consciously to see if I had caught anyone's attention. That's just what I need another place I don't belong.

When I had my breathing somewhat in control, I blinked and stood up straight, and then I realized that I have no idea where I am. I started to walk backward "Ouch," I said when I took a step. I looked down and realized that I was barefoot in my pajamas. Running barefoot on pavement might not have been the best idea. I sat on the ground, messaging my blistered feet as people walked by completely unbothered by my recklessness.

I basically have two options: I could sit here waiting for help to come and find me or I could limp back home. If there was a third option I couldn't think of it. I bowed my head and closed my eyes, letting my hair blow all around my face. When I opened them I noticed that my necklace had an odd luminosity to its usual blue color. I took one of my hands from my foot and held the sapphire stone. It felt strangely warm. Like ordinary rocks that have been sitting in the sun all day long, you pick them up and they burn your hand. I held it up to my eyes and saw that it was glowing. Since it was dark out it looked like a flashlight with a blue lens, I looked around to see if anyone was watching. It glowed for a few seconds longer, before it stopped and returned to its original color.

What the heck was that? I thought. I shook my head and dropped the stone. I went back to messaging my feet and noticed that they weren't hurting anymore. I squeezed harder looking for the pain and when I didn't feel anything I looked down. My feet were completely healed. All of the redness and swelling was gone and my feet were exactly as they were before I had that moment of stupidity.

"Holy crap," I whispered to myself. I tucked my hair behind my ear and once again held it in my hand. I kissed it and then stood; I have got a long way back.

***

When I woke the next morning I looked in the mirror and saw that I looked horrible! My clothes had grass stains and dirt because I am so clumsy that I fell about ten times. My hair had all kinds of twigs and leaves tangled in it from climbing up that tree. My feet were a little sore, but not as they were before my stone healed them.

I groaned and then grabbed my toiletries and headed to the bathroom. Before I got in the shower I had to pick all the twigs out of my hair. The hot water was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep. I washed my hair and brushed my teeth, and then I took my comb and went through my stringy wet hair. When I was finished I walked silently back to my room being careful not to wake anyone. Once inside I shut and my door and went to my closet.

I decided that I should wear something different today, rather than my usual blouse, skirt, and ballerina flats ensemble. I picked out some faded blue jeans and a black tank top. I didn't wear any other type of shoes than flats so I had to wear a pair of those. My hair was pretty much dry so I pulled it back into a ponytail. I went to my full length mirror and made sure I looked decent.

After a very thorough examination I cocked my head to the side. Not half bad, I thought. I left my room and hopped down the stairs. On the last three steps I jumped down, and unsurprisingly I tripped and fell on my face.

"Are you going to make a habit of that," a male voice asked.

I lifted my head up and saw William half turned around on the couch his expression one of amusement. I swallowed and then struggled to get up. "No," I said much louder than I expected my voice to be. Of course it had to be him. I turned to head back up stairs.

"Wait," he suddenly and I froze. "I'm sorry that was rude. Please continue with what you were doing, don't mind me." he turned and faced the television.

I stood there, debating. He told me to do what I came down here to do, but that was just to sit and watch television. I wasn't going to do that with him around. I want to go upstairs, but what would he think? Completely torn I made a quick decision before he could wonder why I was still standing there.

I went to sit next to him on the couch. I scooted to farthest end away from him and folded my hands in my lap. The corner of his mouth twitched. He was watching an old movie that I didn't recognize. At first I was watching it with him, but once I glanced over my attention never left him. I don't know if he was oblivious to the fact that I was watching him or not, but if he was I still couldn't take my eyes away.

He flexed and I quickly turned my head back to the television. When he was still again I looked over at him, not turning my head this time. He was relaxed. He leaned back on the couch, his hands folded behind his head. He laughed and that told me that he was enjoying the movie. I noticed how widely he smiled; I could see his wisdom teeth. His black hair contrasted nicely with his pale skin. His eyes were the most interesting though. They were a dark brown, kind of like coffee, shaken not stirred. I probably could stare into his eyes for hours and not once get tired.

I wonder what he thinks about. How was his past? I know he must have parents somewhere. I wonder why he left them, why they all left. It couldn't only be about me, I mean, I don't think I could affect someone's life so much that they had to run away. Actually, back home I barely made a difference. I always thought that my life would be much better if I had more confidence, then maybe I could be handle being in the center of things. Now that I actually know what it feels like I hate it.

It startled me when he took the remote and clicked the DVD player off. Apparently the movie, whatever it was, had ended. Of course I wouldn't have known considering my attention was focused on something else.

He turned to me, his eyebrows raised, and barely smiling. "Did you like it?" he asked me actually sounding curious to how I would answer.

I felt the heat rush up to my face. "W-well it was o-okay, I guess."

He smiled and I knew that he could tell that I was lying. Blushing and stuttering due to white lies are one of many character flaws I possess. "Glad you enjoyed it," he said chuckling and that made me blush more.

He grabbed another remote and switched on the cable. The news was on and as soon as I saw it I wanted to grab the remote and throw it at the T.V. It's been exactly one week since last Friday and yet they are still talking about it. She talked about the accident and how terrible she thought it was. Then how when the cops when to look for their daughter, she was nowhere to be found. Now they are trying to say all this crap about how they think that it probably wasn't an accident. Sometimes I wish people could just mind their own business.

As she went on I thought about my parents and how, if they were here, they'd comfort me. They were always there when I needed a hug; they were my best friends basically. I just wish they were here to do what they have always done. I could feel my eyes filling with tears so I gritted my teeth and clenched my hands into fists to keep from breaking down. I'm kind of like a rubber band, stretch me too far and I snap.

He noticed my reaction, "I'm sorry," he whispered.

I exhaled through my teeth. "It's okay, I know there was nothing you could do," I closed my eyes trying to calm myself.

"We could talk about it if you'd like," his voice sounded grieved.

"I don't need your fake pity, I think I have enough to last me a lifetime," I spat, tears lingering at the rims of my eyes.

Something about my words sparked something in him. "Fake," he said seeming to weigh the word. "Look, I know this has been very hard for you, but I am not going to apologize for feeling sorry for you."

I opened my eyes and the tears poured. I turned my head and glared at him. "I said its fine. I'm fine." I muttered my voice breaking.

"You don't look fine." He stated in a soft voice.

"Good morning," a cheerful voice sang. Belle hoped down the stairs, managing not to fall on her face. She was wearing a yellow, buttoned shirt, and a pair of jeans. Her red hair was basically piled on top of her head. I wiped my eyes before she could see. "Hey Will, hey Mel. Gosh you guys are up early," she said surprised.

"U-um I g-guess I'm just and early riser," I stuttered, but not from lying.

"Are you all right?" she asked curiously as she walked to the front door.

I half smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine." I repeated putting emphasis on the word fine. She nodded and the opened the door and walked out. When she came back her hand had a big stack of mail in it. She flipped through them as she walked back into the living room.

She took a seat on the sofa right between William and I. She glanced at both at us, smiling, and then her attention was on me. "So did you have fun last night?" she asked curiously in a teasing tone.

I flushed and then cleared my throat. "How do you know about that?" I asked her and she grinned.

"A little birdie told me," she replied.

"Well it was interesting," I said and I swallowed trying to clear the lump out of my throat. William obviously got bored with the conversation and went away. I watched him as he silently climbed the stairs.

I told her about how I wasn't thinking and ran out into the street barefoot and injured myself. Also how my stone did a magic trick and healed my feet right before my eyes. She told me if they ever weren't there that it would surely protect me.

If they weren't there as in if they ever got themselves killed trying to save me.