Fan Fiction ❯ Promised ❯ Day 8, Day 9 ( Chapter 3 )

Day 8-

 

Raven awoke the sound of squealing and laughing in the distance. With a good sized yawn, Raven rolled from the chair and landed on the floor on her hands and knees. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust from the bright morning sun that shown through her lightly curtained windows.

 

Raven got to her feet and felt suddenly dizzy. “Whoa.” She put a hand to her head and rested against the back of the chair for a short minute.

 

Again a squeal of laughter. Raven made her way to the window. With one hand she moved the curtain aside. In the near distance was Jinx running around in a black one-piece bathing suit. Chasing her were Cy and Robin. Robin in black shorts and a black muscle shirt. Cy in his usual armor. The boys were spraying her with large water guns. Jinx was dripping from head to toe.

 

You know I sleep here now, so why are you disturbing me? Raven hissed within herself.

 

She let the curtain close and turned away. At once she noticed how muggy it was in her house. Her mouth felt hot and dry as she licked her lips. She headed for the kitchen.

 

Over the sink the open window held her green friend sitting there eating a banana.

 

“Morning, Meeko. Did they wake you too?”

 

Meeko made some quiet speaking noise and continued on with his breakfast.

 

Raven poured herself a glass of water from the fridge. The cold water felt good down her throat. She felt the coolness all the way through her body until it hit her stomach. There her stomach growled with hunger. Raven glanced to the clock. 10:48.

 

“No wonder they're all out side running around. It's almost noon.” She said aloud to herself. And then the next thought ran through her. “So why didn't Cy come and make me breakfast?”

 

Raven put down her glass and headed for the door. Opening it she stood in the doorway and watched the three of them play with the water guns. Jinx had one now and was attempting to spray them. They weren't nearly as wet as she was.

 

Raven watched them in silence for quite some time. Jinx was tackled by Cy and pinned to the ground. Robin grabbed a nearby hose and sprayed her for a few minutes. Jinx screamed and laughed. They let her up.

 

“That's not fair. Two against one.” Jinx screamed.

 

“Well it wasn't fair when you had the shape shifter spray us with water.” Cy called.

 

“Payback sucks, don't it?” Robin laughed.

 

“I'll get you bird brain. And you too metal man.” Jinx said with a sly smile.

 

“How's that? BB ran off a while ago. We won't see him for the rest of the day I'm sure.” Cy laughed.

 

Raven watched the scene for a while longer. The two boys were slowly walking towards Jinx with their water guns pointed. Jinx backed up slowly with hers at them. Raven glanced around the outside of her suite. There was a green hose a few feet away from her with a water nozzle on it. One of the high pressure ones for washing decks. She assumed that's why it was there to begin with.

 

Careful not to make any sound, Raven walked to the hose quietly. Making sure the water was on; she took a few steps in the direction of the boys with hose in hand. If Jinx saw her she gave no sign. Which was good. That's what Raven was hoping for.

 

Raven stopped a little more than a few hundred feet away. She didn't want to get too close so they would hear her and turn. Raven grinned. Pointing the nozzle at them she pulled the handle and let the water spray out forcefully.

 

The boys let out a startled cry as they were thrown off balance by the force of the water. Jinx started laughing hysterically. Cy managed to get to his feet and faced Raven.

 

“That was cheap!” Cy called with a smile.

 

Raven let the water stop and looked at them. “You woke me up with all this noise. You ganged up on Jinx and I'm hungry. What do you expect?” She said coyly.

 

Jinx made her way over to Raven. “You were asleep?”

 

Raven shrugged. “I was up late last night.”

 

Jinx and Cy both gave Robin a sly look.

 

“What?!” Robin asked. “She wasn't with me.”

 

Jinx looked back at Raven.

 

“I just couldn't get to sleep.” Raven said heading back to her suite. The door was still open so she walked in and left it open.

 

Jinx followed. Cy and Robin did shortly after as well.

 

Raven had made her way back to her kitchen and proceeded to look through her cabinets.

 

“I can make you breakfast. I just thought you'd want to wake up on your own this morning.” Cy said from the doorway.

 

“I am capable of making my own.” Raven said looking in the fridge for the second time.

 

Cy nodded. “Probably. But I like to cook.”

 

Raven glanced at him. “Fine. You can make me breakfast. I don't like to anyways.”

 

Cy smiled and went to her kitchen. Jinx sat in the stool she normally does next to Raven. Robin sat opposite Jinx.

 

“You know you have air conditioning, right?” Robin asked.

 

Raven glanced around her house a bit. Actually she really didn't give it a thought. She shrugged. “I don't spend much time in here for it to matter.”

 

Jinx looked around the kitchen briefly with a smile on her face. Raven watched her amused.

 

“What are you so happy about?” Robin asked Jinx.

 

“Nothing.” She answered in a singsong voice.

 

“Then why are you smiling?” He asked again.

 

“Am I not supposed to? Just because you're stubborn and refuse to be happy doesn't mean I can't be.” Jinx said.

 

Robin shrugged.

 

Raven watched Cy preparing some batter and melting butter in the pan.

 

“I can't believe you didn't go home this weekend.”

 

Raven looked to Jinx. “I have no home.”

 

“I mean to your parents home.”

 

“I have no parents.” Raven said turning back to watch Cy.

 

“Ok. Then I can't believe you stayed here.” Jinx countered again.

 

“Would you rather me not be here?” Raven asked as she turned her head back towards Jinx.

 

Jinx widened her eyes and shook her head. “No. I'm glad you're here. Really. But you're not so I thought you'd leave the first chance you got. That's all.”

 

Raven studied her face. She sighed. She was being short tempered for some reason this morning. It wasn't fair to take it out on Jinx. She didn't deserve it. She had done nothing but be her friend. Raven nodded once and turned back to look at her open kitchen window. Meeko had gone.

 

There was silence all around her now. It made her uncomfortable. “I may not be happy to be here, but I'm happier here than I ever was there.” Raven said in all honesty.

 

She didn't turn to anyone when or after she said it. But she felt the eyes on her. All six.

 

“We're happy you're here.” Cy said. “Now I have someone to cook for.”

 

“And I have a female friend.” Jinx added.

 

Robin said nothing.

 

A plate was set in front of her. Three crapes. A small drizzle of syrup, butter and fresh strawberries sprinkled with powdered sugar.

 

Raven took a bite. “This is amazing.”

 

Cy grinned from ear to ear. “Thank ya little lady.”

 

Raven ate in silence while the others talked around her. Cy was discussing BB's strange behavior.

 

She half listened to them and half had her own discussion in her head. Today she hoped to spend time with just Jinx. There were some things she'd like to discuss with her. One being she and Robin's relationship. Of course once she decided she would ask about it, she wondered why. Why would it matter if they did have one? Or if they do have feelings for each other? That wouldn't change the way things were. But if they did, then it would be easier to keep Robin's mind on getting them to America. So they could get divorced. Then he could be happy with Jinx and she could be happy making her own decisions. At that point she'd have four years of marriage under her belt. And a divorce. And she'd only be eighteen. What kind of guy would want an eighteen year old that had already been married? But that wouldn't matter. She'd still be free.

 

Jinx's voice called her from her thoughts. Raven looked to her. Everyone's eyes were on her again. “Sorry. I was daydreaming.”

 

“So we noticed. What about?” Cy asked as he took her empty plate to the sink.

 

Raven thought for a minute. “My life.”

 

Once said, all their faces dimmed. She guessed Robin's did because he thought she was dreading her wedding night. She still was. But the thought stayed away from the surface now. Jinx she guessed because Raven always seemed to be snappy when her life was in question. Cy because he didn't like to see anyone anything but happy.

 

Raven smiled a little. “I mean my future.”

 

No one changed their expression. In her future she was to be married against her will.

 

Raven laughed. That made everyone's attention turn to her. “I mean the part of my life in the future where we are all far away from here and free to do whatever with whomever and whenever we want.”

 

Jinx immediately perked up. “Oh.”

 

Cy smiled. “I'm glad you're including all of us in that dream of yours.”

 

Robin didn't change his look or his attention from her. He just watched her.

 

“I did say I was mostly happy. And I'm mostly happy because of you guys.” Raven said trying to sound happier. Which was a slight struggle since she had her mind back on fearing her wedding night.

 

Jinx hopped off the stool. “Let's do something. Who has a great idea to get cooled down?”

 

No one said anything.

 

“Come on, am I the only one that has any imagination?” Jinx pushed.

 

“No. But ours think dirty. You may not want to hear our suggestions.” Cy said with a grinning snicker.

 

Robin chuckled.

 

Raven eyed the two of them for a minute before turning back to Jinx. “I don't. And I don't know what there is to do around here. Sorry I'm no help.”

 

“You don't need to know anything to think of something. What would be fun?” Jinx asked.

 

“Realistically?”

 

“Not necessarily. We have Rob. He can make almost anything possible.” Jinx said.

 

There was that worship like mode that Jinx had towards Robin. The one she wanted to question.

 

Raven blinked a couple times to get that out of her head. That wasn't the matter of discussion at the moment. But it did give her an idea. Doesn't have to be realistically possible after all. Let's see how much power Robin really did have around here, shall we? “Sky diving over a lake so when we land it'll be in the water.” Raven said unhopefully.

 

Jinx's smile grew. “I know just the lake too.”

 

Raven narrowed her eyes a bit. “You mean we can really do that?”

 

Robin took a cell phone from his pocket and dialed. His side of the conversation was simple. “Small cargo helicopter… four… sky diving doubles… Lake Crystal Reef…” There was a short pause here. “Just be on stand by.” Again a pause. “Sounds good. Thanks.” He hung up the cell phone. “It's done. When ever you want to head over there, they'll be waiting for us.” He said to Raven.

 

Raven was shocked but barely showed it. Amazing. He has a lot of power around here. A lot. She nodded. “Let me take a shower and I'll be ready.”

 

“Ok. We'll come and pick you up in an hour?” Robin asked.

 

Raven nodded.

 

They left.

 

No sooner had they walked out the door did Meeko crawl back in through the kitchen window. Raven picked him up in her arms and brought him with her on her way to the bathroom. She told him about what they were going to do while she turned on both nozzles in the shower. On her bed lay the bags full of clothes she had bought the other night. In one, she grabbed the black bathing suit that consisted of black shorts and the top was a regular bra-like shape with a few more inches of material on her stomach. It didn't even fall to her belly button. It tied in the back around her neck and mid back.

 

As she searched for more clothes, she shared her thoughts with the animal. “I don't know what it is about this place. I like it here. I'm having fun. But I know with the more days I'm here, the closer I am to being forced into… stuff. I know he seems so great to everyone, but that doesn't mean it's true. I can act too. It's not hard. And what about him and Jinx? Is it just me or do they have some… `feelings' for each other? Am I just over analyzing it? I do that occasionally so it wouldn't be the first time. And then what was that ring about? I wish you could have seen his mood. Hear his voice. Or felt his energy. I can't put my finger on it quite right, but he's definitely… I don't know…” Raven stopped digging through the bags and headed for the bathroom. She looked at Meeko. “Sometimes, I really wish you could talk to me.” She said before she headed in and closed the door behind her.

 

(A/N- this story will basically all be from Raven's POV. But every now and then, I'll make it someone else's. I have to let you know what they're thinking too, right?)

 

Once the bathroom door shut, Meeko made his way to it. He listened for the shower door to open and close. The water breaking its continual falling was the sign he wanted that she was in the shower.

 

Meeko backed a ways away and sat watching the door. But not as a raccoon anymore. Now he was a green boy. Young. Pointed green ears. Bright green eyes. A short fang that stuck out of his mouth when closed. His hair was a short green mess on the top of his head. His skin was an eerie shade of green to match the rest of him.

 

He sat there watching the door. “I can talk.” He said quietly. “But I don't think you'd like to know your `Meeko' was a human all along.”

 

Maybe not fully human, actually. He thought to himself. But still not completely an animal. I know a lot that I'd like to tell you. For one, you're a great person and I love being with you. And I never run from you, I run from everyone else. If they saw me, they'd tell you who I was and then you'd hate that I've been here and you've told me all you're secrets. I'll always keep them, though. Human form or raccoon or any other. I'll always be a loyal friend.

 

Meeko heard the water shut off and the shower door open. “I'll tell you soon though. I promise.”

 

With his last words he morphed back into a small green raccoon moments before the bathroom door opened.

 

Raven walked out with her long towel wrapped around her. “Forgot my lotion.” She said to Meeko who sat at the foot of her bed. The raccoon watched her briefly before looking away slightly.

 

Raven began digging through her bags searching for the lotion. Meeko crawled under some bags and pushed a clear bottle full of purple lotion to the edge where he made a squeaky noise. Raven turned to him.

 

She smiled. “You're not just a raccoon, are you?”

 

Meeko looked to her for a minute.

 

“You're too smart to be an animal. Yet, here you are.”

 

Raven made her way back to the bathroom after taking the lotion and kissing the raccoon on the head. The door shut and Meeko sat on the bed. He didn't dare change back to a human right now. Instead he'd wait and see what Raven was going to do next. His secret couldn't possibly be blown yet.

 

Raven opened the door again. “I know what you are, Meeko. I don't believe all this God's will crap very much anymore. I still don't think that any God would force children to do such horrible things. But I do think there is a God. And I do think he sent me here for more than one purpose. Maybe the marriage was the only sure fire way I'd get here. Not that that changes a thing, mind you. Anyways, maybe he sent me here to help Jinx with her dream problem and get her powers under control. And to have a reason for us all to go to America. And for me to have a few friends. You. Jinx. Cy. And I guess Robin. What do you think, Meeko?”

 

Raven brushed her teeth. “If you're just an animal, then I'm glad you found me. I needed a friend like you. And if you're not, well… I'm still glad you found me. I like that you're smarter than a normal animal. It's almost like I'm having an intelligent conversation. I just don't get a response. A one sided conversation.” Raven laughed and walked out of the bathroom. She had her bathing suit on and was brushing her short hair.

 

“You must think I'm crazy to talk to you as much as I do.” She proceeded to get fully dressed. She wrapped a short black skirt around her hips that tied at her left. Then she put her new short-sleeved button shirt on but left it open. Lastly she slipped on her new pair of half sneakers. The kind with no back to them. They were black also. Had to keep her own tradition going.

 

There was a knock in the distance. Raven pet Meeko on his head and down his back. “See you later.”

 

At the door Robin stood waiting for her. “Ready?”

 

Raven nodded and headed out the door. Robin grabbed the door key from the table and locked her door on the way out. He put the key in his pocket.

 

On the gravel path sat the red and green ATV Robin had used a few nights ago during tag. He hoped on.

 

“Cy and Jinx are putting gas in Cy's car. They'll meet us at the shed.”

 

Raven nodded and slowly climbed on the ATV behind him. The seat wasn't really made for two. But the back had a thick plastic rack. Raven wrapped her hands around it.

 

Robin glanced back to make sure she was on. He took off.

 

Raven scooted back from the take off and grabbed Robin's shirt to prevent herself from falling. He gained speed, causing her to slide more and more. Letting go of the rack she gripped his shirt with both hands as she silently cursed him for that. He did it on purpose.

 

They arrived in the shed. Cy and Jinx weren't there yet. Once the ATV was parked, Raven jumped off.

 

“You almost made me fall off.” She growled to him.

 

“That's why you're supposed to hold on.” Robin said with a grin.

 

“I was. You did that on purpose.” She hissed back.

 

“No I didn't. Why would I try and make you fall? I always take off like that. Even when someone's on the back. Ask Jinx. She's almost fallen off too.”

 

“I don't care. I'm not Jinx.”

 

“So I've noticed.” He said sourly at her anger.

 

Raven went out the door into the hot sun. It was exceptionally cooler in the shed but she really felt no need to be in there right then. It was plainly obvious he did like Jinx now. Which was good news.

 

Robin came out and stood next to her. “I'm sorry. You're not Jinx and I shouldn't treat you like you are.”

 

Raven said nothing.

 

“I did that to Star once too and she punched me in the stomach. I thought you'd laugh like Jinx did. You seem a lot like her.”

 

Still Raven said nothing.

 

“If you want to hit me you can.” Robin said trying to bribe her into talking.

 

It didn't work. Raven didn't even look at him.

 

“Come on, Raven. I'm sorry. It won't happen again.”

 

That's right it won't, Raven said within herself. Because I won't ever got on one with you again. I'd rather walk.

 

Robin stepped to the front of her. “Forgive me. I was just playing.”

 

Raven focused on him for a minute. In the near distance she saw a white car coming their way. Assuming it was Cy and Jinx, Raven took a step backwards. In once swift movement, she punched him in the stomach. The motion took him by surprise and he bent a little to accommodate for the sudden pain. While bent, Raven kneed him in the chest. He fell to his knees on the ground.

 

“Don't ever assume you know me.” Raven said heading in the direction of the car.

 

Robin got to his feet in slow motion as the car came to a stop. Jinx jumped out and ran to Robin's side.

 

“Are you ok?” She asked.

 

“Fine.” He said quickly.

 

“What happened?” Cy asked stepping out and looking from Raven to Robin.

 

“Just getting to know each other.” Raven said climbing into the front seat. Once in, she shut the door.

 

Cy still stood at the open driver's door.

 

Raven watched as Jinx helped him to his feet. She was saying something to him in which he would only reply with a nod or a shake of his head. No words. Jinx looked at Raven in the car. Their eyes locked for a split second before Jinx looked away.

 

The car ride was mostly quiet. No one felt the need to say anything. Again Raven guessed what was on their minds.

 

Cy was completely uncomfortable in the silence. Raven guessed from reading him these last seven days that he hated the quiet tension. He always had a conversation going. But these particular quiets were even more dreaded by him.

 

Raven was pretty sure Robin was regretting making all those `nice guy' promises to her. He would surely be mad now. Mad enough not to care about anything he had said before. That was all before she had punched him. Now her life really would be miserable. Although, he had told her she could hit him.

 

And Jinx was probably mad too. If they're relationship was as Raven suspected, and she was pretty sure it was, then that would be the end of the semi close friendship the two of them had. Jinx knew what had happened. The look she gave her when she was helping him to the car was all Raven needed to know what she was thinking. Not what happened. It was obvious what happened. But that she was pissed that Raven had hurt Robin.

 

I don't care, Raven screamed within herself. I don't want to be here. I don't care that I hurt him. He deserved it. He tries to think of me as you. I'm not you. I'm Raven.

 

The car pulled on to the side of a small stream and followed the road next to it for a few miles. When the stream flowed to the right, Cy turned to the left. In front of them was a small, very small, cargo helicopter. The blades were off.

 

“Welcome to Lake Crystal Reef.” Cy beamed.

 

Raven looked beyond the helicopter at the lake. It was absolutely gorgeous. There were a few beaches but the rest of the lakes sides were all trees. Only a few clearings, Raven counted three to be exact, shown where cottages were. Other than that, it was a completely private lake. And beautiful.

 

They all got out of the car and headed to the helicopter. Raven fell back and let the other three walk on ahead together.

 

Cy and Jinx climbed in and Robin waited for Raven to get in next. She did without a word or a glance to him. The cargo area was big. There was an attendant strapping harnesses on Jinx and Cy as Raven got in. A shorter man came over to her and helped her strap herself into one as well. The helicopter lifted into the air and circled the lake while the four of them had a quick lesson on what to do.

 

“All right. Let's strap you together and get the first set out.” Said the man that had been teaching them all how to work and control the parachute. He walked to Raven and Robin.

 

“I'm not going with him.” Raven said.

 

Robin looked to her briefly. The man stared at her.

 

“I'll go with Raven.” Cy said with a smile. “Jinx might make me nervous.”

 

The man looked to Robin. He nodded. He strapped Cy and Raven together. Cy's stomach to Raven's back.

 

“Ready?” Cy asked.

 

Raven held on to the straps tight. She nodded.

 

The man opened the huge cargo door and motioned for them to go when ready.

 

Raven froze to the ground. Cy pushed them out the door.

 

Raven began to scream as Cy whooped behind her. They fell fast. It was a great rush. The hot muggy air turned into a cool refreshing breeze as they fell towards the lake. For a minute Raven got nervous that Cy wouldn't open the parachute in time. But he opened it. Their rapid descent stopped abruptly as they glided down from the sky. They landed in the water.

 

Again Raven got nervous that they'd be stuck under water. But she felt herself become free from Cy and she started sinking. Raven swam to the surface to find herself still under the top of the parachute. So she went back under and swam until she needed air. When she surfaced again, she was parachute free.

 

“You alright?” Cy called.

 

Raven turned a bit to see Cy swimming to her. He was a little more than a dozen yards away. “Yes.” She called back.

 

Cy made it to her side and looked to the sky. Raven did the same. Robin and Jinx had just jumped out of the helicopter themselves. Both of their arms were outstretched. Their parachute was out and they hit the water a few hundred yards away.

 

Cy swam towards them. Raven grabbed the parachute her and Cy used and began pulling it to shore.

 

It took a good amount of effort to get it there. And she was pretty tired once she made it. Taking a few deep breaths she threw herself on the sand to relax a bit. She felt her muscles untighten slowly.

 

It was a while before the others got to her. She heard them talking but ignored them. She felt like the outcast again. Not again with them. Just again in her life. It was her fault. But she didn't care. No attachments meant no hard feelings later. Right? At least she still had Meeko.

 

Without looking Raven knew they were walking away from the spot she was laying. Their voices were getting softer and words less audible.

 

Raven sighed. She wished she could get back to her suite without them. She could but not with out them knowing.

 

“Are you going to stay distant from us all day?”

 

Raven heard his voice but didn't look. She didn't say anything.

 

“I know you're mad at me and I don't blame you for being mad. But that doesn't mean you can't talk to Jinx and Cy.” He said.

 

“They're your friends. Not mine.” Raven said in monotone.

 

“Not true. They're yours too.”

 

Raven didn't answer.

 

“I told them what happened. I almost knocked you off the back of my four-wheeler and I got what I deserved. They understand.”

 

Raven said nothing. She lay there for a long time. Long enough that she thought he had finally left her.

 

“Wanna do it again?”

 

Raven turned her head to see Robin hadn't moved. “Do what?”

 

“Sky dive.”

 

Raven just blinked. “Why would I?”

 

This time Robin blinked a few times. “Because it was your idea. And it was fun.”

 

“I only suggested it because I didn't think we could actually do it.”

 

“I don't care what your reason was, it was still fun and a great way to cool down. You hit both objectives right on.” He said with a smile.

 

“You go. I'm not interested.” Raven said laying back down.

 

She heard Robin sigh. “This act of yours is getting old. You're not the only victim of this crap that's being forced upon us so stop trying to alienate me. It's not my fault and you being pissed at me won't fix or help or change a thing.” He stood. “So get over yourself and open your eyes to what you have in front of you instead of what you don't have and won't have for at least four years yet.”

 

Robin walked off leaving Raven with her shame. I am being selfish, Raven thought. I think of myself while every one of them think of me too.

 

The ride home was quiet again and Raven was dropped off at her suite. Robin handed her the key and they all drove off. Raven watched them go.

 

Raven sighed and went into her warm house. Meeko sat on her chair waiting for her. Raven smiled at the sight.

 

“I'm glad you're here, Meeko. I need someone to talk to.” She said while she wallowed in self-pity. She told him about what happened today. Her punching and kneeing Robin. The look she got from Jinx. They sky diving with Cy. And Robin's speech. Again she told him she wished he could talk to her.

 

The evening brought a cooler breeze through her open window. Raven stayed in her swimsuit and tried to stay cool.

 

A knock came at quarter to seven. Raven considered ignoring it. And she did for a while.

 

But it was persistent. “Go away.” Raven said loud enough for her visitor to hear.

 

The knocking kept coming.

 

With a growl Raven headed for the door. Opening it she found Jinx standing there. Her expression was blank and somewhat helpless. “Can I come in?” She asked quietly.

 

“If you want.” Raven said indifferently.

 

Jinx did and shut the door behind her.

 

They stood there in the awkward silence for a while before Jinx broke the ice. “You know, Cy and I are your friends too.”

 

Raven shrugged.

 

“And I know you're not really this mad because Robin went fast on the four wheeler. So what's really bothering you?” She asked.

 

“What makes you think you know me well enough to assume I'm not just mad over that?” Raven said in monotone.

 

“I don't think I know you that well. But if you were just mad because of that, you'd still be talking to Cy and I.”

 

Raven frowned. She had a point. “How long have you lived here?”

 

Not knowing what this had to do with anything, Jinx narrowed her eyes. “Almost five years.”

 

“In those five years you've gotten really close with everyone, haven't you?”

 

Jinx cocked her head to the side. “Yea.”

 

“So in getting closer to those people it's possible for you to have started to develop feelings for one of them too, right?”

 

Jinx smiled a little. “I suppose. But Cy already told you we were just friends.”

 

“I'm not talking about Cy.”

 

“Oh? Then wh-?” Jinx stopped her question when it dawned on her. “You think Robin and I- are you crazy? Me and Rob? That's insane.”

 

Raven gave her a skeptical look.

 

“Why would you think that?” Jinx asked still a little shocked.

 

“There are many reasons actually. But mostly it because the more I observe you all, the two of you seem to have the most unique and different relationship. I thought Cy at first because I always saw you two together. But then through various different conversations, I've learned it's not right for you to be with Robin all the time so it's likely that that could be why you're always with Cy. Then you have the nicknames, the looks, the teasing, tension and I could go on but I won't. You get my point, I think.”

 

Jinx was standing in her same position still quite in shock. Raven guessed it was because she had been found out.

 

“I don't want you to think I care. Because I don't. I'm just curious. I think it's a good thing actually. It won't give Robin the chance to change his mind about getting out of here.”

 

Still Jinx just looked at her. But much to Raven's surprise, the shocked look turned to amusement. “I never thought of all that. But now that you mention it… it does seem that way, doesn't it?”

 

Raven watched her laugh.

 

“I practically grew up with him… he's like… there's nothing between us, Raven. I swear. We just like to play. I never really thought about how that might look to someone else. I'm sorry. I'll stop. I didn't realize you thought that. But believe me, we're just friends. You have nothing to worry about.”

 

Raven shook her head. “Why would I worry? I was glad. Now I'm stuck where I started.”

 

“So that's not what you were mad at? What was it then?”

 

Raven frowned. “Combination of almost falling off the four wheeler and then he kept saying how much he thought I was like you. I'm not like anyone.”

 

Jinx smiled. “I'm really the only female he comes in contact with on a regular basis besides Star. So he really doesn't have a lot to compare to. I don't think he meant anything by it.”

 

“You're taking this the wrong way, Jinx. You make it sound like I'm jealous or protective. But I'm not. I still don't like him any more than I did when I first got here.”

 

Jinx still smiled. “That's fine.”

 

It was obvious she didn't believe her. Time for the change in subject. “I want to show you something.” She said and headed down the hall to the bedroom.

 

Jinx looked around it. “This room is amazing. How do you sleep on the bed though with all that stuff on it?”

 

“I don't.”

 

“Then where do you sleep?” She asked amused.

 

Raven dug under a few of the bags and moved them out of the way while she looked for the item she was in search of. “The chair.” She said as she found it.

 

Raven handed the box to Jinx. “Have you ever seen this before?”

 

Jinx eyed the box with astonishment. “Did Rob give this to you?” She asked shocked.

 

Raven nodded. “So you have seen it.”

 

“Of course I have.” Jinx opened it to look at the ring inside. “I held on to it for almost a year. He was scared he'd lose it and thought I'd do a better job keeping it safe. Do you know what this ring means to him and his family?”

 

“I have an idea.” Raven said in a short breath. Unfortunately this conversation was shaping up to lead in the direction she was hoping it wouldn't.

 

“When did he give this to you? What did he say?”

 

Raven recapped the whole meeting with Miss Tayfler and how the ring came out. Jinx looked wide eyed and amazed the whole time.

 

“Tell me something I want to hear.” Raven half begged.

 

Jinx tried not to let a laugh out. “I don't know what to say. I can say something but I don't think you want to hear it.”

 

Raven grimaced. “How well would you say you know him?”

 

Now Jinx laughed. “I buy his clothes. I'd say pretty well.”

 

“So chances are that you're right about that ring then.”

 

Jinx nodded with a wide smile.

 

Jinx stayed at Raven's that night and they talked for a great deal into the night. Though after the conversation about the ring, Robin wasn't brought into the talks much. Two thirty rolled around and Jinx had finally fallen asleep on the couch as Raven sat in the chair.

 

Meeko climbed quietly into the chair and under Raven's blanket after Jinx had dozed off. Raven found herself at ease. Comfortable. And fell asleep curled up with Meeko.

 

Day 9-

 

This morning brought rain to the beautiful grounds. But with the dry spell lately, the rain was really needed. Raven awoke to the sound of heavy raindrops on the roof. Meeko had already departed before the morning sun had come up (if it was out at all). Raven speculated Meeko didn't like much human interaction. Why else would he only make himself visible when Raven was alone?

 

Raven got off the chair and stretched with a silent yawn. Jinx was still fast asleep. And she should be. The time was only 6:12 according to the clock. Raven made her way to the back door in the kitchen. She liked rainy days, just not to get wet. Quietly Raven opened the door and before stepping outside, she raised her hands and a black umbrella like field appeared protecting her from the water.

 

She walked out to the patio and stood there watching the rain cover the grounds with refreshing water. The breeze the rain brought felt great on her skin. Since yesterday had been so muggy and miserable, this would be a nice change.

 

Yesterday replayed itself in Raven's mind. She hadn't acted very well at all. Unlike her, she felt sorry she acted like that. It wasn't her to be so careless. Hateful sometimes, stubborn always, but not usually careless of other people. Especially not the ones that may actually care for her as a person. Something she had never really experienced unless you count her adoptive parents. And right now, Raven was convinced she had no parents.

 

Raven looked out among the distant grounds where workers were still just as busy as always. She kept mostly hidden so no one could see her make shift poncho. In the distance she could see Terra attending to a flowerbed. Though she couldn't make out what she was doing. Why would you be messing with the flowers in the rain? It would only cause a mess and you'd be covered in mud. But there must be a reason for it, right? Raven watched her for a while before she decided that one of these days she would try and talk to her. Maybe get to know her a bit.

 

In the opposite direction was the main house. There were cars and people scurrying about like chickens with their heads cut off. What could possibly be so important that it couldn't wait until the rain stopped?

 

So far the last week had been pretty good. With the exception of yesterday's argument; fight, whatever you want to call it. Everyone was very pleasant and no one seemed to be unhappy with their work at all. In fact, every one that worked here seemed to love and admire all of the Drake family. Not something you see everyday. Especially surrounded in a place with money and power. Both of which were made completely obvious yesterday when a sky diving session was arranged in less than an hour. Less than five minutes really. On top of that, quite a bit of the heads of departments were young like herself. And all were here by choice. True all had some tragic accident that permitted them here and all were rescued and brought here by Robin. It made him sound like some sort of saint.

 

Again Raven found herself lost in a daydream. What would it have been like to, instead of being adopted by the Delpheki family, to be brought in and put on the payroll in the Drake Grounds? Yes she would have been a bit young for the payroll, but nonetheless. She could only see that her life would have been a drastic improvement. She wouldn't have found herself here being forced to marry the youngest Drake son. What would her life have been like to be a normal child without this crazy religion and laws? Not that she wouldn't know of the religion. The Drake's believed the same. But on payroll you wouldn't be forced into it.

 

Which brought up a new idea. Since she wasn't born into this religion, shouldn't she have a choice whether or not to be a part of it? But again the answer came as a disappointment. The whole reason for Jinx and Cy and all the other young workers of this place to be on payroll is so they didn't have to be adopted in and forced under a religion not of their choosing.

 

“How are you doing that?”

 

Raven turned to the door to see Jinx standing there looking at her in awe. She shrugged. “Telekinesis.”

 

“Right.” Jinx said still amazed. “That's still very impressive.”

 

Raven smiled a bit and walked back to the house.

 

“What is the black stuff? Can you feel it?” Jinx questioned quite intrigued.

 

“I suppose it's some kind of energy. Yes you can feel it.” Raven demonstrated. She held her hand out in front of her and a small shield formed there.

 

Jinx reached out to touch it. Hard. “That's so sweet.”

 

Raven shrugged and headed back to the chair she had occupied the night before.

 

“Mind if I use your phone?” Jinx asked as she made her way to the couch.

 

“Go ahead.”

 

Jinx picked up the phone. “Good morning, senioritta. This is Jinx. Any messages?” There was a pause. “Gracias.” Jinx hung up the phone. She made her way to the couch and curled up in the blanket again.

 

“So you were nine when you came here?” Raven asked.

 

Jinx looked to her. “Yep.”

 

“And homeless at nine?”

 

Jinx nodded.

 

“If you don't mind my asking, how?”

 

Jinx sat up a bit and faced Raven. “Well I don't know really. My parents died when I was young. From there I was moved to an orphanage. I ran away my first week. I didn't like sharing a room. I lived on the street for a while then, being fed by local restaurants. A few more times I was picked up and put in foster care, but by then I had become too independent. I kept running away. The last time I ran away I came to this town in a bus. The driver felt pity on me and let me ride so I could sleep safely. He dropped me off at the restaurant just down the road from here. I met Cy a few times when he'd go into town for some tech parts. He'd always stop and talk to me. When I told him my story he said he had a good place for me to live. Where I could be as free as I wanted without having to scrounge for food and shelter. A few days later he and Robin came and Robin insisted that I come back here with them. His parents were really sweet and told me I could do small jobs and be paid. Have my own house and have everything I'd ever need. I'm the last one of the young ones to arrive here. Besides you. Terra came a few years before me. And BB has been here since he was seven, after his parents died.”

 

Raven listened with sympathy for her. Though Jinx never once sounded sad. Even when she told of her parents' death. “I hear so much of this BB. When do I get to meet him?”

 

Jinx shrugged. “I don't know. I haven't seen him much lately. Cy says he rarely comes home anymore at night. His parents studied animals and stuff like that. So he grew up around them. We think that's why he stays hidden most of the time with them. I didn't meet him for three months when I first got here. He wanted nothing to do with me. But you'll like him I think. He's really funny. He can be shy sometimes. But he's a good friend too. I couldn't find Cy one morning after a dream but he was there and he listened until I was done being hysterical.”

 

Raven listened a bit longer until the knock sounded on her door. “Breakfast is here.” She said opening the door so Cy could come in.

 

He was wet but the water just mostly dripped off his metal parts. He didn't wear a smile this morning. Not a real one anyways.

 

Raven let him through the door.

 

“What's wrong?” Jinx asked him.

 

“Why would something be wrong?” He asked innocently.

 

“Right. If you don't want to tell us, fine.” Jinx said with a stuffy air.

 

“Good. I don't want to tell you.” He said walking into the kitchen.

 

Jinx and Raven exchanged looks.

 

“Fruit salad with berry crème ok with you, Rae?” Cy asked completely changing the subject.

 

“Sounds great.” She said with a very chipper tone.

 

Breakfast only took a few minutes to prepare this morning. Before too many more questions could be asked, Raven had a bowl full of fruit and some tasty crème in front of her.

 

But breakfast wouldn't be pleasant. Raven had only taken a few bites when the second knock came on her door. Raven began to get off her stool when Cy jumped up with a quick “I'll get it so you can eat.”

 

Raven narrowed her eyes but nodded.

 

A few minutes later Cy and Robin were in the kitchen. Cy had his same somber mood and Robin looked extremely put out.

 

“Morning, Rob.” Jinx chirped.

 

Robin barely looked at her.

 

Raven stuck a piece of peach in her mouth and smiled to Robin.

 

The look made him chuckle against his will. Her purple hair was a mess. Eyes danced. And her cheeks were full of peach.

 

“Hate to break the obviously better mood you're in today, but I just learned a great new twist in our engagement.”

 

Raven's smile turned to a scowl. “Can you wait till after I eat to upset me? This is really good and I want to enjoy it.”

 

“Sure.” Robin said taking a seat in the kitchen across from her.

 

Raven ate a few more bites when she sighed. “Never mind. I've already lost my appetite.”

 

“Apparently there's going to be a party. You know, in the grand ballroom. Long dresses. A bunch of stuck up rich people and their rude children. All proper etiquette. In a month. And you and I are to be the guests of honor. Because I seemed to have left out the fact that it's an engagement party.” He said with a great deal of sarcasm.

 

Raven dropped her fork into her bowl with a pear chunk on the end of it. She had been nibbling it till the last couple words. “What?” She whined. “Do they have to rub it in our face that we're forced into hell?”

 

Robin got up and was pacing the kitchen in a small circle. “I know. I gave my father a pretty ear full when he decided to spring this on me at practice this morning.”

 

That made Raven notice what he was wearing. The same style karate pants he had the other day. Except now they're black. He also had a black mesh jersey and some black sandals. Still all black.

 

“He also decided we were the ones to plan most of the details. So I was thinking on my way over… we make this a big joke. Plan it like a funeral. Funeral music; everyone in black. Burnt food. I don't care as long as it's black. What do you think?” He looked to her.

 

Raven was still staring at him as if someone had beaten her silly. The words made no sense. A ball engagement party. “What did I do to deserve this?”

 

Raven got up from her seat and went into her bedroom where she slammed her door. She walked to her bed and picked up a pillow. Pressing her face into it, she screamed at the top of her lungs. Having finished that fit she turned to the window where the rain was pouring down. There were some trees in the nearby meadow. She raised her hands and a large tree came out with the roots hanging, dropping large chunks of dirt to the ground. Like rain drops the chunks of dirt splattered as they hit.

 

There were groundkeepers everywhere in an instant panicking and watching with fright. Raven swung her harms back over her head and threw them forward with as much speed as she could. The tree went flying out of sight.

 

Having burned some frustrated energy off, Raven returned to the kitchen. Cy, Robin and Jinx were still there. They all looked at her for a minute. None having any idea about the tree that had been uprooted a few hundred yards away.

 

“Funeral sounds good.” Raven said in a mock approval tone. “But I really hate planning things. Do we have to?”

 

“I do too. After I bitched about the whole fact that it had to happen, I bitched about having to plan it. I tried to tell him we wouldn't do it. He gave me the whole `you'll disgrace the family and shame your mother and I' speech until I finally said fine. Then I left.”

 

“So let's just give someone else the responsibility. Tell them what we want and they can plan it. Everyone listens to you `Master Drake.'” Raven said quoting the servants she had heard.

 

“Yea I know. But no one will get it done the way we want it. Who do you know that can think of enough dark ideas to piss people off?” He asked.

 

“Uh. Hello? Am I not sitting here?” Jinx said almost insulted.

 

Robin looked to her. “You really want to? We don't want any frills or shinny happy things. You can handle that?”

 

Jinx rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I'm sure I can manage, boy blunder. You trust me to buy your clothes but not help make others miserable? Come on.”

 

Raven smirked. “Great idea. Jinx will do it. That leaves us free to plan a wedding from hell. That does require all our creative thinking.”

 

Robin smiled. “That reminds me. You have to pick out your dress today. I was informed of that too.”

 

Raven growled. “I hate dressy occasions. I've never worn anything like that ever. Why can't someone else just do that? Or can't I just wear jeans?”

 

Robin raised his brows again. “Well, if Jinx is up for that too…”

 

“I'll do it. I'll go with you and give you some pointers.”

 

Raven eyed her. “Do they make black dresses?”

 

“If they don't, we can give it to BB and he'll get it dirty.” Cy said with a smile.

 

“Yes. The invisible BB.”

 

The four of them left the suite, splitting in two separate directions. Jinx and Raven headed to the main house in hopes of finding a car to head out shopping. Cy and Robin headed in the opposite direction in search of BB.

 

The first few stores they stopped at had a little selection. Jinx walked in, glanced around and insisted that they leave. They did that to three stores. The fourth one had two stories and it was supposedly a `one stop wedding shop' according to the sign. Finally satisfied, Jinx began her search for the perfect dress. Raven sat on a bench staring in the mirror.

 

“Can I help you?” A lady asked with the name badge Virlomi.

 

“No.” Raven said in a dark voice.

 

Virlomi left her side and returned to the counter.

 

Jinx walked around the corner carrying three different dresses. All of which were white. “We'll have to make sure they dye them. I don't think they actually keep a black selection.”

 

Raven nodded. “Should we ask now?”

 

“I'll do it.” Jinx said with a grin. She set the dresses down and made her way to the counter. The conversation was short. Jinx returned. “They do. Black is an extra charge. But they'll do it. Now, try these on and show me.”

 

Raven took the first one and headed in the dressing room. It was a two-piece. The bottom had three layers and the top had no straps. Raven felt like she just added an extra fifteen pounds in material to her 93-pound body. “You don't really expect me to wear this, do you?” Raven said as she came out of the small room. One hand held up the bottom of the skirt so she could walk. The other held up the top so it wouldn't fall. “I have to have straps. Thirteen year olds don't have a chest to hold anything up.”

 

Jinx giggled. “I just need an idea. Here try this one.”

 

The next two weren't too much better. But at least they had straps. Raven wasn't pleased to see this. After the third dress, Jinx ran off saying something about the perfect one. Raven waited as she stared at her reflection again. White wasn't really her color. Her skin was too pale.

 

Jinx returned handing her a dress. Raven took it and vanished behind the door. Coming back out again, Jinx smiled. “I knew that would be it. Look.”

 

Raven turned to the mirror. The fabric was a lighter material so it didn't make her want to drag her feet. It was simple white (would be black) and the straps were thin. For the most part it fit perfectly. A little kink here and there and it would be perfect. There was a small train, nothing too dramatic. And around the bottom hem were embroidered… what exactly? It looked like the calligraphy on the book covers she had borrowed from the Drake's library.

 

Raven was a bit impressed. Jinx had good taste. This would be the exact style dress she would have picked out if she had wanted to.

 

“Well?” Jinx asked.

 

Raven nodded. “It'll work.”

 

“Ok now pretend you're excited for a minute and tell me what you really think of it.”

 

Raven sighed. “I like it. It's perfect. And as long as it comes in black, I'll be satisfied.”

 

Jinx grinned. “Alright. I had a call while you were changing. We need to get a dress for your funeral party too.”

 

Raven growled. “Wonderful. This takes the whole fun out of shopping.” She went back into her changing room. “Jinx.” She called.

 

“Yea.” Came her singsong voice.

 

“Does this place make dresses for the wedding party too?”

 

“You mean like bridesmaids and flower girls and such?”

 

“Uh huh.”

 

“Yes they do.”

 

“Then will you pick out a dress for yourself?” There was silence. Raven pulled on her shirt and opened the door. Jinx was looking at her.

 

“Me? Really?”

 

“If you want to. If you don't, that's ok.” Raven said quietly.

 

Jinx smiled from ear to ear and jumped up. “Are you kidding? I'd love to.”

 

Raven smiled a little. “K. But remember this isn't a happy thing so stop being excited. You're enjoying my misery a little too much.”

 

Jinx calmed herself but couldn't seem to make her smile fade. “What color do you want me in?”

 

Raven looked her over for a time. “The darkest blue or purple you can find.”

 

Jinx ran off and came back wearing an indigo and midnight blue dress. “This one?”

 

Raven looked it over. Spaghetti straps, to her ankles and fairly light. “You like it?”

 

Jinx nodded.

 

“Then yes.”

 

Jinx ran off again and returned dressed back in her normal clothing carrying Raven's dress and her own.

 

They headed for the counter. Jinx set them on there while Raven realized they hadn't brought any money. She didn't have time to bring this to Jinx's attention though. The lady was already ringing them up.

 

“Will that be all for you today?”

 

Jinx nodded.

 

“How will you be paying?”

 

“Drake account.” Jinx said.

 

The lady looked at her for a short minute. Raven had seen the look before. It was the same one she received from so many people on Drake Grounds.

 

“If you don't mind my asking, are you the youngest Drake's fiancé?”

 

Jinx narrowed her eyes. “I'm a friend.”

 

The lady looked to Raven. Raven glared at her. “You're marrying Robin?”

 

“Not by choice.”

 

The lady looked at her for a few minutes. “You got the best of the whole bunch.” The lady said pushing some buttons. “Any notes or alterations before the fittings?”

 

“The white one needs to be dyed black.” Jinx said.

 

The lady looked to her and then to Raven. “Are you sure?”

 

“I wouldn't have mentioned it if I wasn't.” Jinx said annoyed.

 

The lady nodded.

 

That store was finished. Just the funeral dress now. “Jinx, how many siblings did Robin have?” Raven asked as they rode to the next shop.

 

“Five. There first kids were triplets. Two girls and a boy. Then he got another sister and another brother. His oldest brother, the triplet, is whom he refers to most often. He's the one who married when Rob was really young.”

 

Raven nodded.

 

The shopping lasted a short time longer. Despite the fact that they were shopping for wedding garments, Raven quite enjoyed herself. Jinx was good company.

 

Jinx's cell phone called them back to reality in a hurry though. “Olah.” She sang into it. “Be there shortly.” She hung it up. “Time to get back.”

 

“Oh joy.” Raven said sarcastically.

 

Robin met them at the front steps. “Everything go alright?” He asked.

 

Jinx nodded. “It went great!” She chirped with a wide smile.

 

“Good. Now we need to meet Miss Tayfler in the guest study.” He informed Raven.

 

“My day just gets better and better.” She said climbing out into the rain.

 

Talo was there to hold an umbrella over her and Robin's head.

 

“See you later.” Jinx called.

 

Once inside the house, Raven noticed all the workers running around like crazy. She eyed them carrying furniture from room to room, cleaning the ceilings and the enormous chandelier.

 

“They're preparing for our funeral.” Robin whispered as they passed.

 

Raven nodded.

 

She noticed how those who noticed them slowed down long enough to get a good look. Some bowed. Some smiled. Others just watched them pass. It made Raven very uncomfortable. She didn't like to be stared at.

 

They entered the guest study to see the woman they were to meet sitting there going through another of her large books. She smiled to greet them when she noticed the two walk in. “It's nice to see you dry on a miserable day like this.”

 

“I like the rain.” Raven stated.

 

Miss Tayfler smiled a bit more. “It is nice for the change in weather. Especially since yesterday was so hot.”

 

Raven just glared at her. Robin had made his way over to the side and poured himself a glass of water. “Let's get this over with.” He said to Miss Tayfler.

 

“Of course.” She answered him. “All I really wanted was to make sure you had the dresses taken care of Raven. You're wedding dress, reception dress and your bridal party's dresses are taken care of.”

 

“I have to have two separate dresses?” Raven asked bemused.

 

“I suppose you don't have to, but usually the more elegant heavy one is worn during the actual ceremony. With a train and your veil. The second one is normally lighter and more easy to move around in. Simple and yet beautiful. No train of course. A train would make it difficult to dance in.”

 

“I won't dance. So two dresses are unnecessary.” Raven growled. She saw Robin flinch in her peripheral vision.

 

“There are a few dances you have to participate in. Other than that, you can sit out the entire time. Your dance lessons will start soon, actually. Let me check my calendar.” Miss Tayfler pulled a pocket planner from her bag by her feet and opened it. “Yes. You're lessons start on Friday.”

 

Raven looked to Robin. He just sighed and hung his head.

 

“The last thing on today's schedule is your reservation for your bridal suite the night before your wedding. You may have your bridal party stay with you if you want. But we need to make it now.”

 

Raven waited for the part that Miss Tayfler needed her input.

 

“How many would you like to stay in your suite with you?”

 

“I have to decide now?”

 

“I suppose not. But you do have your bridal party committed, right?” Miss Tayfler asked a little worried.

 

“I have the only one I'm going to ask.” Raven said.

 

Miss Tayfler looked at Raven a little unsure of the situation. But she smiled. “I'll make the reservation for two with it open for more if you so choose. Sound good?”

 

Raven shrugged. “I don't care.”

 

Miss Tayfler smiled and stood after she packed her belongings into her bag. She headed for the door. “I'll see the two of you in a few days.”

 

And she was gone. Leaving Raven and Robin alone. Raven watched the door she had gone out for a minute before she turned to Robin. He had his back towards her looking out the window.

 

“You knew about these dance lessons, didn't you?”

 

Robin was silent and still for a few seconds before he nodded.

 

“And how much more are you keeping from me that I so willingly have to participate in?” Raven hissed.

 

“I tell you things almost as soon as I find them out myself.” He said quietly.

 

“And you found out about this dancing when? Five minutes ago?”

 

“This morning.”

 

“I'm getting a husband against my will but what's better is the fact that he finds it necessary to keep things from me when I'm directly involved. Nice way to start off our life together.” Raven snarled.

 

Robin groaned. “Come on, Raven. I didn't tell you because you were already in a pissy mood when you left with Jinx. I thought I'd spare her form your silent treatment that I've noticed you use when you get mad. If you weren't so prone to take your moods out on people I would have told you.”

 

“So I'm the problem. I'm glad you found a way to turn this back on me.” Raven said with narrowed eyes.

 

“I'm not blaming you. I should have told you. But like I said, I didn't want Jinx to suffer all day with your mood swings.” He insisted trying to stay as calm and quiet as he could manage.

 

“That's right. Let's keep the fiancé in the dark to protect the friend. Good.”

 

“Enough already.” Robin said raising his voice slightly.

 

Raven fell silent.

 

Robin flinched. “I hate that you were brought up to stop talking when told to.” He said in a quite tone.

 

Raven just looked at him.

 

“Like it or not, Jinx is my friend. I've known her longer so yes I'm going to protect her from as much of the hard times you put me through because I care about her. So hate me if you want. You're going to no matter what I say.” Robin turned back to the window.

 

Raven watched him for a minute. There wasn't much left to say. She found herself lost in thought again. Do I really care that he likes Jinx better than me? Why does it bother me? I don't like him. I won't like him. Fiancée, husband, whatever, I don't want anything to do with him. But the fact that he can keep things from me and not care one way or another is petty. No matter what the reason.

 

Raven turned and opened the door. She started down the hall to her right. There were still dozens of workers preparing the house. Some still stopped to get a better look at her. Immediately she found herself lost. But not for long. She heard her name being called.

 

“Raven, wait.”

 

Raven turned. Robin came jogging down the hall. “I'm sorry.” He said once he reached her.

 

“Don't be.” Raven said resuming her escape.

 

“I am. I just seem to mess up with you all the time. I'm new at this so you have to bear with me, ok?” He pleaded jogging again to catch up to her.

 

“It doesn't matter if you or I mess up or not. We're still stuck together so what's it matter?” She said in monotone.

 

“It matters. I don't want to be unhappy and I don't want you to be miserable either.”

 

“Too late.” Raven grimaced.

 

“Stop being like that.”

 

Raven didn't respond.

 

Robin gave a sarcastic chuckle. “Ok. You want to listen to my demands. Stop obeying them when you know that's not what I mean.”

 

Raven stopped abruptly. Robin almost ran into her.

 

“Robin, I don't care whether or not you think you mess up with me. The truth of the matter is, there is no you and me besides the part where we're bound together for all of eternity. So there is no `us' to mess up. I don't want to hear your apologies or excuses and I'm really tired of hearing how much of a nice, great, saint-like guy you are. It makes me want to scream. As far as I'm concerned this marriage means nothing. So if you want to be with Jinx, then be with her and stop making it sound like you're not interested. I hate being lied to. Stop comparing me to her and assuming I'll like something because she does. I don't want to be friends, Robin. I don't want to be anything. I just want to be left alone.” Raven started to make her way down the hall again before she turned. “One more thing. Next time you're informed of something that I have a right to know, tell me whether you think it's a good time or not.” With her last words she disappeared down the first turn she came to.

 

Realizing she was lost in the giant house Raven decided to sit and take a breather. Down the far hall, were some open balcony doors with long curtains blowing through the breeze. That's where Raven headed.

 

It was still drizzling when she stepped outside. Which was good. Raven felt the need to cry. Once the tears started she felt ashamed of herself for doing so.

 

What's wrong with me? Why do I have to be here? Maybe if I turn suicidal they won't force me to marry. I'd rather be an outcast in the eyes of the community than be forced into this hell. No one will force their precious Robin to marry a suicidal girl.

 

Raven sighed. She knew it wouldn't work. She wouldn't make a convincing suicidal person. She didn't wish to die. And she wasn't trying to get attention. More than anything, she wanted to disappear never to be seen again. And that wouldn't happen. The minute she didn't show up to something, there would be huge search parties looking for her. The Drake's were one of the richest families in the country. She wouldn't get very far before someone would recognize her. How many girls do you see with purple hair and eyes? Skin so pale it looked to be gray. Besides that, she was probably watched constantly. Probably right now.

 

Again, Raven sighed.

 

Raven sat there until the rain stopped. It was getting late in the evening. If there had been a sun visible, it would be almost down. And the air was getting cold. She shook involuntarily.

 

And again, Raven missed dinner. But she didn't care. She didn't feel hungry. But she was sleepy.

 

Raven got to her feet and realized she was shivering. After all, she had been sitting out there for a few hours at least.

 

Great, now I'm going to catch a cold. My life gets better by the minute.

 

Raven turned and walked through the open balcony doors and sneezed. Just past the doors were a few large armchairs. And who should be sitting there? Robin of course.

 

He looked unhappy. Not that there was anything to be happy about. But he looked more unhappy than normal. His eyes met hers. And they held the gaze for a few moments before he got to his feet and walked towards her. He had a blanket in hand and wrapped it around her.

 

Raven sneezed again and wrapped it tighter.

 

“Come on.” He said quietly and started to walk.

 

Raven followed. She was lead into the kitchen and seated at the table.

 

Robin went to the stove and poured a bowl of soup. He brought it back to the table and set it in front of her with a spoon. Then he brought her a cup of hot tea.

 

Raven wanted to apologize but couldn't bring herself to do it. She didn't know if she really did mean what she said or if she just said it out of anger. Maybe a combination of both. But he was right. They should learn to get along. It would make their lives less stressful. Less hellish.

 

Raven drank the soup and tea slowly, letting the warmth sit in her mouth for a minute before swallowing each sip. It felt good. Raven could feel a cold coming on and mentally kicked herself for staying in the rain for three hours. She had found a clock and guesstimated the length. She finished the soup and tea.

 

“Want more?” Robin asked.

 

Raven shook her head. “Thank you.” She whispered.

 

“Any time.” Was the response she received.

 

Robin brought her bowl and cup to the sink before retaking his seat across from her again. He watched her for a long time.

 

“I'm sorry.” Raven said barely in a whisper.

 

“Me too.” He said only a little louder.

 

They were quiet for a while after that. It was a silent pact. They both felt it. But it needed to be said too. Robin did it.

 

“You know, we're both very stubborn and extremely hot headed. Neither of us think things through before we say them. If we work together instead of against each other, we can make quite a bit of people's lives hell instead of each other's. So, be my partner in crime?” He said with a kind adolescent smile.

 

Raven returned it. “Sure. But I meant what I said. Even if I didn't mean it to come out the way it did. I could have been a little more tactful.”

 

Robin shrugged. “I meant what I said too. We can discuss it some other time. Lord knows we have all the time in the world. But if we're going to keep you form being sick, we should get you to bed.”

 

Raven let Robin guide her from the kitchen and out into the cool night's air. The breeze made her nose burn and she fought a sneeze back. But you know you can't hold it in. She sneezed.

 

“Bless you.”

 

“Thanks. I shouldn't have stayed out there so long.”

 

“Maybe, but I should've had someone get you in. I thought you needed time to cool down. So I didn't bother you. If you're sick tomorrow, I'll wait on you till you're fully recuperated.”

 

Raven laughed. “No you won't. I'm a big girl.”

 

“No you're not. You tell me time and time again, you're only thirteen. Therefore you need to be taken care of when you're sick. If you just don't want me to, I'll make sure someone you more prefer does.”

 

They arrived in front of Raven's suite. Robin opened the door to allow her entrance.

 

“Do you not find it necessary to lock your door?” Robin asked her as he opened it.

 

Raven shrugged lightly. “If someone really wants something of mine, they can have it. Anything of any importance is well hidden. Besides, if someone really wanted to steal something, it would be from the main house, not a young girl's suite.”

 

“Unless someone wanted to get to me and thought through you would be an easy target.”

 

“Who would do that?” Raven said with an amused look.

 

“I have a good number of enemies.” He said pointedly.

 

“Right. The well loved Robin has enemies.” Raven said with a giggle.

 

Robin smiled. “I do. I did say there was a lot about me you didn't know.”

 

“Ok.” Raven climbed on the chair and curled up under the few blankets she had there. She sneezed again and buried her head under the covers.

 

“Are you going to sleep there?” Robin asked watching her from the couch.

 

“I always do.”

 

“Don't you like your bed? I'll have a new one in here if it's uncomfortable.”

 

Raven laughed a bit. “I've never been on it. I just like the chair.” She said from under the blankets.

 

“Oh.”

 

Raven felt herself drifting off to sleep. She peeked her head out a bit to see Robin still sitting on the couch watching the pile of blankets breath calmly. She couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking as her eyes got heavy and her dreams consumed her.