Chapter 31 - Finding Pieces (Faith POV) Pt.1

Detention wasn't something I thought of or had ever considered something I would be serving. When I was on the mountain, in the safe house, I answered to myself. There were no repercussions if I slacked on some homework, or didn't read enough, or watched a movie in bed instead of reading from the textbook. I was my own regulator.

However now that I was living in this world, where at seventeen, I wasn't considered an adult especially when I grew up the way I had, adults were making decisions for me left and right. It wasn't as bad as many would expect though, the adults around me here, in a confusing world seemed to help me navigate better I believed. There was so much I didn't know that when they told me something even though I was lacking complete trust and faith in their words, taking everything with a grain of salt it still felt easier.

So for running off and skipping school, instead of being expelled, I was getting detention. So after my last class, instead of heading to Samson's car, I went to the office for the lady behind the counter to give me a slip, that I'd have to let the teacher sign, and return after I had served each detention.

So looking at the slip, Mr. Romas - Volunteer Tutor - basement room 24.

The woman behind the desk laughed, "You'll probably be the only student - and between you and me, Mr. Romas will let you leave a bit early," she had said kindly. So with a sigh, I went down the stairs, unable to hear a single sound, counting the numbers on the doors, until the one I wanted was right in front of me, my books ready so I could just study and complete homework for the hour and half. Opening the door, the room slightly darker than I was expecting, it takes my eyes a beat or two to adjust; however when I do, I see two people clearly in a intimate embrace.

Jumping back away from one another, their eyes wide and in shock, the man takes a step back from the girl, clearing his throat, his Adam's apple bobbing. The girl, her face, seemed to be turning a bright red, she turned away from me, a whimper escaping her before the man came forth, "Hello, I'm Mr. Romas but everyone calls me Luca - I only volunteer tutor here," I nodded.

"I'm supposed to spend my detention with you," I replied, while looking at him, my eyes danced to the girl behind him. She looked worried, frightened which instantly put me on guard. "Well then-" he smiled but it was fake, "you're in the right place... none of the other teachers actually want to hold detention so I'm usually the one that gets it," he explained although I didn't ask.

"You can take a seat..." his arms waved around at all the empty tables, "well anywhere as you can see it's only you and Imogen here," my eyes darted to the girl that was now wiping at her lips. Still in my same spot, I inspected his face, noting the smudge lip-gloss on his lips, that looked to be the same one the girl - Imogen was fixing.

Finding the table nearest to the door, I set my bag down, while Mr. Romas - Luca - turned the lights above all the way on. "I'll be right back," he said striding out of the room, leaving Imogen and I alone.

Pulling out my books needed, I started on my work, ignoring the movement from Imogen, but my mind wondering if she was in trouble... had I just interrupted this Mr. Romas from hurting her? Pulling a chair out she sat down right in front of me, the chair scraping against the ground, "Are you okay?" I finally asked when she reached for a pen but her hands were shaking, barely able to hold it.

Although it was when I looked up into her eyes that I saw the fear, "Was - was he going to hurt you?" I asked in a low whisper, not getting the response I thought I'd get, Imogen shook her head from side to side furiously.

"Uhm... no... Luca wasn't... I mean... what did you see?"

I rested back looking at her, again. The fear more prevalent in her eyes now, while she was questioning how much I saw going on, please Tezcatlipoca, please Tezcatlipoca, the words were almost shouted inside my head, making me lean forward, the throbbing felt all down my neck and spine.

The voice sounding like Imogen in my head, begging, pleading.

"Ohhh," I groaned and just as the whimper left my mouth the shouting of words from her stopped, "are you okay?" she questioned worriedly. My hand holding my head, "hmmm," I moaned out, gasping as the throbbing lessened.

"I'm Imogen," she whispered when I finally looked up, but I already knew her name. Although that just reminded me that she probably wanted to know my name in return, the lessons' with Nova working. "I'm Faith," I whispered not wanting to go louder than that.

"Please don't tell anyone what you saw..." her eyes filled with tears, "He - Luca wasn't going to hurt me, that's not what you saw," she blurted out and her aqua bluish green eyes were glassy and her bottom lips shook.

"Tell who what?" I asked genuinely confused.

She looked past me, "No one can find out... it's... he's not a teacher here but... a lot of people would be hurt if they knew..."

"Then why would you continue?" I questioned, not understanding what was going on.

"We love each other," she whispered, just as Mr. Luca returned to the room, ending the conversation between Imogen and I.

However for the next hour, I could feel the two of them, focused on me even though I never once lifted my head, avoiding them both, until it was time to go and I had him sign my note before rushing to the office and handing in the detention slip. I hadn't really figured out what anything going on with them meant, but the next day when I went for my detention slip, it didn't say Mr. Romas on it, instead it read Dr. Farmer.

The Wednesday before thanksgiving after my detention, I walked quickly to Samson's waiting car, the warmth heavenly. Before he even moved the car though, taking one of my hands in his, a small smile on his face, he rubbed his two larger hands against mine. "There's a lot of preparing going on at home, so I was wondering if you wanted to take a drive down to Eugene? We can go pick you up a thicker jacket, warmer clothes like you said?" he asked unsure, but hopeful.

I was nodding before he even finished the question, and when Samson finally released my hand he only did so to grab something from behind my seat. Placing an album on my lap, his body turned towards me... his face red.

"So you know that mom's been preparing the house for well thanksgiving and the twins birthday this week, we have a lot of family coming for the weekend-" my eyes widened when I thought of Cynthia. She would be there? She was part of the family...

"Hey... hey... Fatima... Cynthia," he said her name pulling me from my thoughts, "She won't be coming..." my brows knitted together in confusion.

"Mom wants this holiday to go smoothly for you, so without telling them not to come she made it happen in a turnabout way, they won't be here for thanksgiving this year," his words only made me wonder how Kalenah had happened to keep them away especially when Samson said holidays were a big affair in their home.

"We all care about you Fatima, we want you to have this experience, and be happy," he said clearing his throat, his eyes darting to the album he placed on me. "Which why I made you this book..." with my hand in his, I used my free one to open the book. "We have a lot of family, it can be overwhelming, but you're part of us now too, I wanted to just give you something so you can see who everyone is before they start arriving tonight and you're on edge and worried," Samson rambled.

I wasn't sure how much the book he gave me would help; the house had nearly fifteen people when it wasn't a holiday, and this was looking to be about another forty or so pages. But I was thankful he thought of it, so I nodded, "thank you Samson," I whispered looking away when he continued to stare at my face.

"Okay, so I thought you could look over this, and I'll drive us to Eugene... we can have a late dinner there and then just drive home... warmer clothes and a winter jacket in our possessions?" again, his upbeat attitude, made it impossible for me not to smile right along with him.

With the music down low, Samson drove while I looked at the different pictures, learning about his family. Like how his mom only had two sisters, and his father had three brothers, and two sisters as well. That the uncle that had taken care of my burn, Dr. Trevor Conrad who was still single, had fathered a child for their sister Angela and her partner Courtney - two twins Tyler and Shelly. The children now seven knew basically that he was their dad, but he was just Uncle Trevor.

I learned that I would be meeting two sets of grandparents, Kalenah and Ansel's. That all together he had twenty cousins' but only fifteen would be at the house, everyone spread out between the rooms, but the cousins could all sleep in the room with built in bunks and sleeping bags. That for the actual thanksgiving meal, many would be coming over, since Kalenah enjoyed having everyone around, and she had the house that was in the middle of everyone's home, which meant everyone traveled the same distance.

When we had made it through the booklet he made, I sighed heavily, so many people. For me large numbers were frightening... "I won't let anyone hurt you, in fact, Harleigh, Thaddeus, Talia, Brennan, and I all are going to be sleeping in the room across from yours, that way, no one that you aren't comfortable with, will be on your floor," he said side glancing at me, while still holding onto my left hand as he drove.

"So while we're at Eugene... you gonna pick something up for Amy and Simon? Need help finding a gift for them?" Samson changed the topic quickly.

I shook my head before I realized that he couldn't see me as he drove, "Uh, no... I made Amy her gift, and I bought something for Simon the first time we went shopping, Amy too, actually," I said still worrying that the dresses wouldn't be what Amy thought or had wanted.

"You made Amy her gift?" he stressed again in surprising.

"Yeah... is that wrong?" I used to make Dmitri gifts all the time. Throwing out a small chuckle, he shook his head, tighten his grip my hand he still head, "No, that's not wrong, I'm sure they'll love whatever you made, but don't be surprised if your praises are sung for the entire weekend," he snorted.

In a small voice, no louder than the radio playing, I replied.

"Dmitri used to do that... whatever small thing I made for him with things he brought for me, he'd spend days thanking me, saying it was the best gift he had ever gotten."

I knew that wasn't true though... I had made little things that weren't professionally made, how could anything I made compare to what he could buy? Although, Dmitri had made me things as well... things I could never find in any store, with flaws and all. I guess I liked that too... so if I did, maybe he liked my handmade items for that reason alone? They were handmade and they had flaws. Flaws you couldn't find on something professionally made.

Flaws were a good thing I decided, I had them...

***

"A lot of this will probably be on sale after Thanksgiving," Samson said as we walked around the Macys store, one snowboarding wear, a longer down jacket that went down to my knees, while a lighter shorter one was on his arms as well.

"Why?" I asked distracted, looking for the winter boots shoes in my size; already finding one that had was so soft I couldn't believe they were actually shoes. "Oh... well its called black Friday and there are different deals you can find, most of the good stuff are electronics," Samson said offhanded.

Once I had my size in all what I wanted we walked to the cashiers, paying for my items, bringing them to the car before we went to a small pizzeria.

"Want to share a pizza?" Samson asked, looking over the menu, his phone ringing, he pulled it out before muting it and putting it away again. "Is it Kalenah?" I asked but he shook his head, leaving it at that.

"Are you still nervous about meeting the rest of the family?" he asked when the older woman came took our order and left, leaving two waters. I took a sip, "It's not that I'm nervous of meeting your family, it's more the numbers," I said keeping it honest.

"It's too much to concentrate on," which was more to the point.

"They aren't going to hurt you," he said softly, his voice begging me to understand but not pushing either, "But it's going to take time right?" he asked him self I think.

"I mean... so far... I think once you experience it, that's when it helps you see there is no danger?" I nodded in agreement. He was right, even though I tried my best, the easiest way to see the truth he spoke was experiencing it. Even then all my worries never went away.

"You don't have to spend the whole time with us, I mean I'd like to spend some of it with you," his ears darkened and his voice went impossible lower, "But no one expects you to put up with the whole family all weekend..." I nodded, tired just thinking about all the people that I would be meeting.

Not eating much, only a slice when the restaurant became packed, Samson asked for a to-go box, paying for our meal, he placed his hand out once again. Taking it naturally, we started the drive back home, which went faster than the trip going to Eugene.

When we were on the familiar road leading to the main house, Samson sighed, "Want to watch a movie or are you too tired?" I took a minute to think, I wanted to spend more time with him although I was entirely exhausted. After a long day at school and a long day at the mall, I'm sure after a warm shower I would be ready to sleep as my head hit the pillow and it was already close to eleven. Still, "We can put a movie on, but I might fall sleep," I decided.

"Then one comedy it is," he said cheerfully, his voice kind, soft like a caress. "If you aren't ready to meet everyone, just head on up, I'll carry all your things to your room, okay?" he offered when we pulled into the garage. Lost in thought, contemplating his offer, Samson had already came to my door and was stooped next to me, his patient smile waiting for me.

"What if... they don't like me? Do they know I'm not like you?" I whispered leaning forward, so close our nose could be touching. Swallowing thickly, his eyes darkening right before me, Samson shook his head, "They know you're different, but that doesn't matter, not to them and not to me," his voice changing, his eyes roaming over my face, still skeptical I lifted a brow.

A small chuckle in response, and Samson closed his eyes breathing deeply, inhaling as he scooted up, kissing the top of my head, before offering me his hand to exit the car, my body trapped between him and the Infiniti. "Shower, I'll heat our Pizza and then movie? With Tea?" my chest racing, the pounding of my heart the same volume of his voice, distracting me, until I'm nodding and I'm not even sure what he asked me.

A slow pursuit, soft lips kiss my cheek and I gasp at the spark I feel when his lips connect with my face, his scent strong, washing over me. He pulls away, going to the trunk and getting my things all in his arms and the pizza in the other. I follow behind him utterly distracted, which I'm sure was his plan to begin with... the only person in the kitchen when we entered was Kalenah and an older woman, with her features.

"Oh you're precious!" the older woman gasps standing and Samson stands in front of me slightly blocking her approach. Not at all deterred the woman pushes him aside, "move boy," she smiles as she speaks, and I guess it was only meant to be playful. But unsure, I take a step back before she can take a step my way. My arms empty, my mind screaming at me to run, but I know and remember Samson saying that they were fast, even the women. Although they couldn't shift, that didn't prevent the enhanced speed, sight, hearing or olfactory abilities.

"Mom," Kalenah said with a sharp voice and the smile on the woman dropped slightly, but she held her position, not approaching me. Still frightened, I take one more step towards the door Samson and I entered from, but Kalenah sidesteps the woman, "Faith, this is my mother Bess," I nod remembering the picture Samson had made in his little booklet.

Cutting off my view of the woman completely, Kalenah smiled, "Did you have fun?" she engages with me completely, but still my voice is trapped. I can only nod as I calm my racing heart, "I see you bought jackets?" she eyes' the bags Samson's holding.

"Why don't you go on up, you're looking so tired, I'm sure you just want to crawl into bed and rest your eyes," she says softly. Walking the long way I nod at her mother before dashing up the stairs, racing to my room, knowing without looking that Samson was hot on my trail. Entering my room, I noted that the door to the room across mine was open, inside a light shadow from the Television, a few green blow up couches were on either side of the bed, and in front all facing television.

What I didn't expect was to see; Harleigh, Thaddeus, Talia and Brennan, but Devin, Taylor, and Javier were in the room with Paige as well. Even after just seconds I could tell something was wrong there.

"Hey guys - how was Eugene?" Thaddeus asked which then alerted everyone and the group all turned to face us.

I nodded, with a small smile, "Are you guys coming to watch? We just started this movie," Brennan asked, "we can wait for you," he offered but I shook my head, ducking into my room.

"What about you Samson?" I heard Taylor ask from behind me, "No, Fatima and I are going to watch something else in her room," I turned to point that he could put everything on my sofa, seeing him answer Taylor without turning to face her.

"You mind if I shower after you?" he asked in a low voice, while I started packing my things away, shaking my head I dropped my purchased on the sofa, heading for the shower with a change of clothes. I still had bandages on my burns, so covering them up, changing them after I finished showering, I dressed and put my hair in a towel before exiting the bathroom, to find Samson on my chair, his own clothes and towel in his hands.

But as I stand before him, Samson looks from my legs going slowly up until he finally reaches my eyes, his mouth curling into a smirk, before standing and striding past me to my bathroom. The pizza on a large platter, making my mouth water and two cups of tea, sit next to one another. Sitting where he was, I reach for a slice of pizza, and one cup of tea, eating slowly, until I had consumed three small slices, finished my tea and opened a bottle of water sipping unhurriedly.

By the time I finished the bottle Samson came out of my bathroom, smelling of my body wash and shampoo, his hair wet and a light blue towel trying to dry it off. His eyes light, danced from my spot on the bed, to the pizza and empty cup. He doesn't say anything, but a small smile plays on his lips, probably happy that I ate without him, I shrugged a shoulder, "I was hungry..." I muttered softly but that only increased the small smile playing on his soft lips.

Focusing on them, I lifted my hand to where he kissed my cheek earlier, "you okay over there?" his voice low.

"Yes."

***

***

Samson POV

"Mom, I told you not to startle the girl, she's already nervous around us and she's been living her for nearly three months," my mother chastised her own. But my nana only shook her head as I came down the stairs, "I didn't think being friendly would scare her more," I snorted loudly.

"Yeah... ignoring her would probably make her feel more comfortable," I blurted out, heating water so I could make two cups of tea. Nana turned to me, a small smile on her face, her gaze making me shift my body to avoid her eyes.

"You like the girl?" Nana gasped, while mom just giggled as I felt my face flush completely under their stares. "And how does she feel about you?" her question making me redder than before, which only answered her question I'm sure. Hurrying, I carried the not heated pizza and tray of tea upstairs, into Fatima's room, before heading next door for my suitcase of things I had packed and moved so that I wouldn't have to go back and forth to my room.

"Are you sure you don't want to watch with us?" Taylor asked again, making me sigh, "it's tradition, we always watch movies..." she continued speaking while from the corner of my eye I could see Harleigh just shaking her head.Traditions?  Taylor and Devin were here because mom and dad were letting those two play out their viciousness.

"Well I'm looking to start new traditions Taylor," I said, grabbing my towel and sleep clothes, while Talia snorted and Devin, surprisingly never took her eyes from the television. Not even giving me a glance, while Brennan - unbeknownst to Devin - watched her. Even after everything... I shake my head.

Grabbing one of the blowup sofa couches, along with a blanket, and pillow I carried them to Fatima's room, locking her door and sitting waiting for her to exit her bathroom. When she did, in shorts and a t-shirt, her legs bare and creamy, her heart racing as I gazed unabashed, a smirk grew on my face. Entering her shower, her scent washing over me, I inhaled deeply the steam and hot water washing over me, pelting on my back as I closed my eyes using her shampoo and scented body wash. Under the water, her scent tightening a coil in my stomach, I shivered as I seemed to get all the more hotter, until I realized the heat was pure desire for the girl on the other side of the door.

The beast inside, craving what was right out there. Sighing, I turned the water all the way to cold; I wouldn't take advantage of Fatima that way. I knew that she found me attractive, knew that she felt some sort of connection to me, but I knew that everything was going to be on her time table, as excruciating as that felt right now. The truth was, I had no experience - yes I had taken girls out on dates, but that was all, I had no idea how to be anyone's boyfriend, anymore than Fatima knew how to be a girlfriend.

It was an even field for us both. Everything was new for me, but not only did I want to be her friend, I wanted her. I had been honest with her, for now, all I wanted was some time with her like today.

When my body was finally cooled, I stepped out of the shower, dressing and exiting her bathroom, my eyes dancing over to the slices of pizza missing and the tea from one cup gone. Even though I had suggest a comedy I brought up the movie she said was her favorite, 16 Candles, showing her the case, I smile, beaming inside with her reaction.

It was already midnight when I placed the DVD in her player, but turning to Fatima I asked, "Do you mind if I sleep in here? I brought one of the sleeping chairs..." I pointed to the blue thing that I just had to plug in and watch inflate. "You want to sleep in here?" Fatima asked again as though I hadn't really explained when I had.

"if you don't mind, if you do that's fine - I'll leave when the movie's over," I offered her an out, I would always do that. "It's your room after all," I rambled on when she seemed to be having a hard time deciding whether or not she wanted me in her room. And it was once again refreshing, had she been like any other girl... like Taylor, she would've offered me her bed, instead of taking time to think over if she even wanted me in her room while she slept.

After what felt like minutes, but was probably a few seconds she nodded, "you can stay..." a yawn escaping her mouth, and before she could change her mind about me staying, I plugged the sofa in, watching as it slowly pumped up and formed into a pull out bed. Throwing my blanket and pillow on their I went and sat on the bed when we started her movie, relaxing easily, while she sat stiffly next to me, until eventually she forgot that I was next to her and she began enjoying the movie herself.

After thirty minutes it became fairly obvious that Fatima had watched this either many times or her memory was amazing, I didn't speak my thoughts but I figured it was probably both. As the movie played she knew all lines, saying them and still giggling as the movie continued, until eventually I just closed my eyes and listened to her, enjoying her laugh, free and unhidden.

I wake up sometime later, the room dark, the blow up bed much more comfortable than I remember, my body hot and covered. Drowsy still, I open one eye, and note I'm not on the sofa bed, but still in Fatima's the blanket I had brought and thrown on the blowup bed, over me. Fatima next to me, her hair wild and sprawled across her pillows, the tips mere inches from my face, I close my eyes smiling.

I rouse again in the morning, the sun hidden behind blinders in Fatima's room, her body covered as she sleeps, and I slowly leave her bed not to disturb her, grabbing clothes and my toothbrush needing to empty my bladder badly. Being as quiet as possible, I shower for the new day and to greet all the family I knew was already out and about in the house.

Ready, I leave the bathroom and find Fatima is still deep in slumber, her breathing even. Knowing that I may be downstairs when she wakes I go to her desk, folding a piece of paper writing her a small note.

Thank you for allowing me to sleep here while the family is over, I know you may wake up and try to hide up here alone, but please come down...

Samson x.

I sigh knowing she probably wouldn't come down, but still left the invitation for her to see when she woke up.

***

Heading downstairs, I can hear everyone everywhere; the halls on the second floor are filled with the most heavenly aromas - "Samson?" Taylor stops right side of Paige's room just as I'm coming down the stairs.

"Uhm... can we talk?" I lift a brow wondering what she wanted now, "Really you're going to try and make this day awkward as well?" I replied tired already but continuing down the stairs, knowing that family was in the kitchen but that doesn't stop Taylor.

I'm on the bottom step heading for the fridge, my mom, hers and my grandparents all at the table, "I know you guys have a full house, but we'd appreciate if the kids could stay here... we just can't afford room and board for them-" I hear Taylors mother speaking, while behind me Taylor herself continues.

"I just wanted to apologize Samson, I know - I just thought maybe - you said that you didn't like how I pretended that I wasn't interested in you as more than a friend, so maybe we could start over, be friends and see where that lead-"

"I'm not interested in seeing where it leads Taylor," I whisper harshly although there's no point because we all had enhanced hearing, and I knew she was doing this on purpose. Why else would she have this conversation with our parents as an audience?

"But you know me, we like some of the same things, and this time I wouldn't pretend - I would be myself, let you get to know the real me," I snorted.

I glanced at her skeptically.

"So in a month... you've figured out who the real you is?" was she that flaky? I mean in all truthfulness, it hadn't really even been a month.

Her face reddens and when I thought she would stop, she doesn't. Shaking her head slowly, she licks her lips, "I've always known who I was, but I didn't think you'd like her... but I know that I can't expect you to like me when you haven't seen the real me," and her words make sense. They do, but at the same time, it's too late. For me anyways, the one girl I was interested in, was upstairs asleep. I wasn't that type of teenage guy, I didn't - wouldn't be one to just play with Fatima's emotions and then, lead Taylor on as well.

"I'm not attracted to you Taylor," I answered being honest.

"Attraction can grow, maybe you'll like who I am inside, the real me this time," the real her was annoying as shit right now. But I wouldn't say that, not in those words.

"I'm not interested, I wasn't interested before and even if you try to show me the real you, whoever she is, I wouldn't see her as more than I see Harleigh or Talia."

"How do you know you're not interested or that you wouldn't like me - the real me?" her voice shook.

"Because you've had our entire childhood up until now to show me that person and you haven't, all you're doing now is giving me reason after reason to keep you at arms distance. Even that you're making hard... I don't even like you Taylor, yet you're making me the bad guy when you know I don't feel the same as you... everything you're feeling is completely one sided, and it's not making me any more attracted to you."

"I see you like I see my sisters, you seem to be unable to take no for an answer which isn't cute, or attractive, it's childish. So I'm going to say it once more, there is nothing at all that you can do or change that will make me suddenly or ever be interested in you. Right now I don't even want to be a friend to you because you will take advantage of that friendship..."

"You keep saying you love me, but you don't know what that means... if it did you would want what made me happy, even if that meant it wasn't you." My mother finally cleared her throat, while Taylor just looked at he with wide eyes. Hurt swimming around in them. Thankful for my mother's interruption I take a step away, going to hug my grandparents, and then greeting Taylor's mom - Shannon.

"First Brennan breaks up with Devin, then you throw away years of friendship with Taylor... we all thought that you and Taylor were just late bloomers, taking time to build a nice foundation-"

"After everything you just overheard, you're still going to continue speaking?" I asked Shannon point blank, uncaring that it was rude.

"Your friendship with my parents won't dictate my life," I said before tucking into the food my mom pushed in front of me probably in an attempt to shut me up. Hungry, I concentrated on my plate until it was empty, all while feeling my grandparents and Shannon's gaze on me. After washing my plate and putting it away, I threw on my coat to join my cousins outside, the snow just a bit over five inches.

When I was thoroughly soaked and even my warmer than average skin was rigid with cold, I headed inside, the smell of turkey and sides making my stomach tremble with hunger. Throwing my coat and sweater in the drier, I went upstairs to the third floor, knocking on Fatima's door before just entering, unsure she was still asleep at this time. It was already pushing towards one in the afternoon.

Opening the door, her body covered by skinny jeans and a light white shirt and thicker nice gray, black and white knitted sweater. "Finally decided to come in from the snow fight?" she smiled, her voice small like she was afraid if she spoke too loudly everyone would know she was in the house. But then I realized that Fatima had been watching in the windows, looking down at my cousins and I having fun and instead of joining us, she hid away and the smile on my face dimmed.

"You could've joined us..." I said softly, another invitation.

But again I knew it wasn't easy for her, waving for me to come in, she stepped aside. Sighing I went to my suitcase, grabbing jeans, boxers and a new sweater to throw on.

Shoes on her feet, unlike when I entered the bathroom, Fatima sat waiting with a book on her lap. She shut it and stood when I exited her bathroom, "You going downstairs?" she asked a bit timid.

Nodding I offered her my hand, along with a warm smile, noting that she put on thick boots, and sweater which meant that if her route her bedroom was blocked she planned on running outside. Once her hand was in mine, and she came to stand right in front of me, big green eyes gazing up at me worriedly, "You aren't alone down there, you'll have me."

You'll always have me, I think silently, but know it's too soon to say those words even though, I really believe that. Instead, I rub my thumb over her cheek, "you look lovely today," it's an honest thought I don't feel would be too much for her to hear.

"Ready?" I ask her, willing to give her time to build her courage up. I see it from her perspective as well. To me it's nothing, just a house of family members, no one that would hurt me - well outside of the Rosario's, but to Fatima. I know about her past... this house already has more people than she is used too... add in the forty or so people more and I could see that it would be overwhelming especially since she was trying to plan for an attack that wouldn't come. But that's who she was, who she might always be.

She hadn't hid that from me though. From day one, Fatima has been who she was. Even though she didn't get a joke or see why her responses were funny, she never tried to play something off as though she knew. Fatima was honest, and if anyone else had bothered to pay her the attention I did, they'd figure out that something was right, that she wasn't just quirky.

But nonetheless she had shared that with me from the very beginning.

***

I thought for sure that Fatima would want to avoid the kitchen because of the fire, but I guess since that had the least amount of people, just two sets of grandparents, my mom, dad and the Rosario's that is where we ended up. Hand in hand, we came down the stairs, and I felt proud, her hand in mine, her trust in me.

As we sat down across from the Rosario's, Fatima's hands in mine, Shannon snorted, "now we see why he's being so cold and callous with my baby," the words harsh but mumbled so low I was sure Fatima couldn't hear her.

"Fatima, you've already met Grandma Bess, but this is my other Nana, Mary, and my grandfathers, Jonah and Antone," her hand in mine squeezed and I returned the gesture immediately, hoping my touch brought her some peace.

"It's nice to meet all of you," she said her voice soft and sweet, to me.

Weaving her fingers in mine, holding on tighter, bringing my hand on her thighs under the table, I rested back, "So Faith... can you do anything cool?" my grandfather Jonah asked cocking his head to the side.

"You mean because I'm a Fae? Or Half Fae?" Fatima mimicked his physical behavior, her head cocked as well, she waited for him to answer, and when he did, while I lifted a glass of water to my mouth she replied - shocking me.

"I can hear Samson's thoughts," I heard her reply, and spit all my water across the table, my eyes wide. While I had let my parents know Fatima knew about us and what she was, I hadn't mentioned that little detail.

Not at all deterred by my spray of water, my grandpa and now everyone seemed to be paying attention, just as Brennan, Javier, Talia, Devin and Taylor entered the room as well. "You - you can hear Samson's thoughts?" Jonah clarified and my siblings all froze staring at Fatima.

Fatima nodded, squeezing my hand now that everyone was watching her, "What did you hear him thinking?" my face reddened and I could feel all the blood rushing to my face because I knew Fatima would answer honestly.

"I was touching him, and he said - well he thought actually, that he wanted me to touch him all over," her tone so matter-of-factly that my grandpa and everyone else was waiting for her to correct her self, but I knew that wasn't coming and after three beats, the room was engulfed in loud booming laughs. While Taylor and Shannon glared at Fatima, I hissed under my breath so they'd both realize that I had my eyes on them.

"I bet she lying," Taylor sneered her words and in a moment of pure hatred for the girl I once called a friend, I lifted the hand that was intertwined and brought Fatima's hands up to my lips kissing her knuckles, my lips ghosting over them. Once. Twice.

"With hands as soft as her's, of course I wanted her to touch me all over." My eyes on Fatima alone, I said exactly how I felt. Her green eyes focused on mine, her heart raced in a way that I knew wasn't because she was afraid of her surroundings but because of me. Raced, pounded the way mine did because of her.

When someone cleared their throat, she blinked looking away, breaking the connection between us, our hand falling on the table top, but she doesn't pull away.

"So Faith - she can really hear you?" Jonah asked once again, this time, the room was empty of my siblings; my father was gazing at me puzzled. "She heard me," I confirmed.

The grandparents nodded, and this time Antone asked the next question, "Can you hear anyone else," it was soft, but her grip on my hand tightened, but Fatima shook her head, "No... just Samson," she toyed with the table cloth and just like that, I knew she had lied. Did the others know she lied? I wouldn't know, nor would I call her out about it right now in front of them when she clearly wanted to keep that piece of information to herself.

Before any more questions can be asked, a new swarm of guests arrive, the Romas'. Nick Romas, and the family, enters the house, his wife Verna holding what I know is her homemade stuffing, Luca Romas and his wife Giselle, enter and I feel Fatima's hand squeeze mine, when they look at one another.

"Miss Ashlynn, it is nice to see you outside of the hospital," Nick says and Fatima nods shyly, her eyes dancing over the family.

"Let me introduce you to the family, this is Luca and his wife Giselle, I'm sure you've seen Luca around the school he tutors from time to time," Nick smiled proudly at Luca but when I glance at Fatima, her face is simply blank. Her hand on mine tightens to the point of near pain when her nails dig and enter my skin.

But Nick just continues and for the life of me I can't understand her reaction right then, "This is my oldest Levi and his wife - Randi."

"This is my daughter Lennon, and her boyfriend Deacon, and this little one is Imogen, a friend of the family, she attends your school with Lennon," Fatima nods slowly and just as Nick is going to introduce his wife Verna, Fatima bends over, in a shriek of agony only too familiar to when she heard my voice. Her hand holding onto mine, she trembles, one hand reaching for her head, my eyes dart across the room and it seems like almost hours have gone by but it's seconds.

Just a few seconds for me to lift her up and against me as she shakes and her shriek turns to whimpers, and I'm carrying her up the stairs just a quick glance at my grandfather Jonah, and I know he is the one following me all the way to Fatima's room.

I lay her on her bed gently, "Samson-" Fatima whimpers at the sound, and I whirl around to hush my grandfather, reaching for a piece of paper, and thrusting a pen towards him. He looks at Faith, nodding slowly after a moment, sitting at the table he writes for a while.

Has this happened before?

He passes me the paper, and reaching for the pen I reply.

Yes, when she heard me, I'm not sure but I think it gives her headaches? I write but I'm unsure.

Jonah nods, she is special...you care about her... I read his words after he is done writing, and while I know he probably has more to say, he doesn't. Instead he stands and backs out of the room, an undecipherable look at Fatima and he closes the door behind him.

***

Fatima doesn't come down that Thursday at all, and remains in her room until the Saturday of the twins' birthday party. Her mind is troubled, her eyes seem so distant and while she seems to want me around, holds my hand, I can tell she likes the quietness.

When it is time for presents, my parents give the twins their gifts first; two bicycles that I'm sure have tracking chips on them, and one new computer game each. Fatima sits next to me, tired a shell of herself though I don't understand why and I'm not going to push her to talk to me, knowing she will when she's ready.

With all our little cousins around them, 'ohhhing' and 'ahhing' Simon and Amy open present after present and when it's down to the last two Fatima slips from the room, pulling me with her, "their gifts are upstairs," she mumbles her hand shaking in mine. Entering her closet she pulls out two very large bags, and a smaller one.

Her face ashen and unsure.

"Whatever you made I'm sure the twins will love it," I smiled giving her some encouragement as even though I had asked she hadn't given me so much a hint on what she made. And now with the size of the boxes - well I was even more curious.

Carrying them downstairs I handed them to her and when Amy saw the two large bags, it was like the energy that had died down from the lessening of gifts skyrocketed again.

Mom called Fatima over to bring her gifts forward, smiling reassuringly at Fatima.

"Uhm, this is for Simon," she handed him his bag. The larger two in her left hand, "and this peach one is for Amy and this blue one is for Samantha," her voice shaky and Taylor snorted, "It's not her birthday, and it's only for the twins." Although she was right, I hated the tone she used with my Fatima.

Mom annoyed, just waved her hand, but Fatima didn't cower, "It's a gift for Samantha but it's for Amy," she replied small and at Fatima's words Amy jumped up and down, running to Sami, pulling her next to her, "Open yours first! Open yours first!" she all but shrieked and I half expected smoke to come from her ears, and her whole body to fly off the ground as she clapped.

"Faith you didn't need to buy something for Sami," my mom said probably thinking what everyone else had, that Amy asked Fatima to buy something for Sami.

"Momma she didn't buy it, she made it!" Amy cheered as Sami lifted a dress from the now unwrapped box. Scurrying back over to me, and taking my hand even before I offered - not that I had a problem with it.

The dress was long, blue with ruffles and lace and beads and sparkles over it, the blue matching nicely against Sami's light brown skin, I could see that Fatima had sewn blue flowers onto the dress, and turning the dress around for everyone to see there was a large bow on the back.

Barely able to contain her excitement at Sami having her dress, Amy started digging around her own bag, flinging the cover to the side without a care, even as mom chastised her she continued, bouncing until she lifted an almost identical designed dress but unlike Sami's, Amy's dress was a light pinkish or red color.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" she danced around, holding her dress up against her body as Sami did the same thing.

"You - you made them?" my mom started asking when I noticed she was probably trying to find a tag on the dress but before Fatima could reply, Amy took control of the show.

"oh yes momma, a long long time ago's Faith had all the craft stuff on her bed, and - and I asked for a dress and then a dress for Sami so we could play pretend together - and - and Faith had to take my numbers and I had - I had to be really still like this-" she stuck her hands out to the side the dress falling as she made the action, she giggled picking up the dress.

"And I had to stay like that forevers while she took my numbers so she could make the dress for me, and I said I wanted a princess dress - and Faith - and Faith said that she should buy one - but I said that I wanted her to make one for me and Sami - and - and she said she mights not finish both but she did!" Amy shrieked her cheeks getting red the more worked up she became.

"Sami lets go try them on," Amy proposed, Sami looked at mom who nodded and stood to follow and help them into the dresses, but stopped at Fatima. "Those were lovely gifts..." her voice shaking she nodded and went after the girls, who strutted in that dress until it was time to take them off and go to bed.

Taking some leftovers to Fatima's room, most of the family still at our home. Only the Romas, Taylor's mom and dad, and my aunt Angela and Courtney and their two twins were leaving that Saturday night. Shannon and Javier were using Brennan's car since theirs was having trouble not made for the snow that had fall, followed my the other family leaving that night.

I could see their lights against the darkened forest, as I was closing the shades on Fatima's windows so that the early morning sun wouldn't penetrate and wake us prematurely. When in the distance, a large explosion, red flames and blackish gray smoke mushroomed above the white caped snow trees.

My body becomes frozen, rigid and unmovable as memories of Silas' death bombard my mind locking me in my place.

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© 2016 roxann_season All Rights Reserved

1. What do you think happened?

2. A picture of the type of dress I described in on my facebook account for those interested in that...

3. Who here loves the cuteness that is Faith/Samson? **sigh**

4. There will be a Kalenah/Ansel/Brennan chapter coming up once I've gotten some sleep.