Our Home

I sat under the clouds, watching them float by. I loved watching the sky; it was always changing around us. Lari slept beside me, her fiery hair spred out from her small shoulders. I turned to look at my sister, remembering how I found her on that porch step, holding her teddy bear. She had no mom, just like I didn't. No family. I looked back up at the big sky, tracing the shape of it with my finger as memories bombarded my head. Being careful not to wake up Lari, I stood and walked into the ancient, rusted caboose we lived in for a home. My name is Joy Tenison, and I'm nearly thirteen years old and take care of four other people. We've been a family for five years now.
I take care of three younger kids with my best friend Stanley, who's thirteen. He and I are the oldest, and we're a family. There's Lari and Jared, six and eight, the kids in the family. They're the only ones blood related in our house. Next, was the baby Gabriel, my little treasure. I'm his adopted mother, and like the two kids, I had found him, only I found Gabriel not too far from the caboose. He is just around two years old. Stanley was the one that found me when I escaped from Them. I belonged to people who wanted to hurt me, experiment on me, just because I was different. I'm the oppisite of my family with my black hair, blue eyes, and my strange silvery skin. Lari says I was pretty, but They called me things different. Gross, Unatural, Disgrace. They were my biological family. But They are my past. Here, Stanley and the rest are my whole universe. The now.
While my mind had been thinking all of these things, Lari had woken up. I instantly smelt something burning and ran out of the "house", going to where Lari was now sitting up and holding burning leaves in her hands. I sighed. 
"Lari. Don't do that! You'll get tired and won't be able to stay up for desert." I smiled, grabbing her up in a hug. The smell of burning leaves went away as Lari looked up at me with her silvery blue eyes. Our eyes were almost identical; people didn't know we weren't all blood related but it was a minor detail.
"Sissy...," she yawned "Where's Stanley? I'm hungry." Her hands patted my face, warming me up in the cool autumn air. I pulled us towards the house, making sure the door was shut tight behind us once we were inside. That's what I was thinking.
I put her down on the bed we shared with Gabe, and took a minute to collect my thoughts. Stanley and Jared had gone to buy some food, and took Gabe with him. As usual, it made me a worrisome nag. 
"Buying some supper." I chirped at her. "Help me clean up, you lazy bones." The home we shared was perfect for five kids. From saving money thanks to my job as a waitress, Jared's newspaper boy, and Stanley's hard-ware store shifts, we had bought nails and a hammer, and built our own furniture. In the small space we owned, there were two beds, with worn silk sheets left on somebody's clothes line, a built-in counter thanks to Stanley, a couple of cupboards with dishes left around in yards and the woods where we lived, and an old lightbulb stove. The only other thing we had was a bookshelf, found in the junk yard I visited. It was filled with stuff we bought for the kids. Some books, a few stuffed animals, even a small telescope I got for Stanley. We even had little stools for no reason. Cute, huh?
There was nothing but old things, and I wanted only the best for my family. I put the new blankets I sewed on the beds. When you were a mother figure, you had to know how to sew and clean and cook. I knew everything; that was why I was here. I sat down on the bed when I was finished. That was all we had to do: straighten up the place.
I looked at Lari, and her ripped jacket. She looked exhausted. Well, she was only six.
"Lari, give me your jacket, Stanley will be back soon so you should take a nap. I'll tell you when he comes home." She just nodded and shrugged off her coat. I watched her as she sleepily passed it over to me before passing out. My poor baby, she reminded me so much of myself. Tired, just a kid, and different... I loved her so much. And tomorrow's her birthday; I had to do something besides sew up her coat. I kept sewing, the lamp glowing from the ceiling, while the colored candels lit around the room flickered. Those, and the small window Jared had made over the counter was the only light I had.
I was thinking about finding a new light when the door was yanked open. I looked up, frozen like a rabbit caught munching on clovers. Little Jared was standing there, holding a huge, glass bottle of milk in his hands. His brown eyes looked at me, smiling like a big goofball, as he stepped into the house.
"Jared Tenison, knock next time! Man, you scared me!" I sighed, putting down the jacket and getting up to tousle his hair. His smile widened, and I wacked him gently upside the head. I peered over his red mop of a head, which was at my shoulder now- and I was decently sized at five foot three, to get a good look behind him. Stanley was hard to see in the setting sunlight, it was still so bright. He appeared out of no where, bopping Jared's head over my own hand that was still on it.
"Honey, we're home!" Stanley laughed, halfway in the door.Lari jerked awake, staring at us with wide eyes. She looked at me, her eyes widening in an accusing way.

"You promised to wake me up when he came home!" she exclaimed, bounding towards Stanley with open arms. Stanley opened an arm up, his body only half way in still. Over Lari's head, he looked up at me with his green eyes. They were smiling as he mouthed, We have her gift out back. Jared and I just have to build it. I nodded in approval. "Where are the groceries? I need them to start dinner." I looked at Jared. He stared at me and turned to run off.
"Yes, ma'm. Just take Gabe and Jared'll be right back with them. I ran in to Mr. Folly, too, he wants you at the usual time." His face was all tight when he said Mr. Folly's name. He didn't know I was a waitress at the Folly Cavern, just that I had a job. In fact, he was oblivious to it since he had his own job and I took care of the kids and house. I sighed, though. He wanted me in late.
Lari turned away from Stanley as he pulled away. She went to me, her long red hair bouncing. I held her as she swayed into me. I could feel myself get uncomfortably warm, which meant she was upset. The warmth of her flames didn't bother me though, I was used to it. But tonight, I felt strange. I heard a soft meow in the door way, and that distracted me from the pain and unease. A kitten looked up at me with brown eyes, its fur smooth and light brown.
"Gabe, my baby. Who's a smart boy?" I cooed to my baby as he walked into the caboose. He was different than Lari, whereas he could shiftshape, which was conveniant for us. Somebody would start something if that person saw Stanley carrying a baby around town without an adult. I scooped him up, as he slowly turned back into the adorable baby he really was. His brown eyes were deep and innocent as he curled up his fingers. Just then, Jared appeared, carrying a bag full of groceries.
"Finally! Take Gabe, Lari, and I'll start dinner. Jared, go help Stanley." I winked at him after turning away from Lari. He gave me a thumbs up, running out the door putting the groceries on the small counter. Even if I hadn't winked, Jared would've known, just by hearing what I was thinking. Yeah, well, he can read minds. It was normal; in our home, we are considered gifted: we're mages. People didn't know, so we didn't care. I blocked those thoughts as they were quickly turning dark inside me. Happily, I looked to see what my boys could scrape up. Four grown carrots, the bottle of milk, can of broth, half a box of matches, ten slices in a loaf  of brown bread, a small bowl of cherries, and a packet of sugar. It wasn't much, but it would be a nice dinner for such an evening.
I went to the lightbulb oven and got out a medium sized bowl. For cooking, it was my best 'pot', even if it had a crack in it. Lari would be happy when I made her her favorite desert, cherries jublee. Out of all of my cooking it was one of my favorite and best dishes. I put a precious amount of milk in the bowl, and picked stems off half the cherries. They must be hungry... I thought, frowning a little. But then I thought of Henry. I quickly checked on Lari, only to find her and Gabe asleep on the cott. Throwing my jacket on, I rushed outside. Henry was our dear chicken, and she was about to give birth to chicks. Moving through the bushes, I picked up her hidden milk crate house. If she was having chicks and it was almost winter, there was no way I would leave her outside. That'd be like me leaving everyone outside during a hail storm. I shuddered at the thought.
Lari was up when I went back inside. She always was a light sleeper, I thought as I put Henry on the floor. I clucked to her softly when she made nervous noises. The poor old girl... I went back to cooking,  and the packet of sugar was now sprinkled over the cherries like snow, and I was dismayed to smash them but I did. As I smashed the fruit into mush, I sang a song; it was too quiet with the boys being busy. behind the house.
" Hmm, my dear, can't you feel it in the air? That sweet sound, so clear in the summer air. It's the music of love... Hmm, my dear, see the air, how it wove? Love, my spirit lifts; skip, leap, jump! Sweet, can you hear it; swish, whoosh, ahh! Hmm, my dear, the music of love; badump, thump, hmmmm...." My voice seemed to echo against the metal walls. Behind me, I heard Gabe's gurgle and Lari humming the tune. I heard that song when I first had started working at Folley's Cavern. I've played it since then because it seems to be Lari's favorite. We all wanted to spoil eachother on our birthdays. Except I never allowed alot of fuss over mine. I couldn't tolerate it. On my birthday, I'm just grateful; it was the day Stanley found me. I smiled, thinking of their present. When I left for work late last night, I had gone to the junk yard, and found a dinosaur key chain. We all knew how much she loved dinosaurs. I made sure to wash it and make it gleam like brand new, to give it to her as my own present.

 I kept singing, and soon had put the cherries in the oven to heat them up. I moved back to the still full bag and got out the broth."Lari, be Sissy's helper and go start a fire for dinner, please." As I poured the liquid into a bigger pot, she obeyed without a word."Thank you!" I called out. I heard her laugh as she banged around the firepit outside. Using the chimney for food would only unsettle Henry.

"That sweet sound, so clear in the air." My voice seemed to carry outside, because I heard whistling coming our way. Jared was the only one that whistled to my songs. Lari singed, Gabe cooed, and Stanley--- he just listened. I made a face at the thought. Lari skipped back inside, back to my baby who was still asleep. Jared soon came, followed by Stanley. I had the carrots chopped and bread thrown in the broth. I would put in some pork and peas once it got thicker. I hid the goods in my Indian cellar, where it could be preserved. The cherrie jublee would be done at the same time. Jared came over to give me a hug, and he whispered," I won't tell if I get seconds." He looked up at me, eyes big. I looked at Stanley through narrowed slits.
"I blame you for showing bad habits." The only response I got was a shrug, but I knew I heard him chuckling under his breath. I was irritated now, my pain back and head on, too. Before I could be rash, I gave him the pot. He grimaced at it, as if it were going to bite him. I stared at him, and he finally walked outside to Lari's fire. "Serves him right." Lari said, smiling as she stared after Stanley. Jared still hung onto me. I sighed. "Maybe. If your good. Now you two should go wash up. Lari, please take Gabe, I need to bring in laundry." My uniform and their pajamas were still drying.
"Okay, Sis." Jared answered for her as she scooped him up. I followed them outside to the hanging line. My baby boy was awake, and he was looking at me, stretching out his hands. Oh, my Gabe... I took down the clothes, and I heard Lari talking to Gabe as she gently washed his tiny hands. Jared was splashing around, acting silly. Stanley, was just bringing in dinner and from the loud crashes coming from his direction, I could tell he was serving it also. I rolled my eyes. Carrying the dry pjs and hidden uniform, I called out to my family:
"Dinner! Come on! There's a surprise for desert if the birthday girl wants it!" I didn't have to wait long; they came running, their faces pink and happy. Lari loved surprises. I followed them, laughing at their eagerness. Well, they are hungry, I guess. The caboose was warm with the smell of my pork stew. To keep it cozy, I closed the door behind me and lit the lamp on the counter. Everyone was seated on the floor, already gobbling down the soup. Only Gabe was on the bed, waiting for me. "Oh... my Gabe! Are you hungry? I bet you are." I cooed at him, picking him up to carry him over to the counter. He giggled and I smiled at him, my pain now very shallow. I took his spoon and filled it with broth.
"Ahhh..." I said, and everyone turned so they were staring at me as I fed our baby. Gabe opened his mouth and his chubby cheeks were so adorable. I poured the broth for him, and when it was gone, I showed him the spoon. Very deliberatly, he took the spoon, and got more broth. I was frozen as he copied my movement. "Ahh!" he opened his small mouth. I started to clap after I was done, and he smiled at me, his three, tiny pearly teeth visible. "Yay, good job, Gabe! Good job!" I picked him up, bouncing him until his laughter started to slow and slur. It's bedtime, I thought. The others had stopped watching, and gone back to their meals. On the bed, I took off his tee, and put him in the feeties he wore at night. He was holding onto me tight, but I unfurled his fingers and put him to bed. Once he was laying down, I went to the oven and pulled out the cherries jublee, and placed it in the middle of my family.

"Save some for Gabe and the birthday girl." I said softly, but with force. They would listen, they had to, for me. The pain flew back, just in my head this time. I dropped to the floor, quietly, and only Stanley looked at me. He put down his bowl and went over to me. His arms wrapped around my waist and he pulled me up onto the bed him and Jared shared. Jared looked at me, and reached over Lari to pat my knee. Lari's eyes were wide as she stared at me, and she stopped eating her jublee. I felt weak, but managed a smile. "Go on and finish, I spent awhile making it for you guys." Her eyes bored into mine, concerned, but she obeyed like the good girl she was.
My hands massaged my temples. I looked at Stanley, and he was staring at me, his green eyes transfixed on my face. "Are you okay, girl? You look pretty worn... Maybe you should eat, Spirit. Have you eaten?" His voice was full of scorn. I looked him straight in the eye. He still called me Spirit after all these years. Well, from years of experience, I lied,"Yes, I ate some food earlier." I sent a thought towards Jared, Say something and no more chocolate suffle EVER. His eyes widened, and nodded to himself. I never ate that much, since we had little enough as it was. Stanley was still looking at me. He sighed and got up, putting his bowl on the counter. With no curtisy, he started taking off his clothes in front of us. His shirt was off by the time he caught my look. He rolled his eyes, but turned away. Jared did the same and changed. I grabbed Lari, and forgetting my pain for the moment got her dressed into a long-sleeved nightgown. I barely looked at my pajamas or uniform as I stalked towards the chimney. Two logs sat in it. I looked at Jared, and he pointed to Stanley. I smiled. Both of them rolled their eyes as they got into bed. Lari was cuddled up to Gabe. I looked out the window by the chimney as I struck a match. It was twilight though it was a little after nine, was what my watch said.
Rats! I thought. Rushing to light a fire. Once the fire blazed, I added little twigs to keep it sated. Lari and Jared were fast asleep, but Stanley was still up, half awake. My mind was as blank as my face, when I walked to put on my pajamas,trying to be discreet as I slipped my uniform underneath. But when I turned, he seemed asleep. Seemed, that word echoed in my head, but I waited a few minutes. Everyones breathing was regular. Quickly, I sat up, flinging my pjs to the rug I had made last month. My outfit's bodice clinged to me, coming out in a spiral like skirt. The apron still tied to the back, held the keys to the Cavern. I tiptoed to the door, and shutting it closely behind me. The fire Lari had made was in embers now but still glowing. A lantern sat nearby; I filled it with twigs and moss, and lit it with the embers. I already made sure I had a match and twigs for it later. With the lantern, I crept towards the bike the four of us shared, and placed it in the basket. Yikes, I was going to be late! Even as dark as the woods were, I quickly found the trail and pedaled faster, not wanting to be late. Mr. Folly could be very generous to me, I thought, and I don't want to make him upset. For my family, I can do this.
The Folly Cavern was huge. It was like no other bar left, from the late ninteenth century, and it was hard work, but it payed well. I stashed the bike in some bushes, and went around the back. The door was unlocked, and I walked right in, greeted with the familliar smell of ale and beer. Mr. Folly sat behind his desk, greeting customers; I went over. "I'm here for duty, sir." I said politely, smiling. He turned, and his smile was half hearted. His brown eyes were cloudy and his matching hair, thinning. This chubby man was my boss."Joy, great! There's fresh ale to be served at tables 7-13, and be sure to be nice." He smiled at me, giving me a pat on the back. Mr. Folly knew it must be hard on a 'fifteen' year old to be around drunkards, but he also knew I was a hardworker. He needed me working there. I sighed inwardly, I'm used to it.
I rushed to Lenny, the cook and bartender, and he gave me seven platters. Expertly, I stashed two on each arm, two on top of my head and one on my side. I heard whistles as I passed by tables. Each table I served was drunk and the usual, ob-no-xious. I ignored their rude comments, and flinched when some touched me. Disgusting. I was glad Jared wasn't around people like this, it was too obscene and hectic. My mind whirled at the idea of going home in three hours. Oh happy day. Becky, my good waitress friend, just then as she passesd by, said to try and avoid table 16. It was good to listen to her, and I felt panicked as I got assigned to that table. I went to it, carrying a large order of light ale and shrimp. The guy I was serving was only a few years older than Becky, who's fifteen. But this guy, he radiated the sense, Special, but I knew special and put down the tray.
"Good evening, I'm Joy, and I'll be your waitress tonight. If you need anything just ask me." I was turning when the guy called out. "Yeah, can I ask you for a favor?" I looked at him, and he just stared right back. I kept waiting for him to continue, but he didn't answer. "Nevermind..." He murmurred. It wasn't weird, just unexpected. I turned and the hours flew by until I heard Mr. F call out my name. "Joy! You're done, take the basket and packet, and get home. I don't want to see you sleeping on the job to'morra." He patted my shoulder as I thanked him for everything.

"You're a good kid, cadet. Go get some sleep." I smiled and waved. The night was over for me, and all of my servers were gone. I rushed home on the bike after I relit the lantern as fast as I could. My mood was somewhat good that when I got back, I didn't realize my head was throbbing again. I stuffed the vegetables, pork, butter, and ale basket I earned under the Indian cellar. I put the bike back, stripped off my uniform, and blew out the lantern. I was very careful when I walked back, minding not to step on any sticks or rocks. Opening the door, very carefully, I managed to step in. I went to my clothes on the floor first, not noticing the figure by the fire. When I finally did, I jumped, still naked and stared. I clutched my clothes to my body. Stanley looked hard at me, and then away. His eyes were burning jade. Watching him, I put on my pajamas. He was stuffing the fire place with twigs.
"Well, welcome home, Spirit." Stanley's voice was so much different than what I was used to. It was actually, cold. "How was your evening?" I stared into his eyes as he turned back around, not even guilty; I was doing this for you and the kids, Stanley. I want him so badly to see it in my eyes. "Fine, thank you. And yours?" My voice was normal, soft. He stared at my face, shaking his head. "I'm the oldest, Joy. When I ask you something, even implying something, I'd like for you to be honest with me with those things." That right there had me standing still, and I almost laughed out loud. "Oh, so not getting a second helping got you worked up, and now you're calling me a liar over things?..." I said sarcastically. His expression was grim. "No. Tell me whatever you're hiding now, Joy, I don't want to not trust you. I woke up; you weren't there. I stay up; you come in naked and smiling." Stanley was just being so--- oh, I wanted to hit something. Which was very unusual..."So? You have to mistrust me for taking a swim?" That part was true, when I stripped off my uniform, I had wadded in the stream. Looking at him, he looked doubtful, and that made me angry. "Why? Why right now, do you not trust me, huh, Stanley Tenison?" My voice started to rise. I lowered it when I saw Jared stir. I reached into my pocket and pulled out Lari's keychain. I put it on our pillow. Still he didn't answer me, he just stared. I got my jacket, and opened the door. "Goodnight, Mr. Tenison." I said expressionlessly. I very nearly slammed the door. Stalking towards the Indian Cellar, to the packet of money I earned, I wrenched it out of the basket. I ran back and opened the door again. "Here. Take it. You deserve it." My throw hit him right in his face. I strutted outside of the door and shut it quietly this time. And looking back at our home, I decided I wanted to clear my head. Which was now throbbing; thank you, Stanley.

Truth

I sat on top of our home, letting the autumn air cleanse me. I still had a headache, and I was just too miserable to even go back inside. Stanley had driven a stake in my back, and I waitressed at the Folly Cavern for him and everyone. Not for me, or else I probably wouldn't have considered such a job. I'd delt with drunkards, and given up the time to rest, and even have the risk of losing trust. How splendid that the worst would happen to me.
Tonight I thought would go well. I sighed, and jumped off my perch. I felt my body go hot as my neck craned up at the sky. The small of my back tingled, and for the first time since I'd just found my family, did I exert my true self. Not even Stanley knew this form; my true power. I could recieve any instinct to any animal, and right now, the bliss of flying was something I needed.
My back felt torn as wings pushed out. The color was pure white, and in the darkness, with little moonlight, it was the moon. I soared high in the sky, higher, and higher, and higher... until I could barely see the trees below. The wind was harder up here, but my breathing still stayed the same as I screamed. With the lungs of a bird, I screamed a long wail... until they hurt. I breathed in a ragged breath, and flew over the part of the stream that got deeper into the lake. I let my bird self disappear, no longer longing to fly.
The air whooshed past me, sounding like a hurricane as I dove to the water with gaining speed. My landing was almost perfect as I pencil dived into the water. The water was clear, but I hadn't seen the chain below. I sank deep, and when I kicked to go up, the chain wrapped around my leg, snaking my pajamas, too. My empty lungs burned as I thrashed against the chain. Why can't I remember gills?! I groaned inwardly to myself... It really hurt, and my mouth opened unconsiously, gaping for air. I swallowed the water instead, and chocked.
I mentally screamed, hoping Jared would wake up. It was getting harder to see, to think, but I felt kind of guilty... Running from Stanley, hurt and irritated, but upset that I worked so hard for them, because I loved them. I want to apologize, and tell all of them the truth. And make it up tomorrow by getting each of them something they wanted. Anything...that was what I was thinking. And just before I blacked out, I saw the sun erupting, and gold and crimson spurted out. The water got murky, and pain stabbed at my temple. I blacked out.

Stanley's POV

I kept staring at the fire and holding the money she threw at me. One hundred...a hundred dollars...but I wasn't thinking about the money. I was thinking about my best friend, what she said,"Why! Why right now, do you not trust me, huh, Stanley Tenison?"Her voice cracked. She started when she saw Jared stir. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a keychain. She tossed it on their pillow. I didn't answer. I just stared, looking for some proof. She grabbed her jacket, and opened the door. "Goodnight, Mr. Tenison." she said in a dead voice.The door shut loudly. I was about to go after her when she opened the door again."Here. Take it. You deserve it." A packet hit me right right in the face. The door shut abruptly. I stared after the girl that would sacrifice anything for us. Her voice scared me, so full of pain and deadness. Those eyes had no spirit, and they spared no mercy. I now looked at the money, the money she got...but how? Of course I don't think she would've stolen it, but...No, she wouldn't steal anything.
She must've earned it by working some sort of job. I shook my head, and started to rise to my feet when a hand grabbed me. I turned to see Jared stare at me with pained eyes, and I turned towards him, upset about how frightened he looked. Jared's face was pale, and I could just make out his words,"Sis---Joy---lake....help her...forgive her...." His eyes cleared and he went limp. Must've been sleep talking. I shook my younger brother's shoulders gently, "Wake up Jared." Jared sat right back up,"Huh?..."Then he nodded, pushed me towards the door,and went towards Lari and Gabe.
My body shook head from toe, and I dashed under the trees to the lake. Joy is in trouble. I kept running, my body was radiatting light, looking past the trees and the dark shape of water. Hang in there, Joy, I thought. Slowly, my hands quaked and my legs felt stiffer, and I ran out of the forest, into the lake. The light around me was blinding as I kicked deeper into the murkiness. Something big caught my attention, and as I went deeper, I saw a girl hanging in the soft waves. Joy! I thought, beginning to pull her up. She was stuck by something, on her leg. It was a chain, wrapped to her ankle. I carefully unsnaked it, pulling Joy gently to me along with it. She opened her eyes and saw me, under the water, she looked beautiful. Her hair a wave around our shoulders, her eyes more luminous than the sky or sea, but the smile on her lips took my breath away. It was a dead, peaceful smile, and I quickly grabbed Joy.
The water was getting clear now, I could see the sky. Before the water seemed murky, and it started to get that way again. I looked around as I swam faster, and saw a gash on my Spirit's forehead. She was clinging to me, and I thought my heart would break. I broke through the surface, gasping and carrying Joy to my chest, walked to shore. She felt so light, hollow even, as I carried her. She looked so small in my arms, too. My jacket was on, but once I sat her down on the cool sand, I wrapped it around her.
Her breathing was very shallow and low, it scared me as I watched her chest rise and fall. Joy's eyes were open, surprisingly, staring at me. Her smile was so weak, and yet filled with so much warmth, I grasped her hand. "I'm sorry, Stanwee, I got mad. So---stupid---" She started coughing up water."I got a job, for you, for everyone. They pay well, a hundred tonight. Isn't that great Stanwee, we can buy new plates,and nails, and maybe a new lightbulb!" Her voice was dreamy, and rough. My light was radiatting like crazy, and I picked her up, back into my arms. She let out a long breath, breathing in carefully. The light wrapped around her, and I made sure she was close.
My hair, thankfully long, hid my eyes from her. A tear escaped my eye and fell on her cheek. She blinked and looked at me. I just stared straight ahead, just like when I found her. Joy went still, and I stopped, looking down at her. Her hands went up to smooth my hair away, to look into my eyes. The blue that stared at me, was warm and happy looking, only pain showed in her tightness. She wrapped her arms around my neck, but I started walking again. I felt her wet hair agaist my neck, and somthing warm touched my cheek. I looked down to see what it was but Joy's head was buried in my neck, and her face felt warm."Stanwee, let's go home." I smiled at that and walked back under the forest, takin' my time now.

Joy's POV

I kissed his cheek, clung tightly, and whispered," Stanwee, let's go home."Now I was getting sleepy. Water burned my throat still and I felt numb. But Stanley made all the hurt go away, physically and mentally. When I see him smile, I'm happy, like the others, and with his gift, it actually did help. Under the forest, Stanley kept carrying me, and I seemed heavy, so I sung a song to lighten the mood:
"The sunshine shines for the moon, the moonlight lights for the sun, both equally beautifuul. For both they light or dark the sky, so close yet so far away. The sun the king, the moon the queeeen, living, in harmonyy. That harmony keeps me looking for the sky....." My song echoed ghostily off the trees, and I felt a hum in Stanley's chest. I smiled, it was the first response to any of my songs. Not too far ahead of us the caboose sat, lit nicely. Two torches were lit outside the door, where Jare was sitting. I looked at him and saw the pain on his face and I struggled in Stanley's arms. He looked at me, and I looked ahead. Stanley knew me well. He gently put me down, and the two of us wobbled towards my baby.
Jared got up when he saw us walking through the trees, and ran to me. I guess my mental shout worked. I opened an arm and he slammed into me, hugging hard. I felt myself shake with his sobs. Stanley left us, having Jared support me, and jogged into the house. Jared was crying alot now, and I rocked him like I used to, and my body started to warm again. Stanley came back, carrying a blanket and a cup of something steaming. I smiled at him.
Once he was close, he wrapped me up in the blanket. I stepped out of it. "It's okay, I'm better." I smiled at them, and went to the torches. Mmmm, toasty... Jared walked back to me, and I squeezed him gently. "Why don't you get some sleep, I'd feel even worse if you don't get it because of me." He started to say something, but I put my finger to his lips. "March." Stanley said.His head sagged, but he did as told.
As he walked back into the caboose, I sighed in relief. Stanley looked at me, and I was reminded of what had happened not even five minutes ago. The coincidence made me smile, and there was a spark of amazement in his eyes. He thought me mad... Taking a deep breath, I told the truth.

Something Amiss

I stared at her, wondering how I never noticed what she was doing. Spirit's face showed nothing, she was in a daze. Her color finally started to appear, and her eyes turned their normal gray blue. Her face was still pale with cold though and had dark bags under her eyes. I sighed a sigh that could fill the air.
"Huh." She looked at me, looking startled that I hadn't shout at her. Well, there was no reason to yell, especially at such an hour. I just was in too much shock to even utter a word. Yet I did.
"Huh? I should be saying Huh after a story like that." I smiled at her. The Massachusetts cold wrapped around me, and I instinctively went to warm Spirit up. On top of the roof, it was chilly. I listened to her steady breathing. In and out, in and out. It was so quiet in the night time air.
But when I looked up, her face was anything but quiet. My heart started to race a little. She was the oddest person I'd ever met.


Joy's POV


When Stanley put his arms around me, I was too relieved to keep quiet. Things seemed to go back to normal..except for the way Stanley's heart was really loud against my ear.
Ba-dump ba-dump ba-dump. It was steady; I leaned into him more.
It got more erratic. It got more distracting. It got me more sleepy.
"Thank you for understanding, Stanley.." I murmurred, my eyes getting heavy.
"No prob, Spirit. Thank you for being safe." His arms tightened. I closed my eyes.
I frowned for a moment and then made it disappear. "It's thanks to you." I said without opening my eyes. He never gave himself credit when he deserved it. To me he was a hero, my best friend, my first---
He started to say something else but by then I had already fallen asleep. The last thing I remember is the steady rhythm of his heart. Ba-dump ba-dump ba-dump ba-dump.


Stanley's POV


My arms loosened slightly. She fell asleep...Sighing, I picked her up, holding her in a princess hold. I jumped from the roof when I heard a crack from behind us. I turned.
"Who goes there?" I call, sounding bored. Joy's smell filled the air, and a low voice chuckled in the shadows of the trees.
"No one that's to be trifled with, Michael. What is that girl in your arms, may I ask?" There was a pause and a deep breath. " Cherries...? Oh very mouth-watering."
"She is mine, beast. And I am no longer this so called Michael you speak of." I stared at the silhoute in the trees.
The thing chuckled again. "You do not know, mage? Ahahaha! What a great surprise! I would love to see the look on your face when I possess her. Better yet use her." It clapped it's hands.
"You'll not have a chance, demon. Come to my territory once more, and you will never see day light again."
The creature stepped out of the trees. His black hair was tied back, hanging to his waist. His rainbow eyes danced with amusement. "But Michael, it's been too long since we've seen each other. Perhaps we could get some tea some time? Or some ale? I love to hear your princess sing over ale." His smile was radiant.
"Go now. It is your last warning." My patience was wearing thin. I'd have to put Joy with the others before I could show him his place. He was staring into my arms.
"Very well, Michael. I will follow your wishes. But what is your name now, do tell?"
"Stanley. Now leave." I was no longer bored with him. He was a threat, a hindrance. He was just like always.
"Stanley.." He murmurred. "But won't you say mine before I leave?" He began to walk away, back into the trees.
"Never." I walked backwards, never taking my eyes off him.
He disappeared and I walked away. Joy's hair tickled my neck, her breath warmed my cold skin. I hugged her closer; nobody would keep this servant from protecting what was his. When I finally got to the caboose, I laid her down next to Lari who instantly snuggled up to her. I leaned down to kiss her forehead.
"I'm glad your safe, princess." A log snapped in the fireplace and ash flurried into the cold air. And as it died out, I whispered his name.
"Daniel." The sound of ghostly laughter sounded outside the caboose. He was back.

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 12.02.2012

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This is to all of the friends in my life that make everyday magical..