☆☆☆☆☆Sammie's POV☆☆☆☆☆

In the end, Sammie decided against the bus, it was just as well. It would add a couple hours to her day, but she wasn't expected at Angela's at any specific time. She couldn't get her thoughts together as they seemed scattered among time and space.

She couldn't face Angela while she was a nervous wreck. Had that really just happened? God, I'm so dumb! As she traversed the quiet road, she felt as though she were in a dreamy haze. Like she was detached from reality. Her conversation with Melissa could well have been a dream, just something her mind conjured up out of stress and exhaustion. Some kind of wish fulfillment. She shook her head, only scattering her thoughts more. No..

She needed to gather herself, soon. She places her headphones on but, made a quick dash to change it when 'Already over' came on. Sighing, she gave up listening music for her walked.

If she thought about it long and hard enough, she could almost convince herself that this was indeed was a dream. Almost.

Passing a church by a small bunch of maple tree by the south end of town, she stopped for a moment, taking in the view. This church was the oldest thing in this town. Ruined but in a beautiful way. A few bits of chalk were scattered around, and there was outlines of some colorful drawing that weren't quite washed away yet.

Sammie looked up. The maple trees were changing colors, autumn will be here soon. It was rare to really see them, she made a note to get some leaves.

A particularly large, colorful tree caught her eye. That was a tree anyone would love to sit under and read there. The kind you would paint on a sunny day.

Her eyes shifted her focus to a tree nearby, much smaller and not so colorful. It had the look of a tree that was relatively unappreciated, passed over.

Sammie thought of sitting under it, maybe after she was done with her errands today. She'd pay attention to it.

She pulled her umbrellas from her bag, and was walking quickly as the rain had started. Though, the rain wasn't why she was stumbled off the street curb. She let out a loud yelp, trying to not fall in a puddle.

“Wow, samitch,” Samuel said, shaking droplets from his hair. “You're always so jumpy!”

Fumbling to keep both herself and her bag dry, Sammie stepped back. “You surprised me,” she muttered.

She should be used to Samuel's habit up literally popping up at random by now, but no. It wouldn't do to look too shaken, though. Not after the mistake she'd made earlier today. She made a show of checking over her bag to ensure it hadn't gotten wet.

Samuel blinked at her. “Don't drop that in a puddle, now,” he said, “or you'll have to walk all the way back to the police station for another copy.” He scooted, sharing the shelter of the umbrella. “That's better. I like rain, but not that much.”

“Is there something I can do for you?” Sammie asked, regretting it immediately.

“What?” Samuel rustled her black hair. “Can't I say hi to my favorite girl? These last few days have been so lonely, since you don't even visit me unless it's for practice.”

She sighed. “I've been very busy.”

Samuel rolled his eyes. “Anyway, if you're in such a rush, why didn't you take the bus instead of walking all this way?”

“The bus isn't free, you know.” Sammie frowned. What did he want? She hated not knowing what was in his mind, it felt dangerous.

“Well, if saving the fare is more important than getting to Angela's house quickly,” Samuel said, smiling, “then what's the problem? You look so distressed, sweetheart.”

She should have taken the bus. She should always take it. Less of a chance of him turning up. How long had he been following her, watching her?

"What do you want?” Sammie silently cursed herself. That hadn't been smart. When she dared to look back, Samuel's smiled hadn't slipped an inch.

“Someone's sure a grump today!” Sticking his tongue out playfully, he gave her a smile. “I want attention, dork. I'm bored.”

They hit a street with people walking around. Lucky for her, since it was raining they were all rushing by. It made her anxious, what if they saw them together? As if she jinxed it, a family passed by. The parents giving them an 'aww young love' look. If only they knew...

Sammie started walking a bit faster..
Samuel looked at her. “Is your roommate's idiocy still bothering you? You know you can always come to me with any problems you have.”

He let her sped up without him. “Did Dr. Turner say something about it?”

Sammie managed to keep her face neutral, but a slight stumble betrayed her. Water splashed up around her boots as she caught herself. She shook her head. “No.”

“You've been dragging your feet and sighing since you left her clinic. Don't worry about her,” Samuel said. “She's always sticking her nose in where it doesn't belong. I think she isn't originally from here.”

Frowning, Sammie forced herself back into motion. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“I mean, she doesn't understand how rocky childhood relationships can be.” He grinned. “She obviously had to start over with new friends. Anna could say some pretty awful things when we argued. They were usually true, too.”

“Like what?” Sammie asked, guessing that she was expected to.

“Oh,” Samuel said, “all kinds of things. That I was a wuss, and I wasn't going to be a real man if I didn't toughen up.” He moved again to catch up with Sammie again. “She were right, of course. It still hurt though.”

Sammie stumbled to a halt, her growing irritation fizzling out into...something. She felt for Samuel again.

Samuel and this little child couldn't match up in her mind. She'd never see him as the weak, too sweet child she keeps picturing. No where close.

She flinched when Samuel wrapped his arm around her waist. He did it just as Martin and Ben passed by on the other side of the street, though they looked to busy laughing with each other to notice them.

“Maybe this is my punishment." Samuel shivered, probably out of cold? She didn't think he could feel cold.

“Still,” he said, turning his face upward, the rain falling hard, “I guess it's not all bad. At least I have you.”

Were this anyone else, Sammie would have offered some reassurance. Perhaps a hug, or a few kind words. She wasn't punished earlier this week, so she didn't wanna push her luck. So they walked in silence, raindrops thudding against the umbrella.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Sammie finally got rid of Samuel.  He left after walking a few more blocks in silence. Though not before telling her their new training day. Sammie leaned up against the wall of Angela's room while Angela skimmed through the report files. She should to have just turned and left. But she missed her sissy so she stayed to talk.

"And I finally finished Ms. Soya's dresses. I'm headed back home after this so I can be there for when she goes to pick them up." Sammie said.

“Wow, I can't believe you got the dresses done so fast.” Angela flipped pages faster than she could possibly read them. "I could never do them that quickly."

Sammie nodded. “Yes, I know."

“Well, sorry for dumping them on to you in the first place.” Angela had the good grace to look sheepish. She placed the files on her nightstand.

“And,” Angela continued, tapping the nightstand with a finger. “I'm sure they look snazzy. And, uh, thanks for bringing the files.”

“Melissa texted me that she was busy, so she sent them with me so you can get them today.” Credit where it was due. "Better with me than too late."

“Yeah, that girl's a genius, isn't she?” Angela grinned a broad, toothy grin. “She's the best.”

“Yes, she is,” Sammie said, guilt swamping her. God, she felt so selfish.

Angela sat on her bed, playing with the iron bed frame. Almost as if she was testing it. Sammie sat by her.

"So, you have new scuffs on your arms and neck." Angela said, almost awkwardly.

“I'm aware of that.”

Did people think she hadn't noticed, or something? She couldn't hide them all anymore. So she stopped caring.

“Another accident?”

“As a matter of fact,” Sammie said, bristling at her tone, “yes. It was.”

Angela crossed her arms. “You should be more careful. I don't remember you being this clumsy. Even as a kid.”

She shrugged, self-conscious she hugged herself.

“They aren't so bad. I'm fine.” She figured Samuel would heal her later with more of that goop. Monster skin. She sighed.

“You know,” Angela said, “This all started around the time I gave you the cottage. I can't help but feel they're connected. I mean, you aren't trying to fix it yourself right?” She scowled, her right eye twitching.

Sammie shook her head. “It's not your fault at all,” she said. “Besides, I know I can't fix it, so I'm not. Also, no more accidents while jogging!"

Angela wasn't as happy to hear that as Sammie had hoped. She frowned at Sammie. Her eyes nervous.

“Yeah? So how come these marks are fresh?” Angela stepped forward, reaching out to touch a scrape on her cheekbone. Sammie dodged away from her hand.

“I'm running behind,” Sammie said, getting up slowly. “I need to go, incase Ms. Soya visits and I'm not there.”

Before she could blink, Angela spun her, and had her handcuffed to the iron part of her bed frame. One of cuffs was closed on her right hand, the other cuff was closed around the iron bed frame. Sammie stood there, disbelieving. Angela handcuffed her! What the actual fuck??

How dare she?

“Angela, let me go.” Sammie calmly said, trying to push her anger (and magic) down.

Angela couldn't just keep her here when she clearly just said that she wanted to leave. That wasn't right. That wasn't fair.

Angela walked to her desk on the other side of the room. She placed the keys to the handcuffs on it.

"Not until you tell me the truth.”

Oh, this was getting ridiculous!

“Angela,” Sammie repeated, her chest tight. “Let me go.”

“Samantha!” Angela shouted, she shut eyes. “I'm your sister. Come on, you're really starting to freak me out. It's not like you.”

Struggling against a cuffs, Sammie felt something that made her excited. They were too loose. Angela must have been afraid to hurt her any further. She'd have to use that to her advantage. Sammie glared at her sister, jaw clenched. She had to do something to keep Angela here.

They stared each other down for several seconds, before Angela yelled again.

"Come on, out with it!"

Sammie ground her teeth, wondering how it was even possible to feel betrayed when she had said worse, done worse.

She stood between Angela and her view of Sammie's cuffed hand. Making her movements as slow as she could, she pulled her hand out. It was was a bit of a tight squeeze but it worked.

Angela ran her finger through her brown hair, her brown eyes glinting in a dangerous lighting. Sammie could tell she was getting desperate.

By now, she had pulled her hand pulled out of the cuff. She pushed both the single strand and double strand together. Once the single went through the gap, it was open for her to use. She just needed to wait for Angela to move closer.

Angela was getting impatient. Her inner officer was showing. “Damn it civilian, I demand that you to tell me! Right now.”

Like a cop can demand anything out of anyone, she knew it was just a scared tactic used on people who didn't know their rights.

“Oh?” Sammie shook, her magic simmering beneath the surface for the first time in days. "I thought we were more than that, officer.”

That hit the target, like she knew it would. Angela blinked, her shoulders slouching. “You won't talk to me as a sister, so what choice do I have?”

“Well, as my sister,” Sammie snapped, “you have no right whatsoever to ask about my personal life, so you can take your demands and.." she faltered, furious but unsure. “And fucking shove it.”

Angela's mouth gaped open. She was staring at Sammie, speechless.

Sammie shifted, still giving off the pretense of being handcuffed. Just a little bit longer.

Recovering from her shock, Angela laid her hands on Sammie's shoulders. Sammie didn't try to shake her off. Wait for it..

“Hey,” Angela said, gentler than Sammie was used to. “Whatever's going on, I can make it stop. I swear I can, sissy.”

As calmly as she could, she looked down and nodded. Angela squeezed her shoulder. She smiled at Sammie, encouraging.

Sammie smiled back, as sweetly and believable as she could.

“Thank you,” Angela said, sighing. “I promise I'll do whatever I have to, okay?” Relief smoothed the lines from her face.

Sammie shifted and quickly pulled Angela's hand down. Cuffing it to the bed, Sammie moved back, and out of Angela's reach.

“What…?” Angela pulled at it, then looked over to Sammie “Samantha!”

“It doesn't feel very good, does it?” Sammie asked, split between guilt over what she was doing and rage at what her sister did to her.

And maybe a bit of pride for being able to do it.

“What's the-” Angela said, they both glanced at the key on the desk. But Sammie made no move to get it for Angela. Instead, she looked down her nose at her sister.

“Don't ever do that to me again,” Sammie said. She straightened, and walked out of her room. Making sure the main door was locked, she bolted into a full on the run for the bus stop.

Hopefully Angela was alright. It was irresponsible to leave her alone like that, in case she really had hurt her while cuffing her.

Pulling out her phone, Sammie sent a quick text to Melissa. She was sure Melissa had spare keys to Angela's house. It wasn't ideal, but someone had to check on her, make sure she was okay.

She sighed and stared down, unfocused, out the window. Today was a mess. Perhaps her luck would improve when she reached her apartment. She wasn't sure how it could get any worse.
 

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

    
After getting back home, she went straight to her room. No sign of Alex. Not that she'd know what to say to him.

..It was better this way.

Sammie's cell rang, making her jumped.

It was Ms. Soya.

"Ah hello, Samantha? Dear it would seem my car is giving me trouble. I was hoping if you could bring the dresses to my house?"

Sammie tried not to sigh. "Of course I can."

"Thank you deary, I hope I'm not bothering you."

"Not at all. Be there soon."

Sammie folded the dresses and put them back in the huge green backpack.

Ready to go, I guess.

∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆

Back at the towns center, Sammie remembered why she wasn't fond of it. It was loud, busy, and full of people. Suddenly she felt self-conscious of her scuffs. She wanted to run far from here, everyone was making too much noise. Every loud noise sent her over the edge as she made her way through the narrow streets.

A guy let out a loud yell from across the street to his friends, making her flinch. All unexpected shouts or the slamming of a doors was enough to send her magic zinging through her body.

Once past the main street there was a small road which, thankfully, was deserted. All noise was reduced to a dull buzz. Sammie sighed. It was dizzying to contemplate thousands of people all walking together in town.

The smell of thousands of people all moving together in one place was also dizzying, but up on the lone road the breeze carried most of it away.

She finally found Ms. Soya's house. It was still the same after all this years. She had babysat them when her parents were alive. She wasn't sure it was true, since at that time she was a mayors wife. Once they died though, aunt Mia took them in. Sammie didn't like thinking of aunt Mia, or how she treated thrm like dirt. Angela told Sammie it was because they were reminders of how dad chose her sister over her.

Luckily, as soon as Angela had turned 18, she moved out, taking Sammie with her. She didn't leave her behind, like Sammie just did to her..

Bright lamps overhead lit the now darkening streets with dazzling intensity. A delicate perfume filled the air, nauseating for some reason Sammie couldn't place. She took a moment to readjust the big bag she carried the dresses in. Once she was more at ease, she started for the house across the street.

Just as she was about to cross, someone wrapped their arms around her waist.

“Hey, Sammie."

☆☆☆☆☆☆Samuel's POV☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

“Wow!” Samuel said, laughing while he watched her jump. “You didn't even see me at all!”

A trace of green flame outlined the smaller girls hands, but was swiftly stopped. Palm pressed to a chest, she glared up at him, just for a second. Then, her expression went back to the blank face, he was accustomed to. “You scared the crap out of me.”

Samuel looked over at the white flowers in the soft breeze. “Yeah, sorry about that. I wanted to wish you luck before you meet with old Soya, I remember her well. I'm sure she's gonna like you, Sammie. You're sweet, and you're earnest. She eats that shit right up. Get it in with her good, she controls half the town. She's the mayors wife, but she's still so influential nowadays."

It's no trouble at all for his favorite toy to get people wrapped around her finger with those innocent eyes, sweet smile, and angelic act of her. Come to think of it, Ms. Soya was even needier than Sammie when it came to attention, as remarkable as that seemed.

Poor old Hannah Soya, all alone.

“Oh okay,” Sammie said, the lights in her eye dull. Had she forgotten who Samuel was? He curious to what she was thinking right now. “Why are you bringing that up?”

Always a surprise. “Sammie, it's important to know who you can use. Soya is one of those people,” he said, utterly delighted.

Walking around to the front of her, Samuel studied his favorite toy.

Sammie returned the stare, face closed off, back straight.

“Because I want you to remember how it is in this world, sweetheart,” Samuel said, the words ringing hollow even to him. “Your little family drama shouldn't distract you. Being ready for the next chance to strike is more important. Whether it's a monster or a chance to show up the next loser to taunt you."

Did Sammie look....disappointed? Samuel was having trouble reading her expression. Which was wonderful, naturally, but…

Whatever.

Samuel shook some pollen off himself. He hated the town center, and all these stupid flowers everywhere!

"Well, I'd better go, lives to ruin and all that jazz."

He laughed as Sammie blanched, visibly bothered by the idea. Subtly, Sammie moved to the side.

“Aw, it's okay,” Samuel said. “The only reason spend time with someones because I truly have to. Yet with you, I actually like to.”

He waited for a reply and didn't get one. Sammie was pretty stoic these days. Which was the best, he certainly didn't need any soppy declarations of love or useless pity.

“Anyway, I'm sure you got someone waiting for you. And she'll want to have tea, a long chat and waste your time,” he said, with an apologetic grin. “She's lonely and pathetic. It's up to you whether you want to humor her or not; I literally couldn't care less. Spend all the time you want with everyone, but me. Like I give a shit."

“Sorry.” Sammie's voice was little more than a whisper.

Samuel glared down at Sammie. He'd gone to so much trouble to make her tougher, and it was working, for the most part. Make her strong, ruthless, and hateful. If he went through all that to make her tough, then why..

Then why wasn't he annoyed when Sammie looked at him this way, all soft, understanding and weak?

Then why was it when her eyes looked at him with that strange look in her big brown eyes, he wanted more?

Then why did he make the effort to get this reaction in the first place, just to drink in as much of that soft look as he could?

It was worthless. Stupid.

He had wanted to bug her about Angela some more, but now he was out of the mood. That had been such a treat to watch, too! Well, maybe later, when he wasn't so...off.

“It doesn't matter,” Samuel said. Having no more to say to her, nothing he could say and not seem weak anyway. He retreated, walking off.

She made no move to stop him. It figured. He spent more than enough time in this place as it was. He needed to leave, before he felt even worse.
 
 
☆☆☆☆☆☆Sammie's POV☆☆☆☆☆☆
 

Sammie really couldn't take much more today. It was tempting to leave the bag on the doorstep, and go home for a nap. Anything to be alone for a while, and preferably unconscious.

But she had a job to do. She needed to pull herself together. She could do this. After a few deep breaths to steady herself, Sammie rang the doorbell.

The lady who answered was much younger looking than Sammie thought. Wearing a ratty old sweater and jeans, was Ms. Soya.

Ms. Soya smiled down at her, teeth glinting in the light.

“Well, hello!” Her voice was a deep, soothing sound. It wasn't familiar in any way.

Sammie had seen the her from a distance on several occasions, as most town members had. Ms. Soya was much prettier up close, with her almond shaped brown eyes, her wavy dark brown hair, and thin physique. She looked like a just retired actress.

Or like our mother, Sammie's mind added, out of nowhere. Fuck. This entire day was getting to her.

“Hi! Um...” Sammie shifted her weight back and forth, absolutely at a loss. “I have the dresses here for you. Uh, Ms. Soya,” she added hastily.

That probably wasn't the way to talk to the mayors wife, but she was stressed out and distracted.

Honestly, she was a little awestruck, too. Managing to make a patched-up sweater with 'Best mommie' written across the front look regal was an impressive feat.

Ms. Soya scratched her cheek for a moment in confusion. Her eyes brighten. “Oh, yes, Samantha, correct?”

She hadn't even introduced herself, god.

“Yes, that's me,” Sammie said, with a lame little wave. She had better social skills than this! Why was she so flustered? After the day she'd had, this part should have been easy.

“Are you alright?” Soya asked, looking over Sammie's face. “Did something happen on your way here?”

What was she…? Oh. Sammie shook her head. “No, no. I'm fine, really. Just slipped during a jog. It's really nothing."

At that, Soya smiled. “Oh, quite. I've had a few spills during my earlier jogs, myself. Luckily, I have more padding than you do.” She gestured to her huge hips and butt, laughing.

Sammie nodded, feeling horrible for how readily she had believed her. Lying to everyone, she truly was was a low scum.

“So, Angela told me about how great you are at mending and designing clothing, is that true?” She tilted her head to one side, still smiling patiently.

Stamping down the urge to run, Sammie nodded. A second later, she realized that didn't answer the question. “Yes I've had my share of clothing to design."

Angela. Sammie hoped that she was alright. That said, she was well aware that she was probably gonna get it. She'd attacked her, and that hadn't been friendly sparring or a prank. Angela had to be absolutely livid.

“Oh, how rude I'm being, keeping you out here on the step when you traveled all this way. Come in, come in!” Soya stepped aside, laying a soft hand on Sammie's back.

“Okay,” Sammie said. "Thank you."

Soya shut the door behind them. “I just put the kettle on a few minutes ago. Please, make yourself at home while I fix us some coffee.”

Humming to herself, Soya disappeared into what Sammie assumed was a kitchen. Sammie placed the bag of dresses aside, she hoped Soya wouldn't mind that they were folded.

The livingroom was painted in pale shades of pink, and beautifully furnished. The only thing that stood out was its relative size; the entry foyer Sammie stood in was nearly as big as the apartment she shared with Alex. It seemed too big for one person, but then it probably meant to house a family. Yet, as far as she knew the Soya's never had children.

Sammie felt a little twinge of curiosity despite herself. She pondered, looking at the single armchair by the fireplace, while the table was still arranged for four. She read the titles of some of the books on the bookshelf (a lot of texts on gardening, along with some children's books), and examined the pictures on the mantlepiece.

There was so many pictures, she basically had one of everyone in town. One of Martin and Ben's wedding. Another of Melissa and a young person (her cousin?) in front of her clinic. A much younger Alex with his parents. Emilia with a huge smile, she was waving at the camera. There was even a picture of Angela in uniform, huge grin on her face. But the picture that froze her in place, made her shiver, was the one in the dead center of the mantle.

The photograph wasn't the right size for the frame it was in. On the wide lower border, someone had written the date, but it didn't matter to Sammie. What mattered were the people in the photo.

Two children, a boy and girl. Their blonde hair and green eyes looked brighter than usual due to being outside when the picture was taken...

Anna gazed at the camera with a wide grin, her hands clasped with the boy on the left, who had been caught mid-laugh, his eyes half closed and his teeth bared in a grin. Samuel. He looked so happy in the picture, it made her heart hurt.

“Beautiful, aren't they?”

Sammie jumped, whirling to look up at the Soya, who had appeared at her side without a sound. How could she have not heard her?

“S-sorry!” Sammie stammered, unsure why she was apologizing. It wasn't like she'd been caught snooping through clothing drawers, or anything.

Soya laughed. “No need for that, love,” she said, turning her attention to the photograph. “I have this picture out because I like it. And when other people see them, it feels like they're a little closer, somehow.”

"Are.. Are they yours?" Sammie asked, her voice too quiet.

Soya frowned, sighing deeply. "No, my sister's kids. They were stabbed outside of their own house in Saint Leina's. They didn't make it to the hospital. After that my sister and her husband divorced, each going their own away. I think my sister ended up in Tronberg, or some such."

Soya smiled and shook her head, her hair dragging across her shoulders. Soon enough Sammie found herself sitting at the table with Soya, staring down into a beautiful mug of coffee.

Blowing on her own coffee, Soya looked through the dresses, delicately with thumb and forefinger. “This is really quite impressive,” she said.

“Thank you, Ms. Soya.” Sammie caught herself tapping her fingertips against her mug, and stopped. So they thought them dead. What if they knew Samuel was alive? That he was insane?

Soya made a dismissive gesture. “Please, just Hannah is fine.”

Meekly, Sammie nodded. That seemed to please her well enough. She still felt a bit in awe of Mrs. Hannah Soya.

"Angela speaks very highly of you,” Soya said, now looking over the red dress.

"I'm not sure why, I'm just a dumb kinda girl." Sammie answered, flinching. Today was the day her stupidity got the better of her, apparently.

She took a sip of coffee for the sake of politeness, stifling a sharp cough. It was black coffee. How she'd do anything for Alex's coffee.

“Oh?” Soya frowned. “What makes you say that, if I may ask?”

Sammie shifted in her seat, in no great hurry to put her misgivings into words. She didn't want to lie to Soya  again. She gripped her mug hard, as if it would help her.

“Nothing wrong with being different, you know.”

Sammie looked up from her hands to find Soya studying her. Her eyes full of something Sammie wasn't used to. A sort of motherly look. As if Sammie's mother was giving her a worried look, but also one of love.

Sammie felt like crying, again.

Soya sighed. “Whatever the world thinks, the fact of the matter is that it doesn't need to be filled with people who are exactly the same. Diversity is what makes the world beautiful, I think.”

“But there is such a thing as too different." Sammie said, and that much was the truth. After all, her kind of different could only put everyone around her in danger. Just as she'd done to Melissa this morning. Even if she completely regained control of this magic, there was always Samuel to consider.

Frowning, Soya leaned her chin on her hands. “Could you tell me,” she said, “what make you want to be like everyone else?"

Sammie really couldn't honestly answer that. “I just- I want to be like everyone else,” she whispered, the words mocking her. "I don't want to be a freak."

She'd wanted to be without magic. That was all. She already had lost her friendship and her only family because of it. Even though that was her own damn fault.

“On the contrary,” Soya said, looking her true age, if only momentarily. “everyone is different, but that doesn't mean they can't come together. Each bringing something new to the table. How would a puzzle be put together if all the pieces were all the same?”

That didn't make sense. Sammie nodded her head, either way. Sammie didn't want to hurt anyone, not even a monster. Capturing one was acceptable, if it meant everyone would be safe from it. But that's not how the world worked. Definitely not for the different things, who were dissected and used by the ones who found them.

Like how she was being used, as if she was a gun, a knife, a weapon..

Sammie could practically feel the eyes of that Anna on her, staring out from the photograph where she was next to...

Why did Samuel want to use her so badly? And for what?

Even without speaking, Sammie's  doubts must have shown on her face. Soya sighed, reaching across the table to lay a hand over Sammie's  forearm.

“I can't change what you truly wish. Neither can Angela, or anyone. But there is a place for you in this world. You are needed in this world, please believe that.”

Sammie nodded. Soya's hand on her made her feel safe, even if it was an illusion. Just heat and weight.

Sammie was safe as long as she could fight. As long as she could win.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

If Sammie hadn't been so tired, she'd have been tempted to walk all the way back to her apartment. Two hours of walking held more appeal than hurrying to get back to that cold, silent place. The atmosphere at home wasn't tense, no. It was a total absence of tension, a vacuum. No chance of reconciliation, no hope of a better outcome, just Alex ignoring her completely, as though it hurt to even look at her.

Maybe it was time to move out. Maybe it would be better if she left, gave Alex his some space. Maybe fix up the small cottage she owned.

She was only making Alex more miserable, after all.

She looked up just in time to get off at her stop. Home already. Making her way up the stairway she didn't notice the small crowd of neighbors that had gathered at her floor, whispering amongst themselves. Tired, she just tried to get past them. Why was everyone and their mother here?

“Oh, I'm sorry,” Sammie said, when she stepped on someone's foot.

A guy in the crowd, one whose face Sammie recognized as one of Alex's  drinking buddies, grabbed her arm to get her attention. Sammie stopped herself in time, she almost set his hand on fire.

"Hey,” the guy said, pointing down the path. “What's going on, huh? Is he getting arrested, or something?”

Sammie blinked, puzzled. “What are you…?”

She looked in the direction that he was pointing, the words dying in her throat.

Angela was shouting, her hand hovering on the gun in her holster.

Her target was Alex..