"Bye, you two."

Aunt Pia stuck her head out the window while she talked to us. We stood beside her car in the school parking lot.

"I'll see you both after school."

She was being playful; a smile emerging on her face. It was to an attempt to gain a similar reaction from us, but would only be forcing it if we did. Our relationship with aunt was still submerged in the deep- end, leaving space for some awkwardness still.  It would be a while before we floated to to the top and stopped feeling fully uncomfortable with some of the interactions that took place.

Even so... Aunt Pia was doing her best to overcome that barrier, so instead we nodded simultaneously.

Hazel eyes, the color of honey, feel onto the brick buildings behind us before returning her attention back onto us. The key hovered against the ignition momentarily while she hesitated.

"Don't worry," I reassured her. "We'll be fine."

"You sure?" She asked. Orange tinted eye-brows furrowed in concern.

"Yes." I said, confidently. Mom had already taught us to be independent from a young  age. "Just in case I'm not always around,"  she used to say. Now that I look back, maybe she already knew what was coming. It was a talent of hers to know things before other people did.

"Okay," she said. Pushing the key into the ignition and twisting, the Mazda roared to life. Giving her one last wave, she followed the other cars existing and heading back home to change for work.   It had only been three months since they had arrived in Metford, New South Wales. Only seeing her twice when they were little- before loosing contact- I'd come to find out she was a good person in this short time. Aunt Pea was the manager of PetsAreUs, the local animal shelter in Metford. You wouldn't find anyone who was as passionate and invested in the environment and wild life like she was.

Gripping my bag strap for a little courage, I locked eyes with Noah. The same emerald eyes stared back, and we shared a cheeky grin between us. The only other person that shared our eyes was our mother, Anastasia Bridon. And even though she wasn't with us anymore, we carried something of hers for a lifetime.

"Ready?"

"Ready."

I offered my hand out to him, and he slipped his in mine. I squeezed slightly, as if to say: everything will be alright. Walking side by side, we took our first steps into a new school, a new life, and a new beginning.

A lady with glasses, a high ponytail, and a blank face sat at the waiting desk. All her attention was on the computer as she abused the keyboard. I moved closer to Noah before whispering in his ear: "Don't you feel sorry for that keyboard?"

It only took him a second to notice what I was referring to. "Poor keyboard."

"Right?" I emphasized, humorously. A girl seated to our right wore a bored expression, her face shifting to a grin as we passed. Arriving at the counter, the lady immediately spoke up, all without dropping eye contact with the machine. "Verona and Noah Bridon?" She asked. Everything about her was so non-nonchalant when she addressed us.

"Yes." I replied.

"I'm Sandra." Reaching for the two folders beside her, she extended them to us. We both took one and opened it up. "These are your time tables and a map to the school if you can't find your way around. Welcome to Skye-West."

Her explanation over, she pressed a button on the staff phone. Ring. Ring. A deep male voice picked up. "Yes, Sandra?"

"Two students starting today are here to see you." Unlike when talking to us, her voice took on a sweetness that only he emitted from her. "A Noah and Verona Bridon."

It was clear she was hormonal towards him. Noah seemed to think so to; his  lip sealed tight to avoid grinning unintentionally.

Pause. "Ahh... Yes! Send them through."

"As you say sir." The lady hang up, finally looking up from the computer. "Mr Evan's office is the last one on the right." She advised, pointing to a hallway. There were five doors- two on each side, but I could see Mr Evans from here.

#######

"So this is your stop here Miss Verona."

I peaked through the glass and recognized the girl from this morning. She chewed on her pencil out of boredom as she lent back against her chair. Platinum blonde hair framed her face in a bob while she stared off into space- her mind somewhere else entirely.  Someone I'd see myself getting along with. Mr Evans began speaking again, drawing my attention away from the window.

"Noah's medicine is with the office. I've instructed,  that at anytime you or him can come to the office to receive it if something happens. Noah is in building A,  and it is out of bounds for seniors except lunch."

"Thank you, Mr Evans," I told him gratefully.

"No problem at all."  He waved it off. "Just remember what we talked about?"

"Don't get involved with Striker, right?"

"Exactly!" He clamped his hands together, blowing out a breath in relief. "If you do that, there won't be any problems."

"Okay."

There was this nervous energy that came from Mr Evans in relation to Striker. It had my spidery senses tingling, but I couldn't put a name to it. If interacting with this person came from the principle's mouth himself- then he must really be bad news. Which meant I should stay clear of him at all costs if it meant it protected Noah.

"Mr Francis is expecting you. He's already informed the class of your arrival so you'll be directed straight to your seat immediately."

I nodded. Opening the door for me, I went in slowly. Mr Francis gave me a smile before saying, "Your seat is next to Fera in the back." So that's her name. Taking small steps, I adjusted the strap on my bag when I felt some of their eyes on me. One girl especially. Twirling a piece of her ash brown hair  between her fingertips; she assessed me with narrowed eyes.

I grabbed the chair and pulled it out before taking a seat. My head turned to where Fera was sitting beside me. Fera was still lost in space and hadn't noticed me yet. Giving her little table a kick, she jolted in her seat. Shifting her head in my direction ready to say something, her eyes widened in surprise when she realized it was me.

'hi' I mouthed, giving her a small wave. She blinked a few times in an attempt to process what was happening. Then she grinned. I unzipped my bag and took out my English text book laying it on the desk. "Finally!" she leaned in and whispered. "Someone interesting has come along."

Her Topaz eyes practically sparkle in awe. "Fera Cornelia," she says. "And your name?"

"Verona Bridon." I offer, shaking her hand in the process.

"Verona Bridon." She repeats, getting a feel for it on her tongue. "I like it!"

"Fera has a nice ring to it as well."

"Doesn't it?" She exclaims loudly. Mr Francis gives her a glare from the front of the classroom at the disturbance. She shrinks in her chair and gives him a sheepish smile. When the coast is clear again, Fera shifts towards me in her chair and continues.

"See though," she says, "what did I tell you?" Folding her toned arms behind her head, she finishes with: "Interesting."

"I was never one for English," Fera admitted at the end of class. From the sigh she released while shoving her books in her bag with ferocious speed, I could tell she was glad to be rid of the period.

"I'm so glad it's over."

"Really?" I asked, with a small chuckle. "What has English ever done to you?"

"Well..." She pauses, swinging her panda bag over her shoulder. "Let's just say my dog liked it way more then me."

"Your dog ate your homework?" I guessed with a smile.

"Yep." She popped the p displaying all whites. The tip of her lip curved at one side revealing a dimple. It was small, and while not so noticeable,I still felt myself thinking it was cute. I wanted dimples. "Imagine my surprise in the morning when I had to go to school empty handed on the day it was due. So you can't blame me for hating it after that."

"Damn."

I knew someone was looking at me when little shivers traveled down my spine. Scanning the room immediately, I locked gazes with glare queen two rows below. My heart seized in my chest briefly,  at the reality that she had her eyes on me but I couldn't see her. Now that I stared into her chocolate brown eyes, my heart was able to calm down completely. They narrowed at me beneath long eye lashes. Almost like sizing me up.

That didn't go well with me at all. I was more unappreciative with the  grimace plastered on her full lips. I felt my eyes harden as I slipped my bag onto my shoulder. The material dug into my skin  but I ignored it,  preoccupied.  My expression must have communicated the sick feeling in my stomach, because her lip twitched in annoyance when I slipped my bag onto my shoulder.

"That girl has a real problem." Fera clicked her tongue, making no effort to hide her pity. She treated it like the girl was beyond helping. Maybe she is, I thought humorlessly.  "Don't worry about it," she patted my shoulder. "Come on."

Following pursuit, I made it my mission to dodge tables and chairs with her before we exited the class. The classroom was made filled with three rows and two available walk ways. Fera didn't take the path(which would have been the logical answer),  but went through the rows instead. We emerged into a hallway bustling with students.

Conversations bounced off the walls, students littering the space as they zipped past each other to the cafeteria. The one thing I liked about Skye-West was the old structure. Inside,  the walls were made out of cement and painted in a light grassy green. On the exterior, it was bricked walls and cobblestones for pathways. Glare Queen chipped at my brain every second Fera told me not to worry about it.

 "Who is she, anyway?" I blurted.

"Who?"

"The girl from before."

"You mean Electra Soulsberry?"

I still preferred Glare Queen better. "Yeah... her."

She hooked her arm around my shoulders suddenly.  I felt my eyes widen in surprise as I looked at her. Blue stared uncertainly at me, not knowing if her actions were appropriate or not.  When I didn't squirm from her hold, deciding I quite liked it, we picked up pace again. From the corner of my eye, Fera wore a proud grin. Everything about Fera so far told me she was an easy-going person. From the warm expressions, sweet voice filled with enthusiasm, and playful nature; she made you want to be around her.

"Electra Soulsberry is only Striker's new conquest."

She rolled her eyes like it was all overrated. As for me, I was attempting to rap my head around the conquest part.

"You make it sound like it's a common occurrence."

"Because it is," she said matter-of-fact. "But not that it can bother much people here. Girls love to swarm to him, and boys have to let it go- whether they like it or not. Story sold short, Striker Cunningham is this schools leader."

Striker Cunningham, the school leader. Well how about that. This all felt like some kind of  ridiculous movie scenario. I had the urge to just break into a fit of historical laughter.

"Talking about Striker." She pointed her chin in the direction of the wall just before the double doors leading to the cafeteria. A group of seniors occupied the space along with Electra. She stood beside the guy against the wall in the center, one leg over the other- owning his comfortableness. He wore black skinny jeans that hugged his bronze skin; a white singlet under a leather jacket that complimented his lean body, and black Nike shoes.

Something about the way he carried himself in the space stole my attention. As if he knew nothing could hurt him. It was unnerving. Butterflies began to  reside in my chest.

You should stop looking now Verona. I'd been staring for a good four minutes now.  Reaching where  they were, it made it easier to see him through the opening more closely.

Striker felt my gaze bore into him, and there was no time to regret my actions when his head lifted to find me looking at him. Should have stopped. Dark brown-like wet bark- studied me calmly. Striker kept his expression neutral-not giving any hint to what he was thinking. My gaze kept strong, not faltering or trying to avoid the deepness his eyes seemed to posses.

Soon his friends seemed to copy noticing his distraction. They all stared silently, shattering my eye contact with him."Where not desserts you can eat, Bailey." Fera's voice dripped with sarcasm.  "I suggest diverting your eyes."

A guy with ash-brown hair and a smile plastered on his olive skin, flickered his eyes to Fera. From my perpetual vision, Fera challenged him with a glare while we walked. "I could eat you up all the same." He replied, clearly amused. "How about it doll?" He sent down the hall as we passed them.

"Yeah"- A slender finger pointed the middle finger at them over her head- "over my dead body!" oohs could be heard above his chuckle. Feeling her arm tighten around me, she dragged me into the cafeteria rolling her eyes at their exchange. Communicating one thing with her eyes, her secret grin she tried to contain said another.

############

Fera popped a scoop of strawberry yogurt into her mouth. We sat at the back of the cafeteria less populated with people. "Mmm," she groaned in glee, dying a little more on the inside. It was impossible not to be fascinated by her love for yogurt across the table. Fera was the first I encountered whom enjoyed yogurt to the point of worship.

"Is it that good?" I asked with an incredulous tone. Today the cafeteria  offered salad, lasagna or fish and chips. Of course I went with the chips option. Fera went with salad and yogurt that she brought especially from home.  Taking a fry, I brought it up to my face, studying it for a moment, before dipping it in tomato sauce and popping it in my mouth.

It was a habit I took up after mom died. I'd come to admire the little things around me, studying them and just appreciating that they belonged to my world. Having gone through grief, you tended to find a way to cope with everything- for me, it was this method. I wouldn't take anything for granted ever again. That's why Noah was one and only precious brother which would have my protection for as long as I lived. I wonder how his lunch is going?

"Ummhah," she spat out best she could with the spoon in her mouth. "Itsdabwesttingever."

"Ahh huh." I replied slowly, pretending to agree with her. Fera gave me a dumbstruck expression. Taking the spoon out of her mouth, she pointed at me with such seriousness.

"Your loss. One day you'll come apologizing on your knees when you realize what your missing out on."

"I doubt-"

"Are you Verona Bridon?" Someone squawked in a high pitched voice. Expecting a unfriendly encounter, I give Fera an uneasy look. She returns it with a tight smile. Turning our heads, Electra hovers next to our table with two other figures. They cloud her sides, hands planted on their hips while she takes the fore-front.

"Who's asking?"

"This has nothing to do with you." Her palm raises to face Fera. "Stay out of it." At the quick dismissal on Electra's part, the snickers from the barbies behind her start to cloud my hearing. Eventually, it's all I can hear, the sound exploding in my ears irking me the wrong way. I may have only met Fera today, but the need to protect her against their obvious attempt to embarrass her was most important right now.

"What do you want?" I asked angrily. My anger was directed at the platinum and crimson barbies behind her. Noticing the darkness in my emerald eyes and the tick in my jaw while I glared at them, their snickers seized to exist. I managed to make them shrink back in fear from what I'd do to them. Electra briefly looked over her shoulder at them. She was clearly displeased at how easy they crumbled.

"I got something to make real clear." She announced, her gaze burning the side of my cheek.

"Do you now?" Fera countered sarcastically.

Electra sent her a glare,  before focusing back on me. Placing a hand on the table, she supported herself while she leaned down to meet me face to face. Our noses where at touching distance, her breath fanning over my face. It was an attempt to scare me, but it was nothing compared to my uncle. "I saw the way  you looked at Striker." She whispered with disgust. Her eyes studied for my reaction.  "Don't think for a second that just because he gave you a little look it means anything."

"Never. Even. Crossed. My mind." I replied nonchalant. Electra's eyes darkened at my indifference to Striker. Retracting from me, she returned to standing regaining from what little I gave her.

"It better stay that way." She pointed a finger at me, resulting to threatening.

"Aw!" Fera babied in a low voice. "Is liddle widdle Electra nervous that she won't be Striker's favorite pet anymore?"

"Seriously!" Electra blurted, whipping her neck in her direction. "You never  seem to mind your own business. Don't think that your all that just because you hide behind your cousin. He has a life to live as well."

My intuition shouted that there was history between her and Electra. The air was tense with their silent friction. Fera formed a fist on the table at Electra's retort. A raged storm brewed in her eyes, while she exhaled a breath.

"Sorry to disappoint, but I choose who becomes my business. And in this case-Verona Bridon is my business. So. Get. Lost."

Electra tensed,  caught of guard by the steely edge in her voice. I naturally held my breath while she spoke-hanging onto every word.  I was seeing  a new side of her today, and this one scared me the most.

"Anyway." She swallowed and cleared her throat. "Stay away from Striker if you know what's best for you."

"Stay away from me if you know what's best for you."

Fera interjected sharply. Electra avoided direct eye contact with her, settling her attention on me instead. Not daring anymore confrontation with her, she turned away quickly and tried to escape.

"Oh, and Electra."

Electra halted in her footsteps like she'd whipped her. Her posture turned rigid every second that Fera didn't speak.

"At least my cousin loves me. Does Striker love you?"

Fera was out to draw blood at that jab. I saw Electra's hand grip her skirt tightly. And even though I didn't see her expression, I could imagine it was hurt. Fera waited patiently for her answer.

"I thought so." She commented, when Electra stormed off keeping her silence.  In that moment I genuinely felt sorry for her. I couldn't imagine what I'd do if my brother didn't love me back. It was an unimaginable thought and I was shutting it off before even thinking about it. Everyone deserved to be loved- even someone like Electra. It wasn't right for Fera to use that as a weakness, but there was much more to the story that I didn't know.

Then I became to this conclusion: Skye-West was filled with dangerous people. Should have just went to Eastwood, Noah.

We pass the white mansion, standing tall behind large black fences guarding the property when I know we are nearly at Aunt Pia's house. I grip my phone in my hand looking down at Fera's details displayed on the screen. My cheeks begin to sting from grinning so much. I feel like a kid who just got given her favourite ice cream.

"Hold up!" She had called, slipping past people to reach me. I turned around at the sound of her voice. By the time she stood in front of me, her chest rose up and down while she attempted to regain her breath. As quick as a viper, she darted for my hand, opened my fingers and slipped a paper into my hand.

"Call me anytime." She winked. Her gaze then shifted to Noah standing beside me, who looked at our exchange with curiosity. She looked him up and down before displaying a smile and extended her hand. "The names Fera. And you are?"

They had extended names and exchanged conversation before Fera made her exit. She managed to whisper in my ear that she approved of him before running off. With her sandy blonde hair and quirky personality; she made being friends with her exciting. It was good to know that she got along with my brother.

A small finger poked the dip of my dimple and it grabbed my attention. Cranning my kneck to the side, I saw him staring at me with knowing eyes.

"What?" I asked, playing oblivious. I focused my attention on his collar not able to look him in the face out of shyness.

"Hmm." He drew his face closer while he studied me in determined concentration. I felt my cheeks flush at how hard he was trying to figure out what was causing my happiness. Something must have given it away because he leaned back in his seat and chuckled. The sound was sweet as chocolate.

"I like your friend." He admitted, with a smile.

"Yeah?" I said, unsurely. I wanted his validation.

"She's nice."

"That's what I noticed about her too. I just met her today, but she's a lot of fun."

He nudged my elbow while sending me a wink.

Noah had a knack for differentiating the good people from the bad in a crowd. Maybe because his own heart was fragile, he was talented in reading other people's hearts. His approval of Fera meant that she was a good person. It was the best thing that could occur today. Moving forward, I hoped the good things continued.

+++++++++++

I lay on the leather sofa beside Noah. We were watching an episode of Spongebob, our legs spread out on the coffee table in front of us. If there was one charm of this house, it was that most of the furniture was from the eighties. Considering Drew worked as an antique appraiser, it was only natural he'd taken a liking in the period and added a flare to his own place. It wasn't like the modern style that we were familiar with, but I loved the homely-feel this furniture seemed to bring and loved it all the same.

The dread of having to unpack our things led us to spending our time in the living room. Moving around had been a constant presence in our lives and soon or later we both came to loathe anything that had to do with packing.

"Patrick has always been my favourite."

"Come on!" I complained. "Squidward is obviously the best." To further empathise my point, I knock my foot against his on the table. He gives me a side-wood glance before returning the action, but slightly harder.

"Oh, is that so?"

"Uh-huh," I nod. "How could you not laugh at his futile attempts to avoid Sponge-bob and Patrick?"

"You have a point there."

"Of course I do, " I tell him, banging my chest with dramatic pride. He only shakes his head at my drama. The sound of keys clinking together signals that Aunt Pia is back from work. She rummages around the kitchen before entering the living room.

"I see you're watching Spongebob."

"Yep."

"Let me guess," Aunt Pia pinches her chin in thought. It doesn't even take her a minute to have the answer. "Episode 28?" she guesses.

"You're a Spongebob fan?" I ask, half in amusement and half in surprise.

" You didn't think it was just you guys who sit in front of the TV with your mom watching Spongebob, did you. It was me and your mom who first started the tradition. I may be old darling. But not that old."

Well... that was a dumb question. Noah and I both shared a look and mouthed 'wow'.

"Anyway." She walks to the glass table, grabs the remote and switches the TV off, the screen going black. I feel my eyes widen and my jaw dislocate as I look between her and the TV.

How could she?

Aunt Pia notices and only shakes her head at me, her lips breaking out into a smirk.

Why do I feel that everyone has been shaking their head at me lately? I'm not sure whether I should feel concerned or not.

"We're going out."

"Why?" We ask, simultaneously.

"Because-" she reasons. "Teens shouldn't be trapped in the house all day. And besides, I haven't shown you Metford yet."

That was true. Plus, I was going to be living here for a long time, might as well get familiar with the place.

"How about we all get going?" She points in the direction of the garage with her thumb.

+++++++++++++++++

According to aunt Pia, Metford was a town that both contained the rich and poor. Every year many tourists and workers from the mine would come through the town that it practically served everything for both lifestyles. To the north included: clubs, bars, hotels, cinemas and arcades. Whereas, the south had more parklands, cafes, restaurants and car yards.

We walked through Central Square the dead centre of South Metford.

"Just take a seat here." She led us to a bench near a juice stall. "I need to post-visit the post office for a while and I know that would bore you too. I'll come back after I'm done."

"Will you be able to manage with the shopping bags?"

She held a bag full of groceries in each hand.

"Don't worry, this is not a problem for me."

I nodded hesitantly.

"Are you guys going to be fine with me leaving you?"

"We'll be fine."

"Okay," she nodded. "If you want to have a look around, you can do that too. Just make sure your back here in fifteen minutes."

"Will do."

She gave a final wave goodbye before disappearing around the bend.

I lay my back against the bench and just stared at the surroundings around me. I loved the feeling of just sitting and doing nothing. The world kind of stood still while I watched other people going about their lives. You could call it a peaceful quietness.

"Sis, I'm just going to find a bathroom."

"Okay." I nodded, not really paying attention. My focus was on a mom and her child. She wiped the face of the boy which was messy from ice cream. It reminded me of when mom would do the same for me when I was young. Back when she was still- I gulped, dismissing the thought.

I look beside me expecting to see Noah. Except he isn't there. Slipping out my phone, I press 1 on the dial pad set to call his number. The bringing sound starts and his ringtone plays.

It's Noah, here. Jokes. I'm not at the phone right now, please leave a short message and I'll get back to you

Hanging up, search the crowd for familiar blonde hair and the same eyes as mine. Nowhere to be seen. I can't help the leap of my heart at the thought something might have happened to him.

I must look for him.

And so that is what I do.

+++++++++++

My legs are beginning to hurt by the time I reach an alleyway at the back of a restaurant called Guza Gomei. It's the last place I think to search having scored nearly all the areas of the plaza. Noah is not one to roam down alleyways normally, but a bad feeling in my gut is the push I need to continue.

Strangely enough, I hear voices the deeper I go.

"Who are you to butt into our business?"

"I'm just someone walking by and it seems like that is a body below you."

I would recognise that soft and playful tone in his voice anywhere.

That's Noah's voice and it seems like a heated conversation from the frustration in the other man's tone. For now, I decide to hide behind a dumpster that is still far enough but gives me a clear view of the scene when I poke my head around the side. Sometimes rushing into a situation is not always the best solution.

Noah stands in front of two teenagers about my age. They tower over him, patting wooden baseballs against their heads, their expressions turning dark as they sneer at him. I focus on Noah, who shifts his head between them and off to the side behind them.

That's when I notice a third body leaning against a fence behind them. The raven-haired boy holds his ribs with a scrunched face that looks to be in pain. I didn't know the details of the situation but Noah's involvement clicked into place. He tended to have a hero- complex and jumped into any situation that showed injustice on an individual or animal.

"Trust me, boy." The ugliest goon warned. "You want to walk away right now before I beat you to a pulp." He then slowly started approaching my brother and his friend followed.

And this is where you need to think of something. I reminded myself. Popping back around the corner I searched my brain for anything. Just one idea, even. Then it hit me. Taking out my phone I opened up my videos where I knew a recording of NCIS would be there. Opening the file I set it to the exact time in the video that I needed. "This should do it," I mumbled.

Inhaling a lungful of air, I jumped out from behind the dumpster and yelled, "Hold on!"

"What now." They snarled, shifting their attention to me who slowly walked to my brother's side. He still stared at the figure leaned against the fence with concern. They halted at the sign of my appearance.

"I called the cops," I told them. "They will be here soon."

The taller one wearing an ACDC shirt halted and considered my words very carefully. "And why do I feel like you're lying?" He fished, but I caught the uncertainty he was poor at hiding.

"Well, for one, this here is my brother and I do what I must to protect my brother. And secondly, it seems like the guy behind you was beaten unfairly." I shake my head while clucking my tongue. "That is just not on." My finger taps down on the play button and on queue police sirens can be heard from the clip.

"Oh, that will be them," I add slowly. It's the determining factor that tips the situation to my favour. I see both of them stiffen and eye each contemplating whether to fight or flight.

"This is not over, Presley. Until next time." The goons shift on the balls of their feet before they are dashing away in the opposite direction. I finally relax, my fake bravado slipping away. From beside me, Noah sprints to the boy at the fence.

"Are you okay?"

"A bit bruised. But I'll be okay." He coughs, spitting out blood before wiping it on his t-shirt. "Would you guys be able to help me up?"

"Of course," Noah says, and issues me to grab his other arm. We circle his arms around our necks before we help carry him out of the alleyway one step at a time. We find the nearest seat available and help him to take a seat. People look at the scene around us some gasping while others looking without surprise. Like they are somehow used to seeing someone bloody and battered. The idea makes my belly sink.

Noah goes to pull out his phone to call an ambulance but Presley dashes a hand out.

"No, " he shakes his head, his voice stern. "Not the ambulance. Not yet, anyway."

Noah nods, tight-lipped. Presley has a look of relief before moving his hand back and instead reaching for a phone in his jacket pocket. Opening it slowly, he dials a number placing it to his ear. He waits for a second.

"James. Bad news. I've been ambushed by Striker's boys. I'm not in the best condition. Okay, you too."

He pulls the phone away from his ear and hangs up. He looks to be thinking something, his attention far away before he is back to the present. Presley looks up at us under long eyelashes and sky-grey eyes. It appears as if he has forgotten we are still standing here. "What were your names again?"

"Mine is Noah and this is my sister."

His gaze falls on me, before he says, "thank you for saving me. James will reward you somehow."

"And who is this James."

"Just someone who wants to express his gratitude."

"Okay?"

"Now, if you don't excuse me, I have to get myself to a hospital." He rises from the chair, one arm wrapped around the chair acting as support.

"Lets us help you." Noah insists but Presley shakes his head.

"No, that's alright. I don't want you to be seen with me any longer then you have."

I didn't like the sound of that. So before Noah could protest, I grabbed hold of his arm and whispered in his ear: "Aunt Pia will be back any second now, we have to go back."

"But-"

"No buts," I told him.

"Okay." He agreed, hesitantly.

"I hope you make it to the hospital fine. It was good that I came when I did. If you don't mind, we will take our leave now."

"Sure." He smiled, acting oblivious to the fact that I wanted to be away from him. "Maybe, I'll see you guys around sometime."

I hope not.

"Yeah..." I faked a smile. "Maybe."

Not wasting any more time, I dragged Noah away with me by his arm. It was about time we got back to Aunt Pia. Stuff blood, and anything else.