ã€ŠForbidden Destinyã€‹


 Prologue/Chapter 1

    ~Prologue~

    ~Fifteen Years Ago~

    Upon seeing Connor enter the building that morning on the monitors, Brie quickly stood and went to meet him as he swiped in at the secure entrance to their lab. ¡°Morning,¡± he greeted her curiously as he had not even gotten into his lab coat yet.

    ¡°There¡¯s something you gotta see,¡± Brie told him as she displayed equal parts excitement and fear.

    ¡°Can I get a coffee first?¡± he asked her with a wary look.

    ¡°Would you come on? This is big,¡± she complained as she reached for his arm.

    The two were in their late twenties and had been working together there for over five years. And this was the first time he recalled seeing her this excited as well as agitated, so his coffee was soon forgotten as he followed her to the inner lab.

    ¡°The two samples from last night; the male and the female?¡± she began a little breathlessly as she led him toward a tank of sorts at the back of the room. She then continued, excitedly, ¡°They¡¯re still only a single cell each, but there¡¯s already something happening.¡±

    ¡°Something?" Connor raised his brow at that as they reached the large center tank that now had two smaller, separate tanks on each side of it. ¡°Is that the scientific term?¡±

    ¡°Would you shut up and watch?¡± Brie chided her partner as she carefully moved the female cell sample she spoke of into the larger tank which was filled with a strange fluid. She then moved to place the male sample into the fluid on the other side of the divider at the center of the tank.

    She then looked back at Connor with anticipation before taking a deep breath and moving to lift the divider from the center of the tank. Almost immediately, all the lights around the tank began to brighten. The two cells then ever so slowly began moving toward one another. As they got closer, the lights all around the lab began brightening as well around the two onlookers.

    Then, once the two cells actually did touch, hundreds of the lights around the lab began glowing hot enough to burn out and even shatter.

    ¡°Shit, get them apart!¡± Connor shouted as the two ducked some sparks.

    ¡°So, that¡¯s what happens when they actually touch?¡± Brie stated in awe.

    ¡°Brie!¡± Connor scolded her back to the present as both of them moved to separate the two cells once again, and place them each back in their respective containers. ¡°Fuck,¡± was all Connor managed once the two were separate and the in tact lights left in the lab returned to normal.

    Brie couldn¡¯t help a nervous laugh as she looked back at him, ¡°Told you it was big.¡±

    Connor just shook his head, in deep thought for a long moment before he spoke, ¡°We gotta destroy them.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Brie asked, more than a little shocked by that suggestion.

    ¡°They¡¯re only a single cell each right now, Brie. And look what happened when they were drawn together; when they tried to combine. If they¡¯re this volatile now... Do you really wanna see what they¡¯ll eventually be able to do if we let them survive?¡±

    Brie was a little taken aback by his words as she tried to force calm before responding, ¡°We¡¯re scientists, Connor. We¡¯re supposed to discover new and amazing things,¡± she reminded. Then she continued, ¡°And this? Them? They are the most amazing things we¡¯ve seen yet.¡±

    ¡°Amazing or not, they¡¯ve got real power, and the two of them together... You can imagine what that turns into when they¡¯re grown. And if they ever do manage to combine in... whatever way... We¡¯ve seen the stories of the creation destroying the master. Do you honestly want to become that clich¨¦?¡± Connor attempted to reason with her.

    ¡°We just keep them separate then. Simple as that,¡± Brie attempted to save their creations one last time.

    ¡°You saw the way they were already drawn together. They¡¯d find each other, and then...¡± Connor just shook his head.

    ¡°Well, what if we keep them together then? Then they wouldn¡¯t seek out one another. We¡¯d just have to do it in a way that would assure that they¡¯d never discover what happens when they do combine... like that.¡±

    ¡°And how do you recommend we do that?¡± Connor scoffed.

    Brie took another shallow breath as she looked up at him, ¡°Well, I have one idea...¡±

    <hr>

    ~Chapter 1~

    ~Present Day~

    Sky¡¯s and Star¡¯s past were a mystery, even to them. The official story was that the young boy and girl were found abandoned when they were barely toddlers, and even their ages were only a guess. The story went that they were then adopted by a couple who had miscarried their own set of twins the previous year, leaving them unable to have any more children. And then they were raised by that couple as brother and sister. It seemed like the story made sense, and so it became their truth; at least for that first decade or so. Then things started to make less sense.

    Their adoptive parents had always been transparent about the fact that the two of them had been adopted. But as they got older, it became clear to Sky and Star both that that seemed to be where that transparency began and ended. Any time either of them asked any question at all about where they came from or anything even related to that, they were met with unease, vagueness and half-truths from both parental figures.

    Originally the two attempted to write this off as their parents simply ¡®not knowing,¡¯ and they accepted that then as well. But again, as they got older, whispered conversations ending the second one of them appeared and awkward smiles at the two of them when it was thought that they heard something they shouldn¡¯t have; these little things started to chip away at the artfully crafted story Sky and Star had been told to believe all their lives.

    Due to this layer of darkness that seemed to surround any questions about their mutual origins, it understandably drew them to all things dark as they grew into their teens. Now, as they were nearing their last two months of eighth grade, having just celebrated the fourteenth birthday that had been designated as theirs, that darkness had already begun manifesting in the way they interacted with the world around them.

    The most obvious way they embraced this darkness was in their appearance of course. They both began dressing in no color other than black as early as eleven or twelve. And now that they were both fourteen, there was enough thick dark makeup, jewelry, fishnet, and PVC between the two of them to stock a Gothic emporium with just one of their closet¡¯s contents.

    Of course this outward embrace of the darkness they both felt inside, did nothing to make their parents any more open to explanations of any kind. And understandably, it even had the opposite effect more often than not. Worse yet than their parents though, were their peers. ¡®Different¡¯ was never truly embraced in any kind of school-type setting, despite all the adults who claimed to preach the virtues of ¡®individuality.¡¯ When actually confronted with it, they wanted to do nothing more than to make it conform. And that of course, made their lives feel even darker and made them each feel more lost and misunderstood.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    That afternoon as they arrived home from school, it was obvious that it had been yet another day of cruelty that only teens could inflict on one another. Sky immediately rushed through the door and up the stairs to his room. He made no move to even acknowledge his parents as they looked up at the sound of him slamming the front door shut behind him and stomping up the stairs in the heavy black platform boots he had worn that day.

    ¡°Sky!¡± Star called after him as she pushed the front door open moments later. She hurried to catch up to him in her own stiletto heeled, knee high boots, and follow him up the stairs. As she rushed after him, she also barely cast a glance at the adults scowling their way at the sudden disruption of their quiet afternoon.

    ¡°What happened this time?¡± Star asked a little breathlessly when she finally reached his room, shutting the door tightly behind her as she entered.

    ¡°Same fucking thing that happens everyday, Star,¡± he answered as he kept his attention angrily on his computer screen rather than his companion.

    She sighed heavily as she dropped her heavy black bag to the floor inside his door and moved to approach him. Though Sky still made no move to look back at her. As she reached his side, she moved to push his long black locks away from his face which was literally, just as pretty as her own.

    There below the dark brown eyes that did seem to match her own, his dark eye shadow was smudged, his eyeliner running, and his pale cheek darkening from red to a much less appealing brown before her own dark eyes.

    ¡°Sky,¡± she whispered sadly as he half-heartedly attempted to pull away and hide the injury behind the locks that were just as jet black and straight as hers. ¡°I just don¡¯t get it,¡± she said sadly as she pulled up a chair next to his own.

    ¡°Yeah, you wouldn¡¯t,¡± he mumbled, still not looking back at her.

    The two honestlycould be twins due to their pure physical similarity. They shared the same long jet black locks, deep brown eyes, and pale flawless skin. The most marked difference between them at all was simply Sky¡¯s height. He towered over Star, who only stood at a tiny 5¡ä4¡±, while he was already nearly six feet tall, and probably still growing. One would think his height would have given him some physical advantage in confrontations; but that height was where all of his ¡®masculinity¡¯ ended. He was rail-thin, his waist even tinier than Star¡¯s due to the girlish figure she had already began to develop. That, and he definitely carried himself more like a girl than just about any other ¡®actual¡¯ girl the two knew.

    ¡°What do you mean I wouldn¡¯t get it? This is me,¡± she argued, though weakly. To which, Sky only scoffed. ¡°What?¡± Star prodded.

    He took a deep, sad breath of his own, though still kept his dark eyes turned from her. However, he did give in to her, as he always did, and attempted an explanation, ¡°It¡¯s just a lot easier for you,¡± he began.

    Star scowled a bit at that claim, as her own days rarely were conflict-free either. ¡°How is it easier for me? They all hate me too,¡± she added for weight.

    ¡°It¡¯s not the same,¡± he denied, though quietly.

    ¡°Go on,¡± she asked with a bit more defensiveness, but still was willing to hear his argument.

    Sky let out another heavy sigh before he spoke again, ¡°When you look like a hot girl, they all want to fuck you. When Ilook like a hot girl, they all want to beat the shit outta me.¡±

    Star just shook her head, then attempted a small smile, ¡°But you know, it¡¯s because they all wanna fuck you too,¡± she teased. Though her humor didn¡¯t quite manage to break through his ever-present melancholy. ¡°And I¡¯m hardly hot,¡± she added, more to herself as she also cast her dark eyes away from him then.

    ¡°Have you seen you?¡± Sky retorted with a slight bit of his own humor showing as he allowed only the smallest look back her way. Though, feeling a sudden blush, he averted his eyes again before continuing, ¡°Besides, if I¡¯m hot, then you¡¯re hot. We¡¯re ¡®twins¡¯ remember?¡± he told her with only a slight roll of his eyes at reiterating a part of the story that was only one of many parts that the two were having more and more trouble believing as they got older.

    ¡°I know, right?¡± she agreed with her own laugh when she saw the slight eye roll on his part in reference to his own words. She glanced over him again, once he turned away, and swallowed a bit before busying herself toying with the corner of a band poster that was coming loose from his wall. ¡°Although, I mean, I guess we could be,¡± she stated quietly.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t drink the kool-aid,¡± he warned her with a smirk as he clicked through computer screens to distract himself.

    ¡°Well I mean, we were found together. We¡¯re probably at least brother and sister, right?¡±

    ¡°No, Star, spit it out,¡± he continued the joke, though still kept his eyes locked on the screen.

    ¡°It¡¯s possible though, right?¡± she asked with more seriousness.

    Sky just shook his head as he allowed the briefest glance back her way, ¡°If you even believe the ¡®found together one day, abandoned¡¯ part of the story. I mean, does that even happen, I mean, in the real world?¡±

    Though Star just sighed in concession, seeming to be thinking long and hard on the story of their past, as she often did; especially when she found herself so often thinking of her ¡®brother¡¯ in a way no one should ever think of their siblings.

    After another moment of having to pull her eyes away from Sky as he worked at the computer, Star just had to speak up again, ¡°So you really think we¡¯re not actually brother and sister?¡±

    Sky scoffed, but did not allow himself to look back her way, ¡°I think I don¡¯t believe a damn word our so-called parents tell us anymore,¡± he then looked back at her, ¡°do you?¡± he asked, already knowing she shared all his doubts about their parents and all the secrecy surrounding their past.

    ¡°I guess it would make things easier if we found out we really weren¡¯t related,¡± she finally agreed.

    That was when he did look back at her once more, a bit of a question in his own eyes then, ¡°Meaning?¡± he had to ask.

    Then a blush rose to Star¡¯s cheeks, inexplicably though it seemed, as she scrambled for a response, ¡°I just mean, then we¡¯d at least know the truth about one lie they told us, right?¡± she settled on.

    Sky watched her, his eyes moving over her as well, but quickly coming back up. ¡°Yeah, I guess you have a point,¡± he returned before quickly forcing his attention back to his computer.

    Swallowing painfully then, Star pushed herself up from her seat. ¡°Homework and stuff,¡± she shrugged back at him as she hurried to leave his bedroom and those unwanted thoughts behind.

    When she arrived back in her own room, Star slumped to the floor inside the tightly closed door behind her. She then pulled fishnet covered knees to her chest below the short red and black plaid skirt she had worn that day. She found herself burying her face with a slight sniffle. She sat there hoping upon hope that maybe he really wasn¡¯t her brother, even though that¡¯s all they¡¯d been told year after year. Because if those weren¡¯t lies, and she really was Sky¡¯s twin... she honestly didn¡¯t know if she could live with all those things she kept finding herself feeling for him, nearly every second.

    <hr>

    Later that night, Sky stepped out of his room into the hall across from Star¡¯s door, only to see her stepping out of the bathroom down the hall after her shower. Her long black locks dripped over her bare pale shoulders above the towel that was wrapped about her; the sight causing Sky to take a short breath of his own in response.

    As she felt her breath catch once she saw him there, she needed a moment to find words, ¡°Good timing. I¡¯m done,¡± she attempted a smile, though it died on her lips quickly before she awkwardly moved to hide herself inside her own bedroom once more.

    Sky remained there in the hall outside their two bedrooms for a long moment, as if trying to find some kind of composure that he had seemingly lost in the last few minutes. With another deep breath he sadly moved closer to her door, laying his forehead upon it in frustration. He then heard her moving to her bed, the mattress creaking softly beneath her, and found himself waiting another moment there at her door.

    After a few long moments, the sound of her soft moans just barely made it to his ears through the door, as his breath caught once more. Biting back his own gasp, he found himself listening to her for several more moments, not able to keep from imagining what exactly was happening on the other side of her door, a mere ten feet from where he now stood.

    Upon hearing that final moan that she tried to stifle behind her bedroom door, Sky immediately found himself having to retreat across the hall to his own bedroom. Still short of breath after listening to Star¡¯s previous activity, Sky leaned back against his own door, swallowing hard in response to the reaction his body had started having the second he heard that first moan of hers.

    Not able to ignore that response any longer, his hand moved inside his pants where he needed to feel that release then as well. After only a few moments, his task was completed as he slumped down to the floor inside his door as Star had done earlier that day; his pants still undone as well as now damp with the evidence of his own pleasure.

    As he looked down after what he couldn¡¯t stop himself from doing, he cursed himself for feeling any of that desire at all. If she truly was his sister, like their parents obviously wanted them to believe, then he knew he was so much more damaged than anyone ever thought. And he knew that he desperately didn¡¯t want that to be the truth; but he was completely terrified of the possibility that it just might be, after all.

 Chapter 2

    The following Friday afternoon, Sky was waiting under a bridge near the school, having a cigarette as he waited for Star to meet him for their walk home. As he stepped further back into the shade to avoid the glare of the sun, he took another drag from the cigarette. Looking back in the direction of their school, he cringed slightly when he saw a different set of classmates heading that direction before Star managed to make an appearance.

    One of the more athletically inclined of his schoolmates called out to his friends, ¡°Go wait in the car. Gonna see if I can bum a smoke from the fag.¡± Sky just glared, but said nothing as the slightly older teen approached his spot beneath the bridge. ¡°Ooh lookin hot today Star,¡± he greeted Sky with a smirk.  ¡°Oops my bad, I mean Sky. So hard to tell which of you is which. Must be the twin thing,¡± he added with another smirk as he helped himself to the pack of cigarettes in Sky¡¯s front pocket, behind all those chains that hung from the leather pants he wore that day.

    ¡°Make up your mind, am I a fag, or am I my sister? Seems like you may wanna fuck me either way,¡± he couldn¡¯t help the words.

    ¡°You want a second black eye this week?¡± the other boy threatened as he took a cigarette from the pack. Upon looking down at it, he realized it was actually a clove cigarette rather than the normal kind.  ¡°What is this goth shit?¡± he asked with annoyance.

    ¡°Smells a lot better than the other kind. Maybe you should think about switching,¡± Sky told him with a deliberate insult behind his words.

    The other teen, Curt, just shook his head, but lit the cigarette anyway, tossing the rest of the pack to the ground as he did. Sky let out an annoyed breath as he bent down to retrieve the pack. Only, as he did, he felt Curt roughly smack his behind before he moved to stand upright again with another glare over at the other boy.

    ¡°Nope, still can¡¯t tell the difference between you and Star,¡± Curt teased further.

    ¡°The main difference would be that if you smacked her like that, you¡¯d be missing a hand after... Or maybe some other parts,¡± Sky couldn¡¯t help adding with a cool tone.

    ¡°Oh, so she is more of a man than you is what you¡¯re saying?¡± Curt responded with another snicker.

    ¡°Why are you even talking to me, Curt?¡± Sky asked with further annoyance as he leaned against the underpass once more.

    ¡°I needed a cigarette,¡± he excused as he held it up to accent his statement.

    ¡°Even one that¡¯s just goth shit apparently,¡± Sky mumbled.

    After another moment of welcomed silence from Curt, he ruined it once more by speaking up again, ¡°Seriously though, your sister was looking fucking hot as balls today.¡±

    Sky swallowed and averted his eyes at that particular comment, even though it was probably the only thing he and Curt would ever agree on. But he quickly pushed that thought away before speaking again, ¡°You hate goths but you want to fuck them. Stunning logic.¡±

    Curt just snickered, ¡°I think you¡¯re all crazy satanic freaks just waitin to blow away the whole school, honestly. But damn I¡¯ve heard about the freaky shit goth chicks get up to in bed. Gotta try that at least once,¡± he chuckled back.

    ¡°You might be disappointed. I¡¯ve given a lot more blow-jobs than my sister probably has.  Which I''m sure you''ve spent plenty of time thinking about, huh Curt?" Sky couldn''t help that remark.

    ¡°Fuck you. That shit never happened, got it?¡± Curt told him angrily as he tossed what was left of the cigarette away and moved to loudly speak into Sky¡¯s face.  The younger of them managed to at least keep himself from flinching, and rather just took a deep breath to steel himself against the other teen¡¯s anger.

    ¡°I guess if that¡¯s your side of the story,¡± Sky conceded, though sarcastically.  ¡°You better just hope I don¡¯t have any pictures, huh?¡± he couldn¡¯t help poking the lion once more, his own angst getting to him.

    ¡°Fuck you,¡± he repeated again as he grabbed Sky and pushed him forward against the wall, ignoring the slight cringe as the concrete came in contact with that beautiful face of his. But Sky had no time to think on that discomfort right then as he felt Curt angrily ripping at the back of his pants, tugging them downward from that impossibly narrow waist.

    Sky closed his eyes hard as he braced himself for what he was sure was about to happen. But luckily, a girl¡¯s voice interrupted the assault, ¡°What the fuck are you doin, Curt?¡± Star angrily yelled as she approached.

    ¡°Fuck you too!¡± he told her angrily, but said nothing more as he finally released Sky from his painful grip and hurried away without another word.

    ¡°Shit, Sky, are you ok?¡± she asked with panic as she rushed toward him.

    Sky said nothing as he tried to catch his breath and fight back the tears that were almost making him angrier than the rest of the encounter right then. He just tried to compose himself as he turned from her, sniffling a bit as he returned his clothing to its previous state.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    ¡°Did he actually...¡± she attempted as she reached out a hand to his shoulder.

    Sky just scoffed, ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m not into guys too. I mean, would it even matter if he did?¡± he asked, seeming like he was trying to convince himself that the encounter was a lot more ¡®ok¡¯ than it actually was.

    ¡°Just because you like boys and girls both...¡± Star began with a sad shake of her head, ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean you deserve to be...¡± she attempted, though even the thought of that happening to him made it too hard for her to finish the sentence.

    Sky wiped at his eyes again, almost as though he wouldn¡¯t let himself admit that that was what was about to happen until he heard her admitting it first. ¡°I pissed him off though. I mean I kept---¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t even finish that sentence, Sky. You could have kicked him directly in the balls and it still wouldn¡¯t mean you deserved what he was about to do,¡± she assured him as she moved closer to wrap her arms around him in an attempt at offering some form of comfort, as impossible as that was, for many reasons.

    But instead of letting her comfort him, as much as he needed it right then, he instead pulled away from her grip and turned away, ¡°Just don¡¯t, ok?¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Sky, what¡¯s wrong? I mean, aside from that asshole?¡± she had to add.

    ¡°I just can¡¯t deal with that too right now, ok?¡±

    Star narrowed her eyes at that response, and had to ask, ¡°Can¡¯t deal with what right now?¡±

    ¡°Just...you,¡± he breathed, though seeing the hurt on her face as he turned back, he immediately regretted his words.

    ¡°Can¡¯t deal with me right now?¡ä she replied, her voice breaking as her own tears were struggling to the surface now instead.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that, Star...¡± he stumbled, ¡°I just...¡± but he could only shake his head at his own emotions making it impossible for him to even say what he meant... even to her.

    Star forced down her own hurt as best she could as she looked down with a deep breath, ¡°Let¡¯s just get home, ok,¡± was all she could say right then.

    <hr>

    That night at supper, the teens were more sullen than ever. Each sat on opposite sides of the table, staring down at their plates rather than actually doing much eating. Their parents sat at opposite ends of the table, casting quiet glances between the two, though not saying much for most of the meal themselves.

    Finally, their mother sighed, ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re definitely twins,¡± she made some attempt at lightness, though the nearly tangible tension that both teens then seemed to be overtaken by in response to her words was quite apparent.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just go eat in our rooms?¡± Star mumbled, desperate to get away from just the possibility of conversation with either of the adults right then.

    Their mother scowled before responding, ¡°Having to eat dinner at the table with your family is hardly akin to facing a firing squad. Though you two do seem to make it look that way,¡± she added with another scoff and a drink of her wine.

    ¡°Family,¡± Sky mumbled under his breath then, the sarcasm obvious even at that low volume.

    ¡°Well last I checked we were the ones who raised you, weren¡¯t we?¡± their mother, a woman now just entering her forties responded.

    ¡°Stunning job,¡± he stated under his breath once more.

    That was when their father chimed in, his patience with the two of them always nearing its end, ¡°Let me guess, someone picked on you today at school. Is that it?¡± the older man, also in his early forties, asked harshly.

    ¡°Like that would ever happen?¡± Sky continued in the same mumble, still not casting his dark, troubled eyes up from his practically untouched plate.

    ¡°Well it¡¯s not like you don¡¯t fucking bring it on yourself, now is it?¡± their father retorted angrily.

    ¡°Dad!¡± Star exclaimed.

    ¡°What? You both do. If you want things to go better at school, maybe you both need to stop trying to trigger every single one of your classmates on a daily basis,¡± he returned, his anger increasing, despite his wife looking a bit uneasy in the face of it; regardless of how much she agreed with her husband¡¯s warning.

    Star let out a loud laugh of disbelief, ¡°Trigger them? Are you serious right now?¡± she asked, her own anger rising easily in light of the afternoon¡¯s events.

    ¡°Don¡¯t play innocent, Star. You dress like some vampire call girl and he tries to look like every pervert¡¯s fantasy of some kind of twisted gender mind-fuck. And you wonder why they act the way they do? You don¡¯t like it, then fucking fix it, and stop trying to stand out like the biggest freaks in the state. Then maybe, just maybe, your day would go a little better!¡± he finished his tirade, his volume increasing throughout.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying whatever they do to us, we deserve it?¡± Star bit back.  ¡°Is that actually what you¡¯re saying right now?¡± she repeated with her own increase in volume.

    ¡°Connor, come on,¡± their mother attempted, but both of their tempers had risen to the point of barely noticing her attempt at restoring the fragile peace in the home for at least one more evening.

    ¡°Can you really argue the point?¡± Connor retorted, his tone still harsh despite the slightly lowered volume this time.

    ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable!¡± Star retorted angrily.  ¡°You know what actually happened today?¡± she continued, her anger still flaring.

    ¡°Star, don¡¯t,¡± it was Sky that now tried to stop her from saying anymore.

    ¡°Some asshole tried to---¡±

    ¡°Star!¡± Sky raised his voice, slamming his fists against the table.  ¡°I said don¡¯t. Didn¡¯t I?¡± he told her, so much more behind that particular question right then.

    His angry plea did do well to stop her as she tried to compose herself, wrapping her arms tightly around the corseted shirt she wore above her own black leather pants that day.

    A long awkward pause before their mother finally broke the silence, ¡°Tried to what?¡±

    With an even more frustrated sigh, Sky got to his feet and left the room before any more of the discussion could continue.

    Star swallowed as her eyes followed his retreating form as he left the room, more than a bit distraught, and understandably so.  ¡°Tried to hurt him really bad, ok?¡± was all she managed to confess, seeing as Sky had made it clear that he didn¡¯t want the actual details of the event shared with anyone else right then; even their so-called parents.

    ¡°And how is that different from any other day?¡± Connor scoffed, tossing his own fork to his plate, his appetite gone now as well.

    Star just shook her head in further disbelief, ¡°So what if it happened to me, dad?¡± she had to ask.

    ¡°What if what happened?¡± he asked her, though with obvious lack of feeling.

    ¡°What if some asshole jock pushed me up against the wall and started tearing at my clothes? Would I deserve it too?¡± she bit out, her voice breaking as she followed in Sky¡¯s footsteps, leaving them alone with her words, as she was too afraid to hear the answer anyway.

 Chapter 3

    When the teens had both angrily disappeared up the stairs without even finishing dinner, Connor looked over at the woman who still sat at the opposite end of the table. She was still looking more than a bit distraught herself.

    She took a deep breath, cast another glance toward the stairs, and turned back to Connor, ¡°What are we gonna do about them? They¡¯re getting more and more out of control. And then---¡±

    Though he interrupted her as he distractedly started looking at his phone instead of her, ¡°I already told you what I thought we should do about them, fifteen years ago, Brie,¡± he stated in an eerily even tone despite what Star had just recounted about the day.

    ¡°Connor, please,¡± Brie scoffed slightly. She then looked up at him again, as he continued to not really be an active participant in the conversation. ¡°We¡¯ve raised them as our children for nearly a decade and a half.¡±

    ¡°I believe that was your idea,¡± was his only cool response.

    Brie just shook her head in further disbelief, ¡°Your coldness aside,¡± she said a little bitterly, ¡°we need to find some way to rein this in. The point in doing this was to keep them from standing out, being noticed. And now, they¡¯re going out of their way to be noticed. And not in a good way,¡± she continued worriedly.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s what teenagers do. You had to know it was coming when your bleeding heart decided to raise them, instead of my plan,¡± he stated with the same simple, cool tone.

    ¡°They¡¯re still mostly...¡± though Brie didn¡¯t finish that sentence, considering the two sets of ears that could be lurking on the stairs at any moment. ¡°And if that really happened to Sky today, don¡¯t you think we should, like, address that?¡±

    ¡°Address it?¡± Connor asked as he looked up at her only briefly before turning back to his phone, ¡°Knock yourself out.¡±

    Brie scoffed again, ¡°And what about what Star said?¡±

    ¡°Which thing would that be?¡± Connor asked tiresomely.

    ¡°Would you be ¡®addressing¡¯ it if it had happened to her?¡± Brie called him on it.

    He just scoffed again, as he finally stood, ¡°Your problem, Brie, is that you¡¯re trying to be a parent and a scientist at the same time. You¡¯ve gotta pick one or the other. I did.¡±

    <hr>

    When the time finally passed eleven, Star and Sky could usually be sure that their parents had retired to the downstairs bedroom for the night. Upstairs was just the two bedrooms and the bathroom down the hall. The upper floor of the house was where the teens had spent nearly all their non-school hours. That had even been true when they were children; back before they had so many questions. And back before they had all the other feelings they were now cursed with as well.

    As the clock struck eleven, Star pushed herself up from where she had been laying on her back across the bed, glaring up at the ceiling with continued anger. Only, she couldn¡¯t tell who she was the most angry at: Curt or her father. She figured Curt won by the tiniest margin, since their father usually could never be bothered to even waste the energy on attacking Sky physically. However, his verbal abuse was frequent enough.

    Despite already only being clad in the long black t-shirt and panties that she usually slept in, she was still seething too much about the day¡¯s occurrences to even try to sleep. So, she pushed herself up from the bed and quietly moved from her room, across the hall, to Sky¡¯s door. She took a breath and lightly tapped at the door.

    ¡°Can I come in?¡± she called quietly through the door.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you usually?¡± Sky returned, though his tone was unreadable. Inside, he was sitting atop his bed, his back to the wall. He gnawed at what was left of his black nail polish as he sat there, now clad in the black boxer-briefs he normally slept in.

    Star warily stepped inside and closed the door tightly behind her, despite the fact that their parents were most likely already fast asleep downstairs. ¡°Still not in the mood for that hug?¡± she asked sweetly, trying to force a smile as she moved to take a seat at the foot of his bed.

    ¡°You must really be starved for attention if you¡¯re this determined to get a hug outta someone,¡± he attempted lightness, difficult as that was made by many, many factors on that particular night.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    ¡°Not someone; just you,¡± she teased as she moved across the bed to give him that hug she had wanted to share all evening. As she did, the light in his room flickered a moment. They then broke off the somewhat awkward hug, considering their location, and their state of dress.

    ¡°Yay, was so hoping for another problem¡± he sighed in response to the electrical disturbance which luckily seemed to have only been momentary.

    Now sitting there next to him atop the bed, her own back to the wall beside his, she spoke ¡°You know what we should do?¡±

    Sky pushed away the very first thought that occurred to him, and then attempted another ¡°Run away? Sell ourselves to a freak show? Murder them in their sleep? All of the above?¡± he offered, still trying to force that lightness if for no other reason than to distract himself from looking at Star for too long.

    She allowed a small smile before she provided the answer she had originally had in mind, ¡°We should do what we did to make ourselves feel better when we were younger.¡±

    ¡°Eat a popsicle?¡± he offered with a slight shrug over at her pretty face that at least seemed to be smiling now that it was just the two of them there.

    ¡°We should cast something,¡± she smiled back up at him.

    ¡°Cast something?¡± He raised a brow, ¡°We haven¡¯t done that since we were like eleven,¡± he added.

    ¡°And it made us feel better then. Like we could take on anything,¡± she reminded as she gently touched his hand before mentally reminding herself to not let her touch linger there too long.

    ¡°We were stupid little eleven year olds,¡± he smirked, ¡°and we¡¯re obviously outta practice,¡± he added.

    ¡°All the more reason to do it,¡± she told him with another smile up into his equally dark eyes.

    ¡°So next time Curt comes near me we can terrify him with our ¡®light as a feather stiff as a board¡¯ skills?¡± Sky replied wryly.

    ¡°Come on,¡± she chuckled again as she moved to crawl off the bed. Forcing his eyes from where her panties were easily visible as she left the bed, he took a deep breath. He then startled when she grabbed his hand and pulled him off the bed with her.

    ¡°This is just...¡± he shook his head as she pulled him down to the floor across from where she had already taken a place on her knees.

    ¡°Come on, what do you wanna do?¡± she smiled again.

    ¡°It was your idea, Star. Don¡¯t look at me,¡± he shrugged, still trying to keep his eyes from staying on her too long.

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s start easy. You left your school books all over the desk. Let¡¯s see if we can put them back in your bag,¡± she suggested.

    ¡°Ok, gimme a sec,¡± he stated as he began to get up.

    ¡°Stop it,¡± she laughed, ¡°with our minds.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well, I think mine¡¯s been broken for years now,¡± Sky mumbled back as he claimed his seat on the floor with her once again. Another few long minutes passed before he spoke again, ¡°Doesn¡¯t casting usually involve more than just thinking real hard?¡±

    ¡°Not if we¡¯re natural witches,¡± she grinned at the idea, though made no move to open her pretty eyes as she continued to sit there concentrating.

    ¡°And which movie or book did that one come from?¡± Sky had to ask.

    ¡°Hush. You¡¯re not even trying,¡± she scolded him, though gently.

    At least another three full minutes passed before Sky couldn¡¯t help his sigh, ¡°See, just like daddy dearest says; I¡¯m just not natural.¡±

    Star then opened her eyes again and blew air through her full lips in frustration, ¡°We did it when we were younger. You¡¯re just not trying, are you?¡±

    ¡°This is just stupid, Star. We don¡¯t have any damn magic powers. Believe me, I wish to hell we did,¡± Sky sighed again as he stretched across the floor to retrieve his cigarettes from his discarded pants.

    ¡°You do remember. We could do stuff like this before,¡± she pressed with more seriousness then as he lit the cigarette.

    Sky just shook his head, blew more smoke through his own pretty lips, and spoke again, ¡°I don¡¯t know what I remember. We were just stupid little kids,¡± he denied once more.

    ¡°You remember,¡± she told him again with narrowed eyes.

    ¡°Well, so what if we did?¡± Sky finally gave in, ¡°We¡¯ve obviously forgotten how to now,¡± he excused with another slight shrug.

    ¡°So you just wanna give up?¡± Star asked sadly.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I do,¡± he mumbled, averting those sad, dark eyes again.

    ¡°Meaning?¡±

    ¡°Have you met me?¡± he scoffed as he took another drag.

    ¡°Name one thing you gave up on,¡± Star pressed.

    ¡°Life,¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°That¡¯s not funny, Sky,¡± she told him, her own eyes darkening.

    ¡°And apparently I also gave up telling jokes that make you laugh.¡±

    ¡°Telling me you¡¯ve given up on life is hardly a recipe for hilarity,¡± she scolded him again.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what us fucked up freaks all eventually do?¡± he asked, attempting to sound like he was being sarcastic, though there was obviously something much deeper to his words.

    ¡°Well you better not ever do that to me,¡± Star whispered as she turned away to hide the tears that were already obvious in her voice.

    ¡°Star...¡± he breathed her name, feeling his heart immediately break every time he ever made her cry. He hated himself for causing those tears, no matter what he ever did to cause them. The rest of the world, their parents included, already made them both cry enough. He didn¡¯t want to add to it himself.

    He sighed sadly as he dropped the cigarette into his nearby ash tray and moved the few inches across the floor to wrap her in his arms from behind, gently propping his chin upon the top of those beautiful raven colored locks.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Star, ok?¡± he whispered, squeezing her tightly as she moved her hands up to cover his bare arms and cuddle closer back against his chest.

    ¡°Promise me you won¡¯t ever leave me here alone. Please Sky,¡± she whispered, the tears still apparent.

    ¡°I never really could do that. You¡¯re the only one who gets me, remember?¡± he told her with an attempt at a smile.

    But before Star could offer any response, every light in the room glowed suddenly around them, burning just as brightly as those feelings they had for each other, no matter how wrong they were supposed to believe they truly were.

 Chapter 4

    The next night was Saturday, and it happened to be the only night of the entire week when Sky and Star didn¡¯t feel quite as completely alone in the world. That was the goth-industrial night at the club in the city. And it was the one place the two felt like they could find the closest thing there even was to ¡®their people.¡¯ No one there judged them or made them feel afraid or ashamed, ever. And it was also the one time the two of them actually found anyone else in their entire world who they were each physically attracted to, aside from each other, that was.

    It was true that the club night was considered eighteen and up, while the two of them had just passed fourteen, or so they were told. But the doormen at the club were more interested in collecting the cover charge than checking IDs, so it was never an issue for them.

    On these Saturday nights, they were finally able to dance and smile and pretend to be happy. But most freeing for them, was that when they were around others who looked and acted so much like themselves; they could actually find ways of fulfilling the needs that they had to fight even feeling when it was just the two of them every other day and night of their lives.

    Going to the club each week is how they finally were able to admit to themselves that their sexual desires did indeed cover both genders, as just about everyone that came to the club night felt similarly. And that was an important part of Sky¡¯s and Star¡¯s identities; after all, if there were plenty of boys and girls around to be attracted to, it was much easier to pretend they weren¡¯t attracted to each other so deeply.

    On that particular night, they found themselves spending most of the evening with two couples from the nearby university who were of course, just as beautiful, androgynous, and open-minded as Sky and Star. They easily hit it off and spent the entire night together, the six of them. When the lights came up and the staff started herding the black clad masses out of the doors, is when the older couples smiled back at their chosen companions of the night.

    ¡°So, do you two wanna come back to our apartment with us? Two¡¯s always been too early to call it a night,¡± one of the two eighteen year old girls, Kali, posed the invite as they all exited the club that night.

    ¡°Apartment?¡± Sky returned.

    ¡°Yeah, we live in an apartment building right next to campus,¡± Kali¡¯s boyfriend, Lucien, offered the information. The other couple, Astrid and Saul, easily nodded their agreement to the idea as well.

    ¡°I guess we could?¡± Sky suggested, looking to Star to see if she was in agreement. Their parents already knew that they spent every weekend with ¡®friends in the city¡¯ and somehow never cared enough to ask for any more details than that.

    Most weeks, Sky and Star went to the club, then used what was left of their weekly spending money to just crash at a nearby motel the rest of the night before finally returning to their happy, happy home at some point each Sunday.

    ¡°Would save us motel money at least,¡± she concurred.

    ¡°Motel?¡± Kali asked as they gestured for the younger teens to follow them to their vehicle.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Star agreed, ¡°we don¡¯t live in the city so we usually just take a cab, then crash at a motel after the club. That¡¯s why we barely have any money left for clothing and makeup. It¡¯s quite traumatic,¡± she teased.

    ¡°Well, from now on, you have an open invitation to our place afterwards,¡± Astrid offered. ¡°We can¡¯t let the goth-lings be fashion-deprived,¡± she chuckled.

    With that, Sky and Star followed the two couples toward the parking garage near the club. As they walked, Saul looked down at Astrid and cast a glance back at their new friends. He leaned toward his girlfriend and spoke in a whisper, ¡°How old did you say they were again?¡±

    Astrid looked back at the younger of them, her eyes moving over both appreciatively, ¡°Old enough¡± was her only answer as she giggled slightly and continued off toward the car.

    Once they arrived at the candle-lit apartment, Saul and Lucien moved to help their respective mates with the unlacing of the beautiful yet incredibly uncomfortable corsets. The task was obviously a job that required teamwork. Amid the rather lengthy unlacing process, Sky and Star just leaned back against the living room wall, watching.

    Speaking as conversationally as ever, Lucien spoke as he continued unlacing Kali from the contraption that passed as her dress, ¡°So are you guys actually twins?¡±

    Sky and Star both felt their breath catch slightly, as it always did when reminded of that supposed truth. ¡°That¡¯s the story our parents told us,¡± Sky confirmed, though with a slight sigh.

    ¡°Our adopted parents,¡± Star couldn¡¯t help clarifying as she continued watching their new friends with a slight biting of her lip.

    ¡°Well, this should be new then,¡± Lucien offered with a slight smile as Kali was finally able to slide the dress down from her equally black and lacy lingerie. Astrid soon did the same from she and Saul¡¯s spot a few feet away.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°So are you two gonna be weirded out if we all just stay out here? There¡¯s more room,¡± Astrid offered politely, despite the question itself.

    ¡°Weirded out?¡± Sky asked, mirroring the way Star had been nervously biting her lip already. As he spoke, his eyes traveled down over the abundance of skin that was now revealed by the lingerie that was the only thing the older girls were now clad in.

    ¡°By being in the same room as your sister, during...¡± Lucien stated with a bit of desire seeping into his tone as he moved to gently run a black tipped nail over Sky¡¯s cheek. As he did so, his other hand continued gently grasping Kali¡¯s behind him.

    Without answering in words, Sky simply moved forward and placed a long kiss over Lucien¡¯s mouth in response. All the while, Star still stood next to him, her eyes moving over all of her companions with desire as well.

    ¡°I guess that¡¯s a no,¡± Kali chuckled as she moved in to take Lucien¡¯s place, covering Sky¡¯s lips with her own then.

    That was when Saul and Astrid crossed the black carpet and stole Sky away from Kali¡¯s lips with smiles of their own. They then led him back across the room with them, now moving to take their turns kissing his eager lips.

    ¡°And you¡¯re way too pretty to leave out,¡± Kali smiled down at Star before covering the younger girl¡¯s mouth with the same red stained lips that had been kissing Sky mere seconds earlier.

    Lucien easily moved to join his mate as she slid her studded tongue inside Star¡¯s mouth while he placed a few kisses along Star¡¯s neck. As Kali began unlacing Star¡¯s corset, the younger girl had to speak up before things went any further, ¡°One rule,¡± Star breathed.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Lucien asked with interest, though still continued kissing Star¡¯s neck as his thumb moved against her velvet covered breast next to where Kali continued to unlace her.

    ¡°Nothing that could lead to pregnancy, ok?¡± she told them that one simple guideline, to which he and the others just smiled their agreement before continuing their passionate kisses and caresses.

    * * *

    As the night progressed, Saul and Astrid continued to share their passion with Sky at one side of the flame-lit room, while Kali and Lucien continued to visit their attentions upon Star at the other side of the still relatively small room.The hour was nearing four now as all six of them had long since lost every scrap of clothing. Saul was currently kneeling behind Sky, tantalizing his backside with his lips and tongue; all the while, Astrid was on her knees in front of Sky, her mouth doing the same to him from the front. The dual arousal had already led him to climax more than once in those last two hours. Though neither let up for more than a few seconds here and there to use their hands to tease one another as well.

    On the other side of the room, Kali was still hungrily kissing Star, and touching and tasting her breasts as Lucien took turns bringing her toward her own orgasms with his fingers and his tongue. And like the other couple, they too only took short breaks to visit their attentions on one another, as the newness of Star and Sky was something they couldn¡¯t enjoy the other nights of the week. Those they would save for each other.

    By four thirty, the groupings had changed only slightly. Saul moved away from Sky¡¯s behind, and Kali tore herself from Star¡¯s breasts. And the two of them moved to meet somewhere in the middle of the room. There, Kali moved to take a seat astride Saul¡¯s hips and slid him inside her, where they then began giving each other further pleasure while their mates continued pleasuring Sky and Star on either side of where their own lovemaking was now taking place.

    Astrid was still kneeling in front of Sky, her mouth around his hardness, easily bringing him closer to his next orgasm. Lucien was still kneeling in front of Star, his tongue moving inside her, bringing her to the same point.

    That was when Sky and Star moved their eyes to watch Saul and Kali making love in the barely ten feet of space between the two walls each of the younger teens braced themselves against as their pleasure continued. But instead, they found their eyes moving to each other.

    They openly, hungrily found themselves watching one another instead of the two lovers in the middle of the room, or even the two who were actually pleasuring them. The moment they finally let their eyes travel up from nearly devouring one another¡¯s bodies with their shared gaze, and their eyes actually met each other¡¯s, Sky immediately poured his seed into Astrid¡¯s mouth. In the same second, Star¡¯s let out a final gasp of pleasure and a tremor shook her whole body at the feel of Lucien¡¯s attentions. They both then collapsed back against the wall, spent, and still staring into one another¡¯s dark eyes across that room.

    <hr>

    In the cab home early the next day, Sky and Star both seemed to be having more than a little trouble finding their voices. Finally, as their neighborhood came into view, a good forty minutes into the trip home from the city, Sky finally found his voice.

    ¡°Are you gonna be ok?¡±

    ¡°What do you even mean?¡± Star scoffed, with a forced smile, her gaze remaining on the passing scenery outside the vehicle.

    ¡°After last night,¡± he made himself reply.

    ¡°What about it? It¡¯s not like you haven¡¯t done all that stuff with other people from the club before,¡± she forced calm into her voice, but the way she averted her eyes belied every bit of that calm.

    ¡°But last night was different. You know that,¡± he attempted, his voice small, making him appear even more girlish then.

    ¡°Why? Just because I did a little more this time than just make out with a few people?¡± Star scoffed, writing off the idea that last night had been any different than any other week.

    Sky looked down briefly before finding more words, ¡°It was a little more than a little; no matter how good you were at convincing them that you¡¯d done that all before,¡± he continued, though his voice remained small.

    ¡°Please, Sky, you¡¯ve done plenty of that stuff yourself already. And you were pretty good at helping me convince them too. Besides, I was bound to catch up to you sooner or later,¡± Star replied, still trying to pretend that all was perfectly normal, despite the speed at which both their brains had been racing since the surreal encounter.

    There was another long moment of silence before the cab finally turned onto their street, and Sky had to rush to find more words before they were back within their parents¡¯ hearing once more, ¡°I¡¯m actually, mostly, referring to the part at the end,¡± he dared bravely.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t even know what you mean,¡± she whispered under her own breath as the cab stopped in front of the house, and she rushed inside without any more words.

 Chapter 5

    The following weekend was the final one of May. University classes had now let out, though Star and Sky still had their last two weeks of junior high to endure before August would bring all the joy of being freshman at their local high school.

    Saul and Astrid had already returned home for the summer, but Kali and Lucien would be in the city for one more week. So, that week was most likely their last at the club for a few months. They greeted Sky and Star with a smile as they spied them across the dance floor and all four went on with their evening without mention of their previous week¡¯s passion.

    Once last call started urging all the patrons back out of the club, the two turned to Sky and Star outside the club doors, ¡°Coming home with us again to celebrate our last week here for a while?¡± Kali asked with a smile.

    Sky looked to Star before offering an answer, as he was more concerned with how she had still been dealing with the previous weekend. She simply smiled up at the eighteen year old girl and offered a nod, despite her nervousness about the way that other night had ended. Though she had continued to act as though there had been nothing odd about those last few moments of intense pleasure, while staring into Sky¡¯s eyes, imagining it had been his mouth bringing her to that state, rather than Lucien¡¯s.

    <hr>

    Back at the apartment, Lucien once again began helping Kali out of her chosen outfit that night as he smiled at where Sky and Star had moved to a seat on the sofa. ¡°So, we¡¯re down two this week. Any idea how you want it to go this time?¡± he asked the younger teens, smiling as he continued to undress his main lover.

    Stepping out of her long dress, now only clad in a lace thong and her high boots, Kali offered an answer instead, ¡°Uh uh... You kept Star all to yourself last week...for the most part,¡± she added with a sweet smile. ¡°She¡¯s mine tonight,¡± she giggled as she moved over to the sofa and gleefully pulled Star to her feet, leading her off to the bedroom with her.

    ¡°Well, I guess that¡¯s that,¡± Lucien smiled as he also moved toward the couch, unbuttoning his frilly white shirt. Sky took another moment to pull his eyes from the closed bedroom door the two girls had just disappeared behind.

    Sky moved his attention back to the nineteen year old boy as he stopped at a place directly in front of where Sky sat. Lucien dropped his shirt to the floor before moving his long manicured nails to then begin unlacing his tight velvet pants.

    ¡°Well, I guess we don¡¯t have to worry about our one rule this time around,¡± Sky breathed as Lucien freed himself from the last of his clothing and moved to the couch next to Sky.

    ¡°The joys of pan-sexuality,¡± Lucien teased, covering Sky¡¯s mouth with his and beginning to undress him then as well.

    <hr>

    On the cab ride home the next morning, Star was actually the one to break the silence between she and Sky first, ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°So...what?¡± he asked as he looked over at her.

    ¡°So, going to provide any details about your night with Lucien?¡± she chided.

    ¡°Considering what he was doing to you last weekend, I¡¯m sure you can fill in the blanks,¡± Sky returned, though managed to hold onto a tiny smile.

    ¡°You mean you didn¡¯t....?¡± she prodded.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t what?¡± Sky scoffed with a slight blush. ¡°I don¡¯t hear you giving any details about Kali.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re two girls. It was pretty much a marathon of foreplay,¡± she told him in a teasing tone. "Now your turn to ''fess up."

    ¡°I¡¯m still not quite sure what specific answer you''re looking for about Lucien though.¡± Sky looked away coyly, but still seemed rather pleased with the evening¡¯s activities.

    ¡°Come on Sky, I know you¡¯ve been giving and receiving hand-jobs and blow-jobs since you knew what they were, but...¡± she prodded further.

    ¡°You forgot rim-jobs, which Saul is very, very good at, by the way,¡± he let out his breath at the memory.

    ¡°Come on, just tell me!¡± she complained.

    ¡°Tell you what?¡± Sky retorted, though his continued smile showed that he had a pretty good idea what she was actually asking.

    ¡°So, are you a top or a bottom?¡± she teased.

    Sky couldn¡¯t help looking up at the roof of the car, biting back his smile at the question, ¡°And how does that concern you, like, at all?¡± he had to ask.

    ¡°So there is an answer,¡± she caught him with her own knowing smile.

    Sky just shook his head again, trying to compose himself in the face of the memory of the previous night, ¡°Come on, look at me and take a wild guess.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Oh my god!¡± she squealed slightly, causing the driver to glance up at them in his rear view mirror, considering most of conversation before that had been muffled by the glass divider. ¡°You literally lost your boy-virginity, like for real?¡± she giggled again, somehow ecstatic that he had at least been able to share that with someone he was attracted to, rather than having it forced upon him by a complete asshole, like Curt.

    Sky couldn¡¯t help his laugh in the face of her reaction, ¡°You are way too excited by that. It¡¯s a little weird,¡± he teased.

    ¡°Yeah cause the two of us, we¡¯re so fucking normal usually, right?¡± she teased him again. She couldn¡¯t help another small giggle of excitement, glad something good had finally happened for him; even as bizarre as it was that she would be happy about that particular development. But she couldn¡¯t help herself. She was.

    <hr>

    Two weeks later, it was their first day of freedom after having escaped junior high, both mostly in tact, physically anyway. For the first time since the start of the school year, Sky finally found himself willingly getting out of bed. For once he could spend the entire day without having to deal with either his school mates or his parents. And to him, that was pure bliss.

    Not bothering to throw anything over his boxer-briefs, he moved to his bedroom window. He pushed the black curtain aside just enough to assure himself that his parents¡¯ car was actually gone for the day. With a slight sound of relief, he then headed downstairs to find some sort of snack that would pass for breakfast that day.

    As it was mid-June, the temperatures were already in the eighties, even that early in the day. After having a couple bites of fruit, Sky found himself moving through the patio doors toward the pool in their fenced in backyard. At least the super-secret science lab employing his parents paid them well, which was about the only positive he could think of when it came to having them as parents. He squinted a bit in the sun, then slid into the warm water. He still only wore the underwear, as neither he nor Star were the bathing suit type.

    Upstairs, Star had also risen from bed. Remembering that she didn¡¯t have to endure school that day either, she also moved take a look outside. Only her room faced the backyard, rather than the front. That was when she spied Sky in the pool already that morning. Her breath caught a bit as she watched him a moment before giving into the urge to head downstairs to join him.

    Also not bothering to put anything else on aside from the t-shirt and panties she had slept in, she stepped out onto the patio too. Sky did not at first notice her presence as he went under before coming up again, brushing his long wet locks from his face as he did.

    Watching the way the water dripped from his beautiful raven locks and glistened off his pale skin, Star found herself needing to catch her breath once more before moving to take a seat at the edge of the pool. She allowed her bare feet to dangle over the edge as she continued to watch Sky.

    Once he turned, he startled a bit to see her sitting there at the edge of the pool, her dark eyes watching every drop of water that dripped from his skin. ¡°Stalker,¡± he teased her.

    ¡°Not my fault you didn¡¯t notice me out here,¡± she defended weakly through her smile.

    ¡°You gonna come in?¡± he asked her as he leaned back against the edge of the pool next to her.

    ¡°Just got outta bed, no bra,¡± she reminded him, trying to ignore the way his own breath seemed to catch at that statement.

    ¡°Well, you could just go put one on...¡± he shook his head, his eyes avoiding her once more, ¡°or...¡±

    ¡°Or what?¡± she had to ask.

    Sky then blushed slightly, still averting his eyes, ¡°Not like I haven¡¯t seen them before,¡± he scoffed. ¡°You know, when Kali wasn¡¯t blocking my view, anyway,¡± he had to add with a bit of mischief.

    ¡°Oh, so you admit you were looking?¡± Star couldn¡¯t help calling him on it.

    ¡°And you already know that, considering you were looking too,¡± he pointed out to her, feeling his underwear begin tightening beneath the warm blue water.

    Star¡¯s took another moment to try and hold onto her composure as the two finally admitted to at least part of the way that night ended. Feeling her panties dampening as she thought about the night again, she took a deep, troubled breath, as though trying to find words that just weren¡¯t coming to her.

    ¡°Yes?¡± he asked, turning his dark eyes up at the sound of her breath shortening.

    ¡°Is there something really wrong with us?¡± she asked, a sort of desperation in her tone.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious?¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°I mean because we...¡± her voice trailed off again, ¡°we aren¡¯t supposed to want to look at each other like that, right?¡±

    Sky let out his own breath then, thinking on the words as she finally spoke them; never mind the fact that the question was constantly running through both their heads on a twenty-four hour loop, and had been since they hit puberty.

    ¡°I mean, if you believe that we¡¯re actually related...¡± he attempted that defense again.

    ¡°You have to admit that it is at least possible,¡± Star forced herself to remind him, ¡°and if we are...¡± her voice trailed off again.

    ¡°Good thing we don¡¯t believe in hell, right?¡± was his only response, softly spoken though it was.

    ¡°That¡¯s not helping,¡± she told him sadly.

    ¡°I mean,¡± Sky attempted with more seriousness then as he moved to a place in front of her, gently propping his arms on her knees and looking up into her equally sad eyes, ¡°worst case scenario: We really are twins.¡± He swallowed a bit before continuing, ¡°At least we¡¯ve never...¡± another breath to steel himself, ¡°never done anything, other than just think things about each other.¡±

    Star shook her head as she reached out to brush a wet lock from his cheek, ¡°And every single day it gets harder and harder to stop at ¡®just thinking things¡¯ about each other,¡± she whispered that confession.

    Sky closed his eyes a moment at her words, as though trying to mentally chase away his own desire for her right then. He then spoke in the same nearly inaudible whisper, ¡°I guess, if it keeps getting... this hard,¡± he smirked only a moment at his own words, ¡°then we just have to always remember one thing.¡±

    ¡°What would that be?¡±

    ¡°As long as we never break our one rule... with each other either... then maybe, maybe we¡¯re not completely horrible people after all.¡±

    Star looked down again, ¡°Just thinking about it, and not making a baby together? That leaves a few hundred gray areas in between still, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°It does,¡± he agreed simply as he moved to let his fingers trace her thigh for the briefest moment.

    ¡°You really think that doing... what we do, with the other club kids, that all of that would really be ok for us too? As long as we never do that one final thing?¡±

    ¡°Gray,¡± was his response. ¡°It may still be pretty twisted, if we actually are, but at least there¡¯s one regret we won¡¯t have to try to live with then if we ever do find out that we really aren¡¯t meant to be together, like that.¡±

 Chapter 6

    After one more look between them that was somehow equally desire-filled and terrified, Star finally moved to part her knees as she still sat there in front of Sky at the edge of the pool. Taking her silent cue, Sky stepped forward, still standing there in the water, but now with each of her legs on either side of his tiny waist as she looked down at him, both of them not even sure they were breathing just then.

    Not able to stop staring at one another¡¯s eyes, despite the now minuscule distance between their bodies, Sky reached for the hem of her long t-shirt. He slowly, gently, began moving his fingers up her sides underneath the material. Another moment and his hands reached the underside of her breasts.

    The two still were having more than a little trouble breathing through the feel of the gentle touching that was now happening between them; but as if to give each other courage, they continued locking their eyes on one another the entire time.

    Seeing that desire reflected in each other¡¯s eyes, Sky gained the strength to move his fingertips upward, ever so slowly caressing her nipples into hardening at his touch; getting even more aroused himself at the slight gasp that passed her full, pretty lips at his touch.

    Those flames of forbidden desire fanned, Star reached toward him, sliding her hands down his stomach, beneath the water¡¯s surface, and bravely began caressing his already full erection through the wet material of his underwear.

    Then, there in the rising heat of the summer morning sun, just as Sky felt that very first tremor of his quickly approaching orgasm; both their eyes suddenly snapped up. The moment that pleasure began to overtake him at her touch, huge flakes of snow began falling all around them. The two just stared up at the bright, sunny sky above, their faces now reflecting several kinds of awe and disbelief as the first few flakes melted upon contact with their heated flesh.

    Most shocking of all was that when they finally dared to move their eyes from the sunny, clear sky above them, they noted that the only place any of those huge beautiful flakes were falling, was only right above the two of them.

    ¡°What were you saying about us not having magic powers?¡± Star finally managed to ask him in a breathy whisper, both of them still stunned into shock by everything that was happening.

    Struggling to find his own voice then, Sky finally managed, ¡°this...this can¡¯t be....us¡± he denied as he continued to look up at the flakes falling all around them.

    In too much shock right then to even attempt to continue their earlier activities, Sky finally stepped back, though awkwardly, to pull himself up to a seat next to her at the edge of the pool. Though, as soon as the two broke off contact once more, the snowflakes slowed their fall and then, almost just as quickly as they had appeared, they just... ceased to be.

    ¡°Ok, Scully, so if that wasn¡¯t us, then what the hell was it?¡± Star asked him as she turned her eyes back to him, her voice still breathless with desire and amazement both now.

    ¡°Maybe we accidentally got dosed with something?¡± Sky shrugged.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure¡± Star scoffed, though smiled. The two then continued to sit there for a long moment, watching as the last few fallen snowflakes melted against the sun-heated concrete around them. Then, Star finally took another breath and spoke, ¡°do you realize, the only time any of this freaky shit happens is when...¡±

    ¡°When we touch; especially touch... like that¡± Sky admitted to what both of them were thinking.

    Star shook her head once more, thinking on the theory. She then just had to add, ¡°you know the most powerful magic on the planet is... it¡¯s sex magic.¡±

    ¡°That somehow sounds more like a cheesy pop song than a school of magic¡± Sky couldn¡¯t help the smirk, though his eyes showed that he was thinking on her words.

    ¡°You know I¡¯m right. We both read all the occult stuff. The most powerful rituals in any belief system, they¡¯re the ones that involve sex.¡±

    ¡°Well, that or human sacrifice¡± Sky attempted to further joke, though his tone showed that he knew she was right.

    ¡°Imagine what might have happened if we actually did break...¡±

    ¡°Trying not to think about that, for many reasons¡± Sky couldn¡¯t help interrupting for the simple sake of pushing away both his curiosity as well as his desire to still give in and actually break that one rule of theirs every time he was near her.

    <hr>

    Morning had since turned to afternoon as the two teens had moved indoors. Neither of them particularly enjoyed sunny days for too long, as being as pale as a corpse did quickly lead to sunburn after too long outside, for each of them.

    Sky and Star were now reclining at opposite ends of the living room sofa as a series of occult TV shows and movies played across the large screen TV. Not that either of them were paying much attention. Instead they were sitting there, smiling from where they each leaned on a separate arm of the couch, their outstretched legs intertwining with one another across the plush cushions.

    As neither had spoken for a few minutes, each having been distracted temporarily by their phones, Star set hers aside, letting her eyes move over his barely covered body again. Both were still dressed for bed, even though the hour was nearing four pm at this point. As he still seemed distracted by his phone, she couldn¡¯t help a bit of mischief as she slowly moved her toes to the front of his snug black boxer-briefs.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Can I help you?¡± he choked a bit on the words, still not looking up from his phone, though his lips still smiled at her toes beginning to continue where her fingers had left off that morning.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s more me helping you right now¡± Star teased as she continued to move her toes against him, smiling wider as she felt his nearly immediate arousal.

    ¡°Well that¡¯s not very fair¡± he chuckled, also dropping the phone to the cushion next to him as he lifted his dark eyes to meet her own once more. He then moved to mimic her chosen distraction, and go one better as he slid his own toes inside her already dampening panties.

    Hearing her gasp and feeling that immediate wetness greeting him behind the thin black lace, his own body couldn¡¯t help already feeling that very first pre-orgasmic tremor just at the prospect that she was already that completely aroused by him as well.

    Having easily lost track of time, the two startled more than a bit at the sound of car doors slamming in the garage that connected to the living room. Blushing brightly, Star quickly pulled her long t-shirt back down over the now soaked as well as completely displaced panties. Sky also pulled a nearby lap pillow in front of his own glaringly apparent arousal, as they both quickly pulled their outstretched limbs from one another¡¯s most intimate parts.

    ¡°What the hell are you two doing in here?¡± was Brie¡¯s greeting as she came through the door, both teens looking a bit mortified, despite having broken off their latest bout of foreplay in time to avoid their mother¡¯s eyes seeing it.

    ¡°Watching TV?¡± Star asked warily, trying to will her bright blush away.

    ¡°Yeah right¡± Brie returned, ¡°one of you was in here playing around with the garage door. It was going up and down like crazy when we pulled in¡± she accused, causing them both to look at each other with first a questioning look, then grins that led to snickers as another theory to explain the garage door then simultaneously occurred to them. Brie just shook her head, ¡°I mean, really. What are you, five?¡± she asked with further annoyance as she headed into the kitchen for her afternoon glass of wine.

    The two just gave each other another knowing smirk before their father then came inside as well, ¡°Fucking with the garage door like two year olds and still sitting here dressed for bed, at four fucking pm? I mean, grow up already¡± he added his own two cents as he went to join Brie in the kitchen.

    ¡°Yeah, we really should find something ¡®grown up¡¯ to do¡± Sky whispered through another grin over at Star, who couldn¡¯t help her slight giggle in return.

    Now that their parents were home once more, the two of them were quick to head back upstairs and away from any more scrutiny from the adults, especially now. Once they did reach their rooms, each of them slid down to the floor to take a seat in their respective bedroom doorways. Without saying much else to one another right then, the two moved to check their phones again, an obvious ploy at distracting their racing hormones; especially since both of them had only gotten to the very precipice of pleasure, before actually reaching the plateau, considering the interruptions of parents or freakish weather conditions that day.

    Star eventually set aside her phone once more, and sighed up at the ceiling above in frustration.

    ¡°Sorry, I thought it wouldn¡¯t be apropos to finish....that, with them in the room¡± Sky teased.

    ¡°Ha ha¡± she returned sarcastically. Though soon sighed again, before finding any more words, ¡°we¡¯re still gonna stick to our one rule, right?¡±

    ¡°Sure as hell gonna try¡± he agreed, though with his own ragged breath.

    ¡°So, I¡¯ll just never know¡± she said sadly.

    Her words did draw his attention from his phone as he looked over at where she still glared at the ceiling. ¡°Care to elaborate?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll never know what it¡¯s like¡± she admitted softly.

    ¡°Um, what what¡¯s like?¡± he had to ask.

    ¡°You know what¡± she scolded him, though gently.

    ¡°Last I checked I wasn¡¯t the only guy in the world capable of, uh, giving you that answer¡± he stated with narrowed brow, both of them having to be very careful about what they said, just in case their parents suddenly decided to care enough to try to overhear any of their conversations.

    ¡°Please, what other guy could even...¡± she shook her head, ¡°the other stuff, like with Lucien, I¡¯m fine with that; but to let someone I don¡¯t love, actually be the first to do...that with me....I just don¡¯t think I could¡± she admitted sadly.

    Sky swallowed hard as he tried to get past the fact that she was not only telling him she loved him, in that way, but also that he was the only person she could ever imagine giving her virginity to as well. He tried in vain to find some words that could possibly comfort her, but just breathing was a struggle after her confession.

    ¡°We really need to find out the actual truth about who we are, badly¡± he stated, nearly choking back all those emotions as he quickly moved into his room once more, closing the door behind him as he did.

    <hr>

    That night around the table, Sky and Star looked just as sullen as ever, Though at least they were once again fully dressed, so that was one less stressor for an evening with their parents. The two adults sighed as they watched their wards once again spend more time stirring their food around their plates rather than eating it.

    ¡°Come on, Connor, we talked about this¡± Brie prodded him into whatever discussion she wanted to start, much to the dismay of the teens who just wanted to retreat upstairs again as soon as they possibly could.

    Connor sighed tiresomely, as though trying to talk himself into speaking to them at all, ¡°your mother and I have decided that a different approach to our parenting techniques is needed¡± Sky couldn¡¯t help a wry laugh, as Star just rolled her eyes at that understatement of the decade.

    ¡°Go on, Connor¡± Brie attempted to keep the conversation going.

    ¡°Maybe you should handle this¡± he snapped.

    ¡°Connor¡± she scolded him.

    He just shook his head, taking another deep breath as he moved his eyes first over Star, then Sky, trying to bite back his usual response to dealing with the two of them. ¡°So, Sky, I realize it¡¯s been like a month; but, if that really happened to you, then we should deal with it¡± Connor stated, looking like he was so uncomfortable then that he just might implode.

    Sky scoffed, ¡°do I even wanna know what you¡¯re talking about?¡± he asked his father, as Star averted her eyes and bit her lip slightly.

    His discomfort only increasing, Connor sat up more stiffly in his chair, eyes still down, ¡°if that boy...¡± another shake of his head, ¡°if that boy really tried to rape you, we should probably, address that.¡±

    ¡°What the fuck, Star?¡± was his immediate response as he glared over at her and stood.

    ¡°Sky, I...¡± she attempted, but could only look down, knowing her words wouldn¡¯t sway his anger at her.

    ¡°Language¡± Brie attempted a slight scolding of her son, but it lacked much weight.

    ¡°So much for only being able to trust each other, right?¡± Sky bit out the words at Star, to which she could only flinch and look downward. On that note, he slammed the chair back into its place beneath the table and once again rushed from the room.

 Chapter 7

    ¡°I tried¡± Connor simply shrugged back at Brie before he too got up to leave the room.

    ¡°I guess they both deal with it like males after all¡± Brie sighed at her daughter, who was still sitting at the table with tears in her eyes. ¡°Meaning, not dealing with it at all¡± she added, making some tiny attempt at bonding with her daughter,

    ¡°Can I go to my room now?¡± Star whispered.

    ¡°At least you ask¡± Brie returned, causing Star to begin to get up from her seat, ¡°that wasn¡¯t a yes¡± she raised her voice slightly to cow the girl back into her seat.

    ¡°Mom, please¡± Star complained as she wiped away a streak of eyeliner that her tears had managed to displace.

    ¡°If Sky won¡¯t talk about it, I guess I have to ask you¡± Brie replied.

    Star just scoffed, ¡°I already told you...more than he wanted me to. And now he hates me. So, can I please just go?¡± Star whispered sadly, her tears continuing to slip down her cheeks in black streams.

    ¡°He¡¯s your brother. He¡¯ll get over it¡± Brie assured, only to easily note the way Star flinched at the statement. Brie shook her head, ¡°why do you do that?¡± she couldn¡¯t stop herself from asking the young girl.

    ¡°Do what?¡± Star returned in the same tearful whisper.

    ¡°Every time I say that you and Sky are...¡± she just shook her head, not sure if she wanted to open up that Pandora¡¯s Box after all.

    ¡°Can I go yet?¡± Star asked again.

    ¡°What really happened that day, Star?¡± Brie pressed.

    ¡°I already told you. Some asshole had Sky up against the wall, ripping at the back of his pants, trying to...¡± she shook her head with another sniffle, ¡°then I showed up and he took off¡± she finished as quickly as she could.

    Brie swallowed hard as she thought on her daughter¡¯s words, ¡°any idea what brought that on?¡±

    Star just glared back at her with a near growl, ¡°un-fucking-believable!¡±

    ¡°Language!¡± her mother scolded again, ¡°and what do you mean, unbelievable?¡±

    Star just shook her head with further disbelief, before she glared back at the older woman, ¡°you¡¯re a scientist, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes...¡± Brie stammered, more than a little wary of the sudden question.

    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s do an experiment. We¡¯ll try it again, only slightly different¡± Star began with a thinly veiled sarcasm. She then put a different tone on her voice and spoke again, ¡°hey mom, today some prick who weighs twice as much as me; he grabbed me under the bridge, slammed me, face first into a wall, and then started ripping my clothes off......is this where you fucking ask me what brought that on?!¡± she spat the words back in her mother¡¯s face, her point clear, as she too rushed from the room in a rage.

    Only, when Star hurried from the dining room, her wrist was quickly caught as she passed the doorway. Obviously having been standing there, listening to she and Brie¡¯s quarrel, Sky now pulled her around the doorway with him. That was when he also moved to wrap her in his arms, there out of their mother¡¯s sight. Sky then placed a long kiss over her lips, holding her tightly as their tongues moved against one another¡¯s. When he finally looked into her shocked face again, his own tears were apparent, as he simply gazed at her with what was almost gratitude. He then mouthed the words ¡®I love you¡¯ before releasing her from his embrace lest their tender encounter be discovered. He then headed back up the stairs once more, only allowing a sad smile back over his shoulder at her.

    <hr>

    That night, when Brie crawled into bed with Connor, who was still busy working on something on his tablet, she sighed heavily as she looked up at the ceiling above them.

    ¡°I think Star is even more pissed off at us than Sky. How crazy is that?¡± she attempted conversationally.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you know why everything that affects him affects her just as deeply¡± Connor stated distractedly, his eyes still on the tablet.

    ¡°Are we back in scientist mode again now?¡± Brie asked as she looked over at him.

    ¡°I tried parent mode earlier. Didn¡¯t go great¡± he stated sarcastically, eyes still on the screen.

    ¡°But we have to keep trying¡± Brie told him as she turned to her side, placing her hand over his tablet to garner his attention.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll be fine¡± he stated with annoyance as he relinquished the tablet and moved to pick up his phone instead then.

    ¡°They¡¯re obviously not fucking fine, Connor¡± Brie pointed out the obvious. ¡°I seriously think that the reason they¡¯re like this now; it¡¯s because of your frigging scientist mode¡± she returned with slight sarcasm, ¡°they¡¯re teenagers, they¡¯re going through the most significant changes ever since we...ever since they came to be. We need to be parents for them. We want them to be normal, so we¡¯ve obviously gotta give them a normal life, somehow. And that means, parent-mode. That means acting like we actually care about them the way parents should¡± Brie insisted.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    Connor just shook his head, ¡°If you really wanted to be a parent, I think you didn¡¯t need to get the lab involved.¡±

    ¡°Whether I wanted to be a parent or not, we are now, and we have to act like it. I mean, it¡¯s bad enough they question the truth about everything we ever tell them. They don¡¯t trust us. We have to make them believe we are telling them the truth, undoubtedly. Otherwise...¡± she shook her head, ¡°they¡¯re gonna go looking for answers...and that could get really, really bad.¡±

    Connor was quiet a long time before sighing, ¡°I guess we have to test every theory; including your current one. So, where do you recommend we begin with this parenting shit?¡±

    ¡°Well, the whole point of taking them in and raising them was to convince them that they shouldn¡¯t ever...¡± she shook her head again, ¡°every time we say they¡¯re brother and sister, they cringe. That¡¯s a bit more than worrying. That¡¯s the one thing that we absolutely have to make sure they believe, if nothing else. We just have to.¡±

    <hr>

    The following weekend, Brie returned from her errands and, upon entering the house, called up the stairs to Sky and Star, ¡°hey you two, get down here, I¡¯ve got something important to tell you.¡±

    Several minutes later, the two grudgingly joined her in the dining room, both looking a little flushed. Brie narrowed her eyes at their silence before gesturing to the table for them to take seats.

    ¡°Now we have to eat lunch down here too?¡± Sky asked, referring to the afternoon hour.

    ¡°Would you two sit?¡± she told them as she attempted a smile before moving to dig through her bag.

    They both sighed and sat, giving their mother a questioning look as she searched for whatever it was she was searching for in that bag. Finally, a moment later, she turned back to them, clutching a manila envelope in her hands and wearing a nervous smile.

    ¡°You¡¯re giving us back to the adoption agency?" Sky hazarded a guess.

    ¡°Funny¡± she shook her head over at him before taking a seat at the foot of the table and gingerly setting the envelope in the middle of it.

    ¡°Is it going to explode?¡± Star added to the awkward silence.

    Brie just shook her head with another laugh to hide her unease, ¡°listen I know things haven¡¯t exactly been great between me and your dad and you guys. And I¡¯m sorry for that. Nobody ever gave us an instruction manual on how to be parents¡± she attempted another smile. She then took a deep breath, ¡°so believe me when I say, I¡¯m terrified to share this with you.¡±

    That particular statement did do well to garner the complete attention of both teens, wondering if they¡¯d finally be getting some truth out of this woman, after over a decade of vague answers and half-truths and avoidance of all kinds.

    Brie took another breath, ¡°now, I¡¯m not gonna actually show you what¡¯s in this envelope, but I¡¯m going to tell you, and let you two decide what you want to do with it.¡±

    ¡°Is it money for our own place?¡± Sky asked hopefully just to cut the tension in the room.

    Brie scowled slightly before continuing with the same wariness, ¡°basically what¡¯s in here,¡± she gestured to the envelope again, ¡°is the records the adoption agency finally released to us.¡±

    They both narrowed their eyes at that, as they were not even fully convinced there even was an adoption agency at this point.

    ¡°What kind of records?¡± Star asked, her voice breaking slightly.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s your birth certificates¡± Brie offered, watching for that cringe again, ¡°which basically means, the names of your real parents are in here.¡±

    ¡°Our real parents?¡± Sky repeated with the same stammer in his voice as he took a breath.

    ¡°Yes, so if, when you¡¯re older, and let me stress that; if you two ever wanna really know where you came from...well, it¡¯s all here for you¡± she allowed a slight breath as the two both seemed frozen in place right then, ¡°so, I¡¯m gonna put this in the safe, in dad¡¯s office, the combination is your birthday. I¡¯m hoping you never feel the urge to use this information to...to leave us¡± she attempted, ¡°but you should still be allowed to see it, when you¡¯re both ready¡± she finished with another nervous smile as she gathered the envelope into her hands again, and moved off toward the office at the other side of the adjoining living room.

    That was when Sky¡¯s and Star¡¯s eyes met once again, across the table, both nearly hyperventilating then, as a million horrible thoughts begun tearing through their brains again. After several long moments of both trying to fight off an all-out anxiety attack, Sky was the first to speak, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I mean, I don¡¯t buy it.¡± he denied, his breath still coming in short gasps.

    ¡°Sky...¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t be true...it just can¡¯t¡± his voice broke as he retreated from the room once more, but this time it wasn¡¯t in anger. This time it was in abject terror, crippling shame, and heartbreaking despair.

    <hr>

    The house was dreadfully silent that night as Sky and Star had both spent the rest of the afternoon and evening locked in their rooms, their bodies both wracked with sobs for more hours than either could count. When Brie finally called up the stairs for them to come to dinner, Star forced herself to wipe away the tears from her red and puffy cheeks, her head pounding from crying for hours on end.

    She forced her feet to carry her down to the dining room, though didn¡¯t honestly know if she could ever make herself eat again. She simply sat at the table, numb, her eyes glazed over as though she were not even present in her own body anymore.

    ¡°Have you been crying?¡± Brie asked worriedly.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter¡± Star whispered, still just sitting, staring blankly at Sky¡¯s still empty chair, not even going through the motions of pretending to eat this time.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong now?¡± Brie attempted.

    ¡°And where¡¯s your brother?¡± Connor added, though the question just caused her to bite back another sob.

    ¡°Star?¡± Brie looked over at her with what almost looked like sincere worry that time.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go get him¡± she whispered as she pushed herself up from the chair again, heading back upstairs with the same numbness permeating her entire frame.

    When she reached Sky¡¯s bedroom door, she stopped outside trying to steel herself into having to lay her eyes on him again right then. Finally, after another moment, she went to knock on the door, receiving no response.

    ¡°Come on, Sky, it¡¯s me¡± she sniffled against the door, not sure that that would even be enough to make him reply, all things considered.

    After another moment, she called on whatever strength she even had left, which was barely any, and pushed his door open. Inside, she found him laying atop the bed, eyes closed, his breath shallow, fresh blood dripping from his wrist.

 Chapter 8

    Following that fateful night when Sky had broken his promise to Star, and tried to take his own life; the rest of that summer was the hardest of their entire short lives. The two who had previously been each other¡¯s soul strength when dealing with the world around them, were now afraid to even let themselves be in the same room any longer. And losing the strength that they had always provided for one another, it left them both as shells, shadows of their former selves.

    Both wanted nothing more, truly, than to die, to escape their own pain and shame; the only thing keeping them going at all anymore was the slight glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, it really was still a lie. Though both of them were afraid to even let themselves think that for more than a fleeting second, for fear they would spiral to a place neither of them were sure they¡¯d ever be able to forgive themselves for going again, just in case it was the truth.

    When they started high school that August, the two had now become so numb to feeling anything at all anymore, that they didn¡¯t even notice whatever cruelty was visited upon them each day. Perhaps it was a small blessing for them to be so lost inside themselves that they felt nothing else outside, perhaps.

    That day, the bell rang to mark the end of their biology class, and the two pushed themselves up from the lab-table they were forced to share due to the alphabetized seating and their shared last name. As they numbly moved toward the door on auto-pilot, as they had been ever since school started again, their teacher called them to her desk after the rest of their classmates had dispersed.

    ¡°So, which one of you would like to explain?¡± Ms. Colby asked them disapprovingly.

    The two allowed only the briefest of glances toward each other before Star sighed and replied, ¡°explain what?¡±

    ¡°The blood samples and tests we were going to do on them are fifty percent of your grade this semester. Contaminating them is not going to help either of you pass this class¡± she scolded them.

    ¡°What?¡± Sky offered, though his voice was hoarse as he barely used it to speak to anyone at all anymore.

    ¡°Seriously what did you even use to contaminate them? I can¡¯t even figure that one out, and I have a master¡¯s¡± she told them with a frustrated sigh.

    ¡°Our blood samples are contaminated?¡± Star repeated, narrowing her eyes in confusion.

    ¡°Is this where you two pretend you had nothing to do with it?¡± she scoffed disapprovingly.

    ¡°What bullshit¡± Sky mumbled under his breath as he started away.

    ¡°That is not going to help your case young...man¡± she stated, the hesitation obvious as her eyes moved over his ultra-feminine appearance.

    That was when Star reached out to grab his arm to stop his departure, both of them freezing up at the feel of one another¡¯s skin touching even that innocently after all these months. Removing her hand from his arm just as quickly, Star swallowed hard, forcing her attention back to their teacher, ¡°you think we did it? Just let us give you new samples, right here, right now. That way you can watch to see that we aren¡¯t messing with them¡± she suggested.

    Ms. Colby shook her head once again as she looked between the two of them. Then, remembering the rumors floating about the school, she tried to subtly move her eyes to Sky¡¯s wrist. Seeing the long vertical scar that he didn¡¯t even bother trying to hide with much more than a few spiked bracelets, she swallowed hard.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll give you a second, and last chance. Take a seat while I get the lancets.¡±

    As the two waited awkwardly for Ms. Colby to process their new samples, Star just had to speak up to cut the silence in the room, ¡°so a master¡¯s degree in biology you said?¡±

    ¡°Guilty¡± the teacher returned as she continued her work.

    ¡°Think that¡¯s what our parents have. They work at some lab doing who knows what¡± Star offered conversationally, as Sky just shook his head, his eyes on anything but his sister, as they had been for four long months now.

    ¡°Sounds mysterious¡± Colby tried to joke, still feeling a bit of sympathy for these two more than troubled teens after seeing the evidence of how deep that trouble ran when she had glanced at his wrist moments earlier.

    Star sighed nervously once more before asking her next question, ¡°so what all can you find out from a blood test, anyway?¡±

    ¡°Do I sense that you may be following in your parents¡¯ footsteps someday?¡± she smiled back at her.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    ¡°No¡± was Star¡¯s simple answer, before adding, ¡°just curious what we¡¯ll be testing it for this semester¡± she excused.

    ¡°Well, blood tests can be used to determine lots of things. General health, pregnancy, ethnicity, age, genealogy...lots of things¡± she smiled back at her.

    ¡°Genealogy? Like who we¡¯re related to?¡± Star repeated, though Sky did finally look up as well then.

    ¡°Yeah that¡¯s how they do paternity tests and such¡± Colby affirmed.

    ¡°So you can tell who our father is...just by testing our blood?¡± Sky finally joined the conversation.

    ¡°Oh boy¡± Colby stated with a slight blush, ¡°I really don¡¯t wanna get involved in any kind of family drama here¡± she told them nervously.

    Trying desperately to draw the older woman back into the conversation, Star spoke again, ¡°no, it¡¯s nothing like that. We already know we¡¯re adopted¡± she stated with a breath as only a small bit of relief passed their teacher¡¯s face, ¡°we¡¯re just curious about our real parents, I guess¡± Star dared, Sky now hanging on every word of the conversation then as well.

    Colby sighed as she looked between them once more, ¡°me helping students find out who their biological parents are...I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s strictly ethical¡± she worried aloud.

    ¡°Well you can at least tell us where we can get a non-school approved blood test, can¡¯t you?¡± Star prodded.

    ¡°I suppose referring a student to a doctor colleague wouldn¡¯t exactly be looked upon too skeptically¡± Colby agreed with a small smile before turning to scratch a number and address onto a post-it and hand it back to Star. ¡°Don¡¯t make me regret it¡± she added the warning, ¡°now, get outta here. I have papers to grade.¡±

    <hr>

    The nearly forgotten sound of Sky¡¯s voice startled Star from where she stared off down the street after school that day, waiting for their cab to arrive. ¡°You know, we actually could just go home and open the safe. I mean, we¡¯d get the same answer, right?¡±

    ¡°Would we?¡± Star looked back at him pointedly.

    ¡°What? Now we think they went so far as to fake these so-called birth certificates too?¡± Sky asked her a moment after they got into the cab. ¡°That¡¯s going really, really far outta their way just to convince us we¡¯re related, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°So, why would they do that?¡± Star asked pointedly.

    Sky just shook his head, ¡°I have no fucking clue, Star¡± he admitted.

    Star took a deep breath, debating on whether to say what she was thinking right then. Once she looked back into those gorgeous eyes of his again, and then at the evidence of his hopelessness there on his pale wrist, she spoke, ¡°well I have one theory, but it¡¯s kinda insane.¡±

    ¡°Perfect then. What theory?¡± Sky coaxed.

    ¡°Remember what happens?¡± Star asked, slightly biting her lip.

    ¡°I think you left out the rest of that sentence¡± Sky retorted wryly.

    ¡°What happens when we....touch¡± she managed, choking slightly on the last word.

    Forcing down all of those memories himself, Sky replied, ¡°what about it?¡±

    ¡°Who knows what we could have made happen if we had actually...¡± she let her voice trail off, ¡°what better way to keep us from ever finding that out, other than convincing us that if we ever did touch, like that, that we were deplorable, sick, twisted human beings?¡±

    Sky scoffed, though he couldn¡¯t help thinking on her words. After a long moment, he replied, ¡°so you think this is all one huge conspiracy, just to keep us from ever fucking each other?¡± he shook his head again.

    ¡°Does any other fucking thing make sense at this point, I mean, really?¡±

    <hr>

    Upon getting told that the earliest they could get their blood test results back would be the next day, as they barely even got in to see the doctor before the office closed that day, the two headed back home in annoyance and impatience. But more important than that, the two at least had some slim hope to look forward to again. The worst case scenario was the test confirming what they already had let themselves believe to the point that it had made Sky want to take his own life. But the best case was that there was that tiny chance the two would find a reason to actually want to live their precious lives again.

    When they got home and went back upstairs, this time, the two actually stopped to look back at one another before retreating behind the closed doors of their bedrooms immediately once more. Star looked up at Sky, where he stood more than eight inches taller than her now, and took a breath, ¡°so, if we do find out...something good, what¡¯s the first thing we¡¯re gonna do?¡±

    ¡°Do we really wanna play this what-if game again?¡± Sky returned her question, though softly.

    ¡°I just mean, do we get angry first or... do we do something else first?¡± Star dared, looking up at him with that longing the two had been trying to force down for four long months now.

    ¡°Like I said, do we really wanna ask ourselves that, right now?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯ve been asking myself since the night you...since what she made you wanna do¡± she settled on, biting back emotion.

    ¡°Can¡¯t tell me that she didn¡¯t make you wanna do that too, every second, since she told us¡± Sky whispered back.

    Star closed her eyes softly as she took a breath, ¡°but I had to hold on...since you promised me you would¡± she reminded him sadly.

    Sky looked down with his own sadness at that reminder, ¡°Right now, I think we just need to make it one more day, right?¡± he whispered back before then finally turning and heading into his room once more.

    <hr>

    That night, over dinner, the teens could still barely find words as usual. Though Connor and Brie seemed rather uninterested in chatting then either as both were now constantly checking the rapid tirade of messages coming to both their phones. At last, the texting finally stopped as the adults looked up at one another furtively, and forced themselves back to their own meals.

    Mere minutes after the adults¡¯ phones finally fell silent, the teens¡¯ phones buzzed, causing them to look away from the few bites of food they had managed that night. ¡°What?¡± the two teens asked in unison, eyes widening at the text.

    They swallowed hard as they looked up at one another. As usual, Star was the first to find her voice, choked though it was, ¡°I guess we don¡¯t have school tomorrow¡± she managed.

    Connor¡¯s eyes met Brie¡¯s across the table once more before Brie was the one to force a reply, ¡°how come, honey?¡±

    ¡°The school¡¯s science lab was apparently broken into¡± Star stammered, she and Sky both looking more than a bit worriedly down at their phones still, ¡°Ms. Colby was killed.¡±

 Chapter 9

    The next day, Sky and Star actually had the house to themselves again, for the first time since going back to school for the new year. However, both were more than just a little upset that day. The same question kept playing through their heads since the previous evening: Was it possible that their quest for answers could have actually had something to do with what happened at the school that very same night? They had to consider the possibility, but considering it meant having to let in even more guilt than what had already been crushing them each for months.

    When Star finally forced her feet to carry her out of her room about an hour or so after their parents had left, Sky poked his head out of his own room at the sound of her footsteps.

    ¡°Did you try calling the doctor¡¯s office yet?¡± he greeted her warily.

    Star sighed slightly, eyes down as usual, ¡°I apparently have to check the number and try again¡± she said sarcastically.

    ¡°Yeah that¡¯s what I keep getting too¡± Sky replied with a matching sigh.

    Star just shook her head with further sadness, ¡°did you need the bathroom?¡ä she attempted to move forward in their day.

    ¡°No, go ahead¡± he returned, averting his eyes again as he headed back into his room.

    It wasn¡¯t too many minutes later that Sky decided he should at least attempt to eat something that day. So he emerged from his room once more and started toward the stairs. Though, as he passed the still closed bathroom door, he could hear Star sobbing again, muffled though it was by the sound of the shower.

    He took a deep breath, pondering his choices. As much as she insisted that she had to ¡®hold on,¡¯ despite everything else, Sky was not sure how much longer that would continue to be true, for either of them. It was obvious that the answers they desperately needed were not going to come to them any time soon. And when they tried to get those answers, people seemed to be dying or disappearing before they could provide them. And that was a new layer of guilt that he wasn¡¯t sure even Star could bear too much longer.

    As terrified as he was to open himself up to the other feelings that had given them so much guilt in recent months, his desperation to make sure he didn¡¯t actually lose her, the way she almost lost him, did give him even more terror. On that thought, he bravely pushed the bathroom door open and stepped inside.

    Star startled a bit as she heard the door and forced herself to open the shower stall just a crack. Sky¡¯s eyes came up to meet hers again as he whispered, ¡°are you going to be ok?¡±

    ¡°Are either of us ever going to be ok?¡± was her only response, the water dripping from her long wet locks and mixing with her tears upon her cheeks.

    Seeing her sorrow broke his heart as always, and forced him to action. Sky stepped forward, pushed the stall door open, and pulled her wet, nude body against his as his lips covered hers again, for the first time in over four long months.

    When the kiss finally ended, he still held her against him, her trembling body soaking his clothing. Star looked up at him for a long moment, ¡°but we can¡¯t...remember?¡± she whispered with another stifled sob against where he still held her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡± he breathed his answer, ¡°I¡¯d rather regret giving in to these feelings, regret it horribly if need be, than to spend the rest of my life trying to fight it.¡±

    And with that, he stepped back only long enough to begin pulling away his now thoroughly drenched clothing, dropping it to the bathroom floor next to where her own had been left. Once his body was just as bare as hers, he stepped up into the shower with her, pulling her against where his arousal was already apparent, and began kissing her once more as the water poured over them both now.

    After several long kisses as they clung desperately to one another under that warm stream of water, Star finally had to speak once more, ¡°are we still never gonna break our one rule?¡± she whispered.

    Sky¡¯s breath caught a long moment, but then he simply nodded, moved back from her, and reached out of the stall again to lift his pants from the floor. Star looked at him warily for a moment before she saw him pulling a condom from his pocket.

    ¡°Sky...¡± she nearly choked his name, her eyes widening as he stood and began ripping it open.

    He breathed deeply as he looked back at her, ¡°technically, we¡¯re not breaking our one rule if I use this¡± he whispered as he slid it over his erection.

    ¡°But...¡±

    ¡°You said I was the only guy you could ever share this with, didn¡¯t you?¡± he told her as he moved close to her again.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    Star could barely breathe then herself as she could only nod her confirmation of the statement. With that, he moved to lift her to a place where he could brace her back against the shower wall, as she then moved to wrap her legs around his waist. Stepping closer to her yet, his hardness just barely touching her then.

    ¡°Last chance to turn back now¡± he choked the words as he looked into her eyes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can¡± she whispered back.

    With that he moved, slowly as he could to gently ease himself inside her as she gasped at the contact. With another deep breath, he completed the connection, pushing himself even more deeply inside her as her nails dug into his shoulders with a loud gasp of pain as they felt that barrier inside her give way, the water washing away the blood from her thighs as she attempted to endure that momentary pain; before it then made way for all that intense pleasure awaiting them at having at last given in to making that final connection.

    As Sky made love to Star, they were so lost in each other, that they barely noticed everything happening around them. The room had gone dark as every light in the house burnt out once their pleasure began overtaking them. At the same time, the shower had gurgled above them as every pipe in the house burst in unison, flooding water throughout both bathrooms and the kitchen. Outside, the sky darkened to pitch black despite no eclipse being forecast; and it had remained that way until the two teens were finally spent. They then collapsed to the shower floor in each other¡¯s still shaking arms, still reeling from the pleasure they had just given into giving each other, at last.

    When their bodies calmed, their heartbeats and breathing returning to normal, was when they finally rose from the shower stall and took in the state their home was in now. ¡°God...¡±they both breathed the word as they stepped out into the water that was now covering the entire bathroom floor, making it¡¯s way toward the hallway outside as well.

    They warily grabbed for nearby towels as they tried to traverse the flooded bathroom and step out into the hall once more. ¡°Lights are gone now too¡± Sky swallowed as he noted that fact.

    ¡°And wasn¡¯t it morning?¡± she whispered as she glanced toward the hall window where the sun was just now beginning to lighten the sky once more.

    ¡°So we literally short-circuited and simultaneously flooded the entire house? Oh yeah, and also apparently blotted out the sun?¡± Sky summarized, not believing his own words as he spoke them through still ragged breaths.

    Star was quiet a long moment as the two just moved around the house, taking in the damage, and going even paler as they imagined how they would ever explain this all to their parents. She then finally looked up at him, as they slowly made their way through the still flowing water and up the stairs again in the darkened home.

    ¡°Maybe we really shouldn¡¯t be here when mom and dad get home¡± she stated, her remaining shock from the aftermath of their lovemaking, still obvious in her voice.

    Sky simply nodded his agreement as they moved to their rooms to dress and find somewhere, anywhere else to be when Brie and Connor came home to that scene.

    <hr>

    When Connor and Brie did arrive home from work that afternoon, they were more than a little floored by the state they found the house in. The two looked at one another in shock before moving through the flooded, unlit home, trying to piece together what exactly had taken place there that day.

    After several moments of moving through the house in shock, it was obvious that their children were nowhere on the premises, but that was the least of their worries right then. ¡°Connor come here!¡± Brie called to him from upstairs after the first several moments of the two moving carefully about the house, taking in the damage.

    Moving carefully up the stairs, he found Brie in the bathroom, stooping in the doorway, looking more than just a little upset right then. ¡°What?¡± he had to ask as he stopped at the top of the stairs.

    She then turned back to him, a soaked pile of black clothing in her hands, ¡°do you see this?¡± she asked him with a raspy breath.

    ¡°Wet clothes, in a flooded bathroom¡± he shook his head, ¡°am I missing something?¡±

    Brie shook her head back at him, ¡°they keep all their clothes in their rooms. Why would they be on the floor of the bathroom?¡±

    ¡°Bigger problems, Brie¡± he scoffed as he began searching for numbers in his phone.

    ¡°Connor, these clothes, they belong to Sky and Star both¡± she continued with further apprehension.

    ¡°Still not getting whatever point you¡¯re trying to make about our kids¡¯ clothes being in our kids¡¯ bathroom¡± he stated, continuing to distractedly search phone numbers.

    Brie just shook her head, only to then feel her heart race in fear as she noted the empty condom wrapper floating in the corner of the room, ¡°is that what I think it is?¡± she breathed as she moved to retrieve the wrapper, her breath catching again.

    When he glanced over at her, Connor did take pause himself when he saw the wrapper. ¡°So, I¡¯m guessing we now know if they¡¯re bringing other kids to the house when we¡¯re not around. Fucking figures¡± he mumbled angrily before returning to his phone.

    Brie scoffed again, ¡°not mentioning that they are only fourteen¡± she began, ¡°you really think that it¡¯s some other kid that they brought home to use this with?¡± she dared to ask the question aloud.

    ¡°Well obviously at least one of them is having sex with someone¡± Connor replied, trying to swallow his anger as he continued with the phone.

    ¡°When neither of them even have a single friend between them?¡± she argued.

    ¡°Well I seriously doubt that the fourteen year old in question really wants us to meet whoever it is they¡¯re doing that with¡± Connor continued.

    ¡°Look at the fucking house, Connor!¡± she raised her voice and stood, ¡°these are the clothes, of both of our children, in the bathroom, next to an empty condom wrapper....one day after having their science teacher test their blood....and may I repeat, look at the fucking house!¡± she added more angrily.

    Connor thought a moment, his breath catching as he took in what she was trying to tell him, ¡°So, you seriously think that...¡± he just shook his head.

    ¡°Connor, he tried to kill himself when we offered him proof that they really were brother and sister. They take blood tests and the next day, the house is almost destroyed after someone was having sex in it? I don¡¯t know how much clearer I can make my point¡± she whispered.

    ¡°So are we officially saying we think they¡¯ve...combined?¡± he swallowed the word.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it what they¡¯ve been trying to do since the day we created them?¡±

 Chapter 10

    It was nearly six pm that evening when Sky and Star were still avoiding their home and sitting nervously on a bench at the local mall. The two had been lost in more than a few deep thoughts as they wandered the stores, just waiting til their parents would come home to an empty, and rather destroyed, house, and then turn to their children for answers.

    Finally, Star¡¯s phone rang, which caused them both to startle from their seats as she lifted it to identify the number, ¡°mom¡± she breathed.

    ¡°Surprised it took two hours¡± was the only nervous reply Sky could offer. When it rang again, Star looked to him for some kind of sign of what he thought she should do. ¡°Well, if you don¡¯t answer it, she¡¯ll probably turn on the GPS and come find us¡± he argued with a soft sigh.

    Swallowing hard, she tried to force normalcy into her voice as she answered the call. He watched her expression change throughout the rather brief conversation before she hung up again.

    ¡°Well?¡± he asked, the moment the call ended.

    ¡°Well, apparently something happened at the house¡± she bit her lip as she shook her head, ¡°and are we all right? And we can¡¯t stay there for a while, til the damage is fixed anyway. And luckily the lab has some experimental living space we can temporarily stay at. And she¡¯s texting us the address. And she would like us to grab dinner on the way. And....¡± she shook her head, ¡°and she apparently is just ¡®really glad¡¯ we¡¯re ok¡± she finished with a bit of disbelief obvious in her voice.

    ¡°So we destroy the house, and she doesn¡¯t even accuse us of knowing what happened there; and she suddenly cares that we¡¯re ok?¡± he summarized, looking just as confused himself then.

    ¡°Maybe we fucked so hard she grew a heart?¡± Star offered as Sky just scoffed with a shake of his head, not ready to believe the two of them had that kind of power just yet. Though it was a nice thought.

    <hr>

    When they arrived at this ¡®living facility¡¯ their mother spoke of, the two entered the building and simply paled at what they saw. It looked like some mash up of a post-modernistic architectural wet dream, mixed with an ultra-hygienic science lab. The walls, floors, ceiling and sparse furniture were all stark white, under even harsher fluorescent lighting, and glass walls everywhere, including places where no walls even should have been. The doors were all mechanical and opened and closed by themselves, sealing you into whatever room you happened to enter. But the most terrifying thing that greeted the two teens were the cameras....cameras everywhere, all with their record lights on.

    Before the two teens could turn and bolt right back through the doors they just entered, the mechanical whoosh of the door to the adjoining room marked their parents¡¯ arrival, ¡°Look honey, the kids got Chinese¡± Brie called to Connor as he stepped into the room behind her, glass door sliding shut immediately behind them again.

    ¡°Good, I¡¯m starving¡± he stated as he moved to take the food from their arms,as the two of them just stared back at their parents in disbelief.

    ¡°You can¡¯t really expect us to live in this place¡± Star stammered as her parents moved to the nearby counter to sort through the food.

    ¡°What? It¡¯s gorgeous isn¡¯t it?¡± Brie smiled, though neither she nor Connor seemed to be able to make eye contact with either of the teens right then.

    ¡°Um, mom, there¡¯s cameras everywhere. And they¡¯re on!¡± Star complained.

    ¡°Oh honey, don¡¯t worry about those¡± Brie stated, forcing some version of motherly assurance into her voice, ¡°they¡¯re just for when the lab is doing living experiments. They¡¯re nothing to freak out over. No one¡¯s even watching the monitors while we¡¯re here¡± she added for weight.

    ¡°Then why are they on?¡± Sky added his own concerns to the conversation.

    ¡°Think they just stay that way all the time¡± she attempted to brush off their concerns as she offered Connor a dish.

    ¡°Seriously, you two are acting like you¡¯ve committed some crime or something¡± Connor stated, trying not to push any hidden meaning into the statement, ¡°I doubt anyone cares enough about our comings and goings to wanna watch us, honestly¡± he attempted to further assure the teens, though his continued aversion to looking at either of them for more than a second did tend to make his statement lose some credibility.

    Star just shook her head as she angrily moved to reach for her own dish, ¡°is there anywhere in this place where there aren¡¯t cameras?¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    Brie and Connor cast each other another furtive glance before Brie answered, ¡°seriously honey, you¡¯re getting upset over nothing.¡±

    Star just scoffed, ¡°well there better be somewhere in this place where we can at least get dressed or use the toilet without being on camera. Hate to see the cops arrest the two of you for child pornography or something¡± she retorted angrily as she grabbed Sky¡¯s food and the two of them moved to the sofa at the far end of the huge living/dining area.

    <hr>

    Star and Sky remained shockingly silent, pretending to care about whatever was on the TV, clean up until the point when their parents finally went to bed for the night. Now, finally being left alone in whatever passed as the living room, they allowed a brief glance back at one another, then the cameras, then one another again.

    ¡°So, think they record sound too?¡± Sky mumbled under his breath.

    ¡°You really think this is just...¡± Star began, but as it occurred to her that his last statement could be true, she bit back the rest of the sentence as she glared back up at the nearest camera once more. She sighed angrily, then spoke again, ¡°I¡¯m afraid to even see our rooms, or the bathroom.¡±

    ¡°And I was just starting to really like bathrooms¡± Sky couldn¡¯t help himself, only to be immediately shushed by Star, just in case.

    That was when he laid his head back against the couch, running his black tipped fingers through those long locks, his frustration obvious, ¡°this is such bullshit. We finally...¡± he cast another look at the nearest camera, ¡°we finally stop being afraid to actually be ourselves, and now we¡¯re....here¡± he finished with an angry breath.

    <hr>

    The next morning, the two teens came out to the main room of their new home/prison to catch Brie before she left for the day, ¡°buses don¡¯t come all the way out to wherever the hell we are now. You taking us to school?¡± Star asked, the bitterness about the entire situation clear in her voice.

    ¡°Actually, honey, we told your teachers that you would miss a few weeks. You know, until the house is fixed¡± she added, trying to keep any accusation out of her voice.

    The two just scoffed at that news, ¡°so we¡¯re just supposed to sit around in this place all day?¡± Sky asked.

    ¡°Most teenagers would be thrilled to get an unexpected vacation¡± Brie returned.

    ¡°Yeah, cause this place just screams vacation¡± Sky scoffed.

    ¡°Oh it is not that terrible. You two will get used to it¡± she attempted to assure them once more as Connor also appeared, ready to head out for the day as well.

    ¡°What the hell are we supposed to do sitting around here all day?¡± Star complained further.

    ¡°You could practice talking without swearing every five words¡± Connor told her with a touch of sarcasm, to which she and Sky both rolled their eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll think of something to entertain yourselves¡± Brie stated curtly before she and Connor moved through the front door.

    ¡°Ok, was she just like....¡± Sky began, casting another look at the cameras around them, ¡°she sounds like she knows¡± he whispered.

    Star swallowed a bit, also eyeing the cameras, ¡°please, if they thought we¡¯d done something wrong, they¡¯d probably lock us up and put us on camera.¡±

    <hr>

    A few hours later, the two had managed to stumble across the indoor pool and sadly took seats at the edge. Still afraid to say much in their own alleged home, they just glared sullenly up at the cameras around the pool too.

    Beyond frustrated by the fact that finally, just one day earlier, he had given into every one of those forbidden desires and now knew exactly how good it felt to be inside Star, Sky let out another angry breath. ¡°What¡¯s the worst that could happen, really?¡±

    Star narrowed her eyes over at him then, ¡°in regards to?¡±

    ¡°They already locked us up, shoved cameras in our faces. What the hell do we really have to lose at this point?¡±

    ¡°And you are suggesting what?¡± Star asked, warily watching him.

    Without words, he slid closer, covering her mouth in a passionate kiss. It took a long moment before Star regained enough of her faculties to pull away.

    ¡°Sky!¡± she exclaimed, pointedly gesturing to the cameras once more.

    ¡°What?¡± he asked, breathless.

    ¡°They could be watching us right now!¡± she told him, blushing in fear of what that would mean.

    ¡°Well, then we should give them something to watch, right?¡± he asked, averting his eyes in more angry frustration.

    ¡°Really?¡± she told him with a scolding yet sad tone.

    ¡°This is such bullshit¡± he repeated, still shaking his head as he tried to keep from looking back at her.

    After a long moment, her voice broke with tears, ¡°it¡¯s just a different kind of prison now, right?¡±

    <hr>

    From her place behind the monitors, Brie sat back with a sigh, while Connor jotted down notes at a place next to her. ¡°Yes?¡± he asked in response to her sigh.

    ¡°Are we doing the right thing, honestly?¡± she had to ask with more than a bit of self-doubt as she looked up at the monitors to see the tears obvious in Star¡¯s eyes as the two sat there by the pool in silence.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re officially in stage two of this experiment thanks to those raging hormones of theirs even canceling out their need to abide by the moral code of the entire rest of the world. So, now that we¡¯re here, isn¡¯t it our duty to see what happens now?¡± Connor told her plainly as he went back to his notes.

    ¡°Do you not see how much pain they¡¯re in, thinking what they¡¯re feeling for each other is so wrong?¡±

    ¡°Noted. But that didn¡¯t stop them from doing it in the first place, did it?¡± Connor replied as he moved his eyes back to the monitors.

    ¡°Inexplicably drawn to one another. Isn¡¯t that what our original notes said?¡± Brie reminded him.

    ¡°So we were right¡± Connor agreed.

    ¡°Do you not see how much we damaged them by trying to keep them apart all these years; the way we tried to?¡± Brie returned, trying to force her own guilt down then.

    ¡°The world was better off without their kind of power. We both agreed that that was true and that we should never risk them discovering it. But they did anyway. So now we just have to be here to try and document it and see...¡±

    ¡°See what?¡± Brie asked worriedly.

    ¡°See how much power they really have, together...and then decide....what needs to be done about it¡± he finished simply, eyes moving to his notes once more.

 Chapter 11

    Another week in their new abode passed with their depression only deepening that much more. Then, that Friday morning, Sky entered Star¡¯s room, startling her slightly, and looking as though he¡¯d had an epiphany of some kind.

    ¡°Yes?¡± she asked, immediately noting what almost looked like hopefulness on his face.

    He then moved to a seat on her bed with a smile, placing his hands over hers, which only caused her to tense as she looked up at the camera. ¡°Remember what you said about when we used to cast when we were little?¡±

    ¡°I think we both know that...¡± another look toward the camera, ¡°that that wasn¡¯t exactly what was happening.¡±

    ¡°Yes, but what you said; it made us feel powerful, like we could face anything¡± Sky reminded her.

    ¡°Yeah, and look where that got us¡± she scoffed sadly.

    ¡°But look how we got here. We were right, we can face anything¡± Sky told her as he squeezed her hands with another smile.

    ¡°Not sure I follow¡± Star told him warily.

    To that, he only smiled back at her before pushing himself up from her bed and grabbing a nearby discarded leather jacket from the back of her desk chair. He then turned to smile up at the camera, before extending his middle finger to it, and throwing the jacket over the lens.

    ¡°Sky...¡± she exclaimed, though couldn¡¯t help her slight smile.

    ¡°Ready to short-circuit another fucking house?¡± he grinned down at where she still lay atop the bed as he began removing his shirt, looking down at her hungrily.

    She couldn¡¯t help another little laugh, ¡°usually when stuff happens, it¡¯s not stuff we planned. It just happens¡± she reminded him.

    ¡°Ain¡¯t it time we test that theory?¡± he smirked as he also began removing his pants.

    <hr>

    From behind the monitors, Brie and Connor watched the other, more hidden camera¡¯s feed, ¡°are we supposed to be stopping this?¡± Brie asked him with more than a bit of discomfort as Sky finished removing his clothing and began moving toward Star¡¯s bed.

    ¡°We¡¯re supposed to see what happens, aren¡¯t we?¡± Connor sighed with more than a bit of his own discomfort then as Sky began undressing Star.

    ¡°They¡¯re only fourteen. No matter what else...happens here, we¡¯re still gonna have to destroy every bit of the footage¡± Brie stated, trying not to look directly at the monitor as Sky moved to take a place above Star on the bed.

    ¡°Did he put a condom on this time too? Last thing we need is them procreating¡± Connor stated as he looked down at his notes again.

    ¡°Connor!¡± she exclaimed.

    ¡°Calm down, Brie. It¡¯s always been the plan to destroy any of the footage, no matter how innocent...or not¡± he added as he glanced up again in time to see Sky moving to enter her again.

    But before either of them could say more, or take any more notes, once again, every single electrical item in the house and the hidden monitor room, began malfunctioning and eventually all went dark. The two then just looked at each other in the now dark room, both letting out another sigh. Connor¡¯s seemed to be one of annoyance, while Brie¡¯s almost seemed to be one of relief.

    <hr>

    Their parents returned to the main part of the now darkened house that afternoon, under the guise of arriving home from work just like any other day. Having to actually manually open the doors, Brie and Connor took a deep breath to compose themselves before facing their children again.

    Inside, Sky and Star sat in the now candlelit living room, smirking at one another and tossing jelly beans into each other¡¯s mouths with content giggles.

    Taking another breath as she approached the two oddly self-satisfied teens, Brie spoke, ¡°care to explain why we have no electric....again?¡± she couldn¡¯t help adding.

    ¡°No clue...mom¡± Sky added the last word with a bit of bite, ¡°maybe you should call the electric company¡± he added with another smirk, which was reflected on Star¡¯s face as well.

    ¡°You two seem awful chipper¡± Connor greeted them with an attempt to hide his scowl.

    ¡°Well, we hated the cameras¡± Star admitted, ¡°and for one whole day, we didn¡¯t have to put up with them¡± she added with an innocent shrug as she tossed another candy towards where Sky caught it on his pierced tongue.

    Not sure what else they could say to the teens without blowing their own cover, and not that comfortable seeing them again, after the way they had seen them earlier, though briefly; Connor and Brie just shook their heads at one another before moving away from the couch to order in dinner for the night.

    <hr>

    After they had finished eating take out by candle light, the two teens finally seeming happy for probably the first time in their lives, their parents sighed again. At the sound of the mutual sighs, Sky looked back at Connor and Brie, ¡°how is it that with the four of us in a room, you two are the more depressed ones?¡± he chuckled, Star laughing at the observation as well.

    Their parents just shook their heads again, not sure if they should be mortified or not. After all, if Sky and Star did still truly believe they were siblings, then their current mood was quite worrying. However, if they had somehow discovered they were not related at all, then this was just two teens in love. Not knowing for sure which was the accurate appraisal, did nothing to calm their parents¡¯ nerves.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    ¡°You two need to go get packed¡± she told them, causing them both to look back her way.

    ¡°Packed for what?¡± Star asked, her smile wavering for the first time since their lovemaking had ended that morning.

    ¡°Well we can¡¯t exactly live in a place with no electric, now can we?¡± Brie returned.

    ¡°So, where you making us go now?¡± Sky asked suspiciously.

    ¡°Back home¡± Connor answered, ¡°most of the remodeling should be done now. At least enough that the place should be livable.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean we¡¯re going back to school, too?¡± Star asked warily.

    ¡°Suppose it does¡± Connor agreed as he and Brie rose from their seats and made their way back toward their own room for their last night there. It was obvious to them that a new approach would definitely be needed to this particular set of study subjects, to say the least.

    <hr>

    That night as Connor and Brie lay in bed staring up at the ceiling, she spoke up again, ¡°they¡¯ve already learned how to use their power to get what they want. They¡¯ve already learned to at least partially control it to some extent. And I don¡¯t honestly know if that¡¯s a good thing or a bad thing¡± she admitted worriedly.

    ¡°Still think I was wrong fifteen years ago?¡± Connor couldn¡¯t help the question, to which Brie only angrily rolled over, burying her head in her pillow.

    After another few moments, Brie spoke again, though still didn¡¯t turn back to him, ¡°maybe we¡¯re looking at this wrong.¡±

    ¡°Got another theory do you?¡± he asked tiresomely.

    ¡°We fucked them up beyond repair by trying to hide the truth from them. Maybe what we should be doing is encouraging them to embrace their power, hone it, use it in the best way they can¡± she suggested hopefully.

    ¡°And what happens when they realize that they don¡¯t need to listen to us anymore? That they¡¯re the ones with the power, and they can use it any way they want? Didn¡¯t his little stunt with the cameras today prove that that is a very real possibility?¡±

    At that thought, Brie let out another frustrated sigh, ¡°so how do we stop them from growing more and more powerful then? Even threatening them with eternal damnation if they ever touched one another obviously wasn¡¯t enough to stop it.¡±

    ¡°Again, why do you think I said what I said when we first knew this was a possibility? Now we just gotta live with our decision to let them survive long enough to get to this day. And here we are¡± he told her with another shake of his head as he too turned away to make some attempt at sleep, despite all the worries of what all the next days would bring.

    <hr>

    That next day was a Saturday, so they wouldn¡¯t be returning to school after their week away just yet. That morning, the four of them returned to their old home despite the rather recent water damage, as keeping them at the experimental house obviously didn¡¯t go as their parents had hoped.

    After getting settled back in, Connor and Brie went about their weekend errands, which unfortunately had no designated end time, like their work days did. So, Star and Sky had to keep some kind of hold on their desires that day, not knowing when they might get interrupted in the middle of any particularly intimate activities.

    After all, they still had no hard proof that they weren¡¯t really siblings, no matter how much they had once again talked themselves into believing that it was all a lie. Nor did they have any proof that anyone at all had been watching them on the monitors at the other house, let alone their parents; but still, there was room for doubt in either scenario. Due to that small sliver of a chance that maybe it wasn¡¯t all just some huge conspiracy, they still had to keep up the guise of a reasonably normal brother and sister who hadn¡¯t made love to each other more than once already. At least they had to play that part when they weren¡¯t assured of no prying eyes or interruptions, that was.

    When their mother did return home, the two were sitting closely on the sofa, whispering sweet words against each other¡¯s necks and sharing soft kisses. Upon hearing the car pull into the garage, the two immediately put more distance between them on the couch and went back to pretending to once again be more interested in the now replaced TV than each other.

    As Brie entered from the garage, she gave the two another suspicious look, knowing what she did know about what they had been doing with one another only one day earlier. She took a breath and moved to greet them. ¡°Good, you¡¯re both here.¡±

    ¡°Where else would we be?¡± Sky replied, giving his mother an equally suspicious look, as he and Star often did.

    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m the one with a question. A serious question¡± she stated as she took a seat on the also newly replaced recliner. The two looked at one another warily, but said nothing just yet. Brie took another breath and reached into her bag. A moment later, she presented them with the empty condom wrapper, causing them both to grow noticeably more uncomfortable. ¡°Either of you care to confess?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Star asked, choking slightly on the word, as Sky just averted his eyes and offered nothing in the way of any verbal response. Though one thing occurred to both teens then; maybe it was possible that no one had been watching them on all those cameras after all. And maybe, just possibly their interest in one another was still a secret from everyone else but them. Maybe.

    ¡°I found it in the bathroom the two of you share, the day of the flood¡± she told them pointedly, ¡°so keep that in mind before you give me an answer about exactly why it was there.¡±

    That was when Sky spoke, ¡°it¡¯s mine ok¡± he took the hit for her.

    ¡°Really?¡± Brie replied, brow raised.

    ¡°At least I¡¯m being safe, right?¡± he attempted to parrot what every Lifetime movie stated that a teen¡¯s parents would want to hear as their only defense when caught in any similar situation.

    Brie sighed again as Star¡¯s eyes were now the ones averted as she held her breath, ¡°and might I know who exactly it was that you were using this with?¡± she pressed further, trying to hide the glance over at Star that she couldn¡¯t help.

    ¡°I seriously doubt it¡± he lied, looking away once more.

    ¡°Go to your room, Sky¡± she stated simply. In response, he and Star just gave each other another worried look. ¡°Now, Sky¡± she stated more forcefully as he grudgingly did as he was told for once. Star swallowed hard, eyes averted again, causing Brie to turn her attention back to the girl, ¡°well you don¡¯t exactly look shocked.¡±

    ¡°What do you want me to say?¡± was the only response Star could come up with right then.

    ¡°Do you happen to know how long, and who with, that he¡¯s been doing...this sort of thing, at least?¡± she couldn¡¯t help asking.

    ¡°How would I know?¡± Star gave in to upholding his lie.

    A nearly inaudible scoff from Brie in the face of that blatant lie coming from Star¡¯s lips, ¡°and I don¡¯t suppose you¡¯d tell me if you were actually doing something like that too, would you?¡±

    ¡°Mom, please¡± was all Star said.

    Brie just shook her head again before reaching into her bag once more. Star couldn¡¯t help a slight cringe at what she would pull out of there this time. At this point, she wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Brie took out the recording of her and Sky making love right then and there. And of course, she would probably drop dead herself in the face of that turn of events.

    Instead, Brie took out a small circular plastic container and handed it to Star, who looked more than a little thrown by the gesture. ¡°Let me make it very clear; this is not my way of giving permission. It¡¯s just my way of trying to keep you from ruining your life too, especially after I already almost lost Sky¡± she finished sadly as she then got up to leave the room and Star behind to think on those words long and hard.

 Chapter 12

    As the holidays approached that year, Sky and Star once again found themselves waiting on a cab into the city on a Saturday evening. They sat close together for heat on a bus stop bench near their home, smiling and laughing with one another, now that they had decided, months earlier, to just stop fighting their feelings, regardless of what the cost may someday be; or at least to stop fighting them when they were alone together, at any rate.

    On that particular night, their mood was interrupted by a familiar voice as Curt and two of his cronies passed by, causing them both to just cringe in response, hoping he didn¡¯t notice them there.

    ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t the two most fucked up freaks in school¡± Curt chided them as he approached the bench, his two equally unpleasant friends in tow.

    ¡°Which one is which again?¡± one of his friends chimed in, ¡°so hard to tell.¡±

    ¡°Old joke, Tim¡± Sky mumbled as he moved to light a cigarette.

    ¡°You know,¡± Curt began in thought, ¡°I believe the three of us have some unfinished business¡± he told them maliciously. ¡°Think the three of us,¡± he gestured to his friends, ¡°need to make it clear to you that we¡¯re sick of your kind. You shoulda cut that wrist deeper, Sky¡± he added that deep verbal barb near Sky¡¯s ear, before turning back to his friends ¡°Lesson time, boys...grab em.¡±

    <hr>

    The next thing Star and Sky were aware of was an aching pain in the back of each of their heads as a pillowcase was pulled from each of their faces. When they were once again aware of their surroundings, they found themselves each with their wrists bound to a bedpost behind them in some cheap motel.

    There, the three boys just snickered as they came to. Curt was of course, the first to speak again, ¡°now, about that unfinished business¡± he began as he cracked his knuckles.

    ¡°You mean when you tried to fuck me under the bridge? Ego still bruised that it didn¡¯t go your way?¡± Sky spat back at him.

    ¡°Fuck you, Sky¡± Curt retorted glancing quickly at his friends to judge whether or not they seemed to believe Sky¡¯s claim. ¡°Besides, if I was gonna fuck one of you, it¡¯d be the one with the nicer tits¡± he laughed as he moved to rip open Star¡¯s shirt as she squealed and jumped, not that she could get far with her hands bound behind her.

    ¡°Touch her again and I will fucking kill you¡± Sky growled as she tried to compose herself despite them all leering at her now exposed black lace bra.

    ¡°That¡¯d be a neat trick¡± Curt laughed over at Sky again as he allowed another hungry gaze to pass over Star¡¯s chest, ¡°here¡¯s how it¡¯s gonna go: One of you is definitely getting fucked tonight, and I pick her¡± he stated with another sinister grin as he took another step towards Star, his friends looking on eagerly as though being entertained by some porn film than by grasping the concept that this was actually occurring in real life.

    ¡°You will not fucking touch her¡± Sky growled with even more anger.

    Curt just shook his head as he chuckled back at where Sky struggled against his own restraints then. ¡°It¡¯s time for little sis to see what a real man feels like, instead of the freaky half fags she likes, like you. It¡¯s just nature, Sky¡± he chuckled again as he removed his jacket, still staring at Star with lust in his cold eyes.

    ¡°You will die if you touch her. I guarantee it¡± Sky delivered the threat with all the certainty of a hardened killer in his voice right then.

    Curt just laughed back at him, ¡°you almost sound jealous. You got a thing for your sweet little sister there, Sky? I¡¯ve seen you looking at her. Thought it was just cause you wanted to be her. But maybe it¡¯s really cause you wanna fuck her! Is that it Sky, you wanna give it to your own sister?¡± Curt just shook his head back at the more than understandable tension in both Sky and Star right then. ¡°Cause, man, if that is the case you¡¯re even more fucking twisted than I thought.¡±

    ¡°Fucked up freak¡± Curt¡¯s friend chimed in again.

    But then Curt held up his hand in thought, ¡°now let¡¯s just think about this. They both sure as hell look like hot chicks, don¡¯t they? Haven¡¯t the two of you ever wanted to watch hot goth twins make out with each other. I know I have. And it seems like these two have fallen right into our lap. This could be a good night indeed, boys. Get the cameras ready.¡± he told his friend with another dark look back at Sky and Star.

    ¡°You threaten to rape her, and now you think we¡¯re gonna sit here and let you film some fantasy you have of us making out with each other?¡± Sky scoffed, ¡°I think you¡¯ve taken one too many hits to the head out on that football field, Curt.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡°Well now you¡¯re just pissing me off¡± Curt shook his head as his friends readied their phones¡¯ cameras, ¡°now, instead of just making out with her, how about we see if you really do wanna fuck her. Can you get it up for girls at all, let alone your own fucking twin sister. This is for science now!¡± he teased with the same dark, sadistic glee.

    ¡°And you think we¡¯re just gonna go along with your own fucked up-ness just cause you got your big bad boyfriends with you? You¡¯re even stupider than I thought¡± Sky almost mirrored the other boy¡¯s earlier comment.

    ¡°Well, I see you two are shy, and understandably. I mean, once we film you fucking your own twin sister, I have a feeling your life is gonna get a little harder. I sense another visit to the suicide ward in both your futures. But I guess we¡¯ll just have to see, won¡¯t we?¡± Curt continued as he moved to his since abandoned dufflebag that he had had with him at practice that day.

    Somewhere between practice and running into Star and Sky and bringing them here, he had slipped his father¡¯s gun into the bag, and now turned around pointedly holding it up for Star and Sky to easily see.

    ¡°Why the fuck do you have a gun?¡± Sky breathed, more than a little fear finally seeping into his tone then.

    ¡°Well, I was thinking about using it just to give you both a good scare and watch you piss your pretty velvet pants, but now, your lack of manners has made this night so much more interesting, and full of possibility¡± he stated coldly.

    ¡°Curt, please...¡± Star whispered, finding her voice at last.

    ¡°Oh, so now she gets manners?¡± Curt scoffed, ¡°too little too late hon¡± he stated with the same coldness, before turning back to his friends, ¡°go ahead untie em. They got a show to put on¡± he allowed another sinister chuckle.

    ¡°This can¡¯t really be happening¡± Star whispered to Sky as Tim and Scott moved to begin untying them, ¡°they literally want us to fuck? While they film it?¡± she choked.

    ¡°I think she¡¯s nervous Sky. Better comfort her¡± a slight pause as their wrists were released, ¡°and that was an order by the way¡± he added more coolly as he pointed the gun toward them, allowing his friends to move back to stand at his side, cameras at the ready again.

    Sky moved to place his arms around her shoulders, his forehead against hers as he pulled her closer, ¡°it¡¯ll be fine, remember?¡±

    ¡°A little louder¡± Curt interrupted. ¡°The mics on these things suck.¡±

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± she whispered back to him.

    ¡°Louder!¡± Curt interrupted with further impatience, cocking the gun as he did.

    ¡°We can face anything...together...remember?¡± Sky swallowed as he moved back to pull off his shirt, trying to keep her calm by holding her gaze in his.

    ¡°Fuck, he really does wanna fuck her¡± Tim laughed, ¡°this is some twisted shit.¡±

    Trying to block out the other boys, Sky swallowed hard, continuing to stare at her while undoing his pants. Star¡¯s breath was barely making it past her lips at this point, as she also tried to hold on to any strength she could by locking her eyes with his as well.

    Once his pants were undone, Sky moved toward her across the bed, reaching under her skirt where he nervously slid her panties down her legs, making sure nothing under her skirt was visible to the camera, still.

    ¡°Fuck this is really happening¡± Curt breathed, his own arousal more than obvious then.

    Taking one more long look into each other¡¯s eyes, Star decided to place all her trust in Sky, and the bond the two of them had right then. With a deep shaky breath, she moved to take a place astride his hips. Another moment, and another deep breath from each of them, and he finally reached down between them to slowly slide himself inside her again, both of them gasping slightly at the renewed connection between them.

    ¡°Oh my god, did he actually put it in her?¡± Scott exclaimed, he and Tim both almost dropping their phones at the scandal of the moment.

    Trying desperately to block out their unwanted audience, Sky and Star began moving against each other, urgently rushing toward their mutual orgasms, and what would come with that moment. When that pleasure did come to them, moments later, all that managed to break them out of it was the sound of the phones and the gun dropping to the floor. And then the screams of the three boys as blood began pouring from their eyes in thick red streams.

    <hr>

    When they finally ran far enough from the motel that they reached a bus stop, the two rushed onto the very next bus, still breathing heavily, and not particularly caring where it was even going, as long as it was ¡®away.¡¯

    They eventually found themselves walking down the street they lived on, though it was much later that night. As the house came into view at the end of the street, Star finally spoke, ¡°shouldn¡¯t we call someone?¡± she whispered.

    ¡°About?¡±

    ¡°Sky...¡± she whispered, ¡°they could be dead.¡±

    ¡°I hope they are¡± he said in a near emotionless tone.

    ¡°Sky...¡± she repeated.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you?¡± he returned the question to her.

    Not able to argue his point, despite the terror eating away at her that they may have possibly now used their strange abilities to kill three other human beings, she tried to shift gears, ¡°and you¡¯re pretty sure we fried their phones, too?¡±

    ¡°Considering our affect on anything electrical at...those times¡± he decided on, ¡°I¡¯d say it¡¯s a pretty safe bet. Plus, we tossed them, just to be sure.¡±

    <hr>

    Later that night, after they and their parents had all gone to bed, Star found herself entering Sky¡¯s room as the clock struck two. Not surprisingly, he was still awake too. Tears in her pretty eyes, as they had been almost all night, she rushed to the bed to crawl into his arms, sobbing against his chest.

    ¡°Star...¡±

    ¡°What if they are dead, Sky? What if what we did killed them?¡± she sobbed against him as he held her tight.

    ¡°If they are, it was self-defense. Plain and simple. You have to know that¡± he attempted to assure her.

    Star cried in his arms for several more long moments before she found her voice again, ¡°And if this thing we can do...if it¡¯s so powerful that it can...do that...hurt people....like that...¡± she sniffled again, ¡°doesn¡¯t that mean that we really are completely wrong... what we are is completely wrong, and just....evil?¡±

 Chapter 13

    The next evening when Sky and Star somberly made their way downstairs for dinner, they were more than a little terrified to find two police officers waiting in the living room with their parents.

    ¡°They have some questions for the two of you¡± Brie greeted them, her voice more than a bit choked.

    Sky and Star looked at one another, trying to keep their expressions blank as possible. As they took wary seats on the sofa, both Connor and Brie moved to stand at the side of the room, looking just as upset, themselves.

    Seeing as neither teen was offering the first word, one of the officers began, ¡°we can place both of you at the scene of a crime. What can you tell us about what happened at that motel last night?¡±

    Sky forced his expression to remain blank, his eyes downward while Star was very nearly hyper-ventilating, trying to find some story that would be remotely believable. Glancing over at where she was searching desperately for that story, Sky sighed softly and spoke up.

    ¡°Three boys from our school, they forced us to go there against our will. And they threatened to rape Star. But we got away. That¡¯s all there was to it¡± he stated, forcing the calm tone despite how his heart was racing.

    ¡°The scene of what crime?¡± Star whispered.

    ¡°Triple homicide¡± the officer offered, as both Brie and Connor gasped at the information, and Star bit back a sob, ¡°at least that¡¯s what we¡¯re calling it, for now¡± he added.

    ¡°Calling it?¡± Sky asked, still trying to force the calm outside to alleviate the panic inside.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t managed to actually discern the cause of the deaths. We just know the two of you were there, and it appeared to be against your will, as you said. And we saw you leaving the room looking quite distraught.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you be distraught if you were kidnapped and your sister threatened like that?¡± Sky pointed out.

    ¡°So you admit the two of you had motive to want the boys dead?¡± the other officer pressed.

    ¡°Of course we did. But like you said, with no official cause of death, you can¡¯t really even say for sure what happened to them, right?¡±

    ¡°Technically the cause of death appears to be a brain hemorrhage, happening to three teenage boys, at once. Though that doesn¡¯t exactly make a lot of sense, does it? So we¡¯re trying to find a slightly more likely answer.¡±

    ¡°Well, if it¡¯s not even officially a murder, you can¡¯t officially charge anyone for it¡± Sky pointed out plainly, ¡°so, is that all you needed to know?¡±

    Not able to argue the young man¡¯s point, the two officers conceded to leave, but with the usual warning for no one to even think about leaving town. When the policemen were seen out, their parents just looked back at them, their faces saying it all.

    <hr>

    After several more terrifying days of waiting to be hauled off to jail, Sky and Star finally got the news that the case had, startlingly, been dropped. The cause of the deaths determined as ¡®accidental exposure to unknown radioactive element.¡¯ And that was that. Not that that made either of them feel any better, at all.

    The day after the police investigation had mysteriously come to an end, Sky and Star woke up almost feeling hung over. But when they opened their eyes, they startled even more to find themselves back in what looked like a part of the experimental home they had lived at for a week back after nearly destroying the house with their carnal explorations.

    However, this was a part of the house they hadn¡¯t seen before. There was no more austere post-modern architecture to at least try and make the place look like people could actually live in it. This time, they were in a room that looked like a science lab, plain and simple.

    ¡°Ok, I¡¯m getting really sick of waking up in strange places. I coulda started doin drugs if I wanted that kind of daily thrill¡± Sky stated angrily as he and Star sat up from where they had each been unconscious on a gurney of some sort.

    ¡°We¡¯re back at that house, aren¡¯t we?¡± Star asked with the same anger and dread.

    ¡°And apparently they drugged us to get us here or some shit¡± he stated even more angrily.

    That was when Connor and Brie entered the lab, complete with lab coats and tablets. ¡°Morning kids¡± Brie stated quietly as she and Connor each pulled up a chair nearby.

    ¡°Are you fucking serious right now?¡± was Sky¡¯s return greeting, followed by, ¡°what in the actual fuck?¡±

    ¡°Language¡± Brie stated under her breath, ignoring his scoff as she typed a note into her tablet.

    ¡°Mom, seriously, what the hell?¡± Star joined in on the outrage Sky had already made apparent.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    ¡°We¡¯ve tried a few differing approaches, and all of them involved trying to let the two of you at least attempt to live normal lives. But that obviously didn¡¯t work out. And now people are dead, and now we have to move onto a much more direct approach¡± Brie attempted to begin some explanation, though their expressions showed that that didn¡¯t seem to be working either.

    ¡°The point is, it¡¯s gotten too dangerous to let you two try to live out there, in the real world. So now you¡¯ll be in here instead. It¡¯ll be an adjustment, but we¡¯re hoping you¡¯ll eventually see that it¡¯s for the greater good¡± Connor put in, speaking in the same emotionless tone that he had nearly perfected over the last decade.

    Sky spoke ever so slowly, through gritted teeth then, ¡°what are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°If you just cooperate, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll see that being in here is ultimately better than being out there. At least until things are more...settled with the two of you¡± Brie stated with that forced calm.

    ¡°Maybe we could cooperate if either of you actually told us what the fuck you¡¯re talking about¡± Star interjected, her own anger rising then.

    Brie just scowled before moving on, ¡°first, we need to get honest answers from the both of you. And the questions may be difficult, but we¡¯ll need you to give us the truth so we all know how to move forward here.¡±

    Sky just rubbed his eyes in frustration, ¡°one of us is obviously having a nightmare or something¡± he told Star with a shake of his head, ¡°hopefully we¡¯ll wake up soon and get out of this twisted fucking Twilight Zone episode.¡±

    ¡°If you two don¡¯t calm yourselves, we do have sedatives. Do we really have to use them?¡± Connor asked pointedly, to which both the teens just gave them looks of disbelief.

    That was when Brie cut in with her continued attempt at a more gentle approach than her male counterpart, ¡°can you please just answer our questions, truthfully. It¡¯ll make this much easier for all of us¡± she added with what almost sounded like the slightest trace of regret, almost.

    ¡°Fine, ask your fucking questions¡± Star conceded as Sky just continued to glare at their parents.

    Brie then cleared her throat, looking over her notes, ¡°so, the day the house flooded; was that the first time?¡± she asked, causing both of them to pale even more, if that were possible.

    Sky quickly deflected, ¡°what? The first time the house flooded? Yeah, I think that¡¯s a given¡± he answered with sarcasm to cover he and Star¡¯s very real discomfort.

    ¡°I mean¡± Brie swallowed hard, ¡°is that the first time the two of you had intercourse?¡±

    They both then found themselves fighting the urge to pass out right then. Star finally spoke, her voice breaking, ¡°I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t mean...with...each other...¡± she whispered.

    ¡°Is that a yes or a no?¡± Connor put in.

    That was when, through his scoff, Sky actually smiled. The expression dumbfounding everyone around him. ¡°Why the fuck are you smiling?¡± Star whispered to him with disbelief.

    ¡°Because¡± Sky stated with a slight trace of victory in his tone then, ¡°if you and I really are twins, or related, at all...they¡¯d be strapping us into chastity belts, and performing electric shock on us with a side of castration...not just asking us how long we¡¯ve been fucking¡± he stated plainly, eyes narrowed back at the adults, daring them to deny his words.

    Brie and Connor then swallowed hard, both of them attempting to find some response to his realization. Finally, after another long pause, Brie spoke again, ¡°whether you¡¯re related or not, that¡¯s not important right now. What is important is that we figure out exactly how to deal with the things you two can do, when you¡¯re....close.¡± she decided on.

    ¡°Not important?¡± Star responded, her voice raising in rage, ¡°not important?¡± she repeated with a near shriek, ¡°when you tried to convince us that we were related and everything we felt for each other was wrong, he fucking tried to kill himself cause of how horrible you made us feel about loving each other! So fuck you if you say it¡¯s not important! He almost died, at his own fucking hand, because you two are twisted fucking liars!¡± she screamed as she turned away, her whole body shaking with rage then.

    Another long pause before Brie spoke, almost as though she did actually feel some form of guilt right then, ¡°we thought we were doing it for your own good.¡±

    Upon hearing that excuse, Star¡¯s rage increased tenfold as she turned on the heel of her high boots and slapped Brie hard across the face. However, in the next moment, Connor had pulled her away from the older woman, sliding a syringe into her neck with a deep breath as she fell unconscious in his arms.

    Already guessing at Sky¡¯s reaction, Brie moved toward him just as he rose from his own seat, and managed to slide another syringe into his arm, ¡°just in case he doesn¡¯t actually hit like a girl, too¡± she breathed heavily back at Connor as the two moved them back to the gurneys, just looking at each other, trying to figure out how on earth to deal with the consequences of all they had done, and all they had created.

    ¡°So, that went really well, right?¡± was all Connor could say as Brie shook her head back at him once more.

    <hr>

    The next day in the lab, Sky and Star were still quite sullen and morose, despite discovering that the guilt they had felt for so long had been baseless all along. It still didn¡¯t change the fact of their situation and the fact that their so-called caregivers had lied to their faces every day for their entire lives. Nor did it change the fact that people were now dead because of them.

    That day, Connor and Brie decided to attempt to keep them separated while they asked their questions. The only thing that changed was that they were each greeted with angry silence instead of any more sweltering rage.

    Brie sighed as she looked over her notes while waiting for Star to finish the lunch she had brought her that day. Finally after several minutes of that silence, Star finally used her voice for the first time that day, ¡°did we actually kill Curt, and Tim, and Scott?¡± she whispered.

    Brie looked up at her with another deep breath, ¡°the police said they died of a brain hemorrhage¡± she stated simply, to which Star only gave her a rueful look. Brie took another breath, before trying that answer again, ¡°I suppose it¡¯s possible...probable¡± another look at where Star bit back more tears.

    ¡°They were gonna hurt us mo---Brie¡± she quickly corrected, ¡°Curt was the one who tried to rape Sky. Then, that night, he threatened to rape me instead¡± Star sniffled as Brie averted her eyes, ¡°then they wanted us to...¡± she just simply shook her head as she looked down at her untouched meal again.

    ¡°Wanted you to what?¡±

    Star sniffled again, actively debating on giving her that answer, ¡°They wanted me and Sky to....to have sex with each other...in front of them...and they were gonna film it...and show it to everyone¡± Star confessed as she bit back another sob.

    Brie was quiet a long moment as she took in Star¡¯s words, and her tears. She then took a breath, ¡°well then I¡¯m glad you stopped them, and made it so they can¡¯t ever hurt anyone else again.¡±

 Chapter 14

    As four pm approached that day, Star and Sky were finally brought back out to the main part of the experimental house; the part that at least tried to pass as an actual house, anyway. They just glanced around the familiar surroundings again with continued displeasure, before turning their dark eyes to Brie and Connor.

    Brie spoke first of course, ¡°well, you two should be happy to know that at least the uncomfortable question and answer portion of this entire thing is now over¡± she attempted to assure them.

    ¡°And what uncomfortable portion is next?¡± Sky replied, his anger still just below the surface.

    ¡°Actually your---¡± Connor began, then reworded, ¡°Brie and I are going home for the day. It is almost four.¡±

    Sky and Star just scoffed, before he spoke again, ¡°and I assume we¡¯re staying here¡± he stated the obvious.

    ¡°Yes, but you¡¯ll have the place to yourselves, and can relax. We won¡¯t be seeing you again til morning¡± Brie assured.

    ¡°You mean, except for on all the fucking cameras¡± he glared back as he gestured around the room.

    ¡°Like I said, during the evening hours, your time is your own. The cameras are just here...in case something does happen. Then we¡¯ll have a record of it¡± Brie told them with a bit of discomfort.

    ¡°In other words, in case we decide to fuck; you¡¯ll be able to watch, and just take your little notes?¡± Sky continued, his sarcasm obvious.

    ¡°Believe me, we¡¯re not thrilled that that just happens to be the time when your abilities...manifest. This is just as uncomfortable for us, you know. We did raise you after all¡± Brie attempted some form of empathy.

    ¡°Oh, my heart bleeds for you¡± Sky retorted, scoffing as he turned away.

    That was when Star spoke up, ¡°and what¡¯s to stop us from just leaving? You know we can get through the doors, if we really wanted to¡± she asked with a slight blush.

    Connor and Brie each took perturbed breaths before Brie responded, ¡°the police could re-open the investigation at any moment. And do you really wanna go out there and possibly hurt someone else with that looming over your heads already? Or that video the boys made could still come out. I think you both know you¡¯re much better off here, now don¡¯t you?¡± and with that, she and Connor left the two behind and headed on their way.

    That¡¯s when Sky took a seat on the couch, running his hands through his hair in frustration again. Star sighed back at him, ¡°so we are just gonna stay here?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯d know the second we left anyway. It¡¯s either stay here til they¡¯re done poking and prodding us, and probably masturbating to footage of us for all we fucking know; or else we take off, and just have to spend the rest of our lives trying to keep them from finding us. Shall we flip a coin for which of those options would suck less?¡±

    <hr>

    As the clock struck midnight that winter evening, the two of them were still laying there on the couch, their arms wrapped around each other as Star sniffled quietly against his chest. She finally took a breath and spoke at last ¡°I guess we should be happy, right?¡±

    ¡°Happy?¡± Sky repeated, though simply waited for a further explanation as he gently caressed her hair.

    ¡°I mean, we finally get to be together. No one here to try and make us feel guilty for it anymore. We should be happy, right?¡± she repeated again, her voice dropping to a whisper.

    ¡°So why aren¡¯t we?¡± he whispered back, gently kissing her hair instead.

    Star thought a long moment before responding, ¡°I guess, cause we always wanted to spend our lives together, but...¡±

    ¡°But what?¡± he asked a moment later, his other hand gently moving over her arm.

    ¡°But this isn¡¯t a life, is it?¡± she stated with another slight sniffle.

    Sky thought a long moment on her words, knowing they were right, but not sure how that changed anything, ¡°so you¡¯re saying you do wanna run instead?¡±

    Star took another breath as she tried to determine that answer, ¡°that doesn¡¯t sound like much of a life either¡± she admitted sadly.

    ¡°So what do we do then?¡± Sky asked, his own voice cracked with the same emotion as hers.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    ¡°How I wish I knew¡± she whispered back as she moved to kiss his lips, hoping desperately that they would find that answer before it completely broke them both.

    <hr>

    ~2 years later~

    Two years passed in that house. Star and Sky were now only a few months from what they had always thought was going to be their shared seventeenth birthday, never mind how inaccurate they now knew that was. But those two years were rather bleak.

    Each day was spent with Brie and Connor trying to coax them into ¡®performing¡¯ in the name of science. Every night was spent once again denying their own desire for one another, and just trying to give each other the strength to endure this part of their life long enough that maybe their guardians, of sorts, would eventually give up on trying at all; though they doubted that was possible. They knew how different they were, and so did Brie and Connor.

    But it wasn¡¯t Brie and Connor who came to the end of their patience first; it was their bosses. And that¡¯s when things went from bleak, to beyond hellish.

    They were now known as ¡®Project Nebula,¡¯ a clever take on the names the two teens had been given by Brie when they were first taken home with her. And once Project Nebula was taken out of the hands of the two people who had raised them for a decade and a half, things got so, so much worse for them.

    They were taken to an underground lab that was more of a labyrinth, so even if they were willing to give in and ¡®perform,¡¯ so to speak, in the hopes of short-circuiting the security measures there; the place was a nigh inescapable fortress. And that fortress came with a complete staff of scientists and their henchmen who were more than willing to inflict whatever means necessary to stop any escape attempts from their most valuable ¡®experiment.¡¯

    Their days and nights at this place were the stuff of nightmares. They would be ordered to perform, and when they refused, that¡¯s when much more painful means were inflicted to get them to agree. What used to be something so beautiful and pleasurable and loving between them had now been twisted into trauma and nightmare, for the sake of ¡®science.¡¯

    The two easily became shells, shadows, forced to perform on command, never mind the crowd of scientists and lights and cameras around them. It was agree to do it, or be made to agree. And that was that.

    They lost track of how long they had even been in that place, as both were numb at this point, and could literally feel nothing; not even the physical part of the pain they endured, and definitely not any of the pleasure that they used to give each other.

    Considering it was nigh impossible for them to even reach that point of pleasure anymore with each other, the point when their powers used to kick in; the team of sadistic and cold faces in lab coats decided that another approach would be needed.

    That was when the teens were coldly informed that Project Nebula would soon be discontinued, but only after Star and Sky agreed to one more condition. And that was for the two of them to ¡®provide¡¯ the scientists with another set of test subjects in the form of their own children with one another.

    And after agreeing to a tiny little thing like that, then the two would be free to go. Free to go... back to their lives, which were sure to be so blissful and happy after spending months or even years, they weren¡¯t sure which, being forced into sexual slavery. And all they had to do was provide the team with their own children to torture instead. And then they would simply forget all about Star and Sky. And all would be well again. How could it not be after a simple little thing like that?

    Needless to say, the night after they were told that, that was the night Star and Sky finally agreed to perform again, on their own. And after their performance....a lab full of dead bodies was all that they left behind.

    <hr>

    The two were probably seventeen now, though even that they were not sure of, not that it mattered. Not much of anything mattered to them anymore, as any sense of identity they ever had had now been more than destroyed by the last several months of their lives.

    The morning after their bloody escape, Star awoke with a start, from where they had given into exhaustion at some point the previous night in an abandoned building somewhere near the lab. Not that they were even sure what state or country that even meant, as they had spent probably close to a year in that underground torture chamber.

    When she awoke, she looked over to find Sky staring intently down at that long, vertical scar on his wrist, his eyes glazed over and lost in some deep dark mental spiral of sorts.

    ¡°Sky?¡± she whispered his name, to which he barely reacted.

    Then he finally whispered back, though he was still frozen in place staring at that scar, ¡°this should have been the end. This would have been better. It should have been the end¡± he whispered again, almost as though he were about to break down in tears, but he honestly had none left.

    Not sure what she could even say in response to his words, Star took a long moment to try and force herself into any sort of logical thought pattern. Though that was easier said than done, considering she had done everything in her power over the last year to stop thinking at all, let alone logically.

    ¡°Where are we gonna go, Sky?¡± she finally managed.

    ¡°Here¡¯s fine, isn¡¯t it?¡± he replied numbly.

    ¡°We have to go somewhere¡± she told him in the same barely audible tone.

    ¡°Do we?¡± he asked as he finally let his eyes move from his wrist for the briefest second, ¡°I know what I did wrong, that time¡± he stated as he held up his scarred wrist, ¡°I can do it right, this time¡± he stated simply.

    ¡°Sky, please¡± she whispered, her voice faltering. She wanted to reach out to touch him, to comfort him, but somehow couldn¡¯t make herself, as she just looked at him with a plea in her eyes. ¡°We escaped for a reason, didn¡¯t we?¡± she stated, sounding like she was trying to will those words to be the truth, ¡°if you were just gonna kill yourself, you could¡¯ve done that back there.¡±

    ¡°I had to help you get out. And I did. And now I¡¯m done.¡±

    Star sniffled slightly, ¡°well, now you have to help me again. You have to help me find us someplace to go.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± was his only response.

    ¡°Because,¡± she swallowed hard, ¡°I¡¯m still here; at least what¡¯s left of me. And you promised.... promised me you¡¯d never leave me.¡±

 Chapter 15

    At least it felt like spring outside once Star did get Sky to leave that old abandoned building. Not that she could be sure of that either, but at least it wasn¡¯t freezing cold, or blistering hot, and that was at least one good thing in an entire world full of bad. The two of them then just walked for a long time, until they finally saw a sign for the nearest highway; and then they walked for an even longer time.

    It was nearing sunset when they finally had followed a sign to a roadside rest stop, and numbly went inside. At least they could try and wash some of the grime of the day away in the restrooms. If only they could wash all the pain away that simply too. Star considered it one more tiny victory when Sky emerged from the restroom again after her. In the state they were both in, she had almost feared having to go in after him, and feared even more finding that he had broken his promise to her after all and hurt himself terribly again. Star wanted to hurt herself like that every second as well, but somehow there was one tiny sliver inside that she held onto, hoping that maybe, somehow, some way, they could finally be happy again, if only for a moment.

    They then allowed one sad look toward the food court But both quickly remembered the empty pockets of their worn black t-shirts and jeans, above practically shredded combat boots and let out a tiny breath before heading outside once more. Outside, Star looked down the highway in the distance, still not having any clue where they were even going.

    As she pondered the question, the two heard a young woman squealing happily as she exited the rest stop doors behind them. Assuming that it was someone much happier than they, and therefore nothing of pertinence to them, neither turned back at the sound.

    ¡°Oh my god! It¡¯s the twin goth-lings!¡± they heard her greet them as both turned at that, and found Astrid¡¯s smiling face.

    They were both more than a little speechless as their eyes moved over she and Saul both still beautifully decked out in all their black-clad finery and flair, though both now in their early twenties.

    ¡°Shit, it is them¡± Saul agreed with his own smile, as the couple both moved forward to happily embrace the two teens who simply stood there, dumbfounded by the very fact of seeing them again; not to mention a few hundred other reasons.

    ¡°You two look like you have had a really long trip¡± Astrid teased them as she finally released them and moved her eyes over them with the same smile, which seemed to hide a bit of worry behind it.

    ¡°Shit it¡¯s been what, three years?¡± Saul continued their happy reunion as Star and Sky tried to find any of their own words, still.

    But once they heard Saul¡¯s statement, there was an obvious crack, ¡°did you say three years?¡± Star asked shakily.

    ¡°Yeah about that¡± Astrid stated as she looked to Saul for confirmation of the guess.

    ¡°We¡¯re seventeen now¡± Sky stated softly, as though just realizing it himself.

    ¡°Did you say seventeen?¡± Astrid asked, a bit of a crack in her own composure then, before continuing, ¡°so the two of you were only fourteen when we...last saw you¡± she decided on as she and Saul exchanged worried looks.

    ¡°Yeah let¡¯s just not mention that little fact, like ever again¡± Saul stated with his own discomfort before adopting another smile, ¡°so where the hell are you two going anyway?¡±

    The two then appeared as deer in headlights for a moment before Star gave them the first answer she thought up, ¡°our car got stolen. We¡¯re kinda stuck here.¡±

    ¡°Shit, you locked ours up, right?¡± Astrid asked her boyfriend worriedly.

    ¡°Damn, it¡¯s a good fuckin thing we ran into you two then¡± Saul returned, ¡°guessing you just might need a ride.¡±

    ¡°Yes, please¡± Star agreed, almost letting some tears escape as some small relief flooded her.

    ¡°Road trip!¡± Astrid giggled as she gestured for them to follow she and Saul through the lot.

    Not long after being invited into the back seat of the car of their former friends, and lovers, Star and Sky almost immediately gave into exhaustion and fell asleep. And as strange is it was, it was the first decent sleep either of them had gotten for longer than they could remember.

    The next wave of worry hit them though when they woke to the feel of the car stopping sometime late that night. The two awoke and rubbed at their eyes as they found themselves in a motel parking lot. Saul and Astrid were already exiting the car and moving to the belongings packed into the back to decide what they¡¯d need for the night.

    Star swallowed a bit as she looked at Sky before both of them took a breath and moved to exit the car as well. ¡°Uh, Astrid¡± Star began in a tiny voice as she moved to where the older woman was digging through their belongings still.

    ¡°Get some rest?¡± she smiled sweetly over at her.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Star swallowed again, as she cast another look up at where Sky was now nearly a foot taller then the two women, and then back to Astrid, ¡°all our stuff was in the car...like, our money. I¡¯m sorry¡± she whispered sadly, eyes down.

    ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry about it, babe¡± Astrid smiled again, as she found what she was looking for at last and closed the hatch as Saul moved to light a cigarette and offered it to where Sky took it with shaking hands, ¡°so do you two want a separate room, or...¡± she left that question unspoken.

    ¡°Separate¡¯s fine¡± Star quickly answered, ¡°but only if it¡¯s not too expensive¡± she quickly added.

    ¡°We¡¯re on our way back from spring break. Money is not really a problem right now¡± she smiled again as she moved toward the office to get them their rooms.

    <hr>

    When they were safely tucked into their room for the night, Sky moved to the bed, finishing his cigarette in silence, eyes down, still. Star took a breath and moved to a place on the other side of the bed, to join him in reclining against the headboard.

    ¡°I¡¯m still amazed we even ran into them¡± Star attempted.

    ¡°So we¡¯re gonna go all the way back home with them then?¡± Sky asked, though he hesitated a bit on even using the word home, all things considered.

    ¡°Well what else can we do?¡± Star asked.

    ¡°Then what? I mean, they still think we¡¯re twins who enjoy Saturday night orgies with all our pretty pan-sexual pals. How long do you think we can pretend that that¡¯s still us?¡± Sky asked as he looked over at where Star also cast her eyes down sadly.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe that back when we were fucked up fourteen year olds going home with college kids for all sorts of...experimentation, just to forget how bad we wanted to fuck our own alleged twin; that that was actually the happiest time of our lives¡± she sniffled a bit.

    ¡°Actually, I think the day we flooded the house was the only happiest moment in my life¡± Sky admitted with a long breath.

    ¡°Mine too¡± she whispered.

    The two then curled down into the covers for the night, trying to sort out what their next move could possibly be. But when their bodies brushed against one another under the cover, they both let out a slight gasp and immediately tensed up and pulled away from each other again.

    Star sniffled again as the two stared up at the ceiling, both biting back tears, ¡°are we ever gonna be able to touch each other again?¡± Star couldn¡¯t help asking with desperation.

    ¡°We spent a year being forced to...then the last time we did... we murdered over fifty people...should we ever even touch again?¡± he whispered through his own tears as he turned away, burying his beautiful face in the pillow to try to stem that flood of sadness and pain, any way he could.

    <hr>

    Apparently they were closer to their old hometown than they thought; as the next afternoon, the campus where Astrid and Saul were now completing their junior and senior years, soon came into view. Star and Sky swallowed hard as they pulled in in front of the apartment they remembered all too well.

    ¡°So, did you guys wanna go home as soon as we get the car unloaded, or stay here and...visit a while¡± Astrid asked with a slight flirtation.

    Sky and Star both looked more than a little uncomfortable, trying to find any words they could. Then Star attempted another half-truth to avoid sharing all the pain of the actual truth, ¡°we¡¯re not really....living with our parents anymore.¡±

    Saul and Astrid looked a little surprised by that, but Saul soon moved on, ¡°so where are you two living now?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t really figured that out quite yet¡± Star admitted in a whisper.

    ¡°Shit, you two were running away?¡± Saul asked with only a bit of surprise.

    ¡°Something like that¡± Star admitted quietly. It was the truth. It just wasn¡¯t Brie and Connor they were specifically running from anymore, or anyone else still left living.

    ¡°Well, what happened? If you don¡¯t mind us asking. I mean, aside from what always happens with people like us and people...not like us¡± Astrid asked with concern as well as curiosity.

    Star was at a loss for an answer that time, despite there being many. Sky simply looked down, his tension obvious. Finally, after another breath, Star found some version of the truth, ¡°our parents and, other people they knew...they did some bad things to us.¡±

    The couple looked a bit more than worried at that revelation, before Saul had to speak up, ¡°how bad are we talking?¡±

    ¡°Really, really bad¡± Star admitted as she finally let the tears escape again, hiding her face in her hands as she did.

    ¡°Shit, no wonder you two have been so...distant I guess isn¡¯t the right word¡± Astrid returned sadly, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry that there are fucking pricks like that in this world¡± she whispered, seeming to genuinely feel for the two teens.

    Star took another long moment to try and compose herself, as Sky was trying to hold back his own sniffles as he locked his eyes on some random spot across the lot. Finally, Star found her voice again, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t wanna dump any of this on you guys...but when you asked about taking us home...¡± she simply looked down again.

    ¡°Oh sweetie¡± Astrid began, sniffling a bit herself then, ¡°never ever apologize for something like that happening to you¡± she told her as she reached into the backseat to wrap her arms around Star, placing a gentle kiss against her cheek. It was then that Star dared to let herself wonder if maybe, just maybe the two of them did actually have some people left in the world who they could finally trust.

    When Star¡¯s tears at least seemed to slow, Astrid finally released her from the hug, also moving to place a gentle squeeze upon Sky¡¯s shoulder before looking back at Saul. Both of them were then looking more than just a bit upset by Star¡¯s heartbreaking confession.

    ¡°We should probably let Lucien and Kali know that the twins might need a little more then our usual method of TLC¡± he attempted a slight smile.

    Moving quickly past the part of the story where she forgot to mention them not being twins at all, Star spoke again, ¡°you mean, you guys want us to stay here?¡± Star asked with a bit of surprise.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯ll definitely be close quarters, but where else would you go?¡± he responded with another sympathetic smile.

    ¡°Yeah just wait out here while we talk it out with Kal¡¯ and Luce, ok?¡± Astrid asked gently.

    Star simply nodded and even Sky finally let himself give the slightest nod as well, though it was filled with more than a bit of anxiety about the entire situation at all.

    Once the two headed inside, leaving Star and Sky behind to wait on news of their possible new living situation, awkward as it was sure to be, Sky finally spoke, ¡°So I notice you seem to still want them to believe we¡¯re twins.¡±

    ¡°Any idea how we¡¯d ever explain not being twins, without having to explain all the other stuff too?¡± she whispered.

    ¡°Fair point,¡± he agreed, sighed, and looked back up at the apartment, just waiting for this next strange part of their lives to be determined for them now.

 Chapter 16

    Fortunately, the apartment would only have to be shared by all six former lovers until classes let out for the semester. Which, in this case, was about two and a half months. In that time, Star and Sky shared a sofa bed in the living room while the couples retained their regular sleeping quarters. Though listening to them in those sleeping quarters each night was more than a bit difficult for the two sexually traumatized teens. So they were more than thankful when May ended and Lucien and Saul graduated, while Kali and Astrid went home for the summer before having to come back in the fall for their final year.

    Of course, this also meant that for the first time in seventeen years, Sky and Star would actually have only one another for company, every hour of the day and the night. There wasn¡¯t even a single camera pointed at them for once either, which was something that would also be a rather new experience, and something they would have reveled in; if they had still been the people they used to be, or even felt like people at all anymore.

    That first night of finally being alone together, after all that had turned them into the ghosts of their former selves; it was less than easy. Even though the two could have easily moved into Kali¡¯s or Astrid¡¯s temporarily empty bedrooms, they simply stayed in the living room all evening, trying to pretend anything on the TV screen even meant anything to them anymore.

    Sky was propped up on their pillows at the head of the bed, smoking his cigarette and staring blankly at that TV screen. Star was lying on her stomach, propped up on a pillow at the foot of the bed, sharing the same blank stare at whatever happened to be on the screen right then.

    Both of them were startlingly quiet outwardly, despite the fact that nothing inside either of them was ever anywhere near quiet. He took another drag as he sat there, in a simple black t-shirt and pants, finally daring to let his eyes move to Star, which he normally avoided doing.

    She was also dressed rather plainly in a black tank and some velvet shorts as her hair spilled loosely over her back while she just continued to stare at the screen. His eyes moved up her bare legs, and over the curve of her behind in the rather clinging velvet. His breath caught slightly as he felt the briefest stir in his loins. Though he couldn¡¯t for the life of him decide whether it was desire or fear of that desire, which had become almost constant since the two of them had used that desire one last time to end the lives of all of those who had victimized them for so long.

    He swallowed again, trying to will away the feeling, but to no avail. So he gave in, and turned his eyes back to her body. After all, it was only looking, and at least if that¡¯s all it was, hopefully no one else would die because of it.

    When Star finally pushed herself up to reach for a sip of soda which had been left on the stand next to where he sat, her eyes immediately noted his on her. She swallowed a bit then too, as he averted them then, and took another sad drag off of his cigarette.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t seen you look at me like that in a long time¡± she managed in a whisper, which only caused him to sniffle slightly as he kept his eyes averted.

    ¡°I try not to...look at you at all¡± he admitted the truth she already knew and felt herself as well.

    ¡°Will we ever be able to move on from any of this?¡± she asked him again, despite knowing that neither of them had that answer.

    ¡°Should we?¡± he repeated his answer.

    Star then took a brave breath before speaking, ¡°we can control it though. Things only happen when we want them to now.¡±

    ¡°Does that make what we did any better?¡± he asked pointedly.

    ¡°Would staying there and giving them our children to torture instead have been the better plan?¡± she reminded him with another sniffle.

    ¡°I told you about the plan I had¡± he whispered, raising his scarred wrist again to accent the statement.

    ¡°And I reminded you of your promise¡± she stated pointedly.

    ¡°I made that promise a long, long time ago Star. And things only got worse after I wasn¡¯t allowed to die¡± he whispered hoarsely.

    She just shook her head sadly, ¡°we¡¯re free now though. Doesn¡¯t that count for anything?¡±

    ¡°Do you really feel free?¡± he scoffed, though with barely any volume.

    ¡°Maybe we could finally feel free if we agreed to actually take our freedom back, for real. We¡¯re the only ones who can do that¡± she added in the same sad whisper.

    ¡°Take our freedom back?¡± another scoff, ¡°what does that even mean?¡± Sky asked her as he finally looked back at her face at last.

    ¡°The only prison we¡¯re in now, is the one we¡¯ve made for ourselves. The only torture now, is what we¡¯re inflicting on ourselves. They made us this way. Whatever way this even is. And we defended ourselves the only way we could. How does that not give us the right to at least try to live again, now that we don¡¯t have any of them trying to control us?¡±

    ¡°But how do we even do that, Star? Every time we touch, even accidentally, it all just comes flooding back. They destroyed what we had. And what we had was all we had, all we even were. And it¡¯s just tied up with all that pain forever now. How can you not want it all to just end too?¡± he asked as the tears emerged at last.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    ¡°Because then they really win. If we let them destroy us like that, permanently, and we never come back from any of this...then they fucking win¡± she told him through her own sob then.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t they already?¡± he whispered back.

    ¡°They¡¯re dead. All of them. And we¡¯re not. Not yet. We¡¯re still alive. So let¡¯s please just, be alive.¡±

    <hr>

    After several more unbearably long nights in that apartment alone together, it was painfully obvious that Sky was still in a state where he seemed to be longing for his own death with every breath. Star honestly did not know how much longer she really could keep him from falling into that abyss, never to come back. Just pleading with him to keep his promise and trying to justify away the deaths they had caused, it clearly was not working. So Star decided she would need to jolt him back into wanting to live again.

    Sky was just finishing his shower late that summer night and slowly returned to the living room clad in nothing but a loose pair of black silk pants as he discarded the towel he had been drying his still rather wet long black locks with. When his eyes came up from the floor to make his way to their bed, he was more than a bit thrown.

    Star was laying there, across their bed, hugging one of their many pillows to her body; though she had not a scrap of clothing on.

    ¡°What are you doing, Star?¡± Sky greeted her, with shaky breath.

    ¡°It¡¯s hot tonight, isn¡¯t it?¡± she asked him innocently as she turned to her side, pushing the pillow away and letting him take in all of her pale, bare skin once more.

    ¡°You know we can¡¯t¡± he told her, his breath still shallow, though he was still unable to pull his eyes away either.

    ¡°Then we won¡¯t¡± she stated simply.

    Sky just scoffed, ¡°then maybe you should put your clothes back on.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t even have to come to bed, but you can if you want to¡± she told him in the same soft, gentle tone as she slid back against the pillows, her eyes still locked on him, still making no move to hide any of her nakedness from him.

    ¡°I can¡¯t do this¡± he whispered again.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do anything. I won¡¯t make you. But I...I¡¯m sick of being numb. I wanna feel again, Sky. But you don¡¯t have to help me do that, unless you really want to.¡±

    And with that she slowly moved her hands to her breasts with a breath of anticipation. She let them linger there for several seconds, at least until her nipples hardened beneath her fingertips. Sky just looked on, terrified to keep letting himself watch, but unable to stop himself either.

    Star than slowly moved her hands from her breasts, over her stomach and lower. Slightly parting her legs, she moved them lower still. Finding the wetness she was almost amazed she even still could feel, she began pleasuring herself, staring into his eyes across the room, and trying to desperately remember a time that the two of them could give one another all that pleasure too. Before they were so badly broken for being what they were and feeling what they felt, and doing what they could do.

    As she began bringing herself to that first climax, Sky found himself letting in those memories too, as painful as it was that things were so different for them now. But he gave in and let himself remember, and found his body responding to her pleasure the way it used to, even if he wasn¡¯t the one making her feel it himself anymore.

    Leaning back against the wall, his hands made their way inside his clothing as he began finally letting himself feel too; staring back into her eyes as that first orgasm shook her, and amazingly starting to let himself feel some of that pleasure of his own again at last.

    When that climax finally hit him, Sky slid down to the floor, spent, his eyes still locked tightly to Star¡¯s as she sat upon the bed, trying to recover from her own pleasure, staring right back at him. It was a moment that was so reminiscent of the first time the two had ever been to this place, all those years ago, back when they were first trying to fight their longing for each other; just as they were trying to do again now.

    <hr>

    They then spent the next several nights laying at opposite sides of the bed, both naked, pleasuring themselves to sleep; all the while they were always staring into one another¡¯s dark, troubled eyes, but not actually touching each other. Never actually touching each other.

    It was the second half of July now, and once again the two had fallen asleep touching themselves and trying to imagine it was them touching each other, back before everything had taken such a dark, devastating turn for them. That morning, the two of them still lay atop the covers without a stitch of clothing after their previous night¡¯s activity. Sky actually awoke first and rolled to his side to look down at where Star still lay there, every inch of her pale skin still completely bared before him, eyes still closed against the morning sun that barely made it past the black curtains.

    She lay upon her back, pretty lashes resting contently above her pale cheeks, her bare breasts rising and falling with each breath. One knee was bent to the side, leaving her legs parted and herself completely open to be so easily taken by him, had he wanted to slide himself inside her that very second. And he did want to, so badly his body immediately reacted to the thought, causing his breath to catch as he continued to move his eyes over her.

    Sky did try to compose himself, as futile as that was. But instead, he finally gave in and moved closer to her sleeping form. He moved closer still, til their bodies touched, reveling in the feel of her skin against his again as he lay there on his side next to her, his hardness throbbing against her outer thigh.

    As she stirred only slightly in her sleep, he took the moment to continue looking down at her, so close now, his long locks tickled her breast. Another deep breath before he then finally allowed himself to lean down, and place the gentlest kiss upon her nipple, his breath short with desire then.

    As she still only stirred again, not waking, he moved to continue kissing her breasts, with more passion, more fervor, remembering how much he had always loved the feel of her skin against his lips. Her breath changed as his kisses then did wake her, but he continued them nonetheless. His hand had now even dared to move to rest upon her stomach, still holding her against him, still tasting her flesh.

    Star couldn¡¯t help another small gasp as a tiny tear escaped her eyes and she moved to weave her fingers through his hair, arching her back to allow her breasts to eagerly meet each flick of his tongue over her nipples. Just that much tenderness between them was enough to finally give Star the hope that maybe they could survive all that had happened to them after all. But she was even more amazed when she finally felt his hand move down from her stomach, and lower.

    When his fingers entered her, she allowed another louder gasp as she arched against him again, praying desperately that this wasn¡¯t just a dream, and maybe the nightmare that was their life was finally ending, just maybe.

 Chapter 17

    Sky¡¯s fingers continued to move inside of Star that morning, drowning in all that ever-increasing wetness his touch did somehow still manage to produce in her again now, despite how twisted their desire for one another had been by others. But it was when he bravely allowed his thumb to begin rubbing that tiny mound above where his fingers moved inside her, her body began trembling with that fast approaching orgasm they had barely been able to even make each other feel toward the end of their imprisonment.

    Seeing his touch push her toward that inevitable climax once more, Sky almost pulled back from the task. But he hesitated, his desire to continue making her feel something good again, just barely outweighed his fear of it. And in that moment, her body shook uncontrollably as even more wetness poured over his own trembling hand, a loud moan of release leaving her throat as she somehow allowed herself to surrender to that pleasure again.

    As that climax overtook her, every one of the numerous black candles surrounding them simultaneously ignited, glowing brightly in the still dim morning light. Seeing all those tiny flames light up the entire apartment then, Sky immediately pulled his hand back from her, eyes widening as he looked around the room.

    ¡°Sky...¡± she could barely form his name after her climax, but feeling him pull away, she forced her eyes open in response to the loss of that touch. That was when she too noted the candles all lit around them, Sky¡¯s eyes darting between them, his fear of their own desire bubbling forth from where he had tried to bury it just beneath the surface. ¡°Sky, it¡¯s ok¡± she attempted to convince them both with her breathily whispered words.

    ¡°So much for being able to control it¡± he whispered back, his voice breaking as he moved away, to pull the sheet up over where his own body still showed the lingering evidence of the desire he had let himself feel for her again.

    ¡°But don¡¯t you see...this is control¡± Star whispered, her breath still struggling to return to normal, ¡°this, the candles, that¡¯s something beautiful, not horrible. It¡¯s still amazing and unbelievable that we can do that just by making each other feel...that. But it¡¯s still beautiful, What we can do, it can be beautiful. You have to see that.¡±

    She could see him struggling, wanting to believe her words, though there was still so much fear there; the damage was just still so immense that it would still be a long, long time before either of them would ever fully recover from it. But at least they had taken a step to do so. And that let Star hold onto that tiny bit of hope as tightly as she could...for both of them.

    <hr>

    After the morning with the candles, it was glaringly apparent that Sky was afraid of spending another night alone with Star. He still wanted her so much he could hardly bear it. But he still was unconvinced of this ¡®control¡¯ she insisted they now had, and he didn¡¯t want to let his fears be proven true in some new tragedy caused by giving into his desire for her. So, he had then taken to bringing a different couple they knew from the club home with him each night. When that night¡¯s chosen companions arrived, Sky and they would disappear to Astrid¡¯s bedroom and spend the rest of the night making love to each other, simply to help him to drive away that desire he still could not stop himself feeling for Star every time he looked her way.

    Star¡¯s first instinct was to feel hurt by him finally letting himself feel pleasure again, as long as it didn¡¯t involve the two of them making each other feel it. But she soon realized that everything he did was because he did want her so much, and was just still too terrified to let himself. On that sad realization, Star began bringing her own companions home, and spending her nights with them in Kali¡¯s room, driving away her own pain just as desperately as Sky was trying to bury his pain in other lovers as well.

    <hr>

    The next night that they had to allow themselves to be alone in each other¡¯s company once more was late in August; it was the night before Kali and Astrid would be returning to the apartment for their senior year. The two quietly went about making the bedrooms presentable again for the two women who were actually paying the rent. Once that task was done, they found themselves in the living room together once more, silently unfolding the sofa bed that they would once again be sharing for the first time since the morning with the candles.

    ¡°Are we sure we shouldn¡¯t just be moving into the bedrooms with the girls once they come back? Not sure you want to be sharing a bed with me again, do you?¡± Star managed to ask him, but there was sarcasm behind the question.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯ll be easier to keep pretending to be irreparably sexually damaged, than to start that with people we¡¯ll have to see every day¡± Sky answered her, though quietly.

    ¡°Pretending?¡± Star couldn¡¯t help repeating that word.

    ¡°Well obviously we¡¯re both still capable of having anonymous, meaningless sex with multiple men and women who are practically strangers, right? I guess that must mean we¡¯re over it¡± he added under his breath, though his tone made it obvious how little he believed his own words.

    That was when Star just broke down, the tears pouring from her pretty eyes as she collapsed to a seat upon the bed, burying her face in her hands as sobs wracked her body; proving exactly how not over it either of them were. At her complete break, as all her mental walls melted before his eyes, Sky couldn¡¯t stop his own tears. He never could bear to see her cry, and still couldn¡¯t, even after all that had been done to them both to more than justify those tears.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    Wanting nothing more than to stop her pain, Sky moved to a place next to her, gathering her into his arms, holding her, as they both just let out all that sorrow. They just clung to one another for any strength they could possibly still give each other.

    After several long moments of sitting there, sobbing in each other¡¯s embrace, they finally allowed their tear-filled eyes to meet again. That¡¯s when the two covered one another¡¯s lips, their mouths moving hungrily against each other, trying desperately to chase all that pain away once more.

    And that was when Kali and Astrid stepped through the door, their jaws each dropping more than a bit as their eyes fell on the two ¡®twins¡¯ holding and kissing each other with all the passion of lovers more than clear between them.

    At the sound of the girls dropping their bags to the floor, the kiss ended as two sets of dark, startled eyes turned back to the women. ¡°I think we¡¯re just gonna go unpack right now....¡± Kali whispered as she and Astrid awkwardly gathered their bags from the floor, not able to rush from the room fast enough right then.

    That was when Star buried her face in her hands once more. All the hopefulness of that kiss turned immediately into hopelessness for how their only friends would deal with what they had just witnessed between she and Sky.

    More than a bit panicked himself, Sky tried to speak, voice shaking, ¡°so we can just tell them. Tell them we¡¯re not really twins. We can just tell them, right?¡± he asked her, though there was no confidence behind his words.

    ¡°And then have to tell them everything else?...About why they wanted us to think we were?...What they wanted to stop us from discovering once we realized we weren¡¯t?...And what they wanted us to do...and how we had to do it?...We can tell them all that too?¡± Star whispered back, her teary eyes still glued to the floor.

    And that was their last night there.

    <hr>

    Eventually, that night, they found themselves at the place they hadn¡¯t been since the day Sky took Star¡¯s virginity; the last day they were ever truly happy. They wandered the mall in silence, until the lights began dimming and the stores began closing, and they had no choice but to go back into what felt like a very cold outside world, despite the humidity of the August night.

    The two took a sad seat on one of the benches outside the mall. Sky lit one of his final cigarettes left in the pack, and they both sat speechless, neither knowing where they could possibly go now. They paid no real heed to the last minute shoppers leaving the mall doors behind them, as they were both just too lost right then to even look up from the pavement below them.

    But, as one woman rushed to her car, she suddenly stopped and turned back to face them, ¡°Sky? Star?¡± her voice broke with a few different emotions as the two looked up at the sound of their names.

    Brie swallowed hard, approaching them cautiously, her face showing a million things like relief, disbelief, regret, fear, and anything else she was suddenly feeling as she saw the two children she had raised for sixteen years, and who were stolen from her over a year ago now.

    Both just stared back frozen, not sure if they should run or stay, just knowing that they were definitely terrified of what would happen to them each now that their presence had once again been discovered.

    Brie just shook her head as her eyes moved over them, trying desperately to find any words then, ¡°I never wanted them to take you. We had no choice. I¡¯m so sorry¡± was her first attempt at speaking any of what was racing through her mind right then.

    Finally, Sky spoke, though there was venom in his tone, ¡°we¡¯re actually supposed to believe that you¡¯re not gonna just call your bosses again, and have them take us away to be tortured for another year or so?¡±

    ¡°To---tortured?¡± Brie stammered, wishing she didn¡¯t believe that claim, but afraid that it could very well be accurate. After all, that was what they had said; that Brie and Connor needed to take a ¡®more aggressive approach¡¯ with their two test subjects, and that raising them had removed their ability to be ¡®properly objective.¡¯ Feeling the tears that were so alien to her welling up, all Brie could repeat was ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±

    ¡°Well I guess that fixes everything¡± Sky bit back, refusing to even look at Brie then.

    Brie let out a few more breaths, trying to force back her emotions, as she had always been told she had to, ¡°please, let me at least try to make some little bit of this up to you. Please?¡± she asked them in a whisper.

    ¡°Not fucking possible¡± Sky muttered, still not turning his eyes to her again.

    Brie swallowed hard, trying to find any words to convince them of her sincerity, ¡°I don¡¯t work for the lab anymore. I¡¯m not even living with Connor anymore. It¡¯s just me. I just write a science blog now. I figure that was safer than my old job anyway, on a few levels.¡±

    Then Star finally spoke, ¡°so you went through a break up and had to switch jobs? What a rough year you¡¯ve had. Would you like to hear about ours?¡± she told her with a bit of her own venom then.

    Brie bit back another sob, her imagination providing her with a million ideas of exactly what that year must have been like for the two shattered souls now sitting before her. ¡°I know you probably won¡¯t ever be able to forgive....any of it¡± she decided on, ¡°but please believe that I¡¯m telling you the truth now...even if it is seventeen years too late.¡±

    <hr>

    Having literally nowhere else to go, Sky and Star did grudgingly agree to follow Brie home, in a cab, that she would pay for, and give her one chance to try and earn their trust again; though both were still convinced that would never be possible.

    Once they arrived at the tiny apartment she now called home, Brie awkwardly invited them through the door where they each stiffly sat at the kitchen table, their dark eyes on her the whole time and full of suspicion and anger.

    She offered them each an unopened bottle of water and took a wary seat at the other side of the table. After a long even more awkward silence, Star spoke again, ¡°You want us to trust you? Fine. Then explain.¡±

    ¡°What am I trying to explain first?¡± she asked nervously.

    Then Star replied, her voice still full of anger, ¡°for starters....us. Where we really came from, why we can do what we can do...what we even fucking are.¡±

 Chapter 18

    Brie let out a nervous laugh at the question, which only caused a return glare from both the teens. With just as much nervousness, she reached for a memo pad on the table and a nearby pen. She then finally spoke, while scribbling something on the pad before her.

    ¡°Well, where you came from? I guess you could say Connor and I really were your parents; I just never actually carried you in my womb¡± she smiled nervously again as she slid the note across the table to them, ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard the term test tube babies, right?¡± she asked, biting her lip as Sky reached out for the paper and held it up for both he and Star to read what she had written.

    Scrawled shakily across the small piece of paper was ¡®there¡¯s likely bugs everywhere. Can you two fry them? Burn this.¡¯ The two swallowed as they read the note and looked over at where she waited across the table, looking more than a bit worried right then.

    Clearing his throat slightly, ¡°great, mind if I smoke? Good, didn¡¯t think so¡± he answered his own question as he reached into his pocket for a cigarette and a lighter. He then put the lighter to the note and tossed it into what was left in a glass of water discarded on the table earlier in the day. ¡°I suppose you want me to finish the smoke outside, right? Coming Star?¡± he asked as he stood, Star easily following as the two gave Brie a furtive look before heading out to the balcony and closing the glass doors behind them.

    Sky took a deep drag as the two looked out over the city in thought, while Brie waited inside nervously. ¡°So, do we believe her?¡± Star asked quietly a moment later.

    ¡°Apparently she wants to tell us something¡± Sky agreed with his own nervousness in regard to the question she posed them in that note.

    ¡°So, are we supposed to try to...do what she wants?¡± Star replied, with deep nervousness of her own right then.

    ¡°You know there¡¯s only one way we can do that¡± he told her under his breath, his own fear fighting tooth and nail with their mutual need for answers.

    ¡°How bad do we want our explanation?¡± Star asked, her voice breaking.

    After finishing the cigarette, the two stiffly returned inside, where Brie still waited nervously for them. She forced another smile, trying to read their expressions to no avail. ¡°You two can have the bedroom. The couch is fine for me¡± she smiled as she gestured to the door that led off the living room-dining room area.

    Sky and Star both took deep breaths that hid so much more than they could even verbalize as she asked her question again, without asking it. They then simply nodded, steeling themselves before heading off to the bedroom, together.

    Once they stepped into the other room, closing and locking the door behind them, they shared another shaky breath. Star took a wary seat at the very edge of the bed, biting her black nails, ¡°are we really doing this, for real this time?¡± she asked him again, her eyes pleading with his for the strength they both needed to find if they ever hoped for any of the answers they had wanted all their lives.

    ¡°If we don¡¯t, will we ever get another chance?¡± Sky whispered back through another deep breath.

    After another moment to fight their fears of what their desire was capable of making happen, Star finally stood again and looked back into his eyes one more time. The two then each took another deep breath and slowly began undressing in absolute silence. It wasn¡¯t just the mics that were likely hidden all around that kept them quiet though, as it was more the thoughts racing through their heads too loudly for them to even form any spoken words then.

    Once they both were now standing there in that room, naked before each other once more, they could each feel that desire rising in them, despite their continued fear of it. They each swallowed hard, looked into one another¡¯s eyes again, and then moved toward each other slowly. They stopped to face each other and shakily reach out for one another. Star placed her slightly shaking hands over his bare shoulders, her eyes moving down as he slowly began hardening before her. Sky reached out to gingerly place his hands at her waist, imagining that wetness starting in her again too.

    They then moved closer, and he leaned down to place a gentle kiss over her lips once more. Her breath catching, Star easily kissed him back, moving closer still, so their bodies were touching once more. The kiss continued for several more dizzying moments before they finally broke it off again. Only, instead of pulling away this time, Sky moved to lift her into his arms, and carry her back to the bed.

    He lay her gently across the mattress, moving to follow her with his own body. His lips were once again kissing hers as he then moved to steady himself and take that position above her, their lips continuing to try to assure one another that it would be ok; that they would be ok.

    Shakily parting her legs for him as the kiss ended, the two looked one more time into each other¡¯s eyes through ragged breaths and racing heartbeats. He then finally moved to slide himself deep inside her with the exact same gentleness as the day he took her virginity three years earlier; back when the two had no idea what truly dark times lie ahead for either of them.

    Hoping upon hope that facing this fear would finally give them the explanations they had wanted all their lives; Sky continued gently thrusting into her, her hips meeting every motion, yearning for that final moment of pleasure to come and overtake them again. When it did come, the nearly fifty mics hidden around the apartment sparked and blew out just as that final gasp of release left their throats and shook their bodies, as he poured himself into her at last.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    Moments after Sky collapsed in pleasure above her, inside her, and Star found herself spent beneath him, both their bodies still shaking and wet with sweat; the two heard a tentative knock at the bedroom door and just let out a breath of disbelief.

    ¡°It worked. You did it. I saw the sparks¡± Brie called to them through the door.

    ¡°So much for afterglow¡± Sky breathed the words raggedly against her ear, causing the briefest smile to cross Star¡¯s lips as well. ¡°Can you give us like, five seconds, Brie?¡± he called back to her through the door.

    ¡°Oh sorry¡± Brie called back, her bright blush somehow apparent in her voice.

    Though, the two were more than eager for those answers, so they tried to compose themselves as quickly as they could. Sky forced himself shakily off the bed, sliding into his pants once more, before offering Star his long t-shirt to cover her own body with as well. They both took another ragged breath before he finally moved to the door to let Brie in to give them those answers they had been waiting on for nearly two decades.

    ¡°Sorry¡± Brie repeated again as he let her slowly step into the room where she did her best to keep her eyes averted from where the room still smelled of sex and both of their long sets of locks were slightly sweat dampened, their pale skin flushed in that painfully obvious post-coital state.

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯ve said. You¡¯re very sorry about everything. We got it. Now just tell us the truth already¡± Sky told her, his voice still ragged as he moved back to a seat on the bed next to where Star wrapped the cover about her waist below Sky¡¯s t-shirt.

    Brie took a breath to figure out how to even begin that story. She finally decided on the beginning. ¡°What I said out there was technically true. A lot of things we told you, were technically true" she added.

    ¡°But even more were sick and twisted lies¡± Star interjected, her anger at all those lies, and the pain they caused, still not buried too deeply.

    Brie looked down again before making herself continue, ¡°Connor and I, we did create you. We made you¡± she began.

    ¡°Not from your own DNA?¡± Sky asked, a momentary panic passing behind his eyes.

    ¡°No, no, you¡¯re not related to either of us. We¡¯d never use our own DNA¡± she assured, ¡°but we did create you in a lab, with sample DNA from an anonymous healthy female donor and male donor. You two really were born on the same day. That was never a lie at least. You just weren¡¯t born to the same parents, or any parents, or really technically born at all, I guess¡± she attempted, still having trouble trying to explain her actions those nearly twenty years prior.

    ¡°So we¡¯re like...clones...or something?¡± Sky asked with narrowed eyes.

    ¡°Sort of, in a manner of speaking. We did have to clone the donors¡¯ DNA to make you¡± she admitted.

    ¡°Wait a second¡± Star stated as she sat up straighter, ¡°given, I never made it past ninth grade science...¡± she began with a slightly accusing look back at the woman she had called mother for most of her life, ¡°but wouldn¡¯t you need four donors if we¡¯re not actually related? The sperm and egg cells from his parents and the ones from mine?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s where things get...a little more complicated¡± Brie began warily.

    ¡°We¡¯re listening¡± Sky prodded.

    ¡°If that¡¯s all we¡¯d done, we would have just been doing what every fertility clinic can do¡± she swallowed a bit.

    ¡°But you were doing something different¡± Star stated, waiting for the rest of those details now.

    Brie swallowed again, ¡°if you were just ¡®test tube¡¯ babies, like I claimed out there, then that wouldn¡¯t explain the things you can do, would it? Or the way you¡¯re drawn to each other¡± Brie was nearly whispering now.

    ¡°Go on¡± Sky pressed as they waited for that explanation.

    ¡°Um, this is the part that they¡¯ve really wanted to hide all this time. The part that your teacher got killed for, and I¡¯m sure that doctor too¡± Brie whispered.

    Taking a short breath at the confession of what they had always feared about what happened to Ms. Colby, they forced themselves to wait for the rest of the confession now.

    ¡°Tell us already!¡± Sky exclaimed with a bit more volume after another painful moment of silence.

    ¡°You did each have two parent donors, you had to; but each of you technically have one parent who¡¯s not...¡± her voice trailed off again.

    ¡°Not what?¡± Star exclaimed.

    ¡°Not specifically...um, human¡± Brie choked out that last bit of information as both teens paled.

    ¡°You¡¯re telling us we¡¯re not ¡­ fucking human?¡± Sky stammered, as Star just remained frozen in shock.

    ¡°You are Sky, I swear it.... you¡¯ve just both got... something extra. We made you that way. And that¡¯s why you can do those things, and why you¡¯re only even capable of feeling any kind of true connection with one another. And you know it, in your blood and in your flesh and in your bones. You know it without a doubt... and that¡¯s why we could never ever keep you apart. And why we tried so hard to. We knew what would happen if anyone discovered that bond you had. And what it could do, when we allowed you two to...become one¡± she sniffled slightly as the two just stared at her, in more kinds of shock than there were stars in the sky.

    Both Sky and Star both just sat there, frozen, staring back at where Brie nervously waited for whatever reaction the two were going to have to finally hearing the most meaningful, and unbelievable part of the truth about themselves. Finally, Sky found whatever was left of his voice, ¡°how are we even supposed to digest that?¡±

    Brie looked back at them sadly, ¡°Unfortunately, I can only tell you what happened in the past. When it comes to the future, and both of you, that¡¯s where I know as little as either of you. All I know is that they, the infamous they; they don¡¯t want anyone to know about what you two really are. And they¡¯ve killed to keep anyone from finding out that truth, including yourselves,¡± she whispered with equal parts sadness and fear. ¡°And once they realize the bugs are gone... I don¡¯t know what they¡¯ll do,¡± she finished hoarsely.

    Star swallowed another breath, her shock still more than apparent, ¡°So I guess that definitely means we can¡¯t stay here,¡± she stated in a whisper.

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯d even want to,¡± Brie stated sadly, a regret-filled smile barely making it to her lips.

    ¡°I never said that,¡± Star quickly reminded her of their continued upset with her part in everything that had ultimately happened to them.

    ¡°But if we gotta go,¡± Sky took another ragged breath of his own, ¡°the question is, where do we even go? And what do we do with you, Brie?¡±

 Chapter 19

    Before any of the three of them there in the bedroom could voice an opinion on what should be ¡®done¡¯ with the only normal, human adult among them, there was a loud knock at the front door of the small one bedroom apartment. The sound did well to worry them all more than a bit.

    Swallowing that fear as best she could, Star spoke softly, ¡°people coming to kill you don¡¯t usually knock, do they?¡±

    ¡°Unless they just don¡¯t want you to know that¡¯s why they¡¯re there¡± Sky replied just as quietly.

    Brie took a breath, her own fear quite apparent then too, ¡°I¡¯m gonna at least see if I can tell who it is, you two stay in here, together... just in case¡± she whispered as she moved back out of the bedroom, closing the door tightly behind her.

    Fear slowing her footsteps more than a bit, it was several seconds before Brie approached the door as quietly as she could and peered through the peephole. When she saw the rather impatient scowl worn by her visitor, she still wasn¡¯t quite sure she should let him in.

    Though she took a moment too long to respond, before that impatience caused the visitor to call to her first through the door, ¡°Come on Brie. Let¡¯s not play this game. Just let me in¡± Connor told her through the door in that same cool tone of his that seemed to be his natural one.

    ¡°I thought we were no longer pretending to be some happily married couple, Connor. Pretty sure that means we don¡¯t really have a lot left to say to each other¡± she attempted to keep her voice steady, though there were cracks.

    ¡°I know they¡¯re here, Brie. Let me in¡± he returned, his tone still rather unreadable, though it did do well to cause Brie¡¯s heartbeat to triple, and not in a good way.

    Brie took a deep breath, still making no move to open the door to him before finding some response, ¡°you made it pretty clear that you no longer wanted them to be your problem. You never wanted them to be, actually. So why are you here trying to make it your problem again, now, after over a year?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re my kids too, Brie. And they¡¯re still minors. Law alone states that I have the right to see them. Do we really want more cops sniffing around. Honestly, Brie?¡± Connor replied in the same calculated manner

    Brie couldn¡¯t help a derisive laugh, ¡°you just happen to know they¡¯re here tonight when neither of us had seen them in a year; and you want me to buy that you¡¯re here as a father? Did you really think that story would work?¡±

    Connor scoffed on the other side of the door, ¡°no matter why I¡¯m here, the law is still the law, Brie. Let me in¡± he repeated again, his anger barely veiled at that point.

    Brie took another shaky breath before trying to stall a bit longer, if possible, ¡°Connor, I can¡¯t let you give them back to those people. Not again. We thought they were damaged before...¡± she just shook her head again, despite having a door separating the two still.

    ¡°Fucking hell, Brie¡± he complained, ¡°is this you tryin to give them time to do their little tricks again, and see if they can leave me like they left that entire lab team?¡± he then raised his voice loudly, in an effort to be heard by anyone else still hiding inside that apartment, ¡°before you two try to escape, or... make anything happen...¡± he decided on, ¡°you may just be interested in what I have to tell you.¡±

    Brie cringed at him offering them any of that knowledge that they had hidden from them for their entire lives, and made one last ditch effort to dissuade him, ¡°I already told them everything. You¡¯re too late Connor. You have no other answers to give them. So if that¡¯s really why you wanna claim you¡¯re here, you may as well just leave now.¡±

    Then making sure to speak loud enough for Sky and Star to hear, ¡°did you tell them we might be able to cure them, too?¡±

    Brie paled a bit at that claim, as she heard the teens moving toward the bedroom door, already seeming lured in by this brand of bait, ¡°Cure?¡± she scoffed, ¡°they don¡¯t have a disease, Connor¡± she argued, though weakly, her heart sinking as they peeked out from the bedroom.

    ¡°You listening now, kids?¡± Connor stated from the other side of the door, ¡°tell your mom to be nice and let dad in for a chat, would you?¡± he added with a bit of sarcasm.

    ¡°He can really do that?¡± Sky asked Brie under his breath.

    ¡°It¡¯s a theory. Completely untested. He¡¯s just trying to tell you what you wanna hear¡± Brie returned worriedly.

    ¡°Cure us how?¡± Star finally spoke up, moving slightly closer to the front door.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t think the neighbors need to hear our chat, Star. Open the door¡± Connor replied, forcing what little softness he even could manage into his tone.

    Star then looked up at where Sky was looking back down at her, then taking one another¡¯s hand, and a deep breath, moved to unlock the door; Brie just hung her head and moved aside.

    ¡°About time¡± Connor complained as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him, and moving his eyes over where the teens took another step back, still clasping each other¡¯s hand and centering a cold suspicious gaze on him; though that gaze also had the slightest bit of hope hidden behind it.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°Like she said, we don¡¯t have a disease; so what do you mean ''cure?¡¯¡± Sky was the first to ask, still holding Star¡¯s hand while standing at a safe distance and eyeing Connor with clear distrust.

    ¡°It means, we might be able to make you normal. Well, in a manner of speaking¡± he had to add as he cast another look at what was left of the dark makeup on each of their pale faces after their earlier encounter.

    ¡°Connor---¡± Brie interrupted.

    ¡°Hush hon, me and the kids are chatting, just like you always wanted us to¡± he added with an insincere smile.

    ¡°Normal?¡± Sky scoffed, ¡°according to your former lab partner here, we¡¯re patently abnormal...as in on a genetic level¡± Sky retorted, his distrust not wavering yet.

    ¡°True¡± Connor allowed, ¡°but we¡¯re genetic engineers. We can turn genes on and off if we want. Including your ¡®special¡¯ ones¡± he told them.

    ¡°We¡¯ve never tried it with anything but human genes, Connor. Stop leaving details out¡± Brie scolded him.

    ¡°They never made it past ninth grade; I think I have to leave some details out, don¡¯t I?¡± he scoffed.

    Pushing forward past the slight insult, Star spoke again, ¡°turn them off?¡±

    ¡°Yes, suppress them so to speak¡± Connor responded.

    ¡°And that would do what?¡± Sky asked with continued skepticism.

    ¡°It would mean that you two can fuck like bunnies, without anyone else¡¯s head exploding, anyway¡± Connor told them bluntly.

    Trying not to flinch at the reminder of the lives they had ended, Star pressed on, ¡°but that would mean that we couldn¡¯t do anything else anymore then either, right?¡±

    ¡°Aside from the fucking?¡± Connor returned sarcastically.

    ¡°If, and that¡¯s a very big if,¡± Brie interrupted, ¡°he even could do that, to those genes, without the genes themselves going on the offensive¡± she stressed, ¡°then yes, all your abilities would be suppressed...leaving you just as defenseless as any other person without those genes¡± Brie warned them.

    ¡°You¡¯re not helping, Brie¡± Connor told her with a glare.

    ¡°I¡¯m not your fucking wife or even your partner anymore. I¡¯m not trying to help¡± Brie shot back.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fuckin play innocent now, Brie. You¡¯re just as responsible for all this shit as I am¡± he then paused, looking down at her angrily, ¡°no, scratch that. You¡¯re more responsible than I am. I wanted to destroy them on the day they were created. You¡¯re the one who wanted to play house and try to get them to believe they were twins in the first place¡± he then turned back to them, ¡°did she leave that part out when she confessed all her sins? She¡¯s the one who decided the best way to keep you two from discovering your powers was to lie to you about being related, even though she knew you two wanted each other before you even came out of the tanks. That was all her; your sweet little mommy dearest. So, which one of us are you really gonna trust again. Think about it¡± Connor finished as Brie turned away, not wanting to see their faces right then.

    After a long pause, Sky burning a hole in the floor with his gaze, Star trying to hold more tears back, she finally spoke, ¡°like we¡¯d ever trust either of you¡± she whispered with a shake of her head.

    Brie tried to find her voice again then, ¡°I know I¡¯ve done some horrible things to both of you; and I know I¡¯ll burn in hell for them, the way I tried to make you two think you would for what you felt¡± she sniffled slightly, ¡°but he wants to take...try to take away the most special thing about you both...and it just happens to be the most powerful way you have to defend yourselves.¡± she reminded, ¡°so trust or don¡¯t, but at least know what you¡¯d really be giving up if you went along with this story of his.¡±

    Another long pause before Sky spoke again, ¡°why would you even wanna suppress your little experiment with our family trees? Your torture-happy pals constantly wanted us to use our powers. Forced us to, over and over, for an entire year; forced us to put on a little show for them every fucking day, literally¡± he couldn¡¯t help a sarcastic scoff, ¡°they wanted us to do just what those jock assholes wanted us to do; but only on a daily basis. And they forced us to¡± Sky repeated, his voice shaking as Star turned her eyes down to hide the tears produced by all those memories. Brie also turned away with a shaky gasp in response to Sky¡¯s words. Sky swallowed hard, forcing himself onward, ¡°the point is, it was obvious they really wanted to see what we could do, no matter what they had to do to get us to show them. And we did show them. We put on quite a show our last night there as a matter of fact. Of course, none of them are alive to tell you about it¡± he had to add, which did cause a slight crack in Connor¡¯s composure, ¡°and now you¡¯re saying you wanna help us get rid of these powers; the same powers that they all had hard-ons for? Seems like you and your bosses don¡¯t have the same squad goals anymore. That can¡¯t be right.¡±

    Connor was quiet a moment, letting himself find any possible response to the even more damaged soul standing before him now; even more damaged than the one who had already tried to take his own life three years earlier. He swallowed a moment before speaking, ¡°You¡¯re right. You did show them. And, it made an impression, to say the least. And that¡¯s why they want to now get rid of what you can do. It¡¯s definitely been deemed too dangerous, to put it mildly. Of course, their first instinct was just to kill you both. But I guess raising you for almost your entire lives has made me a little biased, after all.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re trying to play good cop here?¡± Sky scoffed.

    ¡°Listen, Sky. They saw what you did and they wanna put a stop to it, by any means necessary. This is the only way that could possibly happen and still leave you two breathing. So, it¡¯s trust me and hope that I can make these abilities go away...or don¡¯t....and then I guess we¡¯ll have to play the role of the grieving parents for real this time. Cause if you don¡¯t agree to let me try it my way... they¡¯ll stop you their way instead.¡±

    Star then looked up through her tears, ¡°So, it¡¯s go with you and let you try to take away our powers, or tell you no, and run until they kill us both?¡± another sniffle. ¡°That''s our so-called choice?¡±

    That was when Sky spoke again, ¡°Well, joke¡¯s on you, dad. Cause I¡¯m pretty sure that I¡¯m not afraid of dying. I guess maybe you forgot, not like it woulda mattered to you to lose me anyway. You already said you wanted us dead on the day you made us. Guess you¡¯ll get your wish.¡±

    Brie just gasped again at how easily he still was ready to just give up on that precious life of his, still. Not that she could really be surprised after his recount of their last year. But it was Connor who responded, ¡°Yeah Sky I get it. You¡¯ve been longing to die for years. I got that memo. But, one question.¡±

    ¡°This should be good,¡± Sky scoffed.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t both come with me and let me try to do this, then it¡¯s not just you they¡¯ll kill, Sky. And I think we both know how you¡¯d feel about her dying too.¡±

 Chapter 20

    Star and Sky did grudgingly agree that trying to become ¡®normal¡¯ again was a tiny fraction better than being hunted down and murdered. So once again, they found themselves back at the experimental house that they had already lived at from the time they were fourteen to sixteen; prior to the year of sexual slavery on pain of torture that actually made them long for those two years again.

    Brie insisted on once again having to work with Connor simply for the sake of making sure that Star and Sky were treated as humanely as possible. She was still adamantly opposed to them giving up their powers, and doubtful it would even work. But she felt even more strongly about making sure that the two wouldn¡¯t be subjected to anything like the year Sky had recounted for them earlier.

    Star and Sky sat somberly on the couch waiting on the only parents they had ever known to begin running their battery of tests for this phase of the experiment that was their lives. Neither were overly happy about this so-called cure, but they were at a loss for what else they could even do at this point. But as they waited, Star tensed up as she had an incredibly dark thought about the possible outcome of the situation.

    Always keenly aware of Star¡¯s body language and mood, Sky looked over at her with his own worry, ¡°yes?¡±

    Star took a breath as she tried to decide if she should even voice her fears, considering it was unlikely to help the situation. But once she glanced over at Sky and their eyes met, she had to tell him what she was the most scared of right then. ¡°Brie said we got our powers from this weird DNA they used to make us, right?¡±

    ¡°I seem to recall her saying something like that¡± Sky replied with some attempt at using sarcasm to lighten the mood, not that that was remotely possible.

    ¡°But she also said that this weird DNA was why we¡¯ve always been drawn to each other, even when we thought being together was the most horrible thing we could do¡± Star continued.

    ¡°Yes...and?¡± Sky returned, eyes narrowed.

    Star took a deep breath, nervously looking at the door where Brie and Connor would eventually reappear. Forcing her voice to work, she dared to share the biggest fear in her mind right then, ¡°what if suppressing these special genes...what if that not only stops our powers but also...¡± a shaky breath, ¡°but also stops the way we¡¯re drawn together; the way we feel for each other?...What if it makes us stop loving each other?¡± Star sniffled. It was more than obvious that she would never be able to survive in a world without the love she had always felt for Sky. And now there was a possibility of that becoming her dark new reality.

    Sky paled a moment at that thought himself. But he tried to press past it, ¡°DNA doesn¡¯t determine who you love. Come on, Star¡± he told her as he gently covered her hand with his.

    ¡°But she said it. She said it was the reason we were drawn together!¡± she repeated as a few tears broke through to the surface, ¡°what if ours does?¡±

    Sky moved closer to place an arm around her as she moved to cry against his shoulder. He took a deep breath of his own, trying to find something that would calm her, ¡°do you honestly think you and I could ever stop loving each other? I mean, think about all the shit we¡¯ve already endured. And we still love each other more than anything else in this whole fucked up world. Do you honestly think anything could ever change that? Really?¡±

    After a few more long moments of Star¡¯s tears as Sky tried to hold her and comfort her, Star finally spoke again, ¡°well if it does change the way we feel about each other...then both these plans will end with us dead anyway. Because I won¡¯t live in a world where you and I aren¡¯t in love. I can¡¯t.¡±

    Before either of them could keep imagining any more of that worst case scenario, Brie and Connor did return to the ¡®house¡¯ portion of the building with an update on their progress. Connor was the first to speak as Brie just looked on with continued discomfort over the entire plan, ¡°well, we¡¯ve managed to make two new baby rats with regular rat DNA and the same ¡®special¡¯ ingredient we used to make each of you¡± he then glanced at Brie before continuing, ¡°since she convinced me that we needed to start fresh and mimic your own life cycles before being able to truly determine if the gene suppression would even work on the two of you at this point.¡±

    ¡°And that means, what? For us?¡± Sky clarified.

    Brie sighed before speaking, ¡°we were able to make rats who seem like any other normal members of their species. Just like you two seem like any other normal...humans¡± she managed. ¡°And, just like the two of you, they appear to be completely drawn to one another already¡± she continued as Star seemed to bite back more worry as she listened. Brie then moved on, ¡°but we will have to wait until the two rats hit puberty before we can fully mimic the...changes you two have undergone since hitting it yourselves.¡±

    Sky scoffed slightly, ¡°so now we have to wait on your lab rats to become teenagers?¡±

    Sadly, Star spoke up, ¡°and how long will that take?¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Brie was the one to give a reply as Connor seemed more interested in his phone right then, as he always did when it came to speaking with his children, even before they knew they were actually his test subjects all along. Shaking her head at Connor, she answered, ¡°rats generally hit puberty in six weeks.¡±

    Sky and Star let out the same sigh of disapproval before Sky spoke again, ¡°so, again, we¡¯re just stuck in this fucking house full of cameras for another six weeks. But now it¡¯s just to wait on rats to get old enough to screw?¡± he shook his head, wishing he had another cigarette right then.

    ¡°You have somewhere else to be?¡± Connor mumbled as he continued checking his messages.

    ¡°Trust me...¡± Brie began, only to see them both glare at her in response to those words, before she moved on, ¡°doing this with the rats first, to see if it even can be done with the two of you; it¡¯s the safest way to try it at all. It¡¯s much better to have some idea of the results before we try doing anything directly to either of your own genes.¡±

    ¡°So, we just sit here and wait for another six weeks¡± Sky repeated with another shake of his head.

    That was when Star interrupted with the same sadness permeating her tone, ¡°since the rats are your experiment for now, not us; at this point anyway¡± she had to add, ¡°can you at least turn off the cameras in whatever room the two of us will be staying in?¡±

    That did do well to bring Connor¡¯s attention up from the phone, ¡°that¡¯s seriously all you two ever think about, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    That remark received a glare from both of them then, and as usual, Sky spoke first, ¡°actually in the four fucking months since we killed all your torture happy, pedo pervert friends, we¡¯ve had sex with each other exactly once; and that was just earlier tonight cause we had to try to fry all your little bugs. So, kindly, go fuck yourself¡± Sky bit out.

    Brie tried to hide what was almost a smile at the last portion of Sky¡¯s statement, but quickly hid it as she answered, ¡°yes, Star we can turn off the cameras in one of the bedrooms while we wait on the rats to mature¡± she agreed, causing Connor to simply scoff as he returned his attention to his phone yet again.

    ¡°Apparently they aren¡¯t just ¡®always on,¡¯ huh mom?¡± Sky called her on that.

    Brie simply sighed and looked away, not sure how apologizing for yet another lie was likely to help this time either. She then turned her attention back to Connor, ¡°so we¡¯re done for the night, right?¡±

    ¡°I suppose¡± Connor returned with disinterest, finally putting his phone away.

    ¡°Well. I can check in on the rats this week and you can go back to, whatever else you¡¯re doing at the main lab; and we¡¯ll see you in six weeks then?¡± Brie told him pointedly.

    ¡°Gee, Brie, are you trying to get rid of me?¡± Connor smirked.

    ¡°Well, if I wanted to deal with you during non-lab hours, we¡¯d still be married, wouldn¡¯t we?¡± she returned smartly.

    ¡°So funny¡± Connor retorted, then continued, ¡°and let me just remind you; this is my experiment. You didn¡¯t even wanna be part of it til they agreed. And I¡¯m the one letting you even assist at all, considering you¡¯re no longer on the payroll¡± he reminded her with an insincere smile, ¡°so I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ll be coming and going as I please. Kay, thanks¡± he added smartly before moving to gather up his briefcase from the stand nearby. ¡°Have a nice night kids¡± he told them as he took a step toward the main door, then added, ¡°see you soon¡± and with that, he made his way out of the building into the hot summer night once more.

    After another frustrated sigh, Brie moved to retrieve her own purse, only to be stopped as Star stood and moved to reach for her arm, ¡°did you have another question, Star?¡± Brie asked quietly.

    Star took a breath, ¡°actually, yes.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s about the cameras, don¡¯t worry, I promise to turn them off in your room on the way out¡± Brie assured.

    ¡°Not just that¡± Star replied, eyes down again.

    ¡°Then what?¡± Brie asked, concerned.

    ¡°What you said, about our special DNA being the reason we were drawn together...¡± she began, as Sky looked down at that worry being mentioned again.

    ¡°What about it?¡± Brie returned softly.

    ¡°So, will suppressing it... Will that make me and Sky stop loving each other too?¡± she forced those words out again as tears began welling up at the thought once more.

    Brie seemed more than a little caught by that question, it obviously not being as foremost in her mind as it had been in theirs; a sure sign that she herself never appeared to have known the kind of love these two had always had for one another. Most people never did.

    ¡°Um¡± Brie began, definitely thrown by the question. She tried to quickly think of any response she could, but decided that honesty had to be the only course; especially after seventeen years of dishonesty and what it had all led to. ¡°Star, honey...¡± a slight breath, ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know¡± she gave the sad answer, rather than making an educated guess about the outcome, as that surely wouldn¡¯t be the answer that the two of them wanted to hear right then either.

    ¡°So it could?¡± Star returned with more tears.

    Seeing her sadness and worry, Brie tried her best to turn on parent-mode again, as horrible as she and Connor had always been at that, ¡°that¡¯s the problem with doing something that¡¯s never been done before; like we did when we made you. All we can do is guess at any outcome. Nothing we did with you has ever been done before, so we can¡¯t just look at previous cases to determine what could happen. There are no previous cases¡± she answered sadly.

    ¡°So it really could make us stop loving each other¡± Star repeated as she turned away to wipe at more tears.

    ¡°And it¡¯s not like you can determine that with your little rats, can you?¡± Sky finally added, his voice breaking as he bit back his own tears once she confirmed that there was an actual possibility of Star¡¯s fears not being as unfounded as he had hoped they were.

    ¡°Documenting human emotion in rats---¡± Brie began.

    ¡°That was sarcasm,¡± Sky interrupted as he stood to pull Star into his arms as she continued crying against his chest.

    Brie averted her eyes as though she was almost feeling their sadness then too. After a few more moments of Sky and Star continuing to try and comfort each other, futile as it may have been, Brie spoke again, ¡°The two of you don¡¯t have to go through with trying this suppression thing, you know. There¡¯s always the other option.¡±

    Sky scoffed, ¡°The option where we just run until they kill us?¡±

    ¡°I know neither is really a good option,¡± Brie conceded sadly. ¡°I don¡¯t like either myself. But this one might at least keep you alive. That¡¯s one thing Connor was truthful about.¡±

    That was when Sky spoke again, ¡°And a life without the love of the one person who was literally made to be your soul-mate? How is that a life?¡±

 Chapter 21

    Over the next week, Brie and Connor did leave Sky and Star alone for the most part. One or the other of them would come to the building to make sure the rats had food and water, and even then, they seemed to be using the lab¡¯s separate entrance, not even coming into the house to check on the teens. Then again, all the cameras were still on except the ones in the master bedroom and adjoining bath, so they could still easily keep track of the two any time they left either of those rooms.

    That particular morning Sky was just finishing his shower and Star was in the kitchen chopping up some fruit for breakfast; though her expression still only wavered between sad and just blank for that entire week. She sniffled slightly as she heard Sky enter the kitchen area behind her, though did not turn to face him.

    ¡°Quite the cook you¡¯ve become¡± he attempted the joke; as her entire meal preparation consisted of just chopping up some fruit to nibble on for the mere purpose of keeping any hunger pangs from adding to her already dark mood.

    Noting that she didn¡¯t acknowledge his presence in any way, Sky allowed a soft sigh as he moved to a place behind where she continued the task. He gently wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and propped his chin atop her head, considering the near foot of height he now had on her.

    ¡°Talkative today I see¡± he murmured as he gave her the gentlest squeeze.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to talk about?¡± Star replied in a near whisper, simply forcing her attention to remain on her breakfast, though she didn¡¯t pull away from his embrace, despite the water dripping from his locks to dampen her own.

    ¡°We still have another five weeks til rat puberty. We don¡¯t have to stop talking to each other just yet¡± he attempted more humor, though neither honestly felt that jovial.

    ¡°What¡¯s the point?¡± Star returned in the same emotion-choked whisper.

    That was when Sky allowed his own sigh as he gently turned her to face him, though she didn¡¯t manage to bring her eyes up to meet his, sure that would cause her to melt, as it always did. ¡°Star, we don¡¯t know that it¡¯ll change how we feel. And if it¡¯s possible that it will, then do we really wanna waste our last five weeks not even being able to speak to each other?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it would be easier¡± she sniffled again, still not looking up at Sky, even though his hands remained on her waist after turning her to face him.

    ¡°Easier?¡± Sky scoffed, ¡°how do you figure?¡±

    ¡°They already ruined sex for us... Maybe it would be easier for us to stop wanting each other altogether. Maybe it would actually be a good thing¡± she whispered, though her tears made it obvious that she didn¡¯t believe her own words.

    Sky looked like he was about to say one thing, then changed his mind before the words left his lips, and tried another, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say ruined exactly. I mean that last time, at Brie¡¯s...it wasn¡¯t exactly horrible¡± he attempted a smile.

    Though Star just shook her head, ¡°no, it wasn¡¯t¡± she agreed, but quickly moved on, ¡°but it took us four months of trying to bury our fear of being together, any way we could... and now... now it just seems like it was all pointless to even try to get past those fears if everything we feel is just gonna disappear anyway. So maybe feeling nothing would be easier¡± she repeated as a few more tears slipped free.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the girl who told me she was sick of feeling nothing?¡± Sky reminded her, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

    ¡°That was when I thought I¡¯d have to spend the rest of my life being in love with someone I couldn¡¯t touch. But now...¡± Star just shook her head again.

    ¡°Star, those feelings aren¡¯t gone yet. They might not even go away at all. We don¡¯t know yet, remember?¡± Sky attempted to reassure her with the reminder of that doubt.

    ¡°Since when are you an optimist?¡± she scoffed as she shook her head once more.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re starting to sound like the one who...¡± Sky began, but didn¡¯t finish.

    But Star did finally look up then, not letting that sentence go just yet, ¡°the one who what?¡±

    ¡°Star, please. We don¡¯t know what¡¯ll happen yet. We just have to hold on til we do¡± Sky told her gently.

    ¡°You, telling me to hold on?¡± Star simply scoffed as she turned away from him, back to the counter. That was when her eyes moved back to the discarded knife. She then moved her fingers to trace the handle, her thoughts growing visibly darker then.

    Noting her fingertips tracing the knife handle almost longingly, Sky moved forward and pushed it away from her hand, across the counter, ¡°don¡¯t do this to me, Star¡± he whispered to her, desperately.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Star simply scoffed again, ¡°should I promise I won¡¯t?¡± she told him sarcastically.

    ¡°Come on, Star¡± Sky pleaded, his own emotions obvious then, ¡°if this is gonna drive you to... this¡± he glanced at the knife, ¡°then fine, fuck it. We can run right now.¡±

    ¡°Til they find us and kill us anyway¡± Star sighed, eyes down again, ¡°either way, it really does end with our deaths; either at their hands or our own. Doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Sky didn¡¯t have very long to try to find anything he could say to make one more attempt at assuring her that all was not lost. That was quite the difficult task anyway, considering he wasn¡¯t even sure of that himself. That was when they were startled more than a bit by one of the glass doors to the living and dining area whooshing open as Brie stepped inside, carrying a large, heavy backpack with her.

    ¡°Sorry, I guess I should have knocked¡± she greeted them as she noticed that they had visibly been startled from a seemingly intense discussion there in the kitchenette that morning.

    ¡°The doors and most of the walls are all glass, and there¡¯s cameras everywhere. I think privacy is a long-lost dream in this place¡± Sky retorted, his own frayed nerves of the moment easily hardening his voice.

    ¡°What¡¯s in the bag?¡± Star forced herself to try and pretend she had some interest in the answer.

    Trying to ignore the obvious moods apparent in each of them, Brie hefted the bag up onto the counter before offering an answer, ¡°so, the two of you missed the end of ninth grade and all of tenth and eleventh. This week you both should have started your senior year, actually. But before you can rejoin your classmates, there¡¯s a bunch of make-up tests you¡¯ll have to take so they can be sure you¡¯re prepared for that senior year. These books are your study material¡± she attempted a smile at the prospect of returning some normalcy to their lives at long last.

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right?¡± Sky scoffed.

    Brie was a bit thrown by that response, but replied, ¡°well don¡¯t you two wanna try to get back to being normal teenagers, finally? I mean that was the main point of trying this whole gene suppression thing, right?¡±

    ¡°So, you want us to spend our last five weeks taking make-up tests? Tests for the school that we were yanked out of, against our will, so we could be guinea pigs for our so-called parents and all their supremely fucked up asshole friends? Am I following?¡± Sky retorted with the same anger.

    Brie swallowed a bit at yet another reminder of her past deeds and what had happened as a result of them. But then she was caught by the beginning of his question, ¡°last five weeks?¡±

    Star was the one who offered the answer, ¡°if the suppression makes us stop caring about each other... We¡¯re done.¡±

    ¡°Done?¡± was all Brie could respond with.

    Star continued, speaking more slowly, deliberately, ¡°if Sky and I no longer love each other, then I¡¯m ending it¡± she said the words with such certainty and an almost calm acceptance that it sent chills down Sky¡¯s spine, while Brie just looked on with a bit of confusion.

    ¡°Ending what, exactly?¡± Brie asked, not sure she wanted the answer.

    Star simply reached for Sky¡¯s arm, turning the scar toward Brie, ¡°that enough of a hint for you?¡±

    Brie swallowed hard, as Sky just looked down, biting back his own emotions at the thought of Star really going through with that, and being so sure of it. And he knew that she was right; if Star did take her own life, his would be forfeit too. He couldn¡¯t live without his other half any more than she could.

    ¡°Star... Sky...¡± Brie breathed their names, not sure how she could possibly react to such a confession, not to mention the calmness with which Star shared it, ¡°we don¡¯t know... you don¡¯t have to...¡± again, any words she could think of fell short. She tried to compose herself for another long moment before the logical side of her brain finally forced her words then, ¡°I doubt either of you would do that.¡±

    The two just scoffed in unison, though Sky was the first to speak ¡°have you met us? I already tried, even before life sucked this bad. Where the hell have you been for the last three years?¡± he added sarcastically.

    Another deep breath from Brie, ¡°what I mean is that your statement is just... illogical.¡±

    Another scoff as Star spoke again, ¡°since fucking when is suicide logical? It just is. It just happens. When life is too much to bear anymore. Logic doesn¡¯t have any fucking place in it!¡±

    ¡°What I mean is...¡± Brie began, trying to completely remove her emotions from her answer, as much more difficult as that had been for her since losing them a year earlier, ¡°what I mean is that, you¡¯re saying that if you no longer love each other, then you¡¯ll end your own lives. But the fact is, that if you two come out of this not loving each other anymore... you won¡¯t care that you don¡¯t. You won¡¯t miss something if it¡¯s something you no longer feel. And if you no longer feel it, then you won¡¯t miss it. You won¡¯t feel like anything¡¯s missing at all. So there¡¯ll be no pain from that loss. So, no... I don¡¯t think either of you would do that¡± she repeated again, though somehow sadly.

    It was true that she was talking about them not losing their own lives; but what she was talking about them losing was something that had always been more important to them than their lives. Something that defined their lives and every bit of who they were. Though, in a way, losing that would be the same as losing their own lives; which is obviously how they already saw it.

    After another long moment, Sky finally spoke again, ¡°so what you¡¯re basically saying is that our love for each other is actually the source of all our pain?¡± he just shook his head again.

    Brie then allowed what was almost a smile, sad though it was, ¡°told you you were still human.¡±

    Shortly thereafter, Brie left them alone with the books and her words, and went to check on the rats for the day. Sky and Star just looked back at each other as the door closed behind Brie. Finally, he spoke again, ¡°so I guess we should be thrilled by the prospect of no longer caring about each other after all. It¡¯s apparently a cure-all for our pain.¡±

    Star sighed softly as she took a seat at one of the stools next to the kitchen counter, ¡°then I guess I like pain a lot more than I thought.¡±

    Sky took a seat on the stool next to her with his own sigh. He then smirked, ¡°I guess if you really are a masochist now, that could open up a whole new world of experimentation in the bedroom. Which is saying something, for us.¡±

    ¡°Shut up, Sky¡± she scoffed, though almost smiled, almost.

    ¡°Make me¡± he smiled as he leaned over to cover her mouth with his in what he hoped wasn¡¯t one of the last kisses they would share. He apparently liked his pain too, after all.

 Chapter 22

    After another week of waiting on the rats to mature, Connor was a bit surprised to find Brie at the lab when he arrived that morning. ¡°I thought it was my turn to feed and water them... and the rats too¡± Connor greeted her wryly.

    Brie just scoffed from her place somberly staring at the cages of the two week old rats, ¡°I think we have a problem.¡±

    Connor then just smirked as he went about getting his morning coffee, ¡°when don¡¯t we?¡±

    Brie shook her head as she finally turned from the cages to glance his way, ¡°other than being drawn to each other, there¡¯s no other evidence of any of the abilities we¡¯ve seen in Star and Sky.¡±

    ¡°One, they¡¯re only two weeks old, and---¡±

    ¡°One day, Connor¡± Brie interrupted, ¡°one day and Star and Sky could blow out half the lights in the lab¡± she reminded.

    ¡°And two,¡± he pressed on, ¡°they¡¯re rats. They have teeny tiny rat brains. Slightly different from human brains. May be a little longer til any abilities show up¡± he told her with a bit of condescension as he poured his coffee.

    ¡°If they don¡¯t develop any abilities like the kids have, we may have to scrap this entire experiment, Connor¡± Brie told him pointedly.

    That was when Connor looked back at her skeptically, ¡°how do you figure?¡±

    Brie scoffed again, ¡°we can¡¯t try suppressing the genes that give the rats abilities if there are no abilities!¡± she stated matter-of-factly, and a bit impatiently.

    ¡°Well, then I guess we¡¯ll have to go straight to the human testing¡± he shrugged as he went back to stirring his drink.

    ¡°Do you hear yourself? You want to try a never before tested gene suppression on two human teenagers, without having a successful test in non-human subjects first? Who are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the guy who¡¯s trying to save our kids'' lives, Brie.¡±

    ¡°Our kids?¡± Brie just shook her head back at him, ¡°the very fact that you want to go ahead even without proper scientific protocol? I think that pretty much says all we need to about how much of a father you feel like you even are to them.¡±

    That was when he turned back with a bit of anger breaking through his normally apathetic demeanor, ¡°we don¡¯t have any other choice, Brie. We¡¯re lucky they even agreed to give us this one shot at all. If it doesn¡¯t work out with the rats, we have to move forward. There¡¯s no turning back at this point. It¡¯s the one and only chance we have of saving our kids. And, frankly I¡¯m a bit surprised that you¡¯re the one who wants to stop this and just toss them out there to be hunted down. Cause you know that that is exactly what¡¯ll happen, Brie. So don¡¯t lecture me on caring about them when you¡¯re the one trying to get them put down now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to save them from whatever this untested suppression technique could possibly do to them!¡± Brie argued back.

    ¡°And I¡¯m just trying to save them¡± Connor retorted, ¡°so which of us is in the right, really?¡±

    <hr>

    When Sky awoke the next morning, it was to the feel of Star¡¯s lips gently placing kisses over his flat stomach, right above the waist band of his underwear where the tiniest trail of black disappeared beneath the material. His breath caught a bit as he became aware of those kisses, and pressed his head further back into the pillow to await whatever they were leading to.

    As Sky waited for Star to hopefully pull the ever tightening material from his already obvious arousal, he then felt a warm, salty tear slip from her cheek to land on the even more heated flesh of his stomach.

    The feel of her tears did make him open his eyes then, and glance down at her, though he didn¡¯t move his hand from where it had ever so slowly begun caressing her hair, ¡°should I feel really guilty that I¡¯m hard while you¡¯re crying?¡±

    Star sniffled a bit before finally turning to lay her cheek against his stomach, her fingers still tracing that tiny trail of black above his underwear, ¡°if it¡¯s any consolation, you were hard before I even started kissing you.¡±

    Sky bit back a smile at that, as he was more concerned with her own mood than the fact that his body seemed blissfully unaware of how damaged his mind actually was at this point. ¡°The joys of being a seventeen year old boy¡± he attempted to let a sliver of his humor show in some effort to improve her mood.

    ¡°I feel a lot older than that¡± Star whispered, pressing her cheek tighter to his stomach to try and push back another small tear.

    ¡°We did kind of rush headlong into pretty adult activities the second we knew what the point of any of them were. At least I did. You did manage to wait a couple months longer¡± he attempted to keep his mood as light as he could in the face of her sadness, despite how much he felt it himself.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ¡°Yeah and we both did that to try and forget how badly we wanted our own so-called twin¡± Star sighed, ¡°wow, maybe mother dear is right about the source of all our pain after all.¡±

    Sky let out a breath as his body finally started calming to match his mood, ¡°I mean, she¡¯s got a point. If you don¡¯t love anyone, then it won¡¯t matter that no one loves you back. It¡¯s just that right now, just knowing that we could lose what we do still feel... That¡¯s the unbearable part.¡±

    Star sighed heavily as she finally moved to lay her head on the pillow next to his instead, ¡°I just had another scary thought.¡±

    ¡°Oh, good, I was hoping for more of those¡± he told her wryly as he turned slightly toward her to brush a long lock from her cheek.

    ¡°We¡¯ve spent the last two weeks preparing for the loss of everything that makes us us, right?¡± Star began, ¡°so what if this suppression thing doesn¡¯t work at all? Meaning we still have our abilities and our feelings for each other. Or what if it only partially works? And we lose one without the other? Then what?¡±

    Sky thought on her words before trying to address them, ¡°well if we come outta this with both powers and feelings in tact, then I guess then we get to spend the rest of our lives running. But at least they¡¯ll be short lives, right?¡± he scoffed. He then moved on, ¡°and if we do only lose our abilities, like dad¡¯s wonderful plan, then I guess we just live defenselessly ever after, hoping that neither the scientists nor the jocks have any desire to kill us anymore¡± another scoff.

    Star pressed, obviously not feeling any better, ¡°and if we lose both?¡±

    Sky sighed, ¡°then I guess it¡¯s back to high school hell knowing no one will ever love us.¡±

    ¡°And what if we just lose our feelings, not our powers?¡± Star whispered worriedly.

    ¡°Well, wouldn¡¯t that be a slap in the face for daddy dear? Hey dad, we have no feelings anymore, thanks; but we can still make your head explode if we decide to keep having now meaningless sex with each other. Sleep tight¡± Sky added sarcastically.

    That was when Star looked down sadly, ¡°literally every single option sucks.¡±

    Sky sighed in concession, ¡°that it does.¡±

    Then Star looked back at him, ¡°but would it even work?¡±

    ¡°Would what work?¡± Sky asked, obviously still pondering all the outcomes they had just been discussing.

    ¡°Making dad¡¯s head explode with meaningless sex¡± she offered.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t suggesting we actually try that... unless of course you want to¡± he added with mock thoughtfulness.

    Star just shook her head, ¡°no I mean, if we no longer love each other, would us having sex still even make anything happen?¡±

    Sky bit his lip as he thought on that, ¡°I¡¯m sure something would still happen. I mean we have gotten pretty damn good at knowing what makes each other come.¡±

    Star scoffed, ¡°what I mean is, you and I have had many, many orgasms; be it with complete strangers, or just alone, and never has us just coming made anything happen. It¡¯s only when we make each other have an orgasm that stuff happens. What if it¡¯s not the orgasm doing it? What if it¡¯s actually just... cheesy as it sounds; it¡¯s just our love for each other that makes stuff happen. I mean, remember when we cast and stuff happened? That was before our bodies even could...¡± a slight shake of her head, ¡°it was just us feeling what we felt, and then any physical contact between us at all is what made things happen. It just turned into sexual contact once we started... having sex¡± she added.

    Sky shook his head again, eyes narrowing, ¡°so you¡¯re saying that if we ever just naturally fell out of love with each other, not that that would ever be remotely possible; but then we¡¯d lose all our powers on our own? No freaky science experiment needed?¡±

    ¡°Think about it¡± Star began, ¡°why else would our love for each other be coded into our very DNA, if it wasn¡¯t to preserve our abilities? There¡¯s no other reason why it would ever have to work that way: None¡± she finished.

    After a long pause, Sky spoke again, ¡°ok, you¡¯ve convinced me. You¡¯re probably right. Our powers are most likely tied to our emotions. And our bodies... touching, is just how we express our emotions in order to trigger those powers.¡± a slight breath, ¡°so, how does this change our current situation?¡±

    Star sighed as she moved to roll onto her back, ¡°it doesn¡¯t really, I suppose. I was just trying to make sense of it: Of us.¡±

    Another several minutes passed as they lay together in bed. Sky¡¯s arm remained around Star¡¯s shoulders as the two of them stared up at the ceiling hoping some solution would magically come to them; now that would be a useful power. Finally, Sky spoke again, ¡°I somehow doubt today¡¯s the day we¡¯re gonna figure out how to deal with whatever happens in a month.¡±

    ¡°Lucky us; we still have a whole month to figure it out¡± Star returned sarcastically.

    ¡°So, what do we do in the meantime?¡± Sky asked as he rolled to his side to face her.

    ¡°Have something in mind, do you?¡± Star returned with a raised brow.

    ¡°Well, those kisses were kind of nice¡± Sky smiled as he placed one of his own on her cheek.

    ¡°I was only kissing your stomach¡± Star replied, hiding a smirk.

    ¡°I stand by my statement¡± he teased as he kissed her nose too then.

    ¡°If I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d think you were implying that you might want some kind of physical interaction to happen here¡± Star returned as she placed a kiss on his nose as well.

    ¡°Well, it took four months for me to give into that again last time¡± Sky began, ¡°and now it¡¯s only been two weeks since that night. Maybe my self-therapy is finally starting to work.¡±

    ¡°Or you just figure we only have a month left to be afraid of what our... intimate moments could make happen? So we may as well just...¡± Star inferred.

    ¡°Yolo?¡± Sky smirked back.

    ¡°Don¡¯t know if that could ever apply to us¡± Star sighed softly.

    ¡°Is that another theory we need to test?¡± Sky couldn¡¯t help another smirk.

    ¡°You know, either of them could come in from the lab at any moment¡± Star argued, though her smile belied her words.

    ¡°Door¡¯s locked¡± Sky stated as he moved to gently kiss her lips.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they have keys, or door codes, or something¡± Star managed through the kiss, though didn¡¯t pull away from it.

    ¡°And if they touch that keypad while we¡¯re... enjoying our last month... we¡¯ll just fry it. That should do well to send them running¡± Sky teased as he slid that pierced tongue inside her mouth once again.

    When they ended the kiss simply to take a breath, Star spoke again, ¡°you did wake up in an eager mood today, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Sky smiled down at her, ¡°having no cameras, or people around, and a possible expiration date in only a month?¡± he had to add, ¡°I definitely think yolo now applies to us¡± and with that, he moved in to kiss her even more passionately then.

 Chapter 23

    Star and Sky did make love to each other that morning like it was indeed their last month as lovers. The intensity that they always had was that much stronger now, quickly pushing them both to that mutual climax once more. And just as before, when they reached that point, their powers did manifest.

    Only, this time it happened in a completely new and terrifying way. They both felt that release while their bodies were joined as one; Star atop Sky¡¯s hips as he poured himself into where she too was feeling that climax. And at that final moment, the two simply vanished, leaving nothing behind except an indentation in sweat-dampened sheets.

    <hr>

    When Brie came to restock the fridge later that day, she was more than a little surprised that Sky and Star had not yet made their way out of the bedroom for either breakfast or lunch, according to the monitors she glanced at before leaving the lab. After putting the groceries away, and still seeing no sign of the teens, she sighed and slowly made her way toward the master bedroom.

    Upon stopping outside the door, she moved to listen at it, just in case she would simply be interrupting some particularly passionate, and lengthy, tryst between them. After several seconds of hearing nothing from inside, she assumed they had just gone back to sleep after such an activity. With a sigh, she knocked at the door, just to make sure they were still breathing. After all, them no longer continuing to do so was a very real fear.

    ¡°Kids?¡± She asked worriedly through the door. At this point she was actually hoping to get a response of annoyance for disturbing their rest, despite it being already after twelve.

    For the first time, she found herself wishing that the bedrooms also had clear glass doors and walls; though, this room was surrounded by a door and walls that were made of thickly frosted glass where you could barely even make out shadows or colors behind them, especially when the room was dark; as it was currently. After all, with the cameras on, there was no need for clear glass doors and walls in the non-common areas of the house. However, she had given in to agreeing to turn the cameras off in at least that room and its adjoining bath to just try and make up for some bit of the victimization and exploitation the teens had already endured.

    After several more seconds of getting no response, that was when Brie did begin letting a bit of fear in. She bravely knocked at the door more loudly and waited several more moments on some kind of response. Eventually having to accept the fact that they were not able to respond, for whatever reason, Brie braced herself and moved toward the keypad next to the door. But she hesitated, and instead moved her attention to the intercom.

    ¡°Connor, are you in the lab still?¡± she asked after pressing the button.

    ¡°What is it, Brie?¡± he answered with his usual distraction and disinterest.

    ¡°Might you happen to know where the kids are?¡± Brie asked with a slight breath.

    Connor narrowed his eyes, glanced at the monitors nearby and replied, ¡°still in the damn bedroom from what I can tell. Typical¡± he added under his breath.

    ¡°So they haven¡¯t left the bedroom at all today?¡± Brie asked with a bit of worry.

    ¡°So much for his bullshit about how difficult it was for them to still wanna do that with each other constantly¡± Connor scoffed.

    ¡°I already tried calling to them and knocking at the bedroom door. They¡¯re not answering¡± Brie told him with increased worry.

    ¡°Guess they¡¯re just not into threesomes with their adopted mom. But fucking who they thought was their own twin? That? Totally cool with it¡± he added sarcastically.

    Brie let out a sigh of frustration at his continued blas¨¦ attitude, ¡°Connor, will you please just come up to the house?¡±

    ¡°What for? I doubt they¡¯d want a threesome with me either¡± he scoffed again.

    ¡°Connor, come on. I don¡¯t think they¡¯re in there having sex. I hear nothing. They¡¯re not even answering at all. Will you please just get in here?¡±

    ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake, Brie, you know all the codes. Just open the damn door yourself. They¡¯re already pissed at us. What¡¯s one more transgression of their precious privacy?¡± Connor replied shortly.

    Brie took another shallow breath before responding, ¡°I don¡¯t wanna open the door.¡±

    Connor scoffed again, ¡°then why are we even having this conversation?¡±

    Brie forced down her own pride and responded, ¡°I¡¯m afraid to open the door, Connor¡± she told him in a near whisper.

    Connor simply sighed with his own frustration then, But he still stood to make his way from the lab to the main house. Once he reached where Brie gnawed at her nails outside the bedroom door, he greeted her with ¡°what exactly are you afraid of again?¡±Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°We know how suicidal they are. Both of them, now. I don¡¯t wanna open the door and have to see... that. Test subjects or not; I still raised them from the time they were babies. Earlier, even¡± Brie confessed the true reason she was so terrified of finding out why they weren¡¯t answering.

    ¡°You really have gone soft, haven¡¯t you?¡± Connor retorted, though his voice was somehow gentler then, as surprising as that was.

    ¡°I notice you¡¯re not rushing to open the door either¡± Brie stated softly.

    Connor just sighed again, squared his shoulders, and moved to type in the door code. The door easily whooshed open to allow them to finally solve the mystery of what was on the other side of it. Though, Connor simply looked a bit confused himself as the door had still been locked from the inside, but all they found there were a few scattered clothes on the floor next to a disheveled bed.

    ¡°Um...¡± Brie stammered as she made herself peer around Connor to see what waited inside the room at last.

    ¡°Where the fuck are they?¡± Connor asked Brie, almost accusingly.

    Brie just scoffed, ¡°oh I¡¯m sure I helped them escape then called you up to the house to discover the fact. If that had happened, I probably would have just waited to see if you even noticed they were gone before the month was up¡± she retorted angrily, moving forward to glance around the empty room once more.

    ¡°Door locked from inside. Kids gone. In the words of our wayward son, what in the actual fuck?¡± Connor replied.

    ¡°No idea¡± Brie admitted as she took another step into the room, then glanced at the bathroom door, ¡°mind checking in there too?¡± she asked him in a whisper.

    Connor only scoffed as he moved to push the bathroom door open. Again, there was nothing to be found in there, including two star crossed teens possibly bleeding out together in the tub. ¡°Not here either.¡± Connor sighed as he tossed the bathroom door shut again behind him with a bit of a slam.

    ¡°Let¡¯s try to think logically here¡± Brie began, ¡°if they had just run, then you would have seen them on the monitors. And they could have just fried them again to hide their escape. They didn¡¯t do that either. And they obviously didn¡¯t do what I was afraid they might have¡± she took another breath, ¡°so what other option is there?¡±

    Connor just let out another frustrated sigh. ¡°Guess we have to find out.¡±

    ¡°Ya think?¡± Brie returned sarcastically. But before she could say more, Connor started out of the bedroom and back toward the lab. Hurrying to catch up with his longer stride, ¡°care to share what you¡¯re suddenly rushing off to do while our kids are missing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to find out why, and how, and when. That¡¯s what we do¡± he returned, not breaking his pace as he moved toward the door that connected the house to the lab.

    ¡°And how do you plan on doing that?¡± Brie pressed, continuing to follow him into the lab.

    ¡°Gonna watch the fuckin footage¡± he bit out shortly.

    ¡°Footage?¡± Brie scoffed, ¡°I turned the cameras off in there.¡±

    ¡°And I turned one of them back on¡± Connor told her bluntly, ignoring her glare as he reached the monitors and began searching for the footage in question.

    ¡°The one in the fucking vent?¡± Brie returned angrily.

    ¡°You really think I was gonna let our two little sex-bombs go unmonitored? Come on, Brie.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable¡± Brie bit out angrily.

    ¡°Well, you don¡¯t have to sit here and watch. Unless of course you wanna know what actually happened¡± he added smartly as he cued up the footage that began with Star gently placing kisses over Sky¡¯s stomach as he slept.

    ¡°You¡¯re really gonna sit here and watch this? After I promised them the cameras would be off?¡± Brie shook her head again.

    ¡°As far as you knew, they were. Besides, shouldn¡¯t you be thanking me?¡± he stated as he began fast forwarding through that morning, ¡°now we¡¯ll actually be able to figure out how they vanished.¡± Brie continued to shake her head as their lovemaking began. Though at least it was in fast forward, and not exactly the clearest view from behind the vent the camera was hidden in. ¡°The kid¡¯s got moves at least¡± Connor stated wryly as he continued to fast forward.

    Brie scoffed again, "They¡¯re our children Connor¡± she complained with disgust. But before they could debate the ethics of watching the two teens make love, it got a bit more uncomfortable, if possible, as Star moved to the dominant position above Sky¡¯s hips. ¡°What, no comments on the moves our seventeen year old daughter has too?¡± Brie bit out.

    But before Connor could try to make another glib comment to deflect the very real discomfort at seeing Star making love to Sky then, instead of the other way around, the two sat up to lean in, trying to decipher what had just taken place in the footage before them.

    Staring intently at the screen, the two of them were beyond perplexed but what had just happened. Finally, Brie found her voice, ¡°well, you did say vanished.¡±

    After another long moment of painfully rewinding and watching as their orgasms overtook the teens at the same moment that they disappeared from sight, the two finally had to admit to having no clue what on earth they had just witnessed. Then, Connor finally managed some comment to hide his own discomfort and confusion, ¡°I know it¡¯s been a while, but I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s not how sex is supposed to end.¡±

    Brie just sighed again as she finally pulled the keyboard away and turned off the video. ¡°And I¡¯m pretty sure watching it another hundred times isn¡¯t gonna make it end differently.¡±

    ¡°But seriously¡± Connor began, obviously in a very foreign place of not understanding how something works for once in his life, ¡°what the hell just happened?¡±

    Brie thought a long moment, trying to look at the situation from a purely scientific perspective, as difficult as that was. ¡°They¡¯re getting older, stronger. We barely know anything about their powers as it is; and they¡¯re likely to just keep growing and changing. They already went from having no control over them to making what they specifically wanted to happen, happen. Right?¡± she attempted to reason it out aloud.

    ¡°That¡¯s all well and good, but come on. Look at what they did. That¡¯s what they wanted to happen? They wanted to just vanish into thin air?¡± Connor scoffed as he looked back at the now blank screen once more.

    Then Brie almost laughed, ¡°did you really just ask that?¡± Connor simply looked back at her, eyes narrowed. Brie shook her head over at him again, ¡°of course all they wanted to do right now was just disappear. Where have you been?¡± another pause as she looked at the blank screen as well, ¡°they wanted to just get away from all this, to be gone, to not have to guess at what was gonna happen with this experiment, one way or the other. And it looks like they got their wish, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

 Chapter 24

    Connor and Brie both just stared at the bay of monitors which basically were monitoring nothing but an empty house now. Connor finally sighed and spoke again, ¡°so, they disappeared themselves off somewhere? Wonderful¡± he added sarcastically, before adding ¡°but where?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure the point was for us not to know that¡± Brie mumbled.

    Connor shook his head again, ¡°yeah, well, we better figure it out. Because, if they¡¯re not here, then that means they¡¯re no longer going along with this experiment.¡±

    ¡°Ya think?¡± Brie repeated.

    ¡°And this experiment, and them agreeing to it, were the only things keeping them from being hunted down. Ring a bell?¡±

    Brie sighed sadly then, ¡°it¡¯s just not fair. They never asked for these abilities.¡±

    Connor scoffed as he stood, ¡°yeah, well, I think you¡¯re seventeen years and nearly sixty dead bodies too late to now have regrets about us playing god. Aren¡¯t you?¡±

    <hr>

    Eventually, Sky and Star once again gained some awareness of their surroundings, following their intense lovemaking. However, what they expected to see when they looked around the room once more, and what they did see, were two drastically different realities. Still catching their breaths, they each opened their eyes at last and both startled more than a bit. Star scrambled to quickly move off of him, putting a more than jarring end to that extremely intimate contact between them. Her fingers immediately grasped for covers that were no longer there.

    Sitting up, just as startled, Sky¡¯s fingers also reached out for some way for them to cover their flushed and sweat-dampened bodies, which were both still trembling in the aftermath of their passion. Only, the only thing their fingers came in contact with was a shimmering metallic surface that somehow did still feel soft to the touch, against all logic. Even more illogical was that this surface seemed to be surrounding them on all sides, floors, walls, and ceilings of what could barely even be distinguished as a room at all, and seemed more like a ¡®chamber¡¯ of some kind.

    ¡°Where the hell are we?¡± Star¡¯s voice shook with the question.

    ¡°I think the ¡®us getting dosed with something¡¯ theory is a slight bit more believable now that we¡¯re being held prisoner by our mad scientist parents,¡± Sky breathed his response, both of their dark eyes darting around to try to even distinguish any sort of door or window or any other detail nearby, only to find none.

    ¡°Well this is some drug then,¡± Star breathed, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them to try and preserve some modesty, despite all else.

    Sky also mimicked her motion as the two continued to look around, trying desperately to determine what fresh hell this was. At this point, they both expected an army of scientists to drop down from above with whips and command them to get back to their earlier activity again. It¡¯s not like that sort of thing hadn¡¯t happened to them before; many times before.

    That was when their millions of imagined fears were interrupted by a voice that had no discernible gender. ¡°No, you have no need to fear us making any demands of you. We heard your call, and came to your aid. That is all.¡±

    Both were even more startled as they turned their eyes in the direction of where the voice seemed to originate from. Only what greeted them was something they did not even have any words to describe. The most accurate description they even could manage was that there before them was what appeared to be some kind of being, made of pure light, with no human features at all, aside from just the vaguest outline of a humanoid form.

    ¡°What the... what?¡± was all Sky managed as he and Star just looked on in shock, even squinting slightly at the light being put out from this otherworldly companion of theirs.

    ¡°Heard our call?¡± Star managed, in the same broken voice as before.

    Then it spoke again, just as gently, ¡°It¡¯s hard to make our words make sense in your words. But yes, lost children. We heard your soul calling out to us and knew we had to find you. Save you from whatever you were so frightened of.¡±

    That was when Sky leaned toward Star, speaking furtively, ¡°Yeah, I definitely think we¡¯re tripping hard.¡±

    ¡°Lost children?¡± Star repeated its words, trying desperately to make sense of them.

    It answered, ¡°The two you were made from; they were stolen from us, long ago. We never thought we¡¯d find them again. Only when we heard your call, we knew it was them. At least part of them. The soul that made yours¡± it finished in what sounded like actual sadness, from a literal ball of light.

    ¡°Hell, let¡¯s just go with it¡± Sky murmured to Star before turning back to speak to the light-creature, ¡°you keep saying soul, singular?¡± he cleared his throat, trying to get his head around any of the situation he was now in, ¡°if two were stolen from you, or whatever¡± he shook his head, ¡°wouldn¡¯t that be souls, plural? I mean, I never made it past ninth grade English either, but...¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    It then answered with what was almost confusion, ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Two beings. One soul. That¡¯s how it¡¯s always been. Like it is for the two of you.¡±

    Star let out a small sound of disbelief at the entirety of the situation before she had to speak again, ¡°so you¡¯re telling us that your kind... what we partially are...¡± she allowed, ¡°that in your world, everyone literally is someone else¡¯s soul-mate?¡±

    It then seemed to smile, if it had had a mouth, ¡°yes, you know the word¡± it then continued, ¡°the two that made you, they were soul-mates. Of course the two of you would be as well. It¡¯s just strange that the other half they made you with, didn¡¯t seem to know that til recently. So strange. We¡¯re born knowing it. Knowing who we belong to; who we belong with. Who we can¡¯t live without.¡±

    Sky just shook his head, ¡°so the half of us that¡¯s human; that¡¯s the half that made us fight what you¡¯re all born knowing, and keep fighting it, for fourteen years?¡±

    It then spoke again, sadly once more, ¡°it¡¯s very cruel, them diluting who you are, mixing you with this other part that makes you forget and even fight the knowledge that you should have had all your lives. The strength you would have always had would have been unknown to you. Your lives there in that place, after what they did to you... they must have been... terrible¡± it added even more sadly.

    Sky and Star bit back tears then when hearing their lives described in such a way, accurate though it was. Though Sky was the first to speak, ¡°yeah pretty sure we¡¯re more human than we are soul-mate, ball of light people. Cause terrible¡¯s an understatement.¡±

    It continued then, ¡°but your soul, it found the truth, despite everything. You know you¡¯re soul-mates now. And now you can be stronger, better, what you were always meant to be.¡±

    Sky scoffed again, ¡°that may be true, but as we speak, the ones who did this to us; they¡¯re trying to undo it. Get rid of the part of us that¡¯s... whatever you are.¡±

    There was then more tension and dread in it¡¯s voice, ¡°no wonder you called out to us. That would be...¡± it seemed at a loss for words.

    ¡°Terrible?¡± Sky offered.

    ¡°Yes, definitely terrible¡± it agreed sadly.

    Sky sighed just as sadly, ¡°yeah, so what are we supposed to do about it? Stay here in this... weird silver room... talking to a ball of light for the rest of our lives?¡±

    ¡°You want to go back? To the people who diluted you? Who made you forget what you are? Who want to undo what you are?¡± It asked, seeming confused by the idea completely.

    Star interjected, ¡°well not specifically back to them¡± she sighed, ¡°but we can¡¯t exactly stay here for the next sixty years or so. Wherever here even is¡± she added as she took a look around again.

    It replied again, seeming to understand more then, ¡°so you want to go back, but you need it to be safe for you to go back?¡±

    ¡°That would be nice¡± Sky replied, though his tone showed that he doubted that that would be a real possibility.

    It continued, ¡°and it won¡¯t be safe as long as anyone knows that you are partially us?¡±

    ¡°No kidding¡± Sky agreed, then moved on, ¡°thanks to the stuff we can do when we, become one¡± he decided on, ¡°they want us dead now. Or at least to take away the stuff we can do...at those times.¡±

    It then seemed distracted by part of Sky¡¯s statement, ¡°you can only make things happen when you...combine?¡±

    Sky and Star both looked a bit startled by its question. Sky spoke again, ¡°I take it that¡¯s not how that¡¯s supposed to work either?¡±

    ¡°They really have diluted you¡± a sad pause before it continued, ¡°well, combining our life essence with our soul-mate; it definitely makes us even more capable of amazing things. But just being near each other should be enough to do most of the things we can do.¡±

    Star spoke then, ¡°so, we really could use our powers, without-- by just being near each other?¡± she reworded.

    It gave its next answer, ¡°more contact does improve our abilities, but it¡¯s definitely not necessary.¡±

    Sky then interjected, ¡°well that; you need to teach us that.¡±

    That was when Star turned to him, ¡°then what?¡±

    ¡°Then we can do whatever the fuck we want¡± he told her with an almost hopeful smile.

    ¡°Of course I want us to be able to use our powers whenever we need to, but our powers are the reason they want us dead, or powerless, or both. I think us getting even more powerful, and using them even more; it probably isn¡¯t the best plan for self-preservation, in the long run.¡±

    ¡°Well, not having powers isn¡¯t exactly good for our life expectancy either. I mean, do you really trust that they¡¯ll just let us go, even if they do get rid of these abilities? Really?¡± Sky asked pointedly.

    It then interrupted their discussion, ¡°it seems like what you two actually need is to be your whole selves, like you were meant to be; abilities and all. But you also need for these other, humans, to not be threatened by what that is, so you can continue to live among them.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well good luck to us¡± Sky replied, ¡°the entire motto of the human race is: I don¡¯t understand it, let¡¯s kill it.¡±

    It seemed somehow amused and saddened at the same time, ¡°it seems like a strange race to want to be part of.¡±

    Star sighed as she looked down, ¡°it is. But it¡¯s all we¡¯ve ever known. And obviously we are more human than... not¡± she said as she gestured to she and Sky¡¯s still nude bodies where they still kept their knees to their chests and tried to maintain some bit of dignity throughout this strange conversation. But she soon continued, ¡°so it is where we belong, believe it or not. We just have to figure out how to survive there, being what we are, and doing what we can do.¡±

    ¡°So how do we do that?¡± Sky asked both his companions, not sure either actually had that answer.

    It then thought a moment before replying, ¡°I suppose what you need to do is possibly make those that know what you are... make them no longer know. Then you can start over. You can have your powers when you need them, but no one else has to know about them, or where they come from.¡±

    Star spoke up with narrowed eyes, ¡°are you talking about making them forget what we are?¡± she shook her head as she and Sky looked at each other in more than a bit of shock at the prospect of that.

    ¡°Can we really do that? Make them forget?¡± Sky had to ask, just to clarify.

    It then looked back their way and gestured to the strange room they were in, ¡°doesn¡¯t your soul always find a way to give you what you need, exactly when you need it most?¡±

 Chapter 25

    To Sky and Star, it felt like weeks that they were there in this strange place. Though, it was impossible for them to actually know, since time there was nothing like it was in the home they had always known. Then again, it had been pretty difficult to tell the passage of time during their imprisonment as well. Thankfully though, their time spent here was nothing near as nightmarish as that time of their lives. The time they spent here was actually spent learning to use their powers without any kind of forced intimacy. And eventually their well-lit companion, who apparently was actually a female named Veda, told them they were nearly ready to return home.

    All that was left for them to do before returning home was to put together all they had learned and hit that ¡®reset¡¯ button on their lives, as they had begun calling it. As Veda took them to another strange room with a brightly lit orb in the center, Sky just had to turn to her with a case of last minute nerves, ¡°and we¡¯re sure this reset is going to work? On everyone? Even the people our parents work for?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only changing you, or rather, the memories they all have that pertain to the two of you. You¡¯re strong enough now, and it¡¯s what your soul needs to survive¡± Veda assured them, a smile in her strange voice.

    ¡°And when will it be when we return?¡± Star asked with her own worry, ¡°how do we explain being gone all this time?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going back to the same time as when you left¡± Veda assured, ¡°now just concentrate, like we showed you. Think of the memories that you wish were yours, and those will be theirs now.¡±

    ¡°And we can do that, from here?¡± Sky asked, ¡°no sex needed?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve learned now. Just concentrate¡± Veda repeated as the two moved to stare into that strange orb with her, and after a long moment, they once again vanished.

    When the two became aware again, it was with a start, at the sound of their names being called. It was then that they both sat up, looked around, and each realized they were back in their own bedrooms, at their old, unflooded house, in all their old clothes surrounded by all their old possessions.

    ¡°What the?¡± Star stated under her breath as she pushed herself up from her own bed for the first time in nearly three years. She quickly moved to her black book bag, which was, apparently filled with books for her senior year classes. Shaking her head at that, she moved to grab for her phone. Indeed the screen told her it was still early morning, that first week of September, just as it had been when their lovemaking shattered time and space to cause them to be whisked away to finally meet the other half of their family tree.

    That was when Sky pushed open her bedroom door, ¡°did you look at the phone?¡± he greeted her, a bit breathless.

    ¡°Yeah, it was with my books, for senior year, apparently¡± she choked, head shaking in disbelief.

    ¡°Come on kids, breakfast is waiting!¡± Brie called to them again from downstairs.

    ¡°Brie?¡± they both mouthed her name in unison. Then Star added, ¡°well look where we are.¡±

    Sky shook his head as he looked around, ¡°doesn¡¯t look like it ever flooded either¡± he then lowered his voice, ¡°odd, I still feel like I took your virginity in that shower¡± he couldn¡¯t help as he gestured to the bathroom nearby.

    Star just shook her head as well, ¡°do you think that they still think...¡± she wasn¡¯t sure if she should finish that sentence.

    ¡°What? That we¡¯re just a set of really fucked up twins?¡± Sky offered.

    ¡°Veda said, memories that we wanted to be ours¡± Star whispered thoughtfully, ¡°I wanted us to be able to have at least the last bit of our childhood back... with parents who actually loved us instead of just wanting to study us.¡±

    ¡°And if they don¡¯t remember making us, and how they did it...¡± Sky took a breath, ¡°then they must just believe what the so-called adoption agency said was true. And they probably believe those fake birth certificates downstairs, if they¡¯re even still there.¡±

    ¡°So, we¡¯re back to being twins who want each other way too much?¡± Star scoffed.

    Sky attempted a small smile, ¡°but now we¡¯re not just fighting the urge to finally give in. We¡¯ve already had each other, a few hundred times¡± he had to add, as she just narrowed her eyes at the comment, ¡°chances are it¡¯ll probably be a little easier to pretend we aren¡¯t dying to touch each other every second now.¡±

    Star shook her head, ¡°but is this really the reset we want? Having to pretend not to be lovers for the rest of our lives here, just to preserve the lie?¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily.¡±

    Star narrowed her eyes again, ¡°how do you figure?¡±

    ¡°Well, first, we need to find out if they do believe we¡¯re related by blood, not just by law¡± a slight pause, ¡°then we need to find out if those bogus certificates do exist in this new version of our lives. And if need be, adoption agencies can make mistakes, can¡¯t they? We¡¯ll just have to arrange one if it turns out they do think we¡¯re blood relatives.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°Arrange?¡± Star asked him skeptically.

    ¡°We reset the whole fucking world, I think we can arrange a phone call, right?¡± Sky smiled down at her.

    ¡°Come on kids!¡± Brie called again.

    Star shook her head back up at him, ¡°I guess it¡¯s breakfast time.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t wait¡± Sky returned sarcastically as the two finally headed down the stairs to see what exactly this new version of their parents would be like without all of their own lies and scientific scrutiny.

    The two warily entered the dining room, suspiciously watching Brie and debating on what this encounter was bound to be like. But Brie simply smiled at their arrival before sliding their bagels and glasses of juice into their spots at the table.

    ¡°So, you two must be very excited¡± she continued with the same smile.

    ¡°About?¡± Sky asked cautiously as the two took their old seats at the table once again.

    ¡°Come on, you¡¯ve had a week to settle into senior year. Are you ready to rule the school yet?¡±

    ¡°Have you seen us?¡± Sky replied, still watching Brie as though she were the science experiment right then.

    ¡°Well, if any of the kids continue to treat you badly, you know it¡¯s cause they¡¯re just jealous¡± she assured as she took a sip of her own juice.

    That was when Star spoke, ¡°what could they possibly be jealous of?¡±

    ¡°That you two have the guts to be yourselves. It¡¯s hard for teenagers to do that. It takes brave souls to actually show some individuality.¡±

    ¡°Soul¡± Sky stated softly.

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Brie asked as she took another sip.

    Sky only shook his head, but could say nothing more, as Connor then returned from the porch where he had gone to get the morning paper. He actually smiled as he entered the dining room too then, before speaking, ¡°there¡¯s my three beautiful girls¡± he then let out a laugh and ruffled Sky¡¯s long locks, ¡°sorry, you know I gotta give you grief now and then¡± and with that, he took his own seat at the head of the table.

    That was when Sky couldn¡¯t possibly hold his tongue, ¡°so, you¡¯re actually cool with the way I look?¡±

    Connor chuckled again, ¡°you¡¯ve looked this way for years Sky. I think I¡¯m pretty used to it by now. I don¡¯t have to understand it, but if it¡¯s how you wanna look, who am I to stop you?¡±

    ¡°Ok, this is apparently a different episode of the Twilight Zone¡± Sky muttered as he took an awkward bite of his bagel.

    ¡°What?¡± Connor chuckled again, ¡°was it my comment earlier? I was only teasing, Sky. You know that I¡¯ve given up on trying to control everything you say or do... or wear. I mean, you and your sister are seventeen now. Eventually I gotta let you be yourselves, right?¡±

    That was when he and Star both looked down with a bit of discomfort before Sky finally spoke again, ¡°yeah I guess me and my sister are seventeen now, huh?¡±

    Then Brie interrupted with concern, ¡°what? Did you want us to stop calling you that?¡±

    That was when Star spoke up, ¡°calling us what?¡±

    Brie scoffed with a bit of confusion, but continued, ¡°calling you brother and sister. I mean, I know it¡¯s not technically true, but we¡¯ve always raised you that way, and you two always got along as well as twins would. Didn¡¯t think it bothered you.¡±

    The relief on both their faces was almost tangible at that point, ¡°so we do have actual proof that we¡¯re not blood-related then?¡± Sky couldn¡¯t stop himself from asking.

    ¡°Well, the blood tests were apparently inconclusive, but they could tell that you didn¡¯t have enough common DNA to be related. So I guess we just kind of went with that result¡± Brie assured.

    ¡°Is there a reason why you¡¯re so concerned with not being blood-related all the sudden?¡± Connor had to ask, his skeptical mind apparently still in there somewhere.

    Though the looks on both their faces said more than words. That was when Brie spoke up, ¡°oh boy. No wonder you two have been acting so strange.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Star choked out.

    ¡°We knew you two always got along much better than most any siblings ever did. But is something changing here? Changing about the way you two feel about each other?¡± she asked with what seemed like genuine concern more than shock, though there was a bit of that buried there too.

    ¡°Um...¡± Sky stammered, trying to find the appropriate response to a question he never thought they¡¯d be asking them at all.

    ¡°We kissed¡± Star interjected loudly, figuring it was the most innocent way to brooch this new subject at all.

    ¡°Wow¡± Brie stated as she looked down, then she quickly spoke again, ¡°I¡¯m not judging, I swear. It¡¯s just... we¡¯ve always raised you as....¡± she took another breath, ¡°it just...¡± another pause, ¡°you both have to live here, under this roof for at least one more year. And if you¡¯re actually starting to have these kind of feelings for each other... well, the logistics could get a little dicey.¡±

    ¡°Wait, let¡¯s just back up here a second¡± Connor finally interjected, causing Star and Sky to both brace for the angry flare up they were sure was coming. Connor then continued, ¡°now, just so I¡¯m fully understanding what you¡¯re trying to tell us here; the two of you actually kissed... each other? Like not a brother-sister kiss?¡±

    ¡°Do those even exist?¡± Sky scoffed, already ready to go on the defensive.

    Connor let out a small chuckle, ¡°I mean, like on the cheek, or the lips?¡±

    Star shook her head, ¡°god, dad, if it was the cheek do you really think we would¡¯ve even mentioned it?¡±

    ¡°So, lips then¡± Connor shook his head, eyes down, ¡°and was there tongues involved?¡± he couldn¡¯t help asking.

    ¡°Dad!¡± Star retorted.

    ¡°Sorry it¡¯s just... It¡¯s a shock¡± Connor decided on, then continued, ¡°I mean, I never was sure that Sky even liked girls.... let alone...¡±

    ¡°Dad¡± Sky repeated Star¡¯s earlier exclamation.

    ¡°It¡¯s a valid assumption, Sky¡± he told him as he gestured to his son¡¯s appearance.

    ¡°Yes, I like girls, and boys too, for your information¡± Sky¡¯s own nerves couldn¡¯t stop that confession.

    ¡°Ok, can we just tap the brakes a little on the confession-train right now?¡± Connor shook his head, putting his hand up as he spoke, and just causing Sky to scoff again. He then moved on, ¡°not judging, son, I swear. I just, need time to... absorb.¡±

    Sky rolled his eyes again at that. Though Brie spoke then, ¡°and how do you know for sure that you like boys and girls both? Again, not judging, just a little worried about what you may have done already, aside from kissing your sister¡± she then paled at her last statement, ¡°ok let¡¯s just erase that last bit¡± she stated hurriedly, her cheeks reddening.

    ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake¡± Sky mumbled under his breath. It was obvious this conversation was more than a bit uncomfortable for all parties involved. However, when Star and Sky looked up from the table, and their eyes met, they realized this was the first time in their entire lives they actually felt like normal teenagers, with normal parents who actually did seem to love and care about them. The memories they wanted to be theirs actually did seem to be the ones their parents now had. Now if only they could keep it all from falling apart all over again. Which they were sure would be much easier said than done.

 Chapter 26

    Still visibly struggling with this new information provided by her children, about their own desires, Brie took a breath before speaking again, ¡°and how exactly did this kiss happen?¡±

    Star was the one who spoke then, ¡°How did the kiss happen?¡± the seventeen year old girl scoffed, ¡°I know we¡¯re adopted and all, but I¡¯m gonna take a guess that you do know how kisses happen.¡±

    Brie blushed slightly, her discomfort obvious, ¡°what I mean is that you don¡¯t just suddenly one day decide to up and kiss the person you were raised as the sibling of. Was there alcohol involved?¡± she asked worriedly.

    ¡°Br¡ªMom please¡± Star had to correct herself with the mental reminder that in this version of their lives, this woman had actually not been the one who spent years treating them like lab rats instead of her own children.

    Then Sky interjected with a mumble and a shake of his head, ¡°the last thing we need is lowered inhibitions.¡±

    Their parents each furrowed a brow at that comment, but Brie continued, ¡°so, then what brought this supposed kiss on? I mean, have you two done...¡± she then shook her head, ¡°on second thought, let¡¯s just go with the kiss for now. What led to that?¡±

    Star just shook her head then as well, ¡°ok, I think we¡¯ve had enough of awkward conversations for one day. And we gotta start headin to school. It takes at least twenty minutes to walk there¡± she said, as she and Sky both eagerly stood to escape and try to bide time to figure out their story to explain an innocent kiss when their heads actually contained a lot more intimate memories of each other than that just then.

    Brie looked up worriedly then, ¡°did something happen to your car?¡±

    ¡°Car?¡± Sky choked a bit on that.

    Connor scoffed with his own uncomfortable laugh, despite his relief at the subject change, ¡°I realize it¡¯s been a year since we got you it and all, but I hope you didn¡¯t break this one already.¡±

    Sky and Star looked at each other briefly before Sky spoke again, ¡°no, I just need to fill it up. So we really do gotta go, like now¡± he added as he and Star turned on their heels and headed quickly toward the garage door, where there was indeed a second car now.

    ¡°Um...¡± Star stammered as the two approached the vehicle.

    ¡°We apparently have a car¡± Sky shook his head again, as he moved around to the driver¡¯s side, his eyes moving over the black Mustang, ¡°a really nice car¡± he added. He then reached into the pocket of the black leather pants he had found himself clad in when they arrived back in this particular place that morning. He then yanked the chain holding his wallet upwards and flipped it open. ¡°And I apparently have a license.¡±

    ¡°Well in this version of our lives, we weren¡¯t trapped in some lab or another for the last three years. Guess it makes sense¡± she shrugged, biting her lip as she too warily looked over the car before even more cautiously moving to the passenger seat beside where Sky had just as nervously taken his own seat behind the wheel.

    ¡°How does any of this make sense?¡± he asked her worriedly, ¡°we were supposed to change their memories of us being... what we are. But we come back to a world where the house never flooded, and we apparently have a car and at least I have a license. I think we changed a lot more than our parents¡¯ memories¡± he admitted, ¡°hell, I feel like the homework I need to be doing is on what fucking world we¡¯re even in right now. Cause none of this is just a result of different memories. This is like a whole different...¡± he shook his head again.

    ¡°Reality?¡± Star finished his sentence for him, biting her lip once more.

    Sky continued to look around in further disbelief at her stating out loud what he was trying not to admit either, ¡°So, we created a whole new alternate friggin reality? And we did it all without even...¡±

    ¡°Touching¡± Star breathed the end of his sentence for him. She then startled as another unnerving thought hit her.

    ¡°What?¡± Sky asked. At least his ability to sense every minuscule change in her body language and mood still seemed in tact.

    ¡°What if we never have?¡± Star whispered.

    ¡°Never have what?¡± he asked as he looked over at her with narrowed brown eyes.

    ¡°Touched¡± she breathed the word, like it took effort to even get it past her lips.

    ¡°I seem to recall us doing that, as stated earlier, a few hundred times¡± Sky scoffed.

    ¡°Yeah, in our world where we fought it, sublimated any way we could, finally gave in, and eventually were just forced to touch... repeatedly. But in this world... we apparently spent the last three years knowing we¡¯re not really related, going to school, and I guess getting licenses and cars, too¡± she shook her head again, trying to fathom the idea of that being her life now. ¡°And doing it all in a house that never flooded when we...¡± she shook her head again.

    Sky had to scoff as he looked around once more, ¡°so you think you¡¯re a virgin again too? And hell, maybe I¡¯m also one again, for that matter. That would be some magic trick¡± he had to shake his head once more at that thought.

    ¡°I honestly wouldn¡¯t be surprised by anything at this point¡± Star sighed, her mind still trying to grasp whatever her new reality actually was.

    ¡°I guess I have to figure out how to drive before they poke their heads in here and ask us why we¡¯re just parked in the garage still¡± he sighed as he felt for the keys he found in his other pocket, shaking his head at those as well before putting them in the ignition.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    ¡°Sky, you can¡¯t drive. We never even had driver¡¯s ed. Or any of the rest of tenth or eleventh grade¡± Star mumbled.

    ¡°Well if we magicked up a whole new world, guess we can magic the car to school too. And apparently, without even touching¡± he added wryly, took a breath, and started the engine.

    <hr>

    The two of them did manage to will the car to get them to school in one piece, physically anyway. But upon pulling into the senior parking lot and shutting off the engine, neither of them were in a very big hurry to actually get out of the car.

    After the two watched their peers entering the school doors for a good five minutes, Star sighed and spoke again, ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve endured a year of torture and pain, yet I¡¯m somehow terrified of facing a school filled with a bunch of other teenagers and three years of a life there that I don¡¯t remember even living.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I think we needed a bit more time to hone our powers¡± Sky agreed, ¡°cause this? Not exactly ideal.¡±

    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s sort of ideal¡± Star shrugged, only to be greeted by a skeptical look from Sky, ¡°I mean, if we actually remembered any of it, anyway¡± she sighed sadly.

    ¡°Well, our lives can¡¯t be too perfect, even in this world¡± Sky offered, ¡°if they were, we¡¯d be dressed like Emily and Chandler there¡± he scoffed as he gestured to the most popular of all high school couples as they entered the building.

    ¡°See, one thing hasn¡¯t changed¡± Star agreed with forced hopefulness. She then added, ¡°and I think I¡¯d disown you if I ever caught you in a letterman jacket and cargo shorts like the coolest date-raping captain of the football team ever right there¡± she couldn¡¯t help teasing as she rolled her eyes as Chandler and his lady love disappeared inside.

    ¡°So, something fucked us up¡± Sky agreed, then smirked ¡°yay us. Now if we could only figure out what that was.¡±

    Star scoffed, ¡°so only fucked up people can dress like this?¡±

    ¡°In my experience¡± Sky agreed with a continued smirk.

    ¡°Silly Sky, you don¡¯t even know what your experience is anymore.¡±

    ¡°Look who¡¯s talking¡± Sky retorted, though simply sighed again as he continued to watch more teens entering the school.

    <hr>

    Sky and Star did eventually make their platform-boot-clad feet carry them into the building, but it was a rough morning, to say the least. After dealing with the students they couldn¡¯t remember any of their interactions with for the last three years, the two agreed to meet outside under the bleachers for lunch and a chance to just get away from it all and try to compare notes to help each other piece those years together as best they could.

    Star was the first to arrive under the bleachers and found a shady spot to lean against the supports while she checked her phone. Continuing to check for any messages and wait on Sky, her head came up as she heard another approaching with a derisive laugh. Her dark eyes grew even darker and rather shocked then, when it was Curt who had made his way outside that lunch period.

    Trying to remember how to breathe and not just collapse in that shock or run away in terror, she forced herself to keep her gaze locked on him as he approached. Curt¡¯s brain was still apparently as in tact as it had ever been, with not even a drop of blood gushing from his eyes, as he was the last time she saw him. Of course, in her mind, that was three years ago, on the night that she and Sky made him the very first victim of their strange powers.

    ¡°The little goth princess waiting for sweet little me under the bleachers at lunch? Must be my lucky day¡± he told her as he let his eyes openly travel over her.

    ¡°You¡¯re not the one I¡¯m waiting on, believe it or not¡± Star forced her voice to work after another moment to take in the reality of him being there once again; alive, and seemingly just as unpleasant as he had been in all the memories she had of that other life. ¡°And he¡¯ll be here any minute¡± she had to add.

    ¡°Who? Sky? Yeah that¡¯s terrifying¡± Curt scoffed as he moved even closer to her.

    ¡°If you only knew¡± Star muttered under her breath, forcing back the urge to test out her powers again right then. After all, she hated that she had been forced to take the lives of others in her former life and she had no desire to feel that kind of guilt again. Though the way Curt was standing uncomfortably close to her, his eyes moving over her; she was easily reminded of why she had ended this deplorable individual¡¯s life after all.

    ¡°So, you know I come out here every day for a run around the track, and yet here you are. I knew you wanted me to see what¡¯s under all that black¡± he told her as he moved to brace his hand against the underside of the bleachers, pinning her there with only an inch of space between she and him.

    ¡°I think you need to back up, right now¡± Star told him forcefully, trying even harder then to not let herself really see what she could do without Sky being inside her or even near her for that matter. Veda said being near each other should have been enough. But then again, Sky wasn¡¯t near her at all right then, and that thought was even more terrifying at the moment.

    ¡°Gonna make me?¡± Curt smirked as he ran a finger down her fishnet covered arm. ¡°Did you bring your whips and chains to school, mistress?¡± he teased, ¡°see, I know all about how it works with girls like you¡± he added as he moved to press closer still, making it impossible for her not to be able to feel how his body was reacting to having her cornered there.

    ¡°Last time I¡¯m gonna tell you: Get the fuck away from me¡± Star repeated, attempting to back up, but having nowhere to go as her back was already against the supports beneath the bleachers.

    ¡°Oh, talk dirty some more¡± Curt teased, as he moved to cover her mouth with a hard kiss as she immediately attempted to push him away, but to no avail as he did outweigh her by nearly a hundred pounds.

    A moment later, his tongue was forcing it¡¯s way into her mouth as his hand moved down to her thigh, sliding up under her skirt and grasping at the waist band of her fishnet stockings and panties.

    As he began pulling at her clothing, he suddenly flew backwards a good five feet, landing hard at the feet of where Sky had thankfully now appeared, seething as he glared down at him. ¡°You¡¯re a fucking rapist in every world there is, aren¡¯t you? You prick!¡± he growled down at where Curt was attempting to struggle backwards and to his feet as Star simply trembled, tears cascading over her cheeks in black streaks.

    ¡°What did you fucking call me, you fag?¡± Curt growled back, finally making his way to his feet again.

    ¡°You fucking heard me. Get the fuck away from both of us... before you don¡¯t live to regret it¡± Sky couldn¡¯t help adding, his own memories of Curt¡¯s fate at their hands in that other world clear.

    ¡°Oh, I forgot, is it your turn to rape your sister today? Fuckin fag, still wants his own goddamn sister. Fuck you, you two deserve each other!¡± And with that, Curt shambled off, just like he had done when Star stopped him from raping Sky in that other world; a world that did apparently still have some more than unpleasant similarities to this new one.

    Sky stared after him, shaking and frozen somehow at the same time. Star sniffled as she readjusted her clothing and wiped at the black streaks on her pale and reddened cheeks. She took a few shaky steps over to stand next to where Sky still stared after their departing nemesis. ¡°Thank you¡± she managed through a tear-choked voice, knowing that it was only Sky¡¯s nearness triggering their powers that saved her from what Curt had in mind.

    ¡°You¡¯re thanking me?¡± Sky managed, his own voice choked then.

    ¡°Of course¡± Star sniffled again.

    ¡°He¡¯s right though¡± Sky whispered, not looking back at her.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Star whispered back, her still watery eyes then confused as well.

    ¡°Raping you: Isn¡¯t what I did for an entire year?¡± and with that terrible statement, and all the buried guilt behind it, he also walked off numbly.

 Chapter 27

    When Star finally caught up to Sky again, it was to find him back in the car, obviously still more than a bit distraught. Star looked around and quickly yanked the passenger door open to take a seat, ¡°what the hell, Sky?¡± she greeted him, breathlessly.

    ¡°Just figured you might not really want to be near me anymore.¡±

    ¡°Are you high?¡± Star scoffed, ¡°if you hadn¡¯t been near me, I¡¯d be getting raped right now... by Curt¡± she quickly added when she saw him flinch.

    ¡°Good thing you felt the need to clarify¡± Sky scoffed, trying to force back tears and more than thankful that the car had tinted windows right then.

    ¡°Sky, why are you even saying shit like this?¡± she asked, choking back her own tears.

    ¡°Saying what? The truth? Figured it was due; after spending the last five months trying to pretend that wasn¡¯t what it was¡± he added, sniffling again, not able to meet her eyes for even a second.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t!¡± she denied vehemently.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t wanna have sex, and I had sex with you anyway... over and over and over again. I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s the very fucking definition of rape¡± he forced the words out, the black streaks continuing down his cheeks.

    ¡°Sky... they made us do that! Both of us! You know this already. You know it wasn¡¯t like you¡¯re trying to say¡± she sniffled, wanting to reach out to comfort him, but thinking better of it right then. ¡°You didn¡¯t want to either. Gonna say I raped you?¡±

    ¡°Well, I was hard, wasn¡¯t I?¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°Yeah, cause when you couldn¡¯t get that way... which was most of the time that we were there¡± she reminded, ¡°they injected you with their fucking liquid Viagra or whatever the fuck it was. I mean, come on. You¡¯re a teenage boy and you couldn¡¯t get hard most of those times we were together until they did that to you. You can¡¯t possibly believe you actually forced yourself on me just cause you wanted to fuck me; like what the asshole back there was trying to do!¡±

    Sky swallowed hard at another reminder of just one the methods they had been subjected to over that horrible year. His voice finally softened from anger at himself to just plain despair, ¡°but it was worse for you.¡±

    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± Star shook her head.

    ¡°They didn¡¯t give you something to make you wet when you couldn¡¯t get that way. Which was most of the time. But I put it in anyway. I know how bad it had to have hurt you. And I¡¯m the one who hurt you like that... over and over¡± he repeated.

    Forcing back more tears at the memory of the pain he spoke of, she made herself form more words, ¡°they forced you to, Sky¡± she sniffled again, ¡°I¡¯m not blaming you. So why are you blaming you?¡±

    ¡°Because, I already spent five months trying to deny it to myself and even forget how bad I had to have hurt you. And when he said that, about me raping you...¡± he just let out another sob. It was obvious that all that trauma from the past year was only buried, and nowhere near gone at all. And all it took was the right trigger to bring it all flooding to the surface once more. ¡°I would never want to hurt anyone like that. Let alone the one person...¡± he just shook his head again.

    ¡°Exactly. You didn¡¯t want to. That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been saying. You think my pain was worse? Look at the pain you¡¯re in right now... Just because it isn¡¯t physical pain.... It doesn¡¯t mean that it¡¯s not just as horrible for you. Maybe more, because you have this terrible guilt that you shouldn¡¯t feel. And they made you feel it. How fucked up is that?¡± Star sniffled again.

    ¡°They really did deserve to die, all of them¡± Sky whispered after another long tear-filled moment.

    ¡°They did¡± Star agreed as she moved across the seat to gently wrap him in her arms, proving how much she still didn¡¯t want to be away from him at all, not ever.

    Several more long minutes passed with the two of them sitting there in the lot, trying to find some way to once again push past the trauma and get through just one more day. Ironically though, the trauma they were trying to get past never even happened to them in this new world they had created. Problem being, that they forgot to erase their own memories of that other world, as if that were even a possibility.

    Finally finding his voice again, Sky spoke once more, ¡°how did he even know? How do any of them know?¡±

    ¡°Know what?¡± Star asked as she attempted to wipe the streaked eyeliner from her cheeks.

    ¡°That you and I have some kind of... thing for each other?¡±

    Star shook her head, ¡°Curt had some twisted fantasy about us being together in the other world. Maybe he has one here too, and he was just accusing us of it in some demented version of wishful thinking?¡± she offered the only guess she had.

    After all, neither of them had any clue what had happened in this version of their lives. Maybe the whole school saw some video of that innocent kiss she thought she had made up. Maybe they all knew. All that she knew for sure was that they knew nothing of this world they were now living in. And that fact made it even harder to have any clue how to deal with any of it at all.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Another long moment of silence as the warning bell for their next class rang. Sky then spoke again, ¡°maybe we need to magic up another alternate reality. Only we could try actually putting the right memories in our own heads this time.¡±

    ¡°Sounds nice¡± Star sighed, ¡°but I unfortunately don¡¯t even know how we did it this time. This wasn¡¯t what we were trying to do. We were trying to change memories. And apparently we just changed the whole fucking world to fit those memories. But of course, as stated, we forgot to put them in our own heads first¡± she added wryly.

    ¡°So¡± Sky sighed, ¡°we skipping sixth to read through the last decade of our Facebook and twitter posts? Might give us some fuckin idea who we even are... here.¡±

    Star smiled, ¡°you¡¯re apparently capable of coming up with some pretty good ideas here.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well, I¡¯m not a ninth grade drop out this time¡± he returned wryly. Star just shook her head and smiled as they both reached for their phones, deeming that as their new assignment for the day.

    <hr>

    When students started pouring out of the school at the end of the day, Star and Sky both looked up from their phones. Star was the one who bit her lip and spoke, ¡°well, we might not be ninth grade drop outs in this world, but we may fail twelfth if we don¡¯t actually go to all our classes tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Do we have to?¡± Sky said with a tiresome sigh as he set aside his phone at last and reached for a cigarette.

    ¡°Hey, look. You still smoke in this world¡± Star stated, obviously clinging to whatever similarities she could find.

    Sky shook his head as he lit the cigarette, ¡°yay, that solves all the mysteries¡± he responded sarcastically.

    Star sighed then too as she continued to watch their peers get onto the buses or into cars around them, ¡°so I¡¯m guessing the phone didn¡¯t tell you much about our lives here either?¡±

    Sky blew some smoke through his lips, ¡°nothing important. I mean, there¡¯s not one damn post pertaining to you and I and ...the whole ¡®us¡¯ of it all.¡±

    Star scoffed, ¡°in our old world, did you make a lotta posts about how much you wanted your so-called twin?¡±

    Sky just sighed in concession, ¡°there¡¯s nothing in there that tells me anything though. I still don¡¯t have a clue how we¡¯re supposed to act in this world.¡±

    ¡°I guess, the same way we acted in our world. Except without all the distrust of our parents and guilt about how we feel about each other¡± Star offered with a somewhat defeated shrug.

    Sky scoffed, ¡°well that¡¯s pretty much all I felt twenty-four-seven. So, not sure what else that leaves¡± another sigh, ¡°and I have no fucking clue how I¡¯m supposed to even interact with you, or them. Before it was ¡®hide the way you feel at all costs.¡¯ Now, at least the parents know we¡¯re not really related, and that we¡¯re attracted to each other. But, we¡¯re still their kids. They still don¡¯t wanna see us making out at the dinner table or in our bedrooms together. So what do we even do about that shit? I mean, when we go home, now they¡¯re gonna just be looking at us; wondering if we were making out in the car or if they have to put padlocks on our doors... This is too fuckin hard¡± he added with his own bit of defeat.

    ¡°Plus, we don¡¯t even know what...¡± she then changed her sentence midway through, ¡°after what we¡¯ve been through, how does anything at all still seem hard compared to that?¡± she shook her head.

    Narrowing his eyes a bit at what her original sentence had been, Sky responded, ¡°and we haven¡¯t actually been through what we¡¯ve been through. Let¡¯s not forget that little mind-fuck.¡±

    ¡°Maybe we should try to make another new reality after all¡± Star mumbled.

    ¡°Or, we could just try to make them forget that we told them we liked each other, that way¡± Sky offered thoughtfully.

    ¡°And go back to hiding the way we feel all the time?¡± Star asked sadly.

    ¡°At least, I knew how to do that¡± he sighed.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. This is too fuckin hard¡± Star agreed as she laid her head back against the seat in defeat, closing her eyes against the headache just trying to figure out her new life was now giving her, never mind the other factors that day had brought with it as well.

    <hr>

    They weren¡¯t sure if it was a good or a bad thing when they did make their way home and it was Brie who had already decided how their interactions would go that evening. She sat them both down, wearing an expression like she was about to tell them their dog died; even though they¡¯d never even owned a dog. At least they didn¡¯t think they had, at any rate.

    ¡°So, your father and I have had all day to think about what you told us, and we need to find some sort of way of dealing with this new... development¡± she decided on.

    Star narrowed her eyes over at where Brie sat stiffly in the recliner, ¡°which development are we talking about?¡±

    ¡°The kiss¡± Brie told them, though she practically swallowed the words rather than speaking them.

    The two just sighed as they looked over at each other. Star then found her voice again, ¡°it¡¯s not like seventeen year olds aren¡¯t doing a lot more than kissing¡± she scoffed, ¡°we don¡¯t have to make it into an entire summit meeting.¡±

    Brie then looked back at them with more worry, ¡°so is that your way of telling me that you have done more than that?¡±

    Star blushed slightly as she looked to Sky for support. He simply shrugged over at her, ¡°you¡¯re the one who decided to tell her about this kiss.¡±

    ¡°Thanks Sky¡± Star scoffed before turning back to Brie, ¡°and when you ask if we¡¯ve done more... Are you asking about with each other or with other people, or... ¡° Star just shook her head, trying to buy time.

    ¡°You keep digging that hole and you¡¯re gonna break the shovel¡± Sky muttered.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re not helping¡± Star complained back to him.

    ¡°Maybe because discussing my sex life with my mom isn¡¯t really a thing I¡¯m into¡± he scoffed, causing Star to just glare back at him.

    That was when Brie interjected, ¡°so...you have a sex life? Is that more about this bisexual thing?¡± she stammered.

    Sky just scoffed, looking back at Star, ¡°and that¡¯s exactly why.¡±

    Star shook her head in frustration, trying to find words to cover not only her nervousness, but also the fact that she honestly had no clue what either of their sex lives even were in this world. She took a deep breath before trying to speak again, ¡°mom, you¡¯ve gotta realize that seventeen year olds are usually...¡± she just shook her head again, ¡°and discussing it with their parents isn¡¯t really... comfortable¡± she decided on.

    Brie then scoffed, ¡°well I¡¯m not comfortable with it either. I mean, your beds are literally like twenty feet apart. And then you tell me you like each other, like that. And then you imply that other stuff has happened, and you won¡¯t even say if it¡¯s with each other or...¡± Brie shook her head, ¡°I mean, put yourself in my place. How the hell would you deal with this?¡±

    Star sighed heavily, ¡°well, I¡¯d like to think that I¡¯d treat us like adults, and trust us to be responsible and not act... impulsively; if for no other reason than to preserve the stress levels in the house¡± and with that attempt to end the conversation, she stood, ¡°and now, I¡¯m going to my room to hide for the rest of the night¡± she added in a mumble as she started toward the stairs.

    Sky sighed as well, ¡°sounds like a good plan¡± he agreed as he also stood, ¡°I¡¯ll be hiding in my room too.¡±

    ¡°Separate rooms, got it?¡± Brie called after them, causing them both to shake their heads as they disappeared up the stairs.

 Chapter 28

    It wasn¡¯t long after they retreated from that conversation with Brie, when Sky heard a light knock at his bedroom door. ¡°Please go away,¡± he called through the door, though without much weight behind his words.

    ¡°It¡¯s me, Sky,¡± Star stated with a heavy sigh.

    ¡°Now, now, mom said we weren¡¯t allowed to be in each other¡¯s rooms¡± Sky scoffed.

    Star just rolled her eyes and pushed the door open anyway, ¡°yeah well, she doesn¡¯t remember making us so we can¡¯t stay away from each other even if we wanted to,¡± she told him wryly as she closed the door behind her.

    ¡°Should we tell her that too? Let¡¯s just undo this whole fucking mind-fuck of a world. Why don¡¯t we?¡± he replied sarcastically as he turned his attention back to his computer.

    ¡°So, you really would rather them not know how we feel about each other? You liked it better when we just had to hide and deny our feelings every second of the day?¡±

    Sky sighed, ¡°like I said; that I know how to do.¡±

    Star scoffed again as she pulled the other chair up next to him, ¡°actually, no you don¡¯t. If you did... if either of us did... if either of us could just deny our feelings, then we never would have done any of the things we did, and we¡¯d still be in that other world, and who knows what else our lives would be now?¡±

    ¡°Yay, a third alternate dimension. We aimin for that one next?¡± he scoffed.

    Star shook her head sadly, ¡°you¡¯re all over the place, Sky. You went from sobbing in the car over hurting me, to not even having my back down there with mom.¡±

    Sky sighed, finally casting his eyes down from the computer screen. ¡°I always have your back, Star. I just don¡¯t know how to have that conversation at all. Let alone, with her. She¡¯s sitting there asking us about our sex lives? How the fuck do I even try to talk about that? I tell her the truth and, if it doesn¡¯t kill her, it still makes no sense in this world. Or I have to come up with some mildly believable pack of lies which I don¡¯t wanna talk about with her anyway. It¡¯s a no-win. I just wanted outta there.¡±

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s gonna keep wondering; keep asking. We have to figure it out.¡±

    ¡°And how do we do that?¡±

    ¡°We have to at least figure out what to say to her next time it¡¯s brought up¡± Star sighed sadly.

    ¡°So, pack of lies it is then¡± he mumbled, then looked back up at her, ¡°do you realize what¡¯s happened?¡±

    Star was a little caught, narrowing her eyes, ¡°you¡¯re gonna have to be more specific than that.¡±

    ¡°In this world, you and I are the ones trying to make up an entire web of lies to hide the truth from our parents... Ironic much?¡±

    Star looked down, hurt by the thought that making up any lies at all would indeed turn them into the version of their parents that they hated so much. She let out another sigh, ¡°well at least some of what happened in our world had to have happened here. I mean, aren¡¯t we living proof of that? We obviously still have abilities, and we know how that had to have happened. So where exactly did these two worlds diverge?¡± she took a breath, ¡°and if Brie and Connor don¡¯t remember making us, then is it cause we made them forget, or... I mean it had to have been them that did this to us, right? Even in this world, right?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re asking the wrong guy¡± Sky sighed again.

    Star then looked up at the ceiling in desperation, ¡°oh my god, this whole alternate world thing is just hurting my brain.¡±

    ¡°Watch out. You know what happens when we get too stressed to wanna be in the situation we¡¯re in anymore. And now, we don¡¯t even have to get naked to wish ourselves off to some other place.¡±

    ¡°And would another place be any better, really? The problem is what¡¯s in our heads now, and that won¡¯t go away, no matter what world we¡¯re in¡± Star admitted sadly.

    ¡°Well our soul better hurry up and tell us what we need, cause I have no fucking clue right now¡± Sky stated with another hopeless sigh.

    <hr>

    Even though the clock struck midnight to mark the end of their first day of managing to survive, just barely, in this new world; neither Star nor Sky were even close to sleeping just yet. Sky was still busy at his computer as the numbers on the clock rolled over to a.m., but he was still easily distracted away from his mindless web browsing when he heard Star moving items around her room with obvious agitation.

    He sighed as he looked at the clock, hoping his parents in this world still never ventured out of their own downstairs bedroom at this hour. He then pushed himself up from his seat and moved toward the door.

    ¡°Looking for something?¡± he stated the obvious as he tapped once on her door before pushing it open to see her angrily moving her belongings around in irritation.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Startled a bit from her frantic search, she looked back at him, ¡°sorry, did I wake you?¡±

    ¡°Not hardly¡± Sky scoffed, ¡°what are you looking for anyway?¡±

    Star sighed in frustration as she pushed some errant locks from her face, ¡°doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    Sky narrowed his eyes at that, continuing to watch her skeptically as he leaned against her doorway, ¡°well if it doesn¡¯t matter, then why the midnight search?¡±

    Star sighed as she looked back at him, then moved to pull him into the room by his wrist, closing the door behind him. Dropping her voice, she answered, ¡°my pill: I always take it at midnight.¡±

    ¡°Pill?¡± Sky raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°You know, the pills she gave me... after the flood... and the condom wrapper¡± she added pointedly.

    ¡°In the other world?¡± he asked her pointedly.

    Star just scoffed, ¡°well, why wouldn¡¯t I be on birth control here too?¡±

    ¡°Cause she never found out about us fucking and flooding the house here... I guess, since it never happened here¡± he added as he gestured back toward the door.

    Star sighed as she sat at the foot of the bed in defeat, ¡°I need my pills, Sky.¡±

    ¡°Why? Got a hot date planned already?¡± he asked wryly, still averting his eyes more than he could keep them on her.

    ¡°But why wouldn¡¯t I be on them here too?¡± she repeated, ¡°I mean, we¡¯re still soul-mates, in any world, and in this one, we don¡¯t even have the twin-guilt bullshit. Why wouldn¡¯t we be...¡± though she just shook her head.

    Sky looked down again, ¡°so you¡¯re trying to figure out the same thing as mom: What have we actually done, been doing, with each other? Here, in this world?¡±

    ¡°Well, wouldn¡¯t you like to know that too?¡± Star returned.

    ¡°Of course I wanna know, but...¡± he just shrugged slightly, ¡°if you¡¯re not on the pill, and we have no kids running around that we know of, and the bathroom never flooded...¡± he just shrugged again.

    ¡°So, you really think that in this world, where we never even thought we were truly related, that somehow we¡¯ve managed to resist giving in to how bad we¡¯ve always wanted each other? For three years longer than we could there?¡± she added for weight.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s what all signs point to¡± Sky shrugged again.

    ¡°But I don¡¯t get it. The guilt was the main reason we fought it so much, in our world. If we don¡¯t have that to anywhere near the same extent here, then...¡±

    ¡°Believe me, I¡¯ve got plenty of guilt¡± Sky mumbled as he moved to take a seat a few inches from her, ¡°it¡¯s just not over you being my twin anymore.¡±

    Star sighed as she looked over at him sadly, easily recalling their earlier conversation, ¡°again, that guilt you¡¯re feeling, misplaced as it is¡± she had to add, ¡°that¡¯s about what happened in the other world. We still have no idea what led us to where we are in this world, and what we may or may not have done here.¡±

    ¡°Well, at least in this world, you¡¯ll eventually be able to tell if you actually still are a virgin. I¡¯ll just never know that about this version of myself. More trauma, yay.¡±

    Star scoffed, ¡°I¡¯ll be able to tell? What? Should I go ask some perverted doctor or priest to finger me so they can tell daddy if I¡¯m pure or not?¡±

    Sky shook his head, ¡°I mean, when you do eventually have sex again... I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯ll be painfully obvious. Pun intended.¡±

    ¡°Great, so I have that to look forward to¡± she scoffed again.

    ¡°I seem to recall that the morning you lost your virginity, it wasn¡¯t exactly terrible. Aside from every single thing that happened afterwards¡± he had to add.

    Star scoffed again, allowing herself an extra moment to remember that morning in the shower before shaking her head and moving on, ¡°so, maybe that¡¯s the secret to this world. Maybe I really am still a virgin here; and as long as I never lose my virginity this time around, all will be right with the world-- this world¡± she rolled her eyes, ¡°so, do they still have convents I can move into, or does that only work in movies?¡± she added with another scoff.

    <hr>

    The next afternoon before lunch period, Star was startled more than a bit when she turned from stowing her books in her locker to find a freshman girl staring at her expectantly. The girl was named Crista, and Star only even knew that much because she was the one freshman who stood out that year. She was one of the only other so-called ¡®freaks¡¯ in school. Crista was of the bubblegum goth persuasion, complete with pastel blue hair and other pastel pinks and blues scattered throughout her dark black clothing and makeup.

    Star¡¯s breath caught a bit when she turned to find the girl looking at her with a nervous smile, ¡°um, I¡¯m not really a good person to sneak up on, Crista¡± Star told her to cover her own very severe case of nerves at just the reality of being in the same building as Curt again; not to mention a few other factors that were currently fraying her nerves since arriving in this reality at all.

    ¡°Can we have lunch together?¡± Crista asked with that same nervous smile.

    Star was caught again by that question as she thought on it. She then glanced across the hall at where Sky was also stowing his books in his locker. Star then looked back at Crista. It was obvious this girl was most likely more of an ally than an enemy, and she definitely didn¡¯t want to risk being cornered alone, nor was she sure Sky would be much of a conversationalist that day, all things considered.

    But before Star could ponder her answer, Crista spoke again, ¡°I know you¡¯re a senior and I¡¯m a freshman and all that, but I figured you might actually not mind me hanging around you and your really, really, really... gorgeous brother¡± she added nervously as she also cast a glance across the hall at Sky.

    Star quickly forced a blank expression in reaction to those words as she cast another nervous glance at Sky as he closed his locker. She then looked back at Crista, ¡°so is it me that you wanna have lunch with, or Sky?¡± she couldn¡¯t help asking.

    That was when Crista let her eyes move over Star with what almost looked like appreciation, though it was hard to tell if it was only appreciation of Star¡¯s fashion sense, or something a little more. Crista then smiled back up at her, ¡°aren¡¯t you two sort of a package deal?¡±

    ¡°I suppose that¡¯s one way of putting it¡± Star spoke, but more to herself.

    ¡°Besides, I really do wanna hang out with both of you, and maybe find out for myself.¡±

    ¡°Find out what for yourself?¡± Star asked Crista with narrowed eyes.

    ¡°My sister graduated last year, and because of the way I look, she always talked about you and Sky¡± Crista offered furtively.

    ¡°Talked about us?¡± Star narrowed her eyes further, another glance at where Sky nodded to her from across the hall before heading into the restroom.

    ¡°Yeah, and she¡¯s a bitch, so I honestly don¡¯t know how much to believe. So, I figured, now that I¡¯m here, with you guys, I can maybe find out the truth for myself¡± Crista explained with another nervous smile.

    ¡°The truth?¡± Star took a ragged breath, ¡°guess that¡¯s one thing we all really want, isn¡¯t it?¡±

 Chapter 29

    Star sighed again as Crista awaited her response to her invitation to have lunch together. Star then noted Sky exiting the restroom again and looked back at Crista, ¡°let me just run it past Sky and then we¡¯ll meet you at one of the tables, ok?¡±

    ¡°Ok¡± Crista looked a little worried by that possibly being a rejection, but managed a smile before heading off to find them a spot for lunch, she hoped.

    Another breath before Star and Sky took a few steps toward each other then. Star then looked up at him, ¡°so, there¡¯s this freshman girl, Crista¡± she began.

    ¡°The one with the blue hair?¡± Sky concurred.

    ¡°So, you¡¯ve noticed her?¡±

    ¡°Hard to miss someone with blue hair¡± he scoffed slightly.

    ¡°And a corset and a Lolita skirt¡± Star added wryly.

    ¡°Which it sounds like you noticed¡± Sky returned knowingly.

    Star just shook her head, ¡°anyway, she wants to have lunch with us.¡±

    ¡°So, babysitting bubblegum goths for lunch? Guess it still beats yesterday¡± Sky stated with another heavy sigh.

    Star shook her head again before replying, ¡°anyway, it turns out we¡¯re somewhat famous, or infamous, at least to the bubblegum crowd.¡±

    ¡°Ok, I gotta hear this¡± Sky stated with furrowed brow as the two slowly began making their way toward the cafeteria.

    ¡°So, Crista has an older sister, apparently a bitch, so I¡¯ve heard. And this sister, has apparently been telling Crista a lot of stuff about us¡± Star began.

    ¡°This should be pleasant then¡± Sky returned sarcastically.

    ¡°My point is, this may be our best chance to figure out who we actually are in this world. I mean, it sounds like this girl may know more about our lives here than we do¡± Star added pointedly.

    Sky scoffed, ¡°actually, it sounds like she knows a lot about the shit that people here may actually be saying about us; the two goth kids. Are we really gonna pretend that anything these fuckers say about us could actually be accurate?¡±

    ¡°I know most of it will be bullshit, but if we at least know what people here think that we¡¯re like, then we know how to act around them. And maybe we even can dig whatever truth there might be outta all the lies¡± she suggested hopefully.

    ¡°Or we could just find out that this world sucks even more than the other one¡± Sky told her somberly.

    ¡°Sucks more than a world where our whole lives were a lie? A world where they wanted to take away our feelings and our abilities or just kill us? After already torturing us for a year and making us do...¡± a slight look around, ¡°the things we had to do? How could any world be worse than that?¡±

    Sky looked down at her sadly. As much as he hated all the unknowns of this world, and trying to adjust to them; she was right, it would have to be an absolute nightmare to ever be worse than the world they each remembered. And he had to hold onto the hope that it could be better, somehow, once they managed to figure it out. So he nodded and followed her to the cafeteria with another deep sigh.

    <hr>

    Sky and Star didn¡¯t get much in the way of useful information out of Crista that day at lunch. Most of the hour was spent with her going on and on about possibly being able to get a chance to go to the goth/industrial night in the city that weekend. At least that was one more thing that the two worlds had in common, they thought wryly as they listened to the overly animated fourteen year old sharing all her plans for her weekend in the big city.

    When Star glanced at the time, realizing lunch period was nearly over, she interrupted Crista¡¯s continued planning, ¡°so, you wanted to meet us because of your sister?¡±

    ¡°Cassie, the bitch¡± she added as she tossed away a carrot stick she had been gnawing on through her recent yammering.

    ¡°So, what exactly did Cassie say that made you wanna hang out with us?¡± Star continued, the glazed look in Sky¡¯s eyes as he listened to Crista for nearly an hour, finally fading as Star brought the subject around to their true reason for spending lunch with the girl.

    ¡°Well, she really fuckin hates the two of you¡± Crista smirked, ¡°which was enough reason to make me like you both... before even seeing you¡± she added more quietly.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Trying to ignore the last bit of her comment, Star moved on, ¡°so, why does she hate us so much?¡±

    Crista scoffed, ¡°well I figured you¡¯d know, if anything she actually said was true that is. Which is doubtful, cause: Bitch¡± she repeated, ¡°plus the shit she¡¯s been saying about you guys is just plain weird. And when people like us think something is weird?¡± Crista just shrugged to end that statement.

    ¡°Weird how?¡± Star asked worriedly.

    ¡°And been saying? How long has Cassie had this grudge on for us?¡± Sky interjected at last.

    Crista blushed slightly at just the fact of Sky finally speaking to her at all that lunch period, before remembering to answer, ¡°like three years?¡± she shrugged again, ¡°since that party¡± she added as a further explanation, vague as it was to two people with no memory of their entire lives here.

    ¡°So, what exactly does she say?¡± Star attempted to prod more specific answers from the girl.

    Crista looked visibly uncomfortable then, but her seeming infatuation with both of them, forced her to want to give Star the answers she wanted, ¡°well, for starters, she said that the two of you are like witches or some shit. Which I guess is the usual bullshit people like us get from people with less of a fashion sense¡± she smiled.

    ¡°Witches?¡± Star asked, giving Sky a sideways glance.

    ¡°Naturally¡± he returned, them sharing that brief inside joke.

    ¡°And why does she think we¡¯re witches? I just gotta hear this one¡± Star continued.

    ¡°Well, she says you two like attacked her at that party. But with your minds, of course¡± Crista just scowled and shook her head as if to scoff at the entire idea as pure fantasy.

    The two then gave each other another furtive glance before Star pressed on, ¡°attacked her how, exactly?¡±

    ¡°And why?¡± Sky added.

    Crista shook her head again, ¡°well, that¡¯s the other weird shit. She says that the two of you attacked her with your psychic powers, of course¡± another shake of her head, ¡°because of what she caught you doing¡± she hurried to the end of that sentence, ¡°keep in mind, I don¡¯t believe a word the bitch says. Although if you guys really were witches, I¡¯d be so down with that¡± she allowed another little laugh.

    Star swallowed a bit as she and Sky shared another worried look, ¡°what she caught us doing?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she said that she walked in on the two of you...¡± Crista just shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t even wanna repeat it. Like I said, she¡¯s a bitch; please don¡¯t think I¡¯m a bitch by association. I really didn¡¯t get to choose her as a sister. Trust me on that one¡± Crista added as she stirred a straw around her juice with a worried look that maybe they would like her less because of something her sister may have said or done.

    ¡°So, at this party... three years ago...¡± Sky began, trying to puzzle it out in his own mind, ¡°your sister supposedly caught us doing something... with each other?¡± he swallowed a bit, ¡°and because of it, we supposedly attacked her with psychic powers? I get that all?¡± he asked, his breath a little ragged as Star looked down at the floor, nearly biting a hole in her lip.

    ¡°Like I said, I don¡¯t believe any of the shit she says. Think it¡¯s kind of sick that other people seem to¡± she replied as she looked accusingly around the room at their peers.

    ¡°So, this party... that¡¯s where all these rumors started?¡± Star stated, more to Sky as they both continued to try to make sense of this world.

    ¡°Yeah, thanks to my bitch sister¡± Crista answered, ¡°I would apologize, but, doubt it would help¡± she added sadly.

    Star took a deep breath to compose herself before looking back over at where Crista was obviously worried she may have lost her new friends already. Star then let out the breath and spoke, ¡°no believe me, you¡¯ve helped¡± she swallowed, ¡°at least now we know what other people think, or at least why¡± she quickly corrected.

    ¡°I am sorry¡± Crista told them sadly.

    Sky then looked back at her, ¡°not your fault. We know all too well about the shit your own family can pull¡± he swallowed as he looked back at Star with another sad expression.

    Having rumors like that spreading for the last three years in this world did manage to explain at least a small part of what had ¡®fucked them up¡¯ as Sky had stated the other day. But he was more concerned with how much truth were actually in those rumors. And when he looked at Star, he knew that was what she desperately wanted to know too.

    <hr>

    When the two of them made their way back to the car after classes ended that day, they were both more than a little somber. Though at least they understood all the looks and whispers now. They sighed almost simultaneously as they got into the car and slumped back in the seats.

    After a long breath, Sky spoke up, ¡°so is it really possible that I started to have sex with you when we were both fourteen... in this world too?¡±

    ¡°Soul-mates can only fight it for so long¡± Star replied softly.

    ¡°Only it was in a different place. And since we got caught, our abilities made different things happen?¡± he offered a worried guess.

    ¡°And since it wasn¡¯t our scientist parents who knew about it this time, no awkward conversations and handing out of birth control; or being locked up in labs for the next three years¡± Star attempted to fill in more blanks.

    ¡°So, did something actually make us stop having sex with each other then?¡± Sky shrugged as he looked to her for answers he knew she didn¡¯t have either.

    ¡°Attacked her? With our minds?¡± Star offered her guess, to which Sky looked down. She then continued, though in a whisper, ¡°I know that every time we hurt somebody in our world, it sure as hell didn¡¯t make us eager to crawl back into bed together right away. And if that was the first time we ever were together, like that? Feel free to multiply that guilt by a thousand or so.¡±

    ¡°But we didn¡¯t kill Cassie¡± Sky added, trying to find some shred of light in the hypothesis they were trying to form right then.

    ¡°Guess that¡¯s why we¡¯re not in prison¡± Star sighed again.

    ¡°Except one of our own making¡± he added wryly, nearly repeating her own words from that other world back to her as the two let out another sound of melancholy, trying to figure out exactly what their plan would be now. It was true that this life was a bit less hellish than their other one, but that didn¡¯t make any of it any easier at all.

 Chapter 30

    That Saturday, Sky and Star were jarred awake by Brie calling their names. However, her voice sounded as though she were standing in the hall between their bedroom doors, rather than just calling to them from the foot of the stairs as she usually did on the weekdays. Brushing sleep from their eyes, the two groggily made their way out of bed and to the doors of their rooms where they squinted at her in confusion.

    ¡°You¡¯re up here?¡± Star asked hoarsely, wiping more sleep from her eyes.

    Scowling back at where Sky was clad only in his underwear, and Star only in a long t-shirt, Brie responded, ¡°is that a problem?¡± she asked, though her relief that they came out of separate doors was still clear in her voice.

    Scoffing at the obvious meaning behind her words, Sky spoke with a voice just as hoarse from sleep, ¡°it¡¯s like eight. And Saturday¡± he added.

    ¡°Yes, well your father and I RSVP¡¯d before kiss-gate¡± Brie mumbled.

    ¡°What?¡± Sky asked, then furrowed his brow, ¡°and what?¡±

    ¡°That convention in the city is today. And we agreed to go. Back then, we thought it was safe to leave our two seventeen year old children alone in the house together¡± she told them stiffly.

    The two then scoffed in unison, before Star spoke, ¡°we kissed, mom. We didn¡¯t go on a murder spree¡± she argued as she and Sky gave each other furtive looks.

    ¡°Please, save me another speech about how seventeen year olds are practically adults. It still doesn¡¯t change the fact that we don¡¯t want either of you doing those things as long as you still have to live together under this roof. I¡¯m sorry, but that¡¯s just the way it is. And hate us for it if you must. But at least respect our wishes, ok?¡± Brie told them with another deep breath.

    They both shook their heads, ¡°fine¡± they agreed as they moved to turn back towards their rooms.

    ¡°And while you¡¯re respecting our wishes, could you please start by not running around in this house together, half-naked?¡± she added uncomfortably.

    The two scoffed again before Sky spoke, ¡°we just got outta bed, mom.¡±

    Star shook her head then too, ¡°so now you want us to go to bed fully dressed too?¡± she asked with slight sarcasm.

    ¡°Would it kill you?¡± Brie returned. Both just sighed heavily and began to turn towards their rooms again, when Brie interrupted their departure once more, ¡°as a matter of fact, we think that if we have to be gone all day today, we¡¯d feel better about it all if you invited some friends over or something. Not asking you to throw a party or anything, just one or two friends. We¡¯d just be more comfortable if we knew you two weren¡¯t alone here in the house together all day.¡±

    The two gave her another look of disbelief. Sky then spoke again, ¡°you want us to find some friends to babysit us? Is that it?¡±

    ¡°Not babysit, per se¡± Brie stated, ¡°it just would be nice for you two to spend time with people who... don¡¯t have the same last name as you.¡±

    ¡°Unbelievable¡± Sky mumbled.

    ¡°I¡¯m trying here, Sky. I mean, if this happened with other adoptive parents, they¡¯d probably be sending you off to boarding school or something. Give us a little bit of credit. And just try to meet us halfway. Ok?¡±

    ¡°Fine¡± he repeated with annoyance before finally heading into his room and tossing the door shut behind him. Then Star just shook her head at Brie again and disappeared behind her own door as well. Brie just sighed heavily and started down the stairs once more.

    As the two of them only even knew one person that they had had so much as a conversation with since arriving in this new reality; Crista was their obvious choice of ¡®babysitter¡¯ that day. Though Sky still hadn¡¯t left his room since Brie woke them up and opened up negotiations early that morning. So, Star was the one left to let Crista in while the two sat quietly waiting for Brie and Connor to head into the city for the day.

    Once the adults were gone, Star sighed over at where Crista had been watching her, only to blush and turn away once Star¡¯s eyes moved to her. Swallowing a bit, Star spoke up, ¡°it¡¯s still pretty warm out. Pool?¡± she offered, making what was likely her first attempt ever at hanging out with another teenage girl at her house on the weekend. The idea itself was commonplace for most every other teenager in the world, but it felt more than foreign to Star after the very strange life she had already led; which revolved mainly around her ¡®brother¡¯ and many other less pleasant things as well.

    When the two took seats at the edge of the pool, Star couldn¡¯t help memories of freakish weather conditions, as well as other things that had happened last time she had found herself in that spot, all those years ago, in that other reality.

    Star was distractedly looking toward the upstairs windows when Crista¡¯s voice interrupted her thoughts, ¡°so are you two going tonight?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Star asked as she pulled her attention back to the younger girl.

    ¡°To goth night?¡± Crista clarified with a smile.

    ¡°Um,¡± that was when Star blushed slightly, ¡°I don¡¯t know if we¡¯re really... into that much, anymore¡± she managed.

    ¡°Well you used to go all the time though, right?¡± Crista asked.

    ¡°Technically, yeah¡± Star conceded. If it was true in the other world, she couldn¡¯t imagine why it wouldn¡¯t be true in this one. Then again, she honestly had no way of knowing what all the ramifications of their supposed attack on Crista¡¯s sister actually had been.

    Crista smiled, ¡°well I¡¯d love to go. I¡¯ve heard some pretty crazy stuff about the people there, and the stuff that happens¡± she allowed a slightly giddy laugh.

    Star took another breath as more memories of her old life began surfacing, ¡°well, you¡¯ve got time. You are only fourteen, right?¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re only seventeen¡± Crista scoffed, then continued, ¡°besides, didn¡¯t you guys go when you were my age?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I guess we did¡± Star agreed as she averted her eyes again.

    ¡°And wasn¡¯t that party that my sister keeps telling lies about; that was when you were fourteen too, right?¡± Crista asked curiously.

    ¡°Yeah¡± Star agreed a little shortly.

    ¡°No, don¡¯t get upset¡± Crista quickly continued, ¡°like I said, I don¡¯t believe that you and Sky did that,¡± she stated, her voice dropping, ¡°the point I was getting at is that you two went to the club and parties and all that when you were my age. I guess I just wanna get some idea of, you know, what all you guys were doing when you were fourteen, so I know, what I should be doing¡± she attempted to explain her inquiries.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Star couldn¡¯t help a scoff and a slightly worried look back at the blue haired goth pixie sitting next to her. She swallowed a bit as she tried to find the proper response, ¡°believe me, Sky and I are the last people you wanna base any kind of comparison on. The last people¡± she stressed.

    ¡°So, you¡¯ve done a lot then, huh?¡± Crista asked with a self-conscious biting away at the silver lip gloss she wore that day.

    ¡°Yay more questions about our sex lives¡± Star sighed, though she spoke the words more to herself.

    ¡°Sorry, but the only other girl I can actually ask is my mother¡± she shuddered, ¡°or my bitch sister. I figured I¡¯d rather ask you¡± Crista finished sweetly.

    Star just groaned, ¡°ask me what, exactly?¡± she gave in to the hopeful look in those brownish green eyes looking back at her from underneath all the glitter and eyeliner.

    Crista then smiled back over at her, ¡°well I guess the big one is, how old were you, you know, your first time?¡±

    Star looked up at the sky with a deep breath, ¡°I believe I was fourteen¡± she then looked quickly back at the fourteen year old next to her, ¡°but I¡¯m pretty sure the average for girls is still sixteen. Like I said, I¡¯m not a good one to compare yourself to¡± she added pointedly.

    Crista gave her another giddy smile before continuing, ¡°so, was it some hot goth boy from the club?¡±

    Star thought on that one a moment before sighing again, ¡°technically, I suppose¡± she answered, figuring it wasn¡¯t exactly a lie.

    ¡°And was he as gorgeous as Sky?¡± Crista couldn¡¯t help asking. Then she quickly added, ¡°sorry, I guess asking you if you think your brother¡¯s hot is a little weird. Especially with all my sister¡¯s bullshit rumors and all¡± she told her apologetically.

    That was when Star took another deep breath and looked back at the hopeful and expectant look on Crista¡¯s rather pretty face. It was at that point Star decided maybe she really would like to have one friend. A real friend. On that thought, she took another brave breath and spoke again, ¡°you know me and Sky are adopted, right?¡±

    ¡°No I didn¡¯t know that¡± Crista admitted, ¡°what about it?¡±

    That was when Star gave in and finished her thought, ¡°it means our parents aren¡¯t our parents¡± she then decided to clarify further, ¡°we don¡¯t even have the same biological parents. We¡¯re not actually related to each other at all, other than the same couple adopting us¡± she finished that statement and let out a breath of relief at finally letting someone know at least one small part of the truth about her own life.

    Crista looked back with obvious surprise, ¡°seriously, you two aren¡¯t actually related at all?¡±

    ¡°Seriously¡± Star confirmed, fighting the urge to bite at her own lip nervously.

    ¡°And how long have you known you¡¯re not really related?¡± Crista asked.

    ¡°A while¡± was the only answer Star could come up with that wasn¡¯t an all out lie.

    ¡°Well then I guess I feel less icky about asking you if you thought he was hot. And it does make the rumors a lot less gross. But still bad!¡± she added quickly.

    ¡°Trust me, there are worse things in the world to have to endure than rumors¡± Star told her with a sadness behind the words.

    After another long moment of silence, Crista spoke up again, ¡°so do you think he¡¯s hot?¡±

    ¡°Crista¡± Star returned, but only averted her eyes uncomfortably.

    ¡°You¡¯d have to if you have eyes¡± Crista answered her own question before moving on, ¡°you must have a lot more willpower than me.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Star asked as she let out another uncomfortable laugh.

    ¡°I just mean that if I had that living in the same house as me,¡± she shook her head and bit her lip again, ¡°I mean, let¡¯s be honest, if I had to share a house with someone who looked like him; shit, I¡¯d be in my room masturbating every night.¡±

    Star couldn¡¯t help letting out another laugh, despite the discomfort of having another girl speak so bluntly about the boy who had been her lover for years now. Though, it wasn¡¯t like the two of them didn¡¯t have other lovers in those years, but it was still a little awkward, and somehow amusing at the same time.

    Then Crista sighed ruefully, causing Star to give her a curious look, ¡°yes?¡±

    With a small blush, Crista responded, ¡°that¡¯s another thing I should ask you about.¡±

    ¡°Masturbation?¡± Star laughed, hoping that wasn¡¯t what the girl actually meant.

    ¡°Well, yeah¡± Crista confessed with further discomfort, which Star shared.

    ¡°Well, what about it?¡± Star asked, forcing another nervous smile.

    ¡°Well, you started having sex three years ago, so you probably don¡¯t even need to do that¡± she mumbled.

    ¡°Everybody does that¡± Star tried to comfort her, though her mind obviously snapped back to those nights in the apartment that summer.

    ¡°I suppose you do have to share a bathroom with him, right?¡± Crista asked mischievously as Star just swallowed another smile, ¡°but yeah,¡± Crista attempted to move on, ¡°I don¡¯t even think I do that right.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t masturbate right?¡± Star repeated, raising an eyebrow.

    Crista blushed again, looking back at the house nervously before continuing, ¡°I mean, I move my fingers in and out, and all I get is... wet fingers¡± she shrugged with a sad sigh.

    Star couldn¡¯t help another nervous laugh, ¡°Um, well, it is a little easier for us, girls, if we concentrate more on the outside than the inside¡± she attempted her own rather strange version of sex ed that she never thought she¡¯d be teaching. Not that they ever taught this particular subject in that class anyway in most cases.

    ¡°The outside?¡± Crista asked, raising her own brow then, ¡°but isn¡¯t the point of sex, to have him put it inside?¡±

    Star laughed again, ¡°well, yeah, but most of the time, when a girl comes, it¡¯s not because of having a penis inside her.¡±

    Crista looked back at her with widened eyes, ¡°it¡¯s not?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s really not¡± Star laughed again. She then tried to compose herself to try and make this explanation, ¡°it¡¯s the friction and the pressure, and all the stuff happening on the outside. The main reason the penis is even... in there... is cause that''s what makes him come.¡±

    With a wonderful sense of timing, that¡¯s when Sky finally arrived on the patio, content that their parents were gone for the day. As he slid open the door, Crista turned five shades of red, and Star just smirked uncomfortably. Looking between the two girls, Sky furrowed his brow a bit, ¡°am I interrupting something?¡±

    ¡°Just girl talk¡± Star chuckled.

    Narrowing his eyes at Star¡¯s seemingly good mood, he shook his head, ¡°well perfect for me then. I have been accused of being more of a girl than most girls¡± he teased, as he took a seat cross-legged next to them, Star¡¯s mood almost seeming contagious when the two of them were near each other. ¡°So, what kind of girl-talk?¡± he managed a smile as Crista tried to keep from looking over at his bare chest, as he had only donned a pair of PVC pants since getting jarred from bed that morning.

    ¡°I was just going to explain to her about the c-l-i-t¡± Star told him furtively, causing Crista to give her a look of disbelief, though she did manage a small, still somewhat nervous laugh.

    ¡°Ooh that¡¯s a fun subject¡± Sky smirked, ¡°Are you also gonna tell her about the g-s-p-o-t?¡± he replied, mimicking her spelling of the word.

    ¡°Ok, enough with the spelling, you two¡± Crista bit back a smile, ¡°stop making fun of the virgin, ok?¡± she chuckled again.

    Star chuckled again, ¡°I think I¡¯ll let you handle that one, Sky.¡±

    Sky couldn¡¯t help laughing as well, ¡°which thing am I handling in this conversation now?¡±

    Star laughed more sincerely then, ¡°I know plenty about the first one, but you¡¯ve always been better at finding the second one than me¡± she smirked at him knowingly.

    Sky blushed a bit at the statement, ¡°yeah well I¡¯ve probably watched more films on the subject than you have. I am still technically a guy, after all.¡±

    ¡°Wait, so you guys are saying that the g-spot is a real thing, then?¡± Crista had to ask.

    Sky smirked again, ¡°contrary to most of the patriarchy, yes.¡±

    Crista then continued, ¡°and you, a guy, also believe it¡¯s a real thing, and can even... find it?¡± she had to ask, her breath catching slightly, considering the obvious attraction she had to him, not to mention the subject matter.

    Sky then blushed slightly, but continued to smile, ¡°it¡¯s not like a scavenger hunt. Once you know where it is, it¡¯s kind of always there¡± he shook his head, ¡°then there¡¯s just the question of knowing how to properly interact with it¡± he decided on.

    ¡°And, you know how to do that?¡± Crista asked, a little breathlessly.

    ¡°What on earth am I getting myself into here¡± Sky shook his head.

    Crista looked slightly forlorn, ¡°well can you teach me?¡± she then quickly shook her head, ¡°or tell me, I mean, tell me,.. you know, how to find it¡± she quickly changed her request, nearly speaking under her breath then.

    Sky let out another awkward laugh as he looked to Star, who just shrugged innocently, ¡°I don¡¯t even know how this conversation even got started, and now I¡¯m supposed to provide instructions... or something?¡± he asked with feigned bewilderment to cover his own nervousness about discussing anything sexual with someone who wasn¡¯t Star; and who most likely didn¡¯t know that he and Star were lovers. He then looked back at Star again, ¡°I¡¯m not sure explaining that kind of thing to my sister¡¯s fourteen year old friend, with my sister here...¡±

    Though Star looked down and Crista spoke up, ¡°oh she already told me you¡¯re not really brother and sister¡± she attempted to keep him from leaving the conversation.

    ¡°She did, huh?¡± he repeated, looking back at Star questioningly, ¡°anything else I missed her telling you?¡±

 Chapter 31

    ¡°But seriously, can you tell me? You know, how to find it?¡± Crista asked, her curiosity somehow outweighing her discomfort then.

    When Sky glanced back, he noted she was looking at him, ¡°Me?¡± he allowed another nervous chuckle, ¡°out of the three of us here, I¡¯m the only biological male; the only one that doesn¡¯t even possess the part in question. And you¡¯re asking me?¡± another nervous laugh. ¡°I think you need to field this question here, Star¡± he tried to pass the buck.

    ¡°Me?¡± Star asked him with raised brow.

    ¡°Yeah you, girl¡± Sky smirked back at her.

    Star shook her head, ¡°truthfully, I think I accidentally, yes, accidentally, triggered it like maybe twice in my entire life. And at the time, I wasn¡¯t really that aware of what I had done differently that time. I just know it was, different, when I touched it; when I touched myself, the right way¡± she admitted, then bit her lip, ¡°however, Sky here... he can...¡± she shook her head, not sure how to finish that sentence.

    ¡°I can what?¡± Sky returned, not able to curb his urge to put some of that nervous pressure back on her at that moment.

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard¡± Star swallowed, ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure Sky can find it whenever he wants¡± she managed, causing Crista¡¯s breath to catch again at the thought that not only was Sky that drop dead gorgeous, but also at that glowing review of his sexual skills.

    ¡°This is the most ridiculous conversation I¡¯ve ever been in¡± he shook his head nervously, ¡°and I can¡¯t believe that you, Star, are also prodding me to explain my... methods¡± he decided on.

    ¡°What? I really wanna know how to find it too¡± Star admitted.

    ¡°Oh, you know!¡± he scolded her.

    ¡°No, I really don¡¯t know what... what it is that is being done down there differently than what I do when I¡¯m alone. I just know when it is, it feels really, really good. Like even better than the other times, good. And... from what I¡¯ve heard,¡± she made herself add again, ¡°you know the secrets of how to make that happen on command.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re terrible. You know that, right?¡± he smirked at her.

    ¡°Just hungry for your knowledge, oh wise one¡± she teased him with another chuckle.

    ¡°Would you stop?¡± he couldn¡¯t help another laugh though, ¡°you make it sound like I...¡± he just shook his head again, then took a breath to compose himself, ¡°believe me there have been plenty of times that...¡± he paused again, trying to figure out how to even navigate the subject without mentioning who the other person in the scenario was, ¡°that I¡¯ve been with someone and the g-spot didn¡¯t come into play at all¡± he attempted.

    Though his smile did waver a bit at another mention of the times that sex between them had been anything but pleasurable. It was true that when the two had actually willingly been together, he could easily touch her in that way that caused earth-shattering pleasure. But there were so many more times that his touch didn¡¯t give her any pleasure at all. And that fact made it even harder to talk about the few times when it was incredible, when the memories of the times that it had been horrible, were so strong, still.

    ¡°Oh my goodness, Sky¡± Star told him scoldingly, ¡°you want the uncomfortable conversation to end? Then just tell us how you do it. Then we all can be happy. Very, very happy¡± she smirked over at Crista.

    Sky shook his head again, though he managed another smile, ¡°fine, you¡¯re right. You two gonna take notes, or...?¡±

    ¡°Shut up and spill¡± Star returned.

    ¡°Nice pun¡± he smirked again, ¡°Ok fine, you take...¡± he shook his head before continuing, ¡°can¡¯t believe I¡¯m explaining this to two girls¡± he mumbled, then continued after another deep breath, ¡°you take two fingers¡± he began as he held up his middle finger and index finger, ¡°you put them... in...¡± another pause, ¡°fingertips up, which is probably harder for girls to do to themselves, I guess... but anyway...¡± he shook his head, ¡°two fingers, fingertips facing up. Then you put them against the...roof? I guess you¡¯d say; the roof of the vagina? And you make this come hither motion... repeating as necessary, until come hither becomes come harder. Then lots more wetness and much happiness is to be had by all. There, now you know my secrets¡± he said as he looked back at the two staring back at him, ¡°and now, should I leave so you can test out these helpful household hints, and hope the neighbors don¡¯t come to see what all the racket¡¯s about?¡± he asked sarcastically to cover his own discomfort then.

    Star finally smiled over at Crista as Sky just averted his eyes and shook his head. Star then spoke again, ¡°yeah, this was definitely an uncomfortable conversation. But now I do feel much more knowledgeable. I kinda almost do wanna test it out right now¡± she added with another little laugh.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°No kidding¡± Crista agreed with shortened breath, ¡°I think this is the wettest my panties have been in...¡± she just swallowed and blushed again as Sky looked back their way.

    ¡°Yeah, pretty soaked here too¡± Star added.

    Sky just bit his lip as he looked between them, ¡°you two really need to stop talking about my conversation making your panties wet unless we¡¯re aimin for a really twisted threesome here¡± he swallowed a bit, looking to Star as though to silently ask if that¡¯s what she was aiming for.

    ¡°Well, not that twisted. You and I aren¡¯t really brother and sister after all¡± Star couldn¡¯t help reminding him with a slight smirk.

    ¡°And I think I¡¯m gonna go inside now¡± he stated quickly as he stood, a bit awkwardly and headed back toward the patio doors.

    That was when Crista couldn¡¯t help laughing through her own blush, ¡°I think we actually made him hard... considering how tight those pants are¡± she couldn¡¯t help adding, ¡°is that weird?¡±

    ¡°Is what weird?¡± Star asked, though still held her smile.

    ¡°Suggesting that the two of us could have made him hard? I mean he¡¯s still sort of your brother, right?¡± Crista asked warily.

    ¡°He¡¯s not my brother, Crista¡± she reminded her again, ¡°trust me, if he was my brother, I wouldn¡¯t have even gone near that conversation.¡±

    ¡°So, you don¡¯t mind the idea of making him hard?¡± Crista had to ask.

    Star shook her head as she took another deep breath, ¡°let¡¯s just say there¡¯s a really strange dynamic between he and I. Considering he¡¯s not really my brother¡± she reminded again as she looked back at the doors, her breath catching again as she couldn¡¯t help thinking about exactly what kind of relationship the two of them did used to have.

    <hr>

    It wasn¡¯t much later that day when Star went to find Sky. He apparently had hidden himself away in his room once more after the conversation that was more than stimulating to all parties involved. Sky just looked up from his computer and shook his head as she entered his room with a wry smile.

    ¡°Now, now you¡¯re breaking mommy¡¯s rule again¡± Sky teased, though he didn¡¯t manage to keep his eyes on her for too long, considering he was still a bit flustered himself.

    ¡°Doing more research?¡± Star teased as she leaned back against his door, quietly locking it behind her back.

    ¡°Why? Want me to send you a couple helpful links?¡± he smirked, still not looking back at her.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you funny?¡± Star returned his smirk, despite him not being able to look her way for too long.

    ¡°So, where¡¯s our little bubblegum bombshell?¡± Sky asked as he continued to try to keep his eyes off of her.

    ¡°I think she needed some alone time¡± Star giggled again.

    ¡°So there¡¯s now a fourteen year old masturbating somewhere in our house?¡± he shook his head again.

    ¡°Trust me, that¡¯s not the most scandalous thing that¡¯s happened in our lives. Besides, she was curious. I wish I had someone I could have asked about that stuff when I was fourteen.¡±

    ¡°You?¡± Sky scoffed, ¡°you didn¡¯t have time to ask questions about sex. Our weekends were pretty busy with all the orgies¡± he returned wryly.

    ¡°Ha ha¡± she returned with another smirk. Though Sky still seemed intent on not letting himself look her way much that day. So, Star bit her lip, glanced back at the locked door and slowly slid her panties down her legs to drop them on the floor inside his door. Now clad in nothing but that long t-shirt again, she moved toward Sky and gently turned his chair to face her.

    ¡°Can I help you?¡± he asked as she turned him to face her.

    ¡°Yeah, I think I need to borrow your fingers¡± she breathed.

    ¡°Really?¡± Sky returned, his breath catching as his eyes moved over her, ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you couldn¡¯t possibly need mine, after I already explained, in painful detail, how you could use yours to get the same effect¡± he replied, biting back a smile.

    ¡°But I like yours better¡± she whispered as she took a seat astride his hips, her t-shirt sliding upward to reveal her lack of any other clothing beneath it now.

    His breath catching again, he tried to steel himself and force some logical thought again, ¡°do we really wanna risk both sisters catching us in a compromising position?¡±

    Star only smiled as she took his hands, moving them to her thighs, ¡°one, she¡¯s probably pretty distracted right about now¡± another smirk, ¡°two, the door¡¯s locked¡± she whispered as she moved his hand to her thankfully waiting wetness, ¡°and three, she knows we¡¯re not really related; so all her walking in on us would result in is a bit of embarrassment, or possibly her asking for that threesome after all¡± she had to add with another tiny chuckle. ¡°Now, you gonna practice what you preach with those?¡± she asked him as his fingers had already inadvertently started rubbing her gently from the place she had moved them to.

    Not able to argue any of her points, even if he had wanted to, Sky leaned forward to use his free hand to pull her head towards him, covering her mouth with his. In the same moment, she felt him slide those two fingers inside the wetness they were both beyond grateful that he actually could still make her feel. As he turned his wrist and began caressing her insides the way he had described earlier, Star almost immediately began feeling those first tremors.

    It was mere seconds before she had to bite back what was nearly a shriek of pleasure as that intense orgasm shook her whole body against his hand, a torrent of wetness pouring out of her, over his hand and those thankfully rather waterproof PVC pants of his.

    ¡°Guess I chose the right pants to wear today¡± he smirked, as he reveled in her attempt to return her breathing and heartbeat to normal as her body still continued to tremble against the fingers that were still touching her inside, though much more gently now, giving her that time she needed to recover.

    Still not able to breathe completely normally, Star let her eyes open as she glanced down at the obvious result of his touch there in the droplets sliding off of the shiny black material. ¡°I don¡¯t know, they look like they¡¯re pretty damn tight on you right now.¡±

    ¡°That would be a rather recent development¡± he smirked again.

    Smiling down at his obvious arousal once more, Star smiled, ¡°I guess this is where I ask if I can help you?¡± she smirked as she moved to begin unlacing his pants.

    Sky then swallowed hard as he moved his eyes downward to watch her beginning to undress him, ¡°I¡¯m sure you can.¡±

 Chapter 32

    It was between nine and ten that night when an oddly smiling Star and Sky found themselves dropping Crista back off at her home. As they pulled into the driveway, Crista slid forward in the backseat and reached over the back of the front seat to give them a hug with one arm around each of their shoulders. To which they only smiled a little uncomfortably, neither of them used to any kind of affection other than sexual, and that was mostly with each other, mostly.

    ¡°I would invite the two of you in to prove to my parents that, no, I am not the only person that dresses this way¡± Crista smirked, ¡°but I doubt it would work. Plus, my sister¡¯s home, as always¡± she shook her head in annoyance, ¡°plus, now that Sky has told me... things...¡± she smiled through another blush, ¡°I think I just wanna spend the next four years or so in my room, alone. That sounds a lot more fun than it used to¡± she giggled at them again before finally opening the car door and heading off toward her front porch.

    ¡°Corrupting the youth one g-spot at a time¡± Sky mumbled, though he still wore his smile as Crista looked back at them with another giggle and a wave before heading into her house.

    Star couldn¡¯t help her own giggle as that blue haired ball of energy disappeared behind the door. Then just as Sky reached for the ignition, she raised her hand to stop him, ¡°wanna try something?¡±

    ¡°What? Right here in the driveway?¡± Sky smirked.

    Star just shook her head with another smile, ¡°no, she said her sister was home, right?¡±

    Sky narrowed his eyes at that, ¡°and?¡±

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re in agreement that in this world, we¡¯ve most likely erased mom and dad¡¯s memories of how we even exist, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the likely answer¡± Sky agreed slowly, ¡°but not sure what it has to do with miss Cassie¡± he then paused, ¡°and if you¡¯re talking about trying to erase her memory, I doubt that would help out with the hundreds of our classmates who have been hearing the rumors about us for three years already.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not talking about erasing her memory. And honestly, I don¡¯t even give a shit if they do think we¡¯ve fucked. That¡¯s part of the reason I didn¡¯t mind telling Crista we¡¯re not really related. I don¡¯t care what they think of us once they know that little morsel of truth. Which they probably all will within the week¡± she added.

    ¡°So, what is it that you wanna try then?¡± Sky asked with a confused look.

    ¡°I wanna know what really happened between us at this party. I mean, that seems to be the point where our lives took a bit of a turn, right? If we can figure out what really happened, then we can probably figure out how we would have dealt with it for the next three years, right?¡±

    ¡°Seems logical¡± he agreed, ¡°but we¡¯ve already heard Cassie¡¯s version of the story. So not sure going in there and asking her to tell us what happened in our own lives is gonna help, like at all.¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mean hearing her version of the story, I mean, seeing it¡± Star suggested as she gave him a thoughtful look.

    ¡°Not sure I follow¡± Sky returned slowly.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I mentioned our parents. If we could change what was in their heads, about our past, then we had to have been able to see what was in their heads too¡± she began forming her own theory on the scope of their abilities. ¡°And keep in mind, we did that from some weird silvery orb room in some other world. I think it should be a hell of a lot easier to see into this girl¡¯s head from her own driveway, right?¡±

    ¡°So, you think we can read minds?¡± Sky asked thoughtfully.

    ¡°Well, it sure seemed like Veda could read ours¡± she reminded, then added, ¡°besides, don¡¯t you sort of have to be able to read them in order to erase them?¡± Star concurred.

    Sky couldn¡¯t argue the theory, and his curiosity about their actual pasts here did make him willing to at least try. So, with a deep breath, he reached out to cover her hand in his, as they both closed their eyes and tried to unravel the mystery of this new life of theirs; or at least one seemingly rather important chapter of it.

    <hr>

    ~3 years earlier~

    Sky stood by the bonfire on the bluffs that last week of summer before he and Star were to start their lives as high schoolers. He watched the drunken teens dancing and making out all around him as he took a breath and a sip of his own beer, only to wrinkle his nose at the taste. His eyes then continued to move around the crowd who pretty much ignored him. After all, he was just some lanky, long haired, somewhat effeminate fourteen year old kid who had an affinity for black clothes, clove cigarettes and dark music. In other words, in the world of teen radar he was an outcast who was ignored at best.

    Finally finding their target, his eyes moved to where he spied Star moving up the incline to a cliff above the main portion of the party. She was alone, as usual, and didn¡¯t exactly seem to be feeling the party spirit. He sighed as he looked around again, debating on going to keep her company on that cliff high above the rest of the teens. After all, he had only talked her into coming at all in the hopes that he would find some girl, or boy, that would take his mind off of her for one night. Not surprisingly, it wasn¡¯t working.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    But before he could continue that inner debate about leaving the rest of the party-goers behind to keep just her company again, someone did seem to notice him. ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± a fifteen year old brunette with blue-gray eyes was asking him as she pushed away some brown waves nervously as she looked up at him.

    ¡°Me?¡± he asked, furrowing a brow as he looked down at her, more than surprised any girl was talking to him.

    ¡°Yeah, I haven¡¯t seen you in like a year. I was in eighth when you were in seventh¡± she told him with a bit of nervousness.

    ¡°Cassie, right?¡± he attempted to continue the surprising conversation after casting another glance up the cliff after Star.

    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re gonna be coming to high school with us next week, right?¡±

    ¡°Guess so¡± he agreed with his own nervousness, still trying to figure out why a ¡°normal¡± teenage girl was talking to him at all. Usually the only girls who ever talked to him were his fellow freaks he saw at club night, and of course his sister. Most normal girls either thought he was gay or just plain beneath them.

    ¡°So, wanna go somewhere?¡± Cassie asked him bravely.

    ¡°Go somewhere?¡± he repeated, swallowing a bit.

    ¡°Yeah, with less people, perhaps?¡± she continued with a slight biting of her lip.

    Sky took a deep breath then as it became clear to him that she just might possibly like him. Then again, she might just not want to be seen talking to him. That was actually the more likely assumption in his mind. As he thought on the first possibility though, he found himself looking back up the cliff after Star.

    ¡°Is that a yes or a no?¡± Cassie laughed a little nervously.

    More than a bit uncomfortable with Cassie¡¯s attention, he had to find some answer for her. It wasn¡¯t that he was all that inexperienced with girls, or boys. But most of his experience was in the form of discreetly making out or touching other members of his own peer group in that dark club each weekend. He was a lot more comfortable with ¡®his own kind¡¯ so to speak, and frankly a lot more attracted to those types of people. It was true that Cassie was pretty enough, but he just didn¡¯t feel that sort of attraction when he looked at her; the sort he felt when he looked at his friends from the club, or his sister.

    He knew rejecting her would probably not go well either, so he tried to find some gray area. Finally, he spoke, ¡°I uh, came here with my sister. And I saw her wandering off alone a few minutes ago. So, being a dutiful big brother, I should probably go make sure she¡¯s ok before I, uh, get distracted¡± he settled on, adding in that tiny bit of flirtation just so Cassie hopefully wouldn¡¯t feel like it was an out and out rejection.

    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re really pretty and a nice guy too. How strange¡± she smiled up at him again.

    ¡°I¡¯m one of a kind¡± he smiled back at her awkwardly, before nodding and moving off toward the incline to go find the only girl there who he honestly wanted to be with at all.

    After a few minutes, he did make his way up the cliff to find Star sitting somberly on a fallen tree near the cliff¡¯s edge as it looked out over the ocean there under her namesakes that summer night. Turning at the sound of his footsteps, her somber look did make way for a tiny smile as he took the few steps toward her. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to leave the party on account of me¡± she told him with another smile as he took a seat in front of the log she sat on.

    ¡°I think I need you to save me¡± he told her with a sigh as he gently laid his head against her bare knee below the hem of her short leather skirt.

    ¡°Save you?¡± she chuckled slightly.

    ¡°From a girl¡± he said with mock terror.

    ¡°Sounds downright scary¡± she teased.

    ¡°I mean she¡¯s cute and all, but...¡± he just shrugged, his head still against her leg as he stared out over the cliff that night too.

    ¡°Not enough dark makeup and black clothing?¡± Star teased.

    ¡°You know me so well¡± he smirked.

    ¡°Well we are twins, right?¡± Star teased further.

    ¡°Oh would you stop!¡± he chuckled back before turning to tickle her as he pulled her down to the ground with him.

    ¡°Me? You stop!¡± she told him playfully as she swatted his hands away.

    ¡°But tickling you is so fun¡± he smirked, though he did give in to her request, though the two remained sitting close there on the ground, their backs against the fallen tree now.

    ¡°For you maybe¡± she wrinkled her nose, ¡°I do not like being tickled.¡± she told him with false severity.

    ¡°That¡¯s cause you¡¯re a control freak.¡±

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Star asked as she laughed back up at him.

    ¡°You hate being out of control, which is why you hate the sensation of being tickled. And it¡¯s probably why you¡¯re also afraid of sex¡± he couldn¡¯t help adding.

    ¡°I repeat, excuse me?¡± Star gave him a look of disbelief, though still wore her smile.

    ¡°Well, all you ever do with the club kids is make out or occasionally let one touch your breasts. Sounds like sex-phobia to me¡± he smirked, though there was a lack of seriousness in his tone.

    ¡°Well you haven¡¯t had sex either¡± she pointed out.

    ¡°I¡¯ve done plenty of sex-adjacent activities though¡± he defended, though still smiled down at her.

    ¡°Sex-adjacent?¡± she laughed again, ¡°did you just make that up?¡± she asked with another laugh.

    ¡°You know what I mean¡± he chuckled again.

    ¡°Why are we even having this conversation?¡± Star asked as she averted her eyes and shook her head.

    ¡°Hey, I just don¡¯t want you to die a virgin¡± he told her with over dramatic worry, ¡°it would be a tragedy for somebody with your body.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re doing it again¡± Star told him as she looked down, trying to bite back another smile.

    ¡°Doing what?¡± he asked as he leaned closer to her.

    ¡°You¡¯re flirting with me¡± Star told him in a whisper.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help it¡± he told her in the same whisper.

    ¡°Come on Sky, everyone in the world thinks we¡¯re brother and sister¡± Star reminded him.

    ¡°But we¡¯re not. Not really¡± he told her with his desire clear in his tone.

    ¡°But they think...¡± she began again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡± he whispered as he moved in to place his mouth over hers.

    It was only a few more moments before the two of them were continuing to move their tongues against one another¡¯s as they had made their way to a position laying back on the ground next to that tree that would hopefully hide them from view if any drunken stragglers did wander up the hill as well. As the kisses continued, Sky had now moved to lay above her, gently grinding his hips against hers as their tongues continued exploring each other¡¯s mouths, Star¡¯s playing with that stud in Sky¡¯s tongue, through her own smiles.

    As their desire intensified, he couldn¡¯t help stopping the kiss long enough for them to both catch their breaths, ¡°I suppose we should stop or something, right?¡± he breathed.

    ¡°Why? Cause you think I¡¯m afraid to do anything sex-adjacent?¡± she teased as she looked up at him, smiling at the way his long locks tickled her cheeks and neck.

    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you?¡± he teased back down at her, though still couldn¡¯t help gently grinding against her hips as they spoke.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not afraid. At least not afraid, with you.¡±

 Chapter 33

    At the sound of Star¡¯s confession there as she lay beneath Sky, his desire for her increased tenfold. When he looked down into her dark eyes there beneath the moonlit night, every scrap of willpower the two had been clinging to since they could even feel sexual desire; it suddenly just fell away. With a ragged breath, he moved his fevered kisses to her neck as his hands came up to pull her black tank top down from her bare breasts, revealing her lack of a bra that night and her already hardened nipples.

    His breath caught again as his eyes moved to her slightly heaving breasts, a sure sign that the desire she was feeling for him was just as intense. Sky then moved to begin kissing and tasting her breasts as her hands tangled in his hair, her back arching to meet his lips and tongue.

    Passion fueling their motions, it wasn¡¯t long before his hands found their way to the hem of that short leather skirt. Looking down into her eyes once more to assure himself that she didn¡¯t want him to stop anything he was doing, his hands slid up under her skirt, his fingers desperately finding her panties and pulling them down from her hips. One more look back at her, and he pulled them the rest of the way down her pale legs and discarded them somewhere on the ground next to them.

    He then moved lower and began pushing her skirt upwards, revealing all of that body he wanted so badly to his eyes at last. One more look to see that she still wanted all of this to be happening, and Sky moved to spread Star¡¯s legs and begin placing more kisses along her inner thighs.

    It was mere moments before he then moved his kisses to that spot at her core. There he found that she was so wet with desire for him already that it nearly made him give into his own climax at just the thought that he had caused that much arousal in her as well. He continued kissing her, tasting all of that wetness he had caused with only his nearness and his touch. Only another few moments of those continued kisses before he slid that studded tongue deep inside her, causing Star to loudly gasp and arch her hips to further deepen the penetration.

    Only a few more seconds passed with his tongue moving inside her, that tiny metal stud easily causing tremors to already begin in her. Finally, she gasped for enough air to speak, ¡°Sky, stop.¡±

    His body immediately tensing at her words, he moved back and looked up at her, ¡°tell me that¡¯s a joke¡± he responded raggedly.

    Star then let out a small laugh through another ragged breath as the beginnings of her orgasm had already started, ¡°no, I mean...¡± she took another deep, brave breath as she looked down at him, ¡°I mean, did you bring a condom?¡±

    At the sound of that question, he nearly came already just thinking of the implications of what she was asking. Taking a moment to just try and compose himself, he managed to speak, ¡°are you sure? I mean, really sure?¡±

    Star smiled again, her breath still ragged, ¡°considering what you were just doing, I think you know exactly how sure I am.¡±

    Biting back his own breathless laugh, he smiled and nodded. He then reached into the back pocket of his now excruciatingly tight pants, and pulled the item in question out. Another smile down at her, and he handed it to her shakily. Taking it from his fingers just as shakily, Star watched as Sky took a deep breath and began undoing his pants while she fumbled to get the condom out of its wrapper.

    Once the condom was open as well as his pants, revealing the fact that he was painfully aroused at that point, Star smiled again, and gently reached out to begin sliding it over his erection. Just the feel of her touching him enough to put it on nearly made him come again and he knew without a doubt that he desperately needed to be inside of her right then.

    Once it was on and he had nearly bit a hole in his lip to stop his own orgasm from arriving too soon, Sky took another breath and moved to that spot laying above her again. Shakily spreading her legs to allow him to move even closer Star looked up at him for one last assurance that she would be ok. He smiled down at her again and slowly began guiding himself inside her.

    Once just the tip was inside, he had to be sure, just one more more time, ¡°and you¡¯re positive you really want this, with me, right now?¡±

    Breathing heavily already at just the feel of him barely entering her at all yet, she managed to speak, ¡°I don¡¯t just want it Sky. I think I need it¡± she whispered as she tightly grasped his waist and braced herself for that inevitable pain that would make way for so much pleasure.

    Biting back another tremor trying to begin in him, Sky took another breath and finally, slowly moved to slide himself the rest of the way inside her. As that barrier broke, he gasped a bit as she yelped in pain, slight tears forming at the corner of her now tightly closed eyes.

    ¡°Star?¡± he choked her name as her body remained tense with pain for another moment.

    Taking a few quick, deep breaths, she finally started to relax around him ever so slightly, finally opening her dark eyes to him again.

    ¡°Does it hurt too much? I can...¡± he whispered, his own body more than tense as well then as he remained inside her, frozen, afraid to move at all for fear of causing her any more pain.

    Star then managed another smile up at him, ¡°no, the pain¡¯s gone now, I think¡± she smiled again, ¡°now make it stay gone¡± she added as his own lips smiled down at her.

    <hr>

    Already feeling a bit tipsy from the two more beers she had finished while waiting on Sky to reappear, Cassie glanced up the hill after him. With another sigh, she debated on going to search for him. It had been at least fifteen or twenty minutes since he went to check on Star. That should have been plenty of time to discern her well-being, Cassie thought wryly.

    She then tossed away the plastic cup and stood. Taking a moment to get her balance, she finally started making her way toward the incline to determine where her current bad boy obsession had gotten himself off to. It was true that she could never see herself dating someone like Sky in any serious way. But he was pretty enough for a few discreet and drunken encounters. And she had to admit she was curious to see exactly how ¡®not gay¡¯ he was, considering the assumptions others tended to make about a boy who looked that much like a girl. Or maybe she was just a lesbian who wasn¡¯t ready to give up the idea of being straight yet, she thought wryly, though she doubted that one was really true. But what better way to test it than with a boy who honestly could pass for a girl without even trying as hard as Sky did.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    As she neared the top of the cliff several minutes later, her ears caught the sound of moans of pleasure coming from somewhere nearby. She scoffed with a slight chuckle, amazed at how many random hook ups happened at these parties. Then again, that¡¯s what she was looking to try to have with Sky, so who was she to judge? She looked around the top of the cliff and couldn¡¯t really make out much in the dark except a fallen tree several feet off.

    Hearing the moans grow louder as she took a few steps toward the tree nearer the edge of the cliff, she narrowed her eyes. She then moved around to the other side of said tree only to then find the couple in question. They were not just fooling around though; she discovered that there was all out intercourse going on as her eyes adjusted in the dark to make out the outline of the boy as he was thrusting deeply into his partner, whose hips were arching to meet every thrust, her own moans of that approaching orgasm clear.

    But as her eyes finished adjusting, she felt her breath catch as she realized that the boy in question was Sky. She took another short breath, attempting to decide whether or not she should even make her presence known. After all, she had no real claim of any sort on Sky, but her pride was taking a bit of a hit as she realized that he had likely lied to her to go and meet some other girl that night. And of course, that led to a bit of anger, as no one liked rejection, let alone an already self-conscious fifteen year old girl who had already stepped way out of her comfort zone to make her interest known to a boy that none of her friends would ever approve of.

    She watched for a few more seconds, her anger and curiosity wanting to know exactly what other girl she had been spurned for. The problem being that Sky¡¯s long locks, as well as the rather dark night were both making it nearly impossible for her to make out the face of his partner. She finally shook her head, the anger winning as she cleared her throat from her spot watching them, about fifteen feet away, near the edge of the cliff.

    Startled from the climax that they had already started in each other, the two froze and looked her way, ¡°So, I thought you were coming to check on your---¡± Cassie began angrily, only to completely lose her voice as she saw Star¡¯s more than mortified expression looking back at her, ¡°sister¡± she choked on the last word as she immediately turned away and doubled over to expel all of that alcohol from her stomach once more.

    ¡°Fuck¡± Sky whispered as he and Star both scrambled to end their connection and quickly try to readjust their clothes again, their cheeks both painfully burning then.

    ¡°Your sister?¡± Cassie nearly shrieked, once she had finished throwing up and forced her eyes back to them, ¡°oh my god¡± she choked on the words again.

    ¡°Cassie, you don¡¯t...¡± Sky attempted though he had no idea how he would even make her believe any denial, all things considered. She would almost definitely think it was some poorly constructed lie to try and hide their shame, no matter what he tried to say.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get it?¡± Cassie offered, tears in her eyes as well as Star¡¯s as the younger girl sobbed into her hands at the thought of what Cassie must be thinking of them now. ¡°No fucking shit I don¡¯t get it! She¡¯s your fucking sister, Sky. You are the most twisted, disgusting fucks on the planet!¡± she shouted back to them.

    ¡°But Cassie...¡± Sky attempted again, his heart breaking as he saw Star¡¯s trauma then, but trying his best to diffuse it any way he could.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even say my name like we¡¯re friends. We are not friends!¡± she shouted back, ¡°I could never be friends with anyone as twisted and sick as....¡± she just shook her head.

    ¡°Could you please just...please, stop yelling for a second, Cassie?¡± Sky begged, warily looking toward the still rather large group of teens on the bluffs below them.

    ¡°What?¡± she scoffed loudly, ¡°you afraid they¡¯re gonna hear? Hear about what twisted sick fucks you both are? You¡¯re fucking right they¡¯re gonna hear. I¡¯m gonna tell every single person I know to stay as far fucking away as possible from you two sick goddamn freaks!¡± she struggled for the words, as Star¡¯s sobs became even more intense at the sound of all that misplaced accusation and the threats this girl was delivering that would truly destroy their lives.

    Desperate to stop Star¡¯s complete breakdown, Sky finally raised his voice in return, ¡°would you just listen? We¡¯re not actually fucking brother and sister, Cassie!¡± he exclaimed.

    ¡°Really?¡± Cassie laughed loudly, ¡°cause it looks like that¡¯s exactly what you are¡± she shook her head as she moved her hand to her stomach again, ¡°and I¡¯m sure everyone¡¯s really gonna believe that you¡¯re not related, considering the only time you even tried to claim that was when you got caught fucking your own twin sister. Oh god, you are so... so fucking wrong¡± she turned away again, ¡°and everyone will know exactly how wrong you two are. It¡¯s just sick¡± she repeated again.

    Fighting his own tears, Sky tried once more, ¡°please, you have to believe us. We really aren¡¯t, and you can¡¯t go tell everybody about this. It would destroy our entire lives, Cassie¡± he pleaded.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you not to call me Cassie?¡± she growled back, ¡°and make up your mind, are you not related?¡± another scoff, ¡°or would your lives be destroyed because you are¡± she added coldly, ¡°I think it¡¯s obvious which one¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t fucking tell people this, Cassie¡± Sky told her, going from despair to anger at that point as he stood, reaching out to pull Star to her feet with him, ¡°you just can¡¯t¡± he repeated.

    ¡°Watch me¡± she growled back as she turned on her heel to head back down to the party.

    Only at that point, all those emotions as well as the physical state they were both in combined in one giant buildup of emotion as Sky and Star gripped each other¡¯s hand tightly. Staring at the girl turning away, their breaths barely managing to pass their lips, the two centered both sets of dark teary eyes on her, and in the next moment, she flew backwards...but too far...as her body landed at the very edge of the cliff, where the loose rocks gave way, and she plummeted to the ground below.

    <hr>

    ~Present Day~

    Sky and Star both returned to the present with a start, pulling their minds back from Cassie¡¯s as each had tears in their eyes at the revelation they had just discovered. They looked at each other and sniffled in disbelief, speechless, not able to find any words to describe their feelings right then.

    Stammering, Star tried to find words then, ¡°she didn¡¯t die though, right? We didn¡¯t kill her, right?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think what fucked us up was just rumors. That was... awful.¡± Sky agreed in his own stammer.

    ¡°And it started out so... ¡° Star couldn¡¯t even finish.

    The two sat there sniffling and stewing in these new horrible memories when they heard the front door to Crista¡¯s house open. Looking up as though just then remembering where they even were, they saw Cassie and the state they had left her in. There the frail now eighteen year old sat in a wheelchair, glaring over at their car, as all she could do was glare, considering she appeared to be completely paralyzed from the neck down.

    ¡°What the fuck are you freaks doing in front of my house?¡± she called out to them, tears rushing to her eyes.

    Not able to say anything at all in return, the two bit back more sobs of their own and quickly pulled out of the driveway, now having a very clear picture of exactly why they had become who they had become in this world too.

 Chapter 34

    When Star and Sky pulled into the garage that night, they found that their parents weren¡¯t home yet. That was at least one blessing that night; not that that was saying much. They somberly made their way inside and slumped down into seats on the couch, still fighting back tears.

    That was when Star took a breath and spoke again, ¡°Do we deserve it? Deserve all the horrible things that ever were done to us? Do we actually deserve it?¡± she repeated with a sniffle.

    Sky let out his own sad breath, ¡°all we were doing was making love¡± he shook his head, ¡°we were just showing each other how much we cared about each other. And then it just got misconstrued and twisted into something horrible, again¡± he added more quietly, ¡°why do we keep getting punished for loving each other? We were made to love one another, literally. But every single time, we just get beaten down and destroyed for it¡± he added, choking back tears. He then took another shaky breath, ¡°dad was right. They should¡¯ve killed us on the day they made us.¡±

    Star sniffled as she looked over at him, ¡°Sky, please don¡¯t go there again¡± she pleaded, though her words barely made it past her lips.

    ¡°Go there? That¡¯s where we already are. That¡¯s where we always end up, every time.¡±

    Star was quiet again, for a long moment before she finally spoke, ¡°can you imagine the last three years? Seeing her like that, in school, every day, knowing we did that to her? No wonder we probably never touched each other again¡± Star whispered.

    ¡°And the whole time she was telling everybody that we were sick, disgusting incestuous freaks¡± Sky scoffed, ¡°and if we tried to tell anyone we weren¡¯t really related at all, they just thought we were the liars, not the girl we crippled¡± he added sadly.

    Star shook her head, ¡°well at least our one friend, who lives with the girl who¡¯s life we destroyed...and who destroyed our lives¡± she allowed, ¡°at least she doesn¡¯t believe we really hurt Cassie.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t imagine what she must believe instead¡± Sky sighed.

    ¡°Probably that her sister got drunk and fell off a cliff... then made up some huge, crazy story about you and I cause she was pissed you¡¯d rather be with your sister than her¡± Star offered with a sad shrug.

    ¡°I mean, I hate Cassie for what she did to us; but after I see what we did to her...¡± he shook his head again.

    Star sighed sadly again, ¡°I was even starting to like Crista. Or at least like the idea of having an actual friend¡± she sniffled again, ¡°now, every time I see her, all I¡¯m gonna think about is what she has to go home to: To what we did to her sister. We took away every chance that a fifteen year old girl ever had at a life, just to keep her from telling people what she saw us doing. We did that¡± she sniffled again as she moved to wipe away more tears.

    ¡°We weren¡¯t trying to make her go off the cliff¡± Sky attempted some weak defense, ¡°we just wanted to stop her from going back to the party. That¡¯s what we wanted¡± he repeated sadly.

    ¡°And then what?¡± Star shook her head.

    ¡°I guess we would¡¯ve kept trying to convince her not to tell people. You heard her. She just wouldn¡¯t listen¡± Sky shook his head again.

    ¡°And if she kept not listening? How would it have really went any differently? Really?¡± Star asked in the same raw whisper.

    Sky sighed again after another moment, ¡°making up another new reality is starting to look better every day.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯d still be us. That¡¯s one thing that¡¯ll be true in every reality¡± Star whispered sadly.

    <hr>

    It wasn¡¯t much later that Star¡¯s and Sky¡¯s new layer of self-loathing was interrupted. Their parents'' car pulled into the garage slightly before eleven and they came inside to glance curiously at the two strikingly silent teens sitting somberly on the couch together, staring at a blank TV screen.

    Connor narrowed his eyes, shook his head, and yawned as he headed off to the downstairs bathroom after he and Brie¡¯s trip back from the city. That was when Brie gave them another questioning look as they didn¡¯t really look back her way or offer anything in the way of greeting.

    ¡°Interesting show you¡¯re watching¡± she narrowed her eyes. Her first instinct was that the two might have been concentrating on each other rather than the TV when their arrival had interrupted them, but upon seeing how incredibly dejected both of them looked, she decided that was probably an inaccurate theory.

    Star sighed, trying to find any explanation she could give Brie without piling more lies onto their growing list of crimes, ¡°we just drove Crista home. And saw her sister¡± Star attempted as Sky sighed and looked downwards.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°Her sister?¡± Brie asked with a curious look.

    ¡°Cassie¡± was the only answer Star supplied, causing Sky to sigh again.

    ¡°Oh, wow, is that the crippled girl?¡± Brie asked with pity.

    ¡°Pretty sure that¡¯s not the PC term¡± Sky mumbled.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize that was Crista¡¯s sister¡± Brie continued conversationally.

    ¡°Yeah, and she¡¯s the one who...¡± Star began, only to look down guiltily again.

    ¡°You two were the ones who saw her up there, before she fell¡± Brie stated sadly, recalling the event from years ago, unlike her children, who had learned of it only that evening themselves.

    ¡°Yeah, up on the cliff, where she fell¡± Sky answered, under his breath.

    ¡°It¡¯s terrible that that girl¡¯s life was ruined just by drinking too much. Thank goodness you two never seemed to go to many parties after that. Talk about learning underage drinking is not a good thing, the hard way. But glad you two learned it at least¡± she added with a sad smile.

    Swallowing a bit, Star¡¯s guilt compelled her to go on, ¡°you know, Cassie¡¯s the one who... she¡¯s the one who made everyone...¡± she shook her head, ¡°the one who has made things so hard for us in school.¡±

    Brie furrowed her brow as Sky looked a bit more than uncomfortable, ¡°what do you mean, hon?¡±

    ¡°Come on, mom. You have to know how the other kids treat us¡± Star stated sadly, Sky remaining silent.

    ¡°What? The ones who make fun of the way you dress?¡± Brie asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a lot worse than that, mom¡± Star whispered. She then took a breath, ¡°the things they say about us; it¡¯s Cassie who started all that.¡±

    ¡°The crippled---¡± she then shook her head, ¡°physically challenged girl? She¡¯s told people lies about you?¡±

    ¡°Something like that¡± Star stated, eyes down again.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a rough one¡± Brie shook her head, ¡°not like you could really go on the offensive much with her¡± Brie stated with her own sigh.

    ¡°No kidding¡± Star agreed, sadly.

    ¡°So what kind of lies did this girl tell about you?¡± Brie had to know then, ¡°I mean, lies can usually be pretty easily disproven.¡±

    Sky finally spoke, ¡°well, defending ourselves just makes us look like... like we¡¯re the ones lying¡± Sky shook his head, knowing the two were dangerously close to saying too much, but not sure how to possibly re-direct the conversation.

    After all, it was true that the part about them being incestuous was obviously a lie, but the part about them having sex, and hurting her, those were less of lies. And neither of those things did they wish to share with Brie. Even telling Brie about the ¡®them having sex¡¯ part of the rumors would be unwise, considering Brie already had worries over how physically close the two had been with each other.

    Star swallowed hard, knowing that backing out of the conversation now would be near impossible. She just had to try and find a way to safely navigate through as many half-truths as she could. Star took a breath and attempted to make that first dive, ¡°for the last three years, she¡¯s been telling people that... that Sky and I have done things. Sexual things¡± she took another breath as Brie paled, ¡°and most people think we¡¯re brother and sister, so when we try to tell people that it¡¯s not how they think... It just makes us look like we¡¯re lying about not being related to cover it up.¡±

    Brie took a few breaths, closing her eyes a moment to compose herself, ¡°so why exactly would this girl have started saying things like that about you to begin with?¡± Brie attempted, though it was obvious that just hearing the rumor made her begin to worry there was truth to it, considering the confession the two had already made to her that week.

    Sky took a breath, ¡°Cassie came onto me at that party¡± he began, ¡°I wasn¡¯t interested, so I made up an excuse, and I went to hang out with Star instead¡± he swallowed hard to look Star¡¯s way for strength, ¡°that party was where the kiss happened, mom¡± he confessed. After all, he did indeed kiss Star at that party, among many, many other things. He took another breath, ¡°Cassie saw us kissing, and that¡¯s when she decided to tell the whole world that Star and I were doing a lot more than that. And when we try to tell people it wasn¡¯t really us making out with our sibling, they just think that we¡¯re sick and disgusting liars who really are related and really are that, twisted. And Cassie¡¯s the one that started all that¡± he finished with a deep breath, content that he at least told as much of the truth as he could.

    ¡°God¡± Brie breathed as she shook her head, ¡°and these rumors about you two have been going around for three years?¡±

    Star sighed, ¡°well, we did kiss. Just everyone thinks, that we did a lot worse, and since they also all think that we¡¯re actually related... Why do you think it¡¯s so hard for us to even talk about that damn kiss with you? It messed up our entire lives¡± Star finished tearfully. Yes, there was a lie in her words, but the truth was there too, at least part of it.

    Brie shook her head again, ¡°so I¡¯m guessing you two haven¡¯t done a lot of kissing since then? All things considered.¡±

    ¡°Mom¡± Star scolded, only to cause Brie to sigh again.

    ¡°Well, I mean, I¡¯m glad you two haven¡¯t really been doing things with each other all this time. Though, I hate that people think you have; and worse, that they think you have, and that you¡¯re actually brother and sister¡± she shook her head, trying to imagine how horrible their days must have really been for those last three years, considering the foul rumors about them.

    ¡°And she¡¯s a crippled girl¡± Star reminded, just to slightly re-direct the piece of the story Brie was latching onto, ¡°so not only are we liars, according to everyone, but we¡¯re also accusing someone in Cassie¡¯s condition of being a liar herself. We definitely aren¡¯t coming out of this looking like the good guys¡± she added more sadly, though it was true that she and Sky definitely didn¡¯t view themselves as blameless in any way either.

    Brie shook her head again, ¡°I guess now we can at least understand all the black¡± she attempted a small smile, ¡°is it wrong that I¡¯m almost relieved that it wasn¡¯t your father and I who made the two of you this... sad?¡±

    Though Star and Sky couldn¡¯t help a furtive look, knowing what they did know about exactly how responsible their parents truly were for making them exactly like they were. But that was definitely not a conversation they wanted to have right then; or possibly ever.

 Chapter 35

    It was around ten the following Sunday morning, when Sky and Star were both woken from a rather restless night by the sound of Brie calling up to them from the bottom of the stairs once more, ¡°kids? Are you up yet?¡±

    With a groan of disapproval from each of their throats, the two made their way groggily from their rooms to look down at her from the banister above, ¡°we are now¡± Sky called back down to her hoarsely. Though, this morning, he had at least risen from bed wearing those same PVC pants from the day before rather than his usual sleep attire of just a pair of form-fitting boxers. And Star also had a pair of silk boxers on over the panties that were all she usually had beneath the tee she slept in.

    Smiling slightly up at them, Brie spoke again, ¡°your father and I need to run to the grocery store. We¡¯ll probably be back in a couple of hours¡± she informed them with an only slightly cautious look.

    ¡°Should we be calling a sitter again?¡± Sky couldn¡¯t help the remark.

    ¡°Don¡¯t push it while I still feel bad for you two¡± she warned, though still managed the smile, ¡°see you in a couple hours.¡±

    The two looked back at each other with a still rather sad sigh as they heard their parents leaving. They were glad to have re-established some trust between them and their parents; as oddly as that change had come about. But they were still rather distraught about the events they had learned of the previous evening.

    ¡°Did you get any sleep at all?¡± Star asked him sadly.

    ¡°Maybe passed out for ten whole minutes¡± Sky returned with his own sadness.

    ¡°I don¡¯t even know how I¡¯m gonna talk to Crista now. Everything actually seemed better for a while, yesterday. But now we know how not better everything really is¡± she sniffled slightly.

    ¡°And the fact that it was our first time? Both of ours?¡± he shook his head as he turned sadly back toward his bedroom door, ¡°I mean, the way you were sitting there crying as she screamed at us, and all I could think was; I just made love to this girl, and was about to finally be able to make her feel something good, for once... and now she¡¯s crying and bleeding cause of what we did¡± he shook his head again.

    ¡°Sky¡± she breathed his name as she moved to touch his arm as he had now taken a step back toward his doorway, his back to her.

    ¡°I mean how fucking stupid were we? I mean, we had to know how easily we could have gotten caught. And then we were¡± he shook his head again as he moved back into his room, taking a sad seat on the bed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think either of us could have predicted what really was going to happen. It hardly was a time when we were thinking very clearly¡± Star attempted to assure him as she stepped into his room behind him.

    ¡°Well maybe we should have been able to. We can do enough other shit with our minds. Why not predict the future too?¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°Well this was before our visit to that weird silver room. Probably before we even knew we could do much of anything¡± she added as she moved to take a seat next to him.

    ¡°I think the power we really need is to be able to go back in time, knowing the things we know now¡± he sighed again as she laid her head on his shoulder.

    ¡°It¡¯s still the same problem as this alternate reality. Even if we went back and made everything perfect again; the stuff in our heads would always be there, to always fuck up everything again. One way or another¡± she stated.

    ¡°So there really is no hope of us ever being happy?¡± Sky scoffed.

    Star sighed sadly, ¡°I think it¡¯s a question of trying to live with all the shit in our heads and still find a way to move on.¡±

    ¡°And how the hell do we do that?¡± Sky asked desperately.

    ¡°I have no idea¡± Star whispered as a tear slid down her cheek before she turned to cover his mouth in a gentle, somewhat sad kiss.

    He reached up to gently caress her cheek as the kiss ended, though they didn¡¯t move apart, ¡°there¡¯s another kiss. What are we gonna fuck up this time?¡± he attempted to joke, but the emotion in his voice was hardly one of happiness.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± Star whispered back, ¡°I just know that letting myself be afraid to even be close with you again... that would be just as bad as staying there, in our world, and letting them take away the way we felt about each other.¡±

    ¡°Yolo?¡± he offered with a small smile, as she sadly smiled back, and kissed his lips again.

    <hr>

    When the two finished making love that morning, and slowly began dressing again before their parents¡¯ inevitable return, they glanced up at the sound of a text message beeping Star¡¯s phone from where she had left it in her room across the hall, where both their bedroom doors had remained open while they had made love.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    Star and Sky gave each other a questioning look as they finished dressing and Star made her way back across the hall to check her phone. Sky followed her a moment later, after lighting that post-coital cigarette and looked at her expectantly as she gave her phone a confused look.

    ¡°That mysterious?¡± Sky offered, ¡°or just from a really bad typist?¡± he added as he blew some smoke through his lips.

    ¡°From Crista¡± Star said as she continued to look down at the screen.

    ¡°Her fingers still work, huh?¡± Sky smirked.

    ¡°Ha ha¡± Star shook her head, though her mind was still on the message, ¡°the girl is weird.¡±

    ¡°No wonder we get along with her¡± Sky added wryly.

    ¡°Her message: Does witchcraft wear off? Holy shit, lemme know!¡± Star looked up and shook her head.

    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s drunk¡± Sky shook his head back.

    ¡°Witchcraft?¡± Star repeated, ¡°what?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me¡± Sky smirked, ¡°call her back and ask her what the fuck she¡¯s talking about.¡±

    ¡°So we are still tryin to be friends with her?¡± Star asked, a bit of their previous sadness easily returning.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s your call¡± Sky replied sadly as he took another drag.

    Star took a breath and finally lifted the phone to call the girl back. Sky watched as Star mainly listened, her expression going from confused to downright shocked before finally ending the call and looking back at him with widened brown eyes.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Sky prodded, giving her the same questioning look again.

    ¡°Apparently, Cassie... she was able to move her arm again. It just happened, barely twenty minutes ago. They¡¯re on their way to her doctors to try and figure out what the hell is going on¡± Star shook her head in disbelief.

    Sky was quiet a long moment before he finally remembered the message, ¡°does witchcraft wear off...¡± he repeated slowly.

    Star swallowed hard, speaking just as slowly, ¡°or do we really have the power to actually undo the things we¡¯ve done? The things we didn¡¯t mean to do? The things we regret horribly?¡± she breathed all those questions as she looked at him desperately.

    ¡°Un-paralyzing a girl who¡¯d been paralyzed for the last three years?¡± Sky shook his head, ¡°that¡¯s a pretty tall fuckin order, Star¡± he told her with his own disbelief, as well as the tiniest bit of hope.

    Star was quiet a moment, then looked up again, ¡°combining our life essence with our soul-mate makes us even more capable of amazing things... Isn¡¯t that what Veda told us?¡± she whispered as the two just stared at each other in further disbelief, thinking on the possibility.

    <hr>

    The next day at lunch, Crista came to join Sky and Star at a seat across the table from them once more. Star and Sky looked to each other a bit nervously before Star managed to find her voice, though barely, ¡°hey¡± was her shaky greeting as she looked back at the thickly made up brownish green eyes looking back at her and Sky.

    ¡°Did you guys really do something to make my sister start to get better?¡± Crista asked them in a hoarse whisper.

    Star and Sky just scoffed nervously as Star spoke again, ¡°what are you even talking about, Crista? We never even talked to your sister... recently. And we¡¯re not doctors¡± she tried to add for weight.

    ¡°But are you... the other thing?¡± Crista asked, now in a whisper as she cast a glance around the cafeteria where none of the other kids were thankfully sitting very close anyway.

    Sky scoffed more loudly then, ¡°what happened to not believing a word Cassie said?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well the doctors said she¡¯d be paralyzed for life. And they have no clue why she¡¯s getting any feeling or movement back at all¡± Crista shook her head, ¡°and now that I know...¡± she just shook her head as she nervously glanced down at her phone.

    ¡°Know what?¡± Star asked warily.

    ¡°Know that you two aren¡¯t really brother and sister, and...¡± she shook her head again, ¡°knowing that makes the other part of what my sister said seem a lot more... believable¡± she added as she looked between the two of them.

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Star asked with increasing discomfort.

    ¡°I mean, come on. People like us are way more open-minded about who we might actually have sex with, but nobody¡¯s that open-minded¡± Crista added awkwardly, ¡°but now that I know that you two aren¡¯t really twins, or related at all... the idea of you two doing that with each other; it doesn¡¯t really seem that far-fetched now.¡±

    Star and Sky looked at one another with obvious discomfort, considering it was only one day earlier when they had given into making love to one another yet again. Sky took a breath, ¡°so, are we talking about us having sex, or us being so-called witches?¡±

    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t believe either, before¡± Crista admitted, ¡°but now that I can see how one might be really possible¡± she blushed slightly, ¡°it makes me question how true the other thing my sister said was. Especially now that no one seems to know why she¡¯s even getting better. You gotta admit; it¡¯s really weird¡± she told them softly as she looked back at them questioningly.

    Star and Sky struggled for some kind of response then. It was true that the two of them having sex wasn¡¯t nearly as scandalous as the other girl had originally thought. But, admitting to there being any truth in Cassie¡¯s story did allow for the possibility of believing the rest was true. And though they weren¡¯t witches, per se, admitting to their abilities in any way was not only admitting to their responsibility in what happened to Cassie; but it also opened the door for exposing exactly how different the two of them were. And it was a slippery slope, to say the least.

    Sky attempted to quell the girl¡¯s suspicions any way he could, ¡°just because the doctors don¡¯t know why your sister¡¯s getting better; that doesn¡¯t mean we had anything to do with it. Come on, Crista¡± he attempted a smile.

    ¡°Yeah I wouldn¡¯t think so either, except when I saw the two of you together the other day. It¡¯s obvious there¡¯s something between you two¡± she told them knowingly, ¡°and if that¡¯s true, then what else Cassie said could pretty easily be true too. I mean, you said you were fourteen your first time, Star, right? And that it was a really hot goth boy?¡± she blushed again as she looked at Sky before averting her eyes again, ¡°and you seem to know an awful lot about Sky¡¯s... skills¡± she added with a small laugh and a brighter blush, ¡°even fake brothers and sisters probably don¡¯t know that many details about each other¡¯s love lives... unless they¡¯re involved in them, right?¡± Crista told them as she looked up at them with the same question in her eyes.

 Chapter 36

    After being cornered by Crista¡¯s questions, the two did at least let themselves admit that they had had sex at that party, three years ago, and that Cassie was the one who caught them; therefore starting the horrible rumor mill that had been their lives for the last three years. But they also stressed that because of that night, it definitely made them wary of doing much else with each other since then. And lastly, they still did not admit anything about having any witch-like abilities. That was just too much truth to risk, even with their only friend.

    That afternoon after school, Cassie¡¯s and Crista¡¯s parents had left the two girls in Cassie¡¯s hospital room as they went to get something to eat in the hospital cafeteria. Cassie was entering her second hour of attempting to squeeze a small rubber ball with her hand as Crista yawned and looked down at her phone for the fortieth time or so in those two hours.

    ¡°So sorry my road to recovery after three long years is boring you¡± Cassie told her sister smartly.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything¡± Crista mumbled, though had to suppress another yawn.

    ¡°Well maybe you should¡± Cassie told her bitterly as she tried once more to squeeze that ball which had become her nemesis over the last two days.

    ¡°What are you talking about now?¡± Crista scoffed, though still didn¡¯t look up from her phone.

    ¡°Like maybe an apology¡± Cassie bit back.

    That did cause Crista to look back at her older sister, ¡°for what? Yawning?¡± she scoffed again.

    ¡°No for trying to even be friends with the fucking degenerate freaks who did this to me!¡± Cassie bit back.

    Crista just scoffed again, ¡°when are you gonna get it through your head? They¡¯re not really brother and sister. Even their damn parents say so. You think their mom and dad are trying to cover for their kids having sex? Please. They don¡¯t even know the two of them had sex¡± Crista shook her head as she looked at the phone again.

    ¡°You seem to know a lot about it though. Proving what I said about you having the audacity to even try to be friends with the people who ruined my life!¡± Cassie continued angrily.

    ¡°Well, you did ruin their lives right back¡± Crista mumbled.

    That was when Cassie scoffed, ¡°last time I saw them, I didn¡¯t notice either of them in any spike and leather covered wheelchairs.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, did you notice the scars on their wrists though? I¡¯d say that¡¯s pretty unbecoming too¡± Crista retorted, proving that even this world¡¯s Star and Sky had been more than ready to give up their own lives at least at some point in this world as well; just like Sky had been in the other world, and eventually Star too.

    ¡°Just a shame their little Romeo and Juliet routine didn¡¯t end the same way as the play¡± Cassie growled.

    ¡°You are such a fucking bitch Cassie¡± Crista returned with her own anger, ¡°you¡¯re actually sitting here saying that they deserve to be dead, just because Sky didn¡¯t wanna fuck you? Do you fucking hear yourself?¡±

    ¡°Oh believe me, this is about a lot more than Sky wanting to fuck his own sister instead of me. Have you noticed the fucking wheelchair?¡± Cassie bit back.

    ¡°Not his sister¡± Crista mumbled angrily again as she forced her eyes back down to her phone again.

    That was when Cassie gave Crista another angry look of disbelief, ¡°please don¡¯t tell me that you¡¯re fucking him too now. He does have a thing for fourteen year olds who try to look like corpses. At least you¡¯re not his sister though, right?¡± Cassie scoffed.

    Crista glared back at Cassie then before responding, ¡°maybe they should be trying to use their witchy ways to just fucking finish you off, instead of trying to make you better¡± and with that Crista stormed out of the room, leaving her sister with that rather ominous statement.

    <hr>

    The following weekend, Connor and Brie decided it was time to drag their two seventeen year old wards off to visit some nearby campuses in the area since it was indeed their senior year. Much to the chagrin of the teens, their parents decided it would allow them to cover more bases if Brie took Star to visit a few schools, and Connor took Sky. The times the two of them were not together were so rare that it almost felt like they were trying to breathe a different kind of air when they were separated. It was beyond a foreign situation for them to find themselves in, even if they didn¡¯t have the added bonus of being under the one on one scrutiny of a parental figure for nearly an entire weekend.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    Connor had gone into one of the cafes near the campus they were visiting that Saturday morning while Sky waited at one of the tables outside. He was checking his phone to see how Star was faring that day when he heard a young woman¡¯s voice, ¡°Sky Vargas?¡± she smiled over at him from where she had now appeared outside the cafe with a coffee that had much too fancy a name for anyone to even remember.

    Sky looked up at her, a bit perplexed for a moment. His first thought was that she must have been someone he knew from the club, considering her light purple frosted hair, dark makeup, ripped fishnet gloves, black bustier, and tight leather pants. His breath catching slightly at her appearance, he tried desperately to recall if he should be remembering some intimate moments the two may have shared in years past. However, he didn¡¯t recall he and Star ever sharing their surnames with any of their club friends, aside from when they were living with the four college students that summer, in that other reality.

    ¡°You don¡¯t remember me, do you?¡± she teased with an awkward smile.

    ¡°Sorry...I...¡± he just shook his head as his eyes traveled over her again, trying not to look as though he were appreciating her appearance too openly.

    ¡°Imagine me as a blonde with pom poms¡± she teased.

    Sky narrowed his eyes for a minute, then suddenly recalled where he had known her from, even if it was in a different world at the time, ¡°Raina? Raina....Chapman?¡± he struggled a minute to call her name back to memory as he hadn¡¯t seen her since the last week he was in school back in that other world, before he and Star were locked up in a lab for the next three years.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve changed a bit¡± she chuckled.

    ¡°I guess college has been rough¡± he returned as he allowed a small smile.

    ¡°Something like that¡± she agreed as she took a seat in the chair next to his, ¡°plus I admit I never really went outta my way to talk to you.¡±

    ¡°Well your pom poms did clash with my eyeliner¡± he smirked.

    ¡°To say the least¡± she chuckled again. She then added, ¡°plus, with all the rumors, it was a bit difficult to justify speaking to you in front of all the wonderful friends I kept in high school¡± she admitted with an almost apologetic tone.

    ¡°Yes, those lovely rumors¡± he sighed heavily, just then recalling that he may remember her from the other world as just one of those girls, but she remembered him from this world as the freak who screwed his sister.

    ¡°So, I¡¯m guessing the rumors have not died down, judging by your expression¡± she added, looking over his own appearance as he turned his dark eyes downwards.

    ¡°Three years and counting¡± Sky mumbled as he tried to keep his attention on his phone to hide the pain of what still felt like only a week ago to him.

    ¡°Well, now that I¡¯m not a cheerleader a year ahead of you in school, and you might be coming here, I guess I should finally just ask¡± Raina replied as she bit her black-stained lip.

    ¡°Do I even wanna know what you wanna ask?¡± Sky dared as he gave her a wary sideways glance.

    ¡°So, is she or isn¡¯t she?¡± Raina bravely asked.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°Your sister, is she or isn¡¯t she your sister?¡± she repeated more quietly.

    ¡°Only by law¡± he admitted with a shake of his head.

    ¡°And did you or didn¡¯t you?¡± she added with more bravery.

    ¡°Dare I ask you to clarify that one too?¡± he allowed a slightly nervous laugh.

    ¡°Come on, if she¡¯s not actually your sister¡± Raina coaxed, ¡°did you two or didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Sky was then the one biting his lip as he averted his eyes again, ¡°well she isn¡¯t actually my sister¡± he admitted. After all, they had already admitted that truth to one other person that week.

    ¡°Wow¡± Raina shook her head but smiled, ¡°I at least feel better knowing that she¡¯s not your sister now. But I guess I feel worse about the way my friends, and everyone else, treated you guys, considering¡± she added more quietly as her eyes turned to the scar on his wrist.

    Sky¡¯s gaze followed hers to that faded scar now, as though just remembering it himself. He never even noticed that he still had that scar in this world since he was already so used to it just being part of him. But as it occurred to him that he honestly shouldn¡¯t have it in this world, but he still did; that was a more than unnerving thought.

    ¡°Sky?¡± she asked, noticing his sudden unease.

    ¡°Yeah, um, just haven¡¯t thought about that in a while¡± he managed, taking a deep breath as he readjusted the multiple bracelets he wore over his wrist.

    ¡°The scandal that year though. First Cassie falls off a cliff and gets paralyzed, and then all the rumors, and then when you and Star both ended up in the hospital a few weeks later¡± she shook her head sadly, ¡°wasn¡¯t a boring year at least... in a very bad way¡± she added.

    ¡°Star?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yeah, that is your sister... well not sister¡¯s name, right?¡±

    ¡°Uh, yeah¡± he said, trying to cover his own panic at her implication that Star had tried to kill herself in this world as well. He hadn¡¯t noticed a scar on Star, but then again, she usually had long gloves or multiple bracelets or long sleeved jackets on; and when he had her out of her clothes, he honestly paid much more attention to parts of her other than her wrist.

    ¡°Sky and Star, that¡¯s pretty cute¡± Raina smiled, ¡°and your names too¡± she allowed that mild flirtation.

    ¡°Well that was our mom¡¯s little...¡± he then bit back his first thought, ¡°idea.¡± he decided on.

    ¡°It¡¯s so weird, hearing you say our mom, even though she¡¯s not really your sister¡± Raina smiled back again.

    ¡°Well, Brie and Connor are still technically our parents¡± he shrugged.

    ¡°So how are things with you and Star now?¡± she couldn¡¯t help asking.

    That caused him to quickly look back, ¡°meaning?¡±

    Raina blushed slightly, ¡°I mean, you said the two of you had sex. Then a few weeks later you both tried to...¡± she shook her head, ¡°and with the rumors still going strong; just wondered how things are between you two now. Are you guys ok?¡± she asked softly.

    Sky couldn¡¯t help a small sound of disbelief at her question, before finding his voice again, though it was choked with emotion, ¡°I think that¡¯s the first time, in seventeen years, anyone has ever actually asked either of us that.¡±

 Chapter 37

    Seeing the tears Sky bit back at just the kindness she had shown by asking how he and Star were, Raina felt her heart miss a beat. She sighed softly as she thought back on the way this beautiful boy, and his equally beautiful not-sister had been treated for years now, and undeservedly so. With a deep breath, she took his wrist and pulled him up from the table with her.

    ¡°We goin somewhere?¡± Sky asked as he narrowed his eyes down at her.

    ¡°Come on¡± she smiled as she pulled him with her back into the cafe where his dad was still waiting in one of the rather long lines.

    Not quite sure what she had in mind, Sky followed easily, only to hesitate slightly as she pulled him into the restroom with her. ¡°Um, we re-applying our makeup?¡± he attempted the joke to cover his own surprise and hesitation.

    ¡°One, I really do feel shitty about the way me and my friends treated you for so long¡± she told him apologetically, squeezing his wrist slightly.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t like it was just you guys¡± he stated softly. Though he hadn¡¯t actually lived those three years here, his imagination and memories of times in his other life, did well to fill in the blanks.

    ¡°And two, after you admitted that you and Star really did, have something¡± she decided on, ¡°I then was finally sure you weren¡¯t only into boys.¡±

    ¡°Guess it was a valid assumption¡± he wryly repeated his dad¡¯s words, though blushed slightly as to why a girl who had just dragged him into a public restroom with her was so concerned with his sexual orientation.

    ¡°You are way too cute, or should I say, pretty?¡± she smiled up at him again as she pulled him into one of the stalls with her.

    Not quite sure how he was supposed to react to a situation he never imagined in that place, with a former antagonist of his; he was more than a little caught off guard by her locking the stall door behind them and moving to begin unbuttoning the black crushed velvet pants he wore that day.

    ¡°Raina...¡± he swallowed a bit as she continued the task, ¡°a latte would suffice, honestly¡± he tried to joke again, his breath catching as he easily hardened underneath the material as she finished with the final button.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that reaction says otherwise¡± she teased as she moved to her knees to begin her task.

    It was a good ten minutes or so later, when the two finally stepped out of the restroom together again. Sky looked more than a little flushed as he shook his head down at her, still not quite sure how any of the last ten minutes had even happened. As they stepped through the door, Sky was a little caught by Connor standing against the wall next to the restroom door looking back at his son and his pretty new companion with more than a bit of accusation on his face. That expression only deepened when Raina obviously wiped away a bit of her now smudged black lipstick and gave Sky a tiny kiss.

    ¡°Hope you decide to come here after all¡± she told him sweetly as she headed back outside to reclaim her abandoned coffee, blissfully unaware of Sky now swallowing a lump in his throat in response to his father still looking back at him with that look of impending implosion.

    ¡°Dad...¡± Sky choked as he looked after Raina, biting his lip guiltily.

    ¡°Just...don¡¯t...don¡¯t talk right now, Sky. Our food¡¯s ready¡± Connor breathed with more than a bit of discomfort as he shook his head, grabbed their order from a nearby table, and started toward where they had parked the car. Sky turned a few more shades of red then as he rubbed his darkly made up eyes and steeled himself for what he was sure would be a more than uncomfortable breakfast.

    It was nearly ten more minutes of them sitting in the parking lot, his dad chugging his coffee as Sky picked away at crumbs of his bagel, refusing to even let his dark eyes come up to meet Connor¡¯s for any of those extremely painful minutes.

    Finally, Connor attempted to speak, ¡°and to think, I didn¡¯t even know you were into girls til a couple weeks ago¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°Dad¡± Sky began, then just shook his head and turned his eyes back to the bagel again.

    ¡°I guess I should be happy that at least you and Star aren¡¯t doing those things, but Sky....¡± he shook his head. ¡°A complete stranger, in a public restroom? What the hell am I supposed to think about you doing that sort of thing. I mean, really? You are still only seventeen.¡±

    ¡°She used to go to our school¡± was the only defense Sky could come up with, though there was barely any volume to it.

    ¡°Oh I guess that makes it all better¡± Connor scoffed.

    ¡°Dad, it was just a bl---¡± though when he saw Connor¡¯s face, he quickly decided against the rest of that sentence.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°The fact that you are so blas¨¦ about just a...¡± he shook his head, ¡°in a public restroom, with practically a stranger? Especially after that bisexual bombshell a couple weeks ago?¡± he whispered the words, ¡°I mean, are you doing that with random men too? Or just boys you went to school with?¡± Connor scoffed again.

    ¡°Dad please¡± Sky mumbled.

    ¡°I mean I feel like I don¡¯t even know you anymore Sky. What the hell are you really doing when you¡¯re out of my sight?¡±

    Sky shook his head at that, ¡°well, how much detail do you want, dad?¡± he asked pointedly, causing Connor to just scoff again.

    ¡°So I assume you¡¯re having actual sex too, not just blow-jobs, right?¡± Connor scoffed again.

    ¡°Do you really want me to answer that?¡± Sky shook his head again.

    ¡°I think you just did¡± Connor mumbled.

    ¡°What do you want me to say?¡± Sky sighed heavily, hand up, eyes still down.

    ¡°Well for starters how many people have you even done this kind of thing with, or done everything else with? How many women? How many men?¡± he forced himself to ask.

    ¡°And I doubt you really want me to answer any of those questions either¡± Sky scoffed as Connor just glared back at him.

    ¡°Well I¡¯m assuming that means the answer is definitely more than fucking one or two, isn¡¯t it?¡± Connor asked more loudly.

    ¡°Again, do you really...¡± Sky just shook his head as Connor scoffed again.

    ¡°Who are you, Sky? This is not the shy, awkward boy who tried to...¡± Connor bit back the rest of that sentence.

    ¡°Tried to what?¡± Sky finally looked up.

    Connor couldn¡¯t help looking over at Sky¡¯s wrist before speaking again, ¡°is this your new method of trying to throw your life away now?¡±

    ¡°By getting a blow-job in a bathroom? Seems like a pretty strange method of suicide¡± Sky scoffed.

    Connor glared again, ¡°by doing potentially life-shattering activities with complete strangers, like it means nothing. Disease? Pregnancy? Going into a dark room with the wrong person? Is this how you¡¯re trying to tempt fate now, Sky?¡±

    Sky was quiet for a long moment as he tried to force back his emotions as best he could then, ¡°there¡¯s just so much you don¡¯t understand¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re in agreement there¡± Connor sighed.

    <hr>

    Star was busy scowling down at her phone where she had been waiting a good ten minutes on Sky to return her last text now. It was bad enough to have to spend the day alone with their mother; but it was worse without even having the distraction of some kind of constant communication with the boy who was her other half, literally.

    ¡°Look, we¡¯re here¡± Brie interrupted her vigilance of the screen of her phone as Star looked up and paled slightly as they pulled into the campus that she had lived next to that entire summer. Of course, that was in a different reality. But the way that living arrangement had ended, as well as a few other factors, did give her a bit of discomfort.

    ¡°Here?¡± was all Star could say as her mom turned the car into the lot of the student center.

    ¡°I thought this was your first choice, actually¡± Brie replied as she shut off the engine.

    ¡°Times change¡± Star mumbled as she scowled down at her phone once more.

    Brie just shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m gonna head into the center and find some campus maps and a tour schedule, you coming with or would you rather stare at your phone for another hour?¡±

    ¡°Phone¡¯s good¡± Star answered distractedly. Brie just shook her head with another sigh as she exited the car and headed toward the building.

    Another scowl as Star noted her bars dropping there where they had parked under a rather large tree. With a huff, she gathered her black spiked purse and phone and also left the car to go find a seat on a bench outside the door her mother had just gone through.

    Star was still continuing to glare at her silent phone that Saturday morning when she heard a young woman speaking to her as she approached, ¡°Is that you, Star?¡± Kali chuckled as she moved toward the bench where Star looked up and paled even more.

    ¡°Kali?¡±

    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s right, you¡¯re heading to big bad college next year aren¡¯t you?¡± Kali smiled as she took a seat rather close to the younger girl.

    ¡°So you remember me, I take it?¡±

    ¡°Funny¡± Kali smiled as she brushed a long lock from Star¡¯s cheek.

    ¡°So what exactly do you remember about me? I mean, it¡¯s been a while, right?¡± Star attempted to garner some piece of information about the version of herself that this version of Kali was apparently acquainted with.

    ¡°Couple years I guess. Why did you and your beautiful brother stop coming to the club anyway? I heard some stuff, but never knew what really happened¡± Kali asked her conversationally as she continued to gently twirl one of Star¡¯s long locks around her black-tipped fingers.

    Star swallowed slightly as her eyes moved down to the other girl¡¯s hand as she tried to find a response that would be appropriate, ¡°things just got kind of bad for Sky and I. We didn¡¯t really feel like partying much anymore¡± she attempted.

    ¡°That¡¯s a shame. The two of you were definitely missed¡± Kali smiled over at her again, ¡°I¡¯m just sad that I graduate here this year, so even if you do come...¡± she then just smirked as she looked down on the last word.

    Star blushed slightly at the innuendo before trying to find another response, ¡°well, this is just one of those tour weekend things. Still got another year of high school hell¡± she attempted a smile. All the while trying to force away the memories of the nights Kali and she, and Kali¡¯s boyfriend, and Kali¡¯s friends had all spent pleasing each other in various ways. After all, that was in a different reality, and it ended very badly. She had no clue how much, if any of that had happened here. Though she was pretty sure that at least the last bit hadn¡¯t. However, the way Kali was interacting with her, did make her wonder how much of the other stuff happened here too.

    ¡°Well I have got to get across campus, but...¡± she stated as she covered Star¡¯s hand in hers before sliding the phone out of Star¡¯s hand and into her own. She then typed a number into the phone before gently placing it back in Star¡¯s hand, allowing her fingertips to move over the other girl¡¯s pale skin for another long moment, ¡°don¡¯t be such a stranger anymore, ok?¡± she smiled again before leaning in to place a long kiss over Star¡¯s lips, deliberately sliding that studded tongue inside the other girl¡¯s mouth for enough of a moment to make Star¡¯s memories from the other world much clearer.

    When Kali ended the kiss at last, she left Star more than a bit breathless. Kali then simply stood and smiled again before heading off to wherever she needed to be right then. Only when Star looked up again, she saw Brie standing there with a few hundred shocked questions on her face.

 Chapter 38

    That was when Star finally got her text back from Sky. Though it was ominous. It simply read ¡°even if we do fix every single person in our lives, we¡¯ll never be able to fix us, will we?¡±

    Star swallowed a bit at his words, and quickly returned her own ¡°what happened?¡± Though that was all she could type before looking up and seeing Brie just shaking her head in disbelief.

    ¡°Are you really gonna sit here and have a text message conversation with your friends right now?¡± Brie asked angrily as she moved toward the bench, ¡°I mean, really, Star. Are you gonna make me actually take the phone away?¡±

    Star swallowed again, and quickly shot off another message to him, ¡°mom¡¯s gonna take the phone, gotta go¡± and with that she forced herself to put it back in her purse, as much as she really, really didn¡¯t want to abandon Sky right then. After all, they had already been forced apart that weekend which made them both feel quite lost, alone, and defenseless as it was.

    ¡°What is it, mom?¡± she asked, the worry clear in her voice, though the worry for Sky was somehow outweighing the worry about what her mother had just witnessed a moment before his message.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Brie repeated, scoffing as she sat down, ¡°take a wild guess.¡±

    Star sighed slightly, ¡°I know her from the club that we used to go to¡± was all she could manage as she glanced at her purse again.

    ¡°Well, as long as you know her¡± Brie returned sarcastically, to which Star just looked downwards. Brie then let out another sigh, ¡°so, is this cause of what happened with Sky?¡±

    Star looked up quickly then, ¡°because of which thing that happened with Sky?¡± she had to get some clarification then.

    ¡°The kiss¡± Brie stated coolly.

    Star was a bit perplexed by the question, ¡°you think I¡¯m kissing her now cause they both look like hot girls?¡± she offered in confusion.

    Brie couldn¡¯t help the slight blush before she continued, ¡°I mean, is this your way of dealing with all of that... fallout from the kiss¡± she decided on.

    ¡°Is what my way?¡± Star asked slowly.

    ¡°So, you just convinced yourself that you like girls now instead? Is that how you¡¯re dealing with all the things these kids have been saying about you and your alleged brother?¡± Brie managed.

    Star shook her head, ¡°mom, I was kissing girls way before any of that even....¡± she then swallowed as she saw the look on Brie¡¯s face then.

    Brie took a long moment to find her voice then, ¡°so, is that what happened? You were worried you liked girls, so you decided to try kissing your br--- Sky instead?¡± she corrected as she took a quick look around to make sure of no listening ears.

    Star let out another sound of disbelief, ¡°mom, maybe you should be a writer with the amount of stuff you can infer from just one little sentence.¡±

    ¡°Well help me understand here Star. What is going on with you, honestly?¡±

    Star scoffed again, ¡°this is a slightly different reaction than when Sky told you he liked both boys and girls¡± she shook her head again as she averted her eyes.

    Brie paled again, ¡°so, now you¡¯re saying that both you and Sky are bisexual?¡±

    Star let out another long breath, ¡°you do know it¡¯s the twenty-first century, right?¡±

    Brie shook her head at that, ¡°you don¡¯t understand¡± Brie attempted, ¡°my shock isn¡¯t just over the fact that both of you seem to think this about yourselves...¡±

    ¡°Think it?¡± Star scoffed again.

    Brie simply continued, ¡°my shock is over what all you two have done to be so sure that that is what you both are. That¡¯s my real worry here, Star. I mean, you may think you¡¯re almost an adult; but seventeen is still really, really young to have... done enough to... to know something like that about yourselves.¡±

    ¡°I forgot¡± Star began with sarcasm, ¡°people don¡¯t become bisexual til college, right?¡±

    Brie sighed again, ¡°well that is when most people start doing things like that to discover who they really are¡± Brie admitted.

    ¡°And then it¡¯s just a phase, right? Then they go get jobs, picket fences, and two-point-five kids and forget it ever happened, right?¡± Star scoffed again.

    ¡°Star, you have to understand; this is just me being terrified of what all you two have been doing when we¡¯re not around. Especially after...¡± Brie couldn¡¯t help glancing at Star¡¯s wrist then.

    Star followed her gaze and found that scar. She had noted it since getting to this new world of theirs but she had just written it off as some accident or another, until she heard the despair and worry in Brie¡¯s voice. Then it¡¯s origination became a bit clearer, especially when placed next to the shame the two of them had endured here; and then her breath caught slightly at the realization.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    <hr>

    The two cars pulled back into the garage within moments of each other the following Sunday night at around eight. Sky and Star both emerged from their respective passenger seats and still looked rather sullen and somber despite finally being back in one another¡¯s presence after a more than painful weekend apart. Though after the series of texts or whispered phone conversations their parents had been having since the previous day, Brie and Connor looked just as upset.

    ¡°You two go inside. Your father and I need to have a discussion¡± Brie instructed them shortly, which caused rueful sighs in each teen, though they were eager enough to get out of their parents¡¯ presence, so they easily shuffled off inside.

    Star and Sky both sighed heavily as they took seats on the couch. ¡°So, is this officially going to be worse than kiss-gate?¡± Sky mumbled as he moved to lie down on the couch next to her, placing his cheek sadly against the spider web stockings she had worn beneath her short vinyl skirt that day.

    ¡°For you probably¡± Star admitted sadly as she curled her fingers in his hair. ¡°Dad officially knows about the stuff you¡¯ve been doing now; so far, mom¡¯s just imagining that I¡¯ve been doing those things too.¡±

    ¡°And added bonus, we don¡¯t even know what the fuck we actually have done in this world¡± Sky scoffed as he allowed himself to place a gentle kiss on her knee before returning to the sullen way he was laying his cheek against her legs, making him look even more like a sad and beautiful young girl then.

    ¡°Well, we know that we took each other¡¯s virginity¡± a sad scoff, ¡°crippled a girl, tried to kill ourselves, made out with at least a few randoms at the club, and apparently like blow-jobs in coffee shops from former cheerleaders¡± she had to add wryly, ¡°that last one was just you... I think.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, thanks, got that¡± Sky sighed heavily again.

    Another heavy sigh as Star continued to play with one of the white streaks he had recently interspersed through his long black locks during the few weeks since arriving in this new reality. ¡°Should we really be quite this cozy with each other when they come back in?¡± she asked in the same forlorn tone.

    Sky scoffed as he brushed a tiny black tear away against her stockings, ¡°does it matter? We¡¯re probably both getting shipped off to boarding school or some shit first thing in the morning¡± he added with a slight sniffle.

    ¡°Though they might be nice and decide to send us to the same one if your mouth¡¯s not an inch from my panties when they come in.¡±

    Sky allowed the tiniest laugh at her statement, but it died quickly. ¡°If they only knew that you were the first of the thousands of notches on my studded belt¡± he stated sarcastically.

    ¡°Wow you hit a thousand already?¡± Star smirked, though her lips still couldn¡¯t manage an actual smile.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± he sighed, ¡°you¡¯re the only one I ever counted.¡±

    Star closed her eyes against her own emotions then. As much as she had let herself hope that they were going to use their passion to try and make at least one mistake hurt less, it still was quite apparent that life would still be a long way from perfect; just like Sky¡¯s text the previous day had implied.

    ¡°Why do we do this though?¡± Sky asked, ¡°I mean, just why?¡±

    ¡°Why do we do what exactly?¡± Star had to ask for clarification.

    ¡°Give ourselves to every pretty boy or girl that shows any interest¡± Sky supplied.

    ¡°I guess cause it¡¯s the only way we can try to breathe for any moment that we have to spend without you being inside me.¡±

    ¡°So we¡¯re nymphomaniacs, is that it?¡± he scoffed.

    Star shook her head then before answering, ¡°I just think it¡¯s impossible for us to even function when we have to be two instead of one. So, if we can¡¯t be with each other; we just try to bury that need in whoever else smiles at us.¡±

    ¡°I think there¡¯s more to it than that though¡± Sky sighed again, ¡°I mean, when they had us there; they forced us to be together hundreds of times. And we were miserable, even though we were technically having sex with each other every day; multiple times a day even¡± he added. ¡°If anything, shouldn¡¯t that have turned us off sex forever?¡±

    Star thought a long moment, ¡°maybe we¡¯re just trying to take it back.¡±

    That¡¯s when Sky rolled onto his back to look up at her then, ¡°take it back?¡±

    ¡°Our ability to control who and when and how we feel desire at all. We just need to have some kind of control again. So we try to find a way to do that, every chance we get, I guess¡± she sniffled.

    Sky thought on her words a moment, finally allowing his frown to soften slightly, ¡°you¡¯re way better at this soul-searching thing than I am.¡±

    ¡°I believe we covered the talents you have that blow mine away¡± she couldn¡¯t help teasing, before leaning down to gently kiss his lips.

    <hr>

    Once the teens disappeared into the house that evening, Connor and Brie both leaned back against the car with a heavy sigh, arms crossed over their chests as they shook their heads at the door that had just closed behind their ¡®children.¡¯

    Connor was the first to speak though, ¡°making out with other girls, before that party where the kiss supposedly happened? Back when they were only fourteen?¡± he repeated parts of the conversation with Star that Brie had told him about on the phone.

    ¡°And only a blow-job?¡± Brie scoffed.

    Connor continued then, ¡°are we actually gonna stand here and say we buy that the two of them never had sex with each other? Considering how little they actually think of these things they¡¯ve been doing with who knows how many other girls... and boys?¡± he shook his head again.

    ¡°We still have to remember what happened after that party though. Don¡¯t you think that being accused of having sex with your own twin should have at least slowed down any further carnal explorations with said twin since then?¡± Brie asked.

    ¡°Well it sure as hell didn¡¯t slow down his carnal explorations with other girls who bury themselves in tight black clothing and thick black makeup.¡±

    Brie sighed again, ¡°but don¡¯t you think that whole terrible dual suicide attempt shows that they felt more than a little bit guilty about whatever actually happened at that party?¡±

    ¡°About whatever happened?¡± Connor scoffed loudly, ¡°face it Brie, our kids fucked each other... at least once.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t...¡± she shook her head.

    ¡°When he found her there, bleeding out, he sliced open his own wrist, Brie. That is not a brother-sister reaction. He¡¯s in love with her. And probably has been for at least three years¡± Connor stated quietly. ¡°Guilt or no, how many teenagers are in love with each other, and share a house, and an upstairs bathroom, and only a hallway between their bedrooms, and aren¡¯t fucking every second they can?¡±

    Brie sighed sadly, ¡°so how do we justify punishing them for being in love? And should we even? And...¡± she shook her head.

    ¡°And what?¡±

    ¡°If we tell them they can¡¯t be together... well we know what happened last time they felt like they would never be able to be together again.¡±

 Chapter 39

    Following her last statement, which Connor was still searching for a response to, Brie looked up again, ¡°so, if they really are this madly in love, then why the hell are they out there sleeping with half the state? I mean, I still would really like some kind of explanation for that.¡±

    Connor thought a long moment, as another theory occurred to him, ¡°maybe they really have been trying to fight the way they feel about each other all this time; since that first time, considering what they did afterwards.¡±

    ¡°Not sure I follow¡± Brie stated slowly.

    ¡°What if that¡¯s why they are out doing what they¡¯re doing? Because they think...¡± he shook his head.

    ¡°Think what?¡±

    ¡°That we¡¯d never approve of them being together. So they¡¯re being with anyone else just to...to not be with each other¡± Connor sighed sadly. ¡°They¡¯ve already spent years dealing with every one of their peers telling them how wrong their feelings for each other are. Even if all the little pricks can¡¯t seem to believe the truth about them not being related¡± Connor shook his head again.

    ¡°But do we... actually approve?¡± Brie asked, as if seriously asking herself that question then.

    ¡°I mean, no parent wants their child having sex under their own roof, let alone both of their children, with each other... but... But what if everything that¡¯s happened over the last three years... The suicide attempt, the promiscuity, their indecisiveness about who they even want to sleep with; other than each other¡± he had to add, ¡°what if every piece of this is just a result of them trying to fight and deny what they feel for each other?¡±

    Brie sniffled a bit, ¡°you¡¯re saying we¡¯ve guilted them into sleeping with every boy and girl they take a liking to?... And also into... doing what they did... to themselves?¡± she bit back a slight sob.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure the rest of the kids in school did most of the guilting. But when we found out they actually liked each other, like that; well it¡¯s not like we were thrilled by it¡± Connor sighed softly.

    ¡°So we deal with their suicidal tendencies and promiscuity, or we give them our blessing to start sharing a bed?¡± Brie scoffed sadly, ¡°are those really our only choices?¡±

    Connor was quiet for a long moment, ¡°it¡¯s just amazing.¡±

    Brie looked more than confused by that, ¡°what exactly is amazing again?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s like, like they feel like if they can¡¯t be with each other, they don¡¯t even wanna be alive at all. And it seems like they¡¯ve felt that way for as long as they could... feel that way¡± he sighed, ¡°a love like that: Most adults never even know what that¡¯s like.¡±

    Brie sniffled again, ¡°it¡¯s like they¡¯re soul-mates or something.¡±

    ¡°And they just happened to be the two children we adopted, together. What the hell are the odds?¡±

    ¡°Maybe the universe is trying to tell us something¡± she smiled sadly.

    <hr>

    When Brie and Connor did finally come back in from the garage, they each let out a heavy sigh as they stepped into the living room. There, Sky was still laying back on the couch, his head on Star¡¯s lap as she leaned down to allow their tongues to explore each other¡¯s mouths while their hands tangled in each other¡¯s long locks.

    More than a bit startled by the door opening from the garage, the two quickly broke off the kiss and Sky hurriedly sat up to move to a seat several inches away from her across the cushions. Both were wearing expressions of pure dread at what their parents¡¯ reactions would be to just another in their long list of sins; especially after the weekend already had them surely ready to be packed off to parts unknown as it was.

    Brie and Connor each took a deep breath and looked from the teens to each other and back. It was another long moment of watching Sky and Star being too terrified to even look back their way, before Brie finally spoke again, ¡°it¡¯s too late to cook. Dad¡¯s gonna order Chinese. You two want the usual?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± they both choked in near unison, startled so much by that particular statement that they both snapped their eyes back up to meet her expectedly uncomfortable, yet somehow calm expression.

    ¡°Garlic chicken is what you guys get, right?¡± Connor asked as he reached for his phone to find the number.

    ¡°Yeah...¡± Star stammered, more than a bit thrown by this strange seeming calm they were being greeted with as opposed to the fury they were sure was awaiting them the moment their parents came back inside.

    Connor simply nodded and headed off to the dining room as he dialed the number. Brie let out another somewhat uncomfortable sigh as she took a seat on the recliner and reached for the remote, ¡°so you guys wanna binge something while we wait on dinner?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Sky asked, both he and Star beyond bewildered at their parents¡¯ behavior at this point.

    ¡°It¡¯s been ages since we all had dinner together and binge watched something. Don¡¯t you guys miss it?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Star repeated Sky¡¯s last statement.

    ¡°Am I speaking a different language?¡± Brie attempted a smile as she started scrolling through program options.

    Star and Sky gave one another a questioning look before turning those nearly matching sets of dark eyes back to their mother. Star finally spoke, voice full of confusion now, ¡°did pod people come and take over you guys while you were out in the garage?¡± at the same time she spoke to her mother, she sent Sky a text that read, ¡°can we now erase their minds again, just by kissing??¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Sky scoffed down at his own phone before deleting the message and sending one back: ¡°well then they seem to have forgotten the kiss itself too!¡± He then slid his phone back into his pocket and looked back to Brie. ¡°You¡¯re not even gonna say, anything?¡±

    ¡°About?¡± Brie forced her voice to remain even as she continued sorting through selections on the screen.

    ¡°Mom, come on¡± Sky scoffed as he gave Star another questioning look, which she simply returned.

    Brie let out a breath before attempting to field that question, since just acting like nothing happened was obviously not going to work here. ¡°Your father and I now have finally adjusted to the idea that the feelings you two have for each other should be taken seriously¡± she attempted, causing the two of them to only look further confused, ¡°and we have to remove the knee-jerk reaction we have at the fact that you¡¯re both our children, and just deal with it like we would with any other romantic interests the two of you may have otherwise had¡± she swallowed hard.

    Star then shook her head in equal parts frustration and confusion then, ¡°yeah, I think you are speaking another language.¡±

    Brie took another breath, glaring at the doorway Connor had gone through, leaving her to deal with this attempt they were making at trying to change their entire world view for the sake of their children¡¯s very souls; or soul as the case actually was, unbeknownst to them.

    ¡°What I mean, is that we have to deal with the two of you wanting to be together, the same way we¡¯d have to deal with it if either of you brought home some other boy or girl who you were interested in. If either of you had some other serious romantic interest, besides each other¡± she had to add, ¡°then we wouldn¡¯t tell you that you¡¯re not allowed to have those feelings as long as you¡¯re living here. We¡¯d have to accept that you do have those feelings, and hope you find some kind of happiness together¡± she finished, barely forcing any of the words out through her overwhelming awkwardness right then.

    Sky and Star only looked further shocked then, trying to decipher what she was honestly telling them. Finally, Sky took a breath and responded, ¡°did you just give us permission to date... each other?¡± he had to add with further disbelief.

    ¡°You two are obviously... extremely attached to one other¡± she decided on, ¡°and if some other couple had adopted Star, we wouldn¡¯t tell you you¡¯re not allowed to be with her. I mean, the only reason for you two not to be together is because you happened to be raised in the same house. And that¡¯s not your fault. So us punishing you for it is a little ridiculous¡± she then swallowed as she looked at them sadly, ¡°and we realize that us trying to tell you not to love that one person that actually loves you back; it isn¡¯t exactly the way we ever wanted to raise our children¡± she added with a slight sniffle.

    That was when Connor finally reappeared during Brie¡¯s somewhat touching explanation, ¡°we still don¡¯t want the two of you having sex in the house, or honestly anywhere else; though I realize that ship has sailed¡± he added as the two did look down again then, ¡°but that would be the case even if the girls you two were making out with this weekend were the ones you were wanting to date, or if anyone else was the one you wanted to be with, for that matter.¡±

    Stammering a bit, Sky spoke again, ¡°you two are actually ok with us being together now?¡±

    Brie sniffled again, ¡°I always told Connor that I hoped Star could eventually find a boy who treated her as good as you did, and vice versa. It just never occurred to us that there was a much deeper reason why you two got along as well as you did. Guess it¡¯s hard to see what¡¯s happening if you¡¯re standing too close.¡±

    <hr>

    As September was ending, and summer with it, the following day at school was the senior class trip to the local amusement park. When Sky and Star pulled into school that morning, the buses already waiting at the other side of the lot, the two couldn¡¯t help giving each other another small uneasy smile.

    ¡°Is it wrong that I¡¯m kinda terrified?¡± Sky smiled over at her.

    ¡°Of amusement parks?¡± Star narrowed her eyes, ¡°since when?¡±

    ¡°No, not that¡± Sky smirked back at her, ¡°I¡¯m terrified of what¡¯s gonna happen now.¡±

    ¡°In regard to?¡± she asked, her eyes still holding the question.

    ¡°I mean, look at all that¡¯s happened since we got to this new world. We found out about all the bad things that went down in this new version of our life, or a lot of them, at any rate¡± he had to add with just a touch of remaining cynicism, ¡°and we¡¯ve actually fixed most of them, or are fixing them. Doesn¡¯t this just feel... weird?¡±

    Star let out a tiny giggle, ¡°it says something when good things happen and it just feels weird to us.¡±

    ¡°Did we just jinx it by even suggesting that good things are happening now?¡± Sky worried aloud.

    ¡°Probably¡± she laughed, though they both bit at their darkly red-stained lips that day and took another breath before heading across the lot to board the buses for a day of what they hoped was actually amusement at the aptly named park. Though neither of them were quite ready to hold too tightly to the hope that all really was on its way to good in even this life; they knew better than that by now.

    As the chaperones of the day began to take role call by boarding students onto the buses alphabetically, Sky and Star, Vargas, waited quietly leaning back against the side of the bus rather close to one another. But them being inseparable was commonplace at this point, so it just was their natural state to most onlookers, despite the still circling rumors about them.

    One of the only emo girls in the senior class was an extremely pretty, yet reasonably shy girl named Alana. She offered them a slight smile of comradery as she also took a place leaning back against the bus next to them, while pushing the long yellow-green streaked bangs back into the rest of her otherwise equally long dark hair. Her full lips were tinted a dark maroon that day below the dark eyeliner surrounding light brown eyes.

    As the three of them waited on their names to be called, Sky leaned down to whisper something in Star¡¯s ear that caused each of them to giggle as Star gently smacked his arm in a falsely scolding manner. It was at precisely that moment that Curt exited his nearby car, scowling at all three of the teens before him.

    Star and Sky immediately tensed, both of them inadvertently grabbing for each other¡¯s hand as he took a few steps toward them, scowl still glued to his face. It was true that there were teachers only about twenty feet off, but it still gave both of them a feeling of dread to ever be in his presence at all.

    ¡°Oh that¡¯s real cute¡± he greeted them coldly as he glanced at their now interlocking black-tipped fingers. ¡°And surprise surprise, Alana¡¯s here too. You guys planning out your next freak threesome? I don¡¯t know Sky, I thought your sister was the only girl you could get it up for. Not sure you can handle two at once, and that one¡¯s not even related to you¡± he continued in that same mocking tone of his that just made their skin crawl.

    That was when being near kindred souls, or soul, gave Alana a bit of bravery, as Curt was hardly one of her favorite people either, ¡°you seem awfully concerned with Sky¡¯s dick, Curt. I wonder what that means?¡± she told him smartly, almost causing Star and Sky to smile, almost.

    ¡°Oh you¡¯re gonna get your turn too bitch. Just ask pretty little Star what she almost got when I caught her alone. Can¡¯t wait to see you soon, ¡¯lana¡± he delivered that threat before heading off to get on the bus as his name was thankfully, finally called.

 Chapter 40

    Later that evening, Sky and Star found themselves passing by one of the supply buildings near the edge of the park. Sky stopped momentarily to smile over at the building, then back at Star. He then took another drag of his cigarette and reached out for her wrist to pull her back toward him as he then tossed away the cigarette.

    ¡°You realize we have just over an hour before we have to be back on the buses again?¡± he told her thoughtfully as she easily let him pull her close

    ¡°And?¡± she smiled, having been his lover long enough now to know that look in his dark eyes.

    ¡°And then it¡¯s back home to be the dutiful son and daughter who will try to go another night in separate beds to make mommy and daddy less stressed¡± he teased as he pushed away a lock of her hair, placing a gentle kiss on her lips as he did.

    ¡°And?¡± she repeated knowingly.

    ¡°Come on, you¡± he smirked as he pulled her with him into the darkened supply shack, tossing the door shut again behind them.

    ¡°I can¡¯t see a thing in here¡± Star laughed as he closed that door.

    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll have to go from memory then¡± he smirked back as he moved in for another kiss there in the dark shack.

    Only a moment later, the two felt their way to a workbench against the wall, where Sky pushed away a few tools and set Star there in their place. A moment later, he reached underneath her skirt and began pulling her panties down her legs as she just let out another small laugh.

    It was barely another moment before he was undoing his own pants and moving forward to pull her to the edge of the bench and slide himself inside her already waiting wetness. It was mere seconds of those first few gentle thrusts before they were startled by the sound of some metal item being tripped over in a darkened corner of the shack.

    They both turned their heads to see a more than embarrassed Alana stepping forward from the shadows, her bright blush apparent even in the dark, ¡°Sorry, I was already...¡± she just shook her head through her stammered apology, ¡°I¡¯ll just be going¡± she added quickly as she awkwardly rushed from the shack, closing the door tightly behind her once more.

    Still inside Star, Sky laid his head against her shoulder as they both let out their own awkward laughs, ¡°guess that went slightly better than the last time we got caught doing this¡± Sky had to tease to alleviate both of their own embarrassment.

    ¡°A bit¡± Star agreed with her own slight laugh. ¡°I guess there¡¯s a few people who finally have started to believe in our ¡®lack of common DNA¡¯¡± she added with a smirk.

    ¡°Either that or she¡¯s more twisted than we supposedly are¡± Sky smirked back.

    Star allowed another small laugh, ¡°so, should we stop?¡± she asked as she bit her lip slightly.

    ¡°Well, unless someone else is hiding in the shadows, I think we are at least alone now¡± Sky teased. And with that, the two easily returned to their previous activity again.

    The two were just feeling the end of their mutual orgasms, and trying to catch their breath a few minutes later, when they each looked up at a sound outside the shack. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like a good sound¡± Sky whispered as he finally removed himself from Star and slowly began refastening his pants as she leaned down to slide her panties back up her legs.

    ¡°Is that crying?¡± she asked worriedly.

    ¡°More like whimpering, in pain¡± Sky stated worriedly as Star slid down from the bench to shakily stand next to him.

    The two then nervously made their way back out of the shack, despite their still rapid heartbeats and breathing. That¡¯s when they heard another pained moan coming from the shadowy wooded area behind the shack that was at the edge of the park. They looked at each other with more worry and made their feet carry them around the corner of the shack, toward the sound.

    There they found Curt on top of Alana, pushing her face first into the ground as he forcefully entered her repeatedly from behind as she moaned and whimpered through tears for him to stop. Both of their hearts nearly stopping at the sight, Sky and Star screamed for him to stop then as well.

    ¡°Mind your own fucking business¡± Curt growled back, not even looking up from his task to see who was intruding upon it.

    Neither of them in anything but panic mode then, they took a step forward, hands clenched tightly together, and glared over at him in rage and more than a few of their own memories of victimization at his hands. In the next moment, Curt¡¯s body was lifted into the air, and flew nearly twenty feet to crash against one of the high fence posts around the park, where he then crumpled unconscious to the ground at the force of the impact.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    They both then rushed toward where Alana lay shaking, crying and bleeding on the ground, her clothes torn as sobs wracked her body. Neither of them were sure then of what they even could say to comfort her, as there were just no words at all that possibly could.

    Finally, Star forced words, though they were a whisper, ¡°just call the police.¡±

    Alana just whimpered and curled herself into a tighter ball there on the ground as Sky swallowed hard and looked back at Star, ¡°they¡¯ll ask how that happened to him¡± Sky whispered back.

    ¡°Sky¡± Star shook her head and looked back down at Alana, ¡°just make the call¡± she sniffled.

    <hr>

    The two of them spent the rest of their night, not surprisingly, at the police station. Over and over they were asked questions they just couldn¡¯t answer at all. At least not without being shipped off to some lab to be studied again, and both would rather slit their wrists the whole way through before letting anything like that ever happen to them again.

    They were now being asked the same questions by a third officer as the hours ticked away. ¡°And how did the two of you stop the assault again?¡± they were being asked once more.

    ¡°We screamed for him to stop¡± Sky gave the same answer flatly again, his eyes locked on the table that sat between he and Star, and whatever officer was interrogating them at the moment.

    ¡°Yes, we got that. But that didn¡¯t make him stop. So, how was he stopped?¡±

    Star let out another exhausted breath, ¡°why are we the ones being questioned, when he¡¯s the one who was raping Alana?¡±

    The officer shook his head back at her, ¡°we need to know the whole story, Miss Vargas.¡±

    Star shook her head with exasperation, ¡°no, you really don¡¯t. He raped her. There¡¯s no debate about that. Then we called you. There¡¯s your whole story. Can we please go now?¡±

    That was when the officer let out his own sound of exasperation, ¡°considering you two are the witnesses; we would really like to get the rest of the story a little clearer in our heads.¡±

    ¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡± Sky asked defensively.

    ¡°Just, this isn¡¯t the first time you two have been in this police station after a young girl was horribly hurt, is it?¡± the officer told them pointedly, causing both their heads to snap up at the implication.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Sky finally managed.

    ¡°Cassie Sampson. Three years ago. Nearly falls to her death with only two witnesses present. Ring a bell?¡± the officer told them smartly.

    ¡°What?¡± was all Sky could manage, not able to stop the feeling of walls closing in on he and Star very quickly. And it only made matters worse that they honestly had no idea what the other versions of themselves had said those three years ago when confronted with questions about Cassie.

    ¡°Cassie falling? Three years ago? Curt raped Alana, tonight!¡± Star retorted angrily, ¡°are you trying to accuse us of raping her now instead? You can¡¯t be serious¡± she scoffed.

    ¡°No, we¡¯re not looking at you for the rape. We know that was Curt¡± the officer supplied, though his voice was still full of accusation and suspicion.

    ¡°Looking at us?¡± Sky repeated with further disbelief.

    ¡°This is about the assault on Mr. Spencer, and in retrospect, we¡¯re reopening the Cassie Sampson case too. Now would you like to give us some answers?¡±

    ¡°The assault on....?¡± Sky just shook his head, his disbelief only outweighed by the worry he had about the second part of that sentence.

    ¡°He¡¯s a rapist! Caught in the act!¡± Star exclaimed with her own outrage.

    ¡°That¡¯s not the debate, Miss Vargas. But rapist or not, assault is still assault.¡±

    ¡°We were trying to stop a rape, and now we¡¯re...?¡± Star just shook her head then too.

    ¡°Total transparency here, you¡¯ll probably only get off with a fine or a warning for Curt, but it¡¯s re-opened a lot of unanswered questions about the claims Miss Sampson has been making about you both for three years now.¡±

    Sky then had to speak up again, ¡°Curt raped Alana. Cassie got drunk and fell off a cliff. The only thing the same about either of those things is that we happened to be there¡± he shook his head again.

    ¡°Should I bring up the other similar factors?¡± the officer retorted.

    ¡°What factors?¡± Star asked with another shake of her head.

    The officer took a deep breath, ¡°well for one, in both cases, the victim stated that the two of you were... engaged in a certain activity prior to the incidents happening.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Sky choked on the word.

    ¡°Cassie and Alana both claim that they caught the two of you having sex minutes before the rest of the events unfolded. Obviously, you''re both minors, so that¡¯s not a crime in itself. But it is a pretty strange similarity, you must admit¡± the officer told them with a raised brow as he looked over the files in front of him.

    Sky scoffed, ¡°you¡¯re questioning us for having sex on a night when two girls got hurt? Not sure how that suffices as evidence of anything except maybe shitty timing on our parts.¡±

    ¡°And there¡¯s the other factor¡± the officer stated as he looked at them warily.

    ¡°Which is?¡± Sky asked as he and Star both felt their breath catch.

    ¡°We wrote it off when Cassie said it. I mean she was drunk that night. And it was pretty ridiculous. But now a girl who was completely sober, and who you two technically were trying to help rather than harm, says the same sort of thing. We have to look into it at this point¡± the officer stated with a heavy sigh.

    ¡°What exactly are you referring to, now?¡± Sky made himself ask.

    The officer sighed once more, ¡°I¡¯ve never been much of a believer in any kind of ¡®psychic phenomena¡¯ bullshit; but I¡¯m really trying to find some other explanation for two skinny goth kids being able to overpower a quarterback, from twenty feet away, without even touching him, apparently.¡±

    Sky and Star felt both their hearts sink as they were immediately flooded with all those reawakened fears of the possibility of being locked up in some lab to be studied again. Especially after they had finally, after so long, found a world where they thought they might actually be able to have a chance to be happy together, at last.

    But their expressions were not the only ones that showed a million emotions that night as Brie and Connor just looked on in shock, from the other side of the window of the interrogation room, having no clue how to even feel about any of what they were hearing about their children doing or even being capable of doing right then.

 Chapter 41

    It was already after three am when lack of any evidence against the two of them, other than witness statements, strange as they were, forced the police to remand Sky and Star back into their parents¡¯ custody. None of the four said much of anything on the trip from the station to the school to allow Sky to reclaim the car they had left in the lot before the more than tragic school trip that day.

    Brie and Connor grudgingly let Star ride home with Sky, as neither of them knew what to say to their children just then anyway. Once Sky sighed heavily as he started the car and pulled it toward the lot entrance, he had to speak up as he looked across the seat at Star, ¡°erased memories all around then? That what we¡¯re thinking?¡±

    Star just scoffed and sniffled slightly, ¡°where would we even begin?¡±

    Another sigh from Sky as he waited at the red light where no cars were even passing by at that hour on a Monday night/Tuesday morning anyway, ¡°we could try making Alana forget what Curt even did to her. That would be a good deed, right?¡± he stated, voice breaking.

    ¡°And then he¡¯d never be punished for finally getting caught being the rapist prick he is¡± Star whispered softly.

    ¡°He still might not. How often does the rapist actually pay for the crime, really? And it¡¯s not like the cops are thinking of us as much as reliable witnesses, than as suspects for some other really unexplainable shit¡± Sky added in the same sad tone as the light turned green, though he failed to even pull out of the lot as he just continued staring blankly at the light.

    Finally forcing himself to pull out onto the street again, there were several more moments of that silent car ride before Star spoke again, ¡°and how guilty should we be feeling right now?¡±

    Sky shook his head again, as he tried to keep his concentration on the road, hard as that was, ¡°for which thing exactly?¡±

    ¡°Cops said Alana was in the shack cause Curt threatened her again that day and she didn¡¯t wanna risk being cornered by him. Then we came in cause we just couldn¡¯t wait to fuck each other, and scared her back out of her hiding place. Then Curt definitely found her¡± Star sniffled again.

    ¡°And we didn¡¯t even know she was in there at first, and why she was¡± Sky attempted that weak defense as they slowly made the turn that led to the streets of their home neighborhood.

    ¡°We should¡¯ve known that was why she was in there. But we didn¡¯t even think about it, or even ask. We just stayed there and kept fucking... while she was getting raped, barely thirty feet away¡± Star bit back another sob, more than aware of how easily that could have been her or Sky getting assaulted by Curt in that way, if only they hadn¡¯t rescued each other in time, as they had failed to do with Alana.

    ¡°Again, I think we need to figure out how to erase our own memories, too¡± Sky whispered as they turned onto their street.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we already missing enough of those?¡± Star scoffed sadly as they saw their parents pulling into the garage just at the end of the street now.

    ¡°And how are we even gonna deal with them,¡± he nodded toward the house ahead of them, ¡°and the cops, and Curt, and Cassie, and, whoever the fuck else is now gonna come outta the woodwork and probably wanna lock us up in some lab again?¡± Sky asked desperately as they neared the driveway.

    ¡°Guess we were right to be terrified this morning after all¡± Star sniffled again as they pulled the car into the garage, both cringing at the sound of that garage door closing loudly behind them.

    When the two of them did make their feet carry them into the house, their equally exhausted looking parents were sliding off their shoes with expressions just as somber as their children. Brie sighed a bit as she looked up at them as they stepped through the door from the garage, ¡°your father and I are gonna head to bed. School¡¯s canceled tomorrow, and we¡¯ll both probably end up taking the day off; considering, I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be hearing more from the cops tomorrow, err today¡± she shook her head again, ¡°you two should probably at leasttryto get some sleep too. We have a lot to discuss, but doing it on no sleep is not gonna help anyone¡± she sighed as Connor nodded his head in agreement, and both disappeared to their own bedroom.

    With their own near hopeless sighs, the two slumped down onto the couch once more, both trying to keep themselves as composed as possible, despite the million fears in their brains about what the following day would bring. They looked back at each other once more, the tears obviously struggling to stay behind their dark eyes. They then just curled into each other¡¯s arms, awaiting what fate this new world had in store, and hoping upon hope that it wouldn¡¯t truly be as bleak as the one they had already suffered in their old world; and still suffered from internally, nearly every second.

    <hr>

    Eventually the two did give into exhaustion and fell asleep curled into the corner of the couch together in one another¡¯s arms sometime before sunrise. It was only a little past nine when their parents gave up on their own restless slumber and came back to the living room to sigh at the two of them wrapped up together, thankfully still clothed, though having still fallen asleep wrapped in each other¡¯s arms to try to comfort one another. Brie and Connor looked from their children to each other, and allowed another soft sigh before Brie silently moved to drape a cover over the two now lovers who she had raised since they were each only babies.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Another silent look back at Connor to gesture for him to follow her into the kitchen and let the two sleep for whatever time they had before that next dreaded visit from the police was sure to come. Once in the kitchen, the two remained silent as they got themselves cups of coffee and took a few silent sips at stools near the counter island that separated the kitchen and dining room.

    Connor spoke in a low whisper at last, ¡°they tried to save that girl from being raped. This is a good thing, right?¡±

    Brie took a breath and stirred her coffee once more, ¡°but psychic abilities?¡± she just shook her head, ¡°and the implication that the two of them used these supposed abilities to hurt, no, to very nearlykillthat girl, all those years ago? I mean how are we supposed to deal with any of that accusation at all?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re cops, Brie. Not the most trustworthy souls on the planet, ironically enough¡± Connor scoffed, ¡°plus that Cassie girl was drunk. That¡¯s been the story for three years. These cops, they¡¯re just grasping at straws at this point, trying to explain how the kids in eyeliner got one over on the good ol¡¯ boy football player they probably all worship on the weekends.¡±

    ¡°But howdidthey? I mean, I love them, but I wouldn¡¯t bet on either of our kids in any kind of actual real physical confrontation, honestly¡± Brie admitted in the same sad whisper. ¡°And the cops did say the kids never touched this rapist asshole, didn¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Which is the one thing we should be extremely thankful for¡± Connor reminded her, ¡°if they had, chances are they¡¯d be in cells right now instead of curled up on the couch.¡±

    ¡°But honestly, howdidthey stop him?¡± Brie just shook her head and stirred her coffee again, as though hoping the answer would appear there in the cup.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t there Brie. Only our kids, the prick, and the traumatized girl he was doing that toactuallyknow¡± Connor replied with another sigh and another distracted sip of his own coffee.

    Brie sighed once more as she took another sip, her eyes now staring blankly through the patio doors toward the pool then instead, ¡°and are we really not gonna mention the other part of the story?¡±

    ¡°Which other part?¡± Connor asked with another deep breath.

    ¡°That they probably could have prevented the rape from even happening, if they hadn¡¯t been busy having sex with each other, in a shack, in a public place, surrounded by hundreds of other people that could have caught them in there together at any moment¡± Brie answered with another shake of her head.

    ¡°Yeah well considering exactly how well our kids deal with guilt, I don¡¯t think that we should bring that up in front of either of them right now¡± Connor stated under his breath.

    ¡°Too late¡± Sky interrupted from the doorway, as he looked down, biting back more emotions as he silently moved past his parents to retrieve two cans of soda from the refrigerator, and head back to the living room, once more not able to look either of them in the eye again.

    <hr>

    Surprisingly, the four people who made up their little family unit did manage to get through most of the day without hearing anything else from the police; at least not yet, anyway. Brie and Connor each sat in one of the recliners that sat at either end of the couch, while Sky and Star were now curled up at opposite ends of the couch. None of them had much in the way of energy to even converse right then as they each looked between the TV or their phones in silence.

    It was between noon and one when Star¡¯s text message alert went off, causing all of them to startle slightly at the sound. Star swallowed as she looked down at the message. It was from Crista, and it read ¡°cops were here all day talking to my sister about the two of you. What¡¯s going on?¡± Star swallowed slightly as she forwarded the message to Sky, who sighed just as unhappily.

    ¡°Care to share?¡± Brie asked, obviously more than a little concerned about anything that pertained to the two of them in any way whatsoever at this point.

    Star took another small breath, ¡°Crista wants us to come over¡± she stated, which just caused Sky to narrow his eyes at what was not exactly an inference one could get from that particular message.

    ¡°Do you really think that¡¯s wise?¡± Brie returned with a shake of her head.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯ve already sat around here all day. If the cops wanna find us, I¡¯m sure they can¡± Star shrugged sadly.

    ¡°Especially if you¡¯re at the house of the girl making accusations against you¡± Connor returned pointedly.

    ¡°Cassie¡¯s got physical therapy every afternoon¡± Star supplied what little knowledge she had about the girl, ¡°she won¡¯t even be there¡± she added for weight, though slightly bit her lip as she watched for her parents¡¯ response.

    Brie and Connor just looked at each other and sighed, ¡°just make sure you aren¡¯t there when Cassie does come back. I¡¯m sure the cops would have a field day with that one¡± she added with another emotionally exhausted sigh.

    When they made their way to the car, Sky gave Star a questioning look, ¡°did I miss part of the text?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re looking at this wrong. We¡¯re busy worrying about what to say to the cops. What we should be worried about is what Cassie says to them. Considering, that if she weren¡¯t making these accusations, they wouldn¡¯t be trying to pin what happened to her on us¡± Star explained softly.

    ¡°So how exactly are you thinking we should be stopping Cassie from making these accusations?¡± Sky asked, looking over at her with a bit of fear over what her plan actually was.

    ¡°We make it up to her. Earn her forgiveness¡± Star stated, trying to force confidence into her voice, ¡°or at least try to.¡±

    ¡°Feel free to explain to me how the hell we¡¯re gonna do that¡± Sky scoffed as he bit at a nail worriedly.

    ¡°We¡¯ve already started, sort of. I think we just need to try to fast-track her recovery.¡±

    Sky shook his head over at her again, ¡°it¡¯s amazing we could even do as much as we have done, and I¡¯m still not positive that was even us for sure. And now you want to hit fast forward on our apparent, magic touch?¡± he stated wryly.

    ¡°We have to try, Sky. As long as she hates us and blames us for everything... We¡¯ll never be safe. We need to take the blame for fixing her, not breaking her¡± Star told him desperately. ¡°Then maybe she¡¯dfinallystop trying to destroy our lives.¡±

    ¡°You have a lot more faith in our abilities than I do¡± Sky returned with even more doubt.

    ¡°Look around. We have done amazing things. And mom... the other version of mom, thought that our powers would just keep growing, and Veda too. All we¡¯ve done is been afraid to use them cause of the bad they can do. What we need to do is embrace them; for the good they can do.¡±

 Chapter 42

    After stopping the car a few houses away from the Sampson house, Sky and Star gave each other one more nervous look before Star sent off another text to Crista, which read, ¡°we¡¯re parked up the street, can you come meet us?¡±

    They then took a deep breath as they waited. It was a few more minutes before Crista appeared outside her house, her eyes finding their car and giving them a questioning look before heading toward them. A moment later, she reached Star¡¯s window, ¡°is this some covert operation?¡± Crista asked as she glanced between the two of them.

    Star looked at Sky again and took a breath, ¡°are you really our friend, Crista? Can we really, really trust you... like with our lives?¡± she added for weight.

    Crista looked a little startled by that ominous greeting, but slowly nodded, ¡°are you guys running away or something? Cause, I get why you would, but it still would really suck¡± she told them sadly.

    Sky then leaned closer to speak to her over Star, ¡°we¡¯re hoping that if we can trust you,completely, then it won¡¯t come to that¡± he stated, deliberately placing a coaxing tone into his voice, as he was more than aware of the girl¡¯s attraction to him and would use that infatuation to his advantage if he must; after all, their lives could very well depend on Crista¡¯s cooperation right then.

    Her breath catching a bit at his tone, Crista composed herself again, ¡°well what do you need me to do?¡±

    Sky took a breath, Star easily letting him do the talking, as she was also aware that Crista¡¯s crush would likely make her even more receptive to him than herself. He then swallowed that breath and spoke in the same gentle, coaxing tone, ¡°any chance you can get us into your house without anybody else knowing we¡¯re there just yet?¡±

    Crista¡¯s breath caught at the idea of the two of them being in her house at all, but eventually reminded herself that they were waiting on an answer, ¡°well, my parents left after the cops did. They have to fill out some more papers and crap for Cassie¡¯s rehab stuff. And Cassie¡¯s pretty easy to sneak past; just don¡¯t stand in her line of vision¡± Crista scoffed.

    ¡°So, Cassie is here?¡± Star took a breath of her own as she and Sky shared another nervous look.

    ¡°Yeah they canceled her appointment today cause of all the cops and... everything¡± Crista offered, then quickly lowered her voice, ¡°are you two coming here to kill her?¡± she asked with widened eyes.

    The two just scoffed and shook their heads. Though Sky was the one who spoke again, ¡°no, but we are gonna try to find... some way to finally get her to stop telling the cops that we made her fall from that cliff.¡±

    ¡°How?¡± Crista stammered.

    ¡°Still working out the details¡± Star took another breath, ¡°so can we depend on you to help us then?¡±

    Just to add some extra incentive, Sky spoke again, ¡°thing is, wemight, just might, actually be able to help your sister. But the cops think we¡¯re the bad guys. So no one can know that we¡¯re here, why we¡¯re here, or how we¡¯re trying to do that. The only person that can ever know, aside from you, is your sister; but only once she¡¯s fixed. If we even can do that¡± he told her in a soft, somewhat pleading whisper.

    Crista looked at them with a bit of shock before finding more words, ¡°you guys really are witches?¡± she whispered.

    Sky and Star gave each other another furtive glance before he spoke again, ¡°and you know what would happen if anyone else ever knew about the things we might be able to do. The cops are already after us for what theythinkwe did. That¡¯s why we need to do this now. It¡¯s not just about helping your sister; like I said, our lives depend on it. We have to get her to stop telling the cops about what she thinks we did. And, maybe fixing what she says we broke will do that. Hopefully, anyway¡± he added sadly.

    Crista took another deep, sad breath, ¡°you¡¯re better people than me. If someone said the shit about me that my sister told everyone about you, I¡¯d want them dead¡± she admitted in a whisper, then even more quietly, ¡°I mean, she made you two try to kill yourselves because of the lies she told about you. And now you wanna help her?¡± she stated in disbelief.

    Star took another deep breath, ¡°the one rule in witchcraft is harm none¡± a slight breath, ¡°and if we really did hurt her; we didn¡¯t mean to, and we need to fix it. Our soul needs to make it better.¡±

    Crista furrowed a brow, ¡°don¡¯t you mean souls?¡±

    The two just allowed a small smile between them before Sky spoke again, ¡°think you better get us into your bedroom before your parents get back and ask us some questions we really don¡¯t wanna have to make up answers to.¡±

    Crista¡¯s breath caught again then as a blush rose to her cheeks. She then simply nodded and gestured for them to follow her back toward her house.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    <hr>

    The first hour of their visit was spent with Crista laying on her stomach atop her bed, arms crossed under her chin just watching the two of them trying to do whatever it was that they were trying to do. For that first hour, Sky and Star were seated cross-legged on the floor, their backs against the wall, pretty made up eyes shut as though simply trying to will their concentration to the paralyzed girl in the room across the hall, and trying to undo what none of the doctors ever could.

    Finally, as the clock struck two, the two opened their eyes and sighed over at each other, causing Crista to just give them another skeptical look from her place a few feet away on her bed. ¡°Well, wanna go check on her?¡± Sky asked Crista.

    ¡°Check on?¡± Crista repeated with another skeptical look.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t feel like that did anything, but you should at least go see so we know if we have to try a...¡± he paused as he looked down at Star with another deep breath, ¡°a different approach.¡±

    Crista just shook her head, ¡°witchcraft is a lot more boring than I thought it would be¡± she scoffed as she pushed herself up from the bed in the white tank, black bra, hello kitty boxers, and knee-high socks she wore for that suddenly school-free Tuesday.

    ¡°This is only our first approach¡± Star told her with an attempt at a reassuring smile.

    ¡°Whatevs¡± Crista shrugged as she moved to leave the room, to go and check on Cassie, as requested.

    Star then looked at Sky sadly, speaking quietly, ¡°no pressure, but we¡¯re gonna have to try to make this happen in one night, aren¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, no pressure¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°I just mean, I really doubt that mom and dad are gonna want us spending any more than one evening in the home of the girl who is trying to get us thrown in jail. They already told us to be back home before her so-called therapy was over. So staying over at her house on a Tuesday night, when they already think we¡¯re having sex any time we¡¯re not in the same room as them? And with the cops also currently considering us suspects in some case from three years ago too? In other words, we¡¯re on a pretty short fucking leash here.¡±

    ¡°And we don¡¯t even know if we can even do it¡± Sky reminded, ¡°let alone, in one night.¡±

    Star sighed heavily, ¡°we have to try¡± she repeated with a bit of desperation clear.

    That was when Crista returned, ¡°blessed be, she can still move two whole fingers¡± she stated as she closed the door behind her once more.

    Star and Sky then both sighed and looked at the clock. That was when Star shrugged up at him, ¡°guess we can try it while touching, for this hour?¡±

    ¡°Touching?¡± Sky swallowed a bit as he cast a glance at Crista who had a bit of a curious look on her face right then too.

    ¡°Holding hands¡± Star shook her head up at him, before grabbing his hand, and laying her head back against the wall as she closed those dark eyes once more. Sky and Crista both sighed then, as he closed his eyes as well.

    Once the time passed three, the two sighed and looked back at Crista, who had now moved her attention from their meditation to her phone. ¡°Time for the next check up¡± Sky told her, trying to keep the defeat out of his tone.

    Crista sighed once more before once again making her way out of her room and over to Cassie¡¯s. A moment later, she returned once more, ¡°shemighthave moved three fingers this time. It was kinda hard to tell though¡± she sighed as she reclaimed her seat once again.

    Sky and Star sighed once more before Star spoke, ¡°maybe we have already done all we can do. Maybe it just takes some time for it to fix all of her?¡± she offered sadly.

    ¡°I¡¯m tempted to agree that thatcouldbe the case, but it¡¯s not like we can just ask the cops to wait to see if she finishes getting better before they throw us in jail¡± Sky sighed again.

    That was when Crista interrupted, ¡°well what were you guys doing the day I texted you about her being able to move at all again?¡± Though the two simply answered with a blush as they both looked down. Crista cocked her head slightly at that reaction. She then suddenly widened her eyes, ¡°sex magic? You guys do sex magic?¡±

    The two couldn¡¯t help scoffing, before Sky spoke up, ¡°all we did was blush and look down. Jeez¡± he shook his head, though both he and Star¡¯s blushes remained.

    Crista¡¯s breath was a bit short then as she looked between them, her mind obviously already deciding that her appraisal was accurate. With another ragged breath, her eyes traveled over both of them, ¡°you two are officially the coolest people I¡¯ve ever met in my life.¡±

    The two couldn¡¯t help each letting out a nervous laugh, before Sky spoke again, ¡°we still don¡¯t know if it was even us that started to fix her, remember?¡±

    ¡°While you were doing your sex magic?¡± Crista had to smile back at them, her own pale skin a little flushed then.

    The two just shook their heads again as they gave a nervous look to the clock, then Crista¡¯s expectant and excited expression, then each other. Then Sky dropped his voice to a nearly inaudible volume as he leaned down toward Star, ¡°that is how everything we can do did start out, isn¡¯t it? And this is pretty big to not require... extra effort¡± he decided on.

    That was when Crista grinned, ¡°so you twoaregonna do sex magic?¡±

    Sky just shook his head back at her, ¡°you¡¯re a little obsessed.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I definitely am¡± she breathed raggedly as her eyes moved over the two of them again.

    Star just shook her head before shrugging, ¡°well, it would definitely be better sex ed than she¡¯d get at our school.¡±

    Sky shook his head again, ¡°you¡¯re not actually suggesting we have sex here in her room, with her watching?¡±

    ¡°Do I get a vote?¡± Crista chimed in.

    ¡°Thanks, we know your vote¡± Sky shook his head at the younger girl again before looking back at Star to await her answer to his last question.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Sky¡± Star stated with another heavy sigh, ¡°we are on a time constraint here. And you know what¡¯ll happen if they do decide to lock us up. Isn¡¯t doing this better than whatever they might do to us, again¡± she added the last word in a whisper.

    Sky was silent another long moment, visibly having that mental debate, ¡°you know, if we actually did do this,¡± he then looked up at Crista¡¯s wide grin, ¡°I said if¡± he scolded her, then looked back to Star, ¡°then we¡¯re just proving mom and dad right about ¡®every time we¡¯re outta their sight¡¯¡± he scoffed again.

    ¡°But it¡¯ll be for a good cause this time, right?¡± Star returned with a nervous smile up at him.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure that¡¯ll make them perfectly ok with it then¡± he smirked down at her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just worry about that, after we fix her¡± Star whispered as she moved to place a gentle kiss over his lips.

 Chapter 43

    Star and Sky steeled themselves to even consider this idea. After all, they would essentially be performing sexually, with an audience, of sorts, just for the sake of trying to push their powers as far as they could. That was an all too familiar scenario that both of them still had nightmares about almost every time they went to sleep. Though, as similar as it was, it was also different this time too; and itwasfor a good reason, as Star had stated. And that¡¯s the part they tried to concentrate on to give themselves the strength they¡¯d need to hopefully do something amazing.

    With deep breaths, they looked over at where Crista sat on the bed, her expectant gaze glued to them both. They each sighed and Sky finally made his voice work, ¡°toss us that cover, Crista¡± he asked, though in a near whisper.

    Not able to help an even wider smile, Crista spoke, ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine with you two... being in my bed¡± she finished hoarsely, her desire for them both becoming clearer with each moment of anticipation.

    ¡°Maybe if this round doesn¡¯t work¡± Sky shook his head, ¡°for now we¡¯re gonna at least try to preserve some kind of...¡± he shook his head, ¡°for now, we¡¯re gonna at least try to keep it PG-13¡± he stated as he reached for the cover as Crista scowled slightly.

    ¡°I¡¯moverthirteen¡± she scoffed as Sky took the cover from where she was now on her knees at the edge of the bed closest to where they were still seated on the plush black carpeted floor against her bedroom wall.

    ¡°Barely¡± Sky mumbled, but said nothing else as he moved to cover he and Star from the waist down as the two took another breath.

    The two tried not to look directly at where Crista waited with baited breath. Instead, they each took another deep breath of their own as they looked at each other and slid their hands out of sight beneath the cover that was now wrapped about their waists.

    With another breath, Star¡¯s hand began moving to undo Sky¡¯s pants beneath the cover, as he also moved to slide his hand under her skirt, up her inner thigh and to push her panties to the side to allow him access to where that wetness had already begun in her, which was one improvement over most of the times that they had had an audience just waiting for their powers to kick in.

    The two then began moving their hands in the exact way they knew would please one another as they did all they could to remain as quiet as possible. Once they each started shaking breathlessly at one another¡¯s touch, Sky remembered exactly how important this was, and how little time they had to accomplish it. Though he was definitely worried about Star¡¯s ability to keep silent through that other, much more intense brand of orgasm, it was a risk worth taking to accomplish what they needed to accomplish. On that thought, he moved his fingers more urgently, once again easily finding that sacred spot inside her. As he started to come, he touched Star the way he knew would result in that all consuming pleasure in her. Only another moment passed before her body shook violently, the nails of her free hand digging into the carpet next to her, as all that wetness poured from her again and she used every bit of her will to turn a scream of pleasure into a loud moan instead.

    Both leaned back tightly against the wall, barely able to breathe, Star feeling as though her heart just may burst right there. Crista just stared on, having quite a bit of trouble breathing herself as the two older teens struggled to calm their bodies again in the aftermath of their pleasure.

    ¡°Oh...my...god¡± Crista breathed as her eyes remained glued to where they still fought for some form of calm to come to them again.

    Both still closing their eyes tightly against the passion they had just enjoyed, Star let out a choked laugh at Crista¡¯s words, ¡°I think that¡¯s my line.¡±

    Of course, that statement caused all three of them to let out another breathless laugh as Sky at least managed to open his dark eyes again not able to keep from noting Crista¡¯s eyes on them both. ¡°Does that still count as PG-13?¡± he smirked.

    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t see any skin, unfortunately¡± Crista replied as the two older teens just allowed another breathless laugh. After another moment, Crista spoke again as, aroused as she was, she was still more capable of speech than either of them at the moment, ¡°am I supposed to go check on her again now?¡±

    Sky shook his head up at the ceiling, almost able to breathe again, ¡°may as well, cause I think we¡¯re gonna need a minute¡± he then looked over at where Star was still trembling, trying to catch her breath, her head still back against the wall, her eyes still closed. He then added, ¡°Star might need a few¡± he added as Star and Crista both allowed another breathless laugh.

    When Crista finally returned from her latest check on Cassie, she returned with a scowl, ¡°I think she heard that moan, judging by the way she was looking at me¡± she shook her head.

    ¡°Sorry¡± Star managed in a small whisper, then added, ¡°it was his fault¡± as she gestured to Sky as he just shook his head down at her, though smiled through another blush.

    ¡°No kidding¡± Crista swallowed as she allowed her eyes to travel over Sky with obvious desire again.

    ¡°Your sister?¡± Sky interrupted her appraisal.

    ¡°Oh, um, well, she was able to actually to squeeze the ball this time¡± Crista offered, then smirked, ¡°and that sounds really bad right about now¡± she couldn¡¯t help another laugh.

    But Sky and Star simply sighed, as Sky shrugged, ¡°it¡¯s progress I guess.¡± After another pause, ¡°so are we just moving onto oral now, or what? Cause I¡¯m pretty sure we can¡¯t PG-13 that one.¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    Crista just shook her head, ¡°I have seen porn you know¡± she scoffed.

    ¡°Yay, our parents will be so proud we¡¯ve found a career that fits our skills¡± Sky scoffed.

    Crista shook her head again, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about the stuff that happens at the club you two used to go to every week. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve done stuff in front of other people before¡± she called them on it. They both just looked at each other again at the sound of that understatement.

    ¡°Yeah, but...¡± Sky just shook his head.

    ¡°But what?¡± Crista had to ask.

    That was when Star finally spoke up, ¡°yeah, but it¡¯s obvious you¡¯re attracted to us. We¡¯re just not sure how comfortable you could possibly be watching us... do those things.¡±

    Crista scoffed, ¡°sounds like you two are more uncomfortable than me.¡±

    They shook their heads, not able to deny the fact. Sky then finally spoke again, ¡°I think the real difference here is that we¡¯re not used to doing this in front of someone who¡¯s... into us¡± he decided on, ¡°I mean, without them being involved too¡± he added more quietly.

    Crista then nearly forgot to breathe again, ¡°was that an invitation?¡± she whispered hoarsely.

    ¡°And that would be why¡± Sky shook his head, biting his lip nervously, as Star shared a similar expression.

    Then Crista let out a sound of impatience as she took her seat again, ¡°why would that be such a bad thing?¡± she had to ask, her voice barely making it past her lips as she seemed desperate to hear their answer.

    ¡°Yeah, thisallis kind of a bad idea¡± Sky stated under his breath, moving his hand through his black and white-streaked locks with a bit of stress apparent.

    ¡°But why? You guys did practically just admit to weekends full of group sex, and most of those were probably when you were the same age as me. Why is it so strange to consider now,withme?¡± she asked softly.

    Sky was even more uncomfortable then, as Star also averted her eyes. He finally tried to find some words to explain that discomfort about involving this girl in any of that sort of activity with them, ¡°that¡¯s the thing about any kind of group sex type of stuff; it¡¯s not really for people like you¡± he attempted, though his words lacked volume.

    ¡°People like me?¡± she asked, trying not to be hurt until he explained that comment.

    ¡°Virgins¡± Sky supplied, though even more quietly.

    Crista scoffed slightly, ¡°well I wouldn¡¯t be a virgin afterwards, would I?¡±

    Not able to argue that particular possibility, Sky tried to further explain, knowing that time was still very much an issue. But this was also an issue, and it needed to be addressed before they could even try any more of their attempts at sexual healing, of some sort.

    Struggling for his words, Sky made some attempt at a better explanation, ¡°just think about it Crista. If I were to come over there and take your virginity, right here, right now. How would you feel... afterwards... about me?¡± he clarified more quietly.

    ¡°You mean the part after the mind-blowing orgasm that you¡¯re apparently an expert at providing?¡± she asked in the same breathless tone.

    Sky looked down again, ¡°yes, after that part. How would you feel about me, honestly?¡±

    ¡°Thankful?¡± Crista shook her head, not sure what answer he was really looking for here.

    That was when Star spoke up, though softly, ¡°you¡¯d fall madly in love with him Crista. Trust me, I know¡± she added with a sad smile.

    ¡°That¡¯s not...necessarilytrue¡± she offered though her voice was small, proving that she knew it was a very real possibility, as smitten as she already was with him.

    Star allowed another sad smile, ¡°you¡¯re already halfway there, Crista¡± she said, though gently, ¡°and believe me, I¡¯m not blaming you. I am an expert at knowing how impossible it is not to fall in love with Sky. Especially after sharing something like that with him.¡±

    Then Sky had to add to the conversation again, ¡°and I like you Crista, I really do. I¡¯m even attracted to you¡± he admitted as her eyes lit up, causing him to continue, ¡°but that¡¯s why Idon¡¯twant you to let yourself fall for me, like that. I¡¯m already madly in love with someone else¡± he gave Star a small smile, ¡°and I don¡¯t wanna hurt you by not being able to feel that way about anyone but her, ever¡± he offered her another sad smile.

    Crista just sighed sadly after taking several long moments to think about the fact that Sky could even manage to reject someone in a way that made him that much more lovable. Another sigh as she finally stood and spoke again, ¡°I suppose I can find another room to be in for the next round¡± she shrugged slightly before heading out of her room with another sad sigh.

    <hr>

    After hearing Sky¡¯s rather touching explanation for them not wanting Crista involved in their intimacies just then, the younger girl forced herself to spend the rest of the evening with her sister. The two of them hardly were the best of friends, to say the least; but at least this way, she could give the two teens locked in her room across the hall hourly updates on any new developments their passion might have led to.

    As the clock struck eight pm, the two lay back in Crista¡¯s now sweat soaked bed, trying to catch their breaths once more. Trying to find her voice as they both lay there nude atop the sheets, each running their hands through sweat-damp locks as they tried to recover from their latest orgasms, Star finally spoke, ¡°do you realize we¡¯ve now been making each other come for about five hours straight?¡±

    Sky let out another heavy breath, ¡°sexathon, not for the weak of heart, literally¡± he added with another breath.

    ¡°Thank fucking goodness we went and got me on the pill again¡± she scoffed.

    ¡°Thank goodness they just hand them out for free at that clinic. That was back before mom and dad knew all about our wicked ways.¡±

    After another moment, Star sighed again, ¡°as much as I¡¯d love to do nothing but spend the rest of our lives making love,¡± she began, ¡°are we still thinking this is gonna work?¡±

    ¡°Like you said, we may have already finished fixing her, that first time; but it just takes time for the fix to be complete? I don¡¯t know. I really don¡¯t¡± he admitted sadly, ¡°and it¡¯s eight. Dunno how long it¡¯ll be before they demand we get our asses home again¡± he added with another sigh.

    ¡°Plus how long do we plan on locking Crista out of her own bedroom and forcing her to spend the evening in a room withthatgirl instead¡± Star added.

    ¡°That girl being the one we¡¯re breaking world orgasm records to try to heal?¡± Sky smirked.

    ¡°Yeah that one¡± Star mumbled.

    ¡°As disgusted as she was when she saw us making love that first time¡± Sky shook his head, ¡°if she only could see us now.¡±

    Another long moment as the two each heard their text alerts go off, and sighed as they shakily sat up to reach for their phones. Not surprisingly, it was their parents not so gently suggesting that they find their way home already. They then both sighed as they set their phones aside and leaned back against the headboard with a slight sound of defeat.

    ¡°Soarewe admitting defeat?¡± Star asked sadly.

    ¡°Do we really wanna risk being locked up in some lab again?¡± Sky reminded.

    ¡°Well I don¡¯t know what else we can try¡± Star sniffled.

    That was when they got another text from Crista which read, ¡°while I¡¯ve been stuck in here all night, I¡¯ve been cross-referencing healing spells with sex spells. I think I figured out what you actually need to try; but I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll like it.¡±

 Chapter 44

    Knowing they couldn¡¯t push their parents much further, considering the week they¡¯d already had, Sky and Star told Crista to just send them the link to the spell. With a sigh, they then shakily got dressed and had Crista cautiously sneak them back out of her house to head home for the night; all the while, hoping it wouldn¡¯t be their last night of freedom after all.

    The next morning, Star burst into Sky¡¯s room before school that day. Inside, he was still in the process of sliding his zipper-covered tartan pants over those narrow hips. He startled a bit as she interrupted him and raised an eyebrow, ¡°didn¡¯t get enough of me naked yesterday?¡± he smirked as he shook his head and looked back down to finish fastening his pants around the waist that would make a supermodel self-conscious.

    ¡°Did you look at the spell?¡± Star asked, looking down at her phone rather than her half naked lover, as odd as that was.

    ¡°Spell?¡± he asked with a shake of his head as he finished zipping his pants and moved to reach for the fishnet shirt waiting on his bed.

    ¡°The one Crista found¡± she said as she continued looking back down at the phone with a bit of worry.

    ¡°Why would I look at it? It¡¯s witchcraft, and we¡¯re notactuallywitches. I think we both know that our abilities don¡¯t come from mother nature as much as they do from outer fucking space¡± he mumbled the last bit as he slid his shirt on.

    Star shook her head, ¡°well, I think that means that we¡¯d have a lot better chance at making it work than most actual witches¡± she scoffed then moved closer as he pulled his hair from under the collar of the shirt he had just donned. ¡°Just look at this¡± she told him as she handed him her phone.

    Sky skimmed the wording of the spell, ¡°blood of a virgin, related to the person you¡¯re trying to heal?¡± he just shook his head, ¡°that¡¯s a joke right?¡± he scoffed as he handed her back the phone.

    ¡°No, Sky, it said virgin¡¯s blood from someone sharing the blood of the one who needs to be healed.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what I said?¡± he asked as he looked back down at her skeptically.

    ¡°Sky, there¡¯s a difference between blood of a virgin, and virgin¡¯s blood¡± Star told him pointedly.

    ¡°There is now?¡± he raised a brow again.

    ¡°Think about it Sky¡± Star sighed.

    He then shook his head again, only to take pause as he realized what she was saying. He took a deep breath before speaking, ¡°so I guess if you had cancer and no one in your family was a virgin, you¡¯d just be screwed?¡± he scoffed.

    Star shook her head again as she looked down at the spell once more, ¡°also says under the stars, with the one who needs healed present.¡±

    Sky shook his head again as he slid his nearly floor length black jacket over his clothes, ¡°why are you even still looking at this, Star? We obviously can¡¯t do this.¡±

    ¡°Well, I know it¡¯s not, exactlyideal¡± Star began nervously.

    ¡°That¡¯s putting it mildly¡± Sky took the phone back again and re-read the spell, ¡°so, Crista has to lose her virginity, with her fucking sister watching; oh, and under the stars. Maybe that means you need to invest in a strap-on for a romantic evening with our fourteen year old friend,Star¡± he stated wryly, ¡°yeah, that just all sounds wonderfully ideal.¡±

    Star looked down, ¡°I suppose I could. But I¡¯m pretty sure Crista would be a little more receptive if it was the one of us actually born with the right ¡­ tool for the job¡± she stated with more than a bit of nervousness. Sky just shook his head in disbelief that Star was even considering the idea of the spell at all. Star then added, ¡°and it doesn¡¯t necessarily say that Cassie needs to be watching; just present¡± she corrected, though quietly.

    Sky let out another long breath, ¡°other than the fact that we just explained to Crista why me deflowering her is a bad idea¡± he began pointedly, ¡°let¡¯s not forget how much Cassie fucking hates us. Then, fast forward, if you will, to me asking the Sampson sisters on a moonlit date so I can de-virginize the fourteen year old, while the paralyzed eighteen year old who despises us so much she made up rumors that drove us to try suicide; she¡¯ll just be hangin out, while I do the deed. Sounds perfect¡± he added with thick sarcasm.

    ¡°And I should probably be there too. Considering our powers only work when we¡¯re together¡± Star added quietly.

    Sky just loudly scoffed, ¡°Star, you cannotpossiblybe serious about us eventryingthis insanity.¡±

    Star sighed heavily, ¡°well, Crista did say we wouldn¡¯t like it¡± she admitted sadly.

    Sky just scoffed in further disbelief as he moved past her to head downstairs for some attempt at getting through yet another day.

    <hr>

    That day at school, it was a more than somber day, considering what had happened on the school trip two days earlier. Curt was of course not at school, nor was Alana, so most of the questioning looks fell on Sky and Star that day. Though, for once, there wasn¡¯t simply hatred and disgust behind those looks, as it was more a wary sympathy, as well as maybe even some hidden guilt over the previously held opinions most of the student body had about the ¡®twins¡¯ and their allegedly questionable moral code.

    When Star and Crista stepped out of the school at the end of the day, it was in time to see Sky getting into the car already. Star gave Crista a wary smile and the two headed toward the car after him. Once they neared the vehicle, Sky sighed heavily and lowered his window, ¡°you need a ride home, Crista?¡± he asked, though his voice was strained.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Crista looked over at Star questioningly, though Star¡¯s expression was nearly as unsure as the younger girl¡¯s then. ¡°Do you guys need my room again tonight?¡± Crista made herself ask.

    ¡°Is that a yes?¡± was Sky¡¯s only response.

    ¡°Sure¡± Crista agreed with a wary smile as she moved to enter the back seat while Star gave Sky a questioning look as she moved around to the passenger seat.

    The three were still rather silent, even after entering Crista¡¯s house again that afternoon. Thankfully her parents and Cassie were back at rehab again, so at least they didn¡¯t have to sneak in this time. Though there still weren¡¯t many words exchanged between them as the two females kept giving Sky those continued questioning glances as he distracted himself with his nails, or his phone or his books, or anything else while they waited in silence for whatever it was they were waiting for.

    Finally, Star had to speak up, ¡°so are we just hiding from our parents tonight, or what?¡± she asked Sky with a furrowed brow.

    Sky sighed, surprised it took that long for them to ask for his input on what they would or wouldn¡¯t be actually doing that evening. He finally looked up from his phone with another small sigh, ¡°what time does Cassie get home from her appointments, usually?¡± he asked Crista.

    Crista looked confused by the question, but answered ¡°like six. Then we have dinner.¡±

    Another sigh as he turned his eyes back to the phone, ¡°and the sun should be setting shortly after dinner¡± he added, apparently leaving many of his inner thoughts right then unspoken.

    ¡°Sun setting?¡± Star asked as she looked back at him with a bit of surprise, ¡°are you saying what I think you¡¯re saying?¡±

    Sky closed his eyes with another heavy sigh, ¡°it¡¯s going to be difficult enough without us discussing it to death first¡± was all he said. That easily silenced the two of them, despite the fact that Crista¡¯s heart was now beating so loudly she was sure they both could hear it.

    <hr>

    When Cassie and her parents got home Crista awkwardly went to join them for dinner so as to not to arouse any undue suspicion. As Sky and Star waited for dinner to end, Star had to speak up again, ¡°so what exactly is the plan here, Sky?¡± she had to ask.

    ¡°When they¡¯re done, we go down the back stairs. Me and Crista¡± he swallowed a bit, "will go around the side of the house. You show up downstairs and ask to speak with Cassie. Just try to get her to go talk to you outside. Preferably, where she won¡¯t be able to see me and Crista¡± he added more quietly.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Star asked with obvious worry, ¡°you mean I¡¯m supposed to go try to have an impromptu conversation with the same Cassie who hates my guts?¡±

    ¡°Well believe me, my night is going to be pretty fucking uncomfortable too¡± Sky returned with a bit of a bite to his tone.

    Star just swallowed and then they both tried to compose themselves for the night ahead. Neither of them, truly, were very comfortable with any of this; but they also knew they¡¯d be a lot less comfortable in a jail cell or a science lab for the rest of their lives.

    <hr>

    An hour or so later, Star found herself sitting on the porch swing next to where Cassie glared coldly ahead from her wheelchair. Casting a glance toward the side of the house, where Sky and Crista were hidden from their view, though still barely fifteen feet away, Star tried to force a nervous smile.

    ¡°You think the fact that my sister is stupid enough to actually wanna be friends with you two is gonna change what you both did to me?¡± Cassie stated through clenched teeth.

    Star took a deep breath as she tried to keep her mind off of her lover and her friend and what they were about to be doing. She then looked back over at Cassie sadly, almost glad the older girl couldn¡¯t easily turn to look her way. Having to get through any of this at all was going to be hard enough without having to look Cassie in the eye as well.

    ¡°You know we didn¡¯t mean for you to fall from the cliff, Cassie. Everyone¡¯s emotions were running a little high that night. And it was an accident, what happened to you; a terrible accident that we¡¯ve regretted every day since then¡± Star told her, her voice barely getting past her lips as she spoke.

    Though Cassie only scoffed, leaving Star to try to scrape for any more words she even could; which was much easier said than done.

    Meanwhile, Crista nervously watched as Sky took a deep breath and removed his long jacket to lay it in the grass beneath them. He then looked back at where she just stared up at him with widened eyes. He took another breath and gestured for her to move to their makeshift blanket there in the yard, under the stars that night, while their ¡®sisters¡¯ were a mere fifteen feet away, but thankfully out of sight.

    Crista took a deep, shaky breath and moved to take a seat on his jacket as she looked up at him with equal helpings of fear of and desire for what was finally going to happen to her; let alone, happen with someone she was overwhelmingly attracted to, at that.

    Closing his eyes again, and taking a deep breath, Sky tried to keep his attention on the young girl before him, rather than the one he ached for each moment they were apart. He then moved to pull off that fishnet shirt, dropping it to the ground below. He then took another breath and began undoing his pants as Crista watched him, barely able to breathe herself.

    Not pulling himself free from the now unfastened pants just yet though, Sky took another breath before moving to his knees next to her and shakily beginning to unlace the corseted halter she wore that day. When he finally reached the bottom of the laces, he took one more shaky breath before pulling the material open to expose the pale breasts and already hardened nipples. His eyes moved over her as he shakily pulled the halter free, leaving her topless, her pretty eyes closed in anticipation as he took yet another breath to steel himself. Though his body was already easily starting to react to hers.

    He then made himself move closer still as he gently guided her to lay back atop the sprawling black material of his jacket. He then swallowed again as he moved to begin pulling her short skirt and panties down her legs. Though his body was already fully ready for the impending activity, he still was having trouble calming his mind as he had to take another long moment to talk himself into continuing, despite the way his eyes moved over her now completely nude body laying there before him that night.

    With another breath, he moved his hand to the back pocket of his still undone pants and found the condom waiting there. After all, Star was the one he no longer needed to use that with, he wasn¡¯t going to riskthatwith Crista on top of all the other misgivings he already had about being her first.

    Crista¡¯s eyes widened again as he began tearing open the wrapper, his hands still shaking slightly. ¡°Wow, we¡¯re already at this part?¡± she breathed.

    Sky attempted a smile as he finished removing the condom from the wrapper, ¡°I was assuming you were already wet, and we could skip a few steps¡± he told her gently.

    ¡°Well, I am wet every second you¡¯re near me, so you¡¯re definitely right about that. Just nervous, I guess¡± she breathed.

    Sky sadly smiled down at her then, ¡°we don¡¯t actually have to do this Crista. It¡¯s ultimately your call. Remember that.¡±

    ¡°Believe me, I definitely want to do this. Just afraid my heart may stop the second you put it in¡± she whispered.

    ¡°It¡¯s true that I¡¯m not officially a girl, but I don¡¯t think it hurts quite that bad¡± he attempted another small smile down at her before steeling himself to pull his erection free from the pants at last and slide the condom on. Trying to ignore the way her eyes hungrily devoured his body as he completed that task, Sky attempted another small smile as he finally took one more deep breath and moved to that spot above her.

    One more look down as if to silently ask her if that was what she really wanted. As she smiled up at him through ragged breaths, Sky finally closed his eyes and moved to enter her at last.

 Chapter 45

    Another twenty minutes passed while Star awkwardly sat on the porch next to Cassie, as the older girl glared off into the night. Finally, Sky appeared around the corner of the house. He nodded a little breathlessly to Star and took another moment to try to compose himself then.

    He was now fully dressed, but his pale skin was obviously flushed from his recent orgasm. And that orgasm came to him quickly during that activity, despite all his earlier misgivings. As much as he lived to be inside Star every second, it had been three long years, and several other experiences, since the last time he had ever felt what it was like to be inside a girl who was that untouched. And that feeling definitely made it more than easy for him to climax inside her; that is, once her pain ceased and he finally let himself begin moving above her to bring her to her own climax, which was also just as easily achieved, considering his vast experience level.

    Crista had since dressed and shakily gone back into the house through the back door to avoid being seen by her parents or her sister while coming through the front door. Star and Sky looked to each other once more as each took another breath before Sky left the yard through the side gate, and then made his way out to the street, only to turn back toward the front gate of the house. As he came through the front gate then, as though just now arriving to pick Star up and take her home for the night, Cassie centered a glare on him as well; not that that welcome was unexpected.

    ¡°Great now I have to pretend I have any desire to speak to either of you?¡± Cassie scoffed as Sky awkwardly made his way up the walkway.

    ¡°Just here to pick Star up¡± he told her apologetically, he and Star¡¯s eyes both moving over her, watching for any sign of their spell working.

    ¡°Well I¡¯ve already had to put up with her for half an hour too long. Don¡¯t know why she couldn¡¯t have just waited inside with the little bitch who actually likes you two freaks¡± Cassie complained angrily.

    ¡°Like I said, I really wanted to talk to you¡± Star said gently, ¡°try to talk to you¡± she corrected, ¡°and try to apologize.¡±

    ¡°That goes for me too¡± Sky managed as he moved to the porch to take a place on the other side of Cassie¡¯s chair, casting Star a furtive look behind the girl¡¯s back. ¡°We really never meant to hurt you, Cassie¡± he added for weight.

    ¡°Well then maybe you should have triednotthrowing me off a cliff with your minds¡± she growled bitterly.

    The two gave each other another look as they stood on either side of Cassie, Star moving to stand as well, and clasping Sky¡¯s hand behind the chair as Cassie still glared off ahead of them into the night. Star held Sky¡¯s hand tightly and dared to move her other to Cassie¡¯s shoulder in an apologetic manner, Sky doing the same. Though, since the girl thankfully could not feel their touch, she did not cringe at it at least.

    Star then bravely spoke again, ¡°we were only fourteen then, and had just both lost our virginity, which is exactly when you caught us¡± she began the confession, which did cause more than a bit of shock to pass over Cassie¡¯s face as they continued to stand there behind her, one hand in each other¡¯s, one hand on the older girl¡¯s shoulder, ¡°and because of you thinking...¡± she shook her head, ¡°with you screaming at us like that, it just got away from us.¡±

    Cassie scoffed, wishing she could turn back to see their faces then, ¡°what got away from you?¡± she asked angrily.

    ¡°Our power¡± Sky forced out that bit of the confession. ¡°We couldn¡¯t control it then, especially then¡± he added, ¡°but it¡¯s been three years, Cassie. We can control it now. We can keep it from hurting anyone now¡± he stated gently.

    Cassie just scoffed again, ¡°so you¡¯re finally at least admitting that youarewitches?¡±

    Star took a brave breath, ¡°we admit that we can do things that don¡¯t make sense. And, before we understood it, you were terribly hurt because of it. But now we wanna try, hard as we can, to make it up to you¡± Star finished with a slight sniffle.

    Cassie scoffed again, ¡°and how the fuck do you think you could ever do that?¡± she asked, though as she spoke, she turned angrily in the chair to look back up at them. Sky and Star both then just smiled in amazement. ¡°What the fuck are you smiling about?¡± Cassie asked.

    Sky and Star both let out another amazed chuckle as Sky spoke to her, ¡°you just turned around, Cassie. We did it; we finally fixed what we didn¡¯t mean to break at all¡± he whispered as tears of joy filled all three of their sets of eyes then.

    <hr>

    With Monday being the life-shattering school trip, Tuesday the marathon of sex between them, and Wednesday being their first real foray into mixing serious witchcraft in with their own unexplainable abilities; the two teens were hoping upon hope that Thursday would be completely uneventful.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Though they were still thrilled by Cassie seeming to honestly be healed, finally, they still had plenty of worry over the after effects of the spell on the younger of the Sampson sisters. Or more specifically, the effects of Sky being Crista¡¯s first; especially after their sincere warnings to her the very day before about why that would be a mistake.

    As fate would have it though, they found themselves not having to deal with any of those residual feelings Crista was sure to have that day. At least, not yet anyway. Crista¡¯s family were spending the day at the hospital with a team of doctors trying to make any sense at all of Cassie¡¯s miraculous recovery, and Crista went with them, just to be sure that Cassie would keep the real secret behind that recovery safe.

    However, they did not actually get through the day unscathed after all. Between second and third period, Star was called to the office, causing her and Sky to share a worried look, for more than a few reasons. Once Star did shuffle into the principal¡¯s office, she startled a bit as she saw her mother and a rather well dressed woman who was a stranger to her as well. And Brie looked more than a bit uncomfortable, which never boded well.

    ¡°Miss Vargas¡± the principal greeted her, ¡°Miss Lewis needs to speak with you¡± he stated, gesturing to the well-tailored woman before heading out of the office again to leave them to their discussion.

    ¡°Star, right?¡± the woman gave her a worried smile as her eyes moved over Star¡¯s dark black clothing and makeup.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Star asked warily as she took a seat between her mother and this Miss Lewis. Her discomfort only increasing at the fact that they had only asked for her, not Sky as well. And any stressful or unexpected situations felt even more unmanageable when the two of them were forced to deal with them separately.

    ¡°I¡¯m the lawyer representing Alana Thomas¡± she stated as she cast another look over the young woman before her.

    ¡°Lawyer?¡± Star swallowed slightly.

    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re looking to find character witnesses that can give us a more detailed picture of the accused¡± she stated as she looked down at the file in front of her.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like I hung out with him. If I ever could avoid him at all, I did¡± Star stated stiffly.

    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re aware that you are definitely not friends with Mr. Spencer. That¡¯s why we¡¯re hoping you can help us¡± Miss Lewis continued.

    ¡°Why me?¡± Star asked with further discomfort, casting a glance at where Brie continued to silently stare at the floor of the office, looking like she was simply just trying to hold herself together at this point.

    ¡°Alana told me that, the morning before the assault, Curt implied that you and he had possibly had... an encounter¡± Lewis decided on as Star tensed further and Brie¡¯s breath caught.

    ¡°Encounter?¡± Star choked on the word, trying desperately to sort the memories of one world¡¯s Curt from the memories of the other, especially when speaking to someone like a lawyer.

    ¡°Not a pleasant one¡± Lewis replied quietly.

    Star took a deep breath as she looked over at Brie, who still appeared to be barely holding back her own emotions then, ¡°He cornered me alone, like the second week of school, and... and it was a little scary¡± she forced herself to admit, as Brie choked back another wave of emotion.

    ¡°Scary how? We need these details, Star¡± Lewis told her, forcing gentleness to her tone. Star just looked between Lewis and her mother, feeling her heartbeat speed up. Lewis then prodded further, ¡°did he rape you too, Star?¡± she asked in a near whisper.

    At that Brie couldn¡¯t hold back that next sob, which caused Star to quickly try to struggle for words, ¡°no! Sky got there before... before he could¡± she choked on the last words, which caused at least some relief to break through her mother¡¯s sob.

    ¡°But, he did try?¡± Lewis swallowed a bit.

    ¡°Do I really have to say any more than that?¡± Star pleaded, knowing what her mother already thought about her sexual behavior, and not wanting to throw any more fuel on that fire at all.

    ¡°Like I said, these details could be what gets him put away. You do want him to go to jail, don¡¯t you, Star?¡± Lewis pressed.

    Star sniffled slightly, ¡°but that won¡¯t undo what happened to Alana either. Maybe if I had said something when it did happen...¡± she just shook her head as she wiped away a tear. ¡°Twice now I could have saved her. And I failed, both times¡± Star whispered as she had to bite back her own sob then.

    <hr>

    Once they got to lunch, Sky took his seat next to where Star was more than a little shaken by her trip to the office earlier. He looked around to be sure of no prying ears, then whispered, ¡°what the hell was that all about this morning?¡± he asked urgently.

    ¡°Alana¡¯s lawyer¡± she swallowed, ¡°she wanted to know about the day under the bleachers¡± Star whispered back.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you left out the part about how we stopped Curt that time?¡± he asked her worriedly.

    ¡°Of course I did, but still, she wants me to testify against him¡± she swallowed another lump in her throat.

    ¡°What? You can¡¯t¡± Sky told her with the same urgency.

    Star just scoffed, ¡°what happened to wanting to put him in jail?¡± she asked as she looked up at him questioningly.

    ¡°We¡¯ve both seen courtroom dramas, Star¡± he told her with the same worry, ¡°not only will you be under oath when we¡¯ve got two different realities tangled up in our heads. But in one, he attacked me not you. In one, he forced us to do that with each other¡± he then dropped his voice, ¡°in one, wekilledhim¡± he reminded before forcing himself onward, ¡°and Curt¡¯s lawyers, they will rip apart everything you say¡± he then sighed sadly, ¡°they¡¯ll prod for every detail, especially when it comes to anything remotely related to sex! Or Curt. They¡¯ll tear you apart, Star. And that¡¯s not even mentioning the shit about our so-called abilities, which I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll also try to bring up¡± he added for weight.

    Star shook her head and sniffled again, ¡°we already failed to save her from him twice, Sky. I don¡¯t know if I could forgive myself for not at least trying to make sure we don¡¯t fail any future victims too.¡±

    Sky sighed softly, ¡°but Star... we just fixed Cassie to try and save ourselves from being anyone else¡¯s victims. And now you wanna put a bull''s eye on yourself? Star, think about it. You know I¡¯m right¡± he pleaded with her again.

    ¡°And I know I can¡¯t live with any more guilt, Sky. And if we don¡¯t do all we can to keep him from hurting another girl, or boy¡± she had to add, ¡°and he goes free, and it happens again?¡± she sniffled once more, ¡°I can¡¯t do that, Sky.¡±

 Chapter 46

    The next evening was thankfully Friday, so at least they had two days of not dealing with school on top of everything else. Though there was another looming issue to have to try to cope with. And they were reminded of that as they were just finishing dinner that night. Brie went to answer the knock at the door and returned to the dining room and her family clearing the table, with Crista smiling nervously behind her.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got company¡± Brie stated with a wary smile as she moved to help Connor load the dishwasher.

    Star and Sky tried to hide their tension behind a smile as they greeted Crista with a nod and cast a wary glance at their nearby parents. ¡°You guys don¡¯t have to look so terrified¡± Crista teased, ¡°I actually have good news.¡±

    All four of the family members looked up at that, ¡°you mean that sort of thing actually exists in our lives?¡± Sky attempted to hide behind humor as Crista¡¯s eyes moved over him with a bit of that hunger he had seen in her just two nights earlier as he was about to make love to her.

    Crista just allowed a small laugh before continuing, ¡°yes, today Cassie ¡®recanted,¡¯ I guess is what they said. She told the cops that she really doesn¡¯t knowhowshe fell. You guys don¡¯t have to run away or anything after all¡± she teased, her eyes still moving over Sky, her breath short.

    Seeing the obvious way Crista was looking at Sky, Brie added to the conversation, ¡°so she really is fully recovered?¡±

    ¡°Well, she hasn¡¯t moved in three years, so she¡¯s still gonna need lots of physical therapy to get her strength back and everything; but yeah, for the most part, she¡¯s all better... just like that¡± Crista answered, giving the older teens a knowing look as she bit away some of the pink glitter lipstick she wore that night.

    ¡°Well, then that really is good news¡± Brie smiled.

    ¡°However, the miracle daughter is taking up almost all their time these days, so my parents don¡¯t really have time for the problem child¡¯s problems; like having no food in the house for the last two days¡± she added wryly.

    Brie allowed a small laugh, ¡°feel free to help yourself to what¡¯s left of dinner¡± she offered before she and Connor moved to head toward the door to the living room.

    Crista then interrupted, ¡°and since I doubt they¡¯ll be doing a lotta shopping this weekend either, can I mooch off of you guys for the rest of the weekend too?¡± she smiled sweetly.

    Still a little worried by this girl¡¯s blatant interest in Sky, the two reminded themselves that he seemed to pretty much only have eyes for Star for the most part, these days; so they warily agreed to the idea before both headed off to the living room, leaving the three teens alone there in the dining room.

    In the living room the two looked at each other with more wariness. Connor then finally spoke, ¡°so now we¡¯ve gottwoteenage girls in the house who will be mentally undressing our son all weekend?¡±

    ¡°Well, it seems like ever since we told them they could actually be together; Sky¡¯s seemed pretty single minded about where his interests lie. Hopefully that¡¯ll keep things at least somewhat... calm¡± she decided on.

    ¡°Calm?¡± Connor repeated thoughtfully, ¡°calm, as she spends the weekend in the bedroom with our also apparently bisexual daughter?¡± he asked pointedly.

    Brie just sighed, ¡°we must have really donesomethingin a previous life to get so lucky with this whole smorgasbord of parental nightmares all wrapped up in two handy fishnet and eyeliner covered packages¡± she scoffed.

    <hr>

    Sky pretty much confined himself to his bedroom for most of the evening, not sure what else he should even try to do about the way she was looking at him earlier. Of course, she had always looked at him with desire, so maybe it was his own paranoia making it into something more. Or at least that¡¯s what he tried to tell himself as he attempted to busy himself at his computer while Star played hostess across the hall in her own room.

    It was nearly three when Star and Crista decided to make some attempt at sleep before morning. Star smiled at her a little awkwardly before offering her a spot under the cover with her, and rolling to her side to turn out the bedside lamp and try to force sleep.

    It was barely fifteen minutes later, as they lay back to back in the dark bedroom, when Star heard Crista sniffling slightly. Star swallowed a bit, but did not turn to face the younger girl just yet. ¡°Allergies?¡± she offered.

    Crista just sniffled again, ¡°sorry¡± she whispered back, tears obvious in her voice.

    Star sighed as she turned onto her back and looked over at where Crista remained on her side facing away from her. ¡°What happened to good news Crista? What¡¯s wrong?¡± she made herself ask.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    Crista sniffled again, forcing back more tears, ¡°you two really are my only friends¡± she whispered.

    ¡°And that makes you cry?¡± Star offered, clearly more used to being the one who needed comforting than the one trying to provide it; well at least provide it to anyone other than Sky.

    Crista took a brave breath, ¡°I don¡¯t wanna lose you guys¡± she sniffled again.

    ¡°We goin somewhere?¡± Star asked in a teasing manner, though that was mainly to hide her own fears that the upcoming trial would result in that becoming a real possibility after all.

    ¡°I don¡¯twantto be that girl. That silly little naive virgin that you guys said I¡¯d become...¡± another sniffle.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯renota virgin anymore. So no worries about that then, right?¡± Star told her, though her own tension was obvious then.

    ¡°You know what I mean¡± Crista mumbled against the pillow.

    Star sighed heavily, ¡°lemme guess, feelings for Sky?¡± she asked though kept her voice gentle.

    Crista sniffled again as she also rolled onto her back to stare desperately up at the dark ceiling though teary eyes, ¡°all I¡¯ve thought about since Wednesday was how it felt to have him inside me¡± she admitted with another sniffle, ¡°and how good he said I felt inside too¡± she added, which did cause Star to swallow a slight lump in her throat. ¡°But I tried to tell myself that that was just a physical reaction to how really, really good it did feel¡± she swallowed again, afraid to even look at Star then, though Star was thankful for that.

    Star tried to find any words she could then, ¡°well, maybe itwasjust the after effect of your first time. Maybe it was just the physical reaction to it.¡±

    ¡°But when I got here tonight and he could barely even look at me...¡± Crista sniffled again, ¡°it just hurt a lot more than it should have¡± she admitted.

    Star tried again, ¡°Crista, you¡¯ve gotta understand; I don¡¯t think Sky knows how to act right now either.¡±

    Crista scoffed, ¡°please, he¡¯s a few zillion miles from being a virgin.¡±

    Star let out a nervous laugh, ¡°what I mean is that you¡¯re the first person he¡¯s had sex with who wasn¡¯t the one person he¡¯s totally in love with; and also wasn¡¯t just some random pretty face who he¡¯d probably never see again. You¡¯re a shade of gray he hasn¡¯t ever had to deal with before¡± she told her with a soft smile as she reached up to push away a streak of eyeliner from Crista¡¯s cheek.

    ¡°Or he just really can¡¯t stand to be anywhere near me anymore¡± Crista sniffled again.

    ¡°Come on Cris, you did just save our asses, and he knows that. Like I said, he just is afraid of hurting you by not knowing what the right way to act is now. And it looks like he has¡± she said sadly as she pushed a long blue lock from Crista¡¯s face.

    Crista tried to compose herself before speaking again, ¡°I¡¯m not trying to come between you guys at all. I never would. Honestly, I can¡¯t imagine not having you both around. You¡¯re like two parts of the same person¡± she smiled, ¡°and I know that just having one of you as a friend, would be like not even having a whole person. I get that about you two¡± she stated with an attempt at a smile back over at Star¡¯s face, which was only inches from hers now.

    Star was quiet a long moment, thinking on Crista¡¯s words, and wondering if maybe this girl just had discovered the problem. She and Skyweretwo parts of the same person, and right now, the scales were completely unbalanced by what Sky had to do to save her sister. And therein could very well lie the problem.

    ¡°I think we figured out the problem after all, Crista¡± Star smiled over at her again.

    ¡°We did?¡± Crista looked more than confused by that, ¡°I think I missed it.¡±

    Star smiled again, ¡°you just said it: Having one of us as a friend would be like not even having a whole person. It would be like something was always missing. So that¡¯s probably also true about just having one of us as a lover too¡± she whispered, as Crista¡¯s breath caught. Star then smiled as she moved closer, ¡°you both feel like you¡¯ve done something wrong because it was just you and Sky. And like you said, he and I are a package deal aren¡¯t we? Maybe we just need to put the package back together. Re-balance the scales¡± she added in a hoarse whisper.

    <hr>

    Not able to get much sleep of his own the previous night, for various reasons, Sky awoke at just past nine that Saturday morning. He stared up at the ceiling for several long moments before finally pushing himself up from the bed to go and get he and Star¡¯s clothes from the basement laundry room.

    Upon returning upstairs, he took pause as Star and Crista had emerged from Star¡¯s bedroom, both wearing oddly satisfied smiles and looking at each other with more than a bit of mutual admiration.

    ¡°Morning, Sky¡± Crista grinned widely over at him, though did allow her eyes to travel appreciatively over him once more.

    ¡°Morning, Crista¡± he managed, though still couldn¡¯t help looking questioningly between she and Star both.

    ¡°You guys mind if I hit the shower first?¡± she asked them as she took a moment to cast the same sort of glance over Star, where she still stood leaning on her bedroom doorway with a smile.

    ¡°Knock yourself out¡± Sky agreed warily as he looked back at Star once more as Crista bounced off toward the bathroom. Once Crista was safely behind the closed bathroom door, he looked back at where Star was still wearing that slightly guilty smile. ¡°so, did I flip some switch inside her from virgin to...¡± he just shook his head, not able to even think of an accurate word then.

    ¡°What ever do you mean?¡± Star asked with another slight giggle.

    ¡°My room¡¯s right across the hall. I thought I heard some sort of activity going on in there last night. But after our poolside discussions, I wasn¡¯t sureexactlywhich activity that was. Though I had it narrowed down to a couple good guesses, at least.¡±

    Star smiled again as she took a step across the hall, taking the laundry basket from his arms and setting it aside to move in and give him a playful kiss. ¡°What can I say? You and Iarea package deal after all¡± and with that she gave him another kiss and headed downstairs in search of breakfast, having worked up more than a bit of appetite over the last few hours.

    Sky just shook his head after Star, as she also appeared to have a slight bounce in her step that morning as well. He then retrieved the laundry basket once more and couldn¡¯t help glancing over at the closed bathroom door. Shaking his head with a bit of disbelief, he still couldn¡¯t help allowing a small smile. He then found himself wondering if maybe, just maybe that girl he loved so much had found a solution to yet one more of their problems after all.

 Chapter 47

    Once their parents headed off for Saturday errands, Sky decided to take advantage of what was sure to be one of the last warm days of the year, and headed out to the pool for a brief dip. Afterwards, he moved to a spot laying back on the pool patio to let the sun dry his pale skin before he¡¯d need to retreat inside to avoid that impending sunburn. As before, his boxers served as his bathing suit as he had also donned dark sunglasses and propped his arms behind his head, closing his eyes and pondering the recent events as well as those yet to come.

    Spying him laying out there from Star¡¯s bedroom window, the two girls smiled back at each other and headed down to join him before the parents would return to dampen their moods, as parents always tended to do. Both girls smiled back at each other, now both wearing a simple halter and boxers of their own. Star¡¯s were both jet black, of course; while Crista¡¯s were a clash of black, white and hot pink.

    Sky smirked as he heard the patio door open behind him, but made no move from where he continued laying back in the sun for as long as he safely could. Star and Crista gave each other their own smirk as they each moved to a seat on either side of him.

    They then smiled at Sky, then each other once more before Crista moved to her side next to him, propping her chin on his chest, ¡°hi Sky¡± she giggled his name sweetly.

    Still wearing the smirk, he simply shook his head. ¡°Hi Crista¡± he offered, still making no move to look down at her, not that it would have been obvious with those dark glasses.

    Letting out her own sincere chuckle, Star moved to lay her head upon the other side of his chest, ¡°Hi Sky¡± she greeted him as well.

    Sky then let out a slight chuckle as well, still not moving his arms from behind his head, ¡°Hi Star¡± he told her, the smirk obvious in his voice. The two girls then moved their hands to gently run their fingertips over his ribs before clasping each other¡¯s hands instead, gently caressing each others fingers then as they continued laying their heads upon his chest, smiling over at one another, ¡°you two¡± was all he could say, though the only movement he made was a slight readjustment of his hips as he continued to lay still otherwise.

    ¡°Already?¡± Star asked.

    ¡°Shut up¡± he teased her back.

    She then glanced down at his still wet boxers, Crista¡¯s eyes taking the same route of course, ¡°oh not quite yet¡± Star giggled again as she and Crista smiled back at each other with another giggle.

    ¡°I feel like such a piece of meat¡± he mumbled with mock offense.

    The two girls simply giggled again as they each began trailing their fingers down from his chest, over his ribs and stomach. They continued that gentle assault on his senses for a few more moments before their eyes moved back down to that clinging black material, ¡°ah there it is¡± Star teased as she took note of his body reacting to their touch.

    ¡°You two are very, very evil¡± Sky teased them, though his voice was already beginning to sound hoarse with desire.

    ¡°You must like evil¡± Crista teased as the two of them took turns tracing that tiny trail of black that disappeared beneath the still wet material.

    ¡°So not fair¡± he breathed the words, gently readjusting his hips again as he forced himself to keep his hands to himself and in their place behind his slowly drying black and white locks.

    ¡°Why? Cause there¡¯s two of us and only one of you?¡± Star teased as she allowed her hand to travel lower for the briefest second, before returning it to his stomach.

    ¡°No, not fair because we have no idea when mom and dad will be home; and I¡¯m pretty sure that none of us wanna see what their reaction would be to whatever you two have in your dirty, dirty little minds right now¡± he scolded them, though still wore his smile.

    ¡°Me?¡± Crista feigned her own offense, ¡°I only lost my virginity like three days ago. I¡¯m practically innocent¡± she finished with a slight giggle.

    ¡°So innocent¡± Sky retorted with a playful sarcasm.

    ¡°What? I am¡± Crista continued to argue half-heartedly ¡°I mean I may not technically be a virgin, but I¡¯ve never even kissed... well one of you.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t even kiss her?¡± Star asked as she looked up at him.

    ¡°We skipped the pre-show. Had sisters to cure, remember?¡± Sky defended.

    Star narrowed her eyes at him before turning back to Crista, ¡°what else did he skip?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m right here¡± Sky interjected.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    ¡°Hush, girl talk¡± Star told him as she turned back to Crista as Sky just shook his head.

    Crista blushed slightly, ¡°well, he did kind of skip everything that you and I spent all last night doing with each other instead¡± she answered with another guilty chuckle.

    ¡°See? I covered the final act, then you did the pre-show. That¡¯s teamwork¡± he defended, though through a slightly guilty smirk of his own.

    Star just laughed, ¡°I can count on one hand the times you skipped the pre-show in the past¡± she gave him a slightly accusing look.

    ¡°It was a really weird fucking situation. Cut me a break¡± he shook his head with another uneasy laugh.

    Then Crista looked up at him, taking a breath to gather some courage, ¡°well, the weird situation¡¯s over. So if there were an encore performance, someday; we can definitely have the pre-show then, can¡¯t we?¡± she asked with another innocent smile.

    Sky just allowed another awkward laugh and a shake of his head. Not letting him off that easy, Star spoke, ¡°I believe the girl just asked you if you plan on making love to her properly next time¡± she prodded.

    Sky gave Star a look of disbelief, ¡°believe me, I did it properly. Surprised you and Cassie didn¡¯t hear her¡± he added as Crista blushed again, ¡°I just skipped some steps, that¡¯s all¡± he defended, ¡°and, as stated, you more than made up for them last night apparently. What a helpful little sister you are¡± he had to add with another smirk.

    ¡°Oh fuck you¡± Star laughed.

    That was when Sky finally gave in and sat up to pull Star¡¯s face to his where he covered her mouth in a long kiss. When the need for air finally drove the kiss to an end, Star moved around to her knees behind him and began placing kisses over his shoulders and the back of his neck through his wet locks as her hands both ran down his chest.

    Reveling in her kisses, his eyes then caught Crista¡¯s briefly as he smiled over at her place next to them and reached his hand out to her. Easily taking it, Sky pulled her closer as well. Star continued sprinkling kisses down his back, her hands still moving over his chest. Then he pulled Crista closer yet and gave her that kiss he hadn¡¯t provided her with during their one and only intimate encounter earlier that week. Easily encouraged by that kiss, Crista moved to take a seat atop his hips, and his still obvious arousal, as she continued enjoying the feel of his tongue inside her mouth at last.

    Then the inevitable interruption came, as it always seemed to. Though at least they were all stillmostlydressed and it actually wasn¡¯t Brie and Connor returning home already. Instead it was two men in their thirties appearing around the corner of the house and clearing their throats to garner the attention of the three rather intimate teens.

    The two girls quickly moved back from Sky as all three of them cast startled, wary glances at their visitors. ¡°Well,¡± the first man began, ¡°we saw your car in the garage and figured you were home. But no one answered the door¡± he greeted them with a slightly accusatory look at the three teens. ¡°Didn¡¯t mean to interrupt¡± he added insincerely.

    ¡°And who are you?¡± Sky greeted the man with a bit of annoyance and even more worry, as well as some awkwardness, sure his current state was obvious in those wet boxers.

    ¡°We¡¯re police officers who were looking into the Sampson case¡± they offered as Crista tensed a bit, already blushing from the interruption.

    ¡°The one that¡¯s been dropped?¡± Sky asked pointedly, trying to remain calm.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you a smart one?¡± the officer stated as the two moved closer.

    The second officer put in, ¡°yeah, that¡¯s part of why we¡¯re here. Just curious why, after the two of you were seen at Cassie¡¯s house more than once this week; that she¡¯s now changed the entire story she¡¯s been telling us for three years.¡±

    ¡°Yeah she¡¯s also started moving again for the first time in three years¡± Sky retorted pointedly, ¡°guess she¡¯s less annoyed with life these days.¡±

    ¡°How convenient for you two¡± the first officer remarked.

    That was when Star spoke up, ¡°we¡¯re friends with her sister here¡± she gestured to Crista, ¡°that¡¯s why we were at her house.¡±

    Then the second officer allowed an insincere laugh, ¡°yeah well it does definitely look like the three of you areveryfriendly¡± he stated sarcastically.

    That was when the first officer looked at his small notebook, ¡°CristaSampson, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡± Crista answered warily.

    ¡°And you werehowold again, Crista?¡± the second man asked.

    ¡°Fourteen¡± she managed, Star and Sky both tensing slightly then.

    ¡°And Mr. and Miss Vargas? Same last name, eh?¡± he returned that pointed comment, ¡°you two uh, eighteen yet?¡±

    ¡°Not for another six months¡± Sky answered through gritted teeth.

    ¡°Again, how convenient¡± the first officer replied with the same sarcasm.

    ¡°Yeah very convenient,¡± Star finally spoke again, ¡°considering you can¡¯t interrogate us again without our parents around¡± she told them with a slight glare.

    The second officer replied, ¡°who¡¯s interrogating? We¡¯re just having a nice chat with some sweet kids by the pool. Sweet kids who looked like they were just about to fuck each other, again; but that¡¯s beside the point¡± he added with another insincere smile.

    Sky then huffed angrily, ¡°Cassie is no longer accusing us of anything. So, I think it¡¯s time you two find another case to work on. Preferably somewhere else¡± he added bitingly.

    ¡°Oh we have another case to work on. The Curt Spencer/Alana Thomas rape. And the two of them are still sayin the same shit Cassie said about you two for years. Do they also, by chance, have any fourteen year old siblings that you guys are fucking?¡± the first officer asked, only two receive three more glares, ¡°no? Hmm, I guess that¡¯slessconvenient for you two then, huh?¡±

    The two officers finally went on their way with all the usual promises of seeing their suspects again soon. Once they were finally gone, Star let out the breath she was holding, ¡°is it time for that running away plan again, yet?¡±

    Sky¡¯s sigh mirrored Star¡¯s as Crista also looked rather dejected by the extremely hot water her two lovers were apparentlystillin. Seeing her sad look, Sky couldn¡¯t help speaking, ¡°still think we¡¯re the coolest people you ever met?¡± he asked with a sad sarcasm, as all three sighed in unison then.

    Crista then sniffled sadly, ¡°I think I¡¯ve had enough sun for one day¡± she said sadly as she pushed herself to her feet and headed inside again.

    Sky and Star then looked at each other sadly before Star spoke up, ¡°I think this is the first time in our lives that I ever actuallywishedthere was still some team of scientists doing everything they could to keep our powers a secret.¡±

 Chapter 48

    After Crista returned home the next day, Sky found himself poking his head through Star¡¯s bedroom door. Inside, she lay on the bed, curled around one of her pillows, and looking rather forlorn. Sky took a breath and stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. As she didn¡¯t even look up to greet him, he spoke quietly, ¡°miss our blue-haired friend that much already?¡±

    Star just sighed, ¡°if only that was all there was to be upset over.¡±

    With a sad sigh of his own, Sky moved to the bed where he took a place behind her, wrapping her tightly in his arms from behind, their bodies pressed close. He placed a few gentle, rather than passionate kisses over her hair and shoulders before speaking at last, ¡°think mom and dad, the mom and dad from this world; think they really love us?¡±

    ¡°Better hope so since you¡¯re breaking one of their rules again¡± Star scoffed, though sadly.

    ¡°No their new rules are no sex in the house. We¡¯re still dressed¡± he smiled, though it died soon after, ¡°I mean do you really think they love us for real now? Now that they only remember us as their kids, not their experiments?¡± he said with a slight trace of remaining bitterness at the former versions of their parents.

    ¡°Considering how much they¡¯ve put up with, I¡¯m almost tempted to say yes¡± Star replied warily.

    That was when Sky took a moment to gather the courage for his next sentence, ¡°think they actually love us enough to protect us? I mean, if they knew what we really were again?¡± he asked shakily.

    That was when Star rolled over to face him, more than a little fear in her eyes, ¡°you¡¯re actually talking about ¡®undoing this whole fucking world?¡¯¡± she repeated his words from back when they first arrived in this particular reality.

    ¡°Like you said, in that other world, we actuallykilledCurt,andhis friends, and the scientists were able to make it all go away¡± he reminded, his desperation obvious.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that was mom and dad who made it go away, though. Pretty sure that was their bosses¡± a heavy sigh, ¡°and you know what else their bosses did to us, later¡± she whispered, all that pain still clear any time she made herself speak of those times.

    Voice breaking, Sky continued, ¡°I can¡¯t think of any other way to get outta this though. Other than trying to trust them. And believe me, that terrifies me, but I honestly don¡¯t have any idea what else we can do at this point.¡±

    ¡°And what if it all goes horribly, horribly wrong again? What if we end up back in that place again? Being forced to do those things again?¡± Star whispered, trying to force back emotions long enough to get words out.

    ¡°But it can¡¯t go exactly the same way again. Not anymore¡± Sky stated as though the thought just occurred to him.

    ¡°How do you figure?¡± Star asked as she looked at him questioningly.

    ¡°The reason they forced us to do those things, to each other¡± he added more quietly, ¡°it was because our powers only worked when we had sex. We can make them work any time we want now. So, even if they wanna study us, at least they won¡¯t have to force us to do that at all now.¡±

    Star just scoffed, ¡°you¡¯re forgetting one thing.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Sky asked.

    ¡°The only reason they were able to keep us locked up for so long at all is cause they broke us. They broke the thing that made our powers work. They could control us cause they knew that there was only one thing that ever gave us the ability to fight back. And they tortured us so badly we couldn¡¯t hardly even do that at all anymore¡± Star sighed, ¡°now that we can use our powers whenever we want, the only control they could possibly have over us now is by keeping us apart. And I don¡¯t think either of us could ever survive that.¡±

    The two didn¡¯t have much longer to ponder how hopeless their options really were though, as they once again heard Brie calling to them from the bottom of the stairs. They sighed and made their way from the bed to head to the banister to give Brie a questioning look. She scowled slightly that they appeared to have both come from Star¡¯s room that time, but at least they were dressed.

    ¡°Miss Lewis needs to talk to you again, Star.¡±

    ¡°Miss Lewis?¡± Sky asked Star.

    ¡°Alana¡¯s lawyer¡± Star answered sadly as she started toward the stairs. Sky caught her wrist though, ¡°you mean with the cops bugging us again, you¡¯re still actually considering testifying?¡± he asked worriedly.

    Star just shook her head helplessly, obviously not sure what she wanted to do at this point, but she did know she still felt the same way about needing to save any future victims from Curt. So she continued sadly down the stairs. Sky shook his head then too before moving to follow her downstairs.

    When they arrived downstairs, Brie nervously moved to lean against the wall next to her husband. Miss Lewis looked up at Sky¡¯s and Star¡¯s arrival with some extremely strange combination of victory and fear when she saw them. Star warily took a seat on the couch next to the woman and Sky took a seat on the nearest recliner.

    Miss Lewis swallowed hard, ¡°well, we wanted to tell you that we finally have some hard evidence against Curt. Since they technically can dispute the DNA evidence by claiming consent. But now we have proof that Curt is a sexual predator who consent means nothing to.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s good then, right?¡± Star asked warily, looking to her parents who looked just as in the dark as she and Sky right then. ¡°Now I don¡¯t need to testify, right?¡± she asked hopefully.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°Well, that depends on whether we can use the evidence¡± Lewis told her, still looking cautiously between she and Sky.

    ¡°Well, why wouldn¡¯t you be able to?¡± Star asked worriedly.

    Lewis took another uneasy breath, ¡°it¡¯s video evidence. And considering some of the content of that video, Curt¡¯s lawyers will most likely try to claim that it¡¯s not reliable; fake even.¡±

    They all looked at Miss Lewis in confusion then, ¡°What content?¡± Star asked.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s easier if I just show you¡± Lewis stated as the rest of them gathered around as she opened her laptop.

    There, she started playing cell phone footage that was apparently filmed outside the school. The footage appeared to be taken by someone who was outside during lunch, toying with their phone¡¯s camera, while the football field bleachers were in the distance. Star swallowed a bit as she saw herself come into frame and begin checking her phone. She immediately knew what this day was and silently began praying to any gods she could that the footage would cut out before Sky appeared, but she doubted that would be the case, considering Lewis¡¯ words.

    Sky and Star tensed up as Brie and Connor bit back fearful breaths as Curt made his appearance. Their parents then became even more visibly upset as Curt began his unwanted attentions as Star cried and tried to fight him off. Then that moment when he reached under her skirt, and the next moment where Sky appeared in the corner of the frame, glaring at him as Curt suddenly flew backward, away from where Star continued sobbing in the aftermath of the encounter.

    Everyone in the family was more than a bit speechless, though their parents¡¯ loss of words was definitely for a different reason than the teens¡¯. Also visibly uncomfortable, Miss Lewis spoke, ¡°as you can see, we¡¯re going to have a really hard time convincing them to even let us use this, let alone convincing a jury that any of it is real at all. I mean, he obviously tried to assault you, but, you can see why we just...¡± she just shook her head.

    ¡°You can¡¯t show that¡± Star stated in a broken whisper, afraid to even look at her parents then.

    ¡°Well, they most likely won¡¯t let us. But it is the best evidence we have. So do you...¡± she also looked at Sky, ¡°either of you have any explanation whatsoever for what it looks like happens at the end of this video?¡±

    Sky and Star just stared at the floor, still afraid to look up at their parents or anyone else, knowing that there was no excuse they could ever come up with other than lying and saying it was all fake, but even that made no sense. Why would anyone film an assault and throw a fake magic trick in at the end? Nothing made sense; nothing but the truth. And that truth would seal both their fates, if the video alone wasn¡¯t enough to do so already.

    <hr>

    Of course, the inevitable did happen and the video found it¡¯s way to the internet, where it went viral within a day. And that began the also inevitable fight between the police and the scientists, which caught Sky and Star in the middle, with both sides wanting them, and them not wanting to be taken by either.

    Eventually the scientists and the shady government organizations that employed them did win, And once again Sky and Star found themselves as test subjects rather than actual feeling, breathing, living human beings at all.

    The only hope they clung to at this point was the fact that sex no longer was needed for their magic, so they hoped upon hope that they would at least never have to endure that again. Though the possibility of being separated still wore on them, and whatever other possibilities their imaginations supplied.

    Of course, their confinement did start out predictably enough. They were both taken to some lab, stuck in some room, and interrogated like they had been at the police station. The first scientist who came to see their powers in action was a man who simply went by Simmons. He smiled as he entered the room and they glared. Shaking his head at their stubborn and sullen demeanor, Simmons took a seat across the table from them and offered them another insincere smile.

    ¡°So, Sky and Star? Adopted? With those names and that back-story, I suppose we should be asking E.T. If your powers come from him?¡± Though the only response on either of their parts was simply staring at the table, saying nothing. Simmons smacked his lips impatiently and set a pencil on the table in front of him. ¡°Go ahead, move it.¡± Again, he was met with nothing but silence from either Star or Sky. He sighed again, ¡°so is it both of you, one of you? If so, which one? I¡¯m guessing the one of you who issupposedlymale¡± he said as Sky just glared back at him, ¡°considering she was about an inch from rape-city before you showed up.¡±

    Sky and Star both glared back at him more angrily then. Sky finally spoke, ¡°Isn¡¯t this kidnapping or something? We are only seventeen. And I didn¡¯t hear our parents give you permission to bring us here.¡±

    ¡°Prove it.¡± Simmons said plainly, which only caused looks of confusion to break through their glares.

    ¡°Prove what?¡± Sky asked with a scoff.

    ¡°That you¡¯re only seventeen.¡±

    Another scoff before Sky spoke again, ¡°wanna see my license or something?¡±

    ¡°A license ain¡¯t a birth certificate. And neither of you have one of those, do you?¡± Simmons pointed out as he watched for their reactions.

    They did quickly try to hide that reaction as they knew all too well that thatwasactually the case, but they had hoped that that wasn¡¯t something that anyone else actually would find out.

    Then Simmons continued, as he looked at some file ¡°results inconclusive on these so-called blood tests that some adoption agency allegedly did on you? Hmm, imagine that¡± Simmons said pointedly, ¡°no birth certificates, no ¡®conclusive¡¯ medical records of any kind whatsoever. Just some visit to the suicide ward three years ago, and somehow those records didn¡¯t have anything conclusive in them either. Aren¡¯t you two an interesting pair?¡±

    ¡°Well now that we know the hospitals in this country suck, can we leave now?¡± Sky retorted.

    ¡°Move the pencil, Sky.¡± Simmons stated simply.

    Sky just glared again and reached over to pick up the pencil before dropping it to the table angrily once more. He then responded with continued anger, ¡°now can we leave?¡±

    ¡°Quite the smart-ass aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°See, told you I was seventeen. There you go, conclusive proof.¡±

    Simmons just shook his head and smiled insincerely again, ¡°we already saw the video. Not sure what you think you¡¯re accomplishing by refusing to cooperate.¡±

    ¡°Video¡¯s fake. Just ask the asshole¡¯s lawyers¡± Sky stated sarcastically.

    He then turned to Star, ¡°well then the silent miss here should win a fucking Oscar, cause that looked like real fear to me when he reached for your panties¡± he told Star as he gave her a head to toe appraisal. Receiving an even angrier glare from both of them then, he continued, ¡°just move the fucking pencil and we¡¯ll all be much happier¡± he repeated.

    ¡°You¡¯re spending a hell of a lot of time and effort on getting a pencil to move¡± Sky muttered impatiently.

    ¡°And you¡¯re spending a lot of effort on refusing to cooperate¡± Simmons shot back.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have any fucking powers. Can we go now?¡± he asked bitterly again.

    Simmons was quiet another long moment before he finally looked back up at them, ¡°so rumor has it you too are hot as hell for each other. Interesting for a brother and sister.¡±

    ¡°Not actually brother and sister¡± Sky growled back.

    ¡°But you¡¯re not denying that you two have a thing for each other, are you?¡±

    ¡°And what the fuck does that have to do with us moving goddamn pencils?¡± Sky asked with further irritation.

    ¡°Well, funny thing; you seemed to have no trouble pulling some pretty serious power outta your tiny little ass when Star here was in real danger. Wonder how we might have to trigger those powers of yours again now¡± he said coldly as he centered a more than threatening look on Star.

 Chapter 49

    That was when the pencil did fly up from the table, and rocketed toward Simmons¡¯ face, only to come to a dead halt with the point less than an inch from his eye as his breath caught. Glaring even more coldly at the older man, Sky growled ¡°want me to move it again?¡±

    ¡°Sky!¡± Star exclaimed, moving her hand to his arm worriedly.

    ¡°Now, now, no need for threats¡± Simmons responded, his breath a bit short.

    ¡°Really? Cause I believe that was oneyoujust delivered¡± Sky stated in the same growl.

    Star let out a worried breath, and looked back at the pencil before mentally pulling it back down to the table. But before either of the teens could say more, Simmons spoke again, ¡°looks like we found that trigger after all¡± but before the words left his mouth, both teens felt a syringe pierce their necks from behind.

    <hr>

    Then the dreaded separation came, as the two now sedated teens were carted off to separate rooms. When the two awoke again, they didn¡¯t know if the other was in the next room or in another lab altogether. And considering they were definitely now considered hostile subjects, or at least Sky was; the idea that they may not be near enough to each other to even use their powers now was more than a bit fear-inducing.

    Both then had breakfast delivered to their rooms, wherever their rooms may even have been. About half an hour later, two men appeared back at Sky¡¯s door where his breakfast was still practically untouched, and the two nameless faces in lab coats firmly instructed him to come along with them off to somewhere else now. The only reason he didn¡¯t fight them is because he honestly had no idea where Star was, and he needed to know that; and not only for the sake of knowing if he would even be able to use any of his abilities at all.

    When they finally set him back at the table across from Simmons, he looked around the room, his dark eyes searching for some sign of Star or hint of where she was. Simmons cleared his throat and spoke then, ¡°don¡¯t worry she¡¯s safely tucked away in her room¡± he offered that assurance, though Sky was hardly assured.

    ¡°And where would that be?¡± Sky asked, still centering a cold gaze on his new nemesis.

    ¡°Elsewhere¡± was Simmons¡¯ only answer, ¡°and it¡¯s not really something you need to worry about if you decide you¡¯re going to be a little more cooperative now.¡±

    ¡°Let me know where she is, and maybe I¡¯ll cooperate¡± Sky retorted.

    ¡°How about I meet you halfway?¡± Simmons suggested as he turned on a monitor hanging on the wall nearby. On the screen was Star sitting sullenly in a room similar to the one Sky had awoken in and being vigilantly watched by two more rather muscular ¡®lab assistants.¡¯

    ¡°And where¡¯s that?¡± Sky asked.

    ¡°Not really pertinent, is it?¡± Simmons returned as Sky let out an annoyed breath, ¡°where she is issafe, as long as you cooperate, anyway¡± he added again.

    ¡°Was that another threat?¡± Sky told him, hoping his words sounded more confident than he felt.

    ¡°Just an arrangement¡± Simmons refuted, though he was obviously tense over whether or not he should be expecting any more psychic attacks right then. Seeing that Sky¡¯s only reaction so far was to prop his elbows on the table and rub at what was left of his dark makeup, Simmons continued, ¡°so what else can you do, Sky? Is it just telekinesis or...?¡±

    Sky scoffed, ¡°I can make pencils and rapists fly through the air. I¡¯m a wonder of the goddamn universe¡± he stated sarcastically, still resting his head in his hands as he clenched his fists around a few long strands that fell forward toward his face.

    ¡°Why are you making this so difficult, Sky? All we wanna know is what you really can do, and knowing why would be nice too.¡±

    ¡°Why do you care? Gonna try to make me into some kind of psychic weapon? Isn¡¯t that what you government assholes usually do?¡± Sky bit back, still not looking up.

    ¡°I¡¯m just a scientist, seeking knowledge¡± Simmons stated, forcing innocence to his tone.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize they taught you to kidnap, confine, and threaten teenagers in scientist school¡± Sky muttered.

    ¡°So does the angsty smart-ass routine wear off if you¡¯re not covered in black makeup and clothing?¡± Simmons retorted.

    ¡°What fucking reaction were you expecting when you kidnapped us and brought us here, exactly?¡± Sky shook his head in frustration.

    ¡°The point I¡¯m making is, what do you think you¡¯re gonna accomplish by fighting us every step? You¡¯re just making things a lot harder than they need to be, for you and her both¡± he added as Sky glared up at him again.

    ¡°Was that another fucking threat?¡± Sky asked loudly.

    ¡°That really is ahair-trigger, isn¡¯t it?¡± Simmons scoffed. When Sky did nothing but glare back at him across the table, Simmons cocked his head to the side, ¡°what, no flying pencils this time?¡±This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°Just tell me, what is the end goal here if it¡¯s not some shady government psychic assassin shit?¡±

    ¡°Just wanna know what makes you tick, and how much you tick, exactly¡± Simmons offered.

    ¡°And then what?¡± Sky pressed, not being swayed from getting his answer that easily.

    ¡°TBD¡± was Simmons only answer, which just caused another glare.

    ¡°Well that just sounds peachy¡± Sky stated sarcastically, ¡°gimme a pencil to move. Let¡¯s get this show on the road.¡±

    ¡°I think we can go bigger. After all, you can make quarterbacks fly. Move the table¡± Simmons suggested.

    Sky just sighed tiresomely and looked down at the table. Though, try as he might, nothing happened, which then gave him his answer about how close Star¡¯s room may actually be to his current location. And on that thought, he tried to hold his composure. After all, his powers wouldn¡¯t work without her being near him, and if his powers didn¡¯t work, they may very well try to use Star to get them to work. Then, the only way he could help her would be by admitting to them their one weakness of needing that proximity to keep from being completely defenseless at all. Which ironically, they both were at that moment. There was no way to win this one, and on that thought, the terror finally set in.

    After another several minutes of the table nor anything else in the room moving, Simmons clicked his tongue and shook his head at Sky, ¡°stillnot cooperating, Sky?¡±

    Simmons then let out a heavy sigh and hit another button on the remote he had used to turn on the monitor that showed Star¡¯s room. Sky looked up at the monitor to see a red light flash behind her. Then the two men guarding her moved forward. One pulled her up from her bed by her hair and yanked her around to face the other man who slapped her hard across the face.

    Sky stood, panicked and glared back at Simmons, ¡°fucking stop!¡±

    ¡°Fucking cooperate¡± Simmons returned coolly.

    Sky just let out a few more panicked and angry breaths as he looked back at the monitor where the two men still held her by the arms as she shook with sobs. ¡°just let me see her, please¡± Sky begged.

    ¡°Wow you can go from anger to despair on a dime. Might be some deeper mental issues there¡± Simmons prodded as two men stood nearby, syringe waiting for Sky¡¯s inevitable retaliation again.

    ¡°Please just let me see her; then I¡¯ll do any fucking thing you want¡± Sky bit back tears.

    ¡°You¡¯re seeing her now¡± Simmons told him smartly as he gestured to the monitor.

    ¡°Please¡± was all Sky could repeat.

    Simmons shook his head, more than a little shocked that Sky hadn¡¯t tried another psychic assault, and that was definitely a curiosity. But he was more eager to see if Sky would uphold his promise to cooperate fully if he could just be in the same room as his lover again; so he gave the order for them to bring Star to the lab.

    Once she was finally brought in, Sky looked back at Simmons, ¡°can I at least go talk to her?¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve met you more than halfway. She stays over there, with the guards. You stay here, and do any fucking thing I want¡± he told him with a slight mocking tone.

    Sky and Star gave each other a sympathetic look across the room and Sky sat down again, hoping upon hope that ¡®in the same room¡¯ was close enough proximity now to make their powers work. Then, he would just have to decide if either of them really wanted to turn this into another bloodbath, or if there was any other possible means they could use to get out of this situation.

    Sky spent the rest of the day moving objects and other psychic tricks while Star sadly watched, helping him silently, while her own brain tried to find some solution as well. By that afternoon, they were each mentally exhausted, but at least they had stopped any more physical attacks with their cooperation. Of course, Star¡¯s cooperation was still unknown to Simmons and his team, but they both seemed to want to keep that card close to their chests.

    Finally, as the hour struck four, Sky sighed, ¡°I¡¯ve been doing your little tricks for hours now. Can I please just go talk to Star?¡± he asked, his tone more than defeated at that point.

    ¡°She¡¯s right across the fucking room¡± Simmons told him with a shake of his head, ¡°god, you two act like you can¡¯t function when you¡¯re not right next....¡± his voice trailed off as he looked back at Star with narrowed eyes.

    Sky swallowed a bit of a lump in his throat as Simmons started connecting those dots already, ¡°please, I just wanna talk to her¡± he whispered.

    ¡°No no, this is interesting¡± Simmons stated as he looked between the two, ¡°and it fits what was on the video, what the drunk girl on the cliff said, and what the girl who got raped said. You two have to be together, don¡¯t you?¡± Simmons returned with a smile as he put it all together.

    ¡°I just wanted to talk to her¡± Sky tried to give nothing away, though his averted eyes made that difficult.

    ¡°Andneitherof you have birth certificates, or reliable blood tests, and you both just happened to be adopted by the same couple¡± he then smirked back at Sky, ¡°and you couldn¡¯t do a fucking thing when she wasn¡¯t in the room. And you flipped when we gave her that little smack. You two really do have some weird psychic, supernatural bond going on, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Just cause I wanna see if she¡¯s ok after your goons beat on her?¡± Sky scoffed, though there was fear in his eyes that now this man really did know the secret to keeping them under control.

    ¡°Does it work the other way? Would she agree to do party tricks if we got a little rough with you?¡± Simmons asked with a slight chuckle.

    ¡°Imagine whatever you want. I agreed to all your shit today. That was the deal. Now Ijustwanna talk to my girl.¡±

    Simmons just shook his head with another chuckle as he nodded to the guards behind Sky, who moved back at last and gestured for him to finally go and join Star at the far side of the room. Once Sky did make his way over to her, they immediately embraced and moved to kiss one another¡¯s lips.

    ¡°What do you wanna do?¡± Sky asked her in a whisper, as her two guards were still rather close.

    ¡°What are you asking, exactly?¡± she asked him in the same whisper as they continued to hold one another close.

    ¡°We getting out of here like we got outta the other place, or...¡±

    ¡°Sky, they just slapped me. It¡¯s not exactly the same as what those other pricks made us do, and for how long¡± she whispered.

    ¡°You can¡¯t wanna stay here¡± Sky whispered back.

    ¡°No, but I also don¡¯t wanna become... that... in two different lives now¡± she whispered sadly.

    ¡°Well then what else do you recommend here?¡± Sky asked her desperately.

    ¡°I just wish we could go back... I was really starting to like the second version of our lives, for a while anyway¡± she sniffled.

    ¡°Me too¡± he whispered as he kissed her again.

    As their tongues entered one another¡¯s mouths, both of them were immediately flooded with three years worth of memories in two different lives, racing through both their heads in reverse. Then they woke up, on a cliff, by a fallen tree.

 Chapter 50

    Though they started the kiss as two desperately afraid seventeen year olds in a harsh, bright lab; that very desperation once again shattered time and space around them. And they ended the kiss as two desperately in lovefourteenyear olds on a cliff on a warm summer night.

    Both of them startled out of the kiss, Sky laying on top of Star on the ground in front of that tree, at that party, his hips eagerly pressing against hers. They broke off the kiss and looked around them with widened eyes. Sky then looked down at where she lay beneath him now, just as shocked as he was then.

    ¡°Ok, Idefinitelythink we should stop or something right now.¡± Neither of them could help laughing at the statement as he moved to push himself up off of her, both leaning back against the log behind them once more.

    ¡°Are we seriously fourteen again though?¡± Star stated as she looked down at herself and then him.

    ¡°Looks like¡± Sky shook his head.

    ¡°We just literally time traveled?¡± Star stated with further disbelief.

    ¡°Looks like¡± he repeated again, as he too looked around them on the cliff that night.

    ¡°Without even having sex?¡± Star had to add.

    Sky let out another laugh of disbelief, ¡°apparently not, considering where and when we are, and we just stopped doing what we were about to do; We¡¯re apparently friggin virgins again. Fourteen year old virgins, with the memories of seventeen year old whores¡± he had to make light of the situation.

    ¡°Shut up; we never charged¡± Star smacked him lightly. She then shook her head again, ¡°so now I have to let you take my virginity a third time?¡± she rolled her eyes with a half-hearted groan.

    ¡°Could be the charm¡± he smirked.

    ¡°But it won¡¯t be charming tonight¡± she reminded as they glanced toward the incline behind them.

    ¡°Yeah, definitely think tonight would be a bad time to do that deed; just a hunch¡± he teased, both of them just laughing in disbelief again.

    ¡°Well we wanted our missing memories back, didn¡¯t we?¡± Star sighed.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll also want my car back¡± Sky stated wistfully.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll only have to wait another two years on that one¡± she smirked over at him.

    ¡°What so ever shall we do in the meantime?¡± he teased as he gently kissed her cheek again, only to look back when they heard footsteps approaching behind them. ¡°Hi Cassie¡± Sky bit his lip as she neared them.

    ¡°Oh, you found her¡± Cassie stated as she took a slightly drunken step toward them, ¡°everything ok then?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but you¡¯re a tad drunk. You may not wanna be hanging out on a cliff right now¡± Sky warned as Star and he gave each other knowing looks.

    ¡°Please, what¡¯s the worst that could happen?¡± she giggled.

    ¡°Trust me, you don¡¯t wanna know¡± Sky warned her. He then moved to push himself up from the ground, reaching out to help Star to her feet then as well. He then turned back to Cassie, ¡°come on, I think we need to get you back down to ground level¡± he told the older girl as he gave Star a furtive look and he moved to escort the drunken fifteen year old away from that cliff¡¯s edge for once and for all.

    ¡°You know,¡± Cassie began, slurring her words slightly as Sky led her back down to the party, Star following closely behind them, ¡°my sister is only eleven, and she¡¯s already starting to dress like the two of you... but with more glitter¡± she added, ¡°bet she¡¯d fall madly in love with you, probably both of you, or at least with your closets¡± she added with another giggle.

    ¡°You don¡¯t say?¡± Sky replied as he and Star both couldn¡¯t help looking at each other with another small laugh of their own.

    <hr>

    When the two of them arrived home that night, they got out of the cab and made their way to the front door with their amazed smiles still in place. Though, before Star could open the door, Sky pulled her back by her wrist. About to say something, he instead took pause and turned both their wrists upward.

    Following his eyes, Star smiled again, ¡°no scars?¡±

    ¡°Not yet¡± he smiled again as he moved in to give her another brief kiss before she pointedly glanced at the house. He then moved back from her and sighed, ¡°yeah, we gotta not fuck this up, this time¡± he added wryly.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°Not looking forward to a fourth reset just yet?¡± Star smirked up at him.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what the limit is on how many lifetimes someone can fit into their head before it explodes¡± he shook his head, then moved back to what he had originally planned to say when he first reached for her wrist, ¡°so, are we gonna tell them?¡±

    ¡°Tell them?¡± Star asked with a bit of tension.

    ¡°This is the night: The kiss that started kiss-gate¡± he had to laugh at that one again.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure we kissed before tonight¡± she told him knowingly.

    ¡°One kiss at a time¡± he teased, ¡°so, do we tell them or no?¡±

    ¡°They eventually accepted it, mostly¡± Star stated warily.

    ¡°Yeah, but will it not be for another three years?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea¡± Star sighed, ¡°but we haven¡¯t made any of those horrible mistakes we made in every other life; not yet anyway. So, this would be the one time we probably could tell them the truth about what we feel and what we¡¯ve done, so far¡± she had to add, ¡°without it making us look like we¡¯re complete wrecks. Cause we¡¯re not, yet anyway.¡±

    ¡°Well, we are¡± Sky smirked, ¡°just not in this life, yet¡± he added wryly.

    Star allowed another worried smile, ¡°I don¡¯t know, alternate realities, time travel, being seventeen year olds trapped in our own fourteen year old bodies? My head might explode anyway¡± she only half-joked.

    ¡°So much for yolo¡± he smirked again.

    ¡°Told you that definitely didn¡¯t apply to us¡± Star teased.

    After another long moment to steel themselves to head into that house once more and face their parents once more, Sky spoke again, ¡°so, we actually doin this shit?¡±

    ¡°I guess so¡± Star agreed with more than a bit of tension before they headed into the house at last to make their now third attempt at having a life that might just be a happy one, at last.

    ¡°Have fun at the party?¡± Brie greeted them as they entered the house to find she and Connor browsing their phones while the TV played in the background.

    The two took another moment to gather their courage before Star spoke up first, ¡°there¡¯s something we need to talk to you guys about¡± she began in a small voice. But it did do well to cause both of their parents to look up from their phones and worriedly back at the two fourteen year olds standing closely together in front of them.

    ¡°Did something happen at the party?¡± Brie asked with worry that any mother of a teenager would have after said teenager had just spent the evening with a large group of other drunken teens.

    Star and Sky gave each other a gentle smile before Sky continued, ¡°well, yes. But it¡¯s been happening for a few months now¡± he dared.

    That was when Connor spoke up, his own unease obvious, ¡°what are we talking about exactly?¡±

    Star swallowed a lump in her throat before continuing, ¡°ever since we... got older¡± she decided on, ¡°Sky and I have, felt stuff, for each other. We¡¯ve actually even kissed a few times¡± she offered in a small whisper as both Brie and Connor paled slightly.

    But before either parent could respond, Sky spoke again, ¡°before you flip out though, just take a minute. If Star had been adopted by another couple, would you tell me I wasn¡¯t allowed to like her, like that?¡± he said in the same soft tone, repeating their parents¡¯ very argument from that other life; or rather, that future life.

    Both Connor and Brie took a few deep breaths to try and find a proper response to this particular confession. It was Connor who spoke first, though he seemed to change his mind about what he wanted to say originally before giving Sky a skeptical look, and choosing another statement, ¡°so, youdolike girls then?¡±

    ¡°Connor¡± Brie scolded him as Sky and Star just blushed.

    Then Sky replied, ¡°I like Star¡± was his only answer, that time.

    More deep breaths from the parents before Connor responded, ¡°have youtriedliking other girls?¡±

    ¡°Dad¡± Star was the one who scolded him then.

    Connor let out another sigh, ¡°and I suppose you like him back just as much?¡± he asked his daughter then, mainly to buy more time to try and figure out the proper reaction he and his wife should be having at all.

    Star closed her eyes a moment before smiling back at Sky, then turning back to their parents, ¡°I feel like he¡¯s the only guy I could ever really like, like that¡± she admitted.

    ¡°And I feel the same way about her¡± Sky put in.

    Brie spoke then, ¡°you¡¯re only fourteen. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll both meet plenty more people you like in the future.¡±

    The two just shook their heads at that slight understatement, considering how many lovers the two of them did now have memories of. Sky did give them a rueful look though before responding, ¡°is that you telling us to pretend we don¡¯t like each other until we find someone else to like?¡± he asked warily.

    Brie looked back at her husband, who only shrugged back. She then spoke to them again, ¡°I¡¯m not sure that¡¯s how liking someone works, as much as we would like it to.¡±

    Connor then added, ¡°and we can probably guess at what your response would be if we told you you couldn¡¯t be interested in each other. That whole teenage thing where you both want nothing more than what your parents tell you not to want.¡±

    Brie spoke up again then, ¡°but you two have to understand our feelings here too. You¡¯re basically telling us that from now on, it¡¯s gonna be like the two of you having a permanent slumber party with the boy or girl you each like. Imagine our stress level right now, if you will¡± she added with a bit of a scolding tone.

    Sky sighed softly, ¡°we can guess how hard it¡¯ll be, but it¡¯s not like we can just pretend those feelings aren¡¯t there either.¡±

    Another sigh before Brie spoke, ¡°we can try to get through this. But you two have to be in the permanent mindset of how you would act if you were bringing a boyfriend or girlfriend home to meet us. Best behavior, at all times. Don¡¯t want mom and dad to catch you doing anything unseemly, right?¡± she coaxed.

    ¡°Unseemly?¡± Sky had to chuckle at that one.

    ¡°You know exactly what I mean, Sky. A little kiss here or there, maybe we can get used to that, or you two holding hands, stuff like that. But wereallydon¡¯t wanna find you two doing anything any more adult than that. Got it?¡±

    ¡°What about after we turn eighteen? Then can we make out on the kitchen table?¡± he teased.

    ¡°Don¡¯t push it¡± Brie scolded again. ¡°Now, both of you get to bed. Separate beds¡± she added pointedly, ¡°your father and I need to get a drink, or five.¡±

 Chapter 51

    When they started ninth grade for the third time, the two were actually aware of their first day of class. And they weren¡¯t even recovering from any suicide attempts or summers full of hating themselves for their feelings. Nor were they walking into a school full of dreaded and disgusting rumors about themselves. It was a sensation that was so odd, they each were even wearing smiles which did clash a bit with their outfits, all things considered. That day, they even found a way to justhappento mention not being actual blood relatives at least five times before lunch, just for good measure.

    When lunch did start, the two sat next to each other still wearing the smiles. Star then whispered to him, ¡°maybe this is actually the reset that should have happened, that first time.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we just got to this world three years late, that time¡± he smiled as he touched her hand for only a moment before three giggling cheerleaders moved past the table interrupting their private discussion.

    As they turned and sighed at the queen bees, Sky took pause a moment. He then just smirked, ¡°having a good first day, Raina?¡±

    The blonde in the brightly colored baby tee and short shorts just turned at the sound of the question and gave him a disparaging look, more than a bit surprised by him even having the audacity to speak to her. She was only more taken aback as he gave her an obvious look of appreciation from head to toe, even slightly licking his dark-stained lips. ¡°Since when do we speak to each other?¡± she bit out.

    ¡°New year, figured we could make new friends¡± Sky smirked as his eyes continued to move over her.

    Raina just scoffed and shook her head, ¡°Yeah right. And why are you looking at me like that?¡± she asked angrily as her friends just glared back at him.

    ¡°Was just thinking about coffee¡± Sky chuckled.

    ¡°You are so weird, freak¡± she complained as she and her friends shook their heads and glared at him before heading off again.

    Star couldn¡¯t help giggling at him as they left, ¡°coffee shop Raina I take it?¡±

    ¡°Trust me, she looks much better in purple hair and black leather.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so bad¡± Star giggled again.

    The two continued speaking to each other quietly for a few more moments when another of their peers caught their attention. Standing near the door to the cafeteria, looking like a tiny frightened emo freshman girl in headlights was Alana Thomas. Upon seeing her there, the two gave each other sad looks before turning back to where Alana was just about to turn right back around to head through the doorway once more.

    ¡°Alana¡± Sky called over to her, which did cause her to startle a bit.

    ¡°Oh, hey Sky, Star. Didn¡¯t see you two¡± she greeted them shyly as she awkwardly took a few steps toward their table.

    Star then took a breath and spoke, ¡°lunch just started. You leaving already?¡±

    ¡°I think I wanna be back in junior high. This is way too many people looking at me like some kind of...¡± then she allowed a small smile, ¡°guess I don¡¯t have to tell you guys¡± she then nervously bit her lip, ¡°was just gonna go find a quiet place to hide til lunch was over. Think anybody¡¯d find me under the bleachers?¡± she asked with a nervous smile.

    The two then gave each other slightly panicked looks, ¡°don¡¯t go there¡± Sky told her with urgency that had to have seemed out of place to the other girl.

    ¡°O...k....¡± she said as she gave them a questioning look.

    Star gave Sky a pointed look as she cleared her throat, ¡°I¡¯ve just heard that jock assholes... like Curt... were gonna go hang out there during lunch.¡±

    Alana shuddered, ¡°definitely not going there then. Feel like he¡¯s a sex offender waiting to happen every time he looks at me.¡±

    ¡°I get that about him too¡± Star agreed as she gave Sky another furtive look.

    ¡°So, could I maybe sit with you guys then?¡± Alana asked quietly as she gave them a small smile.

    ¡°Exactly what we were gonna ask you¡± Sky smiled back at her then Star, who returned his smile, satisfied that they had somehow managed to dodge one of the many bullets waiting for them over the next few years. If only they could see further than that. But they guessed that was a future they¡¯d actually have to make up once they got to it; which they hopefully could, now.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    <hr>

    Brie and Connor had spent the last few years of their kids¡¯ entrance into puberty wishing they¡¯d look less somber and sullen, and actually smile once in a while. However, when they spent all of dinner that night watching Sky and Star give each other flirtatious and knowing smiles over the dinner table; they almost longed for that angst to return.

    Once dinner was finished, Star looked over at Sky, ¡°sun¡¯s a little less annoying now. Pool?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I like pools¡± Sky smirked as he got up to follow her through the patio doors as Brie and Connor just gave each other another stressed look as the two teens headed outside. Then Brie spoke up, ¡°that reminds me; we really need to make them actually get some proper bathing suits.¡±

    Connor just let out a small chuckle, uneasy though it still was, ¡°bathing suits that don¡¯t cover any more than the underwear they usually go swimming in?¡± he asked pointedly.

    Brie just shook her head, ¡°just there¡¯s more... connotations, with underwear¡± she argued, though weekly.

    ¡°This is gonna be a long four years¡± Connor sighed as well then. He then started toward the living room before noting that Brie was still staring out at the pool patio, ¡°still comin to watch that show with me?¡±

    ¡°With them out there, watching the sun set together?¡± she scoffed.

    Connor then let out another chuckle, ¡°do you realize what level of insanity our children would have to have if they tried doing anything...unseemly,¡± he smirked, ¡°when the patio doors are glass? As in, see-through? You need to calm down; just a lil bit¡± he said as he moved to hold up his fingers and pinch them close together to accent his suggestion.

    ¡°Famous last words¡± she retorted with a slight scowl before grudgingly making her feet carry her away from the doors and back into the living room at last.

    Feeling a somewhat nostalgic fondness for the pool these days, the two teens both moved to lay down on their stomachs, chins propped upon their arms, facing one another, with about five inches separating their noses, if that.

    ¡°So, we have plans to make¡± Sky told her with a bit of mischief.

    ¡°We do, do we?¡± Star smiled back.

    ¡°For that charming third time, right?¡± he teased.

    ¡°Well, I dunno, the first and second time did kinda mess up the entire world, twice¡± she told him wryly,

    ¡°Acceptable risk¡± Sky smiled back at her.

    Star just gave him her own smile, ¡°it¡¯s not like we could fight it even if we wanted to anyway, right?¡±

    ¡°Been there, tried that; failed miserably. Twice. Pretty sure that¡¯s a fixed point in space and time¡± he returned knowingly.

    ¡°Your penis inside me is a fixed point in space and time?¡± Star smirked with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t doubt it¡± Sky agreed matter-of-factly.

    With another snicker, Star continued, ¡°So what plans do you have dear?¡±

    ¡°One; don¡¯t get caught.¡±

    ¡°Ooh, definitely a good first step¡± Star concurred.

    ¡°Two; cab ride to clinic?¡± he suggested pointedly.

    ¡°What? Is your stash of condoms in a different hiding place this time around? Having trouble finding them?¡± she teased.

    ¡°No, but it occurs to me that there is one sexual experience I haven¡¯t had yet, in any life¡± Sky informed her.

    ¡°How is that remotely possible? And does it involve something illegal?¡±

    Sky couldn¡¯t help but laugh, ¡°ok, there¡¯s a few things I haven¡¯t done, I guess. But only one of them is something I would actuallyliketo experience; really, really like to¡± he stated with a bit of desire seeping into his tone at whatever act he was actually speaking of.

    ¡°Color me moistened with intrigue¡± Star continued in her own teasing tone.

    Sky¡¯s breath caught a bit on that statement, but he pressed on, ¡°well, the one thing I¡¯ve never done, and would really like to¡± he took another breath, cast a glance back toward the now empty dining room on the other side of the glass doors, and continued, ¡°I¡¯d like to finally be inside you, that first time, with nothing at all between us for once.¡±

    Star let out a near audible moan at the thought, ¡°that is definitely a good one for the charm of this third time. I¡¯ll give you that.¡±

    ¡°See I get good ideas sometimes, don¡¯t I?¡± he told her with another little grin.

    Star¡¯s voice also becoming hoarse with desire as her mind supplied the image of this impending occasion, she spoke again, ¡°definitely couldn¡¯t fight it, even if we wanted to.¡±

    Sky took a moment to try and regain his own composure at the thoughts their conversation produced, before finally speaking, ¡°so, now we know ¡®how,¡¯ and ¡®when¡¯ will be as soon as we can get to that clinic¡± he smirked again, ¡°so now it¡¯s just a question of ¡®where.¡¯¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d think first choice would be in one of our own beds; but our parents know where those are. And you never know when they¡¯d come home early or something. With our luck, it would be the exact same fucking day. You know it would¡± Star stated with more than a touch of cynicism.

    Sky just shook his head, ¡°trying to make plans like this; it makes me realize exactly how little fucking planning we did in any of those other lives.¡±

    ¡°Fucking planning? Points for puns¡± Star chuckled.

    Sky just laughed once more, ¡°how the fuck do other teenagers plan this shit?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s so much they plan, as they just have better luck not getting caught?¡±

    ¡°So, that¡¯s our trade off? Hey kids enjoy your super powers, but your weakness? Being a magnet for bad luck and or timing.¡±

    ¡°Timing does seem to be our kryptonite¡± Star agreed.

    ¡°Good thing we can time travel then, huh?¡±

    Star just shook her head back at him, ¡°yeah, let¡¯s try to cut down on the times we need to be fourteen again. I really don¡¯t wanna plan for my fourth loss of virginity. I¡¯m quirky that way¡± she smirked.

    Sky then just allowed another laugh before sliding forward to cover her mouth with his, hoping that this really would be the time they get it all right, finally.

 Chapter 52

    That Friday afternoon, Sky and Star took the cab to the clinic and got her her pills so he could finally fulfill that one desire that he hadn¡¯t managed to fulfill in their last two strange lives, somehow. They then spent another week fighting their desires to not only make sure the pill would be fully effective by the time it was needed, but to also still try to answer the question of where the event itself would take place.

    The eighth day after Star had started taking the pills again was the Saturday after their second week of ninth grade. As it was a Saturday, their parents were once again going to be heading off to run errands, while hoping that the unknown factor of their return home would be enough to keep their two rather smitten children from any ¡®adult¡¯ activities.

    The two teens smiled sweetly from their seats on the couch as their parents forced themselves to leave the house, both looking more than a bit anxious about the idea; but they figured they couldn¡¯t spend their lives never leaving the house or forcing their children to come with them every time they did. Once the car pulled away, Sky moved across the couch and covered Star¡¯s mouth in a long kiss.

    When they finally ended the kiss, Sky was breathing a little heavily, ¡°eager today, are you?¡± she teased him.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a week, over a week. We officially could do it right here right now¡± he told her breathlessly, still holding her close to him.

    ¡°Now, now; they might have forgotten a phone or a wallet or a fucking coupon. Remember our timing kryptonite?¡± Star warned him with a slightly breathless laugh of her own.

    ¡°Could wereallyget that unlucky a third time?¡± Sky asked with a mock whine as he forced himself to move away from her, adjusting his zipper covered trousers in frustration as he did.

    ¡°Are we the same people who did manage to go months without having sex before?¡±

    ¡°Well, wewerehaving sex for those four months at the apartment; just not with each other¡± he added with a sigh.

    ¡°And the two years we were locked in the glass house?¡± Star reminded.

    ¡°I think we found a couple closets without cameras in them, a few times¡± Sky chuckled at the memory.

    ¡°That we did¡± Star chuckled back. ¡°So why is it so hard for us this time?¡±

    ¡°Well, given, we just had a completely consensual five hour sex marathon a few weeks ago. I think we¡¯ve ruined any chance of celibacy after that.¡±

    Star let out another giggle as well as a slight blush, ¡°actually, that wasn¡¯t a few weeks ago; that was three years from now¡± she smirked.

    Sky just shook his head at her technically true statement, ¡°what strange lives we live. All of them¡± he added. He then looked back at her, as if something had suddenly occurred to him.

    ¡°Uh oh that looks like an idea¡± she narrowed her dark eyes over at him.

    ¡°We¡¯re forgetting that the rules of this world don¡¯t necessarily apply to us¡± Sky stated thoughtfully.

    ¡°Really now?¡± Star continued centering that skeptical look on his pretty face.

    ¡°In this world, we¡¯re always gonna have to worry about the wrong person catching us doing the wrong thing at the wrong time. But, for something as important as this, maybe we should think about using our abilities to their fullest potential¡± he told her with a mischievous smile.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna have to explain that one.¡±

    ¡°What I mean is, I know exactly where we can have our third first time¡± he stated, shaking his head at his own words.

    ¡°I¡¯ve gotta hear this¡± Star replied, continuing to watch him with intrigue for whatever idea he had suddenly come up with.

    ¡°There¡¯s one place we could go where no other human being could ever catch us¡± he told her as he smiled and licked some of his dark lipstick away.

    ¡°What?¡± Star asked, looking slightly perplexed, though still quite intrigued.

    ¡°Home¡± was his simple answer.

    ¡°What?¡± Star nearly choked on the word, ¡°you mean the science lab where they made us?¡± she asked warily.

    Sky just laughed, ¡°not hardly. I mean the home the soul that made us came from¡± he whispered as he leaned toward her with another smile.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    ¡°The silver room?¡±

    ¡°We probably really should¡¯ve figured out the name of that place¡± Sky smirked again, ¡°but yes.¡±

    ¡°Um, we had to have sex to even get there¡± Star reminded him warily.

    ¡°That was back when we had to have sex to do anything. But hell, now we can time travel just by kissing, remember?¡±

    Star bit her lip warily, pondering his suggestion, ¡°but won¡¯t our parents notice we¡¯re missing?¡±

    ¡°Not if we come back to the exact same time as when we left, again. It¡¯ll be like we¡¯re not gone at all.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m wanting to agree, but last time we were there; theonlytime we were there, we may have come back to the same time, but we came back to an entirely different reality¡± she warned.

    ¡°Yeah, cause we wanted to escape the old one for good. This time, we only wanna escape long enough to...¡± he just smiled as he moved his eyes over her.

    ¡°My turn to say, you have a lot more faith in our abilities than I do.¡±

    ¡°We fucking time traveled. I think we got this shit down at this point¡± he smirked again.

    ¡°But, what if...¡±

    ¡°Time traveled¡± he repeated as he kissed her again.

    ¡°God I hope you¡¯re right about this¡± she whispered, finally giving in. He then kissed her again. And then they were there, back in that weird silver chamber, still holding each other close.

    They both looked around in awe at seeing that place again and smiled back at each other. Sky then smiled back at her, ¡°ready for that charming third time?¡±

    <hr>

    It felt like hours to them; having their first time, again, but now in that strange chamber in that other world where no humans could ever intrude upon them. And finally, Sky could feel what it was like to experience being inside Star, for the first time ever, without any barrier of any kind. And that made their already intense physical connection even more so for him. Even though they had shared this first experience together before, somehow, this time it felt like it was right; the way it should have always been that first first time.

    When they finished, they smiled through ragged breaths as they finally forced their bodies apart and dressed once more. After a few more gentle, then more passionate kisses of afterglow, they once again opened their eyes. And, instead of that chamber where they had spent so long making love to each other that morning, they were once again, on their couch, in their empty house, smiling over at each other.

    Star took a shaky breath, ¡°is it the right world this time?¡±

    Sky smiled back at her, checked the date and time on his phone and then gave her a wider grin, ¡°when mom and dad left it said ten am, September fifteenth.¡±

    ¡°And now?¡± Star asked as she moved to reach for her own phone.

    Sky allowed a little laugh, ¡°10:05 am, September fifteenth¡± he offered her the answer.

    ¡°We wentaftermom and dad left. And I think we were there a lot longer than five minutes¡± Star replied, but a smile was turning the corner of her full lips just the same.

    ¡°Apparently not¡± he chuckled as he leaned over to kiss her once more.

    Star grinned again as the kiss ended, ¡°did we really just discover a way that we can make love any time, anywhere we ever want to, ever?¡± she asked in astonishment.

    ¡°I guess our soul found a way¡± he smiled back as he gave her another long kiss.

    <hr>

    When their parents did arrive home again, slightly before noon, Star and Sky had now made their way to the kitchen. There, Sky was making some attempt at chopping up fresh vegetables in order to put together a home-made salad for their lunch, as he and Star both were watching their girlish figures, apparently. Star was standing behind him through his task, her arms around his waist, a hand in each of the front pockets of Sky¡¯s rather snug black zipper pants, while the two talked and laughed quietly.

    When Brie and Connor arrived in the dining room with that day¡¯s purchases and cast a glance over to where their children stood behind the counter island, they both couldn¡¯t help noticing the oddly self-satisfied smiles both children wore. Narrowing their eyes slightly at each other and then the clock, as if to say, ¡®we weren¡¯t even gone two hours,¡¯ the two silently began putting groceries away around their ¡®children.¡¯

    The two finished putting the grocery items away in silence, casting continuous glances at Star and Sky, who simply remained there, smiling as Sky worked at their lunch. Once the adults finished with the stowing of the last item, Connor gave Brie another wary look before heading back out of the dining area with a slightly heavy sigh.

    Brie just shook her head after him before turning her attention back to Sky and Star, ¡°we¡¯re home, in case you two hadn¡¯t noticed yet¡± she greeted them with a slight sarcasm.

    ¡°Hi mom¡± they both said in unison with a slight smirk, though neither moved apart or looked up at her through that half-hearted greeting.

    Brie let out another sigh as she looked each of the teens over from head to toe. In her mind they were a couple of fourteen year old kids; but she tried, as hard as she could to remember her own self at fourteen, and how much of an adult shethoughtshe was then. Another sigh and a shake of her head before Brie turned her next sentence to Star, ¡°your hands cold or something?¡± she asked as she gestured to where Star still had her hands in Sky¡¯s pockets.

    ¡°No¡± Star said innocently, obviously still too distracted by the earlier events of that morning to quite catch her mother¡¯s sarcasm.

    Brie sighed again, ¡°Star, honey, Sky has a knife. You might not want to distract him right now. He may lose a finger, or something¡± she added more pointedly.

    Sky and Star both allowed a slight snicker as Star finally removed her hands and stepped back. She looked back at Brie¡¯s slightly accusing look and offered a nervous smile in return, ¡°god, mom, I wasn¡¯t touching... anything¡± she decided on.

    Brie closed her eyes a moment to gain some composure at just hearing one child mention the other¡¯s obvious anatomical differences, ¡°when you two actthatfamiliar with each other, can you blame my stress levels for being through the roof?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re just making lunch mom¡± Sky chuckled back as he shook his head and continued with his preparation.

    ¡°Just do my blood pressure a favor, and justtrymaking any future meals with your hands in sight, and preferably above one another¡¯s waists¡± she stated with a shake of her own head as she turned back to the living room with another sigh of frustration.

    The two just gave each other a guilty smile once she left. Then Sky whispered through a small laugh, ¡°they were right; it is gonna be a long four years.¡±

 Chapter 53

    ~Three Years Later~

    Over the next three years, Sky and Star continued to rebuild all those memories they had been missing in the last life. They also continued to use their uncanny awareness of that dark future to dodge every bullet they could see coming, while they still could, anyway. They even finally got to experience all of ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade, for the first time in three lives. The only real conflict, and it was minor compared to others they¡¯d endured in other past and future lives; was the way their parents couldn¡¯t stop eyeing them with obvious suspicion every second they were in their presence.

    However, the two managed to keep nearly every one of their passionate trysts confined to their special place in that other world, in that silvery room of theirs. Most nights the two would bid their parents goodnight, head upstairs, and give each other a long kiss before bedtime. Though, each time that kiss ended, their breaths were short, their skin flushed and covered in a tiny layer of sweat, their bodies trembling from the pleasure that they had just given each other in that other world, somewhere in the sky and stars above.

    Then once they returned to that very same night, to that very same hall between their bedrooms; they¡¯d then give each other one more tiny kiss before making themselves go and spend the rest of their night in their own beds, separately, just as requested.

    The weekend before their second attempt at their senior year was now upon the two who were finally seventeen again. Though at this point, they had technically lived twenty years, but seventeen was still an easier adjustment than any earlier ages had been, obviously. Though now they only had one more month before their window into the future ended. And now, they were nearing a future that was unknown to them, at last. Plus, this last month of the time they had already lived once before was definitely causing them more than a bit of worry. After all, when they had lived this month before, it was the month that resulted in them having no choice for a future but to escape to the past.

    That evening, the two were in their favoriteearthlyspot, by the pool. Star lay next to Sky in a tiny black bikini, while he wore short black swimming trunks. Their long raven colored manes, Sky¡¯s once again streaked with locks of white, were still wet from their post-dinner swim. Star¡¯s head was upon his chest as her fingertips softly moved over his stomach between the soft kisses she delivered to his chest during their quiet conversation.

    Brie and Connor were inside loading the dishwasher and casting wary looks out at the two teens laying there under the soon to be setting sun. Brie sighed as they finished with the dishes and moved to the patio doors, shaking her head at the two now seventeen year olds wrapped up in each other¡¯s attention outside.

    ¡°Driving yourself nuts again, I take it?¡± Connor asked as he moved to join her there inside the glass doors.

    ¡°Look at them and tell me they¡¯re not sleeping together¡± Brie mumbled.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll plead the fifth¡± Connor sighed, though his own discomfort over their closeness was just as real. He was just better at bearing it in silence than Brie was.

    ¡°And they¡¯ve been like this for years. They¡¯ve probably been sleeping together, foryears!¡± Brie repeated.

    ¡°But somehow, we¡¯ve never actually caught them in the act, so...¡± he just shrugged and sighed back toward the patio.

    ¡°You can¡¯t tell me that you actuallydon¡¯tthink they¡¯re sleeping together¡± Brie continued in the same stressed tone.

    ¡°I try not to think about our kids sleeping together at all¡± Connor stated with a shake of his head.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t what I asked. I mean just look how cozy they are with each other; howfamiliarlythey touch each other. And it¡¯s all the time. And it¡¯s been that way for three years now!¡± she complained further.

    ¡°Well, they have known each other all their lives¡± Connor stated, though seeing that Brie was unmoved, he continued, ¡°still thought they¡¯d eventually get crushes on someone else, did you?¡± Connor offered, trying to keep a blank expression in opposition to Brie¡¯s nervous one.

    ¡°Well what teenagersdon¡¯thave a new crush every week?¡± Brie argued weakly.

    ¡°Apparently ours¡± Connor allowed the tiniest smirk.

    Brie just huffed as she looked back at him, ¡°these two have been this frigging in love for longer than half the marriages in this country have lasted!¡±

    ¡°Would you rather they be heartbroken every other week?¡± Connor had to ask pointedly.

    ¡°No, but...¡± Brie just shook her head again.

    ¡°Or worse, yes worse; would you rather live with two teens who areexboyfriend and girlfriend? I can imagine the unpleasantness of those daily screaming matches and slammed doors and angry outbursts¡± he stated pointedly, as Brie only sighed again. He then added, ¡°at least our kids never fight. See, aren¡¯t we lucky?¡± he asked, causing Brie to simply scoff and finally turn away from the doors to head off toward the living room in further exasperation.

    Outside, Star gave Sky¡¯s chest another gentle kiss before softly sighing. He looked down at her, squeezing her slightly from where his arms were wrapped around her as she lay next to him, ¡°yes?¡± he asked her in response to that sigh.

    ¡°Senior year¡± Star let out a worried breath.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that normally considered something to look forward to?¡± he replied, though there was worry in his tone as well.

    ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯ve already seen the first month of ours. Not really looking to repeat any of that¡± Star returned with another sad look marring the face that had actually spent most of the last three years smiling, oddly enough; especially considering what horror the two were most surely still haunted by in each of their quieter moments.

    ¡°Well, there were a couple parts that were pretty nice¡± he smirked.

    Star just shook her head with a slight laugh, ¡°speaking of, it¡¯s gonna be really strange when we ¡®meet¡¯ Crista again.¡±

    Sky smirked back, ¡°to say the least.¡±

    Then Star allowed another small sigh, ¡°and we still have the wonderful Curt running around free; just in time to go on our senior trip with us in a few weeks¡± she shuddered.

    ¡°Speaking of that, we should remember to stay out of supply shacks that day¡± Sky stated thoughtfully.

    Star scoffed, ¡°aren¡¯t you worried that it¡¯ll still happen?¡±

    ¡°Well I¡¯m always worried about any of the bad stuff still happening. But if we don¡¯t need to go hide in a supply shack to have sex anymore, then there¡¯ll be no one there to scare Alana out of any hiding places, assuming she even is on Curt¡¯s radar anymore.¡±

    ¡°Every girl or boy in dark clothes and makeup is on his radar; his desire to fuck us all and our mutual hatred of his complete dickishness; that does kind of make us a bit target-y¡± she stated sadly.

    ¡°I guess we can just keep Alana close during the trip. We know he almost never has the balls to do anything but deliver threats when we¡¯re not alone¡± Sky offered.

    Star was quiet another long moment, ¡°I got really used to always knowing what to expect. And now that we won¡¯t know much longer; it¡¯s a bit terrifying.¡±

    ¡°Especially for a control freak¡± Sky had to tease.

    ¡°Do shut up¡± she retorted, though did manage another small smile at least at yet another inside joke from yet another time in their strange, shared lives.

    <hr>

    During that three years of finally getting a chance to live their lives, Sky and Star did also learn about even more of their own abilities. After all, if they were spending a lot less time having sex, in that dimension, anyway; they had a lot more time to test and study their abilities. But it was always when they were alone, in some place like their own rooms, where they could not be seen, or filmed. It was basically during all the times they used to find to have sex. Though now that they could literallystop timeto make love to each other, they did seem to have a lot more of that time freed up.

    But it wasn¡¯t until their return to school for senior year that they were finally brave enough to use one of their more trivial abilities while they were out in the world. It came into play when the two, much to their dismay, found out that all their classes in this new version of their senior year were different than what they had been the last time they had tried this portion of their lives. Apparently, not being suicidal and overly promiscuous wrecks did improve their grades throughout their first three years of high school; therefore giving them a whole new class schedule for senior year.

    Included in that new schedule was actually a free period where they got assigned to study hall instead of an actual class for that hour. Though that at first appeared to be a blessing, when they saw one of the other students assigned to their study period, they longed to be barely passing their classes once more.

    The two were sitting close together, whispering to one another as study hall began, and both looked up with matching expressions of dread when Curt entered the classroom. Star grabbed Sky¡¯s hand tightly, muttering under her breath ¡°are we actually going to have to be in the same room as him for an hour every day?¡±

    Sky sighed heavily as Curt got his seating assignment and glared over at them as he took a seat rather close, considering Spencer and Vargas weren¡¯t exactly far apart in the alphabet. Sky returned the glare before turning back to Star, ¡°we¡¯re in a room surrounded by other people, including a teacher. We should be fine, right?¡±

    Though as soon as he said it, the teacher cleared his throat and addressed the class, ¡°it¡¯s study hall. Study. I¡¯m gonna go get a coffee¡± and with that he left the room.

    The two then took another deep breath as he left. Then Star muttered, ¡°timing kryptonite¡± to which Sky could only shake his head.

    ¡°Well, there¡¯s still the other students at least¡± he attempted.

    ¡°The other students, who worship the quarterback and hate the eyeliner twins? I¡¯m sure this¡¯ll go great¡± Star returned sarcastically as Sky only sighed again.

    Sky and Star tried to keep their concentration on their books or phones for the next several minutes. Though, as the teacher still hadn¡¯t returned, the rest of the class began socializing rather than studying, including Curt. He apparently had called up some video on his phone and invited several of the other boys in the room over to snicker at the loud moans coming from the phone, as the video was obviously some sort of pornographic entertainment.

    Sky and Star just rolled their eyes but remained in their seats as the other students gathered around to watch Curt¡¯s chosen entertainment for the day. But Curt, being Curt, could never go very long without starting some sort of conflict.

    Speaking to his new friends loudly enough for Sky and Star to hear, ¡°yeah this one looks kinda like Star there, but we¡¯d probably have better luck if we did a search for ¡®goth twincest¡¯ or something. Bet then we¡¯d find tons of vids of her and Sky both¡± he smirked as the two subjects of his verbal abuse each bit at their darkly stained lips, but refused to look back to acknowledge the statement.

    Then one of the dimmer boys replied, ¡°Twincest?¡±

    Curt just scoffed before responding, ¡°it means twins that like to fuck each other.¡±

    ¡°Like on that show¡± one of the other boys put in.

    Then the first boy replied, ¡°but I thought Sky and Star weren¡¯t really twins?¡±

    That almost caused Sky and Star to smirk, but not quite. Curt then just looked back at the boy who just spoke, and retorted with, ¡°fuck you¡± before turning his attention back to his phone. After they continued watching the ¡®film¡¯ for a few more minutes, Curt spoke again, ¡°hey Sky, let¡¯s be friends. Come over here and show us where to find the videos of you fucking your sister, would you?¡±

    Sky shook his head again, though his confidence from three rather stress free years caused him to finally stand, which did cause Star to startle a bit. He then moved over to where the other boys were still crowded around the phone and gestured for Curt to hand it to him. All those present looked more than a bit shocked, though Star, mostly, as Sky took his phone.

    A moment later, Sky feigned innocence, ¡°oops, I think I hit your history tab¡± he told Curt as he handed it back where an entire bevy of gay porn sites were listed on it suddenly now, for all the other boys to see ¡°nope, don¡¯t think you¡¯ll find me and Star on any of those. She seems to lack one of the parts you¡¯re more interested in¡± and with that, he smirked and returned to his seat, ignoring the glare from Curt as he scrambled to close the list of sites as the other boys gave him more than accusing looks.

    When Sky returned to his seat next to Star she smiled over at him and whispered, ¡°did he really have a bunch of gay porn on his phone?¡±

    ¡°He did after I touched it¡± Sky whispered back with his own smirk.

    ¡°And how on earth did you find that many gay porn sites in under a second?¡± Star asked.

    ¡°Magic¡± Sky smirked once more before turning his attention back to his own phone, ignoring the way that Curt¡¯s cheeks and eyes were burning angrily over at him just then.

 Chapter 54

    Later that week came the phys ed class that had always been dreaded by Sky for as long as he could remember. Not only was he not remotely athletically inclined, but there was also the ever uncomfortable visit to the boys¡¯ locker room afterwards that the school required. It was like none of the faculty had ever even seen a prison movie, Sky thought wryly.

    He sighed as the last of the boys finally moved past where he was sitting quietly in the locker room, waiting til the showers were empty before he ventured toward them, as he always had done. The boy just happened to be Curt¡¯s friend Tim, who also seemed to have not died of a brain hemorrhage in some other world either; much to Sky¡¯s chagrin. Tim sneered at where Sky sat somberly on one of the benches staring at the ugly gray tile floor, ¡°they gotta stop lettin chicks in here. I feel so exploited.¡±

    ¡°Gets funnier every year, Tim¡± Sky mumbled, not looking up from the floor still.

    Tim started toward the door, then turned back with another snide comment, ¡°I never got why you always would sit out here and wait for all the rest of us to finish showering. I thought you liked the idea of all those nice wet dicks waitin for you to ¡®accidentally¡¯ drop the soap and give it to you good.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯ve thought about it more than I have¡± Sky mumbled.

    ¡°Well you are at least half-fag, aren¡¯t you?¡± Tim scoffed as he gave Sky another head to toe glance.

    ¡°You know, it¡¯s amazing that the only guys in school who are ever talking about my sex life are the ones who claim to only like girls. It¡¯s a mystery, that¡± Sky retorted.

    Tim scoffed, then looked around the locker room furtively, as if to make sure the two of them were truly alone. He then took a breath and, much to Sky¡¯s surprise, moved to take a seat on the same bench.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Sky offered with a skeptical look.

    ¡°You are though, aren¡¯t you?¡± Tim asked in a near whisper.

    ¡°I am what?¡± Sky replied warily.

    ¡°Half...¡± Tim then shook his head, ¡°you actually are into guys though, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Sky fought the urge to make another smart comment as he gave Tim another skeptical look, ¡°I¡¯ve hardly kept that a secret about myself¡± he settled on.

    ¡°So, that means yes, right?¡± Tim asked in the same furtive whisper.

    Sky just shook his head, trying very hard to give this world¡¯s Tim the benefit of the doubt about what a complete ass he was in the other world; at least when his friends were around. With a slight breath, ¡°yes, I¡¯ve been with men and women both, sexually. Though it feels like another world now¡± he added, more to himself.

    ¡°How do you do that?¡± Tim asked after looking over at Sky¡¯s pretty eyes for more than a moment.

    ¡°How do I do what, exactly?¡± Sky returned, holding back a smirk at where his mind immediately went.

    ¡°Just decide that it¡¯s cool to be with guys too?¡± Tim asked in the same whisper.

    ¡°Have you seen me?¡± Sky asked, finally allowing that smirk for a moment before his tone became more serious, ¡°and it¡¯s not adecision, Tim. It¡¯s just part of who I am; who I¡¯ve always been.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯ve always known... known that you liked guys and girls both?¡± Tim asked as he continued staring over at him.

    ¡°Pretty much¡± Sky stated with another slight smile.

    That was when Tim looked around once more, took a deep breath, and finally moved his hand to Sky¡¯s thigh. Sky tensed more than a bit then, trying to decide what the proper reaction would be. It was obvious the boy was struggling, and ready to make a huge step toward a life-altering decision of some kind. But, in all honesty, Sky literally had no attraction to that type of male. After all, he was so fond of ultra-feminine boys and girls that he designed his entire personal style to emulate the look that he found so attractive. Anything remotely masculine was not something either he, nor Star, had ever been truly interested in.

    Sky swallowed a bit, ¡°Tim...¡± he breathed the boy¡¯s name, only to lose what he was gonna say when the other boy¡¯s hand moved up to the front of the gym shorts he had been forced to wear for class and began rubbing him through the material.

    ¡°You like this, right?¡± Tim whispered as he continued his attention.

    ¡°It¡¯s not quite that simple¡± Sky managed with more than a bit of unease.

    ¡°You said you liked guys too, right?¡± Tim continued as he leaned closer.

    ¡°Just because I like men...¡± Sky tried to find some way to even make that sentence not trigger an angry response in the boy who had finally bared his soul to someone who had basically been an enemy only moments before. And he honestly had no clue how to do that.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you getting hard? You like this, right?¡±Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Sky bit his lip, ¡°Tim, are you attracted to every girl you see? I doubt it. It¡¯s the same for me; with boys, or girls¡± he attempted to explain, though gently, ¡°I¡¯m attracted to what I¡¯m attracted to; same as you¡± he offered as he tried to give a reassuring smile nonetheless, even whilst pushing the other man¡¯s hand away from his shorts.

    ¡°What?¡± Tim asked with an angry blush as he moved back.

    ¡°Look at me, Tim. Have you ever seen me show any interest in... anyone who doesn¡¯t look like this, as well?¡± Sky attempted.

    ¡°What? You can only get it up for other pretty boys?¡± Tim asked angrily.

    ¡°That¡¯s just my type. Everyone has one¡± Sky stated, trying to keep his smile in place, despite the other man¡¯s obviously now much darker mood.

    ¡°You spend all your time tryin to look like the hottest chick in school; then when an actual normal male comes on to you, you tell him you only want girls, or other boys that look like girls, too? What the fuck kinda shit is that?¡± Tim asked angrily as he stood.

    Sky just shook his head as he looked down, ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I can¡¯t pretend what I don¡¯t feel. It¡¯s not the way I¡¯m built¡± Sky stated apologetically, trying as best he could to diffuse the other boy¡¯s anger; especially in light of the fact that Star was nowhere nearby at all right then.

    ¡°You tell anyone, and I meananyoneabout anything I said, or did, here today, and I¡¯ll kill you and your little sister both¡± he told him angrily as he turned to leave the room and Sky finally remembered to breathe again after what he was sure could have easily turned into an even more unpleasant encounter.

    For three years he had let himself get a little too confident about his abilities, only to now be reminded that, without Star, he was still a more than defenseless target. He sighed again to compose himself before finally heading in to take his shower at last.

    Only a few minutes later, Sky had finished his very quick shower and headed back to the main part of the locker room to reapply all that thick makeup that was nearly gone after gym class and his shower wore most of it away. He then heard the door open behind him again, assuming it was either the gym teacher or someone arriving early for next period. His second guess was correct, though he wished it hadn¡¯t been when he finished reapplying his dark lipstick and glanced toward the door.

    ¡°You¡± Curt greeted him with a venomous growl.

    Sky immediately tensed and went even paler as his eyes moved to the window of the teacher¡¯s office, only to find the room still empty. His fear only intensified as he knew that this was one place where Star would most likely never show up in time to trigger their powers and save him from whatever cruelty Curt¡¯s twisted mind would dream up today.

    ¡°Just the little faggot I wanted to see after that shit you pulled with my phone in study hall.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll just be going¡± Sky mumbled as he gathered his belongings and moved to step around the much larger, and angrier boy.

    ¡°Oh, you will, will you?¡± Curt growled as he moved toward Sky, only to forcefully pin him to the wall next to the sink with his arm, ¡°you think that shit was funny?¡± he nearly spat the words into Sky¡¯s face, as the two were nearly the same height, despite the hundred pounds or so Curt had on him.

    ¡°Are we done?¡± Sky asked, forcing himself to cling to any composure he could right then, as well as forcing his barbed tongue to remain at bay when it came to any retaliating remarks.

    ¡°Oh, we¡¯re a long fucking way from done¡± Curt spat out, ¡°you want people to think I¡¯m a fag too? Sounds like we know your fantasy now¡± he growled as he moved to bend Sky painfully over the sink, the tears immediately struggling to come to his pretty, just recently made up eyes at being forced into that position.

    Curt then shoved his hand down the back of Sky¡¯s pants and painfully shoved a finger inside him as Sky failed to bite back a pained moan.

    ¡°Can¡¯t tell me this hurts, considering all the cocks I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve already taken¡± Curt growled as he continued the assault as black streaks started down Sky¡¯s pale face through the pained whimpers he tried to bite back.

    That was when the teacherfinallyshowed up to supervise the next class¡¯s arrival, ¡°what the fuck is this shit?¡± he asked angrily, as Curt immediately stepped back, his face reddening as Sky continued to use all of his will to hold back from breaking down in even more tears as he stumbled back against the wall again. ¡°Get your fucking ass out on the field, Spencer¡± he instructed Curt, who was more than eager to leave the room just then. ¡°What the fuck, Vargas?¡± he asked, turning his attention to Sky.

    ¡°What?¡± Sky choked out his response his voice shaking with a few hundred emotions then, as well as disbelief now too.

    ¡°See, this is why I told them I didn¡¯t want something like you in my gym class. Cause of this shit right here¡± he exclaimed angrily.

    ¡°What?¡± Sky repeated, choking back another wave of emotion.

    ¡°You do everything you can to look like a fucking woman, then I¡¯m supposed to let you into the locker room with all my boys? You should be showering with the rest of the girls. At least then you wouldn¡¯t be trying to fuck anyone!¡±

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Sky choked with further disbelief turning to anger as he wiped at those black streaks again. ¡°Do Ilooklike I was enjoying that?¡± he bit out as he gestured to the now smudged black streaks.

    ¡°Beats me. I don¡¯t know what sick shit you¡¯re into. Or maybe you¡¯re just not used to takin it from someone built like our quarterback. Doesn¡¯t matter to me. I just know I don¡¯t want you in the locker room with actual males anymore, or in my sight. Get the fuck outta here¡± he told him angrily as he moved back toward his adjoining office with another angry huff.

    Luckily Sky only had to get through one more class that day, so when he skipped it, it wouldn¡¯t be likely to even be noticed. Instead he sat alone in his now regained car trying to cope with what had just happened; and to try to justify it all away. After all, it wasn¡¯t like Curt had actually used his penis to violate him; that would have had to have been worse, right? Then it would have really been rape, right? Or at least he tried to convince himself of that for the entire last hour of the school day.

    When classes did let out, Star exited the school with her ¡®new¡¯ friend Crista in tow. ¡°He must already be in the car¡± she told the blue-haired girl as she didn¡¯t find Sky waiting outside to meet her as usual.

    The two then made their way to that black Mustang and moved to the passenger side. Though, as soon as Star opened the door and saw Sky, she immediately noted that he had quite obviously been crying, and probably for a while already.

    She then looked back at Crista warily, ¡°you know, I just remembered, our parents told us to get straight home today. Maybe we can give you a ride tomorrow¡± she told Crista trying to sound apologetic, though most of what was in her tone was worry.

    ¡°Yeah, um, ok¡± Crista agreed with a bit of sadness, but eventually moved off toward the buses instead.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Star asked him immediately as soon as she was in the car, closing the door behind her a moment later.

    Sky swallowed another wave of tears at actually being asked to recount the day¡¯s events. He finally took a deep breath, his watery eyes still not turning to meet her own, ¡°that shitty future finally caught up with us.¡±

 Chapter 55

    After recounting, as best he could, the events that had taken place that day, he and Star were both fighting tears. Her even more so than him, as he had already run through most of his before she had gotten to the car.

    When they got home, the two sat quietly sniffling in the garage, still not leaving the car, both still staring mostly straight ahead. Though every few moments, Star cast him a sideways glance, which only resulted in her having to force back a new wave of tears.

    Finally, Sky spoke again, ¡°I guess this is where I should cut off all my hair, throw away all my makeup, decide I¡¯m straight, and swear off sex forever, right?¡±

    ¡°Sky,¡± Star whispered back sadly.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the proper reaction to the fact that my fucking teacher actually saw what Curt was doing to me, and still blamed me for all of it? Cause this is me. This is what I deserve for being me,¡± he choked on the words.

    ¡°He¡¯s a fucking ignorant prick who should be fired for letting that happen, not doing anything about it, and even acting like you brought it on yourself! You know that¡¯s not true,¡± Star told him firmly, though there were still tears in her voice.

    ¡°Really, cause even our own father believed that I deserved all I got; back in our real life,¡± Sky stated bitterly, still not able to look back at her.

    ¡°We could always go back in time again. Our lives were pretty perfect until today,¡± she whispered sadly.

    ¡°Back in time? Yeah right. That won¡¯t erase any of the memory. We know that all too well by now. And after all Curt¡¯s done; in the next version of our life he¡¯d probably end up raping you instead. I know I can¡¯t live that life,¡± he told her with a shake of his head.

    ¡°So what do you wanna do?¡± she asked him sadly, then added, ¡°and don¡¯t say destroy your entire identity. You¡¯re my other half. We have to match¡± she attempted a smile, though it died before reaching her lips.

    ¡°He¡¯s never gonna stop. He¡¯ll always find a new victim. Maybe if I just try to live with being that victim in this life, he¡¯ll leave everyone else alone, finally¡± he whispered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if he¡¯ll ever leave anyone alone. Right now, I just need to know if you can survive this. If not, we¡¯ll turn space and time upside down if we have to¡± Star told him with another sniffle.

    ¡°Every time it just comes out the same but with some small difference. There is no way to fix a world that has him in it¡± Sky told her with a bit of hopelessness.

    ¡°And the world that eventually didn¡¯t have him in it... well that one ended up sucking a whole lot too¡± Star stated with continued despair at those memories that would never truly be gone for either of them.

    After another long moment, Sky finally spoke again, ¡°it wasn¡¯t really rape though, right?¡±

    Star just shook her head at the denials he was trying to make himself believe, ¡°if he had forced his fingers inside me...¡± she just left that sentence there as Sky bit back more tears at her words. There was then another long moment of silence before she spoke again, ¡°please, tell me anything at all I can do... we can do¡± she corrected.

    ¡°Like you said, imagine it was you. Then what do you think would make any of it any better?¡± Sky asked her, though there was hardly any volume to his voice.

    After a long moment, she offered the only answer she could, ¡°the only thing that ever makes anything better for me, is knowing I still have you¡± she told him as more tears slid down her cheek as she moved across the seat to wrap her arms around him, wishing her touch was enough to make all the pain go away, just like magic.

    When they finally made their feet carry them into the house, their stress levels didn¡¯t get any better when they found that Brie had left work early that day after some accident at the lab. But at least no one had been hurt there, unlike the pain Sky suffered just from going to class that day.

    ¡°Thought you two may have gotten lost on the way in from the garage¡± Brie stated pointedly, already seemingly upset about something herself.

    ¡°Had a really crappy day. Were just trying to talk it out in the car¡± Star offered as she squeezed his hand slightly.

    ¡°Yeah, mine wasn¡¯t great either¡± Brie stated, giving them an accusing look.

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s ok though, right?¡± Star made herself ask as she had seen her mother¡¯s text earlier that day, but didn¡¯t respond just then. Sky just remained silent, not surprisingly.

    ¡°Actually my day got worse after I got home¡± Brie stated with that same cool tone.

    ¡°Ok¡± Star looked a little perplexed by that statement, but she was so upset by what had happened to Sky, she honestly couldn¡¯t deal with any part of Brie¡¯s bad day, or bad mood right then.

    ¡°I got the mail today. You got the catalog that you two order all your layers of black from. I left it in your room¡± she stated in the same pointed tone.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    ¡°Could¡¯ve just left it down here¡± Star mumbled, but said nothing else as she and Sky started toward the stairs.

    But Brie interrupted their departure, ¡°yeah, I can imagine you would¡¯ve preferred that.¡±

    Star¡¯s nerves stretched to the very edge already, she quickly turned back, raising her voice slightly, ¡°enough with the passive aggressive. What are you pissed off about now?¡±

    Brie blinked slightly at that outburst, and it obviously did nothing to improve her mood. Instead of answering with words, she sighed, reached into the pocket of her button down sweater and tossed the small, round plastic case onto the coffee table. ¡°Those fell off your desk when I tossed the catalog onto it. You two might wanna sit down¡± she told them with barely veiled anger.

    Sky just cringed, blinked back his next wave of upset, and headed up the stairs, wordlessly. Star just looked after him with further worry, not wanting to know what he¡¯d do to himself right then, but also knowing that she wouldn¡¯t be likely to just be able to escape the conversation with Brie, either.

    ¡°Mom this is a really bad time for this conversation¡± she told her in an almost pleading tone as she watched Sky disappear up the stairs.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s too fucking bad, isn¡¯t it?¡± Brie told her with further anger, ¡°sit down!¡±

    ¡°Sky is really upset right now, and...¡± Star began her plea only to be cut off by her mother.

    ¡°I¡¯m really upset right now¡± she told her loudly.

    Star sighed heavily, casting another glance at the stairs, ¡°I suppose you wouldn¡¯t believe me if I told you it was just to regulate my period?¡±

    ¡°Somehow, no¡± Brie returned. But Star could offer no more words as she slumped to a seat in the recliner, burying her face in her hands, even more upset by this conversation today than she would have been any other day; and positive Sky was more upset by it too that day, somehow. ¡°Seriously, you have nothing to say?¡± Brie pressed a moment later.

    ¡°No¡± was Star¡¯s simple statement.

    ¡°Well find something to say!¡± Brie retorted.

    ¡°What? What do you want me to say? All I know is that I can¡¯t deal with this right now. So, no, I don¡¯t have anything to say!¡±

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll give you some hints on what to say; like how long have you been taking these i.e. how long have you apparently needed to take these?¡± she asked angrily.

    Though Star refused to answer either question, knowing better; as Brie just continued to stare at her in exasperation. That was when Connor appeared, having stayed behind at the lab to help clean up after the accident. When he came into the room, he looked between the two women and had to fight the urge to head right back outta the room once more.

    ¡°I take it I missed something¡± he greeted them with more than a bit of caution.

    ¡°I would have texted you¡± Brie began, ¡°but this is not really a text conversation¡± she growled as she gestured to where Star¡¯s pill case still sat on the table in front of her.

    Connor just let out his own extremely uncomfortable sigh as his eyes fell on the pill case. After another moment, he managed to find something to say to break the silence in the room, ¡°so, why isn¡¯t Sky down here being part of this conversation too? I take it, he¡¯s the reason you¡¯re even on those¡± he directed the statement to Star as he took another deep breath to force his voice to remain even.

    ¡°Apparently Sky¡¯s in too bad of a mood to talk right now. He went straight upstairs even after I instructed them both to sit down¡± Brie added with continued anger.

    ¡°Which is why I need to go check on him, and make sure he¡¯s ok¡± Star told her with deliberateness.

    ¡°Yeah, and how do you plan on making sure of that?¡± Brie scoffed.

    But before Star could offer another angry response, their attentions were all drawn to the all but forgotten news that had been playing across the TV in the background when the name of their school was mentioned. Apparently one of their fellow students had left school early and supposedly taken their own life barely an hour earlier. Though they hadn¡¯t released the name of the student yet.

    All three of them swallowed hard as they were suddenly pulled out of their conversation by such a harsh reality, and one that close to home. That was when Sky finally came back down the stairs, looking a bit shocked himself, phone in hand.

    ¡°Did you hear?¡± Star asked him worriedly.

    ¡°Yeah¡± Sky stammered as he stepped off the stairs, ¡°I just got a text¡± he added more quietly.

    ¡°What? Who was it?¡± Star asked warily.

    Sky took a breath, ¡°Crista¡¯s neighbor.¡±

    Star just shook her head, ¡°who¡¯s Crista¡¯s neighbor?¡±

    ¡°Tim... Curt¡¯s friend, Tim.¡±

    They were all silent for a moment, though Sky looked particularly upset. Though, he had been upset all afternoon already, so it was less noticeable than it would have normally been. Looking at Sky¡¯s expression, Connor finally spoke up, mainly to stall the earlier conversation as well as get more information about this occurrence. ¡°So, were you friends with this boy?¡±

    ¡°Not hardly¡± Star offered the answer.

    ¡°I saw him after gym today. He must have left school right after I talked to him¡± Sky stated slowly.

    All three of them then looked more than a bit worried by that piece of information. Brie swallowed hard then, ¡°so, you were probably the last person he talked to before he... did that?¡± she asked, her breath catching.

    ¡°Yeah, seems likely¡± Sky sniffled slightly as he finally took a seat on the arm of the recliner Star sat on, only to wince slightly as he did.

    Of course, Star was the only one that seemed to notice that wince, and it caused her to bite back her own emotions once more. Connor then spoke again, ¡°so what on earth did you and he talk about before he... did that?¡±

    Sky took a deep breath before even trying to answer that, ¡°he¡¯s a jock; the homophobic prick variety, like most are¡± another sigh, ¡°and me being me, we were hardly friends, just like Star said. But today...¡± he stopped to try to compose himself with another deep breath.

    ¡°Today what?¡± Brie asked with further worry.

    ¡°Today, he came out, to me... well, sort of¡± Sky admitted.

    ¡°Came out?¡± Connor repeated with a raised brow.

    ¡°He finally... made it known¡± Sky decided on, ¡°that he actually was interested in men.¡±

    ¡°He... told you this?¡± Brie stammered slightly, Star even looking shocked as Sky¡¯s recount of the time after gym class definitely left that part of the day out, considering the second part of what happened there that day was exceedingly more traumatic, to put it mildly.

    ¡°Well, not exactly, told me¡± Sky shook his head.

    ¡°So he came out or didn¡¯t come out?¡± Connor asked with a shake of his head.

    ¡°First he cast a few homophobic slurs at me, like usual; then he started asking me seriously about my orientation¡± he stated, with a bit of discomfort as this was the one life where the two had yet to share that little factoid with their parents yet.

    ¡°Maybe he was just curious?¡± Brie stated, forcing hopefulness into her voice.

    ¡°Mom, he flat out came onto me¡± he just shook his head, ¡°and I told him that he wasn¡¯t my type; after he was finally brave enough to even admit he had an interest¡± Sky sighed heavily once more, ¡°then, he left school early... and killed himself¡± Sky finished, voice breaking.

 Chapter 56

    After an all too silent dinner, where none of the members of the Vargas family had much of an appetite, Brie finally was the first to find her voice again. ¡°Though what happened with that boy today was a terrible tragedy,¡± she began, ¡°it doesn¡¯t change the fact that we all still have a very serious matter to discuss.

    Star buried her head in her hands again, Connor averted his eyes, and Sky just scoffed before responding, ¡°what¡¯s there to discuss? You¡¯re pissed that Star¡¯s on the pill. We got that. What else is there to say?¡± he finished, his voice near emotionless as he was just numb at this point after what he had already endured that day.

    Then Brie scoffed, ¡°Plenty¡± she answered, ¡°like how long have you actually been taking these pills, Star?¡±

    But before Star could even form any sort of response, Sky spoke again, ¡°don¡¯t answer that, Star.¡±

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Brie quickly turned her dismay back on Sky.

    Sky then just shrugged, ¡°she could¡¯ve started takin them yesterday, or she could¡¯ve started taken them years ago. The only difference that answer makes now is in how pissed the two of you will be. So, no point in answering it.¡±

    ¡°Well, I would really like to know how long this has been going on right under our noses¡± Brie returned, her volume increasing.

    ¡°Again, same answer as before; it doesn¡¯t matter now¡± Sky stated in the same flat tone as if he literally had no anger or upset or outrage or anything else left to feel.

    Her voice raising even more then, Brie continued, ¡°well it does fucking matter, Sky! Because, we told you, three years ago, that we did not want you two doing that sort of thing. And you seemed to agree to our terms, but that was obviously a lie, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°It was three years ago, mom¡± was all he said.

    ¡°And I¡¯m not sure how you think that changes anything¡± she retorted.

    Sky then let out an almost annoyed breath, but the look on his face was still rather apathetic about whatever problem Brie had with them. He somehow had bigger problems in his head right then. He then just calmly asked her, ¡°so, how long after you and dad started dating before you guys had sex?¡±

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Brie choked on the words.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing it was less than three years, then?¡± Sky replied in the same even tone.

    ¡°We were adults when we started dating¡± she told him through clenched teeth.

    ¡°So because you took ten years longer than us to fall for each other, you get different rules?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s how being an adult works, Sky¡± she bit back.

    ¡°Me and Star have a more adult connection than most adults. We always have. But because we can¡¯t vote for another seven months; then we¡¯re not allowed to have any kind of physical relationship? Even though we¡¯ve been in love with one another, and only one another, for years? That¡¯s how it works then, huh?¡± Sky scoffed as he finally looked away.

    Seething then, Brie returned, ¡°you agreed, and you broke your agreement. That¡¯s the point here.¡±

    Sky just shook his head, ¡°I honestly don¡¯t remember that.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Brie returned, caught.

    ¡°When you told us you didn¡¯t want us doing anything adult, I¡¯m pretty sure we said nothing; which isn¡¯t technically an agreement. So I guess you can hold off on trying to sue us for breach of contract¡± he stated with another shake of his head.

    That was when Connor finally spoke, ¡°now you¡¯re just being a smart-ass, Sky.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I do¡± Sky mumbled.

    Finally Star spoke, though her voice was breaking as all she could think about was what Sky had already been subjected to that day. ¡°We¡¯ve been in love with each other for our entire lives, mom. As long as we¡¯ve known what love is, we¡¯ve felt it for each other. And we are practically adults, even in the legal sense. And emotionally, we¡¯re much older than that, trust me. And we are being careful. Can you please just accept how we feel, and stop trying to make it into something terrible that we should feel guilty for? There¡¯s enough terrible and enough guilt to go around. We don¡¯t need the two people who are supposed to love us unconditionally, just making us feel like loving one another is something we should be punished for. We¡¯ve been punished enough and felt enough guilt for several lifetimes. Please just let our feelings for each other continue to be the one good thing that we still have in this life¡± she finished through tears as Sky bit back his own.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Brie and Connor looked more than a little thrown off by several of her teary statements. Though they seemed to be momentarily silenced as Star got up from the table, went to the living room, retrieved her pills, and went upstairs to her room.

    It was only a moment later that Sky also left the room, just as wordlessly as Star had. Brie then just looked over at Connor, ¡°punished enough for several lifetimes? What have we ever punished them for?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know Brie¡± Connor said with defeat, ¡°but they always have been in love, completely. And they are taking precautions to keep from destroying their lives. And they do make each other happy; or at least seemed to every day before today. I mean, isn¡¯t that what we¡¯ve always wanted? Our children to be happy? The only thing that has ever seemed to make them happy is each other, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Brie then let out another unhappy breath, ¡°but isn¡¯t it our job as parents to make sure our kids aren¡¯t having sex?¡±

    ¡°To keep them from having their own children, or getting diseases, or being hurt over and over?¡± Connor offered, ¡°well, she¡¯s on the pill. They most likely have only been with each other and no one else ever since they hit puberty, considering they usually don¡¯t even notice the rest of the world. And I¡¯m pretty sure those two would rather slit their own throats than ever hurt one another¡± he sighed in defeat once more, ¡°so, what exactly are we trying to stop from happening? Seems like their happiness would be the only answer here.¡±

    Brie just shook her head back at him, trying to find any sort of argument then. She finally decided on, ¡°you mean you wouldn¡¯t be upset if we went upstairs right now and caught them making love?¡±

    ¡°Well, there¡¯s a reason I rarely go upstairs¡± Connor stated plainly.

    ¡°Cause you would be upset, right?¡±

    ¡°Cause I really just don¡¯t wanna see, or hear our children, or anyone else, having sex in our house. That¡¯s my only real concern when it comes to that, I think.¡±

    ¡°Because it would... it just... what kind of parents are we if...¡± she just shook her head, not able to make her way through any of those sentences.

    ¡°If it¡¯s any consolation, we can pretend the adoption agency made a mistake and they really are eighteen already. Cause Lord knows, the second they go to college, no power in the universe will keep them outta each other¡¯s beds.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s supposed to be consoling?¡± Brie scowled.

    ¡°He had a point though, Brie. Three years is a really fucking long time to not have sex with your live-in girlfriend. If they actually did make it that long, they should get a damn award¡± Connor scoffed.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Brie asked, though her voice lacked any weight.

    ¡°I¡¯m just the guy who¡¯s sick of driving myself nuts over what my kids are doing. I¡¯m almost relieved we have proof of consummation at this point, cause I was getting sick of holding my breath and waiting for that day for the last three years¡± he scoffed once more.

    After another long moment of silence, Brie finally spoke again, ¡°so that¡¯s who we are now? The parents who don¡¯t care if their kids are having sex?¡±

    ¡°Look at it this way: every other kid in school will be begging us to adopt them too¡± he smirked as he finally also got up to leave the room, as Brie just let out another defeated sigh.

    <hr>

    School was obviously canceled the very next day, which was a Friday. So, when they pulled into the school lot the next day that school was actually in session again, it was the following Monday. Ever since the Thursday before, when Sky had been assaulted and Tim had taken his own life, none of their trips to their special silver room had happened either. Not that that was all that surprising to Star. She just wished she had some clue how to make him feel any better at all; or if it were even possible.

    Upon arriving back at school that week, once again, the two found themselves having to talk themselves into even going into the building at all. Star looked at where Sky¡¯s expression said it all and sighed ¡°we could just skip today, you know.¡±

    ¡°And every other day til I finally forget? School will be over before then¡± he mumbled as he warily watched the other students entering the building. He then added, ¡°and I¡¯m sure everyone will be talking about Tim all day anyway. It¡¯ll be like nothing else even happened.¡±

    ¡°To them maybe¡± Star sighed.

    ¡°And to my fucking gym teacher¡± Sky returned bitterly, ¡°pretty sure he thinks the only thing that happened is that I confused Curt and convinced him I was actually a woman. Makes you wonder what he would have done if he had been the one that caught Curt and Alana, in that other life.¡±

    ¡°He probably would have covered for his star quarterback and high-fived him on the way back to the Ferris wheel¡± Star answered with seething hatred for not only Curt, but Sky¡¯s teacher as well, who also happened to be the assistant coach of the football team, not surprisingly. Star then took another breath as they watched their peers entering the building for a few more moments. She then spoke again, ¡°so what are we gonna do, honestly?¡±

    ¡°Well, we already tried killing Curt once. Then we got drugged and taken off to spend the next three years in science labs. But hey, at least we didn¡¯t have to deal with Curt then, right?¡± Sky scoffed.

    Star thought a moment, then looked back at Sky, ¡°we could try forcing Coach Mathis to tell¡± she stated, referring to Sky¡¯s teacher, ¡°you know, give him a bit of a psychic nudge... or shove¡± she added more bitterly.

    ¡°And open up another rape case against Curt? I thought we were tryin to avoid our last version of this life¡± Sky returned pointedly.

    ¡°Yeah but we haven¡¯t used any powers where anyone can see in this life. That won¡¯t be used against us this time¡± Star argued, trying to talk herself into the idea.

    ¡°Do you remember all the reasons I told you why you couldn¡¯t testify against Curt in that life? Well, now pretend you were the actual victim, and you now have three lives tangled up in your head, and you¡¯re a guy, a guy who looks like me¡± he argued against the idea firmly, ¡°pass.¡±

    ¡°So, what option does that leave us?¡±

    ¡°Pretty sure there aren¡¯t any, unless we finally figure out how to erase our own memories¡± Sky mumbled as he finally made himself open the car door and head inside to face whatever hell this day, and all the rest, would now have in store for them.

 Chapter 57

    When it came time for study hall that day, Star immediately went to look for Sky. She found him with his forehead against his locker, trying desperately to mentally talk himself into actually going to their next class, considering who else was in that class.

    ¡°This one we can definitely skip, Sky¡± she told him as she grasped his arm, trying to provide any little comfort she could.

    ¡°Same problem¡± he stated a little breathlessly, as if fighting the urge to hyperventilate, ¡°if I don¡¯t force myself to see him again, today. I¡¯ll never be able to.¡±

    ¡°Sky, you don¡¯t have to, not yet¡± she told him in a whisper.

    ¡°Yeah, I really do¡± he denied as he finally moved back from the locker and took another shaky breath.

    ¡°Fine, I get it; but can I just tell you one thing before we go face that prick again?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Sky asked, his voice still struggling to make it past his lips.

    ¡°I¡¯m really glad that you didn¡¯t do what Tim did, this time¡± she whispered as she gave him a long hug as she forced more tears back.

    Sky closed his eyes tightly at the sound of the tears in her voice and made himself reach up to put his arms around her too, and gently placed a kiss atop her head, ¡°please; if me and Tim had done that the same week, you know what everyone would be sayin about me and him then. We can¡¯t have me going to the grave with the world thinkin you weren¡¯t enough for me¡± he told her as he squeezed her slightly.

    Star just shook her head at the fact that his explanation wasn¡¯t all that reassuring, but at least he was trying to find some tiny bit of humor left in the world; which she supposed was proof that there was a minuscule chance that he could recover from all of this one day, just possibly.

    When they did enter their dreaded shared free period with Curt, the slightly older teen was already there, surprisingly enough. When the two entered the room, their heads immediately turned toward Curt¡¯s seat to find him glaring back their way as he made a kissing noise and gave Sky a head to toe glance. Their hands then clenched one another¡¯s so hard they nearly drew blood with those long black tipped nails of theirs.

    ¡°Sky¡± Star stated warily as he let go of her hand and moved toward Curt, ¡°Sky!¡± she said more loudly as she rushed after him.

    Once Sky reached Curt¡¯s seat, he took another long moment to just glare down at him with the hatred scrawled across his face. Curt just shrugged up at him, ¡°what the fuck do you want?¡±

    Sky took another deep breath as he continued to hold the other boy in that hate-filled gaze, the other students now quieting and turning their attention to a confrontation none of them ever thought would happen. Another breath before Sky swallowed a lump and forced his expression to go blank, ¡°I¡¯m sorry about your friend¡± he stated through shaking breath, as all eyes turned to him with more than a bit of shock. But before Curt could respond through his own startled expression, Sky spoke again, ¡°but I have to ask you something.¡±

    Curt just scoffed as he shook his head up at Sky, ¡°what?¡± was his only response, bit out though it was.

    ¡°When you heard that someone from this school killed themselves, who did you immediately think it was? Just curious¡± Sky stated coldly, but moved away to take his own seat without even looking back to see Curt¡¯s reaction to his question, let alone hear his answer.

    <hr>

    Curt was surprisingly rather silent for the rest of their shared period. Then again, most of the students were rather silent that day. When the two finally made it to lunch, Star sat next to him and laid her head sadly on Sky¡¯s shoulder, ¡°I get it though¡± was her greeting.

    ¡°What are you getting now?¡± Sky asked, though his voice was still devoid of any real emotion other than sadness.

    ¡°Can you imagine being a guy who¡¯s struggling to admit that he likes other guys, then realizing one of your best friends is Curt? I can see why he didn¡¯t wanna face another day¡± Star stated sadly.

    ¡°Chances are Tim would be the one bent over the sink as soon as Curt found out¡± Sky stated bitterly, which just caused Star to bite back more tears as she wrapped him in her arms again. But before Star could have any more of a reaction, Sky sighed, ¡°shit, I forgot. I have to get that slip signed.¡±

    ¡°Slip?¡± Star asked as she moved back from where she had still been holding him close.

    ¡°Requesting to be excused from gym class for the rest of the year¡± Sky stated, though didn¡¯t look up.

    ¡°But Curt¡¯s not in your gym class. Or Tim either, now¡± she added more sadly.

    ¡°No, but Mathis doesn¡¯t want me in it either. So at least he should be happy to sign¡± Sky stated, still trying to keep any emotions out of his voice.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna go see Mathis?¡± she asked warily.

    ¡°He has to sign permission¡± Sky returned with a shrug.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to his office, next to the locker room?¡± she asked with a bit more fear then.

    Sky averted his eyes and needed a moment before responding, ¡°it¡¯s lunch. All the rapists are out by the football field. Only their enabler should be there¡± and with that, he headed off to speak to one of the two people he wanted to see the least out of every person in the entire school.

    When Sky headed back toward the locker room, he had to take another moment to force his feet to even carry him past the doorway. With another breath, he knocked at the open door of Mathis¡¯ office where he was preparing a coffee for his own lunch break.

    He scowled at the interruption, giving Sky¡¯s appearance another disapproving look, even though his makeup was rather light today, ¡°it¡¯s lunch, not gym, Vargas. You don¡¯t even have gym today¡± he added with irritation.

    ¡°I need you to sign this¡± Sky stated in the same numb tone, not able to look Mathis in the eyes then either. Instead, his eyes just staying on the window that faced the locker room, and the sink.

    ¡°Andwhatis that?¡± he asked tiresomely as he gestured to the slip of paper.

    ¡°Excuses me from gym for the rest of the year. I¡¯ll just have a study period instead¡± Sky stated, his eyes still locked on the sink as he held out the paper.

    ¡°Oh, so because you¡¯re some kind of twisted gender freak, you no longer have to take required classes like all the normal kids do?¡± he scoffed as he set the slip on his desk, glancing over it with annoyance.

    ¡°I¡¯m not an athlete. I don¡¯t need this class for any college I ever might try to go to. And you don¡¯t want me in here confusing all those poor boys who can¡¯t tell the difference between me and a woman. Can you please just sign it?¡± he asked in the same cool tone.

    Mathis just scoffed as he looked back up at Sky, ¡°are you gonna make a thing outta this?¡±

    Sky just shook his head, ¡°not exactly sure what the question is¡± Sky returned smartly.

    ¡°Are you gonna make some big fucking deal about whatever the fuck was going on between you and Spencer in here last week?¡± Mathis asked him more plainly, with more annoyance, as well as a bit of worry.

    Sky then glared back at him, ¡°watch out, it almost sounds like you might think something did happen after all.¡±

    ¡°He is a quarterback headed for a football scholarship. He does not need you starting shit for him in his senior year!¡± Mathis told him angrily.

    Clenching his fists hard enough for his nails to draw blood, Sky glared back at his teacher, forcing down every immediate response he had right then. Finally, after another long moment and a deep breath, he answered, ¡°then just sign the fucking paper.¡±

    Meanwhile, back at lunch, Star was sitting alone looking rather dejected herself. That was when Crista arrived at the table and sat down with a sigh. As Star and she had really only started speaking to each other the previous week, Crista couldn¡¯t help her curiosity at this sudden new mood swing that she and Sky seemed to have both succumbed to since Thursday.

    ¡°So, did something happen on Thursday?¡± Crista asked innocently as she sat down next to Star, looking around for any sign of where Sky might be.

    ¡°Other than the obvious?¡± Star responded, just shaking her head and looking down again.

    Crista looked down too then, ¡°yeah, other than my neighbor blowing his head off¡± she stated sadly. She then quickly continued as if to once more force away the memory of all the flashing lights just across the street from her own house when she had arrived home that day.

    Knowing Sky had barely spent more than a few seconds in Crista¡¯s presence yet in this life, as opposed to the relationship the three of them had just begun in that other life, Star attempted an appropriate answer; or at least one that wouldn¡¯t make Sky any more upset than he already was, ¡°Curt just got rough with Sky again last week. He was pretty upset. Sorry about that ride home.¡±

    ¡°Well, there was plenty of excitement waiting for me when Idid get home¡± Crista added with a sad sarcasm. She then took another long moment to look around the room, her eyes searching for Sky to make his appearance. Seeing that he didn¡¯t appear to have made his way back to lunch yet, she turned her attention back to Star. Her eyes then moved over the seventeen year old beauty, slightly biting away the blue glitter lipstick she had matched to her hair that day, ¡°so I¡¯ve been trying to figure it out, but you never really say anything one way or the other.¡±

    ¡°About?¡± Star asked, turning to the younger girl as well, her own eyes moving over Crista as she had a few more intimate memories of her young friend than her friend had of her just yet.

    ¡°So, everyone calls you brother and sister, but you¡¯re not, really¡± Crista began as he eyes stayed on Star.

    ¡°Not sure what the question is there. But yeah, we have the same parents, but that¡¯s only because the same couple adopted us. And we are the same age. But that¡¯s just a... coincidence of nature¡± she stated with a bit of sarcasm, as she knew that nature had nothing to do with the way she and Sky had been brought into the world. ¡°We just celebrate our birthday the same day, since we don¡¯t really know exactly when either of us... came to be¡± she told the slight fib, as the truth was way too much to explain when they barely understood it themselves.

    ¡°But you two, you act more like...¡± Crista looked down with a slight blush.

    ¡°More like?¡± Star prodded gently, though she already had a pretty good idea what the rest of that sentence was, as the way she and Sky felt about each other was obvious to anyone with eyes.

    ¡°More like a couple¡± Crista dared, though quietly, watching for any adverse reaction to her words.

    Star just allowed a sad smile, ¡°yeah, we are sort of a pair; to put it mildly¡± she added with yet another sad smile.

    Crista seemed to need a moment then to gather the courage for her next statement, ¡°so, I guess, since you live together and all; I guess that means that you two have...¡± she just bit her lip again as she looked up at Star once more, the rest of the question in her eyes rather than on her lips.

    Star looked down with another slight smile, ¡°you¡¯re asking me if Sky and I have slept together?¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be mad. I was just... curious I guess.¡±

    ¡°Not sure what there is to be mad about. Everyone pretty much assumes we have. Hell, our parents even know we have, now¡± Star added with a heavy sigh.

    With a bit of a blush, and a slight gasp, Crista responded, ¡°your parents know?¡±

    ¡°They actually have suspected it for a while. But then mom found my pills, just a few days ago. That was a fun dinner¡± Star finished with a slight sarcasm.

    ¡°Shit, no wonder you two have been so depressed lately. I¡¯d be afraid to even go home¡± Crista stated with a worried expression.

    ¡°Believe me, there are worse things in this world than pissed off parents¡± Star stated with a slight sniffle.

 Chapter 58

    Sky and Star usually beat their parents home by about an hour, depending on if they made any stops after school or not. But that day, they had made no stops and their parents¡¯ car was still in the garage when they pulled in with a sigh.

    ¡°Why? Just why?¡± Sky mumbled as he cast a rueful glance at the car.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see the text?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t really looked at my phone much lately¡± Sky admitted with another small sigh as the two exited the car.

    ¡°They can¡¯t go back to work til their bosses find them a new lab space¡± Star supplied the information with a slight slam of the passenger door as she stepped out of the car.

    ¡°Great, we needed more parental scrutiny¡± Sky mumbled as he headed into the living room with Star at his heels.

    Without acknowledging his parents who were there on the couch together, TV on and phones in hand, he just somberly headed upstairs. With a sad sigh of her own, Star did the same, also not looking back at either adult.

    Brie just shook her head, ¡°they¡¯re the ones who are upset? We haven¡¯t even mentioned the whole pill fiasco since Thursday. Shouldn¡¯t they be thrilled? Considering the two did nothing but smile and flirtbeforewe, against all rationality, decided to let them have as much sex as they want¡± she told Connor, obviously quite uneasy about the decision still.

    ¡°Well wasn¡¯t Sky already upset that day, before you questioned them about the pills, and we heard about the suicide? Maybe this is actually something else¡± Connor shrugged as he looked up the stairs after his children before returning his eyes to his phone in resignation.

    ¡°What on earth do they have to be upset about? Other teens would be thrilled to get a free pass from their parents to have sex¡± she complained under her breath.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say we¡¯re giving them a free pass¡± Connor scoffed.

    ¡°Really? Sure seems like it¡± Brie retorted.

    ¡°I think of it more as, minding our own business¡± Connor shrugged again.

    ¡°Odd, I thought our teenage children were our business¡± Brie stated with clenched teeth before getting up and heading into the dining room for another glass of wine.

    Meanwhile upstairs, they each went to their own rooms to relieve themselves of their heavy backpacks and more than uncomfortable footwear. Star sat on her bed for several minutes, looking out at the hallway and Sky¡¯s closed bedroom door. She then sighed and made her way across the hall, gently pushing his door open and peering inside. There she found him sullenly looking up at his calendar.

    ¡°Something upsetting about the calendar?¡± she attempted humor as she moved into the room and came to stand near him.

    ¡°Well, last week sucked more than any other week since we left the torture lab in life number one¡± he stated sadly, ¡°so I was trying to plan out the next week instead.¡±

    Trying to ignore the reminder of that life that seemed so long ago now, but still haunted them every day, Star looked at the calendar with a sigh as well, ¡°class trip¡± Star mumbled with a bit of foreboding as she took a seat on his bed then.

    ¡°And remember the weekend before: On Saturday you have to go make out with Kali in front of mom, while I¡¯m in a coffee shop with dad, getting a blow job from a former cheerleader. Then Monday, we need to go fuck in some dark shack while Curt finds some other victim to rape thirty feet away without us even noticing. Then we can spend our entire night being accused of some supernatural shit by the asshole cops. Then don¡¯t forget that Tuesday is the five hour sex marathon in our fourteen year old friend¡¯s bed. Then I gotta take her virginity in her yard the next night with her sister fifteen feet away. Then I guess Thursday is lawyers questioning you about Curt and then...what else am I missing? Oh yeah was it Friday that the cops interrupted our threesome with said fourteen year old former virgin? Wait no, think that was Saturday, Friday was the night that you fucked her too. Damn it¡¯s getting hard to keep track of how fucked up we really are¡± he shook his head.

    ¡°Sky¡± Star just shook her head sadly.

    ¡°Well, this life already sucks even more than that last one. May as well try our best to continue the trend, right?¡± he scoffed.

    That was when their conversation was interrupted, shockingly enough by their father who was now standing in Sky¡¯s bedroom doorway with a more than confused look on his face, ¡°please tell me that everything I just heard was part of some really twisted novel or something that you two are writing¡± he stated with more than a bit of wariness.

    The two then swallowed hard and decided no comment on that was the best reaction they could even hope to try. Then Star took a breath, ¡°so, did you come up here to try and catch us having sex then?¡± she asked with more than a trace of sarcasm.

    ¡°Honestly, I was dreading that that would actually be the case. I¡¯m almost relieved that you two are just in here dreaming up all your really twisted ideas for creative writing? Art class? Film school? Something?¡± he stated, hoping upon hope that he was right, considering no other explanation for Sky¡¯s diatribe made any sense whatsoever.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Sky sighed, again choosing to neither confirm or deny anything, ¡°so whydidyou come up here then?¡±

    Connor just shook his head as he looked around the room, ¡°I¡¯m obviously not the touchy feely emotional type of dad, but your mom¡¯s half a bottle in already, and still freaked about last week, so I guess it falls to me to find out what¡¯s really going on with you two.¡±

    ¡°Going on?¡± Star asked warily.

    ¡°Up until Thursday you two were the happiest couple on earth, shattering all of those black-clad stereotypes. But then suddenly on Thursday; one-eighty. Even before pill-gate¡± he sighed, ¡°so what is it that you two are having such a hard time with these last few days?¡±

    Star then looked to Sky, knowing that he was the one who needed to decide how to answer that. Though Sky looked down, his breath catching, unable to meet Connor¡¯s eyes, or even Star¡¯s, as every bit of him was just trying to hold it together then. The fact that his pain was so blatantly obvious, and had even affected Star so deeply as well, to the point that Connor would feel the need to ask him point-blank what the cause of it was; that somehow made the pain a hundred times worse. And before that, it had already been nearly unbearable.

    Instead of answering at all, all Sky could do was crumble to the floor in tears, sobs wracking his entire body.

    <hr>

    Later that night, Connor and Brie found themselves sitting atop their bed, staring at the wall in front of them, nearly as numb as Sky had been prior to the tearful breakdown that afternoon. Finally, Brie forced her voice to work, ¡°and this all happened the day I found her pills?¡±

    ¡°Hence the reason why they were both too upset to even wanna try to have that discussion that day. And hence the reason why they¡¯ve been completely miserable, regardless of their so-called ¡®free pass,¡¯¡± he sighed heavily.

    ¡°Probably also behind a lot of that stuff Star said at dinner too. Even older emotionally? Punished enough and feeling guilty enough for several lifetimes? Hours earlier, the love of her life was... And then that other boy the same day? Kills himself after Sky rejected him?¡± Brie sniffled again as she buried her face in her hands. Placing an arm around her, Connor waited several more moments to allow yet another family member let out all that sadness. Finally, she spoke again, ¡°and he actually doesn¡¯t wanna tell the cops and have this prick punished?¡± she shook her head then.

    ¡°As much as all of us wanna see this prick punished, Sky included; he¡¯s already thought about it non-stop since it happened. He knows that it would all get turned back on him, as wrong as it is, it¡¯s true. And then it would be even more impossible to cope with it at all. I really don¡¯t wanna see how much more he could even take of that before he¡¯d just give up, Brie¡± Connor told her, his own voice actually choked with emotion for once.

    Upstairs, Sky and Star were wrapped tightly in one another¡¯s arms atop his bed, and had been nearly all evening. His head was upon her chest as she held him tightly, waiting for both their tears to finally run dry.

    Star spoke at last, ¡°I can¡¯t believe you actually told him. Considering you didn¡¯t even want them to know when he had onlytriedhurting you in life number one.¡±

    ¡°Tired of having to hide anything anymore. It¡¯s too hard¡± Sky stated simply as he wiped another tear away on her shirt which was fortunately the same shade as his nearly completely gone eye makeup now.

    Star let out another sad breath, ¡°well, there¡¯s still that one thing we need to hide.¡±

    ¡°Well, that one thing is actually whattheydid, before we were even... not-born. Slight difference there I guess¡± he reasoned that one lie away. He then spoke again, a moment later, ¡°at least now all I have to deal with here at home, is the way they¡¯ll look at me for the rest of my life as that victim in that locker room, instead of an actual person ever again. So, I have that to look forward to now, at least.¡±

    ¡°Sky...¡± Star sniffled again as she squeezed him tightly once more, wishing on every one of her namesakes then, that she could somehow find a way to get him through this in one piece. As long as he was so shattered, she was too. They were two parts of the same person, after all.

    <hr>

    The next day, after barely getting any sleep anyway, Brie and Connor were woken up by a text with an address asking them to check out a lab space to see if it would be suitable for their work. The two just let out slight groans, as neither of them were really feeling up to dealing with mundane work tasks when their children¡¯s lives were in such a state.

    But nonetheless they headed into work and their children headed to school. Brie and Connor just praying that they would at least get through one more day without being victimized just for trying to finish their education.

    Upon arriving at the lab space that had been closed down nearly twenty years ago, the two headed inside. After looking around, they decided it would be suitable enough once they got the place cleaned up and all the equipment running. So their day¡¯s task would be to get that underway so that their bosses could approve their move to this other lab now.

    By lunch, the two had had the main portion of the lab cleaned up and got all the equipment tested for usability. They then moved into the office to empty out the desks and filing cabinets for their own use. As they came across the locked filing cabinet the two sighed back at each other.

    ¡°Do you still have that universal key for all the properties our company owns?¡± Brie asked her husband.

    ¡°Think so¡± Connor stated as he searched the weighty key ring that he always had to have on hand during his work day. ¡°Yep, still here¡± he stated as he moved to unlock the cabinets and begin throwing out the files left behind by whoever had worked out of that lab years ago.

    As they continued that task though, one file caught Brie¡¯s eye. The label simply read Project Nebula, and was dated with their children¡¯s alleged day of birth. She narrowed her eyes at that, and opened the file, only to flip past the cover sheet and to the first page, which had notes that looked to be written in her own hand. Swallowing a bit at that, she read:

    Male Sample One: Sky. Female Sample One: Star. Genetic integration successful. Alien DNA undetectable through all means but testing of the blood. Samples healthy. No apparent physical abnormality in either sample. Side effects noted: samples seem to be inexplicably drawn to one another. Such combination of the two result in unexplainable psychic phenomena having actual, literal effects on the physical world. Level of volatility unknown but concerning. Requires further study. Recommendation is to keep samples separated until a determination of the full scope of such abilities can be determined. B. Vargas.

 Chapter 59

    Brie and Connor spent the rest of their work day in shock, attempting to puzzle out what on earth they had just discovered in those files, locked in that long since abandoned lab. Still wearing a look of shock after she and Connor read and re-read all the Nebula files, Brie just looked back at him with more than a few hundred emotions.

    Taking a breath, she had to say something, anything, to try and make sense of any of this, ¡°how is it possible that we have literally no memory of ever being in this place, or ever doing what it says we did? I mean, our names are the only ones on any of these notes. This was an independent project. This was just the two of us. Yet we don¡¯t remember anything about ever even being here, let alone what these say about the children we¡¯ve raised since they were infants? It¡¯s like we just locked up one day, went home, and forgot any of this ever happened! Then moved onto whatever company-approved experiment they had for us next. Then spent the next seventeen years just going home to ouralienchildren; who also apparently have psychic powers that we¡¯ve given them, by the way. And then we just acted like we just adopted them one day, and all was normal and well? How does any of this makeanysense?¡±

    Connor just shook his head, obviously having no more of an idea about any of this than his wife did. He then finally managed some response, ¡°it looks like we never gave our bosses any of the details about our pet project though. I guess that¡¯s one saving grace. Chances are, if we had ever told them about these so-called abilities, we never would have seen either of them again; let alone, raised them for the next seventeen years.¡±

    ¡°And I can¡¯t believe we can actually refer to our children as a pet project¡± Brie scoffed.

    ¡°Apparently that¡¯s all they were, originally¡± Connor stated sadly, ¡°til we suddenly one day, just seemed to forget about any of this, somehow...¡± he just shook his head again, ¡°and then suddenly we were just the couple who adopted them?¡±

    ¡°At least now we get that ¡®loved each other all our lives¡¯ comment¡± Brie sighed heavily, ¡°But, how do we...¡± she began, ¡°I just don¡¯t know how to...¡± she lost the words again, as she looked back down at the scattered files around them with another sad shake of her head; having no idea how to even react to any of this new information at all, let alone how to interact with Sky or Star after this anymore either. And it was only made that much worse by everything else that had happened in their children¡¯s lives that week.

    After another long moment, Connor spoke again, ¡°I mean, do we tell them?Howwould we even tell them?¡± he shook his head, then looked up with another shocked thought, ¡°what if they actually already know? More about it all than we even did?¡±

    Brie just scoffed, ¡°how could they? They were babies when this lab was locked up¡± she denied, though bit her lip in thought.

    ¡°Psychic abilities?¡± Connor suggested, though nearly under his breath.

    Brie just gave him another look of dismay, ¡°please, we¡¯ve not seen one piece of evidence for that. And we have lived with them for seventeen years.¡±

    ¡°Why would it be in our notes if it weren¡¯t true, Brie? And there¡¯s plenty of other evidence for that ¡®inexplicably drawn to each other¡¯ note. I mean we always thought the connection the two of them had was beyond bizarre, inexplicable, possibly supernatural even¡± he added more quietly.

    Brie tried to compose herself in the face of all these new facts. She finally spoke again, ¡°if they had any kind of abilities, then how could this have happened to Sky?¡± she asked, voice breaking a bit, as she had already spent seventeen years thinking of him as her son, no matter what she now knew he actually was.

    Connor sighed heavily then, ¡°I don¡¯t know, Brie. I don¡¯t know much of anything anymore. Even about my children, or my self, apparently¡± he added with defeat.

    <hr>

    At least nothing any worse had happened at school that day, other than the ever so awkward study hall during second period. Though Curt mostly held his tongue for one more day, amazing as that was. That day was also when Sky started his seventh period study hall instead of gym. But at least he shared that study hall with Alana and Crista, since it was not a real class and therefore students from all four years were there. So at least he had two friendly faces for one period; not that his own face was very friendly in return, as he barely looked up from his desk despite Alana¡¯s shy smile and Crista¡¯s smile of some other emotion as she stared at him for almost the entire hour that they were in that room together.

    When Sky and Star got home from school that day, they had managed to beat their parents home once more; not that that was of much significance considering their continued moods. Once again, Sky went up to his room somberly with Star following just as sadly. When he stepped through his bedroom doorway, Star lightly grasped his wrist, still thankful her fingers no longer came into contact with that horrible scar anymore. At least not yet.

    As Star simply looked down, her fingers gently caressing his wrist for a few long seconds, he spoke ¡°yes?¡±

    ¡°I just, I miss you¡± she stated sadly.

    ¡°I¡¯m literally standing two inches from you¡± he returned, which only caused her to look down again, which in turn caused him to sigh sadly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t know how to fix this Sky¡± she stated as her voice broke.

    He then had to force back his own reaction every time he saw her tears, ¡°some things can¡¯t be fixed, Star¡± he whispered back, his own eyes cast down then.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ¡°I mean I¡¯m afraid to even try to kiss you, let alone...¡± she just shook her head.

    ¡°Afraid to kiss me cause you think we might end up in another time, place or planet? Or afraid to kiss me cause you think I might break?¡± he asked more sadly.

    ¡°A little of the first; a lot of the second¡± she whispered back.

    Sky let out another sad, shaky breath of his own, as he closed his pretty eyes a moment to gain what little composure he was still clinging to. He then finally took a step toward her and moved his hands to her face, turning her own tear-filled eyes up to meet his. He then slowly moved to cover her mouth with his, though the kiss was gentle, almost tentative, rather than the hundreds of much more passionate ones they had shared in multiple lives now.

    When the kiss finally ended, he tried to force a smile, ¡°see, still here¡± he glanced around them, ¡°and still not any more broken than I already was.¡±

    With that, Star moved to embrace him tightly, ¡°I just don¡¯t know what¡¯s ok anymore. I¡¯m afraid to even hope that maybe we¡¯ll ever be able to be... like we were, again.¡±

    Sky sniffled as he did hug her back then, ¡°you¡¯re not the one that hurt me, Star. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s the only reason I haven¡¯t hurtmyself¡± he confessed as he squeezed her more tightly then.

    It wasn¡¯t too much longer before the two had slowly made their way into his room again, and reclaimed their spots on his bed where they had actually fallen asleep together the previous night. Though, this time, it was Star¡¯s head resting on his chest.

    ¡°Can I touch you?¡± she asked him after a long moment of just laying there together.

    ¡°Touch me?¡± Sky raised a brow at that.

    ¡°Not sex, but just, being close, feeling your skin under my fingertips. Is that ok, still?¡± Star attempted to clarify.

    ¡°Other than the one time I didn¡¯t wanna hug you cause I was afraid of getting hard after the first time Curt tried shit, have I ever denied you touching rights?¡± he attempted some small piece of humor.

    Star shook her head, ¡°like I said, I just don¡¯t know what you¡¯re ok with anymore.¡±

    ¡°And like I said, you¡¯re not the one who hurt me Star¡± he told her as he gently kissed her hair again.

    Content that that was as close to an answer as she would get, she gently slid his shirt upwards to run her fingers even more gently over his stomach; all the while, taking brief moments to gently kiss the places her fingers had just touched as well.

    The two then tensed slightly as they heard their parents arriving home at last, though they made no move to put any more distance between them. ¡°Do we really think they¡¯ll come up here again today?¡± Star stated with another heavy sigh,

    ¡°Does it really matter at this point?¡± was his only answer as he again let out a matching sigh.

    When Brie and Connor entered the house, they both still looked more than distraught about how to even deal with their children/genetic experiments at all still. Despite being two brilliant genetic engineers who finally created the first two viable human-alien hybrids; even they couldn¡¯t figure that one out in just one afternoon, apparently. They almost seemed relieved that the two lovers were upstairs together right then. Odd as that change of their world view was.

    The two did decide to let Sky and Star be, at least until dinner time. Mainly, they were just hoping that some idea of how to deal with any of this new knowledge would come to them. Especially when they were already dealing with another life-altering event in their children¡¯s lives as it was.

    When Sky and Star did join them for dinner, it was once again a silent meal wherein hardly any food was touched by anyone around the table. Finally, Brie found something to say, hoping she would only receive a blank look from each of the teens in return.

    ¡°So, have you two ever heard of something called Project Nebula?¡± she asked, trying to sound conversational. Though, when Sky and Star both snapped their heads up, what little color they had draining from their faces, their entire bodies tensing, Brie knew that this was not going to be an easy conversation in any way.

    ¡°What?¡± Sky choked on the word, as Star was too frozen to even speak at all then. As the last time they had ever heard themselves referred to by that name was the last night of their year of sexual slavery; the year that had culminated in them killing over fifty people, with only their minds... while forcing themselves to be intimate with one another again, just to save what little was left of themselves at all.

    Connor just looked at them with his own shock, as Brie tried to force her shaking voice to continue, ¡°I take it that¡¯s a yes?¡±

    ¡°That never happened here. That didn¡¯t happen in this life¡± Sky denied, very nearly hyperventilating again.

    ¡°This life?¡± Brie asked, with further confusion, voice still shaking with many emotions, one of which almost seemed to be fear.

    ¡°Where did you hear about Project Nebula?¡± Sky asked, forcing back his own emotions as the only thing that had made this life bearable was those erased memories; erased memories that seemed to stay completely erased for years, and now were suddenly there again, inexplicably so.

    ¡°I think I asked you first¡± Brie stammered as she cautiously watched them both.

    Sky¡¯s voice breaking in desperation, ¡°please tell us what you know about that. Please¡± he pleaded.

    Brie swallowed a bit, ¡°it¡¯s kind of hard to know what we even should say, when we don¡¯t know what you know.¡±

    ¡°Well we know everything. Your turn¡± he stated with the same breathless tone, still frozen there just as Star was, but in silence.

    Brie took a deep breath, trying to force herself to be as open as she could. After all, these were still the same children she had raised as her own all their lives, weren¡¯t they? ¡°Do you know why Connor and I don¡¯t remember anything about any of the stuff that we found in those files today?¡±

    ¡°Files?¡± Star finally spoke, her voice just as strangled as Sky¡¯s had been.

    ¡°The files about how we made you¡± Connor supplied, trying to call on his own bravery as he looked between the children he too had raised all their lives.

    ¡°You found files about how you made us?¡± Star whispered as she cast a desperate look at Sky.

    ¡°And we don¡¯t have any memories of being there in that lab at all. Or doing what we supposedly did to... create the two of you. Or why we suddenly just left the lab locked up never to return for nearly two decades, while we just decided to raise you as our children instead. We don¡¯t remember any of that¡± Brie stated warily, ¡°but you two say you know all about that?¡± she asked as she tried not to make the words sound like an accusation, though she fell short.

    Sky finally took a brave breath as he forced his words forth, ¡°this isn¡¯t the first time we¡¯ve lived our lives, mom¡± he dropped his volume on the last word, then continued, ¡°the first time, you and daddidknow all about us. All about what we were. And we were the ones who didn¡¯t know a thing about what we are, or why we felt the way we did, or could do the things we could do. And in that first life... when you did know... you and dad, and your bosses; you destroyed us in every way possible, just for the sake of your fucking experiment. The only way we could survive at all was to make you forget. It was the only way we could save ourselves from the two of you.¡±

 Chapter 60

    Connor and Brie both felt their breath catch at that accusation. It took a long moment before either could find their voice. Brie always being the more vocal one when it came to all things concerning their children¡¯s welfare, found hers first, ¡°when you say ¡ädestroyedyou in every way,¡ä how literal are you being?¡±

    Sky just shook his head, ¡°you really want the details of the life that was so terrible we had to create an entirely new one just to survive at all?¡±

    Connor managed a few of his own words then, ¡°you say our crimes were so great that you had to literally erase our minds to survive being our children again. I think that garners us the right to a little more of an explanation, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Well, I did just tell Star I was sick of having to hide things, so you two might want a drink, or five. It¡¯s not a pretty story¡± Sky told them as he tried to force his tone to remain even, despite the more than anxious look on Star¡¯s face then.

    ¡°Just tell us¡± Connor stated quietly as he and Brie gave one another an equally anxious look.

    Sky took a long breath, trying to decide where he could even begin. It was true that he and Star could most likely just psychically put all those erased memories back. But somehow the thought that it could turn their now seemingly loving parents back into the detached scientists who didn¡¯t think of them as human at all; that was a risk they wouldn¡¯t take. Instead, they would tell those now ¡®loving¡¯ parents, in all the heartbreaking detail, exactlywhythey had done what they had done to save themselves.

    ¡°For starters, you two did everything in your power to convince us we were actually twins; up to and including fake birth certificates. All because you were afraid of what would happen if we ever became lovers. Which means you were more than aware that that was all we had always wanted to be. So, instead of telling us the truth and letting us love one another; you convinced us that we were sick and demented and twisted and horrible human beings for feeling the way we felt for each other. And like I said, that was for starters¡± he repeated coolly.

    Then Star added, ¡°don¡¯t forget. The night she told us about the so-called proof of us being twins, that was when Sky first tried to kill himself. Because that¡¯s how horrible the two of you wanted us to feel about loving each other. Even though we were literally made to love each other; and you knew it¡± Star sniffled sadly, as Sky¡¯s eyes dropped back to the table; both of them trying not to even look up to see their parents¡¯ reactions then.

    ¡°Where to go next?¡± Sky stated with a heavy sigh, ¡°oh yeah, our one last ditch effort to convince ourselves that we weren¡¯t as sick and twisted as you wanted us to think we were. The blood test. We got our science teacher and a doctor to test our blood, just to prove that maybe we really weren¡¯t related after all, and maybe we wouldn¡¯t burn in hell for caring about each other. Then both the science teacher and the doctor ended up dead. Guess that¡¯s when you finally did tell your bosses about what we were. So they could clean up that little mess. And after they knew about us... that¡¯s when things got so much more....¡± he just shook his head again.

    ¡°Of course there was the next day¡± Star added, ¡°after we found out about our teacher getting killed and after we could no longer even reach the doctor about the tests. That was when Sky found me crying in the shower, afraid that we had somehow gotten at least one, if not two, innocent people killed just by trying to find out who we really were¡± she sighed again. ¡°That was when we first just accepted whatever damnation was waiting for us, and finally just stopped fighting what we felt¡± she took another deep breath. ¡°Then, when you found out the two of us had finally given into the desires we couldn¡¯t fight if we wanted to; that¡¯s the first time you locked us up in a house full of cameras to document what we could do when we ¡®combined.¡¯ Did I mention we were fourteen at this point in time? And that we had spent most of that year giving ourselves to college kids, in that way, just to try and forget what we felt for each other?¡± she added pointedly as Brie and Connor just listened, more and more shocked and upset by every revelation they were hearing about this other life their children had led, and at such a young age at that.

    Sky then spoke again, ¡°we also forgot to mention that Curt tried to rape me in that other life too. Only Star was able to save me that time. Only, when she told you what happened; well mom, you asked what I did to bring it on. And dad, you pretty much had already told us that we deserved what the other kids did to us since we look the way we look. That really helped with the guilt we were already feeling about being ¡®twins¡¯ who were in love with each other and just trying to bury it in any other people we could; let me tell you.¡±

    Then Star added, ¡°and again, this was all before we even turned fifteen.¡±

    Ignoring the continued shock and horror on their parents¡¯ faces, Sky pressed on, ¡°so then came that ninth grade holiday season. The one where Curt forced us to have sex with each other, at gunpoint so he could film the twins going at it and show it to the world. In that life, we used our abilities to kill him, and Tim, and his other friend Scott for what they did to us. That was when your bosses covered it up so you could drug us and lock us up for the next two years, trying to get us to, wait for it; have sex in a house full of cameras. Of course, unlike the now dead asshole and his friends, you guys didn¡¯t want anyone to see that shit, except your bosses of course; so you coulddocumentwhatever little tricks your fourteen year old children could do when they made love to each other, again, in a house full of cameras. Cameras that you two spent eight hours a day monitoring, for two years. But hey, you two did finally admit to us that you had lied about us being twins all our lives, and hey, we¡¯re actually sixteen by the time this part ends; so there¡¯s that at least¡± he added with a pained sarcasm, trying to ignore how both of them were struggling, and failing, to hold back their emotions as they listened to all of this.

    Star took a breath, as this was the most painful part of the story yet, and Sky had suffered enough, so she tried to force her way through it instead. ¡°Then, your bosses got impatient after two years of us not cooperating, and they took us away to some other lab, with some other team of scientists. And this is where we find out our little code name: Project Nebula. And then they just beat us, and drugged us, and forced us to have sex with each other every day, while they watched, and filmed us, and took their notes, and tried to see what little tricks the sixteen year olds could do when they had sex, whether they wanted to or not. Then when we no longer could feel anything anymore, and our powers wouldn¡¯t work at all because of it; that¡¯s when they told us they wanted us to just have a child or two for them to study instead. That¡¯s when we killed them all too, by forcing ourselves to make love to each other one more time, after that year of horror¡± she finished, ignoring Brie¡¯s now more than apparent sobs and the tears Connor was trying to bite back then as well.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see, what else?¡± Sky asked as he took a breath.

    ¡°There¡¯s more?¡± Brie bit out through another sob of disbelief.

    ¡°I guess we could just fast forward past the summer where we could no longer even touch each other and just spent every night in bed with strangers to try and get back that control we had had stolen from us for an entire year; and just get to the part where we run into you two again.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Brie asked through another sob.

    Sky continued, ¡°yeah, that was when dad had the idea to try to take away our powers once and for all. Which would have most likely meant taking away the love we have for each other too. Which was pretty much theonlything we had left at that point. And again, this was all before we were ever even so-called ¡®adults.¡¯ Needless to say, we couldn¡¯t lose that one last, most important piece of ourselves. So that¡¯s when we did the mind wipe, and tried to give you guys another chance to be our parents. And try to give ourselves any chance at all of even wanting to go on living another day after all that we had already been through¡± he stated, forcing back his own tears then.

    Then Star finished for him, ¡°and so we broke space and time, and erased your memories of what we were, and then started our lives over again, as your children. Hoping that you would actually love us in this life, if only you didn¡¯t know what we were, even though it was the two of you that made us what we were in the first place¡± she finished, her tears matching those of every single member of that family that she and Sky had tried to finally make for themselves.

    So, after another long silence filled only with tears and sniffles, Sky finally took one more breath as he looked between them, ¡°so, you two can lock us up in some lab again, or worse, if that¡¯s what you feel you have to do because of us being ¡®too dangerous.¡¯ Even though you spent seventeen years not thinking there was anything dangerous about us at all, and just being our parents; but if that¡¯s how you feel now... then do what you think you have to do. But we reset the whole entire world before, we can do it again if we have to. We were just hoping that it wouldn¡¯t come to that again.. in this life, anyway.¡±

    And with that, he and Star both stood and left the room, leaving their makers to think long and hard on what they honestly thought their creations deserved to be treated like in this life, after all they had already endured in all the ones they had already lived.

    <hr>

    It was well over an hour later when Brie and Connor finally left the dining room and dared to enter the living room. There, Sky and Star sat on the couch, hands interlocked as they waited to see how exactly their ¡®parents¡¯ did truly think they deserved to be ¡®dealt with¡¯ in this life as well.

    Brie and Connor each took a breath as they looked at each other, then back at Star and Sky. Finally, Brie was the first to speak again, ¡°Your powers only work when you... when you¡¯re intimate?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s how it was in life number one¡± Star stated sadly, ¡°but that was a really long time ago. We can control them now. No sex needed¡± she added with another sad look down.

    Then Sky added, ¡°I think the fact that you lived in the same house as us for our entire lives and never had a clue about any of our abilities at all; that pretty much proves how much control we have in this life.¡±

    Brie and Connor gave each other another cautious look before she spoke again, ¡°so, how did what happened to you happen, on Thursday,¡± she added as she looked down again, ¡°if you really do have all these abilities?¡± she directed the question to Sky.

    Sky let out a heavy sigh, ¡°this isn¡¯t just our second attempt at life either¡± he admitted, ¡°in the last one, we did use our abilities to try to protect ourselves. Once again, it ended up with us in a lab. But at least it wasn¡¯t you two that put us there, that time. And once again, we found ourselves having no choice but to go back for attempt number three at having a life. Take three: parents who love you and abilities no one else can ever know about, no matter the cost. That¡¯s this time around anyway.¡±

    Star put in, ¡°and we really don¡¯t wanna have to figure out life number four, even though this one has turned out a lot worse than we wanted it to. At this point, there''s still no one else who knows about our abilities, at least¡± Star stated sadly as she squeezed Sky¡¯s hand again.

    Sky then added, ¡°and, that¡¯s the trade off; we can try and try again, but we still have every bit of every life still there inside our heads, forever. Making it that much harder to deal with the next life, no matter how perfect we try and make it. What¡¯s in our heads will always be there, in any life.¡±

    Star then almost smiled, ¡°so now you can see why you telling us you didn¡¯t want us to sleep together was so... laughable¡± she decided on, ¡°to us. After the lives we¡¯ve lived; that was so low on the list of...¡± she just shook her head. ¡°But we still tried to respect your wishes as best we could. Don¡¯t think we¡¯ve ever had sex in this house once; at least in this life anyway¡± she had to add.

    Connor and Brie just gave each other another look, as if they had no idea what to even say at that point. Connor finally spoke then, ¡°so, how long have you two actually been doing this? Trying to live these lives over and over until you finally get it right?¡±

    Then Star and Sky looked at each other with sad shrugs. Star finally gave some answer, ¡°I think we¡¯ve technically been alive for over twenty years; but time is sort of relative when we¡¯re... ¡®between realities,¡¯ so maybe longer¡± she stated sadly.

    After another long pause as their parents silently digested all the information they now had been given, Sky finally had to speak again, ¡°so, are you gonna try to lock us up and study us again now? Just wanna know if I should bother with my homework tonight; or just pack for life number four¡± he stated with a weak attempt at humor to cover he and Star¡¯s very real worry about that being the case now that their true natures were once again known to their parents.

    That was when Brie and Connor looked to each other for one more bit of courage before Connor responded, ¡°you shouldn¡¯t fall behind on your homework, Sky. We have colleges to visit this weekend.¡±

    And thus began life number three, part two: parents who still seemed to want to try and love them, and make up for some part of what they had already endured; even though they knew what the two of them truly were, at last.

    Now, all they would have to deal with in this life, was trusting that their parents would stay their parents, and not revert to just their makers. And of course school, and Curt, and the upcoming class trip, and all the rest of the minefields they were sure were still waiting to trip them up. And lastly, the final thing they¡¯d have to deal with in this life was the same as what they had always had to deal with; all the power, and the horror, locked up inside their own heads.

 Chapter 61

    When the adults went to bed for the night, they were quite a long way from actually sleeping. Both were still numb with shock over the atrocities recounted by their own children, if they could even refer to Star and Sky as children anymore. After all those two, who were only seventeen in the eyes of the rest of the world, were not only literally older; but had suffered much more than most adults ever did in a life four times as long. But most upsetting of all of what they had been told that night was that a great deal of the pain and abuse that Sky and Star endured was actually at the hands of they themselves. Even though, in this life, they had always believed that it was their job to protect them. And now Sky had been abused even further in this life as well, and it was obvious that Star also felt that pain just as deeply as if it had happened to her.

    As the two sat on the bed, even more horrified than they had been the night before, Brie whispered, ¡°how could they ever want us to be their parents again? After all of that?¡±

    Connor¡¯s eyes dropped from the hole he had been staring into the wall in front of their bed then, ¡°I suppose we are the only parents they ever knew. The only thing they had to cling to, other than each other; despite how much we didn¡¯t deserve that trust at all.¡±

    ¡°They killed people in that original life; people who victimized them. We victimized them too, Connor. How could they not want us dead as well?¡± she sniffled.

    ¡°Same answer as the last one I guess; we were all they had left, except each other. And they¡¯ve had seventeen years, longer even, to take our lives. If they truly wanted to, I¡¯m sure they could have. And I somehow don¡¯t think they want to have to kill ever again. If they did, don¡¯t you think that rapist prick would be dead in this life too?¡±

    ¡°He should be¡± Brie returned. She then shook her head, ¡°I understand them trying to hide their powers, but when that boy hurt Sky like that, I don¡¯t understand how he wouldn¡¯t have defended himself any way he could, regardless of the consequences.¡±

    ¡°Maybe he couldn¡¯t then for some reason? They said that their powers stopped working after that horrible year. Maybe Sky couldn¡¯t get them to work then either? I mean, power as amazing as what they have, there¡¯s gotta be some drawback besides just having to remember every failed attempt at leading other happy lives in the past. We just don¡¯t know enough about their abilities to understand why he wouldn¡¯t have used them against that attack if he could have.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t even tell me you¡¯re thinking about studying them again!¡± she exclaimed as she cast him a dark look.

    ¡°No. Not like that anyway. Not after what he¡¯s already been through. And it¡¯s not like we could lock them up like that ever again anyway; especially if they can just reset the whole world, like they say. And I wouldn¡¯t want to¡± he quickly added, ¡°but I want to understand them. Which would be true even if they weren¡¯t part-alien¡± he stated as he shook his head at his own words, still having trouble believing any of this new reality that his children had endured in silence for years.

    Meanwhile upstairs, Star was once again curled up with Sky atop his bed, despite the hour nearing midnight. Though Sky wasn¡¯t sure if it was just that she was afraid to leave him alone for fear that he would be hurt again, be it by himself or someone else; or if it was really just her also being too shattered to be away from him for even just the few hours it took to sleep each night. Not that he really had any desire to be away from her either. He was struggling to not want to hurt himself again, but clinging to her was the only thing giving him strength, just like he had told her.

    They waited for sleep to overtake them; not that that was likely after recounting their entire lives to their parents at last. As the minutes ticked by, Star once again slid her fingers underneath his shirt, trailing them lightly over his warm skin. After several more moments, she looked up at him, though his eyes were staring at the ceiling above them, his mind racing as it had been for the five days since his run in with Curt.

    Star lay her head on his chest again and took another breath before bravely letting her hand slowly make its way toward the front of his pants then. She touched him even more gently through the velvet material then as she felt his breath catch and his heart speed up at the touch.

    Upon hearing his heart rate increase, she paused a moment and whispered, ¡°is this ok?¡±

    Sky just let out a slight breath before answering, ¡°if you keep touching me for a few more seconds, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll know that answer.¡±

    Star tried a small smile then, hoping he meant it and wasn¡¯t just trying to tell her what she hoped to hear; some hint that he would maybe be all right, someday. She then continued gently rubbing him through that snug black velvet, nearly tearing up with relief when he slowly began hardening at the touch.

    Once he was nearly fully aroused by just that gentle touch, she slowly began tentatively undoing the first of the four buttons at the front of his pants, ¡°is this ok too?¡± she whispered after the second was undone.

    Sky just shook his head, a smile almost touching his lips, ¡°would you stop asking me that if we went to the silver room first?¡± he then added, ¡°I just figured it wasn¡¯t really a necessary precaution tonight, considering I doubt our parents¡¯ main concern is currently whether or not we¡¯re having naked time in the house anymore.¡±

    Star then stopped after undoing the third button and looked up at him with a question in her eyes, ¡°would you be all right with that too?¡±Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    Sky almost smiled, almost, ¡°with what? Naked time? One more button and I¡¯m pretty sure we¡¯ll be there.¡± he added wryly.

    Star bit her lip to hold back her smile at his comment, glad some part of him was still in there, buried under all that hurt and pain. She then finished undoing the final button and moved to part the front of his pants, as her eyes moved to where he was now fully aroused by her attention.

    With another small sound of relief, she moved to take him into her mouth as gently as possible. As Sky let out a slight gasp at her lips closing around him he arched his hips slightly and pressed his head back into the pillow, his pretty eyes closing as he waited for her touch to hopefully make him forget all that horror and shame and hurt and pain, at least for a little while.

    Though they didn¡¯t actually make love that night, Star did manage to make him feel enough pleasure once again that he could finally fall asleep in her arms at last. And that¡¯s where she stayed, holding him through the night, doing what little she could to even try to fix a fraction of what was so broken in him now; and therefore, broken in her as well.

    Sky actually awoke first, a good half hour or so before his alarm even went off that Wednesday morning. When he opened his eyes, he realized he was still laying next to her, his pants open, her lipstick smudged with the same shade he found when he looked down at himself; and he almost smiled again, almost.

    He then looked back down at where she still slept soundly in his bed, her skirt having ridden up to expose those black lace panties during the night. His breath caught a bit at that as he felt an ever so slight stir in his loins when his eyes moved over her.

    Looking at the clock, then his locked bedroom door, then back at her, he took another shallow breath. He somehow always felt guilty if there were ever a time when both of them hadn¡¯t achieved that final release during any encounter between them. Discounting their year of hell, he did his best to make sure that was never actually an occurrence in their romantic life; perhaps because of their year of hell, but even before that, he had felt that way as well. On that thought, he took another breath and moved to gently start pulling her panties down from her hips.

    Easily waking to the feel of his hands finally undressing her again, Star did smile down at him then. ¡°Unfinished business?¡± she teased through a sleep raw voice.

    ¡°You know me so well¡± he replied, though he didn¡¯t look up from his task, Instead, he pulled the flimsy lace the rest of the way down her legs and dropped the garment onto the floor. He then moved to push her skirt upwards, in yet another moment so reminiscent of their second first time; at least before the horrible part started when Cassie had arrived.

    He then moved to begin his task, Star easily reminded of why that stud in his tongue was her favorite accessory of all his millions of pieces of jewelry. Sometime during her third climax, the alarm finally went off as Sky finally moved back from her now trembling body to silence the shrill screech coming from his clock.

    ¡°There¡¯s that damn timing kryptonite again,¡± he told her with what actually managed to become a smile that time.

    Speaking breathlessly as she pushed sweat-damp locks from her face, ¡°We may be developing a tolerance to it; you did make me come three times before it kicked in,¡± she teased.

    Sky then nearly laughed at her comment, ¡°Do you always count how many times I make you come?¡±

    ¡°The joys of being a girl; multiple orgasms and all,¡± she teased back.

    Sky just smirked at her, ¡°You and you XX chromosomal superiority. No wonder I spend so much time trying to out-pretty every girl in town.¡±

    ¡°And the ironic part,¡± Star began as she shakily pushed herself up to move across the bed and cover his mouth with hers, ¡°is that you don¡¯t even have to try to out-pretty them. You were made with damn good genes.¡±

    ¡°Look at me, suddenly an overachiever,¡± Sky smirked again.

    ¡°You mean you didn¡¯t know that¡¯s what you were after the way you pass out those multiple orgasms?¡± she teased him once more as she gave him one more kiss, then went on her way to get herself ready to face yet another school day, hoping it would be better than some other recent ones; it had to be, right?

    <hr>

    Though Sky and Star had managed to find the ability to smile once or twice throughout the previous night and then again that morning; their smiles wavered again as they finished getting ready for school and then remembered they had to once again face their parents that morning. And that was definitely worrisome after the previous night, when all those long-held secrets were finally uncovered.

    When Sky entered the kitchen/dining room, Brie and Connor were stiffly seated at the counter-island, both clenching a cup of coffee tightly in their hands. ¡°Morning¡± Sky greeted them warily as he appeared first, as Star needed a little more time that morning, somehow.

    Brie took a breath as she looked at Connor, then back at Sky as he reached for the juice he usually had with his bagel most mornings. She then turned her eyes back to Sky again just as Star finally entered the room as well. ¡°Sky, there¡¯s one thing...¡± she then shook her head, ¡°well, many things really, but the one worrying us the most right now, before you go back to school today... we need to ask you to explain one more thing to us¡± she finally decided on, her discomfort obvious.

    ¡°Not sure what else there is to tell¡± Sky returned as he and Star took seats at the opposite side of the counter, ¡°but shoot¡± he shrugged warily.

    Brie took a moment, then continued, ¡°I know it¡¯s probably the last thing that you wanna keep talking about, but you say you can do all these things, amazing things, with just your minds. And I know how terrified you must both be of having your abilities discovered again. But, I¡¯d think, that during the... situation¡± she decided on, ¡°that you were in last week, that pure panic alone would make your abilities kick in to save you. Why didn¡¯t they?¡± she asked softly.

    Sky and Star looked at each other warily then, trying to decide exactly what answer they should give. For all the lurid details of the horrors they had suffered, one of the only things they left out, other than the silver room and Veda, was their one weakness; that need to be together in order to not be completely and totally defenseless, as he was that day with Curt.

    Sky took a breath as he looked at Star, ¡°do we finally trust them enough to tell them that?¡±

    ¡°Tell us what?¡± Connor asked worriedly.

    ¡°The reason why we¡¯re drawn together¡± Star answered softly, ¡°we have to be¡± she told them softly. ¡°And now you know.¡±

    ¡°You have to be?¡± Connor asked, still needing more clarification.

    ¡°We need to be¡± Sky let out a breath, ¡°we have to be at least near each other in order to do... anything¡± he admitted with a heavy sigh. ¡°Now prove to us that you really can be trusted, and you really do love us now; and don¡¯t make us regret telling you that. We¡¯ve had enough pain haven¡¯t we?¡±

 Chapter 62

    When Star found Sky before the dreaded second period study hall they had to practically start each day with, he was standing outside the classroom, making an obvious attempt to force enough composure to go inside and have to face his attacker for the third time now since the attack had happened.

    ¡°It¡¯s study hall, Sky¡± she told him sadly, ¡°like I said, we can definitely skip this one. Hell, the teacher skips it most of the time¡± she added softly.

    ¡°Then he wins¡± was Sky¡¯s only answer as he finally made his feet carry him through the door.

    As Curt¡¯s first period class was right across the hall, he beat the two of them there most days, which at least cut down on having to see him in the hall on the way there, if nothing else. Once again, Curt was in his seat already when Sky and Star arrived, forcing them to have to make their way past his desk before getting to their own.

    Apparently two school days was the limit on holding his tongue for Curt, as he spoke up as Sky moved past, ¡°Hey, Sky. Missed catching you after gym yesterday. Was hoping we could have another chat, over the sink.¡±

    Sky¡¯s whole body tensed as he froze then, that look of hatred immediately springing to his face. With clenched teeth, he forced himself to look back at Curt. Breathing the words more than speaking them, Sky responded, ¡°one day, Curt, you are going to sayor dothe wrong thing, to the wrong person, and no power in the fucking universe will stop you from having to pay for being the kind of piece of shit that you are!¡± and with that coldly delivered promise, Sky moved off to his seat, Star hurrying after him, having forgotten to breathe the second Sky opened his mouth at all.

    When the two of them did sit down, Star looked at Sky with a combination of worry and sadness. She then whispered, ¡°is the power that makes him pay going to be us?¡±

    ¡°Trying not to let it be¡± Sky mumbled as he took out one of his books, ¡°but so help me, if he ever tries to touchyouagain, then there really will be nothing that¡¯ll save him.¡±

    <hr>

    That day at lunch, their tiny little group of friends went out to the parking lot with Sky to retrieve a school project that the two had left in the car that morning for one of their afternoon classes. Luckily, the parking lot was on the opposite side of the school than the football field where the less desirable members of the student body spent lunch. But nonetheless, Star insisted on going with Sky for matters of safety, and Crista insisted on tagging along for other, less noble reasons that had something to do with Sky¡¯s tight vinyl pants and Star¡¯s short skirt; and Alana went along as well, as she had no desire to be left alone either.

    As the day was rather nice, Sky and the three pretty girls, who altogether, looked like four pretty girls to those who didn¡¯t know them, decided to remain outside for lunch. There were enough other students with the same idea that they hoped that they would be safe enough, especially in a group of four. Sky was leaning against his car with a cigarette in hand as the teachers rarely enforced the no smoking rule in the senior lot even during lunch. They were usually too busy having their own lunches or cigarettes in the faculty lounges. The car behind him, Star to his right, Alana in front of him, and Crista to his left; the four chatted while at least two of the girls spent a lot of the conversation staring at Sky with obvious admiration and attraction. One of which was his lover, so her stare was her natural state. The other of course was Crista who had done nothingbutstare at him since meeting him at all. And Alana most likely found him attractive as well, considering her own tastes, but she was too shy to even look directly at him most days, or anyone else for that matter.

    Though, when Curt reappeared from around the side of the school to go back to his own car for something, he centered an angry glare on the group. There was something about seeing Sky as apparently the center of attention for three beautiful girls, as well as Sky¡¯s words from this morning still grating on him; those factors then combined to the point that Curt didn¡¯t seem to care much about the other students in the lot, and those with Sky himself that day.

    He then approached, glare still in place. When the four noted him heading their way, there was obvious tension in all of them as he roughly pushed Alana out of the way to step in closer to Sky. He then spoke in that self assured growl, ¡°it¡¯s not nice to threaten people, Sky. After all, the teachers already think you freaks are all about to snap and take out half the school, don¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Threaten people?¡± Sky scoffed, trying to hold his composure in the face of his abuser once more, ¡°but I guess it¡¯s ok to do what you did to me? Right Curt?¡± he stated bitterly as he took a drag from his cigarette to try and calm his nerves further.

    That was when Curt reached up to snatch the cigarette from Sky¡¯s darkly colored lips and spin him around to bend him over the hood of the car, causing all of his companions to let out a squeal at the action. Sky used every bit of his will to force back any tears as he immediately thought he was about to be violated by this boy once more. Instead of violating him though, Curt instead moved to grind the lit cigarette into Sky¡¯s arm as he yelped in pain.

    ¡°That shit never happened, you little faggot. Maybe this¡¯ll help you remember that¡± he bit out as he drove the cigarette deeper into his pale flesh.

    Her heart nearly beating out of her chest with rage then, Star centered a cold, angry glare on the boy who was once again inflicting any sort of pain on her other half. In the next moment, Curt dropped the cigarette and released Sky from his grasp as he stumbled back from the group. His hands immediately went to cover his ears as he flinched in some kind of pain as an ear piercing screech filled his head, which apparently no one else could hear at all.

    ¡°What the fuck?¡± he bit out, looking around, still holding his ears to try and block out the deafening noise that only he seemed to hear as Star continued to glare over at him, breathing heavily as she held him in a gaze filled with hatred. ¡°What the fuck?¡± he asked again as he looked around at the confused faces of Alana and Crista and any other nearby students. ¡°Fuck¡± he muttered, still painfully holding his ears against the noise no one else heard as he stumbled backwards away from them, heading back toward the school in some effort to escape the pain in his head at the sound.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    When Curt finally retreated back inside the school, Star let her gaze drop back to the ground at last as she let out a few heavy breaths before turning her attention back to Sky. Meanwhile, Crista and Alana both just looked beyond shaken by the entire encounter. ¡°Are you ok?¡± Star whispered to Sky, out of breath as she quickly moved to inspect the ash-filled burn on his arm.

    ¡°Could¡¯ve went worse, I suppose¡± Sky answered, his own breath short, tears in his eyes from not only the pain but also from his own knowledge of what Star had just made happen to his attacker.

    Thankfully though, Curt hearing things was something that would be less likely to make onlookers suspect anything other than Curt possibly losing his mind; which wasn¡¯t all that much of a stretch for a boy with his obvious issues already. So they held onto the hope that maybe they would still be safe. Well, as safe as anyone could be in a world where Curt was still breathing.

    Star tore a long strip of black from her already ripped gloves and wrapped it around Sky¡¯s burnt arm, her breath still struggling to return to normal after the attack, just as Sky¡¯s was. That was when Crista and Alana exchanged another worried look before the younger spoke, ¡°what he did to you?¡± she asked Sky with more than a bit of her own sadness at the thought that Curt had hurt the boy she was so enamored with on multiple occasions now.

    Sky and Star looked to each other before Sky managed an answer. ¡°more of the same shit. It¡¯s just who he is¡± Sky added in a bitter mumble as Star finished wrapping his arm.

    ¡°You should probably have the nurse do this right¡± Star told him sadly.

    ¡°Just having a little trouble trusting the faculty to do anything right these days¡± Sky returned in the same mumble, eyes cast down.

    That was finally when the warning bell for the end of lunch rang and caused all their sad eyes to turn back toward the school. Alana let out a small breath, offered them a look of sympathy, and even moved closer to give Sky a gentle hug before heading off toward the school doors. Then Crista offered him the same sort of smile and moved to give him a much tighter hug, taking a few seconds too long to press her breasts to his chest and her hips tightly against his own before offering him a slightly more mischievous smile and heading inside as well.

    Star just smirked as Crista moved away, then looked back up at Sky, ¡°you know, you might have to eventually give in to deflowering her in this world too. That girl¡¯s got it bad for you¡± she tried to tease to lighten the mood, if possible.

    ¡°Is that so you¡¯ll have the green light to do naughty things to her too?¡± Sky asked, almost managing a smile.

    ¡°Me? I¡¯m sweet and innocent¡± Star told him with that feigned innocence she spoke of.

    ¡°I think your lipstick is still smudged from last night, miss innocent¡± he told her with another smirk.

    ¡°Shut up, you¡± she chuckled as she moved to give him her own warm embrace, as well as a long, tender kiss upon the lips before squeezing his hand and grabbing her bag to head back into the school after their friends, and their enemy of course.

    Sky let out a bit of a sigh as he finally turned to claim the school project that had started this whole encounter in the first place. That was when he heard someone clearing their throat nearby before another male¡¯s voice, unsure though it was, greeted him, ¡°I just started today, and... I guess you¡¯re the person I should really make friends with around here. Considering how friendly you and those three...uh... seem.¡±

    As the other teen spoke, Sky turned back to the sound of his voice, and his words. Though Sky¡¯s breath then caught as he took in the appearance of this new boy who seemed so interested in being friends withhimof all people. Sky¡¯s eyes moved over the long lavender hair, cat-green eyes, thick eyeliner and pale pink lipstick, before then moving over the other boy¡¯s rather clinging black clothing as Sky bit his lip, trying to regain that composure again; though this time having lost it for a much more pleasant reason than the last.

    ¡°Hi¡± Sky made himself breathe the response.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re not just interested in only being friends with all those prettygirlsthen?¡± the boy teased slightly at Sky¡¯s obvious reaction to their more than similar style.

    ¡°I¡¯m kinda equal opportunity when it comes to... friends¡± Sky stated, dropping his tone deliberately on the final word.

    ¡°Then we should get along great¡± the lavender-haired boy smirked as he held out his well-manicured hand, ¡°I¡¯m Kole, with a K¡± he added with another smile.

    ¡°I would¡¯ve guessed hot with an H¡± Sky stated under his breath, then quickly added, ¡°Sky. My name, that is¡± he added with his own smile.

    ¡°So nice to meet you, Sky¡± Kole returned as he let his eyes move over Sky then as well, content that his gaze would be welcomed, among other attentions he was sure.

    Taking another moment to gain any more of that composure, Sky made himself remember that he did have the rest of his school day to get to. With a breath, he lifted the rather large school project into his arms, still flinching a bit at the burn, just in case he had forgotten his pain momentarily.

    Sky then looked back at Kole, ¡°word of warning, me and those girls may be friendly, but there are many more unfriendlies waiting inside for people like us.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure there are. I left several of them at my old school too. I didn¡¯t just accidentally wake up looking like this today, after all¡± Kole added with a slight smirk as he began following Sky toward the door, happy to trail a few steps behind him as his eyes moved over Sky from that angle as well then.

    ¡°That would be some accident¡± Sky returned with his own small smirk then as Kole moved to open the door for him, as his hands were a bit full.

    Once they were inside, Kole took a breath as he looked around at the group of his new school mates making their way to their lockers before sixth period. He then looked back at Sky, ¡°office?¡± he asked.

    ¡°That way¡± he smiled as he nodded in the proper direction. Kole just smiled, gave him a slight bow and headed off in the indicated direction as Sky then got a chance to view the other boy from that angle as well.

    That was when Star noted Sky¡¯s return as she had still been speaking to Alana quietly in the hall. As Alana bid her farewell and headed for her next class, Star¡¯s gaze followed Sky¡¯s to where the new boy was heading down the hall away from them.

    ¡°And, who isthat?¡± she asked Sky a little breathlessly.

    ¡°Thatis the new boy; Kole, with a K¡± Sky breathed as they both moved their eyes over his retreating form.

    Star swallowed a bit, ¡°so now we¡¯ve got Crista,andKole, with a K? And we thought our orgy-filled nights were over.¡±

    Then Sky smirked back down at her, ¡°yeah, you¡¯resoinnocent¡± he teased as he finally began heading to class; though that smile remained, despite having been lost for so long.

 Chapter 63

    It was Sky¡¯s seventh period health class when he had occasion to lay eyes on the new boy again. His breath caught once more as his eyes easily noted that lavender mane as Kole stepped into class. Taking note of his new classmates, Kole easily spotted Sky as well and gave him a rather mischievous smile before making those four inch heels on the platform boots he wore that day carry him across the room.

    Kole took a seat next to Sky, his eyes moving over him once more, ¡°so, is this the class where they teach us all about the birds and bees, while forgetting all about the birds and birds and bees and bees, and all the other colorful combinations in between?¡± Kole smirked.

    Sky couldn¡¯t help a small smile of his own then, ¡°I take it you¡¯ve had this class before?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t wait to find out which is the right combination; I¡¯ve been so confused my whole life¡± Kole offered with another smirk.

    Sky shook his head with another smile, then suddenly a less pleasant thought occurred to him as he looked back at Kole, ¡°if you have health this period, it¡¯s Monday, Wednesday, Friday right? With gym during seventh on Tuesdays and Thursdays?¡±

    ¡°I see you know my schedule better than me already¡± Kole returned.

    ¡°No, everybody that has health this period has gym that period¡± Sky returned. He then took a wary breath, ¡°just, this may sound weird but...¡±

    ¡°I like weird¡± Kole smiled again.

    Making himself finish his thought, Sky continued, ¡°but don¡¯t ever stay late after gym. Trust me on this one.¡±

    Kole narrowed his eyes a bit at that, then his smirk returned, ¡°but aren¡¯t you in that gym class that period too then? Staying late could be fun¡± he told him with even more blatant flirtation then.

    Forcing his mind to remain on the warning he was trying to give this other beautiful, and patently feminine, boy, Sky added warily, ¡°I¡¯m not in that gym class anymore.¡±

    ¡°And why is that?¡± Kole asked curiously.

    Sky took a deep breath, trying to figure out how to navigate that answer, ¡°because, the teacher, who will hate you on sight, by the way¡± he sighed again, ¡°he doesn¡¯t want me in there. It seems I confuse some of the more primitive males in this school, and they do shit like this¡± he offered as he pulled Star¡¯s ripped glove away from the still throbbing burn with a bit of a wince.

    ¡°Fuck¡± Kole stated as he saw the burn, ¡°which neanderthal did that? I might wanna be able to know it when I meet him.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you will¡± Sky scoffed as he winced again when he slid the glove back into place, ¡°Curt¡¯s real good at introducing himself to any of us freaks; and in lots of creative and unpleasant ways, at that¡± Sky answered bitterly.

    ¡°Curt?¡± Kole raised a brow.

    ¡°Yeah, Curt Spencer. The bane of anyone in this school who has an affinity for black clothes and eyeliner¡± Sky informed in the same bitter tone.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve heard of him¡± Kole responded, ice suddenly in his tone.

    ¡°Judging by that tone, I¡¯m guessing youhave¡± Sky returned, as he was now the one with the more curious look on his face.

    Kole looked down as though needing a moment himself then, ¡°yeah my girlfriend... former girlfriend¡± he corrected as he swallowed a lump in his throat, ¡°she went to school here a couple years ago. She mentioned him, once or twice¡± Kole answered, his tone now as bitter as Sky¡¯s.

    ¡°A couple years ago?" Sky asked, ¡°I probably knew her. What was her name?¡±

    ¡°Sammi¡± Kole answered as he looked down at his books, a darkness surrounding his previously jovial nature in an almost tangible way then.

    ¡°Sammi...¡± Sky then swallowed, ¡°the girl who...¡± but he didn¡¯t finish that sentence as Kole flinched slightly, not looking up then. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± Sky decided on sadly then, ¡°I remember her. I kinda liked her.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, me too.¡± was Kole¡¯s only response, the pain of that memory still more than obvious.

    <hr>

    When school ended that day, Sky was waiting outside the door for Star as he did most days. Thankfully, the football team practiced after school, so they were mostly distracted out on the field. On that note, he was relatively sure that this visit to the parking lot would be less painful than the last. Sky was checking his phone as he leaned against the wall at the top of the school steps.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Once again, the beautiful lavender-haired boy made his appearance. Though, he at least seemed to have forced his flirtatious smile back into place in the last couple of hours. ¡°We gotta stop meeting like this¡± Kole greeted Sky with another smirk.

    ¡°Well, I did need a new extracurricular activity this year¡± Sky smiled back at him, ¡°figured stalking could work¡± he teased as Kole moved to lean back against the wall next to him.

    ¡°Well, consider me honored¡± Kole teased back. He then reached into Sky¡¯s front pocket and claimed his pack of clove cigarettes, ¡°mind?¡± he asked with another smile.

    ¡°Gotta go better than last time someone borrowed one of my cigarettes¡± Sky mumbled, holding up his arm again, but trying to force himself to keep his attention on the phone instead of his companion.

    Kole just shook his head as though to chase away another bit of darkness at the mention of Curt once more. He then lit the cigarette, took a long drag, and finally leaned over to slide the pack back into Sky¡¯s pocket with deliberate slowness as Sky tried to hide the smirk, and failed.

    Kole then took a deep breath, and seemed to be debating about his next sentence. He finally gave in and spoke it, ¡°so, how long has Curt been doin shit like that?¡± he asked, nodding to Sky¡¯s arm again.

    Sky tensed a bit at the memory of other markedly worse things Curt had done, in multiple lives, but made himself answer, ¡°well as long as I¡¯ve known him.¡± He then looked back at Kole, ¡°so, what did Sammi tell you about him?¡± he dared.

    ¡°Nothing good¡± Kole stated, that ice there in his tone again then.

    ¡°He¡¯s been harassing me and my friends for ages. There¡¯s something so fucking wrong with him¡± Sky added in more of a mumble.

    ¡°Won¡¯t argue there¡± Kole replied in a near whisper.

    Sky then had to fight the urge to ask Kole exactly what he did know about Curt, but before he could, Star finally arrived outside, Crista in tow. Both girls took pause as they noted Sky¡¯s new friend, each blushing slightly and giving each other a small smile before moving toward Sky and Kole.

    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s your lunchtime friends¡± Kole stated as the girls approached, both of them not able to hide the way their eyes moved over him appreciatively. Of course, Kole¡¯s eyes did the same to each of them as well, as he took another drag and blew the smoke out through lips that were smiling once again.

    Sky just shook his head as both Crista and Star now seemed to be imagining what was underneath all of Kole¡¯s tight black clothing, not that he hadn¡¯t been doing that most of the day himself. He then remembered to make the introductions, ¡°Kole, with a K, this is our friend Crista, with a C, and my... uh...¡± he shook his head as Star looked at him expectantly, ¡°adopted sister, Star.¡±

    ¡°Smooth¡± Star stated as she just shook her head at Sky before moving to reach for Kole¡¯s hand. Of course, her own concentration took a hit when he moved to kiss her hand rather than just shaking it, and then did the same to Crista who tried not to audibly sigh right then, and failed.

    ¡°So,adoptedsister?¡± Kole narrowed his eyes as he looked between them, ¡°interesting family that kisses each other like that. No wonder you mentioned the adopted part¡± he chuckled.

    ¡°We have strange lives¡± Star told him, which was more than an understatement.

    Kole just allowed another chuckle, ¡°so, are there couples here, I mean, here¡± he gestured just between the four of them standing there.

    ¡°I¡¯m single¡± Crista offered a bit quickly.

    Kole just chuckled again, ¡°me too.¡± Ignoring Crista¡¯s wider smile at that piece of information, he looked back between Sky and Star, ¡°so if she¡¯snotyour sister...¡± he left that question hanging.

    Sky and Star looked back at each other, as though trying to process the question. It never occurred to them to try to put any label on what they were to each other; at least no label that others would ever understand.

    Star seemed to ponder the question for a moment longer before offering some answer, ¡°would saying ¡®it¡¯s complicated¡¯ be justtooclich¨¦?¡±

    Kole chuckled again, ¡°so you¡¯re into each other, but have the same parents, so; weird?¡± he offered his own rather adept appraisal.

    ¡°You¡¯re good¡± Star responded as she gave him another head to toe glance.

    ¡°I try¡± Kole replied with another flirtatious smile.

    After another moment as the boys each took a few minutes to finish a cigarette, Crista finally had to speak just to remind herself to breathe as she looked between her three companions then, ¡°so, what year are you, Kole?¡±

    ¡°Senior¡± he offered, ¡°great time to start a new school, I know.¡±

    ¡°Dammit why is every hot guy in the senior class?¡± Crista complained, then blushed, ¡°and hot girl¡± she added as she looked at Star. She then blushed again as they all looked back at her. ¡°I¡¯m not helping myself, am I?¡±

    They all just chuckled then, but her awkwardness seemed adorable to all of them, ¡°freshman I take it?¡± Kole replied.

    ¡°Is it that obvious?¡± Crista asked with another blush.

    ¡°No¡± he smiled back, ¡°I did think you were a bit older, but I always aim lower when it comes to guessing girl¡¯s ages. Safer that way; considering I¡¯ll be eighteen in like, six weeks¡± he added with a shake of his head.

    ¡°Six weeks? Shit¡± Crista complained. She then looked between the three older teens again, ¡°back to not helping myself again, right?¡± she added with another blush.

    Then Kole just had to help quell her embarrassment by adding, ¡°trust me, I¡¯m suddenly not very happy about that looming birthday either¡± he smirked, while Crista¡¯s breath caught again as she moved her eyes over him once more.

    That was when Sky just had to laugh at the interaction, ¡°don¡¯t despair, Crista; you still have til April before me and Star turn eighteen¡± he assured her, which then just caused her to let out another short breath.

    At that obvious flirtation on Sky¡¯s part, Kole spoke again, ¡°complicated indeed.¡±

    Then Sky looked back over at him, ¡°it¡¯s a small town; we gotta entertain ourselves somehow, right?¡± he smirked.

    ¡°Can¡¯t wait to find out for myself¡± Kole responded as he finished his cigarette, offered them all a somewhat flirtatious smile, and bid them farewell as he headed to his own car, all of their eyes glued to him as he left all three of them wanting to help him find out for himself as well.

 Chapter 64

    When Sky and Star were finally on their way home again, each were actually almost managing a smile, as odd as that had been for the last week. When Star looked over at Sky as he pulled out of the school lot, she did manage the smile. ¡°Well, I like him¡± she offered.

    Sky just smirked, ¡°yeah, I got that.¡±

    She blushed slightly, then added, ¡°I don¡¯t just mean because he and you are the only guys in school that are so easy on the eyes¡± a small smirk, then more quietly, ¡°I mean because you seem to be smiling since you met him too.¡±

    Sky allowed a slight pause though his smile only wavered the tiniest bit, ¡°I believe I actually started smiling during naked time last night. But yes, he has convinced me that I¡¯m not quite ready to put a do not enter sign on my ass, just yet. Regardless of last week¡± he stated, even managing the slightest smirk.

    Star tried to move past the reminder of that and instead managed a smile at the memory of the night before, which easily led to memories of that morning as well. She then forced her mind back to the present, ¡°so what have we learned about the new boy so far?¡±

    Sky shook his head, ¡°I love the fact that when you¡¯re around I can get girl talk and orgasms both.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, the feeling¡¯s mutual¡± she teased, ¡°now spill.¡±

    ¡°Well he¡¯s so, so bi. Shocking, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m in awe¡± she smirked.

    ¡°And he¡¯s in my health class. That¡¯s nice¡± Sky added.

    ¡°Maybe the teacher will let the two of you teach the non-school approved curriculum this year?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so sure¡± Sky just shook his head before continuing as he drove them toward their destination, ¡°but get this, Curt¡¯s such an ass that the new kid has even heard about him. Though he didn¡¯t give a lot of details on what exactly he had heard; other than ¡®nothing good.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Seems accurate¡± Star concurred.

    ¡°But yeah, remember Sammi?¡± Sky asked, his voice dropping a bit.

    ¡°The girl who killed herself a couple years ago?¡± Star asked sadly.

    ¡°Yeah. Her.¡± Sky sighed again before moving on, ¡°apparently Sammi¡¯s actually the one who told Kole the ¡®nothing good¡¯ about Curt.¡±

    ¡°She dressed like us, had nothing good to say about Curt, and eventually killed herself¡± Star sighed sadly, ¡°not suspicious at all.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and I¡¯m pretty sure her and Kole were dating at the time. It was rough when he mentioned her. There was pain there¡± Sky stated softly.

    ¡°She was dating Kole andstillkilled herself? I think she was the one who must have had a hell of a lot of pain. Why would you wanna leave a life if that was who you were sharing it with?¡± Star commented, thinking on the event, which easily led to her thinking about Sky¡¯s own attempt on his life, and eventually the one she and he had both made in the next life as well.

    Sky allowed another sad pause as they slowly turned onto their street. ¡°so I¡¯m thinking there¡¯s definitely a lot more to that story. And I wanna ask him. But how do you say, hey let¡¯s talk about your girlfriend who killed herself? Doubt that would be very... yeah¡± he just finished sadly.

    ¡°Well, you could always mention our own brushes with suicide¡± Star suggested softly as they turned into the garage.

    ¡°The ones that didn¡¯t happen in this life?¡± Sky asked pointedly.

    Star sighed in concession, then added, ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find a way to make him wanna share the rest of the story with you. You are pretty convincing when you try.¡± Star then smirked up at him as he just shook his head back down at her before giving her a tiny kiss and following her into the house once again.

    <hr>

    The next day after his seventh period gym class, Kole was now the one in the boys¡¯ locker room re-applying his makeup once most of the boys had just glared at him and left for their next class. Of course, that was when Curt once again showed up for his eighth period gym class while Kole was still standing at that same sink Sky had been at a week earlier.

    ¡°What the fuck?¡± Curt greeted this new intruder upon his alpha male world view, ¡°get rid of one freak and another one shows up¡± he complained as he approached Kole, who simply rolled his eyes at the greeting, as it was hardly unexpected from that type of male. As Kole didn¡¯t offer any real response, Curt continued, ¡°I¡¯m talking to you, freak.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Kole began, still continuing with his makeup and not even looking back at Curt, ¡°that¡¯s not my name, so you can understand my lack of response.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a mouthy little prick, aren¡¯t you?¡± Curt bit back.

    That was when Kole finally put his makeup back into his bag, and finally looked back at Curt, ¡°I guarantee that my mouth willneverbe a concern of yours.¡±

    ¡°What the fuck is that supposed to mean, fag?¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Kole shook his head again, ¡°not a fag either; so are you still speaking to me? So hard to have a conversation with someone who doesn¡¯t seem to know how to address people by their actual names.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a real smart-ass, aren¡¯t you?¡± Curt bit out that response as well.

    ¡°Again, not my name. Let¡¯s try this once more¡± Kole said with an obvious condescension, ¡°my name isactuallyKole, and you are? Or should I just find a few colorful slurs that fityou, instead?¡±

    ¡°My name¡¯s Curt, you prick. And it seems like you need to be put in your fucking place¡± he growled as he moved toward Kole.

    But just as Curt reached for him, he felt the knife that Kole had since pulled from his bag and pointed at his throat, ¡°nope, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m the one that needs that either,Curt¡± he replied, venom dripping from his tone on the other boy¡¯s name as he continued to hold the knife at his throat, ¡°what? Nothing else to say, Curt?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so fucking dead¡± Curt threatened, though while backing away and quickly leaving the locker room again as Kole closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and forced himself not to go after him and shove that knife into his throat after all.

    Meanwhile, Sky and Star found themselves spending the beginning of their final class of the day in the school office. Apparently the two were to be questioned about the ¡®incident¡¯ in the parking lot the day before. Though, the assistant principal seemed in no real hurry to speak to either of them. He had already spoken with Crista and Alana earlier, though not Curt, for some reason; and now he was just chatting with the secretary while the two sat there missing eighth period and waiting for him to bother calling them into his office at all.

    Though the two of them impatiently tapping their combat boot clad feet and the adults chatting, was soon interrupted by Coach Mathis bursting into the office, shoving Kole through the door ahead of him. ¡°This little asshole needs expelled!¡± he angrily told the assistant principal as all eyes in the room turned toward the door upon their arrival in the room.

    The assistant principal turned back at Mathis¡¯ loud directive and looked between Kole and the two students who were already waiting for his meting out of whatever punishments he saw fit. ¡°Is there a convention in town or something?¡± Assistant Principal Nickels asked as he looked between the three. He then sighed and turned back to Mathis, ¡°these two supposedly had an altercation with a football player. What¡¯d this one do?¡± he asked as he scowled at Kole¡¯s appearance as well.

    ¡°Same thing. Same football player even¡± Kole answered smartly.

    Nickels just shook his head as Mathis growled his interruption, ¡°this little asshole pulled a knife on our quarterback! He needs thrown out on his ass now! And it¡¯s only hissecondday! That¡¯s damn near a record, you freak¡± Mathis bit back at Kole.

    Sky and Star both looked up in shock at the accusation while Nickels just looked at Kole, appalled, ¡°you brought a knife onto school property? And on your second day? Not one for first impressions, are you?¡± he asked Kole sarcastically.

    Kole just shook his head and responded with his own sarcasm, ¡°I¡¯m not one for getting accosted in the locker room either. But I had the feeling the teachers here were ok with that sort of thing if the asshole doing the accosting is on the football team. So, I came prepared¡± he told them smartly.

    ¡°Exactly what are you trying to imply, freak?¡± Mathis asked defensively as he cast an accusatory look at Sky then too.

    Nickels spoke again then, ¡°Mathis, I appreciate the help and all, but this is sort of my job. Aren¡¯t you needed back in class right now?¡± Mathis simply glared but went on his way nonetheless. Then Nickels turned back to Kole, ¡°so you admit that you pulled a knife on Mr. Spencer?¡±

    ¡°I admit that he¡¯s an asshole who physically attacked me and I defended myself. Can I go now?¡±

    Nickels just shook his head impatiently, ¡°empty your pockets, and your bag.¡±

    Kole sighed heavily and moved to do so as Star and Sky tensed at the entirety of the situation. But mostly at the fact that if any of what Mathis said was accurate, they¡¯d be losing the new friend they were both already quite fond of. They then looked at each other with a silent understanding as Kole finished emptying his pockets, then his bag onto the secretary¡¯s desk.

    Sure enough there was a stiletto blade mixed in with the scraps of paper, jewelry, condoms, and makeup. ¡°Happy now?¡± Kole asked with the slightest deflation of his tone. Sky and Star looked on, watching intently as Nickels moved Kole¡¯s belongings around on the desk, not even seeming to notice the small blade as he did.

    ¡°So, did you stash it in your locker, then?¡± Nickels asked with frustration.

    ¡°What?¡± Kole asked with confusion as the man¡¯s hand had literally touched the knife¡¯s hilt at least three times during his search.

    Sky just gave him a look as if to say ¡®go with it.¡¯ Then Nickels sighed, ¡°put all this crap away. We¡¯ll have to search your locker too though. Stay here¡± he grumbled as he got the locker assignments from the secretary and headed out to the hall.

    ¡°What am I missing?¡± Kole asked as Sky and Star seemed to finally relax and end their deep concentration then as Kole shoved his belongings back into his bag, knife and all.

    ¡°Maybe senility is setting in twenty years early?¡± Star offered with a shrug.

    ¡°Right...¡± Kole said as he zipped his bag back up, giving the two another questioning look, but smiling slightly at his sudden luck, as that wasn¡¯t exactly a common thing in any of their lives.

    Having no luck finding the knife in Kole¡¯s locker either, Nickels had no choice but to send Kole off with a warning. Still more than a bit confused, Kole simply shrugged, looked back at Sky and Star once more, then headed off to his last class of the day.

    ¡°Andwhyare you two here again?¡± Nickels asked them a moment later, rubbing his temples in frustration.

    ¡°No idea¡± Sky stated flatly.

    Nickels just sighed again as he looked at the paper that he had been handed earlier, ¡°an altercation with Mr. Spencer? I¡¯m starting to see a theme here.¡±

    ¡°Better late than never¡± Sky mumbled sarcastically.

    ¡°Getting mouthy is not gonna help¡± Nickels scolded him.

    ¡°Me?¡± Sky scoffed, ¡°I¡¯m the one with the cigarette burn he left on my arm. I think I have the right to be a little peeved¡± he returned with the same sarcasm.

    Nickels just shook his head then, ¡°and which of you even had a lit cigarette in the parking lot?¡±

    ¡°Think you¡¯re kinda missing the point¡± Sky scoffed.

    Nickels sighed again, ¡°also something about some loud noise that nearly deafened Mr. Spencer after the incident?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear anything. Did you hear anything, Star?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t say that I did¡± she answered shortly.

    ¡°Did anyone else hear anything? Aside from our charming quarterback I mean¡± Sky replied.

    ¡°Not that¡¯s been reported yet¡± Nickels answered with irritation.

    ¡°Guess he¡¯s the only one that heard it then, huh?¡± Sky stated with mock concern, ¡°maybe he¡¯s taken one too many hits on the football field. Perhaps he¡¯s the one that needs to stay off school property for a few weeks.¡±

    Nickels just sighed with further frustration, ¡°get to class, both of you, And I don¡¯t wanna see you or you purple haired friend in here again. Got it?¡± With that he turned on his heel and headed back into his office with a slight slam of the door behind him.

 Chapter 65

    When Sky exited the school for the day, less than an hour later at that; he found Kole already leaning upon the steps having a cigarette. Sky just shook his head with a smile that was somehow worried and impressed at once. ¡°Pulling a knife on Curt? On your second day?¡±

    ¡°Well, he put his fucking hands on me, on my second day¡± he shrugged as he took a drag. He then added, more coldly, ¡°he¡¯s just lucky I didn¡¯t fucking kill him. Because believe me, I wanted to; bad¡± he stated in a near growl.

    Sky shook his head, ¡°you sound like you hate him as much as those of us who have actually had to put up with his shit for six years already.¡±

    ¡°I probably hate him more¡± Kole replied, though under his breath, pretty green eyes averted.

    Sky took a breath as he looked around, ¡°I know all too well what Curt has done to me. But I¡¯m getting that he did something to you too; or at least to Sammi¡± he added more quietly.

    ¡°That¡¯s an understatement¡± Kole replied, his voice breaking with emotion then.

    Sky gave him a look of empathy, not able to stop his mind from snapping back to that horrible encounter only a week earlier. He then spoke softly, ¡°well, I¡¯m here to listen; if you wanna tell me, that is.¡±

    Kole looked down for a long moment, but then managed a sad smile as he looked back up, ¡°I will. Just not here¡± he told him softly. He then moved to give Sky the tiniest kiss of what almost seemed like gratitude, before smiling once more and heading off toward his own car to leave that place behind for the day.

    That was when Sky finally looked back toward the door to see who had seen that kiss and found Star and Crista looking back at him with a bit of surprise. Star was the first to speak once they made their way over to him, ¡°color me jealous; you got the first kiss from the new boy.¡±

    That was when Crista scoffed, ¡°you''re jealous? I¡¯m still waiting to kiss both of you, and Kole now too¡± she added as she looked after him, ¡°and I¡¯ve even been here since the beginning of the school year!¡± she told them with dismay.

    That was when Sky and Star both allowed a small laugh. Sky then stepped forward and gave Crista a gentle kiss, brief though it was. Then Star playfully pushed him aside and gave Crista another kiss which lingered a bit longer than Sky¡¯s had. Star then stepped back with another smile, ¡°two down. But remember, you only got six weeks left to kiss Kole. Better make em count¡± she chuckled before grabbing Sky¡¯s hand as the two started off toward the car again, leaving Crista more than a bit breathless then.

    <hr>

    Without gym class the next day, which was a Friday, it was at least a slightly less eventful school day. Curt mostly just glared at Sky and Star in study hall as he was more pissed off at the new student who had an actual knife, rather than the old students who just delivered verbal barbs aimed at him on occasion. And then there was health class, which mostly consisted of Kole and Sky giving each other flirtatious looks while their teacher yammered on about something or other.

    Then they made their way home for the weekend. They even finally made another visit to their silver room that night, before returning to sleep in their earthly rooms. Well, in Sky¡¯s room at any rate, as Star had pretty much decided that her place was in his bed every night since what Curt had done to him when she hadn¡¯t been with him.

    The next day was their planned college visits, however it went a little differently in this life. As Brie and Connor now knew what sort of danger the two of them were in when separated, they decided that the four of them would visit campuses as a family. It would take twice as long to visit them all now, but it was a small price to pay for the feeling that their children would be safely in each other¡¯s presence all weekend. Plus, Brie and Connor were more than eager to have an entire Saturday to ¡®observe¡¯ their children now that they knew what they were; not study, but observe. After all, they were still scientists and they were still the two that had brought these other two amazing creatures into the world. They could never completely bury that.

    Finally, when the two curled up in bed together that Saturday night, Sky took a drag off the cigarette he was finishing before bed and shook his head. Looking up at him from her usual spot with her head on his chest and her arms wrapped about Sky¡¯s tiny waist, she spoke, ¡°yes?¡±

    ¡°I just had the feeling that they were about to slide on their lab coats and whip out their tablets all day. Every time I looked at em, they were just watching us.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you stare too if you found out your kids were part alien?¡± Star managed a smirk.

    ¡°One: I am part alien. And two; pretty sure any kids I might ever have would be too¡± he smirked back.

    ¡°But you get my point¡± Star just laughed slightly.

    ¡°It¡¯s still weird to have them staring at us all the time like that¡± Sky argued, though weakly.

    Star let out another small laugh, ¡°they stared at us all the time before, too. But then it was just because they were trying to guess at how often we were having sex. I think I almost prefer this, almost¡± she smirked again. She then added, more seriously, ¡°and if they¡¯re content to only study us in our natural habitat and not interfere in any way, I guess I¡¯ll take that over their previous studies, any day.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°I suppose there is that¡± he conceded before finally dying out his cigarette and curling closer to her as their eyes closed on yet another day of this strange life of theirs.

    <hr>

    That Monday was of course the school trip to the amusement park that Sky and Star had been dreading having to relive for three long years now. Then, as the students boarded the bus, and were told to take their seats alphabetically, they found themselves equally blessed and cursed by their own surnames.

    First were all the students whose last names started with A through S, then of course came Curt Spencer, who got assigned a seat that was the third one from the back on the driver¡¯s side of the bus. Then there was Alana Thomas who got stuck sitting across the aisle from him as he leered at her dark makeup, clothing, and the yellow-green streak in her hair as she took that seat with more than a bit of awkwardness and dread. And seeing that she was forced to be that close to the boy who raped her in that other life, did not make Sky and Star relax about the possibility of history repeating itself either.

    Then in the second to last seat on the driver¡¯s side, behind Curt were some random cheerleaders named Regan Thompson and Brandi Turner. Then, in the seat behind Alana was a boy from the band who was just as shy as she was, and his name was Paul Vance. Then, behind the cheerleaders, also on the driver¡¯s side came Sky and Star. And lastly, behind the shy boy from the band came Kole Wagner, who took the seat across the aisle from Sky and Star with an amused smirk as they just grinned back at him with a shake of their heads.

    As the three hour trip progressed, all the students began socializing. Thankfully Curt seemed at least momentarily distracted by the the two cheerleaders sitting behind him and looking at him adoringly, or sickeningly, depending on one¡¯s point of view. Glad of the distraction, Alana and the shy boy behind her kept their attention glued to their phones. This of course left Star, Sky, and Kole to socialize among themselves.

    Sky was the one who spoke first, from his place in the window seat as Star had the aisle side of the seat. Though, he spoke past Star, addressing Kole, ¡°he may actually hate you more than us now¡± he warned Kole.

    ¡°Yeah. Feeling¡¯s mutual¡± Kole shrugged as he sat back against the window, his back pressed to it, stretching his long leather covered legs out across the seat, his high heeled boots poking out into the aisle across from Sky¡¯s and Star¡¯s seat. His eyes then moved over both of them as he had a nearly clear view beneath Star¡¯s short vinyl skirt as she had turned slightly in the seat toward the aisle as their conversation began.

    Noting his pretty green eyes on her bare thighs, Star couldn¡¯t help her own smirk as she smiled back at Sky, ¡°Mind rearranging so we can actually look the new boy in the eyes as we get to know him for the next three hours?¡± she giggled.

    Sky just shook his head as she stood. Sky then moved to stretch his own legs over the seat, parting them slightly to allow her to take her own seat between his thighs as she leaned cozily back against his chest, both their own sets of boots nearly touching Kole¡¯s across the aisle then. Kole¡¯s eyes still moving over them as they took their new positions, Star bent one leg slightly so Kole wouldn¡¯t have to try nearly as hard to see under that short skirt of hers.

    Kole¡¯s eyes taking her silent cue he tilted his head a bit as he smiled approvingly at those black lace panties, his breath catching slightly as he bit his lip. Sky easily noted Star¡¯s bent knee and Kole¡¯s following appraisal and couldn¡¯t help his own smirk as he spoke against Star¡¯s ear, ¡°you are so bad.¡±

    ¡°Me? I¡¯m not doin a thing,¡± Star returned with that mock innocence. Though she couldn¡¯t help her own smile as she felt Sky hardening against her backside. ¡°Now who¡¯s bad?¡± she smirked again, her eyes still on Kole, who¡¯s eyes were still on both of them.

    ¡°Hey that¡¯s an involuntary reaction¡± Sky defended weakly as they both giggled slightly before he moved to place a few gentle kisses along her neck as she and Kole continued moving their eyes over each other.

    ¡°The family that plays together¡± Kole stated a bit breathlessly. The smile remained on his lips though as his eyes moved over where Sky continued delivering those light kisses to her neck with an all too obvious familiarity.

    Curt¡¯s eyes then moved from the cheerleaders to the seat behind them where Sky still was placing a few light kisses on her neck. ¡°Hey, freaks, can you save your twincest for some other time?¡± he told them with a loud, disgusted scoff before turning his attention back to the girls.

    Both Sky and Star simply rolled their eyes at the comment as Kole just tossed an annoyed glare in Curt¡¯s direction. But the so-called twins did at least stop their kisses, momentarily anyway. Star just let out her own annoyed breath, though her smile touched her lips again as her eyes returned to Kole.

    ¡°Hey, this break in our family bonding¡± she smirked, ¡°reminds me; I have a bone to pick with you young man¡± she addressed Kole with a continued smirk as she slid forward to the edge of the seat, facing the aisle across from Kole, her skirt riding up that much further as she did.

    Kole¡¯s eyes easily moved over her thighs again before coming back up to her face and sliding forward as well, both of them now sitting at the edge of their seats facing the aisle, and each other, with barely ten inches between them, if that. ¡°Sorry, got distracted. You had a need? Involving a bone of some sort?¡± he smirked over at her.

    Star let out a slight giggle before adopting a stern look once more, ¡°yes, I believe I saw you kissing my so-called brother yesterday¡± she began.

    ¡°Oh, you mean the one that was just kissing you?¡± he smirked back at her.

    ¡°Only one I got¡± she returned with the same smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you two are close though¡± Kole teased back.

    ¡°Very close¡± Star nodded, ¡°so close, in fact, that we have a bit of an arrangement¡± she began mischievously.

    ¡°Consider my interest aroused¡± he stated with his own mischief.

    ¡°As I¡¯ve told others in the past, me and Sky; we¡¯re kinda a package deal.¡±

    ¡°What about a package now?¡± Kole asked as his eyes moved to the tight pants that did nothing to hide what remained of Sky¡¯s earlier arousal.

    ¡°You kiss him, you gotta kiss me too. I can¡¯t help it, rules are rules¡± she smirked.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a tough one¡± Kole smiled, ¡°you know, I¡¯m pretty bad at following rules and all¡± he smirked again, ¡°but I suppose, if I try really, really.... hard¡± he paused deliberately, ¡°I can make an exception for that one rule¡± and with that, he moved forward to cover her mouth with his then as well. Sky just smirked as he looked on, easily remembering why he was so in love with that girl all his life, and now so smitten with that boy who he had only just met. He then thought wryly that maybe that third life would be the charm after all.

 Chapter 66

    That day at the amusement park, Sky and Alana went to order their lunch from the cafe in the center of the park, while Star and Kole found them a table in a shady spot outside. As the two took a seat, Star smirked over at him again. ¡°Yes?¡± he asked, returning the smirk.

    ¡°Kinda feel bad that Crista couldn¡¯t be on this trip¡± Star offered, watching for his reaction to the mention of the younger girl.

    ¡°Does suck¡± was the only one he offered as he lit another cigarette.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure she¡¯s kinda into you¡± Star dared further.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure she¡¯s kinda into you and Sky too¡± he replied with another smile and another drag.

    ¡°Yes, but you¡¯re new and exciting¡± Star continued as she gave him another head to toe glance.

    ¡°You and Sky are pretty exciting as well; I think I¡¯ve still got a bit of chafing from how tight these pants were during that bus trip¡± he teased.

    Star let out a slight giggle, ¡°true, we all wanna fuck each other; it¡¯s a curse with our kind.¡±

    ¡°Such a shame¡± he returned sarcastically, another smile passing his lips.

    ¡°But, you¡¯re kind of on a time limit for any kind of naked time with a fourteen year old¡± Star told him pointedly.

    ¡°Thanks for the reminder¡± he scoffed, though the smile remained.

    ¡°I¡¯m just sayin, that if you had an interest in her; might wanna move on that, while it¡¯s still barely legal¡± she smirked again.

    Kole just shook his head as he took another drag, ¡°trust me, she makes my pants a bit tight too, but I have... reservations.¡±

    ¡°Reservations?¡± Star asked as she raised a brow.

    ¡°Well, fourteen? Guessing she might be a bit inexperienced?¡± he hazarded that guess as he slightly bit his lip.

    ¡°Meaning a virgin?¡±

    ¡°Figured it might be a possibility¡± he chuckled, eyes down a moment.

    ¡°Well, she does have yet to be de-virginized¡± Star admitted. ¡°But why is that a deal-breaker if you like her, and again, don¡¯t have a lotta time?¡±

    Kole just shook his head with what was almost a blush, almost. He then took another drag before trying to find some way to answer that, ¡°I just don¡¯t know how well a virgin would do... with me being her first¡± he stated a little awkwardly.

    Star cocked her head and gave him an even more questioning look then, ¡°you¡¯re gonna have to gimme more details on that one.¡±

    Kole laughed with another look down, showing an awkwardness that was so foreign in him. He then took a breath, ¡°I just wouldn¡¯t, you know, wanna hurt her worse than it already is gonna hurt.¡±

    Star let out what was almost a gasp at that, ¡°aren¡¯t you confident?¡± she asked with her own awkward laugh.

    Kole shook his head with another laugh, ¡°I¡¯m not referring to the size if that¡¯s what you¡¯re thinking.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m listening¡± Star chuckled again, her eyes not able to leave him at all now.

    Kole then did actually blush as he took a breath, ¡°let¡¯s just say, I have some trouble getting through metal detectors. Even when I don¡¯t have my knife on me¡± he added with another embarrassed smirk.

    Star laughed loudly then, imagining many possible interpretations of that then. She then just shook her head over at him again, ¡°how many piercings are we talking here?¡± she laughed again.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t just one enough to make a virgin just a little uncomfortable?¡± Kole shook his head as he took another drag, eyes still averted.

    ¡°Damn. I¡¯ve gotta see this¡± Star chuckled again. ¡°I haven¡¯t been a virgin for a while, and Sky only enters me with one piercing; and that¡¯s his tongue. And that¡¯s actually pretty damn fun¡± she added mischievously.

    ¡°And there¡¯s the chafing again¡± Kole smirked at her words.

    Star took another long moment to shake her head with a permanent grin before finally speaking again, ¡°so that¡¯s the only thing stopping you from deflowering our blue haired friend? Your metalwork?¡± she giggled again.

    ¡°Stop. I¡¯m not a girl, I can only assume that it could be somewhat difficult to deal with that the first time. I mean, Sammi liked my ¡®metalwork¡¯ but by then she wasn¡¯t a virgin, so...¡± he just shrugged and took another drag, ¡°I guess I should ask an actual girl if she thinks it would be too rough of a ride for a virgin¡± he smirked again.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Well, I am a girl. But I¡¯d have to see the metalwork in question to accurately judge¡± she laughed again.

    Kole just shook his head as he took a breath, smiled over at Star again, tossed his cigarette, and stood, reaching a hand out to her. ¡°Coming?¡±

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Star asked as he pulled her up from their seat.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be right back¡± Kole greeted Sky and Alana who had now returned with their food, before then leading Star off toward the ladies¡¯ room as she just shrugged back at Sky, but followed Kole with a giggle.

    ¡°That¡¯s... interesting¡± Alana stated shyly as the two disappeared into the restroom together.

    Sky just looked back at her with a slight biting of his lip as he sat across from her. ¡°We lead strange lives¡± was the only answer he could give her.

    ¡°I get that¡± Alana replied with her own awkward and shy smile before dragging her attention to their meal instead.

    Once in the stall with Kole, Star couldn¡¯t help thinking of what Sky would have been doing with some other purple haired beauty, in some other public restroom, in some other life, just two days earlier. She wryly thought that maybe the two of them really were twins in all but the biological sense. But before she could think on those little quirks much longer, Kole began undoing his pants with a slight biting of his own lip.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna be honest here, right?¡± he asked her with another slightly nervous smile, ¡°you know, if you were a virgin; what would be your opinion on the matter of... being comfortable with this being your first... experience?¡± he smirked again as he finished undoing the tight leather pants.

    Star¡¯s eyes moved down to find the two black beads at either end of the vertical barbell piercing through the head of his penis. Then he lifted himself to show her the second such barbell along the bottom of the shaft towards the back. She then let out an audible sigh as she imagined what that would really feel like inside.

    ¡°Speechless I guess?¡± he asked with a smirk.

    ¡°I need a moment¡± she managed, trying to clear her throat. She then tried to catch her breath, ¡°can I touch them?¡±

    ¡°So, I see you want me speechless too¡± he smirked, already beginning to harden there at not only her nearness but her words.

    ¡°Well, I need to make an accurate appraisal, don¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Feel free¡± he told her as he continued hardening before her as she moved to gently run her fingers over each of the piercings with slow deliberateness as his breath began to catch at her touch.

    Easily responding to his obvious arousal as well as her own, Star moved her fingers over him, and his piercings, for several long moments before he finally climaxed at her touch and leaned back breathlessly against the stall. Taking a long moment to regain his composure, he finally brought his head back up and turned those cat green eyes back to where she leaned against the other stall wall, smiling guiltily over at him as he recovered.

    Letting out another ragged breath, he pushed his long locks back from his pretty face and smiled again as he gently tucked himself back into his pants and refastened them with another breath, ¡°so, have you finished making a full appraisal now?¡± he smirked over at her again.

    Smiling over at him as he was finally hidden from her sight again, Star spoke, ¡°I think I can safely make a well-educated guess now, but it may require follow-up tests.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t wait¡± he smirked again as he moved to push the stall door open for her, ¡°ladies first, since I¡¯m still catching my breath anyway¡± he added wryly as he carefully stepped out of the stall behind her. After giving Star a moment to wash some evidence of their earlier activity from her hands, he had to speak through another laugh, ¡°so, virgins plus piercings? Is it a no-go?¡±

    Star smiled back as she dried her hands. ¡°I think you¡¯re right about those first few thrusts possibly being just a bit... too much to handle. But I¡¯m sure the rest would be a bit mind-blowing¡± she added breathlessly.

    ¡°I have been told that before¡± Kole nearly blushed again, but not quite.

    ¡°I bet you have¡± Star murmured under her breath before the two left the restroom, smiles still glued in place.

    When they returned to the table, Star looked mischievously guilty, and Kole looked flushed and out of breath, but quite content. Sky just raised a brow as his eyes moved over them both as they took their seats at the table with he and Alana. Alana averted her eyes to hide a blush as they returned, while Sky looked between the two of them with more than a bit of curiousness.

    Kole couldn¡¯t help chuckling as he noted Sky¡¯s expectant eyes on them both, ¡°yes, yes, package deal. I¡¯m aware. And yes, I shall abide by the terms of your arrangement. But I may need a few minutes before I can uphold my portion of said arrangement¡± he added with another smirk and turned his attention to his food as Sky just blushed slightly at the thought of that impending encounter, but smiled over at Star nonetheless as she just allowed another small giggle of her own.

    ¡°It was for educational purposes¡± she smiled back at Sky as she gave him a soft kiss.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it was¡± Sky smirked as he shook his head and turned his own attention to his food then.

    Once they finished eating and Alana excused herself to the restroom, Star then turned back to Sky, ¡°so, hon¡± she began sweetly.

    ¡°Yes, dear?¡± he returned with a playful sarcasm.

    ¡°I think you need to do us a favor¡± Star stated.

    ¡°Really? And who¡¯s us again?¡± he asked as he looked between her and Kole.

    ¡°Me, and Kole... and Crista.¡±

    Sky narrowed his eyes at that, ¡°did she sneak onto the bus when I wasn¡¯t looking?¡± he asked as he cast a glance around them.

    ¡°No, but there¡¯s one tiny little problem...¡± she looked back at Kole then, ¡°ok, not tiny...¡± she took a breath, ¡°but there¡¯s a problem with Kole being able to visit any attentions upon our innocent little friend before it becomes a felony.¡±

    ¡°What now?¡± Sky asked, a little thrown.

    ¡°Kole would feel better about being with Crista, while he still can¡± she added, ¡°if she weren¡¯t a virgin anymore¡± Star told Sky as she bit her lip again, watching him warily.

    ¡°And this pertains to me doing what favor exactly?¡± Sky stated just as warily as he looked back at her.

    ¡°Not like you haven¡¯t done it before¡± Star stated, then quickly added, ¡°been with a virgin, I mean. And a fourteen year old one at that¡± she added with another guilty smile.

    ¡°Yeah, it may have happened, once or twice¡± or more, he added silently.

    ¡°So, if you deflower her, then Kole wouldn¡¯t have to worry about being her first¡± Star told him as Kole just looked between them, his mind still pleasantly reeling from whatever relationship these two had, as it was obviously a fun addition to his own life as well.

    Sky just shook his head with a small laugh, ¡°so who is it that really is the one who¡¯s so eager to crawl into bed with Crista then? Kole? Or you?¡± he asked her wryly.

    Star bit her lip again, though smiled, ¡°since when can there only be one answer to that question?¡±

    With that comment, Sky let out another small chuckle, before repeating, ¡°you are so bad.¡±

 Chapter 67

    When Sky and Star passed by that supply shack on this night, three years later, but now in a third life, things went a bit differently. For one, they weren¡¯t alone. For two, neither was Alana. Star and Alana walked together quietly chatting, while Sky and Kole trailed behind them having their own conversation. Finally as they passed by the supply shack, Sky and Star cast one another a furtive glance. They then glanced at Alana as well, and took a vigilant look around the park.

    They were hoping that since there had been no confrontation between Alana and Curt that morning, that there would be none that night either. But they were still wary, to put it mildly. As Sky stopped there to die out his cigarette, Star and Alana stopped as Star gave her an awkward smile to hide the nervousness she and Sky were feeling right then, which most likely wouldn¡¯t have made much sense to either of their companions.

    When Kole also moved to die out his cigarette in the nearby ashtray, he and Sky¡¯s hands touched slightly. They then both looked up into each other¡¯s eyes at the same moment upon feeling their hands brush one another¡¯s. Taking a deep breath, Kole smiled at the two girls then back at Sky, then at the supply shack behind them.

    ¡°Arrangements to uphold¡± he smiled as he took Sky¡¯s wrist and began leading him toward the supply shack.

    Star looked after them with a bit of worry as she began to wonder if the universe really was trying to make history repeat itself in only slightly different little ways. She then smiled nervously back at Alana and gestured to the bench nearest the shack the two boys had now disappeared into.

    ¡°Now him and Kole?¡± Alana couldn¡¯t help asking as she and Star sat.

    ¡°Me and Sky sort of have this... understanding¡± Star attempted with an awkward smile, as trying to explain her and Sky was difficult enough when she wasn¡¯t on high alert waiting on a rapist to appear.

    ¡°You can sleep with whoever you want as long as you share?¡± Alana offered with another blush.

    ¡°So you have noticed that about us?¡± Star asked with another guilty smile.

    ¡°One of the most noticeable things about you two, actually¡± Alana agreed, though she did bite back a tiny smile as she did.

    Inside the shack, Kole was already undoing Sky¡¯s pants as Sky braced himself on that workbench he somehow knew was there, despite how dark the shack was. ¡°So, how exactly does this work?¡± Kole asked as he ever so gently ran his fingers over where Sky was already hardening at his touch.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you obviously know how that works¡± Sky couldn¡¯t help the smirk.

    Kole chuckled as he continued the gentle caress, ¡°I mean, with this arrangement you two have. Is it strictly a kiss for a kiss, a hand job for a hand job, etcetera?¡± Kole asked, his voice hoarse with his own growing arousal.

    ¡°So that¡¯s what she did to you at lunch?¡± Sky smirked over at the boy who was barely three inches shorter than his own height of just over 6¡ä3¡±.

    ¡°It was for educational purposes though¡± Kole smirked again, ¡°so? The arrangement?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not quite as literal as what you said: There¡¯s kisses, which are pretty inconsequential to people like us, so we rarely enforce that one¡± he smirked, ¡°then I guess the next category is anything between kissing and intercourse; which is apparently the step you¡¯re on with Star, and now me¡± he added as he looked down as Kole continued to deliver those feather light caresses to his now complete erection.

    ¡°So right now, I¡¯m at ¡®anything better than a kiss but not quite intercourse?¡¯ With both of you then?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the way it works¡± Sky whispered back through his own increasing desire. ¡°Then if you give in and actually have sex with me or Star, well then you gotta pay up and do the deed with the other one too¡± he allowed another small chuckle as Kole moved to deliver a few kisses to his neck.

    Kole allowed another chuckle of his own at how interesting his two new friends were already making his life here. It was almost enough to make him forget the one glaringly horrible fact of his new life at the school Sammi used to go to. But he quickly pushed that thought away, for now.

    ¡°I suppose I can abide by that¡± he agreed with another smile before moving to his knees and taking Sky into his mouth to ¡®pay up¡¯ for that encounter he had had with Star earlier that very same day.

    It was only a few minutes later when Sky was pushed to that climax, and pouring himself into Kole¡¯s mouth when the door to the shack opened quickly, causing he and Kole to startle more than a bit.

    ¡°Sorry, very sorry¡± Star apologized hurriedly, pulling Alana into the shack behind her and moving just as quickly to push the door closed behind them, her back against it just for good measure.

    To cover his own awkwardness, Kole made his way back to his feet, wiping the evidence of Sky¡¯s desire from his now smudged lips. He then looked back at the two new arrivals a little breathlessly. ¡°Wow, Alana, I didn¡¯t picture you as the foursome type.¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    ¡°What?¡± she choked with more than a little embarrassment at the entire situation as well as Kole¡¯s greeting.

    ¡°Unfortunately that¡¯s not why we¡¯re here¡± Star whispered as she continued to hold the door shut.

    ¡°Do tell then¡± Kole responded, his hand moving to try and push down his own obvious state in those snug pants.

    Star let out a soft sigh, ¡°just saw Curt heading this way. Really didn¡¯t wanna deal with him¡± she added, she and Sky giving each other a knowing look as he finished awkwardly pushing himself back into his pants and refastening them.

    Then Kole let out a more than angry sigh of his own, ¡°would anyone really object if I go kill this fucker right now?¡± he asked his three companions, none of whom had an ounce of love for Curt, themselves.

    ¡°Trust me¡± Sky began, ¡°we all want him dead, some of us more than others¡± he added more quietly, ¡°but killing him and going to jail the rest of our lives for it; not ideal.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d be fucking worth it¡± Kole growled as he glared at the door behind Star, as though seriously considering the idea.

    They all looked over at Kole with a bit of worry that that hatred, that he still had yet to fully explain, was going to end up getting him into that jail cell sooner or later, and not just for possible future felonies with blue haired freshmen.

    Sky looked over at Kole with a sad breath, then looked at the two girls, then back to Kole, ¡°I suppose now¡¯s not a good time for you to explain why you hate him too? Other than the obvious reasons¡± he had to add.

    Kole took a long breath as he looked between his three companions. It was true that Alana wasn¡¯t nearly as cozy with any of the three of them as they all were with each other already; but it was also doubtful that she¡¯d go spreading the tale herself, considering.

    Another breath as Kole bit his lip painfully. ¡°He raped Sammi, my girlfriend at the time¡± he whispered. Alana looked back in shock, and Sky and Star were much less shocked, but just as heartbroken at him confirming their fears about what had caused the girl to take her life two years earlier. ¡°So yeah, believe me. I fucking wanna kill him¡± he added in an even quieter, more broken whisper.

    ¡°He¡¯s raped other people too¡± Sky told him with a tremor in his own voice.

    ¡°Did he rape someone you were in love with though?¡± Kole asked, trying to force back his own emotions then.

    That was when Star¡¯s breath caught as she looked over at Sky, a question in her eyes. Sky sniffled as well, took a breath, and silently nodded to her. She finally looked back at Kole, ¡°Yeah, he did¡± she answered as her own tears rushed to her eyes as Alana and Kole gave her and Sky an even more shocked look then.

    Alana was tearing up and couldn¡¯t even look back, seeing as she had no idea what to even say to that confession. Kole then bit back more tears of his own as he looked between Sky and Star. He finally spoke again, ¡°how is this prick still allowed to be breathing?¡± he whispered.

    Sky cleared his throat, trying to compose himself now that they all knew instead of just he and Star. He then spoke again, ¡°because, if any of us take his life, as much as he fucking does deserve it, then we¡¯re giving up the entire rest of our own lives too, for the sake of him. Then, he really will have destroyed our lives, even from the grave. And I for one do not want to give him that power¡± he then took another brave breath, ¡°and I didn¡¯t know her that well, but I doubt Sammi would want you destroying your life for Curt either. She already lost her own because of him, and I don¡¯t think she¡¯d want to see that happen to the boy she loved too¡± he told Kole as he moved to wrap him in his arms.

    Finally after another long moment, Sky finally relinquished his hold on the slightly older boy. Kole then took another breath to fight back more emotions, ¡°so we¡¯re supposed to just let him get away with everything he¡¯s done?¡±

    ¡°He will pay¡± Sky promised, ¡°I know he will. But we don¡¯t have to pay with him. We just have to hold on til he does meet whatever hell is waiting for him.¡±

    ¡°And how many more people will he destroy before that?¡± Kole sniffled again, causing Sky and Star to sigh sadly, as that question had been on their minds for more than one life now already.

    <hr>

    When Sky and Star got back home again late that night, he headed upstairs to get his shower before bed. Moments after he had started undressing, he heard the bathroom door open behind him and smiled slightly as he turned back to her, ¡°what is with you and bathrooms today?¡± he attempted lightness despite the emotional confession earlier that evening.

    Star managed her own smirk as she moved forward to help him undress, ¡°we did it though.¡±

    ¡°You might have to be more specific¡± Sky returned as his eyes watched her undoing his pants just as Kole had done prior to that tearful conversation.

    ¡°We saved Alana from having that happen to her tonight¡± Star smiled as she began inching his pants down his legs.

    ¡°I guess that we did¡± Sky breathed as she finished undressing him and he stepped out of the crumpled pile she left his pants in on the floor, naked before her once again.

    Just as Sky reached to begin undressing her as well, Star had to speak again, ¡°are you going to be ok though?¡±

    ¡°Are we really back to that question, considering?¡± he asked as he gestured to his own nude body.

    ¡°No, I mean with him, them, knowing?¡±

    Sky sighed softly as he began unlacing her top, ¡°you must admit that what Curt did to me was really the only terrible thing we¡¯ve had to endure this time round. Even mom and dad finding out what we were, that even went way better than we ever thought it would; so far, anyway¡± he had to add.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t answer my question though¡± Star whispered as he finished unlacing her shirt and pushed it away from her breasts.

    ¡°What I mean is, maybe , just maybe, there was a bigger reason why I had to endure what I had to endure in that locker room¡± he whispered with a bit of emotion as he dropped her shirt to the floor.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna have to explain that one¡± Star returned in her own throaty whisper as he moved to begin unlacing her high boots then as well.

    ¡°I mean, what if the reason that happened to me, and the reason it had to play out the way it did; what if that was all so I could stand there tonight letting Kole know that he wasn¡¯t the only one suffering? Maybe it had to happen to me, so I could use it to stop him from throwing his life away going after that prick¡± he suggested with slightly breaking voice as he finished removing her boots and moved his hands to her skirt.

    ¡°Are you saying you think there¡¯s a bigger reason that we were able to go back in time and re-live this life all over again, than just to escape that lab?¡± Star scoffed, though she couldn¡¯t help thinking on the possibility.

    ¡°Well, resetting the world last time didn¡¯t save us. But maybe going back this time like we did; maybe that can save someone else. Like Alana? Or Kole? It¡¯s possible isn¡¯t it?¡± Sky offered as he finished undressing her then as well.

    ¡°And if we can save them...¡± Star whispered.

    ¡°Then maybe there¡¯s hope for us this time around too?¡± he whispered, covering her lips with a kiss, before pulling her into that shower with him, ready to make yet another memory play out better this time around, too.

 Chapter 68

    The following day after school, Kole had already made his way to his car and was in the driver¡¯s seat having a cigarette before heading home. He smiled slightly as Star approached the car. ¡°I think I might need a ride home¡± she greeted him as she opened the passenger door to speak to him with a smile.

    ¡°Color me confused¡± he responded as he gestured for her to get in.

    ¡°Sky¡¯s gonna be a little busy this afternoon¡± she explained as she shut the door behind her.

    ¡°Busy?¡± Kole nodded his head as he took another drag, giving her a skeptical look. ¡°Might his busy time have something to do with that favor you asked him about yesterday?¡± he smirked.

    ¡°Quite possibly¡± she smirked back.

    ¡°Man, you two do keep life from being boring¡± Kole¡¯s smile remained as he took another drag.

    Star just giggled at that as she sat back in the seat, raising one leg slightly and bracing her knee against the dashboard and giving him an even clearer view of those lace panties underneath her short black and purple tartan skirt.

    Kole chuckled again as he let himself look for more than a few moments before turning his eyes away again and taking another drag, ¡°you do have lovely taste in undergarments, Star¡± he smirked.

    ¡°Glad you approve¡± she smirked back.

    ¡°If I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d think you were here for some of those follow-up tests¡± he smirked again as he looked back at where she had gently begun tracing her fingers over her thigh.

    ¡°Can¡¯t say I¡¯m not curious¡± she admitted.

    Kole shook his head with that continued grin, ¡°you know there¡¯s only a couple more tests you could possibly do.¡±

    ¡°You may be right¡± she smiled back, her fingers still moving against her pale thigh suggestively.

    ¡°I think we might have to leave the school parking lot though, before running any more tests. And while I can still drive¡± he had to add as he tossed the cigarette and started the engine with another grin.

    Once they pulled into a nice secluded spot near the bluffs where Star had lost her virginity in her previous life, she couldn¡¯t help shaking her head at at least the pleasant portion of that memory. Once Kole turned off the engine he looked over at her again and ran his hands through those lavender locks as he bit his lip, wondering which of those two remaining tests she had in mind after all.

    Star then got out of the car, walking around behind it, pausing for a moment, then coming around to the driver¡¯s side where she opened his door and leaned down to slide his seat back. ¡°Should I have studied for this test?¡± he smirked.

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sure you have.¡± After adjusting the seat back with one hand, she brought the other one up, to reveal those lace panties in her hand now. ¡°You like em so much? You can keep em¡± she smirked as she tossed them into his backseat. ¡°They¡¯re soaked anyway¡± she couldn¡¯t help adding.

    Kole let out a breath at that and forced more words, ¡°I see it¡¯s gonna be the final, not the mid-term?¡± he asked as she moved to take a seat astride his hips.

    ¡°Just curious how excellent a student you are¡± she smiled down at him as she leaned in to slide her tongue inside his mouth, paying no heed to the way her skirt rode up, completely exposing her to him from the waist down.

    Once the kiss ended, he took a few more breaths as his eyes moved down over her. Finally finding his voice, he spoke again, ¡°you know, if we become study buddies in quite this way, I¡¯m gonna have to make time to study with Sky too, as per your arrangement.¡±

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯s ok with that¡± she teased as she kissed him once more.

    As her tongue explored his mouth, his hand then came up to explore her, sliding his fingers inside that wetness that had acquired him the new souvenir which now laid crumpled on his backseat. Star moaned through the kiss as his fingers slid inside her, causing her to arch her hips into the caress as their mouths continued covering one another¡¯s.

    He continued moving his fingers inside her, and ever so occasionally caressing the outside of her with his thumb, causing the tiniest tremor in her each time. Feeling that first orgasm approaching already, Star moved to begin undoing his snug black pants to reveal that ever so decorated erection to her eyes again.

    ¡°So, I suppose I should put a condom on for this test?¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°Do condoms even work with those?¡± she had to ask during one of the moments she could actually speak between caresses, then letting her eyes move over the more visible of the two piercings at the head of his now full erection.

    Kole laughed again, ¡°it¡¯s tricky, but I manage.¡±

    ¡°Well, if you don¡¯t have any... other problems,¡± she settled on, ¡°I¡¯m on the pill, so...¡± she smiled down at him again.

    ¡°You two are definitely among my most favorite people in the world these days¡± he smirked up at her as he finally removed his fingers from inside her to allow another part to take their place.

    Star looked down at his waiting erection and those two little beads and took a deep breath, ¡°I can see why you had reservations. I¡¯m not even a virgin and I¡¯m a bit nervous.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have to do this Star¡± he smiled up at her again.

    ¡°Oh believe me, I definitely wanna do this... for educational reasons¡± she added with another mischievous smile.

    ¡°Gotta stay educated¡± he smirked again.

    Star then giggled down at him once more before finally moving closer, taking another deep breath, and guiding him inside her. Another moan almost immediately left her lips as she felt those piercings trailing along her insides, and already making those earlier tremors return as they pressed into her.

    ¡°Yeah, takes a minute to get used to¡± Kole stated with another smile, though his own breath was also short as he took in the feel of being inside her with no barrier between them at all.

    ¡°Wow¡± Star breathed, ¡°if just the initial entrance feels this good...¡±

    ¡°See, there¡¯s a reason I did this to myself¡± he smiled up at her again.

    ¡°I think I need to talk to Sky about getting a few more piercings¡± she smirked.

    ¡°Follow up test yielding results then?¡± Kole chuckled back at her reaction.

    ¡°Thank goodness no one can hear us out here, cause I have a feeling...¡±

    ¡°Your feeling would be right¡± he smirked. He then kissed her again and moved to grasp her hips, thus commencing the real part of that test. Star¡¯s moans started almost immediately as he guided the movement of her hips above him, meeting each motion with his own.

    Meanwhile, back at school, Sky rolled down his window and took a deep breath as Crista came to the car looking for Star. ¡°Star got another ride home¡± he offered, ¡°but, that means her seat¡¯s free¡± he smiled slightly.

    ¡°Did you two break up? Cause one, that would be really weird. And two, then the world would make no sense anymore¡± she told him worriedly.

    ¡°No, Crista, we did not break up. We¡¯ll never break up¡± he assured, ¡°but, as you pointed out, the two of us have been neglecting some of our other friends. So, did you need that ride or not?¡±

    Crista then smiled at him eagerly and moved around to get into the passenger seat. As she closed the door, Sky took another drag from his cigarette and gathered his composure to do this all over again. Though at least this time the need was less urgent and the setting could be much more ideal, but he still had a few reservations nonetheless.

    ¡°So, I definitely don¡¯t think we should go to your house¡± he began as he took another drag.

    ¡°Then where are we going?¡± she asked with slight confusion.

    ¡°And my house is probably a bad idea too. Really, anywhere with parents who have keys; bad idea.¡±

    ¡°What are we talking about, exactly?¡± she asked with further confusion.

    ¡°And just parking somewhere would probably be bad too. I mean the windows are tinted, but still. Not the most comfortable setting for this.¡± he stated, though seemed to be puzzling it out in his head rather than actually expecting her to give any answers.

    ¡°What exactly are we...¡± Crista began, then her breath caught. ¡°You mean... no, you can¡¯t mean...¡± she stammered.

    Sky then finally looked over at her, ¡°Kole is a bit nervous about any possible future relations between the two of you, since you happen to be a virgin. And Star and I thought that we, or at least I, could possibly help with that.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re... what... you... huh?¡± she asked, seeming to forget all of the English language then.

    Sky took another breath, ¡°if you want me to, I could take care of that little... issue¡± he decided on, ¡°for you.¡±

    ¡°Am I being punked? Is there a hidden camera somewhere?¡± she whispered.

    Sky allowed the smallest laugh, ¡°no, Crista. It just would probably be better if you could lose your virginity to a friend instead of some random asshole. So, I¡¯m being a friend. If you want me to be¡± he offered softly.

    Crista then let out a shaky breath, her wide eyes locked on him, ¡°believe me, I really, really want you... to be¡± she quickly added.

    Sky let out another small laugh, ¡°that¡¯s why I was trying to figure out where we could go, safely. I mean, I may be under eighteen still, but you are still under the age of consent. I¡¯m only three years older than you, so they probably wouldn¡¯t care that much. But I¡¯d really rather not find out¡± he explained furtively.

    After another long pause, Crista spoke again, ¡°heard some other kids say they went to a motel?¡± she offered though her voice was still tiny at the prospect of the night ahead.

    ¡°Hmm, I guess that could work. I just never thought about it since me and Star...¡± he then rephrased, ¡°since we¡¯re older.¡±

    Crista took another deep breath as he started the car, ¡°is this really gonna happen, Sky? You¡¯re not just playing with me, are you?¡±

    ¡°Do you want it to happen?¡± he asked her as they pulled toward the lot exit, ¡°cause it¡¯s all your call. Always remember that¡± he added more quietly.

    Another deep breath from Crista, ¡°if you¡¯re really serious, then yes, I really want it to happen¡± she whispered back as she smiled over at him with more than a few kinds of gratitude and appreciation then.

    So they went, and they got their motel room, and they locked the door, and Sky made love to her, properly. His main concern was of course still her falling madly in love with him, just like it had been in the other life. Though, in this one, he had not one but two other lovers he could distract Crista with to keep the flames of love to a simmer.

    After all, the only real love he could ever feel would be the one he had always felt since before he even came to be. And thankfully, she felt the same way about Sky, no matter what she had been doing herself, that very evening. They were made to be together. Two parts of the same whole. And no one could ever be for either of them what they were for each other. Despite all appearances that would look so strange to anyone who didn¡¯t have that other half that the two of them had always had, and always would for as long as they lived; no matter how many lives they lived.

 Chapter 69

    It was nearing five pm when Sky pulled into the garage that evening. As he stepped out of his car, he couldn¡¯t help a somewhat nervous smile as Kole¡¯s car pulled into the driveway behind him. Star was in the passenger seat as the two glanced between Sky then each other as Kole gave her a wary look as if asking for one last confirmation that Sky would really be ok with the way the two of them had spent their afternoon.

    Star just gave Kole another little grin as she stepped out of the car carefully, considering her parents were already home, and she was missing a certain garment from underneath that short skirt. ¡°Gonna visit a while?¡± she asked Kole as she managed to get out of the car without exposing too much skin to the neighbors, fortunately.

    ¡°I guess I could¡± he smirked over at where Sky smiled back at him as he stepped out into the driveway, manually closing the garage door behind him.

    Then Star moved to place a kiss over Sky¡¯s lips in greeting, ¡°and how was your afternoon?¡± she asked him with a bit of mischief in her tone once more.

    Sky then whispered back, ¡°let¡¯s just hope we don¡¯t need virgin¡¯s blood for anything this time; cause then we¡¯re S.O.L.¡± he smirked as he kissed her back, his words causing Kole to raise a brow slightly. Sky then quickly moved on, ¡°and how was your afternoon?¡± he asked as he gave Kole another glance, though couldn¡¯t help smiling, which was usual any time he looked at Kole.

    ¡°Educational¡± Star returned.

    ¡°So bad¡± Sky smirked back as he took her hand and gestured for Kole to follow them inside.

    Once they stepped through the front door, Kole in tow, Brie and Connor took pause. ¡°A new friend?¡± Brie asked as she and Connor couldn¡¯t help taking in Kole¡¯s appearance with a shake of their heads.

    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Kole. Just started school here last week¡± he offered.

    ¡°Nice to meet you¡± Brie managed, warily looking at her two children, ¡°well dinner¡¯s in an hour for anyone interested.¡±

    ¡°Thanks mom¡± Sky said a little shortly as he gestured for Kole to follow him upstairs, Star trailing happily behind them of course.

    Once they reached the landing at the top of the stairs Star looked back at the two ever so pretty boys who were now both her lovers. ¡°I think I¡¯ll hit the shower¡± she smiled back at them as she headed for the bathroom.

    ¡°So you two have the whole upstairs all to yourselves?¡± Kole asked as he looked between the bathroom and the two bedrooms covered in black. ¡°That explains so much¡± he smirked.

    Sky just shook his head as he gestured to his own room, following Kole inside and locking the door behind them, ¡°once every few years the parents actually do come up here. Don¡¯t think their hearts could take it if they caught anything going on with you and me right now. They¡¯ve had a rough week¡± he added, smirking as Kole had already moved to a seat on his bed.

    Figuring he better test those strange waters Star and Sky seemed to inhabit, Kole took a breath and reached into his bag, ¡°Star said I could keep these if I wanted to, but I really don¡¯t wanna explain them to my parents when they do the laundry¡± he smirked as he handed Sky the panties, watching to see his reaction.

    Sky took them with a smirk, ¡°educational indeed.¡±

    Allowing a smile as there seemed to be no real tinge of jealousy there, Kole continued, ¡°so I guess this means I have dues to pay again.¡±

    ¡°What a shame¡± Sky murmured with his own smile as he moved to take a seat next to Kole at the edge of the bed then.

    Kole¡¯s breath caught a moment though, ¡°but I¡¯m guessing both of us might wanna save that for later, considering how we both spent our afternoons already.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, might need a little bit of recovery time in there. Plus, I wouldn¡¯t wanna have to take a break in the middle just to go have dinner with the fam¡¯¡± he smirked again. ¡°Could kill the mood.¡±

    Kole allowed another chuckle then looked up at Sky, ¡°and I can probably guess, but looks can be deceiving I suppose.¡±

    ¡°And what are you trying to guess?¡± Sky asked him with a curious look.

    ¡°Well, if I have dues to pay, I should know; top or bottom?¡±

    Sky couldn¡¯t help a sincere laugh at that question, ¡°well it¡¯s been a while, but I seem to recall the latter applying to me; shocking, I know.¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    Kole let out a slight moan, ¡°well I¡¯m a top so... perfect.¡±

    ¡°I bet¡± Sky swallowed a bit.

    Then Kole took pause, ¡°I suppose she told you, right?¡±

    ¡°Who told me what now?¡± Sky returned.

    ¡°Star, told you why exactly her and I had that bathroom break together yesterday? I¡¯m assuming, anyway.¡±

    ¡°Not really. We got distracted once we got home.¡±

    ¡°I bet¡± Kole smirked again.

    ¡°I assumed it involved a hand job of some sort, considering your questions about the arrangement later¡± Sky smiled over at him as the two sat rather close.

    ¡°It was for educational purposes¡± Kole looked down with that slight blush once more.

    ¡°Ok, please explain these educational purposes to me already¡± Sky gave in to asking that at last.

    ¡°It actually had to do with whether or not I really should be the one deflowering Crista; which I guess is a moot point after your afternoon with her¡± Kole snickered slightly.

    Sky just shook his head, ¡°still need more of an explanation here.¡±

    Kole took a breath, honestly surprised Star hadn¡¯t mentioned this particular factor to Sky, ¡°I have some ¡®metalwork¡¯ I guess we¡¯re calling it. I asked Star if she thought it would be inappropriate for Crista¡¯s first, visitation, if you will.¡±

    Sky let out a sincere chuckle of his own, ¡°metalwork?¡±

    Kole looked down with another smirk, ¡°two barbells; one at the head, one further back. Star was making a judgment call on whether or not a virgin would be a little too... untouched¡± he decided on, ¡°to handle such accessorizing.¡±

    ¡°Two barbells?¡± Sky repeated, his breath catching on that bit of the sentence and barely hearing the rest.

    ¡°So, I went into the bathroom with Star to show her. And she did want to be accurate with her appraisal, so...¡± he smirked again. After another pause as Sky seemed to be more than a bit flustered with the information then too, ¡°so, still sure you wanna be the bottom? I mean I know you¡¯re not a virgin, but, it is a bit of a tight fit back there, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m nothing if not experimental... and curious¡± Sky had to add.

    ¡°Yeah Star was saying she was kind of curious this afternoon too. Hence my now returning her unmentionables¡± Kole smirked again. Then, as though just remembering the most shocking part of the entire day yesterday, Kole adopted a more serious expression and tone to his voice as he looked at Sky warily, ¡°seriously though, all flirting aside; are you gonna be ok with us doing that? After...¡± he stated softly, his voice trailing off, his memories obviously tearing at him a bit then.

    ¡°I¡¯m hoping I will be. Only one way to know, right?¡± Sky returned in his own whisper as his breath caught a bit.

    ¡°Well you need to tell me if it¡¯s too much¡± Kole told him with concern. He then took a breath, ¡°I know after it happened to Sammi...¡± he just shook his head as he looked down, trying to compose himself once more.

    Sky took a breath, ¡°well, luckily Curt only forced his fingers inside me; so I guess it could¡¯ve been a lot worse, right?¡±

    ¡°Definitely¡± Kole agreed as he looked down again to bite back any tears that might try to escape, ¡°he did use more than his fingers with Sammi. He hurt her so bad...¡± he took another breath.

    ¡°Kole...¡± Sky whispered as he moved to wrap an arm around the only slightly older boy.

    ¡°But yeah, it was really bad. I mean, and now my parents won¡¯t even look at me. They really liked Sammi and...¡±

    ¡°Why would your parents blame you for Curt doing that to her?¡± Sky asked with a bit of confusion.

    ¡°They don¡¯t blame me for what Curt did. They blame me for her killing herself.¡± he whispered.

    ¡°What? Why would they ever blame you? Weren¡¯t you the good part of her life?¡± Sky asked, perplexed.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t just the rape that Sammi couldn¡¯t live with; it was what happened because of it¡± he swallowed, still not able to look up.

    ¡°I¡¯m...lost...¡± Sky stated slowly.

    Kole took a deep breath and wiped at his eyes before any tears could appear there. He then took another moment before attempting to tell the rest of the story. ¡°So, it was right after I got the piercings. I¡¯d just turned sixteen, Sammi was still fifteen. We were idiots¡± he shook his head, ¡°I was an idiot. Since I had just gotten that done, putting on condoms was a bit... uncomfortable. So, us stupid fifteen and sixteen year olds; we decide, hell one time without a condom; that wouldn¡¯t matter, right?¡± he took another breath, ¡°well it mattered; she got pregnant. A few weeks later we were still trying to figure out what the fuck we were even gonna do. And that¡¯s when Curt cornered her alone¡± he took another breath as Sky held his own, now very terrified of where this story was going. ¡°Anyway, like I said, he hurt her really bad. She lost the baby¡± he bit back a slight sob, ¡°and the rape was bad enough, but then that too? A few days after my baby died, while his or her mother got raped; well, then she killed herself too. So yeah, I¡¯d say Curt dying would be more than justified.¡±

    Sky let out a breath as he hugged him close, ¡°Kole... there are just no words that I can even say¡± he whispered.

    ¡°There never are. But at least now you know I¡¯m not just some fucking psycho who pulls knives on people who haven¡¯t really, really, really fucking earned it¡± he growled the words to cover the despair that was still in his voice.

    ¡°I¡¯m shocked that you didn¡¯t actually kill him¡± Sky whispered as he gave Kole a gentle kiss upon the one tear that had managed to escape down his pale cheek.

    ¡°Believe me, it took every bit of willpower I had left, not to.¡±

    ¡°As much as I want him dead too, I still would hate it to mean you getting locked up forever, or worse. He deserves to die; but you definitely don¡¯t deserve that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just amazing¡± Kole shook his head a moment later.

    ¡°What¡¯s amazing?¡± Sky asked, still holding him close.

    ¡°I came to this school completely prepared to shove that knife into his heart. Then I meet you guys, my very first minute at the school¡± he just shook his head, ¡°then, for the first time in two years, I actually think, maybe I don¡¯t wanna go to jail or get the death penalty. Maybe there actually is some good things left in this world. Or at least some people that make it worth living in again¡± he added with a whisper as he smiled over at Sky and gave him another soft kiss.

 Chapter 70

    When dinner was finished that Tuesday evening, Kole gave Sky and Star each a little kiss, on the cheek of course, as he doubted their parents would be nearly as open-minded as the ¡®twins.¡¯ He then went home for the evening with a promise to pay what he owed later in the week.

    When Sky and Star returned upstairs, she gave him a questioning look, ¡°so, he was a bit quiet at dinner. As were you. Then, tonight he gave you an IOU instead of an OMG? I didn¡¯t wear him out that bad did I? Cause I¡¯m pretty sure it was even more intense for me than for him; by a few orgasms, anyway¡± she smirked as she stepped closer to Sky and ran her fingers down the front of the black silk shirt he wore that night.

    Sky managed another smile down at her, ¡°let me guess, you¡¯re pondering asking me to get some more piercings now?¡± Sky asked, his wary smile turning into a more mischievous smirk.

    ¡°He told you about those, did he?¡± Star asked, her breath catching slightly at the memory of Kole inside her a few hours earlier, metalwork and all.

    ¡°Aye, he did.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re kinda fun. Like, really, really fun¡± Star giggled up at him.

    ¡°Can¡¯t wait to find out¡± Sky replied, trying to swallow that next mischievous smile.

    ¡°OMG has gotta be an understatement for when you do. Cause if it feels that good when he enters from the front; you might just die from pleasure when he uses your preferred access point¡± she warned.

    Sky just shook his head down at her, not able to hold back his own chuckle then, ¡°you have such a way with words.¡±

    Star then took on a more serious expression as she moved her eyes up to meet his own, ¡°is that why you guys didn¡¯t do it tonight?¡±

    ¡°Is what why? Your way with words?¡±

    ¡°No, I mean, are you... not sure you¡¯re ready for that yet?¡± she asked more quietly.

    ¡°What? Piercings?¡± Sky deflected, though the slight aversion of his eyes did prove he knew what she was really asking.

    ¡°Is that it though?¡± she asked again, gently squeezing his hand.

    Sky took a moment to find that answer, ¡°I¡¯m nervous, of course. The piercings making me more so, but in a good way¡± he had to add, ¡°right now I¡¯m just trying to remember the times I did partake of that particular perk of my sexual orientation; and back then, I did enjoy it. Really, really enjoy it¡± he took a breath at those memories, ¡°and I¡¯m trying to concentrate on all of those times instead of the one much, much less enjoyable time.¡±

    Star was quiet another moment as she watched him closely to determine how ready he really was. She then finally moved on, ¡°speaking of enjoyment; Crista?¡±

    Sky let out another slightly uneasy laugh, ¡°what about her?¡±

    ¡°So, did you skip the pre-show this time too?¡±

    Sky just shook his head with another laugh, ¡°no, I did not.¡±

    ¡°So, she is gonna be madly in love with you when we see her tomorrow then, right?¡±

    ¡°Quite possible¡± Sky conceded with another slight biting of his lip.

    ¡°Guess I better pack all the toys I might need to distract her then, eh?¡± Star teased.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you do that planning¡± he smirked again, ¡°but, now, my turn for a shower¡± and with that, he headed off to the bathroom as Star sighed after him with another tiny smile.

    <hr>

    When Crista finally did see the two of them at lunch that day, she approached where they were already seated at the table together. She was wearing a huge grin and took a deep breath as she looked between them for a long moment. ¡°I think I absolutely love you guys; both of you. Since it was Star¡¯s idea¡± she added with another tiny grin.

    ¡°We¡¯re quite fond of you too, Crista¡± Sky smirked up at her as Star just let out a slight giggle.

    ¡°Guess that answers that¡± Star told Sky furtively.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ¡°What answers what?¡± Crista asked as she took her seat.

    Then Star smiled back at her, ¡°we were debating on just how through the roof your happiness level would be today.¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯m still having aftershocks¡± she let out another ragged breath, her eyes moving openly over Sky again, no longer only having to imagine the details of what was underneath all those tight black clothes.

    ¡°Wow, I guess you did do it properly¡± Star smirked back at him.

    ¡°And you¡¯re the last person that should be surprised by that¡± Sky smirked right back at her.

    Then Crista took a breath as she looked at Star, ¡°I don¡¯t know how I ever even met you.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Star asked skeptically.

    ¡°I mean, the fact that you¡¯ve ever even left his bed, like at all... it¡¯s amazing¡± Crista teased as Sky just blushed and looked away as he bit back a smile again.

    ¡°God, what did you do to her?¡± Star asked as she looked back at him with an accusatory, yet curious, smile.

    ¡°Again, you¡¯re the last person that would probably have to guess at that¡± Sky smirked again, though still was having trouble looking back at either of them as Crista gave her glowing review, of sorts.

    ¡°Fuck¡± Star breathed, ¡°I¡¯m getting wet just listening to the summary¡± she confessed, causing both her companions to feel their breath catch. She then smirked back at Crista again, then turned to Sky, ¡°keys.¡±

    ¡°What now?¡± Sky asked, finally turning back, a little thrown.

    ¡°Keys, gimme the keys, Sky¡± she told him as she held out her hand.

    ¡°Leave something in the car, did you?¡± he returned with further skepticism as he reached into his pocket to relinquish said item.

    ¡°Me and Crista are skipping lunch¡± she told him plainly as she snatched them away from his hand and stood, holding her hand out to the younger girl.

    ¡°We are?¡± Crista stammered, though she easily let Star pull her back up from the seat.

    ¡°We are¡± Star smiled back at her and began leading her toward the door, tossing back, ¡°say hi to Kole for us¡± and then leading the girl out of the cafeteria as Sky just smirked after them.

    <hr>

    As Sky began sixth period math class that day, he had just opened his book when another student delivered a note to the teacher. She read it, scowled and looked up at him, ¡°Sky Vargas?¡± she called, gesturing for him to come up to her desk.

    He sighed heavily, put his book back into his bag and warily approached the desk, wondering what problem he was going to have to deal with now.

    ¡°You¡¯re to report to Miss Burke¡¯s office¡± she told him as she handed him the slip of paper.

    ¡°Miss Burke?¡± Sky repeated as he looked at the paper questioningly.

    ¡°The guidance counselor¡± the teacher told him flatly, her attention already having moved back to her lesson plan.

    ¡°Is this some tell me what I should do for a living thing?¡± he asked, hoping that actually would be the case. That, he could most likely deal with more easily than any other reason a counselor would want to speak to him.

    ¡°Just says report to Miss Burke. Now go¡± she told him as she waved him away.

    A few minutes later, he entered her office with a heavy sigh. She was in her mid-thirties and rather unremarkable looking. He rarely if ever had even spoken to her in his four years at the school, but hadn¡¯t heard much about her good or bad, so he hoped that this wouldn¡¯t be too painful; though his many lives had taught him to always err on the side of pessimism.

    ¡°Sky?¡± she smiled sadly at him as she gestured for him to close the door and take a seat.

    ¡°Am I supposed to know what this is about?¡± he offered warily.

    She gave him that sad smile again as he warily dropped his bag to the floor and took a seat across the desk from her. ¡°So, I had another student in here yesterday; and they were very upset.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯d I do now? Trample someone¡¯s civil rights or make them feel threatened by forcing them to have to look at eyeliner on a boy?¡±

    She just shook her head sadly, ¡°you don¡¯t have to be this defensive in here, Sky. I have a wife at home; so I¡¯m the last person who is going to judge you on your appearance, or possible orientation¡± she assured him.

    Sky was a bit caught by that, but remained on guard, nonetheless, ¡°so what¡¯d I do to upset, whoever, then?¡±

    ¡°Actually, they were more upset by something that supposedly happened to you¡± Burke offered, as Sky forgot to breathe and went pale as his eyes snapped back up to her. ¡°I see you know what I¡¯m referring to, then?¡± she added quietly.

    Sky swallowed more than one lump in his throat as he tried to decide how to respond to a virtual stranger, and one in a position of authority, sounding like they knew about the incident; considering how well it had went when Mathis had witnessed it himself.

    ¡°So, I take it, something did actually happen?¡± she continued in that same quiet tone.

    Another breath before he responded, ¡°it was nearly two weeks ago, and I obviously never reported it; so it couldn¡¯t have been that... horrible, right?¡± he denied, though his voice broke as he did.

    Burke took her own deep breath then, ¡°if you officially report it to me now, there are steps we can take, Sky. Steps we should take.¡±

    ¡°No, we really shouldn¡¯t¡± he said as he bit back his emotions painfully then.

    Burke sighed softly, ¡°but don¡¯t you want to make sure it doesn¡¯t happen to anybody else?¡±

    Sky scoffed, ¡°I¡¯m the victim, and the best way to deal with that is to try and make me feel guilty? What a wonderful world¡± he mumbled.

    ¡°That¡¯s not at all what I¡¯m trying to do, Sky. But if there is someone preying on the other students. There needs to be a stop put to it, doesn¡¯t there?¡± Burke told him with a quiet urgency.

    Sky shook his head as he sniffled slightly, eyes glued to the ceiling above him now. ¡°But me reporting it isn¡¯t gonna put a stop to it. It¡¯s just gonna make it worse. It¡¯ll make everything worse¡± he finished in a whisper.

    ¡°When this happened to a girl here, a couple years back; she didn¡¯t wanna officially report it either. And that made things worse too. She ended up killing herself a few days later. And now the boy who did that to her is doing it to other people; doing it to you. How did her not reporting it do anyone any good? Make anything any better?¡± she asked him in a near whisper.

 Chapter 71

    When Kole arrived in seventh period health that day, he adopted a concerned look as his eyes found Sky. Sky was at his seat already, head in his hands, looking as though he were trying not to have some sort of breakdown.

    ¡°That¡¯s not a happy look¡± Kole greeted him warily as he took the seat next to him.

    Sky tried to compose himself, though didn¡¯t look up at the beautiful boy speaking to him just yet, as he doubted that would help with said composure. He finally took a breath, ¡°you know who Miss Burke is?¡± he asked, only then casting the slightest glance at Kole to gauge his reaction.

    ¡°Who?¡± Kole asked with confusion, ¡°remember, only started a week ago.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t think it was you¡± Sky mumbled, eyes down again.

    ¡°What wasn¡¯t me?¡± Kole asked with another skeptical look.

    ¡°The one who threw the first piece of shit at the fan.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I try to avoid shit-throwing. It¡¯d be hell on laundry day¡± Kole teased to hide his own worry about Sky¡¯s obvious mood, and statement.

    Sky almost smirked, but soon continued, ¡°I¡¯m ninety-nine percent sure it wasn¡¯t Star either¡± a heavy sigh, ¡°and I mean, I¡¯m sure Alana means well, but fucking hell.¡±

    ¡°I have a feeling I¡¯m missing pieces of this conversation¡± Kole added as he continued to furrow a brow.

    Sky took another deep breath, then whispered, ¡°someone told the guidance counselor about the shit Curt did to me a couple weeks ago. And now life is about to become hell.¡±

    ¡°Alana?¡± Kole asked as he raised a brow.

    ¡°Well it was another student, and you, Star, and Alana, are the only candidates; you had no clue who the counselor even was, and I doubt Star would ever do that, so¡± he just shook his head again.

    ¡°So this counselor¡¯s gonna report it?¡± Kole asked with a few different emotions, most in opposition to each other.

    ¡°Well she wants me to¡± Sky sighed heavily as Kole just watched him, his mind obviously moving back to the past he had shared with Sky in regards to Curt¡¯s other atrocities. Sky then continued, ¡°I mean, I do want him to go to jail. I do wanna tell the cops what he did. But I know, I just know that it won¡¯t go the way I want it to. And after I report it and bring all that hell down on me and my family; then once he gets away with it, and he comes looking for revenge... I¡¯m terrified of who he¡¯ll hurt to get even with me then¡± Sky sniffled slightly, as Kole looked down, knowing all too well the feeling that Sky was now terrified of having to endure himself if he were ever to come forward about the monster stalking those very halls at that very moment.

    <hr>

    When school let out for the day, Kole once again located Sky, whose mood hadn¡¯t improved much, understandably. Sky was leaning against his car, backpack on the hood, cigarette in his mouth, eyes glued to the ground.

    Kole then made his way over to offer a slight smile and greet him, ¡°watch out, I hear they¡¯re gonna start cracking down on smoking in the parking lot. Something about it making quarterbacks hear things¡± he just shook his head at that one.

    Sky sighed heavily, ¡°well, I would get into the car, but Star stole my keys during lunch.¡±

    Kole just shook his head, ¡°Star does like cars.¡± Of course, that statement did make Sky look up as he raised a brow. Kole then smirked and moved on, ¡°well if she stole them, she should be punished. Good thing you have your cuffs with you¡± he smirked at the metal wrist cuffs that were hanging from all the chains that dotted Sky¡¯s pants that day.

    Sky almost laughed then, ¡°well the key to the cuffs is with the key to the car. I didn¡¯t think that one out, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Well, my cigarettes are in my car, and I have my keys, so, feel free to tag along. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ve both spent enough time in the office already lately.¡± Kole offered as Sky allowed another small smile and grabbed his bag before following Kole to his car. Once they reached the little red sports car, Kole awkwardly reached down to readjust the seat, ¡°forgot to fix that yesterday¡± he stated with a slightly guilty smile before the two boys got into the car; Sky beginning to fill in more than one blank about how Star¡¯s previous afternoon had been spent now.

    Sky was quiet as the two smoked, Kole giving him a few curious looks between drags. He finally spoke again, ¡°well, if she¡¯s not reporting it because she wants you to; and you don¡¯t want to¡± he added more quietly, ¡°then maybe there will be no shit flying after all¡± he shrugged sadly.

    ¡°I¡¯m just having trouble believing it¡¯s not gonna eventually come out now. And I know I can take it, I really can¡± he stated softly, ¡°like I said, I¡¯m just really worried about what kind of revenge Curt will take if he even thinks I told anyone.¡±

    Kole allowed a sad sigh before taking another drag, ¡°if it¡¯s any consolation, I don¡¯t even think Curt would need an excuse. So whether it comes out or not¡± he just shook his head.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not any consolation¡± Sky looked down, ¡°either it comes out and he definitely goes after Star, or it never comes out, and he still might go after her just because he feels like it¡± Sky whispered.

    ¡°The world¡¯s just not safe with him in it¡± Kole replied in his own whisper, his bitterness still obvious, and understandably so. Of course, that only caused Sky to drop what was left of the cigarette into the ashtray and lean forward to bury his face in his hands again. The looming fear of Curt hurting anyone else growing every day; especially after hearing the extent of pain he had visited on the girl Kole had loved as well. Then Kole spoke again, ¡°sorry, I¡¯m not good at the emotional stuff anymore; after trying to turn it off for the last two years¡± Kole added more quietly.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°It¡¯s ok. I usually have Star to help me get through the emotional stuff¡± Sky replied softly.

    After another long moment, Kole spoke again, ¡°well, there¡¯s still one thing that I might be able to help you with; something that Star just isn¡¯t equipped to help you with at all¡± he allowed a sly smirk in an attempt to improve Sky¡¯s mood the best way he did know how.

    Sky cast him a sideways glance, ¡°and what might that be?¡±

    ¡°Dues to pay¡± Kole smirked again as he started the car and began pulling out of the lot as Sky tried to bite back his own smile then, regardless of his former mood.

    <hr>

    When Sky found himself once again back at the same motel for a second afternoon, renting yet another room for an hour or two¡¯s use, he cringed just a bit as it was the same clerk who raised a brow as he entered the office. Already in the mind set for what was to come, Kole was standing close behind Sky, his hands on his waist, placing a few gentle kisses upon the back of Sky¡¯s neck through those long black and white locks.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you just here yesterday? With a girl?¡± she asked pointedly, ¡°I¡¯m still trying to get the stain out of the sheet¡± she shook her head in annoyance.

    Kole smirked and Sky blushed and shook his head down at her, ¡°if I pay extra today, will you refrain from any further commentary?¡± he asked her with a slight glare.

    She just shook her head as she reached for a key then looked between the two young men skeptically, ¡°this somehow makes more sense¡± she mumbled as she handed him the key as Sky just rolled his eyes and left the office, Kole still smirking behind him.

    ¡°You do leave an impression, don¡¯t you?¡± Kole smirked as they entered their room a few moments later.

    ¡°Me? You¡¯ve been at school for a week and after this, you¡¯ll have already slept with half my family¡± Sky chided him.

    ¡°You must admit, you have a pretty odd family¡± Kole smirked again as he dropped his bag near the bed and began sliding out of his black velvet shirt.

    Once Kole¡¯s shirt hit the floor, Sky swallowed a bit as his eyes moved over that newly exposed pale skin, ¡°sorry, were we talking about something?¡±

    Kole snickered again as he moved a step closer and began sliding the long-sleeved fishnet shirt Sky wore that day up over his head. As he appreciatively looked over Sky then as well, he had to speak once more, ¡°remember, if it¡¯s too much, just say¡± he told him gently.

    ¡°I know¡± Sky whispered as he looked down slightly.

    Though, he was soon distracted from that dark thought as Kole was now already undoing the front of his leather pants. Once Sky was relieved of all his clothing, and Kole took a long moment to give him an even more appreciative glance as Sky was already hardening in anticipation; he gently pushed him back to a seat on the bed.

    Sky bit his nail in further anticipation as Kole¡¯s hand moved to the front of his own snug black pants. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to see these famous piercings¡± Sky teased as Kole¡¯s hands moved to begin unfastening.

    ¡°Can¡¯t wait for you to feel them¡± Kole told him mischievously.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard rave reviews¡± Sky breathed as at least the more obvious of the two piercings came into view as Kole was almost completely aroused already as well. ¡°This is gonna be an experience¡± Sky nearly choked as Kole finished undressing.

    ¡°And don¡¯t forget this one¡± Kole teased as he lifted himself again to allow Sky to get a look at the other barbell along the bottom of the shaft.

    Sky¡¯s breath caught again as his eyes moved over Kole, ¡°die of pleasure indeed.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Kole snickered.

    ¡°Something Star suggested might happen¡± Sky managed, though was obviously a bit too aroused right then to even get the words past his lips for the most part.

    Kole took another breath as he moved forward and guided Sky¡¯s hand to his own erection, ¡°figured you might wanna do an appraisal too beforehand.¡±

    Sky gently moved his fingers over each piercing as Kole¡¯s breath came in a few short quick gasps at the touch. ¡°This is definitely gonna be an experience¡± Sky repeated as he looked up at the other boy who was staring down into that ever so pretty face, gently touching his cheek.

    ¡°So, next awkward question. I did get tested a few weeks ago, and I¡¯m fine. Which is why I didn¡¯t use anything with Star after she said she was on the pill. And she¡¯s the only person I¡¯ve been with since my last test. And I¡¯m pretty sure that if she had anything, you¡¯d already be pretty aware of it.¡±

    ¡°To say the least¡± Sky agreed, ¡°but actually, in the last few years, it¡¯s just basically been me and Star, and just me and Star, so¡± Sky shrugged slightly, ¡°then this week happened and suddenly we¡¯re such bad bad children again. But at least I¡¯ve only been bad with Star and a virgin this week, so far anyway. So I think I¡¯m still pretty safe at this point in time too.¡±

    ¡°Well damn, then we both might die of pleasure¡± Kole breathed, seeming to lose his own composure then as well. Sky just smirked as he stood to kiss Kole once more. He then gave him another mischievous yet cautious smile as he moved to the bed. Then moving back against the pillows, Sky smiled back at Kole with another expectant look.

    After several long moments of kissing and caressing one another, both young men were nearly ready to explode at that point. As they ended their most recent kiss, Kole finally moved back from Sky¡¯s lips, though still held his face in his hands, marveling at how this boy was prettier than most girls. ¡°You¡¯re so fuckin gorgeous¡± Kole smirked over at him, ¡°good thing you¡¯re naked, or else I might have to question my bisexuality right now.¡±

    ¡°Shut up¡± Sky laughed over at him with a slight blush.

    ¡°Oh come on Sky, you know you¡¯re the hottest girl in school¡± Kole teased as he slowly moved back toward the middle of the bed, gesturing for Sky to join him.

    ¡°I think that would be Star¡± Sky smirked as he made his way over to where Kole waited in the middle of the mattress.

    ¡°Well, you are twins, right?¡± Kole teased again.

    ¡°I repeat, shut up¡± Sky snickered.

    ¡°I guess you¡¯ll just have to make me forget how to speak¡± Kole returned as he gently turned Sky away from him and even more gently guided him to his knees in front of him. As Sky tensed and took a deep breath as he assumed that position, Kole¡¯s tone grew serious once more, ¡°are you actually sure though?¡± he asked him softly.

    ¡°Make me sure¡± Sky whispered back as he lowered his head, waiting for the feel of the cool lotion that Kole had taken from his bag sometime during their foreplay and now was uncapping with with a deep breath.

    Sky¡¯s breath caught again as Kole took several moments to apply the lotion with a touch that nearly had Sky climaxing already. Kole then took another deep breath as he assumed his own position behind Sky. Bracing himself, Sky simply nodded breathlessly. In the next moment, Kole and all his ¡®metalwork¡¯ were sliding inside Sky as the younger of them already immediately felt himself pouring his seed onto the bed sheets below them as his entire body shook in pleasure at the feel of just that initial entrance.

    Barely fighting his own climax as well then at the feel of being inside Sky at last; Kole couldn¡¯t help grinning at Sky¡¯s more than obvious pleasure as he continued trembling beneath him, ¡°Should I continue?¡± Kole asked after giving Sky a few needed moments to remember how to breathe.

    Hardly able to speak, still, Sky managed to choke out, ¡°Oh, you better.¡±

 Chapter 72

    Upon arriving at school the next day, Sky was already exiting the car and heading for the building before Star could even gather her bag and open her own car door. She looked after him with a bit of worry then. After all, the night before, when he had been given a ride home from Kole; he seemed in a rather good mood, to put it mildly. Though Star could easily guess what brought that mood on after having her own afternoon of intense pleasure with Kole the day before. However, upon returning to school grounds, the dark cloud hanging over Sky was nearly visible as he headed inside with no real explanation, even to her.

    Sky entered the school doors and made a bee line for Miss Burke¡¯s office, where she was still sliding out of her light jacket when he opened the door. ¡°Morning, Sky¡± she greeted him with a combination of wariness and hopefulness.

    ¡°Did you report it?¡± was his only greeting.

    ¡°Report what?¡±

    ¡°Nice try¡± he scoffed, ¡°did you?¡±

    She sighed as she hung the jacket on the back of her chair and turned another sad look on the young man standing inside her door, more than upset as he awaited her answer. She took a breath, ¡°I could report it, but it would be better coming from you; so I¡¯d rather you do so.¡±

    ¡°How long have you worked here?¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°Almost ten years¡± she answered, seeming a little thrown by the question.

    Sky scoffed again, ¡°and you still don¡¯t know how things work around here? Hell, this is only my fourth year here, but I had it figured out on day one.¡±

    ¡°Sky, I understand the urge to be cynical about the---¡±

    ¡°Cynical?¡± he scoffed more loudly, ¡°try fucking terrified¡± he corrected her angrily.

    ¡°If he has you so terrified, that¡¯s all the more reason---¡±

    ¡°You really don¡¯t get it. I¡¯m not terrified for me. I¡¯ve already had to deal with his sick fucking idea of fun¡± he shook his head, ¡°if anyone, and I mean, anyone, knows that I opened my mouth about what happened, at all, let alone fucking reported it? I¡¯m not worried about what he¡¯ll do to me anymore. But I have friends. I have a girl I¡¯m totally in love with. If he even thinks that I told anyone... they¡¯re the ones he¡¯ll go after next. And I refuse to live with that.¡±

    And with that, he left the room with a slam of the door, hoping upon hope that his plea for silence wouldn¡¯t fall on deaf ears. But he hoped even more, that it wasn¡¯t already too late to undo whatever damage may come from this woman knowing at all.

    <hr>

    Kole was the first to arrive at their usual table for lunch that day. And Crista was second. And when she arrived, she graced him with a more than mischievous smile as she came and sat down next to him as close as she possibly could without literally crawling into his lap.

    ¡°Guess what¡± she greeted him with that same devilish grin.

    ¡°I heard¡± he smirked back.

    Then she smiled up at him again, ¡°I¡¯ve also heard a few things about you¡± she told him with a giggle as she moved her eyes to the tight bondage pants he wore that day.

    ¡°Our reputations precede us¡± he allowed his own slight laugh.

    ¡°So, any thoughts on my newly de-virginized state meeting up with your love of metalwork someday? Preferably soon? Before the birthday of doom?¡± she asked with a wary hopefulness.

    Kole just laughed more loudly then as he rubbed at his eyes to gain a moment¡¯s composure, ¡°this is by far the most interesting group of friends I have ever had¡± he smirked again.

    ¡°So is that a yes or a no?¡± she asked, somehow displaying more confidence these days.

    Though before he could answer, Alana came to join them, ¡°is it still ok if I sit here?¡± she asked warily as Kole¡¯s smile faltered on her approach.

    ¡°Not sure that¡¯s my call¡± he answered her quietly as he looked away, wishing he had a cigarette right then; but he didn¡¯t need to add smoking in the cafeteria to his already colorful record at this new school.

    ¡°I missed something, didn¡¯t I?¡± Crista asked, noting the tension between them.

    Alana sighed heavily, directing her sad words at where Kole still didn¡¯t look back at her, ¡°no one was supposed to know who said anything.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°Well it wasn¡¯t that hard to figure out, Alana¡± Kole returned quietly.

    Crista looked between them again, ¡°ok, I definitely missed something.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want him to pay too? For Sammi?¡± Alana asked him sadly.

    ¡°Who¡¯s paying what now?¡± Crista asked, ¡°and who¡¯s Sammi?¡± she added.

    Still not looking up, despite Crista¡¯s questions and Alana¡¯s sad voice, Kole answered, ¡°well, you know I do. But I¡¯m pretty sure other people will end up paying, badly, before Curt ever does.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Alana asked a little worriedly as Crista now just gave up questioning and hoped to figure out what the hell they were talking about on her own then.

    ¡°If it gets reported, Curt will know. And then how fun do you think it will be for any of us around here? Like you? Or Crista? Or Star?¡± he asked as he shook his head back at her, ¡°do you really wanna find out? Cause I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s the last fucking thing Sky wanted to have to find out¡± he told her as he shook his head once more and left the table.

    Meanwhile, not sure how well he could hold his own tongue with Alana, Sky opted to have lunch in the car that day. And of course, after having been filled in by Sky through text during their study hall of hell while Curt glared at them, Star decided to join him for that lunch in the car.

    Shortly after picking at a few chips which would count for their lunch that day, Star spoke, ¡°so, do we just hate Alana now? After going back in time to save her?¡± she added more quietly.

    Sky just sighed, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say hate. But I just wish she would have taken just one second to actually think things through before opening her damn mouth¡± Sky complained, his frustration still obvious.

    ¡°Guess she¡¯s had a few less lifetimes to know how bad things can really get with Curt¡± Star stated more quietly.

    ¡°Well I have a feeling she still may find out now that we¡¯ve got counselors on a crusade¡± Sky added with further upset.

    That was when Kole tapped on the tinted car window, ¡°anyone home?¡±

    Sky and Star then did allow a small smirk as Sky lowered his window a crack, ¡°how so ever did you find us?¡±

    Kole just smiled back, ¡°want company?¡±

    Sky just bit back another smile as he gestured for Kole to get into the backseat behind them. Upon doing so, Kole leaned forward in the seat glancing over where both of them couldn¡¯t help smiling back at him, despite their current moods.

    ¡°Not having lunch inside?¡± Star asked, ¡°Crista will be very upset.¡±

    Kole smirked again, ¡°I already talked to her, briefly¡± his eyes grew darker then, ¡°then Alana showed up¡± he sighed as he slid back in the seat again.

    Star then added, ¡°what a coincidence. We were just talking about her too.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I mighta sorta said a few words to her. My bad¡± Kole apologized insincerely. They then both just looked back at him questioningly. He then allowed another guilty smile as he looked between them, ¡°what can I say? I¡¯m feeling oddly protective of you two.¡±

    Sky smirked then as well ¡°really now?¡±

    Returning that smirk, Kole added, ¡°well, if you two are all depressed and thinking about signing up for home schooling or some shit, then I worry that my instances of rather intense orgasmic fulfillment with not one, but two of my preferred partner genders; it may just take a hit.¡±

    Sky and Star both couldn¡¯t help a small chuckle at his words before Sky spoke again, ¡°I see, so you¡¯re protecting your sexual interests, then?¡±

    ¡°Always¡± Kole smirked back as he reached over the seat and helped himself to a chip as the two just shook their heads with another small smile on each set of lips.

    Sky¡¯s mood easily returning though, he sighed, ¡°that home schooling thing really might be the only option at this point. Our parents would be thrilled¡± he added as he gave Star a furtive look.

    ¡°Something needs to be done about Curt once and for all¡± Kole grumbled in agreement.

    Sky then looked back at him with further worry, ¡°please don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re still thinking of stabbing him in the heart?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m always thinking about it¡± Kole scoffed, then added, more seriously, ¡°but I was actually thinking more about what you two may have done to make him hear things, or make Nickels not see things¡± he stated quietly as he looked between the two pointedly as both grew visibly more uncomfortable.

    ¡°Not sure what you¡¯re referring to¡± Star returned with a bit of discomfort.

    ¡°And then that virgin¡¯s blood comment?¡± Kole added, ¡°gimme some credit here; I know fellow witches when I see them. Think you two are even better at it than me. I need candles and shit; you guys just think it. I should be taking lessons from the two of you¡± he told them conversationally as he moved to light a cigarette as the two just looked back at him with a bit of shock on their faces.

    ¡°You think we...¡± Star stammered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡± Kole smiled as he lit the cigarette, ¡°I probably wouldn¡¯t have even noticed without knowing what to look for¡± he smiled at them as he took a drag.

    ¡°You think we...¡± Sky repeated Star¡¯s earlier worried comment.

    ¡°So do you two actually have to be together to be that good at it? Bonding ritual? Sex to tie yourselves together like that? Pretty cool. I¡¯m guessing you two are less effective apart then though. No wonder you two are so inseparable. Other than the obvious reasons¡± he had to add with a smirk.

    Sky and Star gave each other another furtive look, then shrugged at each other before Sky spoke again, ¡°you¡¯ve gotta understand. We don¡¯t exactly...¡±

    ¡°Advertise?¡± Kole supplied with another smile, ¡°no shit. Cause you¡¯ve got real power, not just the new age store bullshit. You guys really are tapped into some old age shit¡± he added with another drag.

    ¡°Nobody can know¡± Sky whispered, deciding going with it was their best option here.

    ¡°Did you know about me?¡± Kole told them pointedly, ¡°I know how to keep secrets, in other words¡± he smiled back at them, ¡°especially one like this; One that just might be exactly what we need to deal with certain unpleasant factors in our lives¡± he stated, his eyes darkening as Curt and a few of his friends passed by in the distance on their way to the field at the back of the school for their own lunch period.

    Star followed Kole¡¯s eyes then looked back worriedly, ¡°you think we could actually... do something...¡± she decided on, ¡°about Curt?¡±

    ¡°Well, with as powerful as you two seem to be; plus some of the things I know¡± he added as he watched the nemesis in question disappear around the side of the school, ¡°I¡¯d love to find out.¡±

 Chapter 73

    ¡°We need to tell them, right?¡± Brie was asking Connor that day at their new lab as the two worriedly looked over their latest test results.

    ¡°Tell them?¡± Connor scoffed as he looked back at her.

    ¡°Well, they need to know¡± Brie told him with continued worry.

    ¡°And how do we explain to them how we even got these test results?¡± Connor scoffed, ¡°the second we mention it, they¡¯ll immediately see us as... as the other versions of ourselves; the two they hated so much they reset the whole world to get away from us¡± Connor added pointedly.

    ¡°But they need to know¡± Brie shook her head.

    Connor took a few deep breaths, ¡°why?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Brie nearly choked on the word.

    ¡°Why do they need to know? It¡¯s obvious that they¡¯re so wrapped up in each other, that it should never even become a factor. At least not in this version of their lives¡± he had to add.

    ¡°You can¡¯t tell me that you think our seventeen year old children will never be with anyone else but each other for the rest of their lives? This life?¡± Brie scoffed.

    ¡°After all the sex they had with all those strangers in the other versions of their lives? I think they obviously have been there, done that, and it obviously didn¡¯t work out. And now, they do seem pretty single-minded about how they¡¯re the only people one another could ever love; at least in this life, or so it appears¡± Connor shrugged, though there was still nervousness there.

    ¡°Ok, let¡¯s say that, miracle of miracles, our two incredibly attractive children never are intimate with anyone but each other; this time around. Ok, let¡¯s go there¡± Brie shook her head, ¡°then what about their children? Hmm?¡±

    Connor scoffed, ¡°assuming they ever even decide to have kids. Which is a pretty big assumption, knowing what they know about what they actually are¡± Connor returned.

    Brie just shook her head, ¡°even if they never have other lovers, even if they never have children who will grow up and eventually have their own lovers... We still need to tell them Connor. If not... so much badness could happen. Even if it¡¯s not for several years¡± she sighed sadly.

    ¡°They¡¯ll hate us if they know we¡¯ve been running any kind of tests at all¡± Connor warned again.

    ¡°And what will they think of us if it does happen? If they do have other lovers someday, and we knew about this, but never told them? What then?¡± Brie stated sadly.

    <hr>

    That Saturday, Sky and Star were out by the pool again. It was the last day of September, so it was a bit chilly for a swim, but nice enough to have their late breakfast outside at around ten that morning. The two were actually waiting for Kole to show up so they could discuss any possible supernatural means at their disposal to deal with Curt, while still avoiding discovery. Of course, Kole assumed that it was their ¡®witchy ways¡¯ they wanted to protect rather than the actual truth they were trying to hide; but they decided it was safer to let him believe that than the actual truth.

    That was when their parents came to join them outside, causing Sky and Star to both give them rather questioning looks. Those looks only grew more worried when they saw how somber Brie and Connor looked that day.

    ¡°What now?¡± Sky asked warily, always on guard as usual.

    ¡°Ok, I¡¯m gonna just spit this out, cause I know this is going to probably be the worst part¡± she took a breath, ¡°we tested strands of your hair. We just wanted to know more about your biological make up and make sure there was nothing we needed to worry about, health-wise anyway. I swear, that was all it was¡± she told them with an urgent tone, trying to stifle their anger before it surfaced.

    Sky and Star both sighed heavily, ¡°knew it was too good to be true¡± Star mumbled under her breath.

    Sky glared back at them, ¡°you planning on locking us up now?¡±

    ¡°No, Sky. We would never do that... again¡± Brie assured him, ¡°but we found something out. And you two... should be aware.¡±

    Sky scoffed again, ¡°what now?¡±

    Connor took a breath as he joined the conversation then, ¡°it¡¯s probably something the two of you will never have to worry about, in this life, anyway. But we decided that it would be best that we at least made it known to the two of you.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°What already?¡± Sky returned impatiently.

    Brie tried to steel herself then, ¡°just, we want to make sure you two never have unprotected sex¡± she blurted out as the two just gave her another look of disbelief, as they thought the whole issue of their sex lives was buried already.

    ¡°Are you serious right now?¡± Sky scoffed.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve been on the pill since before the first time we even had sex... in this life¡± she had to add more quietly.

    ¡°No, what we mean is...¡± Brie began warily as the two just looked at each other with even more worry then. ¡°What we¡¯re trying to tell you, which probably won¡¯t be an issue for the two of you, considering how in love you are and all; but just don¡¯t ever have unprotected sex with anyone, other than each other at least¡± Brie managed, though just saying the words seemed to cause her pain.

    Star and Sky looked at each other with a bit of panic then, but quickly tried to bury it, ¡°what are you talking about?¡± Star asked slowly.

    Brie took another breath, looked at Connor, then back at her children, ¡°what we found out when we tested your hair is that you both have...¡± she looked at Connor again, ¡°are we really calling it an STA?¡± she shook her head.

    ¡°Until we think of a better name¡± Connor shrugged sadly.

    ¡°What the fuck¡¯s an STA?¡± Sky asked loudly.

    ¡°A really bad name for¡± Brie shook her head, ¡°...what it means is that you two... your... condition... ¡°she decided on, ¡°it¡¯s sort of... contagious?¡± she choked on the last word.

    ¡°What the fuck?¡± Sky asked more loudly.

    Brie took another breath, ¡°it just means that if you were ever to... share bodily fluids with someone?¡± she shrugged uncomfortably, ¡°then there¡¯d be a chance, that your DNA could sort of, linger... with a partner who doesn¡¯t already have your... condition¡± she repeated. She then quickly added, ¡°I mean it¡¯s perfectly safe for you and Star and all, since, well... but if you two ever do decide you wanna be with someone else? You¡¯ll have to be very, very careful¡± she told them with a hundred kinds of apologetic and embarrassed undertones in her voice just then.

    With that revelation, Brie and Connor gave another wary look to their rather panic-stricken children and then headed back inside to let them adjust to this new factor of their already stress-filled lives.

    After several more long moments, Sky finally whispered, ¡°Kole¡¯s so fucking infected.¡±

    ¡°Doubly infected¡± Star breathed with the same shock and panic.

    ¡°Feeling protective of us?¡± Sky scoffed as he shook his head. He then quickly looked back at Star, ¡°fuck, Crista probably is too.¡±

    ¡°Crista?¡± Star repeated as she looked at him with disbelief, ¡°didn¡¯t you use a condom with her?¡±

    ¡°Well, yes, and no¡± Sky admitted.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    ¡°I mean, of course I used a condom with her for the final act. Just not the pre-show. I thought I only needed to prevent pregnancy, not sexually transmitted... alienism?¡± he stated sadly.

    Star sighed heavily, ¡°and that pre-show involved what?¡± Star prodded warily,

    ¡°Why have a tongue piercing if you¡¯re not gonna use it? Plus, she kind of wanted to do that to me too¡± he sighed.

    ¡°Fuck, Sky.¡±

    ¡°And what did you do with her when you skipped lunch?¡± he shot back.

    ¡°Fuck¡± Star repeated.

    ¡°Thought so¡± he shook his head as they both sat there staring out at the pool in shock.

    The two were then quiet for several more long moments, their minds reeling at what all they had done just this week alone would actually mean. Finally, Sky spoke with despair, ¡°so, the two of us now have single-handedly started the alien invasion-slash-colonization of earth? Just because we decided we still liked to fuck pretty people other than each other? Go us¡± he added sarcastically.

    When Kole did arrive less than half an hour later, he was directed to the patio out back where Sky and Star still were sitting at the patio table together, silently. Upon stepping outside and closing the doors behind him again, Kole greeted them, ¡°wow your parents look...¡± he then took pause as he approached the other two teens, ¡°somehow less upset than the two of you¡± he finished warily.

    Star sighed as she looked up at him, as though she wanted to say something, then thought better of it. Instead, she just moved to give him an almost apologetic hug. Though, when she stepped back from him, he flinched slightly, ¡°sorry, think your hair got caught on my ring¡± she said as she cast a furtive glance at Sky.

    ¡°Considering what I¡¯ve done to myself, I think I can survive the inevitable long-hair plus spiky jewelry debacle¡± he smirked down at her.

    ¡°So, I¡¯ll be right back¡± Star told him as she headed back inside, casting one more worried look back at Sky.

    ¡°Something seems to be amiss here today¡± Kole stated in a perplexed tone as he sat across from Sky then.

    ¡°Parental issues¡± Sky attempted as he looked away with a deep breath, eyes moving to the doors Star had just stepped back through.

    Inside, Star found her parents in the living room and held out a long lavender lock to them, ¡°hurry up and test it before he wonders why I¡¯m in here instead of out there.¡±

    Brie took the long lock from her hand as she looked up at Star in disbelief, ¡°what happened to being completely in love with Sky?¡± she gasped.

    ¡°Bigger problems, mom. Test it¡± Star returned urgently.

    After several minutes, Brie and Connor returned from the in-home office next to the living room and just shook their heads in even further distress then, ¡°I don¡¯t even know where to...¡± Brie¡¯s voice trailed off.

    ¡°So, he¡¯s got it too now?¡± Star sniffled.

    Connor then put in warily, ¡°well we¡¯d have to test his blood to be absolutely positive; but there were some, anomalies¡± he decided on sadly.

    ¡°How did this even happen, Star?¡± Brie asked her with further worry.

    ¡°That¡¯s gonna have to be a conversation for a different time. Right now, I think you''re not the ones I need to be talking to¡± Star sniffled again as she headed back outside.

    She was now more than dreading how he would ever deal with this new fact of his life, as well as how it came to be, and a million other factors right then. It was then that she had to admit, that maybe this new love affair that had made her and Sky so happy of late, wasn¡¯t exactly as perfect as they thought it was, after all.

 Chapter 74

    Brie and Connor were still sitting, shocked in the living room as Star headed back outside. Brie took another long breath and spoke again, ¡°how is it even possible that Star would ever cheat on Sky? Let alone, with one of his only friends? Just how?¡±

    Connor sighed heavily, ¡°is the teenage drama aspect really the most important problem here?¡± Connor asked her.

    Brie scoffed, ¡°well I for one am slightly dreading what will happen when one alien with psychic powers finds out that the other alien with psychic powers, who he was totally in love with, and who he lives with, cheated on him with a friend of his, who might also, now have psychic powers¡± Brie explained sarcastically.

    ¡°What the fuck did we do?¡± Connor mumbled, shaking his head then as well.

    ¡°I just, I don¡¯t even know where to...¡± Brie shook her head again.

    Connor then took a few more breaths, ¡°maybe Sky cheated on her with Mr. pretty purple locks¡± he scoffed sadly.

    ¡°That is not helping¡± Brie bit back. She then added, ¡°besides, it was Star who told us to test those pretty purple locks. It was obviously her that had sex with him... and without a condom¡± she added with another dismayed shake of her head.

    Connor took another long moment before speaking again, ¡°well maybe the teenage drama part won¡¯t be near as bad as we think. I mean, the two were pretty open about both of them sleeping with other people in other lives. Weren¡¯t they?¡±

    Brie just shook her head, ¡°great, so maybe there won¡¯t be any psychically powered jealous rages if we¡¯re lucky. But it still doesn¡¯t fix the problem that we now probably have three alien hybrids to deal with. One of which doesn¡¯t even know it yet and will probably flip out when he finds out it happened at all, let alone how it happened. And we know nothing about this kid who is now, probably just like our kids¡± she shook her head with ever increasing upset.

    When Star stepped back through the patio doors a moment later, the look on her face told Sky all he needed to know, as his dark eyes dropped too. She approached the table where he and Kole sat quietly and gave Kole a sad smile before speaking, ¡°mind if I borrow Sky for a few minutes?¡±

    ¡°You had him first¡± he offered, attempting a smile, but more than a little concerned about what exactly was going on today; it was obvious there was some sort of drama happening here, but he couldn¡¯t quite figure out what it was just yet.

    A moment later, Sky had followed Star back inside the patio doors that she shut firmly behind them, Kole watching them warily as they whispered back and forth, both obviously more than a little upset by something. His first thought of course was worry that something else had happened with Curt. But he figured if that were the case, they likely would¡¯ve told him as soon as he arrived. So he remained wary as he watched their muffled conversation through those glass doors.

    ¡°I suppose I don¡¯t have to ask¡± was the first thing Sky said as Star shut those doors behind them.

    ¡°They have to test his blood to be absolutely sure, but he has ¡®anomalies¡¯¡± Star shook her head sadly.

    ¡°And we know all too well how many bodily fluids he¡¯s shared with both of us¡± Sky sighed with more kinds of regret than he could count right then. After another moment, Sky made himself continue, ¡°I should probably be the one to even try and explain any of this to him. After all, I¡¯m the one who he finally opened up to about the worst shit in his past. Guess I¡¯m the one who has dues to pay now¡± he stated, eyes down again.

    ¡°But I¡¯m the one who... hybridized... him, Sky¡± Star stated with her own huge helping of despair.

    ¡°Um, no you¡¯re not¡± Sky corrected her.

    ¡°Really?¡± Star raised a brow, ¡°I was with him when you were still deflowering Crista¡± she reminded.

    ¡°And do you recall the night before, in that fucking supply shack?¡± Sky reminded, ¡°and how much of my DNA Kole was swallowing at the time?¡±

    ¡°Fuck¡± Star said as her eyes dropped then.

    ¡°So, I probably fucking in--- hybridized¡± he chose the slightly less acerbic term, ¡°him and Crista both. Your conscience is clear¡± he shook his head again, fighting back any tears that wanted to surface then.

    ¡°Fucking hell¡± Star whispered as she rubbed at her eyes with even more stress, ¡°honestly, we should probably tell him together. In case he wants to stab us in the heart now. Not that I could really blame him¡± she added, biting back her own tears.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Sky took a deep breath as he glanced at where Kole was still watching them curiously through the glass doors. ¡°So, worst case scenario? We rewind time again? But this time only go back a week or two instead of three years?¡±

    ¡°Exploding heads here we come¡± Star mumbled, but nodded.

    They then both stepped back outside, ¡°shall I get popcorn to see the end of this family drama?¡± Kole greeted them with a smirk as they returned to the table he was still seated at.

    ¡°We need to talk¡± Sky attempted.

    ¡°Nothing good has ever followed those words¡± Kole replied as he tensed a bit and braced himself.

    Then Star began, ¡°we¡¯re not witches, Kole.¡±

    ¡°Really now?¡± he raised a brow, ¡°are ya positive?¡±

    Sky took a breath as he looked at Star then back at Kole, ¡°Sky and Star? Adopted? Our parents are scientists? Genetic engineers to be exact? They really did make us Kole; just not in the traditional way, so to speak. Think more sci-fi than horror¡± Sky added sadly.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re not witches... but aliens?¡± he just nodded his head, obviously not quite buying the story just yet, ¡°intriguing. Worrying that I seem to be the most mentally stable one here now. But intriguing¡± he stated again, still looking at them both skeptically.

    Sky then took another sad breath, ¡°it¡¯s true, Kole. Though we¡¯re technically hybrids. Mostly human I believe is what they said¡± he sighed again, ¡°and we just found out, like literally half an hour before you got here, that apparently making an alien hybrid is pretty fucking easy to do; if you already happen to be one¡± he stated warily, Star and he grabbing one another¡¯s hands for strength then.

    ¡°Right¡± Kole replied, ¡°I always knew the hot ones were also the crazy ones. Why should I be surprised, right?¡±

    Star spoke then, ¡°believe me Kole, this is the last thing we wanted to tell you. You¡¯re the last person we wanna...¡± she then shook her head, ¡°god I don¡¯t even wanna use the word alienate, but yeah, that. We really like you, both of us; and we honestly didn¡¯t wanna ever have to explain this. But now we kinda have to¡± she whispered the last bit sadly.

    ¡°And why do you have to tell me this wonderful story?¡± Kole stated as he was then the one rubbing away a bit of his dark eye makeup then.

    Sky spoke again then, ¡°like I said, we literally just found out that we¡¯re apparently... contagious?¡± he shrugged.

    ¡°What?¡± Kole asked more worriedly then.

    Star tried to clarify then, ¡°anyone who comes in contact, intimate contact, with our DNA... Well, wait til you see what kind of powers you could have now, Kole¡± she attempted a smile, but it didn¡¯t quite come to be on her pretty, full, red-stained lips.

    ¡°Powers?¡± Kole said, a bit of interest peeking through his obvious upset then.

    Sky spoke then, ¡°why do you think we didn¡¯t need candles and shit? And new age is kind of accurate still; just that new age being science, and apparently evolution.¡±

    ¡°Powers?¡± Kole repeated as he leaned forward in his seat, ¡°like Curt hearing shit that no one else heard? Nickels not seeing what everyone else could see? That was your... alien mojo?¡±

    Star tried that smile again, ¡°yeah, that¡¯s exactly what it was.¡±

    Kole blew some air through his own pleasantly glossed lips then as he thought on their words. He then looked up, ¡°so if you¡¯ve got these powers...¡± he began as he raised a brow.

    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t I use them on Curt that day?¡± Sky guessed at his question.

    ¡°For starters, yeah¡± Kole nodded as he looked at them expectantly.

    Sky took a breath, ¡°you were right about our bond. Only witchcraft wasn¡¯t responsible for it. That¡¯s our DNA. Our one drawback to being what we are. Safety in numbers really is true with us. If we¡¯re by ourselves...¡± Sky just shook his head.

    ¡°Fuck¡± Kole breathed as he reached for a cigarette in thought. After lighting it and taking a few drags, ¡°and I¡¯m supposedly one of these... hybrids now cause of our... romantic week together?¡± he decided on.

    Star swallowed again, ¡°I¡¯d say ninety-five to ninety-eight percent chance¡± she told him in a tiny voice.

    ¡°Fuck¡± he repeated as he took another drag.

    Star looked at Sky questioningly then back at Kole, ¡°not gonna try to stab us in the heart are you?¡±

    Kole scoffed, though almost smiled, ¡°I try to save my knives for asshole rapists, not people that have given me the most... memorable week of my life¡± he took a breath at those memories.

    ¡°So you don¡¯t hate us?¡± Star stammered.

    ¡°I take it this means that if I were to ever sleep with someone else, besides you two, I¡¯d have to be really fucking careful?¡±

    ¡°To put it mildly¡± Sky answered quietly.

    ¡°Well I fucking hate condoms. So I guess I¡¯ll just have to keep you two around, huh?¡± he smirked back at them as the two actually allowed a small laugh then, their relief almost outweighing their worry about Kole¡¯s future then, almost.

    After several more moments of the three silently pondering their futures, Star looked up at Sky, "I guess we need to find a way to get Crista tested now too?¡±

    Sky sighed heavily as Kole raised a brow, ¡°no we don¡¯t have to involve her until we know for sure. I mean, it was only foreplay with her before I put the condom on. Maybe...¡± he just shook his head.

    ¡°Did she blow you?¡± Kole asked.

    Sky blushed slightly, ¡°may have happened.¡±

    ¡°And how did I get hybridized again, Sky, dear?¡± Kole told him pointedly, to which Sky only groaned.

    ¡°So, we have to call Crista now too? Pull out a strand of blue hair to give mom and dad to test along with the purple one I already gave them?¡± Star asked.

    ¡°You sneaky little...¡± Kole smirked over at Star, then took another drag of his cigarette.

    ¡°No, they can just test her blood¡± Sky sighed.

    ¡°I can see that phone call¡± Star scoffed, ¡°hey Crista mind coming over so my mad scientist parents can give you a blood test?¡±

    Sky shook his head, ¡°no, I¡¯ve still got...¡± he shook his head. ¡°laundry hasn¡¯t been done yet. I just have to go get the pants I had on that day¡± he offered with another blush before heading back inside.

    Kole looked after him and then back at Star, ¡°strange, strange lives indeed.¡±

 Chapter 75

    Dinner that night was more than awkward as well. Kole was seated with Star on her side of the table now and no one there really was doing much in the way of talking that evening. Finally, after the first ten minutes of silence or so, Brie was the first to speak, ¡°ok, can you two even try to explain to me how any of this even happened?¡±

    ¡°Not like we even knew it could happen, mom¡± Sky mumbled as he moved his food around his plate.

    ¡°Maybe I should go¡± Kole spoke up with more than a bit of discomfort as he stood.

    ¡°Oh no, Kole, you¡¯re staying. After all you are family now; in a manner of speaking¡± Brie added under her breath as he awkwardly sat back down.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not his fault¡± Sky replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s not his fault that he had sex with Star without a condom?¡± she exclaimed as Star and Kole both sunk in their seats slightly, ¡°and the fact that you are defending your friend having unprotected sex with the girl you¡¯re in love with? I just... I just can¡¯t¡± she shook her head again.

    Star finally tried to find her voice, ¡°we thought it was safe cause I was on the pill, mom.¡±

    ¡°Missing at least half the point¡± Brie muttered as she shook her head again. ¡°And you Sky? Taking this other girl¡¯s virginity? Well I guess that explains why you¡¯re ok with what those two did¡± she scoffed loudly.

    ¡°Crista is our friend¡± Sky attempted, ¡°we thought it would be better if it was me who was her first instead of some random asshole.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s we?¡± Brie shot back, as Sky and Star both dropped their eyes to the table again.

    ¡°I probably really should---¡± Kole began to stand again.

    ¡°Sit¡± Brie shot back as Kole let out another breath and sat back down, dropping his eyes to the table again.

    Connor finally spoke then, trying to force all emotion out of his voice, ¡°although we do have a couple of other problems to deal with now¡± he began as he cast Brie a pointed look, ¡°I think your mother is just really trying to understand why the two of you are having sex with other people at all? I mean, what happened to this loved each other all our lives thing? We¡¯re just both having a lot of trouble understanding any of this¡± he repeated.

    Sky and Star sighed as they looked at one another. Sky then tried to find any words he could, ¡°you guys know it¡¯s different for us¡± he began.

    ¡°And what on earth is that supposed to mean?¡± Brie returned.

    ¡°On earth?¡± Sky repeated pointedly, ¡°that could be your first problem with trying to understand the way we work; the way you made us work¡± Sky told her with a slightly accusing look.

    Brie scoffed then, ¡°we made you to be drawn together. How that equals having sex with other people is beyond me.¡±

    ¡°You made us soul-mates, mom¡± Star told her softly, ¡°we will always, always be madly in love with each other, forever... no matter what else, or who else¡± she added more quietly, ¡°we do. So, why should we deprive ourselves of being able to be close with other people who we also... want to be close to, when we know it¡¯ll never, ever change the way we feel about each other?¡± she asked softly as Kole and Sky both watched her, taking in her words.

    Sky then added, ¡°and we¡¯ve been really, really a lot more... restrained in this... past few years than ever before. I mean, in the last three years I¡¯ve had sex with only Star, until this week anyway, and same for her. We¡¯ve been really picky about who and how many people we get close to now. It¡¯s basically just Kole and Crista. And now, they¡¯re both gonna be like us¡± he paused a moment, ¡°and though we never wanted that to happen, or even knew it could, it¡¯s kind of a blessing that the only two people we¡¯ve been with aside from each other, are the two people that are like us too now.¡±

    Brie and Connor looked at each other in silence for several long minutes, as did the teens. Brie eventually found her voice again though, ¡°so, what? Now all four of you are gonna be soul-mates?¡± she shrugged helplessly.

    ¡°No idea¡± Sky admitted though he attempted a smile, ¡°we¡¯re new territory, remember?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t long after dinner that they sent Crista a text requesting her to come visit them that Saturday night. Of course, she was thrilled, though Sky and Star were dreading having to explain this entire situation for yet a second time in one day.

    When Crista did arrive, their rather sullen parents directed her up the stairs, as they were just too mentally exhausted to say much else then themselves. Crista then made her way to Sky¡¯s slightly ajar door and poked her head inside to find Sky and Kole on the bed chain smoking and Star spinning around in Sky¡¯s desk chair as she looked up at the ceiling with obvious distress.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    ¡°Not the party I was expecting¡± Crista smirked her greeting as she stepped into the room, closing and locking the door behind her, just in case.

    Star spoke first as she sighed over at where Crista dropped her glittery spiked purse to the floor and pulled up the other chair, looking between the three of them questioningly as well as a bit hopefully. With a breath, Star began, ¡°I guess we shouldn¡¯t open with ¡®we need to talk¡¯ this time?¡±

    ¡°Uh oh¡± Crista replied with a bit of panic.

    Then Kole put in, ¡°told ya, never a good thing.¡±

    Sky and Star both sighed as they tried to find their own words once more. Though Crista spoke before they could, ¡°what¡¯s wrong? Is our fun naked times over already? I mean, I haven¡¯t even gotten to have them with Kole and his piercings yet¡± she worried aloud, a rueful look on her pretty face.

    The three seventeen year olds couldn¡¯t help having to bite back the slightest smile at her worries though, somehow wishing that those were the only sort of things the four of them now had to worry about. But as Kole looked between Sky and Star, he shook his head, ¡°you two are so bad at this¡± he just laughed as he blew smoke through his darkly tinted lips again.

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯d like to see you do better¡± Sky replied.

    ¡°Lemme give it a go¡± Kole stated as he slid to the edge of the bed to die out his cigarette before looking over at Crista, ¡°no. Sexy times do not have to be over¡± he began, which did cause her to grin. He then looked back at Sky and Star, ¡°see, always start with good news¡± he then turned back to Crista, ¡°however, you now have to cope with being part alien since you decided to let Sky come in your mouth. Trust me, I know it¡¯s a lot to deal with. Same thing happened to me, very night before.¡±

    Sky and Star just shook their heads in disbelief, Sky sarcastically adding, ¡°guess we should let him handle all the important discussions from now on.¡±

    ¡°Did you say alien?¡± Crista returned, looking even more confused then.

    ¡°Yes, I did¡± Kole supplied flatly.

    ¡°You guys drunk?¡± she returned.

    ¡°No, we¡¯re not. We¡¯d like to be. But we¡¯re not¡± Kole answered her in the same blunt tone.

    Crista took a deep breath then, seeming to be in even deeper thought for a few moments before she spoke again, ¡°so Sky¡¯s an alien and he¡¯s contagious? Ok¡± she shook her head in further confusion.

    ¡°Part alien¡± Star corrected her softly, ¡°me too¡± she added more softly.

    ¡°And we all are now¡± Kole interjected, ¡°welcome to the new frontier.¡±

    Crista furrowed her brow over at them then, ¡°so Sky and Star are aliens?¡± she repeated, ¡°and with those names, too?¡± she added more quietly. ¡°And you¡¯ve always been?¡±

    Sky allowed a slight breath, ¡°yes, we¡¯ve always been. But we didn¡¯t know we could... pass it on, until today.¡±

    Crista then spoke up again, ¡°guess it makes sense though. I mean, most humans aren¡¯t nearly as hot as you two¡± she then looked over at Kole, ¡°with a few possible exceptions.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I was born looking this way cause I was pre-destined to become an alien someday. Why not? I¡¯ll believe anything at this point¡± Kole shrugged.

    It was obvious then that Kole¡¯s shock had somehow just become acceptance of his new lot in life. And as odd as that even was, it was somehow refreshing as well, as the last thing Star and Sky needed was any more stress, or any more people hating them.

    Crista shook her head then, ¡°so we¡¯re all part alien now?¡± she asked as she looked between where they all just nodded in defeat, ¡°and we can pass it on through... oral sex?¡±

    ¡°Or just regular sex, I¡¯m sure would suffice too¡± Kole put in with another shake of his head.

    Crista appeared to be in thought again, ¡°so that means that the only people any of the four of us should ever really have sex with ever again, are... each other?¡± she dared.

    Kole let out another laugh, ¡°she catches on quick.¡±

    ¡°I think I just had another orgasm¡± Crista whispered as she looked between them as they all just laughed back at her in disbelief, as well as quite a bit of amusement. After several more long moments of silent thought after that brief bit of levity, Crista finally spoke again, ¡°so if we¡¯re just all fucked anyway, can I please finally feel these famous piercings?¡± she asked as she looked at Kole with a bit of mischievous hope.

    Kole let out another laugh as he looked to Star and Sky, who just shrugged back at him. ¡°I¡¯m assuming your bedroom door locks, Star?¡± he asked, as Crista let out another shaky gasp.

    ¡°That it does¡± Star smirked. And with that, he reached for Crista¡¯s wrist and led her toward Sky¡¯s door.

    Then Sky called after him, ¡°remember she¡¯s the one you still need to wear a condom with.¡± Kole just shook his head back at Sky before leading the even more flustered Crista through the door behind him.

    Once the two disappeared out of Sky¡¯s door then into Star¡¯s, Star looked over at him with another deep breath, ¡°you really think they¡¯ll catch the soul-mate thing too?¡±

    ¡°Well, it is coded into the DNA that we have now shared with the two of them¡± Sky stated as he thought on it while Star got up from the chair and moved to take Kole¡¯s former seat on the bed next to Sky.

    ¡°But how would that even work? The soul that made us, they were soul-mates, so it makes sense that we would be too. Isn¡¯t that what Veda told us?¡±

    ¡°I believe so¡± Sky agreed.

    ¡°So, does that mean it¡¯s now split four ways, or just those two will get it with each other, or just Kole and Crista with you since it was your DNA that changed them? I mean, how?¡±

    ¡°Like I have any clue, Star¡± he smiled, though sadly.

    ¡°And what does this even mean for our powers? Will they get them too? Will they get different ones? Will they get ones that only work with both of us, or one of us, or each other? Will all four of us have to be together now?¡±

    ¡°Again, see last comment¡± Sky stated with a bit of defeat. He then added, ¡°if only we had some genius scientists to explain it to us¡± he smirked, though there was a worry behind that too.

    ¡°Do we really wanna volunteer all four of us to be studied?¡± Star scoffed.

    ¡°Only if they can do it in our natural habitat, without interfering¡± he repeated her former statements, ¡°but obviously we¡¯ve gotta figure out how this shit is even gonna work now. Cause I truly have no fucking idea.¡±

 Chapter 76

    It was just over half an hour later when Kole arrived back in Sky¡¯s room, cigarette in hand, shirt off, pants still only halfway fastened back up. ¡°Done already?¡± Sky smirked his greeting as Kole closed the door behind him.

    ¡°She did sound like she needed a bit of a break¡± Star added with her own smirk as Kole moved to the bed to take a seat between them against the headboard.

    ¡°But, we gotta ask¡± Sky put in, ¡°as much as you hate condoms, please tell us you still used one, please.¡±

    Kole scoffed, ¡°well as much as I would love to have to stress out about impregnating a fourteen year old with a part-alien baby only one month before my eighteenth birthday, I managed to curb the urge, and put one on anyway¡± he informed them sarcastically.

    Star just smirked, then added, ¡°she did sound... enthusiastic though. Thought we¡¯d actually have to run interference if she got much louder and brought my parents up the stairs¡± she shuddered a bit at that thought.

    ¡°Apparently the piercings are a bit much for a second time too¡± Kole confessed with his own smirk as he blew some smoke through his lips once more, ¡°honestly, I was afraid of having to make a very awkward 911 call if I kept goin much longer.¡±

    ¡°Thinking about getting any more piercings yet, Sky?¡± Star asked with a mock conversational tone as Sky just shook his head. He then reached over to temporarily claim Kole¡¯s cigarette from his lips, take a drag, and then place it back in the other boy¡¯s mouth.

    Sky then looked back at Star, ¡°he was technically only the second guy who was ever inside you too, at least in this life¡± Sky reminded her.

    ¡°This life?¡± Kole raised a brow.

    Sky then looked back at Kole, ¡°long story, involving time travel and resetting worlds. Maybe another day.¡±

    Star scoffed before responding to Sky¡¯s previous statement, ¡°I suppose that is true, but me and you had sex for three years straight before I let him come inside, literally¡± she added with a wry smile at Kole, ¡°I guess I was a little more... durable by then?¡±

    ¡°Oh fuck, I can¡¯t believe this is my life now¡± Kole murmured through an awkward smile as he turned those cat green eyes to the ceiling and blew more smoke through what was left of his own dark lipstick after his encounter with Crista. A moment later, he looked back at them, ¡°so what is all this soul-mate stuff?¡±

    ¡°Another long story¡± Star sighed, trying to figure out where to begin, as the two of them still had yet to come up with a good guess as to how that little quirk to their now shared DNA would even work between the four lovers.

    ¡°Not sure how it¡¯s gonna work, honestly¡± Sky admitted, ¡°but if we look back at, what shall we call it, the sluttier years?¡± he shrugged at Star who just gave him a half-hearted glare, ¡°every person we did have sex with did really, really seem to take a liking to us. As in wanting to repeat the encounter, often; and even inviting us to make out and or live with them after not seeing us for years at a time.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡± Kole stated thoughtfully, ¡°if only there was a non-alien explanation for that sort of behavior; like if you two were among the hottest teenagers on the planet who are both really good in bed, for example¡± he told them with another wry smirk as the two simply blushed and looked away. ¡°Face it; your lot in life is to be young, beautiful and have addictive naughty bits.¡±

    Sky and Star both couldn¡¯t help laughing then, ¡°apparently Star¡¯s way with words is contagious too¡± Sky smirked.

    ¡°Or maybe mine is. I am part alien you know¡± Kole smirked back as he leaned in to give Sky a tiny kiss, then turned to smile and give Star the same.

    <hr>

    Sky, Star, and Kole let out a groan of disapproval later that evening when the alarm on Star¡¯s phone went off slightly before midnight. Sky was laying next to the inside wall, Kole next to him in the middle of the bed, and Star at the outer edge of the bed, all lacking any and all clothing at this point. After Kole¡¯s post dinner tryst with Crista left her exhausted and content, falling asleep in Star¡¯s bed; the amorous adventures started up again later in the evening with Star and Sky. Somewhere between nine and ten their flirtations somehow led to Kole inside Star, making love to her once more while Sky used his fingers and that pierced tongue to visit even more earth-shattering pleasures upon Kole¡¯s posterior as he thrusted into Star, giving her her second experience with her new love of metalwork.

    Star let out another groan as she reached over to Sky¡¯s bedside stand and gave the offending phone a smack as she rubbed away the traces of makeup upon her pale face which was now surrounded by long, dark locks that were both passion and sleep tangled at this point in the night.

    ¡°Why, just why?¡± Kole mumbled against Sky¡¯s pillow in response to the alarm as Sky let out his own slightly more knowing groan of disapproval and cuddled closer to where he had already fallen asleep with his arm draped over Kole¡¯s side as he lay behind Kole in a position slightly opposite to the one the two had found themselves in when they had actually first shared another bed.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    As Star pushed herself up from the bed on still slightly shaky legs, Sky offered Kole his answer, ¡°it¡¯s time for her to make sure we don¡¯t make any more hybrids, in the traditional way¡± he mumbled against Kole¡¯s long locks which where just as sleep and passion tangled as Sky¡¯s and Star¡¯s then.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Kole mumbled back, not moving other than to cuddle back closer against Sky.

    ¡°Pill time¡± Star told him hoarsely as she sighed and made her way back toward her own room, not bothering to don any of the items in the pile of black clothing next to the bed. After all, it was late enough that her parents should be in their own bed at this point, amazingly having not bothered the teens all evening; despite what they may or may not have been able to hear going on up there from downstairs that night.

    Already jarred from sleep by the alarm, Kole glanced back over his shoulder at Sky after having appreciatively watched Star¡¯s nude form as she left the room, ¡°that¡¯s not the proper position when it comes to the two of us, is it?¡±

    Sky couldn¡¯t help his own small laugh against Kole¡¯s long waves, though he didn¡¯t open his eyes or move away, ¡°What? I didn¡¯t put it in you¡± Sky assured.

    ¡°Yeah, just that pierced tongue¡± Kole shook his head, ¡°no wonder the girls are both havin trouble walking if that¡¯s even close to what it feels like when I¡¯m inside them.¡±

    ¡°Oh believe me, I¡¯m still having trouble walking, and it¡¯s been three--four days now¡± Sky smirked as he remembered the midnight hour.

    Kole almost blushed then, but tried to retain some composure as he rolled onto his back, looking over at where Sky still looked like a beautiful young girl, even with most of his makeup gone and his hair disheveled. He then glanced over Sky¡¯s nude body once more just to mentally remind himself of the one quite obvious difference between Sky and his other two lovers.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Sky smirked as he momentarily opened his eyes to rub some sleep from them and caught Kole¡¯s eyes moving over him in the room that was now only lit by a few black candles scattered about.

    ¡°So, this life?¡±

    ¡°Told you, long story¡± Sky smirked.

    ¡°Well since we¡¯re awake anyway¡± Kole chided him.

    ¡°We got locked in a lab when someone caught us using our abilities on camera¡± Sky began with a deep breath as he also rolled to his back to brush some black and white strands from that pretty face.

    ¡°Shit¡± Kole responded.

    ¡°The only way we escaped was by literally rewinding time and living the last three years of our lives over again¡± Sky summarized briefly, as that time in the lab wasn¡¯t a favorite topic, despite it being less nightmarish than other labs they had been in in other lives.

    ¡°Rewinding time?¡± Kole stammered, eyes widened.

    ¡°Alien mojo¡± Sky mumbled with a shake of his head.

    ¡°So you guys are actually, technically twenty then, not seventeen?¡± Kole asked a moment later. ¡°we really shouldn¡¯t either ever go near cops with Crista naked across the hall¡± he added.

    ¡°I¡±d advise against it¡± Sky agreed, ¡°but yeah, I guess we¡¯re older now? But physically, I think we actually are seventeen. When we came back, our bodies at least were fourteen again. None of the scars or anything we had when we were locked in that lab at seventeen¡± Sky shrugged, still not totally sure on all the details of how any of the time travel honestly did work with them; nor did he wanna go into too many details about those scars right then either. ¡°But when we came back to this life, we were just about to take each other¡¯s virginity, again¡± he added more quietly. ¡°but we thought better of it at the time and waited a week or so¡± he smirked.

    ¡°Again?¡± Kole raised a brow at that.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve taken Star¡¯s virginity in three different lives now. Crista¡¯s in two.¡±

    Kole let out another laugh of disbelief then, ¡°damn, virgin slayer¡± he teased.

    ¡°Hence why I was elected to do it this time round, I guess¡± Sky smirked.

    ¡°Well, if what you said at dinner was true, guess I¡¯m a virgin slayer too¡± Kole let out another teasing chuckle.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    ¡°You, my dear¡± Kole teased as he gave him a little kiss.

    ¡°Um, the first time I had sex with another boy was when I was fourteen¡± Sky assured.

    ¡°But was it in this life?¡± Kole called him on it with another grin.

    ¡°Touch¨¦¡± Sky admitted with a slight grin of his own.

    ¡°No wonder you came as soon as I put it in¡± Kole smirked.

    ¡°Extenuating circumstances¡± Sky defended weakly.

    ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry, you and that tongue piercing, while I was inside Star too? You definitely made me the into one who could barely breathe tonight.¡±

    ¡°I do like returning favors¡± Sky smirked again.

    When Star entered her room, Crista stirred from her spot wrapped in nothing but a sheet, curled up around Star¡¯s pillow. ¡°Damn¡± was Crista¡¯s greeting as her eyes traveled over Star¡¯s naked body as the older girl just smirked and moved to her desk to take her pill that night.

    ¡°Me and the boys got a little distracted¡± Star returned with a guilty smile as she set the bottle of water back in its place next to her pillbox.

    ¡°You fucked both of them, in one night? And can still walk?¡± Crista asked with widened eyes as she sat up in the bed.

    Star couldn¡¯t help another laugh as her eyes moved over where the blanket fell away from Crista¡¯s breasts, both their eyes now appreciatively moving over one another. Star then remembered the question, ¡°no, I just had sex with Kole, while Sky did other really, really nice things to his behind.¡±

    ¡°Fuck¡± Crista returned, ¡°there¡¯s another orgasm I think.¡±

    ¡°I know right?¡± Star teased as she moved to slide on the t-shirt she used to sleep in each night, just to give Crista a momentary break from all those newly awakened and fulfilled desires the girl had been bombarded with in just one week.

    ¡°Honest, you didn¡¯t have to put anything on. I kinda like all these orgasms¡± Crista allowed her own smirk.

    ¡°They are kinda nice, aren¡¯t they?¡± Star agreed with a slight giggle. ¡°But I, unfortunately am fucking starving, so I¡¯m headin downstairs¡± she smiled back at the other girl.

    ¡°That actually sounds like a really good idea¡± Crista agreed as she pushed herself up off the bed, the sheet falling away from the rest of her nude body as she took a moment to get her balance as well, obviously still feeling a few of those piercing inspired aftershocks, as was Star that night.

    Star just giggled, tossed her another t-shirt, and the two made their way down the stairs to replenish some of that well-spent energy after the evening they had each had.

 Chapter 77

    When Star and Crista arrived in the dining room that night, they were both more than a little thrown by Brie sitting at the counter island, coffee mug firmly in hand. They both also couldn¡¯t help a slight blush rising to pale cheeks as they literally had nothing underneath those t-shirts other than the memory of Kole being inside each of them sometime in the last few hours or so.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± Star greeted her mother warily.

    ¡°Had a little trouble sleeping¡± Brie responded with a bit of an accusatory tone as her eyes moved over the long t-shirts that seemed to be the only thing the two teenage girls had decided to wander about the house in, despite the two teenage boys who were upstairs with them only moments earlier.

    ¡°Dad didn¡¯t have trouble sleeping though?¡± Star stated with more than a bit of nervousness as she awkwardly moved past Brie to claim leftovers from the fridge.

    ¡°Your father¡¯s good at pretending to be asleep¡± Brie returned as she moved her eyes over them with a shake of her head, also looking like she was fighting the urge to implode right then.

    ¡°Just came down here for a snack¡± Star stated quietly as she and Crista quickly moved to seats at the table where they sat more than awkwardly, trying to keep those t-shirts from riding up and confirming the suspicions that Brie obviously was already entertaining about their state of dress and their evening¡¯s activities.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure¡± Brie stated through clenched teeth as she took another long swig of coffee. She then took another deep breath, ¡°so, am I right to assume that the soul-mate thing is contagious too?¡±

    Star swallowed a bit as she turned her dark eyes back to Brie, ¡°meaning?¡±

    Brie just shook her head again then, ¡°so was it Star and Kole in one room, Sky and Crista in the other? Is that the new arrangement now?¡±

    ¡°Mom¡± Star complained, though her voice lacked volume.

    ¡°How old are you again, Crista?¡± Brie asked, every word out of her mouth making her sound like she was in pain.

    ¡°Fourteen¡± Crista stammered, which just caused Brie to let out another gasp of dismay.

    ¡°Under the age of consent and having unprotected sex with Sky, who will be eighteen in less than nine months? Wonderful¡± Brie finished, nearly choking on the words.

    ¡°No, we didn¡¯t have unprotected sex¡± Crista quickly denied through her bright blush.

    ¡°Really? Cause your blood test says otherwise¡± Brie retorted, shaking her head and now grasping that glass mug nearly tightly enough to break it.

    Then Star piped up, ¡°Mom, they didn¡¯t. Sky would never risk impregnating... anyone¡± Star defended, though weakly.

    Brie then shook her head once more before replying to Star, ¡°well if you know so much about what Sky did or didn¡¯t do with this girl¡± she began with further disbelief, ¡°maybe you can explain her blood test then.¡±

    ¡°Please mom, you¡¯re a scientist. That¡¯s like a foot away from doctor. You know there are... other ways we can pass this on¡± Star returned, nearly choking on the one bite of food she had managed.

    Then Brie covered her face in her hands, ¡°oh, so Sky¡¯s only having unprotected oral sex with fourteen year olds? Great¡± she added hopelessly.

    ¡°Unprotected oral sex?¡± Star repeated as she furrowed a brow, ¡°have you ever tasted a condom, mom? The girl would¡¯ve been puking in the first second.¡±

    ¡°And the fact that my seventeen year old daughter is an expert on the taste of condoms... I just can¡¯t¡± Brie breathed the words into her hands.

    ¡°Mom, you know it¡¯s diff---¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, different. I¡¯ve heard¡± she returned sarcastically. Then Star couldn¡¯t help a small smile just as Brie turned her eyes to look back at her with another shake of her head. Brie allowed another gasp, ¡°you find any of this discussion amusing?¡± she asked Star with further disbelief.

    ¡°In a way, yeah¡± Star had to admit as her mom just stared back at her, wide-eyed. Then Star decided she had better try to clarify, ¡°what¡¯s amusing is that you¡¯re still acting like my mom¡± she allowed a small smile.Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s what I am, isn¡¯t it?¡± Brie asked with further confusion.

    ¡°Well, I was hoping so, but I had my doubts. What, with testing our hair and all¡± Star told her pointedly.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I already apologize for that?¡± Brie returned, her own voice dropping slightly, ¡°but it¡¯s obviously a good thing we did, right?¡± she had to remind Star of the very reason Crista and Kole had even taken up residence in their house that weekend.

    ¡°I suppose¡± Star conceded. She then added, ¡°as long as you can keep that balance though.¡±

    ¡°Balance?¡± Brie repeated, almost as glad of the subject change as the two girls were.

    ¡°Sky and I do want you to help us understand ourselves better; but even more, we want you to be our parents. We¡¯re just hoping it¡¯s possible for the two of you to do both¡± she told her with a sad yet hopeful tone.

    After a few slightly tense moments as the girls tried to get through their midnight snack while Brie poured herself another cup of coffee, Crista finally was the one to speak, ¡°so, Kole said something about... powers?¡± she dared as she looked between Star and Brie both as the older reclaimed her earlier seat at the counter.

    ¡°Yeah, that thing with Curt after he burnt Sky?¡± Star began, ¡°that was a bit of that.¡±

    ¡°Wait. Curt burnt Sky?¡± Brie interjected with worry.

    Star sighed sadly, ¡°yeah, with a lit cigarette.¡±

    ¡°What? When did that happen?¡± Brie asked with a new layer of worry.

    ¡°About a week after the...¡± Star began, then looked at Crista, ¡°locker room¡± she finished as she swallowed. She assumed that Sky would be ok with Crista knowing, especially now, but she wasn¡¯t going to be the one to decide that without him there to confirm it.

    ¡°Is this that thing that Alana reported that has you all so pissed at her?¡± Crista asked warily.

    ¡°Yeah¡± Star said softly as she got up to retrieve her own drink from the fridge and offered another to Crista.

    ¡°Alana reported it?¡± Brie returned with further worry.

    Star sighed again, ¡°yes, but it¡¯s not official unless Sky or that annoying counselor actually report it. They have to treat it as hearsay if it¡¯s just Alana.¡±

    ¡°What are we talking about again?¡± Crista had to ask then.

    ¡°But anyway¡± Star returned a little awkwardly as she returned to her seat at the table, once again, trying not to expose herself as she sat this time either, ¡°remember how Curt freaked out after he burnt Sky?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that was a little weird¡± Crista agreed, Star¡¯s distraction from the previous subject thankfully working.

    ¡°Well, that was me. I did that. Made Curt hear things so he¡¯d fucking leave Sky alone¡± Star explained.

    ¡°Language¡± Brie mumbled over her coffee as Star just rolled her eyes.

    ¡°You made Curt hear shit?¡± Crista grinned with amusement as well as a bit of awe.

    ¡°Shoulda seen what we did to him in the last life, or the one before¡± Star mumbled, causing Crista to give her another questioning look.

    ¡°You¡¯ve had more than one life?¡± Crista asked, puzzled.

    ¡°Involving time travel and such. It¡¯s a bit confusing¡± Star shook her head.

    ¡°So you guys legit have actual supernatural powers?¡± Crista grinned again.

    ¡°That we do. But they only work when me and Sky are together. So that¡¯s a bit of a problem at times¡± Star sighed again.

    ¡°But is that still true?¡± Brie interjected thoughtfully.

    ¡°Is what still true?¡± Star asked warily.

    ¡°That you and Sky have to be together to make them work?¡± Brie replied.

    ¡°Well, why wouldn¡¯t it be true?¡± Star asked warily.

    ¡°I mean you each apparently have three soul-mates now¡± Brie shook her head, ¡°so does that mean it works when any of the two of you four are together now, or does it have to be all four of you together now?¡±

    Star just allowed a nervous laugh, ¡°odd; me and Sky were trying to figure that out earlier too.¡±

    ¡°Any luck?¡± Brie asked, her curious mind still there behind all that parental worry.

    ¡°TBD¡± Star sighed sadly. Star then had another thought, ¡°but, if the soul-mate thing is true...¡±

    ¡°Then... what?¡± Brie asked as she moved to take a seat at the foot of the table while Star sat in her regular seat and Crista sat in Sky¡¯s.

    ¡°Think about it¡± Star smiled, ¡°if Kole and Crista now love me and Sky as much as we love each other, then maybe us spreading this thing isn¡¯t nearly that terrible after all. I mean, a world where everyone loves each other? That could be pretty nice, right?¡± she asked wistfully, needing to find some way to alleviate her own fears about she and Sky¡¯s very nature.

    Brie sighed then, ¡°and a world where everyone might have psychic abilities or might be able to reset the world or time travel through it?¡± Brie warned pointedly.

    ¡°Ok, a few drawbacks¡± Star sighed sadly once more.

    Brie then shook her head at the obvious deflation of Star¡¯s moment of hope, ¡°no matter whether you spreading this is going to turn out very badly or not¡± she sighed, ¡°you and Sky shouldn¡¯t let yourselves take all the blame. After all, you didn¡¯t even know you could spread it. And it¡¯s not your fault you two are the way you are¡± Brie admitted with her own bit of guilt apparent as she looked down into her coffee once more.

    Crista then interjected, ¡°well hey, if it¡¯s just the four of us; I¡¯m sure we can find ways to keep it from ever escaping our little social circle¡± she assured with a slight blush as Star just shook her head and Brie narrowed her eyes.

    ¡°Down girl¡± Star teased, ¡°you could still find yourself inadvertently spreading it if a condom ever breaks. Remember, baby aliens could be a thing too¡± she warned.

    Brie shook her head at the thought. She then sighed deeply as she looked over at where Crista wrinkled her nose with a bit of her own deflation then. With another sigh, Brie spoke again, ¡°well, Crista, if you insist on having sex with my son; we¡¯re getting you on the pill too¡± she told her firmly before finally leaving the two girls behind, both looking at each other with a smile of disbelief at what just nearly sounded like it could have been acceptance of the strange desires all four of them now couldn¡¯t fight, even if they wanted to.

 Chapter 78

    When Sky and Kole made their way downstairs at just before one am on that still warm first night of October; they found that the girls had now absconded to the dimly lit pool patio with the leftover Chinese from the dinner hardly anyone had touched that night, considering. The two young men who were now both simply dressed in a snug pair of black trousers, glanced out at the patio and then shook their heads at each other before going to join the girls.

    As there were only two chairs at the patio table, and they had each been claimed by the two young ladies who were now smiling back toward their lovers, the boys took seats on the patio itself, near the table.

    ¡°And I thought you two were all about sharing¡± Sky smirked at them as he nodded to the food.

    ¡°Oh we are¡± Star smirked back as she offered he and Kole each a still half full container. Of course, as she did, she had to turn in her chair, making it more than obvious that she was still completely naked under that t-shirt. Both boys¡¯ eyes couldn¡¯t help moving downwards to take in that fact, more than glad of the high fence that surrounded the back yard and pool right then.

    Noting the boys¡¯ gaze, Crista smirked and turned in her own seat to allow them an eyeful of her exposed skin underneath her shirt as well. Kole then let out a ragged breath as he and Sky distractedly took the containers from Star, ¡°it¡¯s so fucking hard to concentrate on food right now, no matter how much of an appetite I worked up earlier tonight.¡±

    Sky smirked as his eyes couldn¡¯t help moving between the girls¡¯ now exposed bits, ¡°you¡¯re having a hard time concentrating?¡± he asked Kole with a bit of playful sarcasm, ¡°unlike me, you did actually get laid tonight... twice¡± he had to put in.

    Then Kole pulled his eyes away from the girls¡¯ bodies to smirk at Sky, ¡°counting what you were doing to me during that second time, I¡¯d say I got laid two-and-a-half times.¡±

    Sky shook his head, ¡°my point exactly.¡±

    Star then giggled at the young men, ¡°ah, is poor little Sky feeling neglected?¡±

    ¡°More like frustrated¡± he teased.

    ¡°Well, we can¡¯t have that¡± Star giggled again as she moved from the patio chair, took his food and set it aside, then took a seat astride his hips, regardless of her lack of anything beneath that shirt.

    She then moved to give him a more than passionate kiss as Kole and Crista looked between each other with disbelieving smiles. Kole then had to speak again, ¡°I¡¯m already amazed their parents didn¡¯t come upstairs earlier, but if these two actually do it right here on the patio and their parents still leave us be? Then I¡¯m so moving in.¡±

    ¡°Me too¡± Crista let out her own ragged breath as she watched the kiss between Star and Sky continue.

    However, as that passionate lip-lock continued, right before the eyes of their flamboyantly maned friends, Sky and Star simply blinked out of existence. ¡°What the...what?¡± Kole asked with more than a bit of shock on both he and Crista¡¯s faces as they looked around in the dim lantern light of the back yard.

    But before either could say another word, Sky and Star were suddenly back before their eyes again, still seated in that same position on the patio floor. Though, now their hair was even more disheveled and damp with sweat, as was their now flushed skin, their breathing ragged, as both were trying to recover from much more intense pleasure than would have been caused by only a kiss.

    ¡°What the fuck?¡± was all Kole could say.

    ¡°Did you miss us?¡± Sky replied, obviously much more content than he had been previous to their disappearing act.

    ¡°What... just ¡­ what?¡± Crista repeated Kole¡¯s own shock.

    ¡°Guess that still works¡± Star smirked as she gave him another brief kiss, forcing herself off of his lap and back to her feet shakily, despite her still somewhat trembling body.

    Star then reclaimed her earlier seat as she made another attempt at catching her breath as well as taking a large sip of her soda. Sky then tried to force his attention back to his food, while he was still having a few issues recovering his normal heartbeat and breath as well.

    ¡°Explain please?¡± Kole asked, his own food still nearly forgotten as he looked between the two of them.

    ¡°Yeah, you two nearly gave me a heart attack; and not the good orgasm inspired kind like before¡± Crista scolded them worriedly.

    Star and Sky couldn¡¯t help chuckling as Star offered Sky a drink as well, figuring he may also need it. Star then took a breath, ¡°that? We just stopped time, went to our home-world, had really amazing sex for a couple hours, then came back to finish dinner here one second after we actually left. What¡¯s so confusing?¡± she answered them with a playful sarcasm as Sky couldn¡¯t help another little laugh of his own.

    ¡°So that¡¯s how you guys have been able to have sex for three years without ever getting caught?¡± Crista had to ask.

    ¡°That¡¯s how¡± Star confirmed with another smile.

    Kole just shook his head, he and Crista both continuing to wear their shocked looks of disbelief. ¡°Fuck witchcraft. This alien shit is much better.¡± Of course that statement did cause all of them to laugh then as they finally managed to continue their meal, all wearing smiles for once.

    <hr>

    Though no one in the house got much sleep that night, Brie still insisted on calling up to the teens from downstairs at around noon. For some reason, she really didn¡¯t wanna have to see what the sleeping arrangements really were. At least then she could still pretend that the boys stayed in Sky¡¯s room and the girls in Star¡¯s; after all, they still hadn¡¯t broached the subject of their bisexuality with their parents yet in this life. Although, after the earlier part of the evening, she somehow doubted that all remained PG-rated throughout the rest of the night; though pretending was nice.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    ¡°Kids? Who¡¯s awake up there?¡± Brie called to them from the bottom step.

    ¡°What?¡± Star asked a moment later when she appeared at the banister, wiping sleep from her eyes.

    ¡°Is Crista awake?¡± was Brie¡¯s only response.

    ¡°Probably now. Why?¡± Star called back down to her.

    ¡°Because, if her parents won¡¯t take care of it; I¡¯ll be taking her to get those pills today. Mr. and Mrs. Sampson will probably be pissed, but if she¡¯s sleeping with my son, I¡¯d say it¡¯s also my concern. Go get her¡± she instructed Star as she moved away from the stairs to get her purse and keys.

    ¡°We¡¯re going now?¡± Crista asked with a bit of nervousness as she had since exited Star¡¯s room at the sound of the conversation.

    ¡°Pills?¡± Sky asked as he and Kole exited his room after the conversation had woken them as well.

    Star let out a breath, ¡°mom wants Crista to start taking the pill¡± was Star¡¯s brief explanation.

    ¡°Nice¡± Kole smiled as he gave Crista a head to toe glance.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t like condoms, do you?¡± Sky smirked back at Kole.

    ¡°No, I really don¡¯t¡± Kole admitted plainly as they all just smirked then.

    ¡°You better go with her, Star¡± Sky stated after Crista went back into Star¡¯s room to dress, though now wearing a grin inspired by Kole¡¯s reaction.

    ¡°I¡¯m already on the pill¡± Star retorted with a furrowed brow.

    ¡°But do you really want mom and Crista to have to make conversation with each other all afternoon, really?¡± Sky pointed out.

    ¡°Think I¡¯ll go get dressed too¡± Star replied, easily convinced of how bad an idea that was.

    Once the girls disappeared to Star¡¯s room to get ready for the afternoon excursion, Kole pulled Sky back through the doorway of his own room and gave him a playful kiss, ¡°what shall we do while the girls are busy?¡± he smirked as he ended the kiss.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear them say dad was going along. Chances are he¡¯ll still be here all day¡± Sky stated, though couldn¡¯t help his eyes moving over where Kole was still only wearing a tight pair of trousers.

    ¡°You sure? I figured your dad would be at his new place; somewhere called denial?¡± Kole smirked again.

    ¡°You hope, anyway¡± Sky smirked.

    ¡°Hey, they left us alone last night¡± Kole reminded as he traced a finger over Sky¡¯s nipple, as he too was only dressed in his own snug pants.

    ¡°I think they were in a bit of shock last night. It may have worn off by now¡± Sky warned, though still wore the smile, his nipple hardening at the touch.

    ¡°But if we¡¯re soul-mates now?¡± Kole teased as he moved to place a kiss over Sky¡¯s nipple then instead.

    ¡°We tried telling our parents about the whole equal opportunity friendships in our other lives, and they got a little hung up on the ¡®you¡¯re only seventeen how can you know that already¡¯ part¡± Sky informed, ¡°so we kind of haven¡¯t mentioned it yet in this life. So if dad were to hear anything going on up here after the girls leave? It may just knock him right off that denial train, with a thud.¡±

    Kole smirked again, ¡°only seventeen? Didn¡¯t you tell me you were letting other pretty boys have their way with you when you were only fourteen?¡±

    ¡°But not in this life, virgin slayer¡± Sky smirked at Kole again.

    Kole just returned the playful grin as he finally stepped back and shook his head, ¡°so you honestly think your dad would be shocked if he found out you like boys too?¡±

    Sky couldn¡¯t help a laugh, ¡°actually he was more shocked when I told him I liked girls¡± Sky admitted.

    Kole laughed then too, ¡°good enough for me¡± he teased as he tossed Sky¡¯s door shut behind them and led him back to the bed with him, his mind obviously made up.

    <hr>

    After a rather silent car ride, Brie driving, Star in the passenger seat, and Crista in the back seat; the three of them finally turned onto the street where the free clinic was. Star sighed softly, never imagining that she would be here with her mother at all, let alone her mother and Crista.

    But all their levels of discomfort increased tenfold when they pulled up in front of the clinic to find a large group of protesters there, taking advantage of the still warm Sunday afternoon to make their opinions blatantly known.

    All three of the women in the car swallowed nervously as they pulled in not far from the shouting crowd with picket signs. The three of them grew even more wary of the crowd when they saw what happened when a few other young women tried to enter the building. The girls were greeted with shouts of ¡®slut,¡¯ ¡®whore,¡¯ ¡®baby killer,¡¯ and other colorful terms. A few of the protesters even dared to spit at the girls or throw something that at least looked like blood at them.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Star looked back at Brie with a silent plea, thankful that she and Sky had managed to avoid this group the two times they had been here in this life as well as the previous one.

    Crista just shook her head fearfully as she watched and listened to the crowd, ¡°I just had sex for the first time less than a week ago, and now I¡¯m a slut and a baby killer if I want to keep from getting pregnant?¡± she asked the two in the front seat with obvious upset.

    ¡°They¡¯re on the sidewalk. They¡¯re technically allowed to protest¡± Brie stated, though she was obviously not happy with having to walk Crista through that crowd either. After all, she¡¯d heard the stories of protesters going so far as to bomb clinics such as this, and seeing a large angry group of them there just a few feet from the car, between them and the door; it was hardly comforting.

    Then when a few of the protesters noted the women in the car, looking toward the building, they spat at the car window with another shout of ¡®whore¡¯ and ¡®baby killer.¡¯ Star just glared through the window, more than infuriated that she and Crista and other girls like them would be subjected to that just for trying to be safe and responsible. After all, the reason they were trying to take the pill at all was to avoid having to use any other services the clinic might offer; such as those now being protested so vehemently.

    Brie then sighed with further discontent as she turned back to Crista, ¡°I suppose we can just try and take you to your regular doctor to get you these pills. But of course, that would involve your making an appointment and of course, then your parents would know about it as well..¡±

    ¡°What? They¡¯ll probably be more likely to kill me than these assholes!¡± Crista argued with panic.

    ¡°Well, do you really wanna walk through that?¡± Brie asked with a sad sigh and a cool look back at the crowd.

    But before the discussion could continue, Star¡¯s glare at the crowd intensified with her anger. Then the sky above grew almost pitch black as heavy rain and hail and nearly fifty mile an hour winds suddenly picked up all around the crowd who quickly headed for shelter to avoid the now painful hail cascading down on them from above.

    Once every last protester had scurried away, Star let out a shaky breath and the wind, rain, and hail stopped, and the sky once again became bright and sunny above them as she took a few more short breaths.

    ¡°Did...you just do that?¡± Brie asked, her own breath shaky then.

    ¡°But Sky¡¯s not here¡± Star stated with a bit of her own shock as she looked back at Brie.

    ¡°But I am¡± Crista smiled up at Star, who then let out her own wide grin in return.

 Chapter 79

    That evening, being a Sunday, the original plan had been for Kole and Crista to both return to their own homes for their next week of school. Of course, that plan had been made before either of them knew about their new ¡®condition.¡¯ So when it came time to leave the Vargas home, Kole offered Crista a ride, but they both just sat there in his little red sports car for several minutes, neither really seeming in a hurry to return to the lives that seemed so foreign to them now.

    ¡°Are we really just supposed to go back home to our horrible parents and pretend everything is the same?¡± Crista asked Kole with a sigh.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Sky and Star spend seventeen whole years with their parents pretending everything was normal?¡± Kole returned her sigh.

    ¡°Yeah but they had their weird time stop sex games to keep them sane, and happy¡± Crista added.

    Kole just allowed a mischievous smile, ¡°we¡¯ve gotta get them to teach us that one.¡±

    ¡°The random storm chasing off assholes was damn cool too. But yeah, that one seems even better¡± Crista agreed with her own wistful sigh.

    Kole grinned and nodded his agreement before finally making himself start the engine and back out of the driveway. After making their way to the intersection near Sky¡¯s and Star¡¯s house, Kole attempted to make conversation. After all, he and Crista sort of skipped most of the getting to know each other part of their friendship and went straight to the sex part. But, as Sky would say, ¡®extenuating circumstances.¡¯

    ¡°So, what¡¯s so horrible about your parents?¡± he asked, lighting a cigarette as he waited on the light to change.

    Crista just let out a sound of annoyance at the thought, ¡°they¡¯re the type that only admit to even having one perfect daughter and spending all their time and energy on her; while ignoring the one who dresses like a demon-possessed barbie doll.¡±

    Kole had to let out a laugh, ¡°did you coin that term?¡±

    ¡°No¡±she scoffed, ¡°that was all them, or maybe Cassie. Maybe they came up with it together for all I know¡± she shook her head.

    ¡°Cassie? The sister?¡± Kole offered as the light finally turned.

    ¡°The one and only¡± Crista grumbled.

    ¡°Well, at least if they spend all their time on her, they have less time to keep track of when you are being a naughty little doll¡± Kole teased as he glanced at all the glitter and pastel mixed in with her spikes and chains.

    Crista couldn¡¯t help giggling, then her fourteen year old self-doubt reared it¡¯s head, and made her ask, ¡°so you liked it then? Even with the condom?¡± she added.

    ¡°I used condoms most of my life¡± Kole shook his head, trying to bite back memories of the one time he had ignored that precaution and paid more dearly than he could ever imagine. He then took a breath to push that memory away, ¡°but this week Star and Sky did just spoil me a bit. But it¡¯s not like I don¡¯t enjoy sex with a condom¡± he smirked, ¡°it just... takes longer. And the longer I¡¯m in there, the more chance you have of cardiac arrest I think¡± he had to tease.

    ¡°Shut up! It was only my second time!¡± she defended with a giggle, ¡°and those piercings are fucking intense!¡± she had to add.

    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m beginning to get that¡± Kole chuckled again. ¡°Imagine if I had let them finish the whole ladder.¡±

    ¡°Ladder?¡± Crista asked as she looked back at him.

    ¡°Google it¡± Kole smirked.

    Crista then grinned over at him again as they turned onto the next street, ¡°well after those assholes got rained out¡± she smirked again, ¡°I have my own pretty little pill case. So I can start spoiling you too¡± she flirted.

    Kole bit back another grin at her blatant offer, but had to add, ¡°aren¡¯t you supposed to wait a week or something, just to be safe?¡±

    Crista rolled her eyes under all the bright pink glitter eye shadow, ¡°supposedly it works quicker if you start taking it the week before... something.¡±

    ¡°I think we¡¯ll stick with the week to be safe theory¡± he shook his head back at her, though still wore the smile, ¡°considering, birthday of doom approaching? Alien DNA? Just guessing it¡¯s a bad time to take any unnecessary risks right now¡± he warned, though held his smile.

    ¡°You know what we should do?¡± she stated suddenly as they approached the next intersection.

    ¡°Did you hear me mention not taking any more risks this week?¡± he scolded her playfully.

    ¡°Other than that¡± she snickered, ¡°I¡¯m not ready to go home yet. Mall?¡±

    ¡°Mall?¡±

    ¡°I need more blue dye. Brown roots are neither cute nor gothy¡± she stated with a slight pout.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°I guess I could have a look at their selection and see what color I shall give a go next month¡± he agreed as he turned onto the highway that went toward the mall instead of the street that went to Crista¡¯s neighborhood.

    ¡°You mean you¡¯re not always pretty in purple?¡±

    ¡°I usually waver in my preferences from one month to another¡± he smirked, ¡°and change my hair color a lot too¡± he added.

    After their trip to the one ¡®alternative fashion¡¯ store in the county, the two were making their way through the mall about an hour before the stores would start closing. Crista then looked up at him as he stopped to get a soda from a nearby machine.

    ¡°So, going back to black this month?¡± she asked, referring to his choice of dyes at the store.

    ¡°Well this month is Halloween; figured I¡¯d embrace the darkness. Cause you know I¡¯m normally so bright and happy¡± he chuckled as he couldn¡¯t help playfully running a hand through Crista¡¯s long pastel blue locks before opening his drink. ¡°Plus, my eighteenth birthday is three days after Halloween, so I figured I¡¯d pretend to placate colleges and employers with non-neon locks this month. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll get tired of that quick though¡± he smirked.

    ¡°November third?¡± she looked up at him questioningly, as he stood a good eight inches taller than she and Star both, at six foot.

    ¡°That would be three days after Halloween¡± he teased, ¡°guess the teachers at this school have at least taught their students how to read a calendar properly; if nothing else¡± he returned smartly as he offered her a sip of his soda.

    ¡°I mean, you¡¯re a Scorpio.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, I knew that¡± he teased back.

    Crista laughed up at him again as she handed his drink back, ¡°it just makes sense¡± she grinned again.

    ¡°Dare I ask?¡± he returned with narrowed green eyes under his own dark black eye makeup.

    ¡°I mean,¡± she began again, ¡°that that explains why you are really, really incredible in bed¡± she began as he almost choked on his soda before she continued, ¡°and also why you¡¯re cool with pulling knives on people.¡±

    Kole took pause at that, wearing another awkward smile, ¡°I would say thanks¡± he began slowly, ¡°but I¡¯m pretty sure at least half of that shouldn¡¯t be considered a compliment.¡±

    ¡°And also why you don¡¯t mind pain¡± Crista added, pointedly looking at his crotch in the tight black chain and zipper-covered pants beneath the matching mesh shirt he wore under a long red and black velvet coat that night.

    ¡°Again, not quite sure if that¡¯s a compliment or not¡± he replied, though his smirk remained.

    ¡°But it¡¯s all true, isn¡¯t it?¡± Crista smiled up at him knowingly.

    ¡°Darn, all my mystery, laid bare¡± he smirked down at her again.

    She then bit her lip mischievously as she moved in close to him, wrapping her arms around his waist as she pressed her body close in a way that made it obvious the two were now officially lovers, ¡°what about laid, and bare?¡± she teased.

    ¡°Fuck¡± Kole breathed as she pressed her hips close. ¡°You are aware that waiting a week would be the prudent choice? Condoms can break after all¡± he then shook his head down at her, ¡°and you are aware that I still have to be able to concentrate enough to get the naughty little doll home to her parents and perfect sister?¡± he teased, though he nonetheless easily wrapped his arms around her shoulders then and placed a small kiss on her forehead as she smiled up at him.

    Crista did finally give him a little bit of relief and moved back from the embrace at last. She then looked around the mall, then smiled back up at him, ¡°well, we¡¯ve done our shopping, and the stores are closing soon. So if you weren¡¯t planning on spending the rest of the night trying to help me get used to those piercings¡± she smirked, ¡°then you don¡¯t appear to be in much of a hurry to get home to the manufacturers of your original DNA either¡± another smile back at him, ¡°so, what¡¯s their story?¡±

    ¡°My parents?¡± he scoffed as he took another sip. ¡°Well I have no siblings to deflect their attention, so they get to expend all their energy on hating the one child they have¡± he answered, trying to sound apathetic, though there was obvious pain there.

    ¡°They have issues with your fashion sense?¡± Crista offered.

    ¡°If only that was all they had issues with¡± he mumbled as he moved to the railing to look down at the few shoppers still moving around on the lower level of the mall.

    ¡°Well, if you don¡¯t have any perfect siblings for them to wish you were more like, and it¡¯s not just about the hotness that is you¡± she smirked as she couldn¡¯t help her brownish gray eyes moving over his behind as he propped his velvet-clad elbows on the railing, ¡°then what¡¯s their ish?¡±

    Kole took a breath, ¡°well it was never great between me and them. But for a while, it was bearable¡± he sighed slightly, ¡°then something happened a couple years ago¡± he swallowed a bit of a lump as this was obviously not a comfortable subject for him, ¡°and I¡¯m the easiest person for them to blame, since I¡¯m the one who¡¯s right in front of them, still.¡±

    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s very... vague¡± she furrowed a brow as she looked at him questioningly.

    Kole didn¡¯t look back though as he allowed a slightly shakier sigh, ¡°they liked the girl I was dating then better than they liked me. And since she¡¯s not around anymore...¡± he just shook his head.

    ¡°So, why did you guys end up breaking up? Was it actually your fault, or do they just think it was?¡± Crista asked innocently.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t break up¡± was all he said as he took another sip of his drink to try and distract himself, as well as to distract her from noting the pain in his expression then.

    ¡°But she¡¯s not around anymore? She moved? They blame you for her moving?¡± she asked with further confusion.

    ¡°She died¡± he said a bit shortly.

    Crista was thrown a bit by that for more than a moment before shakily asking, ¡°how?¡±

    Another breath, another sip, ¡°killed herself¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Fuck¡± Crista said as she looked away, thrown even more then.

    ¡°Sounds about right¡± Kole mumbled, ¡°I guess we should go, right?¡± he said just as shortly as he pushed himself away from the railing and moved to toss his drink into the nearby trash can.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Kole. I didn¡¯t know¡± Crista said with a sad worry, hoping her questions hadn¡¯t somehow made him like her any less.

    ¡°Yeah not exactly a conversation I try to have too often¡± he stated quietly as they moved toward the escalator.

    Halfway down the slow moving metal stairs, Crista spoke again, ¡°was that the Sammi girl that you and Alana were talking about the other day?¡± she dared, not wanting to push him away, but also desperately wanting to understand what the whole story was.

    ¡°Yeah¡± he stated as he kept his eyes on the moving metal plates below them.

    ¡°Curt did something to her? Something really bad, I¡¯m guessing?¡± Crista asked in a near whisper.

    ¡°Hardly surprising when it comes to that prick, is it?¡± Kole returned bitterly.

    ¡°No wonder you pulled a knife on him¡± Crista stated as if it suddenly made a lot more sense to her.

    ¡°Not just because I¡¯m a Scorpio?¡± he forced a smirk as he finally looked back at her as they stepped off the escalator onto the lower level.

    ¡°Actually, in light of that, it¡¯s really surprising you didn¡¯t actually kill him¡± she stated thoughtfully.

    ¡°Yeah, well, the night is young¡± he replied with ice in his tone as his cat green eyes then moved to catch sight of the subject of their conversation at the other side of the mall.

 Chapter 80

    ¡°If it isn¡¯t my favorite knife-wielding faggot¡± was Curt¡¯s loud greeting when his eyes fell on Kole and Crista from about thirty feet off.

    Kole glared over at he and Scott, and Chandler and Emily, and Regan and Brandi, who were of course BFF¡¯s with Emily. As the group approached them, Kole¡¯s glare deepened as he spoke, ¡°we really should make a drinking game out of how many times you find yourself incapable of calling anyone by their actual name, Curt¡± he growled the other young man¡¯s name pointedly.

    ¡°Got your knife on you today, fag?¡± Scott put in as Kole just raised a brow in his direction.

    Then Curt spoke again, ¡°what you doin with a girl, Kole?¡± he asked as he sneered while pronouncing Kole¡¯s own name.

    ¡°Look at that¡± Kole scoffed, ¡°the knife musta left an impression. You actually remembered my name, this time¡± he then added, ¡°and I would try to explain to you why I¡¯d be with a girl, but I¡¯m not sure you¡¯d understand, Curt.¡±

    ¡°And what the fuck¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Curt growled back as his eyes then moved over Crista.

    Kole just glared again as he noted Curt¡¯s eyes on his companion, ¡°so which one¡¯s your date then, Curt? My guess would be Scott.¡±

    ¡°Fuck you, fag¡± Curt glared.

    ¡°If that¡¯s meant for me, no thanks, I¡¯ve already been laid at least once today¡± Kole shook his head as though trying to recall. He then looked down at Crista, ¡°or was it? Twice was yesterday, right?¡±

    ¡°At least¡± Crista confirmed as she smirked up at him.

    Kole then turned back to Curt, ¡°as you can see, I¡¯m quite well taken care of in that area. And honestly, I¡¯m just not feeling it when I look at you¡± Kole shrugged.

    ¡°Such a little prick¡± Scott shook his head over at Kole.

    ¡°They do seem quite preoccupied with pricks, don¡¯t they?¡± Kole shook his head down at where Crista continued to smirk.

    Curt glared again then before he continued, ¡°you know, no offense to the lovely ladies here with me tonight, but I think I¡¯m in the mood for some strange. Maybe I¡¯ll just borrow your date, Kole. After all, you sure as fuck wouldn¡¯t know how to give it to her properly¡± he sneered as he took a step closer to Crista then.

    ¡°You really wanna go there again, huh, Curt?¡± Kole said with an unmistakably threatening tone, ¡°right here, in front of all your little friends, and the surveillance cameras¡± he had to add.

    ¡°Go where?¡± Curt scoffed as he just gave Kole a disparaging look from head to toe.

    ¡°You¡¯re really gonna test your luck at even insinuating that you may try to touch another girl I like? When I already know all about exactly what kind of piece of shit you are?¡± Kole asked venomously.

    Curt then glared as he moved another step closer, speaking into Kole¡¯s face, ¡°better watch it pretty boy. Maybe you¡¯re the one who¡¯ll get a lesson instead of your little freakette here.¡±

    ¡°Oh I¡¯ve heard about the lessons you try to give us pretty boys. But I¡¯m not sure you wanna stand that close to this pretty boy, Curt. You never know what I might pull outta my pants before you can. May not be what you¡¯re hoping for¡± Kole told him with a malevolent smirk.

    That was when Scott chimed in, ¡°you better keep it in your pants, fag.¡±

    ¡°I think that¡¯s advice for your little rapist friend here, not me¡± Kole growled.

    ¡°What the fuck you call me?¡± Curt growled as he gave Kole a forceful push backwards.

    ¡°Supply closet at school? Two years ago? Her name was Sammi, in case you didn¡¯t bother asking¡± Kole shot back.

    ¡°You need to shut your fucking mouth right now, pretty boy. Ain¡¯t nobody hearing that shit¡± Curt shot back as he took another step; despite the looks his friends gave each other at the mention of a girl who they all then easily remembered had killed herself during their sophomore year.

    That was when Curt¡¯s actual date for the night, Brandi, spoke up as she moved forward to reach for his hand, ¡°come on, you know my parents want me home early tonight.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m supposed to just let him get away with sayin that kind of shit?¡± he scoffed, pulling his hand away from hers and not even looking back at his little blonde friend.

    That was when the one silent boy among them, the captain of the football team himself, Chandler, finally spoke up ¡°come on, freak ain¡¯t worth us getting into shit with mall security or the cops¡± he told him as he gestured to the cameras and guards dotted throughout the mall, ¡°you can kick his ass some other time.¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Guess you get to live another day, freak¡± Curt spat back as he finally turned to join his friends. He then paused a moment before turning back. That was when gave Crista another head to toe glance and moved in close to her, ¡°your loss¡± and with that he roughly pushed her purse and shopping bag from where she had been holding them with slightly trembling hands throughout the confrontation.

    Crista then just glared and bent to pick them up from the floor. Of course, it was as she bent over to do so in the short skirt she wore that night, that Curt reached over to roughly grab her behind with another smirk. She then squealed and jumped back from his touch. But before he could make any more comments or gestures, Kole¡¯s eyes were burning into him, and suddenly every bone in his arm shattered as he howled in pain and collapsed to the floor.

    All of Curt¡¯s friends, as well as Crista herself, were beyond panicked at the occurrence, which gave Kole the time to finish gathering her belongings and quickly hurry her toward the doors before the guards came rushing over at the sound of Curt¡¯s pained scream.

    ¡°Oh my god. Did you do that?¡± Crista breathed heavily as they reached his car a moment later.

    ¡°Think that¡¯s a discussion for after we¡¯re out of the parking lot¡± Kole stated as he unlocked the doors and slid into his place behind the steering wheel, Crista rushing to get into her own seat as well.

    ¡°Shit¡± Crista breathed as they pulled away, ¡°was that you being a witch or you being an alien or... what the fuck was that?¡±

    ¡°Beats the shit outta me¡± he returned with his own deep breath.

    ¡°But I mean, can witches actually do shit like that?¡± Crista asked, part afraid, part downright curious.

    ¡°According to Hollywood¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°So, our money¡¯s on alien?¡± Crista asked a moment later.

    ¡°No idea¡± Kole repeated as they finally pulled back onto the highway as he sniffled a bit.

    Crista then narrowed her eyes as she looked back across the seat at him, ¡°are you bleeding?¡± she asked worriedly as she noted a drip of blood coming from his nose in the dim light of the car.

    That was when Kole moved his hand up to wipe away the offending drop, looking down at the blood with more than a bit of worry. He then pulled off the road to deal with the situation. As he wiped a few more drops away, neither of them said much, Crista just watching him worriedly.

    ¡°Do you have cancer or something?¡± she finally asked fearfully.

    Kole just shook his head, ¡°I think there might be a few other possible explanations¡± he answered with a scoff.

    ¡°Do you think that¡¯s from... what you did to Curt?¡± she asked with more worry.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Did you get a nosebleed after you and Star chased those other assholes off today?¡± Kole asked her as he removed the now bloodstained glove he wore that night.

    ¡°No, but Star did that, not me¡± Crista answered sadly, her worry continuing.

    ¡°Guess we¡¯re just not like the original recipe kids, huh? Maybe we¡¯re just batteries for them or some shit¡± Kole shook his head as he sniffled again.

    ¡°But if we don¡¯t have.... then how could...¡± Crista shook her head, ¡°do we or don¡¯t we have powers on our own? Cause it sure looked like it, but now...¡± she just shook her head sadly.

    ¡°Maybe we¡¯re the limited edition¡± Kole scoffed again.

    ¡°Well, I guess that¡¯s better than... no edition... like we were last week¡± she told him sadly. She then sighed softly, ¡°at least now we know we can defend ourselves from the shit he does... to some extent, anyway¡± she shrugged sadly.

    Kole took a deep breath as he finally started the car again, ¡°I don¡¯t wanna just defend myself. I wanna fix it. All of it.¡±

    <hr>

    The next day at school, the first bell of the day rang as Sky and Star exited their car. Star headed into the building to begin yet another school week of hell as Sky curiously looked over at where Kole had parked next to them, but didn¡¯t appear to be in much of a hurry to leave his own car. Instead, he stared at the school with a less than jovial and somewhat thoughtful look.

    Sky narrowed his eyes again and moved to open Kole¡¯s door, ¡°nope, I¡¯m not a Monday person, or a morning person either. But I also don¡¯t wanna have to repeat this year again. I¡¯ve done enough of that sort of shit¡± Sky smirked as he got into the car and lit a cigarette.

    ¡°Show me how¡± was Kole¡¯s only greeting, still staring straight ahead.

    ¡°Um, how what?¡± Sky asked as he took a drag, offering another curious look at his companion.

    Kole then finally looked over at him, his expression a bit intense, ¡°how: How did you and Star go back in time and fix things?¡±

    Sky choked a bit on his next drag as he looked back over at Kole warily, ¡°do things really appear to be that fixed?¡±

    ¡°All the more reason to do it again, right? Show me how. Cause me? I have some shit to fix¡± Kole told him plainly.

    ¡°Um, Kole...¡±

    ¡°What? You did it just to escape a lab! I think dead girlfriend and baby trumps that, right?¡± Kole told him pointedly.

    ¡°Yes, I suppose it does¡± Sky admitted with discomfort, ¡°but---¡±

    ¡°But what? We need to fix this Curt shit once and for all. And if we can¡¯t just kill him. We can at least stop the worst shit he¡¯s done, right?¡± Kole asked desperately.

    ¡°Ok, first¡± Sky attempted, ¡°I¡¯m not even sure you can do that¡± he began.

    ¡°Well, I shattered his fucking arm with my mind last night, so I think I¡¯m good¡± Kole returned bluntly.

    ¡°You did what?¡± Sky asked with more than a bit of shock.

    ¡°How Sky? Tell me how you did it¡± Kole pressed.

    ¡°Me and Star were desperate and we needed to escape and it just happened. We needed it to happen and it did. Unfortunately there¡¯s no rule book here¡± Sky told him sadly, ¡°and more importantly, the only reason I think we could do that time travel shit is because we¡¯ve always been this. Any point in time we ever go back to; this is still what we are then, now, forever. But if you go back...¡± Sky just shook his head as he took a sad drag.

    ¡°What? What if I go back?¡± Kole prodded.

    ¡°Kole, if you go back, even if you can; it won¡¯t work the same way.¡±

    ¡°But you can¡¯t know that. No rule book, right?¡±

    ¡°But I know that when we went back three years, we were virgins again. We didn¡¯t have... our scars anymore, even. We were physically, exactly what we were three years ago. But we¡¯ve always been this; it¡¯s the only reason we can remember all our other lives. Cause this is what we¡¯ve been in every one¡± he attempted, ¡°but if you go back to become who you physically were two years ago... Then you won¡¯t be what you are now; physically or mentally.¡±

    ¡°Big deal. I¡¯ll be able to save her though¡± Kole whispered.

    ¡°No, you won¡¯t¡± Sky told him sadly, ¡°you won¡¯t even remember that you have to. You¡¯ll just have to relive it all, every step; cause you won¡¯t know not to. Do you really want to live that life all over again?¡±

 Chapter 81

    After several long moments of Kole¡¯s sullen silence as he contemplated the truth of Sky¡¯s warning, Sky heard the second bell and sighed. ¡°I guess I¡¯m missing first, cause I gotta ask; what about Curt¡¯s arm?¡±

    But before Kole could offer any explanation, they heard the chirp of the police siren as a squad car pulled up next to them. As the officers exited the car, both boys tensed more than a bit. Then one of the two policemen roughly tapped on Kole¡¯s window, ¡°Kole Wagner? You mind getting out of the car for us?¡±

    ¡°If I said yes, you think they¡¯d leave?¡± Kole mumbled. Though he did take a deep breath and exited the car, leaving Sky looking more than a bit panicked then himself.

    They then turned him against the car and patted him down as they spoke, ¡°there¡¯s been some charges filed against you. So, will you come answer questions willingly or do we actually have to arrest you?¡± they said as they scowled at all his chains and jewelry and zippers but found nothing that was actually illegal on his person.

    ¡°What charges?¡± Kole scoffed.

    ¡°Assault¡± they answered plainly.

    ¡°Me?¡± Kole scoffed again, ¡°I don¡¯t remember touching anyone in a less than pleasant way in the last few days.¡±

    The officer then scowled pointedly at where Sky still watched worriedly from the passenger seat, ¡°assuming sodomy¡¯s not illegal anymore?¡± the one officer then scoffed at the other before turning back to Kole. ¡°So, you gonna make us arrest you, or just come along quietly?¡±

    ¡°Whatever¡± Kole mumbled as he let them escort him to a seat in the back of the squad car with another heavy sigh.

    When Kole found himself in the interrogation room not much later, they informed him that they had gotten verbal permission from his parents to interrogate him without their presence. Kole then just sarcastically asked, ¡°did they thank you, too?¡±

    The thankfully female officer then just shook her head as she took a seat across the table from Kole, ¡°aren¡¯t you a distinctive looking young man?¡±

    Kole just shook his head, ¡°I already got three people enjoying my distinctiveness, so, sorry; you may have to wait your turn.¡±

    She just shook her head, ¡°you¡¯re not helping yourself.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t realize that was an option¡± Kole mumbled.

    She sighed heavily, ¡°they haven¡¯t officially arrested you yet, but I assume you know why you¡¯re here?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a pretty deep question for eight am¡± Kole scoffed.

    She just shook her head, ¡°another young man has filed assault charges against you after an altercation with him at the mall last night.¡±

    Kole scoffed again, ¡°well, the way I remember it, that so-called young man¡± he began bitterly, ¡°he assaulted me and my female friend both last night. But we didn¡¯t return the favor. So maybe you should go question him instead.¡±

    ¡°Would you like to counter-file?¡±

    ¡°Like it would matter¡± Kole scoffed again.

    ¡°Well, then at least tell us your side of the story¡± she returned.

    ¡°See last comment¡± Kole scoffed.

    ¡°Kole, you are really not helping yourself¡± she told him again. ¡°You know, if what Mr. Spencer says is true, you very well may have ruined his entire future.¡±

    ¡°Well he ruined mine first¡± Kole mumbled. He then added, ¡°go watch the frigging surveillance video. Then come ask me whatever the fuck you want¡± he retorted.

    She took pause a moment at his earlier statement before responding, ¡°we plan to¡± she assured him.

    ¡°Well I obviously have nowhere to go. I¡¯ll wait¡± Kole told her smartly.

    She then sighed heavily as she got up from the table and left the room and Kole behind to do just that, and wait. The officer, who was actually a detective named Amy Calvert, then moved back to her office where Curt and his lawyer and his mother were waiting.

    ¡°Mr. Wagner would like us to watch the mall¡¯s surveillance footage before answering any questions.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    Then Curt¡¯s mother scoffed, ¡°who cares what he wants? He ruined my son¡¯s life. I think that¡¯s where his rights end¡± she complained as she gestured to the cast Curt now had on his throwing arm.

    ¡°Unfortunately that¡¯s not exactly true. Since we haven¡¯t officially arrested him yet, his rights are still very much his own. He came willingly after all. And we do need to watch this footage before we can move forward much further anyway¡± Calvert informed them as she moved to retrieve the discs from her desk.

    As they watched the video, Curt simply averted his eyes. Meanwhile his mother looked completely confused. As for Calvert and Curt¡¯s Lawyer, Brad Sullivan, they had some combination of confusion and worry on their faces; there was even a bit of anger mixed in with Calvert¡¯s expression then.

    Mrs. Spencer was the first to speak, ¡°am I missing something? How exactly did he hurt your arm, Curt?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± Curt complained, ¡°but it¡¯s obviously broken!¡± he defended, ¡°which means I¡¯m going to miss the entire rest of the football season. My senior year football season!¡± he added angrily.

    Calvert swallowed a bit as she looked between the monitor and the complaining young man, ¡°well, I¡¯m not sure this video is any kind of proof of Mr. Wagner assaulting you; as it appears that he never touched you at all¡± she added, with further confusion.

    ¡°Did you notice the cast?¡± he asked her with a glare. ¡°Plus, that prick already pulled a knife on me at school. Lock him up!¡±

    Calvert shook her head, ¡°I have no idea about any other altercations at school, or how your arm got hurt. But I strongly recommend you think long and hard about pursuing these charges.¡±

    ¡°I would have to agree with the detective¡± Curt¡¯s lawyer put in quickly, his worry seeming the most pronounced of all.

    ¡°What? Let that freak get away with it?¡± Curt retorted angrily.

    ¡°Get away with what?¡± Calvert returned, ¡°there is no evidence that Kole is the one who committed any crime here¡± she said pointedly as she gave Curt a cold look.

    ¡°Watch it again! He looked at me and my arm shattered! How is that not evidence?¡± Curt argued even more loudly then.

    ¡°So, your claim is that he broke your arm by looking at you?¡± Calvert asked with a trace of sarcasm as she shook her head, her disposition toward Curt seeming to have drastically changed in the last several minutes.

    ¡°Well that¡¯s what fucking happened! I mean, it broke somehow, right?¡± Curt shot back.

    The lawyer just shook his head as well before Calvert spoke up again, ¡°and you want us to use this footage as evidence of that?¡± she asked, her tone leading.

    ¡°Don¡¯t answer that, Curt¡± Sullivan interrupted loudly, causing Calvert to glare and Mrs. Spencer to look even more worried.

    Curt just scoffed, ¡°I don¡¯t get why you aren¡¯t just putting him in jail. You saw the video!¡±

    ¡°Yes we did¡± Calvert returned, ¡°and I¡¯m actually thinking that you¡¯re the one we should probably be arresting right now.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Curt asked, his voice cracking at that statement.

    ¡°We should go¡± Curt¡¯s lawyer stood then.

    ¡°What are you talking about arresting my son for? What is your problem, lady?¡± his mother defended, ¡°my boy is the one with the broken arm; the one who is probably going to lose his scholarship now because of what that purple haired menace did to him!¡±

    ¡°Did to him with his mind?¡± Calvert asked sarcastically. She then moved on, ¡°and being a woman, I¡¯m not sure why you¡¯re surprised that we¡¯re talking about arresting your son after seeing what he did on that video¡± Calvert scolded her with another glare.

    ¡°What does my being a woman have to do with anything?¡± Mrs. Spencer scoffed, ¡°and all I saw was him pushing some boy who looked like a girl. I doubt you could get very far with a charge of aggravated shoving¡± she bit back.

    ¡°How about a charge of sexually assaulting a fourteen year old girl? Think we¡¯d get far with that one?¡± Calvert bit back.

    ¡°We should go¡± Sullivan repeated more forcefully as both Spencers paled.

    ¡°What?¡± Mrs. Spencer gasped, ¡°you can¡¯t be serious!¡±

    That was when Calvert angrily clicked a link on her computer and began reading, ¡°Sexual assault is an act in which a person sexually touches another person without that person¡¯s consent, or coerces or physically forces a person to engage in a sexual act against their will. It is a form of sexual violence which includes rape, groping, child sexual abuse or the torture of the person in a sexual manner¡± she then angrily looked back up as Mrs. Spencer paled further.

    ¡°We should really go¡± Sullivan repeated even more forcefully as he hurried the Spencers out of the office.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll see you soon, Curt¡± Calvert called after them with an angry sigh.

    After giving herself a moment to compose herself, Calvert finally returned to the interrogation room where Kole was impatiently tapping his platform boot against the floor. He looked up at her with another annoyed sigh before speaking, ¡°here to cuff me? Sorry, I left mine in the car¡± he added wryly.

    ¡°There¡¯s a few things I wanna ask you¡± she said thoughtfully as she took a seat across from him again, ¡°but I guess the most important is if you or¡± she looked at her notes, ¡°Miss Sampson plan on filing charges against Mr. Spencer?¡±

    Kole was a little caught by that, ¡°what happened to me supposedly ruining his life?¡± he scoffed, though watched her carefully.

    ¡°We¡¯ve seen no evidence of that¡± she said quietly, then repeated, ¡°so are you thinking of pressing charges then?¡±

    ¡°Like that¡¯s an option. He shoved me. I¡¯m sure that would get him, what? A twenty dollar fine?¡±

    ¡°I was more concerned with what he did to the girl you were with.¡±

    Kole swallowed a bit, ¡°guy grabs girl¡¯s ass. Not like it doesn¡¯t happen to the girls in school fifty times a day. No one seems to be asking any of them about filing charges.¡±

    ¡°Well, they should be asking¡± Calvert returned pointedly.

    Kole just shook his head, ¡°trust me. Curt¡¯s done a lot worse than that. A lot¡± he added as he bit back his emotions.

    ¡°Does that have something to do with your comment earlier? About him ruining your life?¡±

    Kole just shook his head, ¡°like it matters?¡± he scoffed, ¡°it never matters when it¡¯s guys like Curt vs. kids like me, and Crista, and... our friends¡± he settled on.

    ¡°Well it should matter¡± Calvert returned.

    ¡°It should. But it never does¡± Kole replied as he averted his eyes again, ¡°can I go now?¡±

 Chapter 82

    When Star and Sky arrived in their second period study hall that day, Sky looked at Curt¡¯s empty seat worriedly. Easily catching the look, as she too had noted Curt¡¯s absence, she gave Sky a questioning look as he spoke, ¡°Curt¡¯s not here?¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t that be cause for celebration? Not...panic?¡± she asked warily as she looked at him.

    Sky took a deep breath before lowering his voice, ¡°I think we¡¯ve got some new problems. And I¡¯m really not sure which is the worst.¡±

    ¡°Goodie. After having an amazing weekend, I was so hoping for more problems. Just surprised they¡¯re arriving on a day that the cause of most of our problems is absent¡± she furrowed a brow.

    Sky sighed as he looked around as the teacher still hadn¡¯t arrived as usual. He then reached for her hand and led her out of the classroom with him.

    Star followed him to the car with an even more confused look then, ¡°so the one day Curt¡¯s not actually here to torture us and that¡¯s the day you decide to skip second? Interesting.¡±

    Once they were in the car once more, Sky finally spoke, ¡°problem one: Kole asked me about going back in time, to fix things.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not gonna actually try that, is he?¡± Star replied with her own worry then.

    ¡°Assuming he even could¡± Sky shook his head, "I explained to him that it most likely wouldn¡¯t work out the way he wanted it to¡± he sighed sadly, ¡°he obviously didn¡¯t like that answer.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t he lose whatever powers he might even have if he did manage to go back?¡± Star asked warily.

    ¡°I told him that that was exactly what would be likely to happen. And explained that he probably wouldn¡¯t even remember this life and have no clue what he even went back there to fix. And that he¡¯d probably just have to re-live it all again.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Guessing he wouldn¡¯t like that answer¡± Star agreed sadly. ¡°So, did he go off on you or...?¡±

    ¡°Think he was mostly sad more than angry. Didn¡¯t really have a lotta time to discuss it though after the cops showed up and took him to the station.¡±

    ¡°What? He¡¯s not eighteen yet¡± Star replied with her own panic, ¡°and Nickels never saw the knife¡± she added.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think it was about Crista or the knife¡± Sky returned as he gave another worried look to where Kole¡¯s car was still waiting next to theirs.

    ¡°Then... what was it about?¡± Star questioned.

    ¡°Assault?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Sky sighed again, ¡°and before the cops showed, Kole said something about shattering Curt¡¯s arm... with his mind¡± he added pointedly, ¡°and, Curt¡¯s not here. Hence, panic¡± Sky finished as he sighed heavily.

    ¡°So they do have powers without us?¡± Star swallowed. ¡°I mean, I¡¯m assuming he was with Crista and it wasn¡¯t just some hardcore witch thing?¡±

    ¡°You know as much as I do now¡± Sky shrugged as he continued to watch Kole¡¯s empty car.

    Star took a few breaths to order her thoughts then, ¡°well, if he did actually shatter his arm, with his mind¡± she shook her head, ¡°then that¡¯s a bit hard to prove in a court of law, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m hoping. Cause if he gets taken to some lab... I don¡¯t even wanna think about what all that could lead to.¡±

    ¡°Well, first, we should wait to see what actually happens with the cops, right?¡± Star stated, though her voice lacked much confidence in that plan.

    Though second period wasn¡¯t even over before they¡¯d have a chance to find that answer. An unmarked police car pulled in behind them before the bell to end the period even rang, and Kole got out. The driver was a woman in her early thirties who then handed him a card, shook her head, and pulled out of the school lot once again.

    Kole shook his head down at the card and shoved it into his pocket before moving back to his car to gather his bag for the day ahead. He startled a bit as Sky rolled down his tinted window and called over to him, ¡°care to explain?¡± he asked pointedly as Kole slung his bag over his back.

    ¡°Yay another interrogation¡± Kole mumbled, but made his way over to their car as Sky opened the door and leaned forward in the seat to allow him to get into the back.

    ¡°Considering you have our DNA now; I think any crime involving you also involves us¡± Sky told him with obvious worry as the two turned in their seat to await his explanation.

    ¡°They didn¡¯t charge me with anything, obviously. So relax¡± Kole sighed as he stared out the window beside him rather than looking at his two companions.

    ¡°A few more details would be kinda nice here, Kole¡± Star prodded gently, ¡°especially ones that might explain why Curt¡¯s not here today¡± she couldn¡¯t help adding.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°Cause Curt was at the police station. I¡¯m guessing anyway. Thankfully I didn¡¯t have to see the little prick again¡± Kole muttered.

    ¡°Again, with the lack of details¡± Star stated, attempting to keep her tone light despite her ever increasing worry about what had actually happened.

    Kole sighed again then, ¡°on our way home last night, we stopped at the mall, Curt was there. He was an asshole, as always; and now he¡¯s an asshole with a broken arm¡± Kole shrugged.

    ¡°Yeah, still gonna need a few blanks filled in¡± Sky added, ¡°like ones about how his arm got broken, perhaps?¡± he asked more loudly.

    Kole then allowed a more defeated sigh, ¡°He gave me shit. I called him out for raping Sammi in front of all his little friends. He got more pissed. He shoved me. Then he grabbed Crista¡¯s ass. And then I got pissed. Really pissed. And all I could think about was the shit he did to Sammi... and to you¡± he added as he looked back at Sky, his voice breaking slightly. He then quickly moved on, ¡°and it just had me so fucking pissed off that he got away with what he did to you, what he did to Sam, and that he¡¯d probably get away with tryin shit with Crista too. And then every bone in that arm of his that reached for her; it shattered. That enough detail?¡± he added under his breath as he looked away again.

    After a long pause, Star spoke again, ¡°so you and Crista do have powers too now?¡±

    ¡°Either that or your DNA gave my witchy ways one hell of a fucking boost¡± Kole stated, ¡°jury¡¯s still out on that one I guess.¡±

    Sky then sighed with continuing worry, ¡°whichever it is, you obviously can do shit. Serious shit. Even without us.¡±

    ¡°But they didn¡¯t charge me for ¡®glaring with intent¡¯¡± Kole scoffed, ¡°they actually want Crista to press charges.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Sky and Star asked in unison as they turned back to him.

    ¡°Yeah, they actually want her to file sexual assault charges, against Curt¡± Kole took a deep breath, ¡°a seventeen year old boy, who grabbed her ass. And the one they want to convince her is me; the seventeen year old boy who was fucking her just this weekend. Not ironic and hella uncomfortable at all¡± he added sarcastically.

    Star shook her head then, ¡°what you did to Crista was worlds away from what Curt did¡± she attempted to assure.

    ¡°No shit¡± he scoffed as he looked away again.

    ¡°No I mean¡± Star sighed, ¡°Crista wanted you to. Really wanted you to¡± she added. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure she didn¡¯t want Curt¡¯s hands on her at all, in any way, ever.¡±

    ¡°Oh we¡¯re talking consent then?¡± Kole retorted.

    ¡°Of course we are¡± Star affirmed.

    ¡°Well, according to the law; Crista is not capable of giving consent for another two years¡± Kole stated as Sky sunk slightly into his seat then too, ¡°And you know they¡¯ll ask her all about her ¡®sexual behavior¡¯ and all that shit. So is this a slippery slope any of the three of us wanna go anywhere near, really?¡±

    They were all silent for several moments then; Sky and Star feeling like criminals once more, though for the first time in this life, anyway. Star sighed at last, ¡°so he just gets away with it again?¡± she whispered, her voice breaking.

    ¡°At least what he¡¯s getting away with with Crista isn¡¯t near as likely to result in her killing herself or having PTSD. Small blessing I guess¡± Kole mumbled.

    ¡°It¡¯s still wrong though¡± Star sniffled.

    ¡°Don¡¯t have to convince me¡± Kole mumbled, sadly looking through the window once more, seeming to be lost in more than a few memories once again.

    After another long moment, they were jarred by the bell ending second period. Then Sky spoke, ¡°well at least if his arm is broken, maybe the faculty will all stop treating him like his ass is golden. He¡¯s just as useless to the school as the rest of us now, right?¡± Sky scoffed. Though they still all looked rather despondent as they exited the car to continue their already eventful day.

    <hr>

    As Star took a seat in her third period English class, she couldn¡¯t help scowling at Brandi and Regan as they sat chatting before class. After all, she had heard that Brandi was apparently dating Curt this month, and that somehow made her even angrier than just the usual cruelty and entitlement displayed by the queen bees already did most days. She just couldn¡¯t fathom how any girl could ever trust Curt at all, let alone want to date him.

    As their names were so close in the alphabet, Star usually had to endure all their mindless chatter most days as their English teacher was famously tardy. Regan was the one currently speaking, ¡°can you believe that shit at the mall last night with those freaks¡± she then glared at Star, ¡°those other freaks¡± she clarified.

    Brandi looked a bit distracted then, which was saying something. She then looked up at Regan¡¯s expectant face, ¡°yeah, I mean. That was intense¡± she agreed, the distraction still obvious in her voice.

    ¡°And Curt¡¯s fucked for the entire football season! Maybe even college. They should have fucking murdered that purple haired freak, and his little slut too. Curt¡¯s life is now ruined because of their kind. Yeah, your friends¡± she bit out as Star couldn¡¯t help looking their way at the sound of the conversation.

    ¡°They didn¡¯t actually even touch him though¡± Brandi stated warily.

    Regan just scoffed, ¡°then how the fuck did he break his arm?¡± Regan bit back.

    ¡°No idea¡± Brandi mumbled as she looked down again.

    ¡°What is with you today, Brandi? You¡¯re dating him and I¡¯m the one who seems more pissed¡± Regan glared at her ¡®friend.¡¯

    ¡°I know it sucks about his arm but...¡± Brandi began warily.

    ¡°But what?¡± Regan scoffed as she moved to touch up her pretty pink lips. ¡°I think Curt¡¯s arm and his ruined life are pretty much the headlines here.¡±

    Brandi took a breath before looking back at the redhead, ¡°but what about what Kole said?¡±

    ¡°Kole?¡± Regan scoffed again, ¡°you¡¯re now on a first name basis with the asshole that pulled a knife on your boyfriend and then did... whatever he did... to his arm last night? Maybe you¡¯re the one who wants some strange¡± Regan snickered as she continued her glossing.

    ¡°And that too¡± Brandi added with a bit of her own annoyance.

    ¡°What too?¡± Regan just shook her head back at her.

    ¡°He hit on that little blue-haired freshman right in front of me, twice!¡± Brandi complained.

    ¡°Please. Curt hits on everything in a short skirt, obviously. Why do you think he asked you out?¡± Regan chuckled again.

    ¡°Ha ha¡± Brandi glared back.

    ¡°Again, his arm is the point. Not him treating that little freshman like the whore she is. I bet all those freaks fuck each other constantly. You heard the purple haired one¡± she grimaced.

    ¡°But what about the other thing K---the purple haired one said?¡±

    ¡°What other thing?¡± Regan scoffed again.

    ¡°About Sammi¡± Brandi whispered. That of course caused Star to pay even closer attention then.

    ¡°About some dead bitch?¡± Regan retorted, ¡°some dead, freak bitch? Please.¡±

    ¡°He said Curt raped her¡± Brandi whispered.

    Regan just glared again, ¡°and you seriously believe that Curt would ever have to rape anyone? Let alone some freak? He can have any girl in the school in case you hadn¡¯t noticed. So maybe you should think twice about repeating that shit. You¡¯re pretty replaceable¡± Regan told her pointedly.

    Brandi just scoffed then, ¡°well something made her kill herself, didn¡¯t it?¡± and with that the blonde girl got up and left the classroom.

 Chapter 83

    Less than fifteen minutes after Brie and Connor got home that Monday afternoon, Connor found himself going to answer a knock at the front door of their home; as Brie had already gone to the kitchen for a drink. He looked a bit surprised that Crista was the one knocking on the door when she most likely could have just gotten a ride home with his own children. Nonetheless, he greeted her and moved aside to allow her to enter their home once more.

    ¡°Kids are upstairs¡± he offered, ¡°as always¡± he added more quietly as he shut the front door behind her.

    ¡°Actually, I came to see you or your wife¡± Crista told him warily.

    ¡°Really?¡± Connor responded, awaiting her clarification.

    Crista steeled herself, then asked, ¡°you¡¯re the ones who tested my blood, right?¡±

    Connor looked down a moment, ¡°well, if that was your blood on our son¡¯s pants, then yes¡± he replied pointedly as she looked down with a slight blush.

    Trying to regain some composure of her own then, Crista took a moment to dig around in her glittery spike-covered purse which was oddly coffin-shaped. She then pulled out a glove and handed it to Connor, ¡°can you test the blood on this?¡±

    Connor looked at her questioningly, ¡°a bloody glove?¡±

    ¡°Well, there¡¯s only a little bit of blood on it. But it¡¯s only from last night, and that¡¯s still testable, right?¡± she offered.

    ¡°Should I be calling a lawyer here, instead?¡± Connor replied.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Connor just shook his head down at her, ¡°just curious why you¡¯re asking me to do this at all.¡±

    ¡°Cause you answered the door instead of Brie?¡± she shrugged, ¡°and, I don¡¯t think the two of you would want anybody else testing this blood¡± she added more quietly.

    Connor looked a bit worried then, ¡°this isn¡¯t Star¡¯s or Sky¡¯s is it?¡± he asked with a bit of panic as he looked toward the stairs.

    ¡°No¡± Crista assured with a shake of her head.

    Connor only relaxed slightly then, ¡°well, we already have a sample of your blood, Crista. So I¡¯m guessing this is Kole¡¯s then?¡±

    Crista narrowed her eyes with a bit of defeat, ¡°you make it really hard to be vague.¡±

    ¡°I try¡± Connor returned with a shake of his head. He then gestured for her to follow him back to their in-home office. As he prepared to do the blood-testing, he spoke to her again from where she waited nervously inside the now closed office door, ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re concerned and all, but we already pretty much know that Kole is infected as well; err, hybridized¡± he corrected as he saw the worry his original word choice produced.

    ¡°But testing his blood can tell you if there¡¯s anything else wrong with him, right?¡± Crista bit away some of her glittery lipstick as she watched him.

    Connor took pause again then, ¡°I thought that he had told Sky and Star that he had just recently been tested; prior to having unprotected sex with my daughter¡± he added more bitterly.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mean that¡± Crista corrected quickly. Connor just looked at her questioningly, ¡°I mean, like anything else that might be wrong with him, health-wise. Like anything perhaps non-contagious but still... bad?¡± she whispered worriedly.

    ¡°Has Kole been sick?¡± Connor asked with further concern.

    ¡°That¡¯s kinda what I¡¯m tryin to find out¡± Crista returned sadly.

    Connor let out his own worried sigh then, ¡°well normally that would be a question for his doctor. But I don¡¯t think we really want any of you near doctors right now¡± he stated with his own sadness as he moved to continue with the test. After a moment he looked back at where she still waited nervously, ¡°depending on what all you want me to test for, it could be a while¡± Connor told her pointedly.

    ¡°Oh, ok¡± she looked around a moment, ¡°guess I¡¯ll go say hi to Sky and Star¡± she told him awkwardly as she left the office again to make her way to the stairs with a sigh. After all, she wasn¡¯t really sure she wanted to share her worries about the nosebleed with them just yet; and she was even less sure Kole wanted her to.

    When she reached the top of the stairs, she found Star¡¯s door open and her room empty, while Sky¡¯s was closed, as usual. She then moved to tentatively knock at his door. Sky then called back, rather flatly, ¡°enter, if you must.¡±

    When Crista stepped into the room the two were sitting close together on Sky¡¯s bed having some sort of discussion that didn¡¯t look particularly jovial. Though both turned rather surprised, and somewhat nervous glances toward her arrival.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Sky then spoke again, ¡°sorry, thought you were a parent.¡±

    ¡°Nope, just lil ole me¡± she managed a smile before dropping her bag and crawling onto the bed between them.

    She then crawled halfway into Sky¡¯s lap and gave him a long, passionate kiss, then turned to do the same to Star a moment later. Though both of them seemed to tense more than a bit at her amorous greeting.

    ¡°Ok, what¡¯s wrong now?¡± she asked warily as she sat back between them with worried looks, ¡°is your DNA gonna kill us now, too?¡± she couldn¡¯t help asking, silently hoping that that didn¡¯t actually turn out to be the case after all.

    ¡°God, I hope not¡± Star replied, as if that worry had only just occurred to her as well then.

    ¡°That would give a whole new meaning to ¡®sex kills¡¯¡± Sky added, shuddering at the thought himself then.

    Crista took a shaky breath, ¡°so, why the tenseness? Kisses are not supposed to make tension worse last I checked.¡±

    ¡°No, the cops are making tension worse¡± Sky supplied as he and Star both looked down.

    ¡°Cops?¡± Crista raised a brow.

    ¡°Curt tried to file charges against Kole for his arm¡± Sky sighed, ¡°only, after the cops watched the video; they wanna file charges against Curt instead.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Crista grinned, ¡°isn¡¯t that like the best news ever?¡±

    Star then sadly clarified, ¡°they wanna file charges for what Curt did to you.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Crista looked more than a bit shocked by that. ¡°All he did was grab my butt. And yes, eww, but, not hardly a crime... is it?¡± she asked warily.

    Star sighed, ¡°yeah, it actually is. And it¡¯s even worse since you¡¯re...¡± Star then just shook her head.

    ¡°Since I¡¯m what?¡± Crista asked as she warily looked between her companions.

    Sky swallowed a lump in his throat before offering an answer, ¡°since you¡¯re not legally capable of giving consent to any sort of sexual touching or activities.¡±

    Crista just laughed derisively, ¡°please. Last week alone I had sex with two boys and did plenty of other fun stuff with a girl too.¡±

    Sky took another shaky breath, ¡°kinda what we¡¯re trying to avoid anyone finding out, at all, ever.¡±

    Crista scoffed, ¡°what? You¡¯re all under eighteen. And believe me, I consented¡± she added pointedly.

    Star sighed again, ¡°according to the law, again, you¡¯re not capable of consenting. The Romeo and Juliet statutes or whatever they¡¯re called; those may protect us since we all are only three years older, but we can¡¯t depend on that¡± Star whispered, her voice breaking slightly.

    Sky sighed heavily as he was just as worried as Star then, ¡°so, if you get pulled into this case, they¡¯re gonna wanna know all about every part of any sex life you may have. And like Star said, the Romeo and Juliet stuff may not protect us, since none of us are technically in a long-term relationship with you and just had a recent birthday or whatever the rules really are for that shit¡± he sighed softly, ¡°so if they find out that you¡¯ve been with any of us, in any way; they¡¯ll consider us just as bad as Curt¡± he added in a broken whisper as he and Star both looked down.

    Crista then went from disbelief to anger. ¡°What?¡± she exclaimed, ¡°he¡¯s a fucking rapist! That is something that would never apply to the three of you!¡± she denied as Sky painfully swallowed again, his mind immediately snapping back to the year of torture wherein he constantly engaged in sexual activity with Star even though she hardly wanted to then; though of course, neither did he.

    As those memories were too much to bear right then, Sky found it near impossible to breathe as he pushed himself up from the bed and left the room to hide himself away in the bathroom instead. Star just looked after him, already knowing exactly where his mind had went and the effect it was likely having on him then.

    ¡°God, he is really worried¡± Crista stated sadly as she saw Star¡¯s also quite obvious upset as they both watched Sky disappear through the door.

    ¡°Me too¡± Star whispered, still looking at the closed door behind Sky, ¡°and as much as we all want Curt to pay...¡± she just shook her head, ¡°you can¡¯t be any part of making him pay. Or else, all of us might be carted off to jail with that rapist¡± she sniffled again as she brushed away a tear. Star then took a deep breath to try and fight back her own urge to give into an emotional breakdown then. ¡°I should really...¡± she began as she gestured to the door Sky had gone through.

    ¡°Yeah, I get it¡± Crista agreed sadly as she also pushed herself up from the bed, ¡°I guess I should actually eat dinner at home for once anyway¡± she sighed softly as she gathered her belongings and headed back out of the room once more.

    Once Star heard Crista move down the stairs, she rushed to the bathroom door, desperately knocking at it, ¡°Sky?¡±

    ¡°Go away¡± he replied from inside, obvious pain in his voice.

    Thankful that she did get some response, Star¡¯s worry was still very real. ¡°You know I¡¯ll never do that, Sky.¡± Star took a breath, then added pointedly, ¡°just like you promised me you wouldn¡¯t.¡±

    Sky just scoffed but gave no other response. Star then pushed the door open and took in the scene before her. He was sitting on the floor, his back against the shower stall, his pants pulled down around his knees, several bloody slices cut into his thigh from the blade in his shaking hand.

    ¡°What the fuck, Sky?¡± Star exclaimed as she tossed the door shut behind her, and rushed to a place on the floor next to him.

    ¡°I did deserve what Curt did to me¡± he whispered through his pained tears as Star pulled the blade from his shaking fingers.

    ¡°You know that¡¯s bullshit, Sky¡± she argued through her own tears as she tossed the blade to the floor.

    ¡°But I¡¯m just like him. I forced myself inside you, over and over. Then I had sex with a girl who supposedly is too young to even give me permission to. I put it in her and I broke her inside, and I made her bleed. Why? Just so some other boy could put it in her too? I¡¯m just like him.¡±

    ¡°Again, complete bullshit, Sky. And you know that. They forced you to do what you did to me! And the law is wrong: Crista knew exactly what she was doing, and she wanted you to be the one doing it with her! You fucking know all this, Sky!¡± she continued through clenched teeth and tears.

    Sky just shook his head, ¡°if I didn¡¯t do anything wrong, and I¡¯m not just like him; then why the fuck can¡¯t we just come forward and make him pay?¡± he asked as he shook his head, ¡°cause what we did was just as wrong. That¡¯s why¡± he answered his own question.

    ¡°Stop, Sky. You know.. you fucking know that that is not true!¡±

    Sky then let his head fall back as he turned teary eyes to the ceiling above them and replied, in a pained whisper, ¡°all I know is that if I had done it right that first time, in that first life... then none of the rest of the bad would have ever happened. None of us would be where we are right now, at all.¡±

 Chapter 84

    Sometime while Crista waited at the bus stop near the Vargas house, she had changed her mind about going home for dinner that night after all. Instead, she took another bus to an apartment building a few blocks from the school. After locating the apartment she was looking for, she took a breath and knocked at the door.

    A dark-haired woman in her late thirties opened the door and gave Crista a head to toe glance as the girl attempted to smile a nervous greeting, ¡°here to see Kole, I assume?¡± the woman asked her flatly.

    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m---¡±

    But before Crista could introduce herself, the woman shouted over her shoulder, ¡°Kole! Girl!¡± she then simply moved away from the door to allow Crista to invite herself in.

    Appearing from a nearby bathroom, while drying his long hair, Kole was a bit surprised to see his visitor. ¡°Uh, hi?¡± he greeted her questioningly.

    ¡°Your hair... is black.¡± Crista narrowed her eyes at him as she nervously closed the door behind her.

    ¡°Yes, recent development¡± he smiled nervously as he tossed the towel back into the bathroom behind him and gave another wary look at where his father didn¡¯t bother looking up from the TV in response to their guest, and his mom was simply back in the adjoining dining room again, smoking her cigarette and making her coffee.

    ¡°It looks good. Of course the purple looked good too. Pretty sure anything would look good¡± Crista stated quietly, her age always more apparent when she was nervous.

    ¡°We can talk in my room¡± Kole swallowed with a bit of nervousness of his own then.

    ¡°Door open!¡± his mom called after him, ¡°we don¡¯t need you to fuck up another girl¡¯s life¡± she added coldly, to which Kole just cringed. Ignoring his mother, he tossed his bedroom door angrily shut behind he and Crista as his mother angrily yelled his name again. A moment later, she was slamming the door open again, ¡°do not fuck with us on this Kole! Or your little friend can go right back home¡± she growled as she moved away from the now open door and returned to the dining room.

    ¡°Home sweet home¡± Kole grumbled as he took a seat at his computer, ¡°and now you know why I don¡¯t normally have my little friends over¡± he scoffed as he bit at a black nail, glaring toward the doorway.

    ¡°Sorry, I guess I shouldn¡¯t have just showed up¡± Crista apologized sadly.

    ¡°Not your fault they¡¯re assholes¡± he mumbled as he tried to distract himself from looking at her revealing white halter and skirt she wore that day.

    ¡°I looked up your address, obviously¡± she stated in the same apologetic tone. ¡°I also gave your glove to Connor¡± she added more warily, which did cause him to look back.

    ¡°What now?¡±

    ¡°The glove that you wore to the mall last night; I gave it to Connor¡± she stated in the same wary whisper.

    ¡°Why?¡± Kole asked slowly as he turned his eyes toward the doorway once more.

    ¡°I just wanna make sure you¡¯re ok. Considering¡± she added, her eyes also moving to the doorway.

    ¡°And?¡± he replied, teeth slightly clenched, ¡°if I¡¯m dying or something, they may like you even better than Sammi for delivering that news¡± he whispered sarcastically.

    ¡°Don¡¯t know anything yet¡± she said, his words producing further sadness in her then.

    Kole just sighed as he looked back at his computer, ¡°well I feel fine, physically anyway¡± he mumbled, eyes on the screen in front of him.

    ¡°Well good, maybe it was just random¡± Crista said hopefully. She then looked back at the doorway warily before pulling up a chair next to him so she could speak even more quietly then, ¡°I think you were wrong about something though.¡±

    ¡°Why you whispering? My parents will wholeheartedly agree with you on anything that involves me being wrong¡± he mumbled in the same bitter tone he always seemed to use when speaking of the two adults in the next room.

    ¡°About... stuff... not having to be over¡± she told him sadly.

    ¡°Stuff?¡± he raised a brow as he cast her another glance.

    ¡°About us no longer being able to have...¡± another look at the doorway, ¡°the kind of weekend we just had¡± she decided on.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    Kole tensed slightly then as he cast another look at the doorway, ¡°lemme guess. Cops bugging you?¡±

    ¡°No, but Sky and Star told me that they might¡± Crista stated with the same sad tone, ¡°and they are really, really freaked out. Especially Sky¡± she informed softly.

    ¡°And I¡¯m older than them¡± he mumbled, ¡°plus, there¡¯s already proof of me doing what they might try to claim I did with you¡± he decided on.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Sammi was fifteen when I... was with her last¡± he decided on, voice shaking, ¡°and I had just turned sixteen, so. Trust me, if they wanna try to accuse anyone of doing that with you? I¡¯ll be the first one they go after.¡±

    ¡°But...¡± she then just glared at the doorway again, ¡°god it¡¯s hard to talk like this¡± she added in her own angry mumble.

    ¡°Think that¡¯s the point¡± he returned in the same bitter tone, to which Crista could only sigh in frustration.

    It wasn¡¯t much later that Kole gave his parents the excuse of Crista needing a ride home so they could at least go to his car and talk about any of the important things happening in their lives right then; as none of them would be very safe for parental consumption.

    When they got to the parking garage and got into the car, Kole sighed heavily as he took his seat behind the wheel and ran his fingers through his newly blackened locks. Crista looked over at him nervously then, suddenly remembering their snippets of conversation upstairs ¡°proof?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Kole replied as he cast her a questioning look.

    ¡°Proof of you doing what they might accuse you of doing with me?¡± she asked warily.

    ¡°Well obviously not proof of me doing it with you. Least I doubt it¡± he shook his head, ¡°but proof of me doing that with Sammi, when I was sixteen and when she was fifteen; which you aren¡¯t even yet¡± he added more quietly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fifteen in two months¡± Crista informed hopefully.

    ¡°If only that made a difference in the eyes of the law¡± Kole sighed.

    ¡°But if you were sixteen then...¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯m seventeen now. For another month at least¡± he sighed. ¡°Either way the age of consent is sixteen. If a sixteen or seventeen year old has sex with a fourteen or fifteen year old¡± he just shook his head, ¡°it¡¯s utterly ridiculous, and they did ultimately let it go with me and Sammi since we had been having sex before I turned sixteen¡± he shook his head.

    ¡°The Romeo and Juliet stuff?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡± he mumbled, ¡°but I doubt that¡¯ll work here. Since none of us ever had sex with you when we were under the age of consent, since you were fucking twelve then¡± he sighed. ¡°And none of us are technically in a relationship with you. Least not one that would make sense to anyone but us¡± he added more quietly.

    ¡°Why was it even an issue with Sammi though? How did anyone even know or care that you two were sleeping together? I¡¯d think what happened with she and Curt would be a little more of a concern, legally.¡±

    Kole took a shaky breath, eyes down once more, ¡°I¡¯m already considered someone who¡¯s capable of committing statutory rape; after me and Sammi¡¯s sex life came up when they investigated her suicide¡± he answered, still nearly choking on that word every time he used it.

    ¡°Why would your sex life even matter? Sex with you wasn¡¯t what made her kill herself¡± Crista stated softly.

    ¡°Opinions vary¡± he whispered.

    ¡°What? But Curt¡¯s the one who actually raped her¡± Crista returned worriedly.

    Kole then moved his hands to his face as he leaned on the steering wheel, ¡°but I¡¯m the one who made it so much worse¡± he choked on the words.

    ¡°How? How could you have made getting raped worse? I mean it doesn¡¯t sound like you ever blamed her for the rape; and I can¡¯t imagine any other reason why---¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m the one responsible for the real reason she killed herself¡± he whispered, biting back more tears as he told the story once more.

    ¡°The real reason?¡± Crista was even further confused by that.

    ¡°The miscarriage she had, while Curt raped her. You can see why I hate our school. That¡¯s where my baby died, and where its mother gave up on life too¡± he whispered as the tears finally broke free at last.

    There was a long moment of silence as Crista tried to take in that confession while Kole tried to force some sort of composure again. Finally, Crista spoke again, ¡°now I¡¯m even more amazed that you didn¡¯t kill Curt.¡±

    Kole scoffed as he finally looked up again, wiping away a few offending steaks of eye makeup, ¡°that¡¯ s what I keep hearing. I¡¯m damned near an angel, right?¡±

    Crista sighed heavily, ¡°they can question me all they want. I won¡¯t tell the cops that you and I made love this weekend¡± she allowed her own sniffle, ¡°you don¡¯t deserve any part of that shit storm¡± she whispered as she moved to embrace him.

    ¡°I just told you I¡¯m the reason the girl I loved killed herself, and you¡¯re hugging me?¡± he scoffed, though couldn¡¯t help wrapping his arms around her as well.

    ¡°That¡¯s bullshit Kole. She didn¡¯t kill herself when she found out your baby was inside her. She killed herself when she found out that Curt ended that baby¡¯s life¡± Crista sniffled again as she held him even tighter then.

    Then Kole took her back to that motel where Sky had taken her and Kole had taken Sky, not even a week earlier. And they got their room and they made love to each other once again. Both of them knew it was wrong in the eyes of the law. Both of them knew the risk of a condom breaking and the pill not being effective yet. But they also knew that they both needed to remind one another that there were still things worth living for, no matter what others thought of those things.

    And once again, their draw to each other made it more than clear that the four of them did all truly seem to be sharing one soul now, and nothing would ever change that fact for any of them. They were all the one thing that was keeping each other going at that point, no matter how truly hard it was for any of them to keep going at all from one day to the next.

    And then the next day did happen. And the police decided to move forward with the charges against Curt, and the investigation into his past and all of the people in his life, including the victims and alleged victims.

    And then the police showed up at the school and took Curt away. And then would begin the real test for all of them. Then they¡¯d have to find out exactly what their shared soul could truly take, after all.

 Chapter 85

    Most of the student body were just shocked by Curt¡¯s arrest. Though a few seemed less surprised, which made one wonder how many of them also knew who Curt really was. Though the four soul-mates, they were merely numb. After school let out that day, they all were sitting silently in Sky¡¯s car, safely behind those tinted windows. All of them trying to imagine what his arrest would mean for each of them as well. It was true that he had made their lives hell; but now that he may have to pay for that hell, all their lives could end up under a microscope as well. And that was another kind of hell to them.

    ¡°I guess I should have let him get away with it¡± Kole was the first to speak, though quietly.

    ¡°What?¡± Crista looked over at him.

    ¡°I guess I shoulda let him get away with grabbing you like that. That¡¯s what started this all, right?¡± Kole said softly, all of the older teens staring out their own windows.

    ¡°The video would have been seen anyway. And that¡¯s why they brought charges against him. Because of the video¡± Crista attempted to assure.

    ¡°Chances are mall security wouldn¡¯t have even blinked at some boy grabbing some girl¡¯s ass. It was the cop who decided that something actually happened in that video. And the cop only even saw it because of Curt¡¯s arm¡± Kole reminded.

    ¡°Right now¡± Star began softly, ¡°I think we need to worry about what we will do instead of what we should have done.¡±

    Kole sighed heavily, then looked up at the two in the front seat. Star¡¯s eyes were cast down sadly, while Sky just silently stared out that window. ¡°Unless you two just wanna rewind to Sunday night. Problem solved then, right?¡± he scoffed as Star just sighed and Sky barely showed any reaction at all to anything being said, still.

    Star looked over at Sky as though waiting on some reaction to finally happen. But when she got none, she looked back at Kole, ¡°then we just go back to living in fear every day, waiting for the counselor to open her mouth or for Curt to get bored and attack one of us again?¡±

    ¡°Fine, we can go back to the amusement park. We¡¯ll just never go in that supply shack and Alana will never know what Curt did to Sky¡± Kole offered with another sound of frustration.

    Again, Star looked to Sky, who again, said nothing. Star then spoke again, ¡°if we did that then none of us would be lovers. Neither of you would be... like us now.¡±

    ¡°Oh well¡± Kole stated as Crista just looked down with a sniffle.

    ¡°You really regret being with us that much?¡± Crista whispered to Kole.

    ¡°It¡¯s not about that¡± was Kole¡¯s only response.

    Star looked over at Sky once more, who still remained silent, staring at nothing. With a heavy sigh, she continued the conversation, ¡°we¡¯ve already tried that route Kole. It only fixes so much. Then there¡¯s always another problem waiting. No matter how many times we went back, there¡¯d always be another problem waiting. We have to just finally fucking get through it, like everybody else in this world has to¡± she finished sadly.

    ¡°But we¡¯re not like everybody else. So why should have to play by those rules?¡± Kole returned.

    ¡°Again, no matter how many times we start over, there will always be a new problem. It¡¯s called life¡± Star insisted.

    Then, finally, Sky spoke, in a whisper, ¡°and we all know there¡¯s only one cure for life.¡±

    ¡°Sky¡± Star stated his name as more of a desperate plea, tears in her voice as well as her eyes then.

    Crista sniffled in response to his words then too, as Kole simply took a deep, somewhat shaky breath and looked down. Sky finally offered another sentence, ¡°and if we have to endure life, still¡± he swallowed, ¡°we may as well just fucking tell the truth.¡±

    ¡°The truth?¡± Kole asked warily as all three of them looked back at Sky who was still staring out the window despite his somber words.

    ¡°About Curt¡± Sky clarified with another small sigh. ¡°It¡¯s supposed to set you free, right?¡±

    As none of them found themselves capable of thinking of any alternate plan somewhere between resetting the whole world again and just telling the truth about Curt, if nothing else; that¡¯s what their plan supposedly was going to be. And the hearing scheduled for that Friday, three days from that day, would be when they would have to test this ¡®truth setting your free¡¯ myth or fact once and for all.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    <hr>

    Considering there was video evidence of a crime, but no victim was officially pressing charges; it was decided that there would be a hearing first, to determine if Curt was considered enough of a threat that the state should bring formal charges against him. The video evidence alone was probably not enough to get them all the way to trial. But other allegations quietly circling him over the last few years in combination with the video; that was enough to get them their hearing.

    Several witnesses were called, most of whom were students or faculty, and all of whom faced perjury charges if they were to give false statements of any kind. Though the four of them didn¡¯t know all the names of those being called, they knew their own names were on the list, and could easily guess at a few others.

    The two lawyers present were of course Curt¡¯s lawyer Brad Sullivan, and the lawyer for the state, Miss Lewis, who Sky and Star knew briefly in that previous life. After all, she was the woman who was Alana¡¯s lawyer that time, and the one who showed them the video that led to their last bout with their own imprisonment before reliving the last three years of their lives to the point they now found themselves at today.

    Among the first people called to testify was Alana Thomas. After stating her name, the first question she was asked was if she was aware of any claims of sexual violence or misconduct made against Curt Spencer.

    Alana took a breath and tried to find her voice, ¡°during the school trip, a friend of mine seemed very angry at Curt. We asked him why. He told us that Curt had raped his girlfriend two years ago. He wanted to have a confrontation with Curt. We tried to stop him by telling him that Curt had done other horrible things...¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s we?¡± Sullivan interrupted.

    Alana took another breath, ¡°my friend Kole was the one who was so angry at Curt. The one who said Curt raped his girlfriend Sammi two years ago. My friend Sky was the one who told him about Curt supposedly doing other horrible things.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s Kole Wagner and Sky Vargas?¡± he asked her to clarify.

    ¡°Yes¡± Alana confirmed.

    ¡°They¡¯ll both be testifying later¡± Lewis assured, ¡°go on.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, Kole responded to what Sky said, by asking if what else Curt did was as bad as raping someone one of us loved¡± she sniffled slightly, ¡°and Star said that yes, Curt did do that.¡±

    ¡°Star was confirming that Curt did what exactly?¡± Lewis prodded.

    ¡°Raped someone she loved¡± Alana sniffled again.

    ¡°And do we know who that was?¡± Lewis replied.

    ¡°The one person Star¡¯s always loved. Her adopted brother, Sky.¡±

    Sullivan paled slightly, but Lewis simply cleared her throat and moved forward, ¡°and Sky was present as well, and he didn¡¯t deny that Curt had done that to him?¡±

    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t¡± Alana finished as she reached for a tissue from the box nearby.

    <hr>

    Also among the first people called to testify at the hearing was the school counselor, Miss Burke. After making her introduction, the first question they asked her as well was if she had ever had knowledge of any claim of sexual misconduct involving Mr. Spencer.

    She took a breath to steel herself before speaking, ¡°yes, more than one claim.¡±

    ¡°Go on¡± Lewis pressed.

    ¡°The day after the school trip last week, a student came into my office and told me that she had heard that another student had been.. raped by Mr. Spencer¡± Burke stated quietly, eyes down.

    ¡°And you didn¡¯t report it then?¡± Sullivan put in.

    Burke cast him a dark look before answering, ¡°unless the actual victim or someone present at the time of the actual event comes forward, we have to treat it as hearsay.¡±

    ¡°So rumors?¡± Sullivan responded, ¡°can we move on from this witness?¡± he asked Lewis.

    ¡°No¡± Lewis glared at him, ¡°so, what did you do when you heard this ¡®rumor¡¯ about this rape that had happened?¡±

    ¡°I confronted the victim¡± Burke answered plainly, though her eyes were down again.

    Lewis allowed a slight sigh, as their had been no formal report made, she could guess at the answer to her next question, but she had to ask it anyway, ¡°and what did the alleged victim say when you asked them about the assault?¡±

    Burke let out another breath, ¡°they wouldn¡¯t admit to it. But they also didn¡¯t deny it. And in a later conversation with the victim, they were terrified of Curt finding out that anything had been even unofficially reported. Terrified.¡±

    Sullivan then interrupted, ¡°so you¡¯re a mind-reader, you know what terrified looks like? For certain?¡±

    ¡°I have a masters in Psychology¡± Burke bit back, ¡°and I believe the victim¡¯s words were ¡®I¡¯m terrified¡¯¡± she stated coolly.

    ¡°Alleged victim¡± Sullivan corrected her.

    Lewis just shook her head at him, then turned back to Miss Burke, ¡°you said you were aware of more than one claim against Mr. Spencer? What other claims are you aware of?¡±

    ¡°Two years ago a girl was raped at school. I went with her in the ambulance. I called her parents. I heard the doctors confirm that she had indeed been raped, brutally¡± she swallowed a bit, ¡°and she couldn¡¯t talk to her parents at first, but I did get her to talk to me. She told me the name of the boy who raped her. But she begged me not to report it. And I suppose I should have. But after what she had already gone through, I didn¡¯t wanna further betray her trust. I suppose that makes me just as guilty as the boy who did that to her¡± she finished tearfully.

    ¡°Who did she say raped her?¡± Lewis asked quietly as Sullivan averted his eyes.

    ¡°Curt Spencer¡± Burke sniffled as she said his name.

    Sullivan let out a sound of frustration, ¡°and the girl who claimed this, two years ago; is she finally going to be coming forward now, two years later? Is she on this list?¡±

    ¡°No¡± Burke responded, ¡°Sammi was pregnant. First trimester. She lost the baby as a result of that rape. Then she killed herself a few days later¡± her own emotions taking over then, Burke added, ¡°I guess it¡¯s a good thing she wasn¡¯t any further along. Then you might have to defend your client against murder charges too.¡±

 Chapter 86

    Assistant Coach Mathis was in the next group of witnesses called to testify in the hearing that Friday morning. Instead of starting with her usual question, Lewis, refusing to look up from her notes, instead opened with ¡°where were you on Thursday, September 14th, between seventh and eighth period?¡±

    ¡°I imagine I was waiting on my last class of the day to come in¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°So you were present that day? At that time?¡±

    ¡°Well I was at work¡± he shrugged.

    ¡°And when you came to the locker room that day at that time, were there any students present?¡± Lewis continued, still not looking up.

    Mathis sighed with a bit of annoyance, ¡°does this have something to do with that Vargas... kid?¡± he decided on.

    ¡°Why would you say that?¡± Lewis continued to feign interest in her notes rather than the witness.

    ¡°Just answer the last question¡± Sullivan put in, causing Lewis to finally take her attention from her notes to cast him a cold look.

    ¡°Yeah, I think Spencer and Vargas were probably in there.¡±

    ¡°Probably?¡± Lewis asked, ¡°they were or they weren¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°They were¡± he returned coolly, ¡°Vargas was late leaving seventh. He was busy redoing his makeup¡± he sneered bitterly. ¡°And Curt came in early for eighth. He was always eager to get out on the field. You know, while he still had a football career anyway¡± he added with further sarcasm.

    ¡°And what were Curt and Sky doing when you entered the locker room?¡± she asked, finally holding him in her gaze then.

    Mathis just scoffed again as he shrugged, ¡°standing by the sink?¡±

    ¡°Just standing? Not talking? Just standing?¡± Lewis asked.

    ¡°Not like the two of them were friends.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t answer my question. Were they talking? Were they touching? What were they doing?¡± Lewis pressed.

    ¡°Touching? What the hell are you trying to imply about our star quarterback?¡± Mathis bit out angrily.

    ¡°Former star quarterback¡± Lewis corrected, ¡°hasn¡¯t he been replaced now?¡±

    ¡°Well he can¡¯t play now because of what that other freak did to him¡± Mathis returned angrily.

    ¡°Please only answer direct questions¡± Sullivan interrupted.

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s been replaced¡± Mathis sneered.

    ¡°So, then there¡¯s no stake you have in his future any longer, right?¡± she asked pointedly, but moved on, ¡°Curt¡¯s been accused of some sort of altercation that day. And you apparently were there at the time, so you apparently saw this alleged altercation. What we need to know is what it was you actually saw. So just tell me what Curt and Sky were doing when you came into the locker room¡± Lewis pressed.

    Mathis scoffed, ¡°Spencer might have gotten a little rough with him. But that¡¯s what boys do when other boys are putting on makeup in the locker room.¡±

    ¡°Rough with him?¡± Lewis repeated as Sullivan lowered his eyes again, ¡°you¡¯re going to have to be more specific than that.¡±

    Mathis just let out another angry sigh, ¡°that Vargas freak said he was gonna drop all this bullshit if I let him outta my class. And I did. So, why the hell am I even here?¡±

    ¡°Rough with him how?¡± Lewis asked more forcefully.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see that much¡± Mathis denied, finally showing a little fear behind all that anger and sarcasm.

    ¡°What did you see?¡± Lewis asked again.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t really tell what they were doing. They stopped the second I came in¡± Mathis denied.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    ¡°But there was physical contact?¡±

    ¡°For all I know Curt had his face in the sink tryin to wash all that shit off it; like his parents should have before they let him come to school¡± he added with further sarcasm.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you saw Curt bending Sky over the sink?¡± she asked pointedly, Sullivan tensing further.

    ¡°Well how else would he get his face in there?¡± Mathis scoffed, though his discomfort was obvious.

    Lewis took a breath, ¡°So, Curt was standing behind Sky as he bent him over the sink?¡±

    ¡°Now you¡¯re just tryin to make Curt sound like a fag too¡± he bit out.

    ¡°I was just asking you to clarify. Why would you say that? Was there something sexual going on as well?¡± Lewis nearly growled the question.

    ¡°Curt ain¡¯t a fag lady. And I think it¡¯s time you stop trying to imply it¡± he retorted angrily.

    Lewis looked down to gather herself before continuing, ¡°so what was the state of Sky¡¯s clothing, as Curt had him bent over the sink in a non-gay way?¡±

    ¡°Argumentative¡± Sullivan bit out then.

    ¡°I¡¯ll rephrase¡± she swallowed, ¡°was Sky¡¯s clothing either fully or partially removed at the time?¡±

    Mathis scoffed again to cover his increasing worry, ¡°Curt was just fucking with him. It¡¯s what real men do when they see something like that Vargas kid, looking the way he looks; acting the way he acts.¡±

    ¡°Just answer the questions asked¡± Sullivan warned him again, his own teeth clenched then.

    Mathis sighed angrily, ¡°Sky¡¯s pants may have been down. But for all I know he was comin onto Curt.¡±

    ¡°He was coming onto Curt? That¡¯s your opinion of what was going on in that locker room?¡± Lewis asked with a raised brow.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I don¡¯t speak fag¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°So, Curt was bending Sky over the sink, but Sky was the one coming onto him?¡± she repeated with a shake of her head.

    ¡°Well isn¡¯t that how the gay boys like Vargas like to do it?¡±

    Lewis shook her head again, ¡°so, to recap; Curt had Sky bent over the sink, with his pants down, and they weren¡¯t exactly friends and Curt¡¯s not gay? Am I following you so far?¡±

    ¡°Now you¡¯re just making it sound like...¡± Mathis shook his head.

    Lewis took another breath, ¡°fine, only one more question, though it¡¯s a two-parter. While this was going on; while Sky¡¯s non-gay non-friend had him bent over the sink with his pants down, was Curt touching Sky, and was Sky crying?¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t most people cry if they had something shoved up their ass? But Sky¡¯s not most people. He likes that sort of shit¡± Mathis bit back angrily.

    ¡°Likes it so much that he was crying and he told his sister that he was raped? No further questions.¡±

    Mathis then angrily left the room as Sullivan turned to Lewis. ¡°And where did you get all those details?¡±

    ¡°Prepping witnesses, just like a trial. Hope you prepped yours¡± she told him bluntly as she turned her eyes back to her notes with a slight sniffle.

    <hr>

    Then, the next group included the first of the four now soul-mates. It was Star who just kept mentally reminding herself to tell the truth about Curt, and not let them try to drag any other truths out of her. After all, telling the truth was Sky¡¯s idea, so she would abide by his wishes, no matter how painful it was for either of them to tell that truth.

    As Star warily took her seat and made her introduction, dark eyes cast down, Lewis began with her usual question again; if Star knew of any sexual violence carried out by Mr. Spencer.

    ¡°Yes¡± she answered hoarsely. ¡°We know he grabbed Crista at the mall. Kole told us he raped Sammi two years ago. And I was the first person Sky told; an hour after it happened to him¡± she answered shakily.

    ¡°And what did Sky tell you had happened to him?¡± Lewis asked.

    ¡°He said Curt bent him over the locker room sink, pulled his pants down, and forced his fingers inside him¡± she sniffled.

    ¡°Into his anus?¡± Lewis made herself ask.

    ¡°Where else?¡± Star choked a bit. ¡°Yes.¡± she quickly corrected herself.

    Lewis took another breath, ¡°and Sky did not indicate that he enjoyed or wanted that to happen?¡±

    ¡°God, no!¡± Star retorted, ¡°he hated Curt, but he couldn¡¯t fight him. Curt did it anyway; while Sky cried, and whimpered in pain, and bled. And Mathis saw it, and then he blamed Sky¡± she told her, every word causing her pain as well then. ¡°And that¡¯s why Sky never reported it¡± she added before Sullivan could ask, ¡°he already got blamed for it once. Just for being who he is.¡±

    ¡°Well, no further questions I guess¡± Lewis said as she gave Sullivan a pointed look, though he simply stared at the floor. Once Star shakily left the room, Lewis looked at Sullivan again, ¡°ready to cut this one loose yet, Sullivan?¡±

    Sullivan just sighed in annoyance, ¡°shouldn¡¯t we at least talk to the actual victims?¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you mean alleged victims?¡± she couldn¡¯t help asking, then added, ¡°yeah, I¡¯m sure their stories will be so different¡± she scoffed before turning back to her notes.

    <hr>

    The last ¡®non-victim,¡¯ though that term was rather relative, was another of the four. This time it was Kole who took a seat and made his somber introduction. Again, Lewis started with her usual question.

    Kole sighed, and gave his usual answer, ¡°Yes, Curt grabbed my friend Crista without her permission this past weekend. And Curt raped the girl I was dating two years ago, and then my friend Sky three weeks ago¡± he stated plainly, eyes down.

    ¡°You witnessed the incident with Crista? And the others, they both told you this?¡±

    ¡°The incident that I witnessed is on video. And yes, the others told me he raped them¡± Kole responded in the same brief manner.

    ¡°And the two you¡¯re referring to, that¡¯s Sky Vargas and Samantha Charles? Just to clarify¡± Lewis added,

    ¡°Yep¡± was Kole¡¯s simple response.

    ¡°You seem rather calm¡± Sullivan put in.

    ¡°Not calm; just broken¡± Kole said, the slightest emotion seeping into his voice then.

    ¡°It was your baby that Sammi lost?¡± Lewis couldn¡¯t stop herself from asking.

    ¡°She didn¡¯t lose it. Curt killed it. And does it even matter whose it was? The baby is still dead. And that didn¡¯t matter to anyone then. Why would it now?¡± Kole whispered.

 Chapter 87

    Crista and Sky were both included in the final group of those called to testify at the hearing. Crista was called before Sky was, as the crime committed against her was much less severe and had a lot more proof. Once she came in and did her nervous introduction, Lewis began with the usual question about any knowledge of Curt committing any acts of sexual violence.

    ¡°My friend Kole said that Curt raped his girlfriend Sammi two years ago¡± Crista sighed heavily.

    Sullivan spoke first then, ¡°and you don¡¯t think he would have any reason to lie about that?¡±

    ¡°I never even knew her. Why would he?¡± Crista looked at him with confusion.

    ¡°Every witness that has come in here has told us that Curt raped Sammi¡± Lewis told him.

    ¡°But of course, Sammi¡¯s not here to confirm that herself, conveniently¡± Sullivan added the last word at a lower volume.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s so convenient that she killed herself after Curt supposedly raped her and made her lose her baby. Curt should be thanking her I suppose¡± Lewis returned coolly.

    ¡°Counselors!¡± the judge scolded them before Lewis looked away and moved on to her next question.

    ¡°Any other instances, Crista?¡±

    ¡°The one you all saw on the video¡± Crista shrugged, biting her lip as she looked down.

    ¡°It would help if you told us what happened in your own words though. The video may not even make it into evidence; so we¡¯ll need your statement¡± Lewis coaxed.

    ¡°Curt and Kole were arguing and before Curt finally left us alone, he grabbed my butt, hard. I screamed and jumped away¡± she offered another shrug.

    ¡°You seem rather calm about it though¡± Sullivan interjected, ¡°do you feel like that was sexual assault?¡±

    ¡°I feel like it was gross and I didn¡¯t want him to do it¡± she returned with a slight glare.

    ¡°But you don¡¯t feel that it was actually sexual assault?¡± Sullivan pressed.

    ¡°Whether she feels like it was assault or not, it is according to the law¡± Lewis scoffed, ¡°she confirmed that she didn¡¯t want him to touch her like that, and she¡¯s under the age of consent¡± Lewis told him pointedly.

    Crista paled slightly at that statement, before Sullivan prodded further, ¡°again, did you consider it assault?¡±

    ¡°I know it was now!¡± Crista argued weakly.

    ¡°But you didn¡¯t think so at the time? Perhaps you actually didn¡¯t have a problem with an older boy, a quarterback, touching you like that?¡± Sullivan pressed further.

    ¡°Badgering!¡± Lewis interrupted.

    But Crista spoke again then, ¡°do I look like I like quarterbacks?¡± she bit out.

    Then Sullivan smirked, ¡°well, if we¡¯re going by looks, what you looked like on that video is like you wanted every boy in that mall to grab you¡± he told her smartly.

    ¡°Badgering!¡± Lewis repeated more loudly.

    ¡°Counselor¡± the judge scolded again.

    ¡°Sorry, withdrawn¡± Sullivan returned sarcastically as Crista glared at him to hold back tears.

    Lewis just glared over at him as well before she continued, ¡°she¡¯s already stated that she did not want to be touched in that way, and even if she had wanted to be touched in that way; she is under the age of consent and it is still a crime¡± Lewis told him angrily.

    ¡°How old was the boy you were with that night? Kole, the one who¡¯s done all this speaking for the dead girl he impregnated?¡±

    ¡°Argumentative and relevance!¡± Lewis exclaimed.

    The judge then interjected again, ¡°Sullivan. This girl is not on trial, And I find it a little concerning that the first witness you¡¯re badgering is also the first victim we¡¯ve spoken to.¡±

    ¡°Your honor, I¡¯m just being much more thorough when dealing with an actual ¡®victim¡¯ than I was with all the people that came before us just claiming to have heard about what my client supposedly did.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°Thorough? That¡¯s what you call it?¡± Lewis returned with another glare.

    ¡°Counselor¡± the judge addressed her then. He then shook his head, ¡°do either of you have any further questions for Miss Sampson?¡±

    ¡°Not right now¡± Sullivan said pointedly.

    ¡°No sir¡± Lewis confirmed.

    <hr>

    And then, it was Sky¡¯s turn to sit there and recount the story that he had barely been able to recount to his friends and family. And now he would have to do it again in front of a lawyer whose entire job was to make sure Curt would get away with all he¡¯d done. Sky took a deep breath as he took his seat, made his introduction and awaited their questions.

    Lewis took a deep breath of her own and asked her opening question. Sky just shook his head, ¡°yes I¡¯ve heard about him touching Crista, and raping Sammi.¡±

    ¡°Anything else?¡± Lewis coaxed.

    ¡°I think we all already know what else by now, don¡¯t we?¡± Sky scoffed.

    ¡°We still need to hear you tell us, under oath, Sky¡± Lewis told him with a bit of regret.

    Sky took another breath, burying his face in his hands as he spoke, ¡°he bent me over a sink, pulled my pants down, and forced his fingers inside me¡± he whispered.

    ¡°And why didn¡¯t you report this when it happened, if you actually thought it was rape?¡± Sullivan asked with a lack of emotion.

    ¡°First of all, it only happened three weeks ago¡± Sky shot back, ¡°and secondly, I was afraid of what he would do to other people I care about.¡±

    ¡°So, those are the only reasons you didn¡¯t report it?¡± Sullivan pressed.

    ¡°And because I knew he¡¯d get away with it. My teacher already blamed me, and I¡¯m sure everyone else would too.¡±

    ¡°And why would you think that?¡± Sullivan asked pointedly.

    ¡°Because of who I am¡± Sky whispered as he looked away again.

    ¡°And who are you?¡± Sullivan asked with a smirk.

    ¡°Is that seriously your question?¡± Sky asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll rephrase. What reasons do you have for believing you would be blamed for what you describe as an unwanted sexual assault?¡±

    ¡°Because, everyone who doesn¡¯t know me thinks I¡¯m gay. And they think I either want it or deserve it¡± his voice dropped a bit, as it was only a few nights ago that he too had claimed the latter during that dark moment on the bathroom floor.

    ¡°And are you gay?¡± Sullivan asked.

    ¡°Relevance¡± Lewis interjected.

    ¡°I¡¯ll allow it¡± the judge agreed, though with a grumble.

    ¡°No¡± Sky answered as he looked away.

    ¡°So, you don¡¯t engage in consensual anal intercourse with other males?¡± Sullivan retorted.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t that day¡± Sky muttered.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer the question though¡± Sullivan prodded.

    ¡°I think I did¡± Sky bit back, ¡°and if I was a girl who said Curt raped her, would you be asking me if I had engaged in consensual vaginal intercourse with other men?¡± he growled angrily. ¡°And now you know why else I didn¡¯t report it.¡±

    To that, Sullivan only glared. Lewis bit back her own slight smirk as he seemed temporarily silenced. ¡°Any further questions, Sullivan?¡±

    ¡°Not at the moment¡± Sullivan returned through clenched teeth.

    Once Sky left, fists clenching, body shaking with fear and anger and a few hundred other emotions, the judge turned to the lawyers, ¡°and who else is left?¡±

    ¡°Curt¡¯s girlfriend, Brandi Turner¡± Sullivan supplied.

    Lewis narrowed her eyes at that, but sat back as the tiny distraught looking blonde entered the room and took a shaky seat to make her own introduction. Though Sullivan asked the first question this time, ¡°how long have you and Curt been dating?¡±

    ¡°Since right before senior year. So, a couple months I guess¡± she answered, blue eyes down, her voice barely above a whisper.

    ¡°So, am I right to assume that you have no reason to think of him as a sexual predator of any kind, then?¡±

    Brandi swallowed hard as she thought on that answer, ¡°after I heard what Kole said, about Sammi... I just... I¡¯m not sure anymore¡± she whispered, which did cause Sullivan to pale slightly as that was not the answer he had been expecting at all.

    ¡°Why would you believe Mr. Wagner over your boyfriend?¡± Sullivan asked her, trying to keep his voice even.

    ¡°Just little things. When you look at them again, after hearing something like that. All those little things look really different¡± she said as she bit back a few tears.

    That was when Lewis interjected, ¡°you¡¯re going to have to be more specific than that.¡±

    ¡°This is my witness¡± Sullivan quickly interrupted ¡°and I have no further questions."

    ¡°Then it¡¯s my turn to cross examine her¡± Lewis bit back, ¡°what did you mean by your last statement, Brandi?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t plan on coming in here and trying to get Curt in trouble. But ever since Kole said that he raped that girl who killed herself? I just... The things he does...¡± she shook her head again.

    ¡°Take your time Brandi. Just explain one thing at a time¡± Lewis coaxed.

    ¡°The way he talks about girls. Like they all want him. Even that little freshman girl he grabbed last weekend. She hates him, and he still talks like she wants him. He talks like that about every girl. Even the ones who have flat out told him off. It¡¯s like he doesn¡¯t even hear it¡± she shook her head.

    ¡°The only thing that¡¯s evidence of is overconfidence¡± Sullivan interjected.

    Brandi just shook her head, ¡°and the way he grabbed that fourteen year old girl, right in front of the other guy? I mean... that¡¯s wrong, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you may have some jealousy issues¡± Sullivan mumbled.

    ¡°Argumentative¡± Lewis shook her head at him, ¡°and yes, him grabbing her like that was a crime.¡±

    ¡°A crime?¡± Brandi repeated shakily.

    ¡°Yes, unwanted groping, especially of someone under the age of consent; that¡¯s considered sexual assault.¡±

    ¡°But didn¡¯t we elect a president who did that?¡± Brandi replied as she raised a brow.

    Lewis just cleared her throat, not wanting to touch that one, ¡°what other little things, Brandi?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯ve had sex with a boy before¡± Brandi began with a shaky breath, ¡°and you were not really... conscious at the time. And he had sex with you again, while you were like that, even if you let him do it before... that¡¯s a crime too, isn¡¯t it?¡± she asked as her voice broke.

    ¡°Yes, it most definitely is¡± Lewis confirmed as Sullivan paled again.

    ¡°Then... I guess he raped some other people too¡± she sniffled, ¡°and I¡¯m one of them¡± she finished with a sob.

 Chapter 88

    Following Kole¡¯s testimony, while they still waited on Crista and Sky to give theirs; Kole was outside leaning on the courthouse steps and pretending that a cigarette could calm his nerves. It was then that Connor returned from the nearby coffee shop and moved to lean back on the steps next to Kole as he took a sip of his newly purchased beverage.

    ¡°Hi?¡± Kole greeted him a little warily.

    ¡°Still barely recognize you with the black hair¡± Connor shook his head, then added, conversationally ¡°you¡¯re done with your testimony then?¡± Connor spoke quietly to Kole, though mostly watched the other people moving around them that day rather than the young man next to him.

    ¡°Yeah, for what it¡¯s worth¡± Kole mumbled.

    ¡°Guess Crista and Sky haven¡¯t went in yet?¡± Connor continued after a slight sigh.

    ¡°Not that I know of¡± Kole returned in the same small voice, still having a bit of difficulty looking at the father of not one but two of his current lovers; not to mention other secrets that Connor knew about Kole and those lovers.

    Connor took a breath then spoke, ¡°you know, Crista came to see me on Monday. She was a bit worried about you. Then this kid gets arrested the next day¡± he shook his head, ¡°haven¡¯t really gotten a chance to talk to Crista again since the subpoenas went out.¡±

    It was then Kole who took a wary breath, ¡°yeah, she said something to me on Monday about stealing my glove and giving it to you.¡±

    Connor bit back a small smile, then finally cast Kole a look, ¡°so the blood test was all her idea? Not yours?¡±

    ¡°Crista is apparently more worried about me than I am¡± Kole mumbled and took another drag.

    ¡°I assume you¡¯re sleeping with her, as well as my daughter?¡± Connor couldn¡¯t help asking then.

    Kole paled slightly, coughing to clear some smoke from his throat, ¡°and I thought I was done being asked uncomfortable questions for one day.¡±

    ¡°Well, if a girl is more worried about a boy than the boy himself is, it goes to reason¡± Connor shrugged with a sigh, ¡°and there¡¯s the whole soul-mate thing; so it seems pretty likely.¡±

    Kole just shook his head, ¡°are you wearing a wire? Will my trial be next?¡± Kole scoffed.

    ¡°I really doubt you have to worry about me wanting to bring any attention to any seventeen year old boys sleeping with Crista¡± Connor returned pointedly.

    ¡°So you¡¯re just asking cause you¡¯re curious then?¡± Kole asked warily.

    ¡°I do have an inquiring mind. Especially when it comes to the four of you. And the whole soul-mate thing¡± he added again.

    ¡°So, did my blood test say I was dying, or what?¡± Kole finally made himself bluntly ask.

    ¡°Ah, so he does care¡± Connor replied wryly.

    Kole just scowled, ¡°was that a yes or a no?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see anything in your tests other than... what we already knew¡± Connor informed. Kole let out a slightly relieved breath then as he took another drag. Connor just gave him another worried look before continuing, ¡°so why was it that you or at least Crista thought that something may be wrong with you?¡±

    ¡°We really wanna have this discussion right now?¡± Kole scoffed, averting his eyes.

    ¡°Got somewhere else to be?¡± Connor returned.

    Kole then finally gave in to what little worry he did have buried in there, ¡°I got a nosebleed Sunday night and Crista apparently panicked about it.¡±

    Connor allowed another sigh as he appeared to be in thought a moment, ¡°have you gotten nosebleeds before?¡±

    ¡°Not enough to remember any¡± Kole shook his head.

    ¡°And that was the only one you had since... being with Star¡± he settled on, not able to help the slight disapproval in his tone about that encounter, still.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the only one¡± Kole grumbled before taking another drag.

    ¡°It¡¯s most likely nothing¡± Connor allowed, ¡°but if you have any more, I want you to tell us, immediately¡± he told him firmly.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    ¡°Yes dad¡± Kole smirked.

    ¡°Please, no more incest rumors¡± Connor grumbled.

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Kole had to call him on that one.

    ¡°Previous life stuff¡± was Connor¡¯s only answer.

    Kole raised a brow then, ¡°oh, if that¡¯s all¡± Kole replied with a bit of cynicism.

    <hr>

    On the way home from the courthouse after the hearing ended, Connor drove with Brie in the front seat next to him while Sky and Star sat in the backseat. Both adults as well as Sky looked rather somber as they started home at around one pm that Friday. Connor¡¯s and Brie¡¯s eyes seemed to be glued straight ahead the whole time. And Sky stared blankly out the back window of the passenger side, while Star took turns moving her eyes from her parents to the floor to Sky, waiting for anyone to break the silence in the car.

    After the first several minutes of the silent drive home, Star had to finally speak, ¡°it sounded like it is probably going to go to trial, which is good, right?¡± she asked. Receiving no response from any of her family, she continued, ¡°and they didn¡¯t really ask any of us about Crista at all. So that¡¯s good too, right?¡±

    Sky continued to stare at the passing scenery, his voice quiet and emotionless, ¡°they¡¯ll save that for the trial. Then use it to prove that we all have questionable moral and sexual codes and discredit anything we say about Curt at all¡± he stated the words as though they were already fact rather than speculation.

    ¡°That¡¯s a rather bleak outlook¡± Star told him quietly, eyes down again as she waited for either parent to agree, though they said nothing.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s wrong¡± was Sky¡¯s simple response, eyes still watching the world passing by outside the window.

    Star simply sighed in defeat and turned to look out her own window then. After several more moments, Brie¡¯s high-strung nature finally got the better of her, as it often did, and she turned in the seat to look at Sky.

    Sky ignored her questioning and rather worried look for another several seconds before letting out a deep breath and finally acknowledging her eyes on him, ¡°yes?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t that day?¡± she asked with a bit of accusation in her voice, repeating the words from Sky¡¯s testimony that she and Connor had been allowed to watch from another room as he was still a minor.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that¡¯s a full sentence¡± Sky mumbled.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t deny what that horrible Sullivan man asked you¡± she told him pointedly.

    ¡°Considering I wasn¡¯t the one on trial, yet¡± he had to add, ¡°it wasn¡¯t really relevant.¡±

    ¡°Sky, now they all think that..¡± she just shook her head.

    ¡°That I have a questionable moral and sexual code?¡± he returned sarcastically.

    ¡°Yes, so why didn¡¯t you deny what he was implying?¡± she asked him with further frustration.

    ¡°I believe it was because I was under oath, mom¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°Sky... letting them think... Well, it¡¯s definitely not gonna help you if you do have to testify again!¡± Brie retorted.

    That was when Sky showed his own frustration as he just gave her a look of disbelief. ¡°We¡¯ve already explained this to you, but I guess I didn¡¯t go into enough details. In our other lives me and Star had sex with dozens, yes, dozens of people. Men and women both. And it was willingly. So me lying isn¡¯t gonna really change that. It may not have been the case in this life. But it¡¯s still who we are. And it¡¯d be really nice if I could get through one fucking life without trying to explain and justify it away to my parents or teachers or classmates or any other fucking person who thinks they know the truth! Is that too much to ask?¡± he finished angrily as Star sunk slightly into her seat then as well.

    Brie took another shaky breath as she and Connor both tried to take in everything he had said during his outburst. Finally, Brie spoke again, ¡°I understand that things happened to you in those other lives that make those facts make more sense; in those lives. But those lives aren¡¯t this life. The one horrible thing that happened to you in this life was what you were in there talking about. So, you should have given the answers that pertain to only this life. In this life you aren¡¯t out having sex with other boys; so letting them think that is still you, this version of you, in this life... that¡¯s what I¡¯m so upset about you doing¡± she attempted to explain.

    Star finally spoke up again before Sky could retaliate, ¡°whether or not Sky is straight isn¡¯t going to change what Curt did to him. And you thinking it will, that¡¯s just like what the lawyer was trying to do.¡±

    Brie shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m not saying that his sexual orientation is responsible for what happened, but it¡¯s obvious that¡¯s what the lawyer and a lot of the jury might think too. So why let them think it at all when it¡¯s not true... in this life?¡± she made herself add.

    ¡°Brie¡± Connor interrupted then, simply saying her name to try and quiet her.

    ¡°What? It¡¯s true. If they think Sky is out having sex with other boys, they¡¯re gonna be just like that lawyer and blame him. Why should we let them think something like that? It only hurts us.¡±

    Connor sighed with his own frustration, ¡°didn¡¯t Sky just say that being interested in both men and women is who he is? Not who he was? So, yes, it¡¯s obviously true that that is still who he is in this life too; in every life. And if he denied it, he¡¯d be committing perjury. And that would hurt us too¡± he finished with another sad sigh.

    ¡°But he¡¯s not. Not in this life!¡± Brie argued weakly.

    ¡°God mom, get it through your head¡± Sky exclaimed, ¡°Star¡¯s not the one who infected Kole. And that was in this fucking life¡± he added as he looked away angrily again as Brie looked more than shocked. Star just looked down in sadness and defeat. And Connor was just beyond uncomfortable, though somehow, less shocked than his wife.

    There were several long moments of uncomfortable silence before Brie tried to talk herself into some sort of acceptance at last. But she still had to ask, ¡°didn¡¯t Kole move here after what Curt did to you?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡± Sky sniffled slightly.

    ¡°So even after that... you let Kole...¡± Brie just shook her head.

    Sky let out another long breath, ¡°mom, Star¡¯s the one who helped me get through it emotionally; like she helps me get through everything else. But Kole¡¯s the one who helped me get through it physically; by proving to me that it didn¡¯t have to be horrible, and that it could be wonderful. He did that for me. So don¡¯t even think about trying to turn this into something bad. I needed that help to get through, and that¡¯s what he gave me; what no one else could have.¡±

 Chapter 89

    Kole and Crista arrived at the Vargas household at just past one-thirty, and only about a minute or so before the actual residents of the house arrived. Kole had pulled his little red car to a temporary spot along the street to allow Connor to more easily pull into the garage. Though, when the family arrived home, the adults and Sky somberly went straight into the house from the garage. This left Star to sigh as she exited the garage just as Kole moved his car into the driveway instead.

    Star leaned down as Crista lowered her window upon seeing the rather anxious look on Star¡¯s face. Star then spoke to the two in the vehicle sadly, ¡°the bisexual bomb just finally went off in the car. There¡¯s still a bit of fallout. So, I¡¯ll get it if you two wanna run for cover instead of settling in for our weekend of letting them ¡®unobtrusively study our alien cluster¡¯¡± she finished with a sigh before she also headed into the house with her own somber look.

    Kole sighed, ¡°so, would you rather stay with their parents who most likely now know that we¡¯re each fucking not only each other, but also both of their children? Or would you rather go home to your lovely parents and sister, post-hearing?¡±

    ¡°Such a choice¡± Crista mumbled. She then looked back at him ¡°don¡¯t suppose you¡¯re planning on going home to your parents?¡±

    ¡°Fuck no. It¡¯s the weekend. If I¡¯m not sleeping here, then my car is still more comfortable than my parents¡¯ place¡± he returned in a near mumble.

    Crista sighed as she looked back at the house, ¡°it¡¯s October now. Maybe they won¡¯t notice if we just sleep by their pool all weekend?¡±

    ¡°Might get a little chilly¡± Kole put in with a lack of seriousness.

    ¡°We could cuddle?¡± she asked with a bit of playfulness poking through that worry.

    ¡°I¡¯m so going to jail¡± he conceded with a shrug as he just smirked over at her before the two of them did exit the car at last, their decision apparently made.

    A few minutes later, the two were each sitting on the pool patio behind the Vargas house, having went through the side gate rather than the house though. They each had dropped their weekend bags to a place next to them as Kole began distracting himself by picking at what was left of his black nail polish, while Crista chose to begin re-applying her glitter nail polish.

    After applying the first layer of silver glitter, she scowled down at it as she waited for it to dry. She then glanced over at Kole, who was still distracted by his own nails. She then bit her lip, looked back down at her hands and took a calculated breath as she did so. She then grinned and held up her hands after running a thumb over one of the now completely dry nails. ¡°All dry¡± she told Kole, ¡°so much quicker.¡±

    Kole raised a brow, ¡°you just aliened your nails dry?¡±

    ¡°It worked didn¡¯t it?¡± she smiled again.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be the fastest manicurist in the East¡± he smirked back at her.

    ¡°Stop picking at them. Gimme¡± she said as she gestured to the now thoroughly chipped polish on his own nails.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m feeling silver glitter today, Cris¡¯¡± he smirked as he allowed her to take both his hands in hers.

    She just shook her head at him before staring down at where she held both his hands in her own now. A moment later, his nail polish had been magically restored to all the jet black splendor that now matched his hair rather well.

    ¡°Ta-da¡± she smiled as she released his hands once more.

    He took his hands back and just smirked down at them, ¡°wow, what do I owe you?¡±

    She then couldn¡¯t help giving him a mischievous smirk as she glanced over him from head to toe, ¡°we¡¯ll work something out.¡±

    ¡°Honest officer I was just paying for my manicure in trade. Nothing illegal goin on here¡± he teased. To which Crista just scowled. After another pause he asked, ¡°so can you do that because Sky and Star are right inside, or cause I¡¯m right next to you?¡±

    ¡°No idea. If only we had some scientists to help us figure it out¡± she scoffed as she looked out at the pool with a soft sigh.

    ¡°Well, if you really wanna go talk to them right now, feel free¡± he told her with a slight sarcasm as he began searching for a cigarette.

    ¡°Maybe by Sunday night I¡¯ll get hungry enough to go inside and face them¡± she mumbled.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    ¡°You? I somehow think they¡¯ll have a bigger problem with me and my piercings being inside their son than you and their daughter having... foreplay?¡± he shrugged. Though he was bisexual, he still found it hard to consider female on female sex quite as intimate as what he did in his more passionate moments alone with Sky. Though he was sure it was likely probably even more fulfilling than the foreplay that either he or Sky could provide the two young ladies themselves. Then again, there was Sky and his damn pierced tongue. But he quickly pushed that thought away as he moved to light his now located cigarette.

    ¡°Is it still just considered foreplay if a strap-on was involved?¡± Crista smirked.

    Her words caused him to choke a bit on the smoke again, ¡°I think that¡¯s a question for the cops¡± he shook his head, ¡°and probably not one you wanna share with their parents within earshot either¡± he had to add as he shook his head trying not to allow her words to produce any images in his head. Though considering his attraction to and carnal knowledge of both girls at this point; that was a futile hope.

    ¡°Thinking about it now, aren¡¯t you?¡± Crista teased as she looked over at where he was trying very hard not to look back at her.

    ¡°Shut up¡± he laughed. He then had to look back as she still grinned mischievously, ¡°just one question though. Who exactly was the wear-er? Just curious.¡±

    ¡°I did seem more ¡®durable¡¯ the second time you were inside me, didn¡¯t I?¡± she chuckled.

    ¡°Fuck¡± he breathed as he tried to subtly readjust his pants as she just giggled again. ¡°So Star¡¯s a top and Sky¡¯s a bottom? Why should I be surprised?¡±

    ¡°I think Star¡¯s pretty diverse¡± Crista teased, ¡°considering the third time I was with her¡± she couldn¡¯t help adding.

    ¡°Fuck. I¡¯m trying to refrain from too many illegal activities this week, girl¡± he scolded her with a smirk of his own; to which Crista only giggled again.

    But before Crista could continue her assault on his willpower with any more suggestive tidbits, the patio door opened behind them as Connor gave them a rather curious and obviously uncomfortable look. They both looked back at him with their own bit of discomfort obvious as he moved to retrieve a few glasses that had been left on the patio table earlier.

    He then forced himself to offer a greeting of some sort to his children¡¯s lovers, ¡°so what are you two doing sitting out here by yourselves?¡±

    ¡°Avoiding our parents?¡± Kole offered in a mumble as he took another drag.

    ¡°And doing our nails... psychically¡± Crista offered with a nervous smile.

    Forgetting the glasses for the moment, Connor took a few steps toward them. He then cast a look at Kole¡¯s cigarette, ¡°they lower the age to buy cigarettes?¡±

    ¡°Cause that¡¯s the worst thing I¡¯ve ever done¡± Kole scoffed.

    Connor shook his head, ¡°and did you say psychically?¡±

    ¡°Yep¡± Crista confirmed as she gestured to Kole¡¯s nails, ¡°and I didn¡¯t even bring my black with me.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s the power you two got? Nails?¡± Connor shook his head as he stooped down behind the two teens, looking between them curiously.

    ¡°And shattering quarterback¡¯s arms with our minds. Or at least mine¡± Kole admitted.

    ¡°What now?¡± Connor asked as he quickly looked at him.

    Kole sighed slightly, ¡°that¡¯s what I did to that rapist prick when he grabbed Crista last week.¡±

    ¡°Shattered his arm? With your mind?¡± Connor repeated as he moved to pull one of the nearby patio chairs closer and take a seat on it instead, his interest in this subject seeming to have canceled out his misgivings about their sexual relationships with his children, for the moment, anyway.

    ¡°That¡¯s also when you got the nosebleed¡± Crista had to remind Kole worriedly.

    ¡°After using your power, like that?¡± Connor asked before Kole could respond to her words.

    ¡°Thought we were calling it random?¡± Kole asked warily.

    ¡°That was before I knew it happened after you psychically attacked someone¡± Connor put in.

    ¡°Or psychically defended someone¡± Kole corrected pointedly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just say, after using your powers in that way¡± Connor replied.

    Kole then just shook his head and took another drag. ¡°but you said there was nothing in my tests, right?¡±

    ¡°Right. But still, you two aren¡¯t actual hybrids the way Star and Sky are. They¡¯ve been that all their lives. Technically you two just carry the gene for it now. Things could be different for the two of you when you try to make your still human brains access alien powers.¡±

    ¡°So we do, or we don¡¯t have powers then?¡± Kole returned, both he and Crista¡¯s attention firmly on Connor¡¯s words then.

    ¡°Well you obviously do¡± Connor admitted, ¡°it just may take a toll on you two differently than it does on Sky and Star. As far as I¡¯ve been told, they have no side effects from using any of their powers.¡±

    ¡°So we¡¯re poor man¡¯s alien?¡± Kole scoffed.

    ¡°You do have powers. Just like they do. But I think it¡¯s just; there seems to be some kind of negative effect if you use them without Sky and Star there to give you that added psychic strength. Of course, this is all just a theory, we¡¯d have to...¡± he then shook his head, ¡°it¡¯s just a theory, for now. And we don¡¯t know, yet, how severe that effect could be.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never had any nosebleeds though¡± Crista attempted hopefully, though there was worry in her voice.

    ¡°Have you done anything when it was just you and Kole? We know he has. But have you?¡±

    ¡°Does this count as just me and Kole?¡± she looked around.

    ¡°Sky and Star are right inside¡± Connor offered, ¡°I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s close enough to counteract your... nail-work¡± he stated with a shake of his head. ¡°So you haven¡¯t tried anything without being near them?¡±

    ¡°Just when I was completely by myself¡± Crista answered, ¡°and that was a big fat fizzle¡± she frowned.

    ¡°Well, Sky and Star can¡¯t access any of their powers when they¡¯re alone either¡± Connor confirmed, He then sighed heavily, ¡°I think today¡¯s hearing proved that¡± he said more quietly as he looked down in regret.

    ¡°So the moral of the story is don¡¯t try anything big if the cosmic twins aren¡¯t around?¡± Kole sighed sadly.

    ¡°That would probably be your safest bet, for now anyway; til we know more.¡±

    ¡°What about little things though? Like the nails?¡± Crista asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Crista. But I¡¯d still recommend you not try to use powers without Star or Sky. Like I said, we just don¡¯t know yet¡± he repeated. He sighed again as he finally remembered his original reason for coming out there. He then reclaimed the glasses and headed back inside, leaving the two rather deflated teens outside to ponder the true scope of any of their so-called abilities at all right then.

 Chapter 90

    It was just past two when Star made her way out to the patio where Crista and Kole were still sitting and chatting. ¡°Decided not to run for cover after all?¡± she greeted them as she made her way over to where they each sat near each other a few feet from the edge of the pool.

    ¡°I live in a war zone¡± Kole offered, ¡°at least this one has prettier people¡± he smirked.

    ¡°He¡¯s my ride¡± Crista added her own explanation.

    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t hear you claiming you actually wanted to go home¡± Kole stated wryly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever voiced that desire even once in my life¡± Crista replied thoughtfully.

    Star just allowed a tiny smile as she moved to bend over and hold her hand out to where Kole was sitting on the concrete near Crista. ¡°Keys¡± was Star¡¯s simple directive.

    As she bent down to address him, his eyes immediately moved to where her breasts nearly spilled out of the bustier she had worn under the jacket that had been tightly buttoned previously, during the hearing. ¡°What now?¡± he stated distractedly as her nipples were very nearly visible from that new position.

    ¡°Keys¡± Star chuckled, easily noting his eyes on her chest, ¡°your car keys? We get Chinese every weekend, and it¡¯s me and Sky¡¯s turn to pick it up. Your car¡¯s the easiest to take.¡±

    ¡°Cars? Keys?¡± he shook his head, distractedly eyeing her chest still.

    Star allowed an actual laugh then as she simply moved to help herself to the pocket of his rather tight pants where she knew he kept said keys. ¡°My goodness Kole, it¡¯s only been like six days... since that combination anyway¡± she added wryly as she claimed the keys and finally stood upright again.

    As he was only slightly less distracted once she removed her hand from his pants and stood up again, Kole finally spoke, ¡°wait. I¡¯m letting you drive my car?¡±

    ¡°Not like I haven¡¯t been behind your steering wheel before¡± she smirked, still amused by his earlier distraction.

    ¡°Yeah and I seem to recall you facing the wrong way at the time¡± he returned her smirk.

    ¡°Depends on your viewpoint¡± she teased as she made her way back into the house with another small laugh.

    After hearing she and Sky leave, Kole and Crista glanced at each other as if having the same thought. ¡°Should we get the mads, or just try something on our own?¡± Kole asked with a thoughtful tone.

    ¡°As much as I¡¯m not looking forward to speaking to them much, now. It¡¯d probably be safer if we were near people with some kind of medical training before we start bleeding from our brains, again¡± she added more quietly.

    Kole just sighed in agreement before the two pushed themselves up from their seats, claimed their bags, and steeled themselves to go face the ¡®mads;¡¯ which was their nickname for the ¡®mad¡¯ scientists that Sky and Star called parents.

    Upon finding Brie and Connor in the living room, pretending they had some hope of enjoying what was left of their Friday off, Kole and Crista both looked at them warily as the adults turned their attention from the TV to the two teens who had now appeared from the dining room.

    ¡°Hi¡± Kole managed awkwardly.

    ¡°Hi¡± Crista echoed the greeting, trying to manage a smile, though it was just as awkward.

    ¡°They took your car?¡± Connor raised a brow.

    ¡°Apparently easier than moving it and yours both?¡± Kole shrugged.

    ¡°And you two didn¡¯t go with them?¡± Brie put in, though her voice was a bit cool as she was still adjusting to the facts she now knew about exactly how close both of them were to both of her children.

    ¡°We texted them what to get us at the Chinese place¡± Kole offered with another shrug.

    Connor simply shook his head as he set the remote aside, ¡°and what can we do for you two?¡± he made himself ask.

    ¡°Well¡± Crista began, warily looking to Kole who simply looked down, ¡°Sky and Star aren¡¯t here, and you wanted to see what we could do without them, right?¡± she asked nervously, though her words did chip away at Brie¡¯s hardened expression enough to allow some of her shallowly buried curiosity to peer through.

    ¡°You¡¯re volunteering to be our... test subjects?¡± Connor asked warily.

    Kole replied then, ¡°as long as it doesn¡¯t involve being locked in a lab that ends with us having to go back and live the last three years of our lives over again.¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Connor just scoffed, ¡°we¡¯ll try to avoid that.¡±

    ¡°Appreciate it,¡± Kole returned.

    ¡°Yeah, I really don¡¯t wanna be eleven again,¡± Crista added worriedly.

    ¡°I second that,¡± Kole put in, ¡°times a thousand,¡± he added with another uncomfortable sigh.

    Connor and Brie both shook their heads then. Though Connor spoke first once more, ¡°So, you two wanna use your minds to do your makeup this time or...?¡±

    Kole just scoffed, ¡°Well how do you scientist types usually test for psychic abilities?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve watched a lot of TV and movies, haven¡¯t you?¡± Connor replied.

    ¡°Well I can do that in my room, away from my parents. So, yeah,¡± Kole admitted.

    Connor scowled slightly, then turned back to Brie, ¡°Guess telekinesis is the easiest to test for. Or at least the one with the most obvious results, right?¡±

    ¡°Now you¡¯ve been watching a lot of TV,¡± she scoffed in response.

    ¡°That¡¯s moving stuff with your mind, right?¡± Crista piped up.

    ¡°Right¡± Connor agreed, though before he could elaborate, the remote floated up from the side of the couch to pause mid-air in front of him. He and Brie both were thrown as their eyes locked on the floating remote.

    Crista then giggled, ¡°that¡¯d be really useful when my parents or sister turn on crappy reality shows.¡±

    ¡°You did that?¡± Connor asked her shakily.

    ¡°Pretty cool¡± Crista smiled as she finally let the remote drop back into his lap.

    He and Brie both stared at it for another moment before he cleared his throat and made himself look back at the girl, ¡°any nosebleed?¡±

    ¡°Kind of headachey¡± Crista admitted with a sigh, ¡°but not too bad.¡±

    ¡°Nosebleed? Headache?¡± Brie asked worriedly.

    Connor then looked back at her. ¡°Kole got a nosebleed after using powers last weekend. And Crista apparently has a headache now.¡±

    ¡°Tiny headache¡± Crista quickly corrected.

    ¡°Working theory is that human brains accessing alien powers without the two original hybrids present seems to have an adverse effect on said brains.¡±

    ¡°Tiny adverse effect¡± Crista corrected again.

    Brie shook her head as she looked back at Crista, ¡°did you have any of these negative effects after the day at the clinic?¡±

    ¡°No, I was fine then. But that was Star who did that¡± she added more quietly.

    ¡°So it¡¯s only when it¡¯s one of you and when you¡¯re not with Sky or Star?¡± Brie restated.

    ¡°Seems that way¡± Kole agreed. ¡°But neither of us have actually tried to do something ourselves when we¡¯re with them. So far we just know how it works when Crista or I try something when it¡¯s just the two of us, or when one of them try something with just one of us.¡±

    ¡°So, we have a few more factors to test¡± Connor added.

    ¡°Well this is good though¡± Brie stated.

    ¡°It is?¡± Kole asked skeptically.

    ¡°In the big picture. Say if Star¡¯s or Sky¡¯s DNA spread further. At least now we know that even if that did happen, which it hopefully won¡¯t; then whoever it spreads to would be less of any kind of... threat¡± she decided on, ¡°compared to if they were just as powerful as Sky and Star.¡±

    ¡°Now who¡¯s watching too much TV?¡± Kole replied with a touch of sarcasm.

    Brie just looked down a bit guiltily, ¡°we¡¯re not saying we think you two are a threat, but we do have to think about others getting infected, and what that could mean if it did happen.¡±

    ¡°So there¡¯s a fail-safe built into our kids¡¯ DNA apparently¡± Connor stated thoughtfully.

    Then Kole just had an even darker thought, ¡°Yeah if Curt had used... another part... with Sky, he¡¯d be infected too now¡± he stated as all of them paled, ¡°and I definitely don¡¯t think any of us wanna see that asshole with powers.¡±

    Taking a breath to regain her composure after such a thought, Brie spoke again, ¡°well, he at least couldn¡¯t use any powers unless he was near the four of you. And we know that if it wasn¡¯t Sky or Star he was near, it would hopefully make his brain explode if he tried to do too much.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡± Crista asked fearfully as she looked between them all, ¡°are we saying that if Curt rapes one of us... again¡± she added softly, ¡°and uses... more than his hand; that he would get this too? He¡¯d be our soul-mate too?¡± she added with her face taking on an almost greenish hue at that thought.

    ¡°Gotta have a soul to be a soul-mate¡± Kole muttered.

    ¡°He really does need locked up... or worse¡± Crista mumbled as she took a sad seat on the recliner. ¡°Not only would we have to deal with him doing that to us, but also deal with the fact that it would be like giving him nuclear launch codes, and actually finding ourselves caring about the prick who did that to us too?¡± she just shuddered.

    ¡°He really does need locked up... or worse¡± Connor agreed somberly, as they all grew rather silent then.

    <hr>

    When Sky and Star returned with their late lunch/early dinner, they both had their hands a bit full. So Star called out from the front stoop, ¡°can someone get the door?¡±

    ¡°Allow me¡± Kole stated as he was on the recliner closest to the front door. Instead of getting up though, he simply glanced toward the door as it unlatched and opened, causing each of those present to look a bit startled. ¡°Hey, no nosebleed. All is right with the world¡± he told them flatly.

    ¡°Are we having a meeting? Did we miss a memo?¡± Star greeted as she and Sky stepped inside, only to jump again when Kole looked toward the door once more and caused it to shut behind them.

    Sky and Star both narrowed their eyes slightly as they moved to deposit the bags containing their evening¡¯s dinner onto the coffee table that their friends and family were all seated around, looking rather somber that afternoon.

    Kole sighed, ¡°we were just talking about the wonderful risks of these powers spreading. In particular, if Curt comes looking for revenge before his trial, if he even gets one.¡±

    Sky and Star both looked a bit confused by that, ¡°what would that have to do with our powers spreading?¡± Sky asked warily.

    Connor sighed and made himself answer, ¡°if he had put... himself... inside you instead of only his fingers; he¡¯d have this now too¡± Connor then let out a heavy sigh as Sky and Star both paled, as though the thought had not occurred to them until then either, ¡°and the same goes if he comes after any of you three either. If he does.. what he does... to any one of you... then he becomes like Kole and Crista here.¡±

    ¡°So, that¡¯s a cheery thought, right?¡± Kole scoffed as Sky and Star seemed to have to mentally remind themselves to breathe then.

    Sky then nearly whispered, ¡°he really, really needs to be stopped before he can ever do that to any of us... or anyone else ever again.¡±

    Before anyone could say more, the text message alert on all of their phones went off as they all looked at each other warily. With a deep breath, each of them checked their messages and then all sighed, not sure how they felt when they saw it confirmed that thanks to all of them, Curt would be going to trial after all.

 Chapter 91

    After a shaky breath, Sky spoke, ¡°so between now and him getting locked up, if and when that ever even happens; none of the four of us can ever be alone. We¡¯ve always gotta be in pairs if not all four of us together. We can¡¯t let him ever get access to this power. Or let him do other things to us either, obviously¡± he added more quietly.

    ¡°It could be months though¡± Star said softly, ¡°and Kole and Crista will eventually have to go back to their own houses at some point.¡±

    ¡°I have less than a month before I¡¯m eighteen. I could probably avoid home for that long if I tried real hard¡± Kole stated with only a touch of sarcasm.

    ¡°And Crista¡¯s supposed to avoid going home for four years?¡± Star stated sadly.

    ¡°Three years and two months¡± Crista corrected, though sadly.

    That was when Connor interrupted the panicked teens. ¡°All of you, just relax a minute. If they refuse to let Curt out on bail then you may not have to change your entire lives just yet. We just need to find out more.¡±

    Sky sighed, ¡°innocent until proven guilty, dad. And he¡¯s seventeen. And he¡¯s rich. And the only people accusing him are so-called freaks¡± he looked down, ¡°you really think we¡¯re gonna get through this without having to see him again? Cause I highly doubt it¡± he said sadly as he went upstairs, not even bothering to collect his dinner first.

    ¡°And the cheery thoughts keep comin¡± Kole mumbled.

    <hr>

    A couple of hours passed as the teens all still sat quietly in Sky¡¯s room pretending to have any appetite at all as they picked at their food containers. Not much was said, as all four were busy contemplating what sort of hell the next few weeks or even months would actually hold for them. At nearly five, Connor called up to them from the stairs, informing them that they were wanted downstairs. They all gave each other wary looks and set their food aside as they even more warily pushed themselves to their feet to head down the stairs.

    When they did reach the bottom of the steps Miss Lewis gave them a look of slight surprise, ¡°well, this makes things easier, with all four of you here.¡±

    They all sighed as she gestured for them to take seats as Connor and Brie supplied her with a chair from the dining room so she could take a seat as well as she searched her briefcase for whatever pertinent notes she had on hand.

    As she retrieved the notes, she gave them another skeptical look as all four of them were wearing expressions that wavered between dejected and terrified. ¡°I assumed you all heard that we got our trial, right?¡± she had to ask.

    ¡°We heard¡± Sky swallowed a lump in his throat, all four of them still not looking up from the floor.

    ¡°That¡¯s what we wanted to happen¡± she told them slowly.

    ¡°Is he out on bail?¡± Star asked with that panic obvious in her tone as well as on her face then.

    ¡°So that¡¯s what has you all so glum?¡± Lewis replied.

    ¡°He wanted us dead before we got him put on trial. How dead do you think he wants us now?¡± Sky retorted, ¡°didn¡¯t Burke tell you why I never reported it to begin with?¡±

    ¡°She did¡± Lewis confirmed, ¡°but it¡¯s not just the four of you who helped him end up there, you know.¡±

    Then Kole interjected sarcastically, ¡°well, great, I feel so much safer already.¡±

    Crista was then the one who spoke, ¡°is he seriously going on trial for just grabbing me, or for what he did to Sky... and Sammi... too?¡± she asked as she cast a sad look between the two boys.

    ¡°Actually the charges are one of sexual assault of a minor; that would be you of course, Crista. But after the hearing they¡¯ve also brought multiple charges of rape against him as well¡± she informed them confidently.

    ¡°How many¡¯s multiple? And who is he actually getting charged with raping then?¡± Kole had to ask as Sky¡¯s eyes darted to the floor again, his breath coming more shortly as Star put an arm around him comfortingly.

    Lewis took a slight breath, ¡°he¡¯s getting charged with raping Sky, Sammi, Brandi Turner, and two other girls Brandi gave us the name of, as well as three more those two gave us the names of. Eight counts of rape altogether¡± she confirmed as they all looked back at her in shock.

    ¡°Eight?¡± Connor choked on the words from where he and Brie listened from the doorway to the dining room. ¡°Please tell me that they didn¡¯t actually let this kid out on bail.¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Lewis sighed heavily, ¡°he¡¯s not eighteen for another month, and he has no prior record. Though he will likely be tried as an adult, in light of how brutal the rape of Miss Charles was, and she was only fifteen at the time¡± she added sadly as Kole visibly flinched. Lewis then quickly moved on, ¡°the bail was set very high, but his family is well-off, so they may be able to pay it nonetheless¡± she informed sadly.

    Sky just gave her a look of defeat, ¡°so, we¡¯re all just fucking dead then? Yeah I wonder why we¡¯re so goddamn glum?¡± he bit out as well.

    ¡°Sky you can¡¯t think that way¡± Lewis attempted.

    ¡°What way? Realistically?¡± he scoffed.

    Lewis just sighed, ¡°as he¡¯s being tried as an adult in light of Sammi¡¯s rape, and since he is turning eighteen next month, he would have to go to prison rather than juvenile detention. And seventeen year olds do not do well in adult prisons¡± she had to inform.

    Sky scoffed loudly then, ¡°what? He might get raped or something? Yeah, we couldn¡¯t have that¡± he nearly growled the statement.

    ¡°I know how you---¡±

    ¡°How I feel?" Sky interrupted loudly, ¡°I sincerely doubt that, lady¡± he told her angrily.

    ¡°His parents will likely keep him out of school while we wait on the trial¡± Lewis attempted, ¡°so if it¡¯s seeing him at school that you¡¯re worried about?¡±

    Kole then spoke up, ¡°unless he¡¯s in a cell or at least on frigging house arrest, none of us will even be close to safe¡± he returned angrily.

    Sky scoffed once more, ¡°again, I wonder why I never wanted to report it. We were living in fear every day before this, and now it¡¯s just a million times worse. What a wonderful world.¡±

    Lewis took another moment to try and compose herself, ¡°I know I probably shouldn¡¯t even say this, but I¡¯m going to anyway. Out of the rape charges yours and Sammi¡¯s will probably be hardest to prove. So it¡¯s likely that he would be more apt to go after Brandi and the other girls; the ones who are still here to tell their story themselves¡± she added more quietly as she gave Kole a sympathetic look.

    Sky just gave her another rueful look, ¡°so that¡¯s your advice? Hope he¡¯s too busy trying to scare them into silence that he¡¯ll just let us be?¡±

    Lewis cast her eyes down before continuing, ¡°this is what every witness at every trial has to face. The fear of some kind of retaliation. But that¡¯s all the more reason why it¡¯s so important to put him away. So you can all feel safe again.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so all we have to do is just survive long enough to even get to the trial. And then just hope that they actually put him away so he doesn¡¯t have the entire rest of his life to try and get revenge instead. Yeah, that¡¯s all¡± Sky scoffed again.

    Lewis made another attempt at allaying their fears, ¡°he¡¯s already done to you what he¡¯s done to you, Sky. The likelihood of him repeating the crime he¡¯s already being charged with is pretty minuscule.¡±

    ¡°You think I¡¯m worried about what he¡¯ll do to me? Been there, endured that. Just look around this room if you wanna finally understand what the fuck it actually is that I¡¯m so afraid of¡± Sky retorted angrily.

    ¡°All we can try to do right now is get through the entire trial as quickly as possible; but if it makes you feel better, we can try to place officers at your homes or school¡± she offered.

    They all looked at each other warily then, as the last thing they needed was cops keeping an eye on any of them. Star finally managed to speak, ¡°wouldn¡¯t it be easier to just have officers keep an eye on one Curt instead of four of us?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they will be¡± Lewis stated. Though none of them looked all that assured. Instead of trying anymore futile words of hope, she just took a breath and moved onto her reason for being there, ¡°now, what I need to talk to you all about is what we should expect when you¡¯re called to testify. It could be difficult if there¡¯s anything in your lives that you may not want dug up.¡±

    ¡°No shit¡± Kole mumbled.

    ¡°I take it that means that there are things you think they could use to discredit you all?¡± Lewis asked warily.

    ¡°Other than just holding up pictures of us, you mean?¡± Kole returned sarcastically.

    ¡°Appearances can be... adjusted... for trial. I¡¯m more talking about pieces of your personal lives that they may try to use against you; like they tried to do with Sky¡¯s orientation at the hearing¡± she provided the example. Though at that point Brie and Connor just shook their heads and moved to the dining area as the teens just all looked down hopelessly.

    Kole shook his head again, ¡°every single part of our lives will be used against us; all of us. So maybe you should just give up and let the cheerleaders he roofied handle all the testifying, and we¡¯ll just watch quietly¡± he scoffed.

    Lewis took a worried breath, ¡°are you telling me that even though your testimony is what brought these charges out into the open, you don¡¯t want to see it through? You don¡¯t want to testify again to make sure he finally goes to jail for all he¡¯s done to all of you, and those you care about?¡± she added pointedly.

    ¡°To make sure?¡± Sky just gave her another look of disbelief, ¡°and you can assure us that us testifying against him again would ¡®make sure¡¯ he paid, can you?¡±

    ¡°You know I can¡¯t do that, Sky, but---¡±

    ¡°Exactly¡± he cut her off as he looked away again.

    Star sadly looked down as she added, ¡°so you want us to not only make him want to murder and rape us all for revenge, but also to let them drag every single personal detail out into the open and use it to attack us as well? Sound about right?¡±

    Lewis sighed in frustration, ¡°it¡¯s that exact opinion that let¡¯s so many rapists get away with their crimes!¡±

    ¡°Just because it¡¯s an opinion doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s wrong though¡± Star returned in a near whisper.

    ¡°So you are actually telling me that none of you want to testify? After all this?¡±

    Crista finally spoke then, ¡°can you make us?¡±

    ¡°In some cases, yes. But I was hoping we wouldn¡¯t have to try to¡± Lewis stated with her own bit of defeat. ¡°I mean, don¡¯t you all at least want to try to make him pay for what he¡¯s done?¡±

    ¡°Of course we do¡± Star sighed, ¡°but every single one of us will be discredited because of who we are, and it¡¯ll just make things that much worse.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know that¡± Lewis argued.

    Then Kole sighed with impatience, ¡°fine, let¡¯s pretend. We¡¯ve got that attorney client privilege crap, right? You ask us all the things you know that Sullivan asshole will ask us. Bet it¡¯ll take ten minutes, tops, before you won¡¯t want any of us to testify either.¡±

 Chapter 92

    Lewis sighed in resignation but nodded her agreement. ¡°That¡¯s fine, I¡¯ve been a defense attorney as well. We can go through this if you want.¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t take long¡± Kole scoffed.

    Lewis just shook her head over at him before glancing at her notes again, ¡°I suppose we can start with you, Crista since the charges involving you are the least severe.¡±

    ¡°Great¡± Crista stated sadly, then took a breath and nodded, ¡°go to it. Question me like that Sullivan asshole will, again¡± she mumbled.

    Lewis shook her head once more and took her own breath, ¡°Ok Crista, tell us, in your own words, about the events that took place on Sunday, October 1st of this year.¡±

    ¡°Last Sunday?¡± she swallowed a bit. ¡°Starting when on Sunday, exactly?¡± she asked warily as she looked between her lovers. After all, that morning had started with she and Star making love in the wee hours, followed by the trip to the clinic; and then the freak storm that scared off the protesters. Then her and Star¡¯s third intimate encounter shortly before she and Kole had even left the house that night and made their fateful trip to the mall. And she somehow doubted any of that should be mentioned on the stand at all.

    Lewis narrowed her eyes skeptically, but continued, ¡°let¡¯s just start with when you and Kole saw the defendant that evening.¡±

    ¡°Curt started picking on us, like he always does---¡±

    ¡°And when you say ¡®picking on¡¯ what exactly do you mean?¡± Lewis interrupted, as she was sure Sullivan would.

    ¡°What?¡± Crista asked.

    ¡°Sullivan will want to establish a previously antagonistic relationship between yourselves and Curt to make the jury feel as though the two of you would have motive to lie about the events that took place that evening¡± Lewis explained.

    ¡°But it¡¯s on video¡± Crista scoffed.

    ¡°The video may not be allowed into evidence, which we have to prepare for¡± Lewis explained.

    Crista sighed heavily, ¡°I don¡¯t remember every single thing that was said, but Curt called Kole a knife-wielding faggot¡± she cast her eyes down, her volume dropping at the use of a word she normally would never use herself, especially in reference to one of her own two male lovers. But she forced herself to try to continue, ¡°and then...¡±

    ¡°Knife-wielding?¡± Lewis interrupted, as she was sure Sullivan would.

    ¡°Two weeks earlier, Curt tried to start a fight with Kole at school. Curt grabbed Kole and Kole defended himself, with a knife¡± Crista stated sadly as Lewis just gave Kole a slightly accusing look.

    ¡°I did warn you, didn¡¯t I?¡± was Kole¡¯s only response to that look.

    Lewis took a breath, ¡°ok, we probably don¡¯t want the jury to hear about that.¡±

    ¡°See last comment¡± Kole told her wryly.

    ¡°Least you didn¡¯t pull a knife on him on the video¡± Lewis shook her head once more.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just fast forward to the real good stuff, Miss Lewis¡± Kole stated impatiently as he leaned forward, ¡°we¡¯re all gonna be asked to go on that stand and give our opinions on the way Curt behaves, sexually, if you can even call it that, right?¡±

    ¡°More or less¡± Lewis agreed.

    ¡°Which means they¡¯ll want to establish our own opinions on what is right and wrong, sexually, correct?¡± Kole continued as the other teens tensed.

    ¡°Obviously they¡¯re going to...¡±

    ¡°Let me just cut to the chase¡± Kole interrupted again, ¡°I¡¯m already on record as a statutory rapist because of the fact that I turned sixteen a few months before my girlfriend was going to. You can¡¯t tell me they¡¯re not gonna dig that up. Especially if I have to testify about what happened to Sammi, which I¡¯m guessing is the main reason I¡¯d be testifying at all, right?¡±

    ¡°You were never charged with that though¡± Lewis argued, though quietly.

    ¡°But there is medical proof of me being a statutory rapist¡± he forced himself to repeat, ¡°so, yes, they will use that and it will discredit everything I say. And you know that¡± Kole told her pointedly.

    ¡°Fine, so we may not be able to put you on the stand, Kole, but---¡±

    Kole interrupted again, ¡°I was with Crista that night. A fourteen year old girl. And I¡¯m sure those damn mall cameras also caught her hugging me, intimately, earlier in the evening. Me being a so-called statutory rapist, they will automatically assume I¡¯m sleeping with this underage girl too. And then they will ask her¡± he left it at that.

    ¡°But...¡± Lewis took a ragged breath.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Kole then added, ¡°and if she¡¯s under oath, she¡¯ll have to tell them. And you know what that turns her into in the eyes of the defense attorney, the jury, and probably the judge. And they could also ask her about her other sexual partners. And she¡¯d have to tell them that too. And then all four of us get discredited, or worse. We can¡¯t testify, Lewis. That¡¯s all there is to it¡± he told her with defeat.

    Lewis looked between the four of them with more than a bit of disbelief, ¡°you¡¯re telling me that all three of you have been.. intimate with Crista? And you¡¯re only fourteen, Crista?¡± she couldn¡¯t help adding.

    ¡°Nobody would understand¡± Crista said softly, eyes down.

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t. I mean, this girl is under the age of consent¡± she stated as she looked at the three older teens with continued shock.

    ¡°But I gave consent. But the law says I¡¯m not capable of doing so for another fourteen months¡± Crista bit out with a sniffle, ¡°so even though I care about the three of them more than anyone else in my life, and they are only three years older, the law calls them criminals because they think I¡¯m too young and stupid and immature to know what I do or don¡¯t want to do or have done to me¡± Crista added angrily as she brushed away an offending tear. ¡°So they¡¯ll tell me I¡¯m too young to say yes to sex and then call me a slut in the next sentence. It¡¯s true isn¡¯t it?¡± she sniffled again.

    ¡°I just...¡± Lewis moved her hands to her face with obvious stress.

    ¡°I did warn you¡± was Kole¡¯s only quiet response.

    ¡°Are you going to try to have them all arrested now too?¡± Crista sniffled.

    ¡°Attorney-client privilege¡± was Lewis¡¯ only response, though it was spoken in a defeated mumble. After another moment to compose herself, ¡°you¡¯re right. We most likely can¡¯t put any of you on the stand because of this; whatever this is¡± she looked between them once more, ¡°but now I don¡¯t know how the trial is likely to go at all after losing four witnesses like this. And I can¡¯t offer any of you any assurances that Curt will actually now be made to pay and get put away for the things he¡¯s done. This could be¡± another sad sigh, ¡°this could be what costs us the case¡± she finished with her own sniffle as she gathered her notes and moved to leave the house and the four distraught teens behind.

    <hr>

    As none of the four teens were feeling particularly amorous after Lewis¡¯ visit and the way it had abruptly ended; they spent the rest of their evening finishing their dinner quietly as they binge-watched the living room TV. Brie and Connor disappeared with their dinner to the TV in their bedroom rather soon after Lewis¡¯ departure as well. Eventually all six of them fell asleep in front of those TV¡¯s sometime after midnight but before five; Brie and Connor in their bed, Sky and Star on the living room sofa, and Kole and Crista each in one of the living room recliners.

    When Brie and Connor rose for the day at a little past nine, they gave each other curious looks as they moved through the living room filled with still sleeping teens. After making their way to the kitchen for their morning coffee, Brie spoke quietly to her husband, ¡°ok, for once we know what parents of teenagers are supposed to find their teens doing when they spend the weekend at their friends¡¯ houses?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, they were all even fully dressed. Maybe Sky and Star rewound the world again or something¡± Connor scoffed.

    ¡°Considering you just suggested that our children can indeed do that; I¡¯m guessing no¡± Brie returned with a slight sarcasm, though almost smiled.

    ¡°So, they¡¯re not testifying because of their ¡®questionable moral code¡¯ with each other, yet there they are doing nothing morally questionable at all. If Lewis were to drop in unannounced again, she might think they made the whole sex-triangle... err sex-square.... circle?¡± he shook his head, ¡°she¡¯d probably think they made it all up¡± he finally decided on.

    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know though¡± Brie shook her head as she tried to move past that reminder and instead waited on their coffee to brew, ¡°I mean, I¡¯m happy they probably won¡¯t have to get dragged in front of a courtroom and have their entire lives picked apart now; but it also could mean he gets away with it all too. And he can¡¯t be tried for the same crime twice and all. Our kids could be in real actual danger if he gets away with it all. And that¡¯s not even mentioning the possible power-spreading factor of it¡± she shook her head.

    ¡°And even if they don¡¯t testify, if he really is out on bail; he could still come looking for revenge for the stuff they said at the hearing. Or just because he¡¯s a rapist piece of shit with nothing else to do¡± Connor sighed heavily.

    Brie then sadly tried to find some hope, ¡°at least he¡¯s still gonna be in the cast for at least another five weeks. So hopefully that¡¯ll cut down on him trying to physically come after any of them in the meantime.¡±

    ¡°Now we just gotta hope that the trial actually happens before the cast comes off, or before any of Curt¡¯s friends decide they wanna get revenge for him. Hell, if our school starts losing football games now, who knows how many pissed off kids and parents will be looking to blame our kids and their friends? Crazier things have happened¡± Connor scoffed.

    ¡°Thanks, I didn¡¯t even think of that¡± Brie returned with a sarcasm that was now marred by even further worry. After the coffee was finally done and they each took a few long thoughtful sips as they sat at the counter island, Brie then had to speak again, ¡°this really is all our fault, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Connor simply sighed, ¡°not denying it.¡±

    ¡°I mean we¡¯re the ones who made them this overly sexual, considering it was the original key to unlocking their powers. And that led to the whole bisexuality thing because they were searching for anyone to keep their minds off each other, cause of who we told them they actually were. And then it was our bosses who took them and damaged them so badly that when we threatened to take away all they had left; they had to reset the whole entire world where this prick was actually dead at fifteen, instead of being the rapist of at least eight people, including our son, at seventeen. It all goes back to what we did to them; what we made them¡± she sniffled slightly.

    That was when Star interrupted, having since made her way to the room to get her own morning beverage, ¡°and if you hadn¡¯t made us, we would have never existed or had any lives at all¡± she said softly as she moved past them and retrieved a soda from the refrigerator before sighing as she leaned back against the door of the appliance as it shut behind her, ¡°though I guess some people might think that would be better¡± she finished with breaking voice.

    ¡°Star¡± Brie breathed her name as she and Connor turned sad eyes to her at the sound of such a claim.

    ¡°Sky still gets triggered back to that life. I still sometimes find him cutting up his pretty skin to punish himself for the things that happened in that life. And it makes me bleed when he does that too; even if no one can see it. And then there¡¯s everything we¡¯ve done in this life. And now it could cause Curt to get away with everything. And then he¡¯ll just come after us all again. That can¡¯t really be what was meant to happen, can it?¡± Star whispered desperately, looking down to hide her own tears once again.

 Chapter 93

    When they returned to school that Monday, it was now the 9th of October, and six days since Curt¡¯s arrest, three days since his hearing that determined that he would indeed be going to trial. Though none of them had officially been named as witnesses again, yet anyway; they still had more than a bit of fear upon returning to school that week.

    As it turned out, Curt had not yet returned to school himself, yet. But the day was still less than pleasant as nearly the whole school were now aware of the extent of the charges to be brought against Curt, and who his victims supposedly were.

    After a particularly hellish day had already been had, Kole and Sky were leaning against the lockers, rather close to one another, and speaking quietly. That was when Curt¡¯s friend Scott passed by and scoffed loudly at the two. He then called out, ¡°hey Kole, make sure you get written permission from Sky there before shoving it up his ass. Otherwise you and Curt might get your re-match as cellmates. Just warnin ya¡± he sneered back at them before walking away.

    Only, as he did, Kole glared after him and Scott then tripped over seemingly nothing, crashing face first into the hallway floor as all the surrounding students pointed and howled with laughter as he tried to get to his feet.

    ¡°Kole¡± Sky scolded.

    ¡°What? If we can¡¯t kill him, we can at least make his day as fucking unpleasant as ours¡± Kole defended, still glaring over at Scott who was now shuffling off down the hall in embarrassment.

    ¡°We already killed him in one life¡± Sky mumbled as he retrieved his book from the locker, ¡°didn¡¯t improve much.¡±

    Once they actually entered their classroom, the abuse Sky had already endured all day still didn¡¯t stop. A moment after he and Kole took their seats, a rather large boy named Devon called over, ¡°hey Sky, would you have been ok with it if he used less fingers? I mean your ass is smaller than my twelve year-old sister¡¯s. Probably a tight fit back there¡± he smirked.

    Sky grumbled, ¡°and I thought I was the one who couldn¡¯t keep my mind off my sister¡¯s ass. Least Star¡¯s legal¡± he bit back.

    ¡°Fuck you, Vargas¡± was the only response Devon gave to that.

    Then the boy¡¯s friend, Grant piped up, ¡°no, you can¡¯t fuck Vargas; he gets bitchy if anyone but his boyfriend Kole puts it in there.¡±

    That was when Kole glared back at the other boys and the legs of Devon¡¯s chair gave out beneath him, causing his well-cushioned behind to painfully hit the floor, ¡°least our asses don¡¯t break the chairs¡± Kole bit out before turning back away from them.

    ¡°You have to stop¡± Sky mumbled.

    ¡°Why? You¡¯re with me¡± Kole returned.

    ¡°Still, Kole.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stop as soon as they do¡± Kole grumbled as he opened his book as if he even cared about any of the words on the pages at all right then. Sky simply sighed, and did the same, shaking his head as Devon attempted to scramble back to his feet despite the laughter around the room then.

    <hr>

    An hour later, they had finally managed to at least physically survive seven-eighths of their day. After seventh period, the locations of their next classes led to their plan to have Sky walk with Crista to his and her last classes of the day, while Kole and Star would accompany each other through the halls to their own final class of the day. Once Sky and Star squeezed one another¡¯s hand briefly and he headed off with Crista, Star attempted a smile up at her new escort, Kole. Though that smile didn¡¯t quite make it as she wasn¡¯t feeling remotely happy after the way the entire school was acting now that they nearly all knew what had actually happened to Sky almost a month earlier.

    She just sniffled as she forced back tears and shook her head, ¡°they¡¯re being horrible to him, Kole. He¡¯s the victim. He¡¯s already had to endure what Curt did, and now they¡¯re just being... horrible¡± she repeated as she bit back a sob.

    ¡°I know, I know¡± he whispered as he moved to hug her. He then stepped back and tried to offer her a sad smile, ¡°but you¡¯re the one that¡¯s crying though.¡±

    ¡°I cry. Sky does other things¡± she sniffled sadly, ¡°he¡¯s always been better with physical pain than me¡± she whispered.

    ¡°You mean he hurts himself?¡± Kole asked worriedly.

    ¡°Guess he thinks that at least then he can make the pain stop when he can¡¯t take it anymore¡± she told him as she bit back another sob. Kole then moved to wrap her in his arms once more.

    That was when one of the more popular girls moved past and saw the two embracing. She then called out, ¡°what¡¯s wrong Star? Did your brother-lover find someone else to get fucked by?¡±

    On that statement, Star glared up at the girl through her tears and in that moment, the locker nearest the girl forcefully flew open, as the door painfully collided with the girl hard enough to nearly knock her off balance and most likely leave a bruise as well.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Come on¡± Kole whispered as he pulled Star with him through the nearest door as the offending young woman tried to compose herself in the wake of apparently being assaulted by a locker door.

    Kole hugged her tightly again as he tossed the door of the small dark room shut behind him. Once she finally stepped out of his arms with another sniffle, the two had a chance to note their surroundings. It appeared to be a supply closet of some sort. Kole¡¯s eyes darted around the room then, coming to rest on a large portion of the floor that had obviously been repainted in recent years. That was when his breath caught and his entire body tensed.

    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Star asked, noting his tension easily.

    Kole took a few short breaths as he tried to pull his pretty green eyes away from that spot on the floor, but did not have much luck. ¡°nothing, it¡¯s fine¡± he breathed, though still couldn¡¯t pull his eyes away from the large mismatched shade of obviously fresher paint on the floor.

    ¡°Kole, something¡¯s wrong¡± Star whispered as she moved to touch his hand, ¡°what is it?¡±

    Kole took another breath, ¡°just never thought I¡¯d be in this room¡± he managed, though his voice shook with emotion, his eyes still glued to that spot.

    ¡°Oh my god¡± Star exclaimed as she looked around, finally understanding what it was that had him so obviously shaken. ¡°This is where it happened, isn¡¯t it?¡± she whispered, her own voice breaking with emotion then, ¡°god, Kole, I¡¯m sorry. We can leave¡± she stated as she tried to take his hand, though he didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I really wanna be out there with all of them right now, either¡± he returned shakily. Then Star was the one who moved to embrace him, to hopefully help him hold back his own tears as well then.

    After that hug lasted several more long moments, Star finally looked back up at him, ¡°are you sure you wanna stay in here instead of going to eighth?¡±

    Kole took another breath as he moved to take a seat on the floor against the wall, dropping his bag right inside the door to the tiny room and blocking the door from any surprise openings. ¡°As someone else told me once; make me sure¡± Kole whispered as he reached his hand up to pull her down to his lap and into his kiss.

    It wasn¡¯t much longer before he had her shirt unlaced and his mouth spreading kisses over her breasts, trying desperately to replace all the horrible memories that room held with much better ones once and for all. Allowing him to continue visiting his attention upon her breasts for several more long moments, Star reached down to pull her panties down her legs, feeling his mouth smile against her hardened nipple as she did.

    She then turned to take a seat astride his hips instead of just across his legs. Her fingers moved to quickly start working to free him from his pants. ¡°You sure you want to, in here?¡± she whispered as those first piercings came into view.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s pretty obvious my body and my brain are in two different locations right now¡± he smiled breathlessly as she returned the smile and finished unfastening his pants.

    A moment later, Star was biting back her immediate moan of pleasure at the feel of him being inside her once more. She then began eagerly moving against him as they both tried desperately to make one another forget the hell of that day and that room and everything else in their lives; at least for a little while.

    Meanwhile, Sky had walked Crista to the door of her last class of the day, gave her a sad kiss on the cheek and then started off down the hall again. Instead of going to his own class though, he found himself knocking at Miss Burke¡¯s door with a sad sigh as she called out to invite him to enter the room.

    She looked more than a bit shocked as she saw that it was Sky who had come to her door, but she easily smiled and gestured for him to take a seat. ¡°I didn¡¯t call you in today. Is everything all right?¡± she asked with concern as he dropped his bag to the floor and slumped into a seat on the small sofa in her office instead of the chair that sat across from her desk.

    ¡°All right?¡± Sky scoffed, ¡°what do you think?¡± he mumbled.

    ¡°Did something else happen, Sky?¡± she asked as she moved from her own seat to turn the other chair around and slide it closer to the couch where he was attempting to bury himself in the corner of the cushions.

    ¡°You mean did I get raped again? Not today, but hey, there¡¯s always tomorrow¡± he returned in the same sarcastic mumble.

    Burke looked down sadly before responding, ¡°at least you¡¯re able to admit what happened now. That¡¯s a step¡± she attempted another smile.

    ¡°A step toward what exactly?¡± he scoffed, ¡°I didn¡¯t want anyone to know. And now, everyone knows. Trust me, it¡¯s not an improvement¡± he added sadly.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing things have been said to you today?¡±

    ¡°Ya think?¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°We can take steps to try to punish any students who may be harassing you, but---¡±

    ¡°You and your steps¡± Sky replied with the same combination of sarcasm, cynicism and just plain despair.

    ¡°So what do you need me to do?¡± Burke asked him after another moment.

    ¡°Ignore me til the last bell rings and then write me a note so I don¡¯t get written up for wanting to avoid all the assholes out there?¡± he offered.

    ¡°I can do that, Sky. But you know it¡¯s only a temporary fix.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well, there¡¯s only one permanent fix¡± he mumbled.

    ¡°What do you mean by that, Sky?¡± she asked with a bit of panic.

    ¡°No I¡¯m not planning on blowing the school away, so you can calm down¡± he scoffed.

    Burke only let out a slight sigh of relief, ¡°then what did you mean by a permanent fix?¡± she asked in a near whisper.

    ¡°Well, you could always ask Curt¡¯s other victim, Sammi. Oh wait, no you can¡¯t¡± he added pointedly as he tried to choke down his emotions.

    Burke then had to force back her own emotions in order to respond, ¡°are you telling me you want to hurt yourself, permanently, Sky?¡± she whispered.

    ¡°Are you really that shocked? Please¡± he sniffled, still not able to look back at her.

    ¡°Sky, that is a very serious thing to say¡± she told him in the same pained whisper.

    ¡°Yeah, well my life is very seriously fucked up¡± he returned with another sniffle.

    Burke had to take a few shaky breaths before trying to remember all her training and find anything at all she could say right then. She finally decided on, ¡°you said you were terrified of people you care about getting hurt. And don¡¯t you think that you doing something like that would irreparably hurt them?¡±

    Sky simply flinched at her words, ¡°it would kill Star, literally. She¡¯d slit her own wrists if I did that to mine. And that is honestly the only reason I haven¡¯t. But me living this life, in this much pain... that¡¯s killing her too, just as much as it¡¯s killing me.¡±

 Chapter 94

    When classes let out for the day, Sky decided that it would be easier to take a shortcut through the stairwell and out the fire exit than dealing with another walk through the crowded halls. Only, when he opened to door to the stairwell nearest to Burke¡¯s office, he was a bit startled to find it was not abandoned after all.

    Sitting on the bottom step and sobbing into her hands was Brandi Turner, Curt¡¯s now former girlfriend and co-victim. Brandi startled a bit as Sky pushed the door open, looking just as surprised to see her there.

    Upon seeing who it was, Brandi tried to stifle another sob as she buried her tear-stained face in her hands again. Not sure what he could say right then, but doubting just walking out of the building would be a good option either, Sky sighed under his breath and took a seat on the bottom stair next to her.

    As he took that seat, Brandi looked up at him with even more surprise. He then swallowed slightly, eyes averted, and managed, ¡°yeah my day was pretty shitty too.¡± He took another breath and continued, ¡°so, how long have you been sitting in here?¡±

    Brandi bit back another sniffle as she looked back at him, ¡°what bell was that?¡± she asked hoarsely.

    ¡°End of eighth¡± he supplied, still looking down at the floor in front of them sadly.

    ¡°End of eighth?¡± she repeated with a shake of her head, ¡°guess I¡¯ve been in here about seven hours then¡± she returned, though her voice was barely above a whisper. She then looked up at him again and steeled herself, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what he did to you¡± she stated as she bit back another wave of tears.

    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re the first person who said that to me all day¡± Sky replied, pushing back his own emotions again. He then looked back over at her watery eyes, ¡°and I¡¯m sorry for what he did to you¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Least I got to be unconscious for it. It was waking up the next morning and realizing...¡± she shook her head, ¡°that was when my pain began¡± she whispered.

    ¡°How long ago...¡± Sky then shook his head, ¡°never mind, I¡åm sure it¡¯s the last thing you wanna talk about¡± he apologized.

    ¡°A couple weeks before he got arrested. The first time I told him I wasn¡¯t in the mood and just wanted to pass out. Guess he didn¡¯t like that answer¡± she choked. ¡°I heard rumors hinting that he had done that to other girls. But of course, being the dutiful girlfriend; you don¡¯t believe it til it actually happens to you. Then you just deny it and make excuses, saying that you had let him do it before, so why should that time have mattered, right?¡± she replied, her tears replenished then. She then made herself continue, as though needing to pour out the truth to someone who might actually believe her and not blame her, ¡°then when I heard Kole say he had done that to the girl who killed herself sophomore year? It just suddenly all fucking clicked¡± she added through another sniffle.

    That was then Sky awkwardly moved to place an arm around her, despite the fact that this was the first time the two of them had even had a conversation in all their twelve years of being classmates. She surprisingly laid her head on his shoulder and cried for a few minutes more before Sky finally had to break the silence.

    He reached into his pocket and took out a overly folded pamphlet that Burke had insisted he take with him when he left that day. ¡°Burke gave me this. Maybe you wanna go?¡± he offered, ¡°I mean, I figure you should at least know about it so you can decide¡± he told her as she shakily took the paper with the information for a rape survivors support group that met every afternoon.

    Brandi looked over it for a long moment as though trying to form an opinion on whether or not she did truly want to go to something like that. ¡°Don¡¯t know how I¡¯d get there. My parents won¡¯t buy me a car til I get my grades up. And after all this? I¡¯ll be lucky if I graduate at all¡± she admitted, eyes down, then continued, ¡°and all the friends I usually get rides with? Well they went from loving me to hating me; in one weekend¡± she sniffled again. She then looked back over at Sky and suddenly asked, ¡°can I get a ride with you?¡±

    ¡°Um¡± Sky was a bit caught by that, as he hadn¡¯t even thought about going himself, ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure I even was...¡± he then shook his head as he saw her disappointment, ¡°I mean, I guess I could give you a ride at least¡± he gave in. He wasn¡¯t sure he wanted to make that offer at all, all things considered. But when he did, it at least made her smile; as impossible as that had been for either of them to do at all that day.

    That was when he got a text from Crista which read ¡°where r u?¡±

    He took a breath as he sent one back which read, ¡°omw¡± he then looked back at Brandi and spoke, ¡°I kinda promised Crista I¡¯d walk her to the lot.¡±

    Brandi then gave him a questioning look, ¡°I thought she was dating Kole. Why wouldn¡¯t she just walk out with him?¡±

    ¡°No, they¡¯re not really dating. Just friends¡± he answered awkwardly.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°So, she¡¯s dating you?¡± Brandi asked as the two stood and reclaimed their bags.

    ¡°Not really. Just friends¡± Sky managed with another uncomfortable breath.

    ¡°Cause I also heard that you and Kole...¡± she then stopped herself, ¡°sorry¡± she added as she looked down.

    ¡°Not really. Just friends¡± he repeated again, almost smiling at her confusion, almost.

    ¡°Then what about you and Star? I mean til Crista and Kole showed up, I thought you two were some... thing. I mean since you¡¯re not really brother and sister. I just... who are you with anyway?¡± she decided on.

    Sky then allowed a nervous laugh, ¡°I just have some really... good... friends¡± he stated slowly, not sure how technically accurate that was, but it was much easier than trying to explain those friendships at all. He then added, ¡°and one of them is waiting on me¡± he added as he nodded toward the door.

    ¡°Back through the halls we go. Great¡± Brandi mumbled.

    They then both took a breath as they stepped through the door and headed back through the unfriendly hordes to where Crista was still waiting anxiously inside the door of her last class of the day.

    When he appeared at the door to perform his escorting duties, Crista greeted him with a relieved kiss, ¡°don¡¯t ever be late again! I was ready to fucking call 911¡± she scolded him as she managed a little smile and reached up to brush some of her blue glitter lipstick from his much darker shade of blood red. She then startled slightly as she looked past him to where Brandi waited awkwardly outside the classroom. ¡°And we¡¯re friends with Brandi now?¡± Crista asked with slight confusion.

    ¡°Different kind of friends I think¡± Brandi offered awkwardly, to which Sky simply blushed before shaking his head and leading the two ladies with him toward the doors to the senior lot.

    When Sky, Crista, and Brandi arrived at the senior lot a few minutes later, Sky warily led the girls to he and Kole¡¯s cars, which were parked next to each other as usual. Only, Kole was already back at his own vehicle, sitting on the hood with Star standing next to the car, between his legs, both of them engaged in a somewhat passionate lip lock after their amorous encounter during the last period of the day.

    Crista cast a look between the two of them and then back at where Sky awkwardly looked down and Brandi just stared on in further confusion. The youngest of them then cleared her throat to break Star and Kole out of their kiss, ¡°look, we have a new friend¡± she greeted them as the two turned back and only further startled as their eyes fell on the tiny blonde cheerleader who had a few hundred questions in her slightly reddened blue eyes which she tried to avert as they looked back at her.

    Sky then cleared his throat as well, ¡°told Brandi I¡¯d give her a ride on the way home¡± he offered, though his voice was a bit hoarse as his efforts to not call attention to the odd relationship the four of them had seemed destined to fail.

    ¡°O...k¡± Star replied with her own confusion as she claimed her bag from where it was sitting on the hood next to Kole.

    Though before any of them could say any more, Regan moved past and glared over at them as she called out, ¡°what¡¯s wrong, Brandi? Gonna start dressing like a freak too since you were too drunk to remember the last time you put out for Curt?¡±

    Brandi just flinched as the redhead moved past with a derisive laugh to head for her own car. ¡°And now you know why I spent the day in the stairwell¡± she told Sky quietly as the others glared after Regan.

    It was an even more awkward trip to the community center where the support group met. Brandi sat quietly in the back seat as Star watched the scenery whilst trying to think of any conversation she could make at all with the girl who was now sharing the ride home with them. When they finally arrived at their destination, Sky spoke up at last, ¡°you can go ahead in. I¡¯m still not sure if I¡¯m gonna go in myself just yet.¡±

    ¡°Ok¡± Brandi responded warily as he opened his door and pulled his seat forward to allow her to exit the car. Brandi then cast another wary smile back at him before heading inside.

    ¡°They move cheer practice?¡± Star asked as she gave the building a wary look.

    ¡°Rape survivors¡¯ support group¡± Sky offered, though quietly. He then quickly offered a further explanation, ¡°Burke gave me some paper about it and I found Brandi crying at school and gave the paper to her instead. But she didn¡¯t have a ride, so, she assumed I¡¯d be coming too and asked if I could bring her.¡±

    Star nodded as she bit her lip and looked at the building once more, ¡°are you? Going inside I mean?¡±

    ¡°Hadn¡¯t really planned on it¡± Sky scoffed.

    ¡°Well maybe you should. I mean, no one there should judge, right?¡±

    ¡°Since when are we the support group type?¡± he narrowed his eyes over at her.

    Star sighed softly, ¡°maybe I should go in too¡± she stated, then when she saw how quickly Sky¡¯s eyes darkened, she immediately added, ¡°I meant so you wouldn¡¯t be alone. Remember, always stay in pairs?¡± she reminded him worriedly.

    ¡°But you¡¯re a rape survivor too, aren¡¯t you?¡± he whispered, voice breaking.

    ¡°Sky, please don¡¯t go there again¡± she whispered back to him.

    ¡°But it¡¯s true¡± he managed.

    ¡°And I doubt I can really even try to explain any of what you¡¯re referring to to Brandi or anyone else in there; especially when it didn¡¯t even happen in this life¡± she told him pointedly.

    But before their conversation could continue, Sky¡¯s eyes moved to a young woman who was now entering the building. She was dressed all in black leather with frosted purple hair. ¡°What the?¡± Sky asked no one in particular.

    ¡°What the what?¡± Star responded as she watched the girl go through the doors, ¡°do we know her?¡±

    ¡°I think...¡± he shook his head, ¡°I think that was Raina.¡±

    Star gave him a confused look, then suddenly replied, ¡°coffee shop Raina?¡±

    Sky then looked just as confused, ¡°but that didn¡¯t happen in this life. The coffee shop or her... makeover?¡±

    Star raised a brow, ¡°well the BJ with your coffee thing didn¡¯t happen, but maybe what made her go dark in that life also happened in this...¡± her voice then trailed off as she recalled what sort of meeting was going on there that evening. ¡°Wow¡± was all she managed to finish with.

    Sky shook his head once more, ¡°do you think it was Curt?¡± he had to ask, ¡°I mean, there are five other girls he¡¯s being charged with raping, right? And she was a cheerleader, at our school, just a few months ago¡± he filled in his own blanks then.

    ¡°It sounds pretty possible¡± Star admitted as both of them stared sadly at the door, wondering exactly how much all these lives they¡¯ve led would ultimately end up intertwining after all.

 Chapter 95

    Tuesday was not much better than Monday. Curt still had not returned to school, however, the other students were still making life unbearable for any of those responsible for Curt¡¯s arrest; Sky especially. By the time Sky walked Crista to their now shared seventh period study hall, he was at his breaking point. He and Crista stopped at the door of the classroom where Alana gave them a sad, sympathetic smile which Sky did not even acknowledge.

    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna go out to the car. I can¡¯t do this anymore¡± Sky mumbled to Crista as he began to turn away from the classroom doorway.

    ¡°What?¡± Crista asked, ¡°what about always staying in twos?¡±

    ¡°Curt¡¯s not here, and you¡¯re probably better off not being next to me right now, anyway¡± he returned in the same mumble as he turned again, only to have Crista catch him by the arm.

    ¡°I¡¯m defenseless without you or Star, or at least Kole. You know that, Sky¡± she told him sadly.

    ¡°But they¡¯re being worse to me. Most of them don¡¯t even care about what Curt did to the rest of you, now¡± Sky argued, though weakly.

    ¡°If you¡¯re skipping, so am I¡± Crista told him simply as she turned to follow him.

    ¡°You really wanna be next to the one of us who¡¯s getting it the worst of all?¡± he simply shook his head at the idea, but made no move to stop her from following him out to his car.

    After sitting behind those tinted windows for several silent minutes, Crista spoke again, ¡°shouldn¡¯t we be keeping Alana close too? I mean, she did testify also.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s the one Curt raped in my last life. I tried to save her. I was too late. I ended up locked in a lab where they would beat Star to make me cooperate. Then we went back and re-lived the last three years all over again. And Alana¡¯s not the one who got raped this time. I¡¯ve done my part; more than¡± he added the last sentence nearly inaudibly, not even turning to see Crista¡¯s shocked expression at him mentioning just a few of the terrible things that happened in he and Star¡¯s last attempt at life.

    ¡°He raped Alana in the last life?¡± she asked after another moment.

    ¡°Yes, and he tried to rape Star too. I at least saved her. Though the way I had to is what landed us in that lab, so¡± he just shrugged and stared out his window, his lack of hope painfully obvious.

    ¡°And what did he do in the life before that?¡± Crista couldn¡¯t stop herself from asking a moment later.

    Sky sighed heavily, glad she was only asking about Curt, as he doubted he could bear to explain the rest of that life right now. ¡°In that life, he tried to rape me back when we were your age; but Star managed to save me, that time. But he held a grudge, to put it mildly¡± he sighed before continuing, ¡°in that life, everyone thought Star and I were actually twins. That time he waited a few months after she stopped him, then he just forced us to have sex at gunpoint while his friends filmed us; so he could show the world the video of me fucking my so-called twin sister. Sad that that was actually less horrible than what he did the next two times around; and we killed he and his friends for it that time¡± he finished in a near whisper.

    ¡°Gunpoint?¡± Crista whispered back, then added, ¡°and you killed him? Wouldn¡¯t that have made that life nearly perfect then? Aside from the whole gunpoint part I guess.¡±

    ¡°After that, other people, the ones who covered up what we did to Curt and his friends; they did horrible things to us because of what we were. Really horrible. So even in a world without Curt, our lives were still so terrible we had to escape the only way we knew how. Well, one of the only ways we knew how¡± Sky added the last bit more quietly as he looked down at the wrist that used to hold that scar.

    ¡°One of?¡± Crista whispered as she looked at him sadly as he then went back to just staring out that window.

    ¡°In that life, I tried to kill myself when I was fourteen, after I was offered fake proof that Star really was my sister. We eventually found out we weren¡¯t really related, but then everything else happened. So that time, we just erased everyone¡¯s memories of what we were, and started life over again at seventeen¡± he sighed softly, ¡°only we missed the last three years of that new life, and in it a lot of people still thought we were related, and one of those people caught us making love, our very first time together in that life, when we were fourteen¡± another sigh, ¡°she told everyone what the alleged twins were doing and that¡¯s the time Star tried to kill herself. I found her, then did the same. Then through some cruel cosmic joke, we both lived, only we never found out about those memories til three years after all the damage had already been done. That¡¯s when he tried to rape Star and did rape Alana. We used our powers to try to stop him, and got caught. Which is how we ended up in the lab that we had to rewind life to escape from. But this time we managed to live those three years, and not make any of those mistakes this time. Then Curt did... what he did; and here we are.¡±

    ¡°And now, instead of just resetting things, you want to kill yourself again?¡± Crista asked as she sniffled, moving to place a hand on his leg.

    ¡°Resetting things doesn¡¯t work. I think we¡¯ve proven that¡± Sky allowed another pained breath, ¡°of course, it seems like killing ourselves doesn¡¯t either. Three attempts, three fails¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer me though¡± Crista pressed through another sniffle.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    ¡°If he had raped you, and then people were saying the things to you that they¡¯re saying to me...¡± Sky just shook his head and left the sentence there.

    Crista pushed back a few more tears as she thought on his words. She then finally managed, ¡°I don¡¯t think I could stand being in this world without the three of you. Any of the three of you¡± she added.

    ¡°That¡¯s just our DNA talking¡± Sky dismissed her words, though couldn¡¯t bear to look back at the sound of her tears, knowing that just seeing someone he cared about crying because of his pain would be enough to start his own tears again, and he wasn¡¯t sure he¡¯d ever be able to stop them.

    After a few more moments of trying to stop her own tears, Crista finally dug through her little spike and glitter-covered coffin-purse and retrieved her phone. She sniffled once more before sending off a text and moving her watery eyes to her own window.

    ¡°Suicide hot-line take texts now?¡± Sky scoffed as she finished her text.

    ¡°Not exactly¡± she returned, though with barely any volume.

    Only another couple of minutes went by before Star and Kole appeared outside the school. They looked at one another worriedly before making their way to Sky¡¯s car, where Kole tapped at the driver¡¯s side window as Sky gave Crista a slightly accusing look, sighed, and opened the door to allow Kole to get into the back seat as Crista did the same for Star on the passenger side.

    Kole spoke first, ¡°so, what exactly did ¡®S.O.S - come to Sky¡¯s car¡¯ mean? After all, I should be in gym with an asshole teacher and a bunch of ever so confused homophobic pricks right now. See the kind of shit I¡¯m missing?¡± he asked Crista with a touch of sarcasm to hide his worry.

    ¡°Really, Crista?¡± Sky looked at her again.

    Then Star interjected, ¡°seriously, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Crista looked back at them sadly, ¡°it¡¯s terrible in there. Sky can¡¯t take another day of this shit. We have to do something¡± she half-explained to them in a pleading manner.

    Kole then looked at Sky, ¡°we talking quitting school or...?¡±

    Then Star, knowing Sky all too well, added, ¡°or quitting life?¡± she whispered worriedly as they all turned their eyes to Sky then.

    Sky then let out a heavy sigh, his dark eyes moving back to the window, ¡°I always say that the only reason I¡¯m not dead is because of what it would do to Star. But seriously, Star, why do we keep doing this at all?¡±

    ¡°Doing what?¡± Star whispered.

    ¡°This. Life. We keep trying and keep failing, and it just gets worse and worse. I mean, why? What¡¯s the point? It just gets more and more horrible every second we keep forcing ourselves to go on. I mean, just...why?¡± he repeated, voice breaking. Of course, then Star¡¯s tears began, Crista sniffled again, and Kole tried to force his eyes to stay on the floor of the car to hold back his own emotions as well.

    As Star couldn¡¯t come up with any response to Sky¡¯s questions but to continue softly crying, with her face in her hands, Kole made himself speak, ¡°Crista, you said we have to do something. What exactly did you have in mind?¡±

    Crista sniffled again, ¡°if I knew that, I wouldn¡¯t have asked you two to come out here¡± she replied with a sad defeat in her tone, which just turned into another sniffle when Sky scoffed.

    Sky then mumbled, ¡°if we haven¡¯t figured it out in over twenty years, I doubt she has in fourteen¡± though as he spoke, he still could not look back at any of his companions.

    Kole allowed his own heavy sigh, ¡°Curt¡¯s destroyed lives in every one of your lives, right? Even the one where you killed him? So it seems that the real problem is Curt. Wouldn¡¯t we all agree?¡±

    ¡°We already tried killing him once¡± Sky reminded, ¡°and that was back when we were in ninth grade; in our original life. Then other people just did even worse things to us. Curt is just one problem¡± Sky stated in a tone that lacked much of any emotion except hopelessness.

    ¡°But he is the biggest problem in this life, isn¡¯t he?¡± Kole returned.

    ¡°So, you think we should just kill him again, I assume?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m amazed none of us have yet¡± Kole returned plainly.

    ¡°We can pretend that¡¯ll work. We can pretend that we can do it in a way where we won¡¯t get caught or expose our abilities. Then what happens when we come to the next problem? We just kill anyone who becomes a problem? It¡¯s a slippery slope, Kole. Curt and his friends weren¡¯t the only people we used our powers to kill in our original life. Once we allowed ourselves to cross that line, we never came back. More people died because of us; a lot more¡± Sky told him pointedly, ¡°and it still resulted in a life that was so horrible we had to erase people¡¯s minds just so we could move to a new one. And that one wasn¡¯t any better. And now there¡¯s this one. Still not any better¡± Sky then added, ¡°maybe that¡¯s the price we¡¯re paying for letting ourselves cross that line after all.¡±

    Then Crista actually raised her voice, ¡°you said he forced you guys to have sex, on camera, at gunpoint, when everyone thought you were twins!¡± she repeated the story Sky had told her earlier, ¡°how can killing a prick that does that actually be wrong?¡±

    Sky took another moment to try and compose himself before responding, ¡°we didn¡¯t think it was, then. But look at what we¡¯ve endured since then. I think we¡¯d be pretty blind not to see what the universe is trying to tell us.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡± Kole interrupted, ¡°did you say Curt had a gun?¡± That was when all three of them looked back at Kole, all more than a little worried about what exactly he might suggest next.

    After another moment, Sky had to say something, ¡°and a gun would be even harder to cover up than psychic powers. Come on. Did you hear any of what I just told you, Kole?¡±

    Then Kole replied, ¡°I¡¯m not saying we should shoot Curt. I mean, really? But, I am saying that if anyone should feel guilty and be killing themselves; it should be an asshole rapist. Not a beautiful boy who has just tried to defend himself and other people for three lives in a row now¡± he returned pointedly as he reached a hand over the seat to gently caress Sky¡¯s long locks.

    Crista then looked back at Kole with widened eyes, ¡°you think we could actually make him feel guilty enough to kill himself?¡±

    Star finally spoke then, though in a whisper, ¡°you honestly think someone like Curt is even capable of feeling guilt about anything he¡¯s ever done or anyone he¡¯s ever hurt? I think we¡¯ve had three lives to prove that even the one soul Sky and I have is one more than Curt has at all.¡±

    Kole then continued, not letting up yet, ¡°so we may not be able to make him feel guilty, but we can sure as fuck make his life so miserable he can¡¯t stand it anymore. He¡¯s the golden boy who¡¯s always gotten exactly what he wanted, all his life, every life. If he lost it all, or maybe just lost his goddamn mind; maybe, just maybe he would just finally fucking give up and remove himself from all of our lives, and the lives of all the others he¡¯s hurt. It¡¯s worth a shot, isn¡¯t it? I mean, if we don¡¯t do anything, he just keeps living another day to ruin someone else¡¯s life. If we fail at making him take his own life, same result. But if we succeed...¡± he left it at that, as they all just sunk into deep thought then, wondering if maybe, just maybe, this was the one brand of revenge that might actually work for once and for all.

 Chapter 96

    After Crista easily agreed to Kole¡¯s plan, another ten minutes passed as he looked between Sky and Star, waiting for their decisions. Star didn¡¯t seem to want to say anything either for or against the plan until she knew what Sky thought about it. But as broken as Sky had already been by the events of the last month, he was not entirely convinced that any plan would work at all.

    Kole finally spoke up, ¡°so two yes¡¯s and two not saying anything. Does that mean yes wins?¡±

    Sky simply sighed, ¡°I need to go get smokes and fill up the car.¡±

    Kole narrowed his eyes at him, ¡°still not sure if that was a yes or a no¡± he pressed.

    Sky just shook his head, ¡°so are the two of you coming to the gas station with us then, or?¡±

    Kole gave Sky another look of frustration after glancing at where Star remained silent, dark eyes on the floor of the car. ¡°Fine, I need smokes too. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Sky then looked at Crista, ¡°guess that means you¡¯re coming too?¡±

    ¡°I believe someone told me once that we should never be alone¡± Crista offered her answer with a slight sigh of frustration as well. Sky then just let out a long breath and started the car, still refusing to pass his vote on Kole¡¯s plan, which therefore kept Star silent about what she thought as well.

    When they arrived at the gas station a few minutes later, Kole pumped the gas while Sky went in after the cigarettes. It was true that he was not old enough to buy said cigarettes, but as long as Star was at least as close as the parking lot, he rarely seemed to have trouble ¡®convincing¡¯ the cashier not to card him.

    Inside the car, Crista turned in her seat to look back at Star, ¡°well?¡±

    ¡°Well what?¡± Star said softly, still not looking up.

    ¡°Um, still waiting to hear your vote on the ¡®drive Curt so insane that he blows his head off just like his friend across the street from me did¡¯ plan¡± Crista pressed. After all, none of them honestly had had much love for Tim either, regardless of that tragedy.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Curt already insane?¡± Star mumbled.

    ¡°Yes, but this is a better insane... for all of us and all those other girls, anyway¡± Crista prodded.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know Crista, I mean, if it doesn¡¯t work, or it just makes him come after us again?¡± Star just shook her head, still not looking up at the younger girl.

    ¡°And if he doesn¡¯t go to jail, he¡¯ll come after us anyway. Maybe before he even has his trial. We gotta do something¡± Crista pleaded.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± Star mumbled again.

    ¡°But that wasn¡¯t a no¡± Crista stated with an attempt at hope.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just think about it for at least another day or so, ok?¡± Star attempted.

    ¡°In other words, you won¡¯t agree unless Sky does¡± Crista replied, narrowing her eyes at Star knowingly.

    ¡°Well, Sky is the victim, isn¡¯t he?¡± Star stated sadly.

    ¡°Think we all are; just not in the same way¡± Crista sighed as she turned back around to stare at the store awaiting Sky¡¯s return then.

    Inside the store, Sky had made his way to the coolers at the back to peruse the drink selection. He was then startled from his browsing when a man who looked more like a soccer dad than anyone that would speak to Sky then cleared his throat to get his attention.

    When Sky turned to face the man who looked to be around forty, he didn¡¯t recognize him and began mentally sorting through the three lives of memories he had locked in that pretty head of his to try to decide if he should know who this man was. But before he could grasp onto any memory of him, the older man spoke, ¡°don¡¯t take this wrong, but you¡¯re a guy, right?¡±

    Sky was a little caught by that greeting from a virtual stranger, and wasn¡¯t really sure if it was a compliment or not. After all, Sky did try his best to look like a pretty girl, but that was to attract those with similar tastes; like the club kids and other fellow outcasts like Kole and Crista; it wasn¡¯t ever meant to impress or attract so-called ¡®normal¡¯ folks, like this man appeared to be. And usually when those sort of people noticed him, it was never a good encounter.

    ¡°I suppose that would be a yes¡± Sky answered warily.

    ¡°Do you go to Richmond?¡± the older man asked then, referring to their high school.

    Still remaining tense about what sort of conversation this would turn out to be, Sky warily answered, ¡°for now.¡±

    ¡°So, are you the one who messed up Curt Spencer¡¯s arm? Heard that it was... someone like you¡± the man asked, his eyes darkening.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna just go check out¡± Sky mumbled as he turned to reach for the drinks he had been eyeing before the interruption.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer me, boy¡± he stated the last word as more of an insult as he stepped closer, nearly pinning Sky between himself and the open cooler door.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t me. Now will you please get out of my way?¡± Sky replied, trying desperately to force his voice to remain even.

    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re the other one?¡± the man growled, ¡°heard one of the two fairies at the school broke his arm and the other got him arrested for teaching him a lesson in the locker room. Guess you¡¯re that one¡± he sneered.

    ¡°You need to move¡± Sky replied as he tried to get around the rather large man, and had no luck doing so.

    ¡°You know, we¡¯ve lost every fucking game since Curt got kicked off the team. No championships this year because of you and your little boyfriend. Tell me how the fuck it is that you freaks are getting away with destroying the entire school year for every other kid and parent in this district? That just don¡¯t seem right¡± he spoke angrily into Sky¡¯s face then, speaking so close that Sky could feel his breath on his face.

    ¡°Neither was what Curt did to me and at least seven other people! Now move!¡± Sky managed.

    That was when the store clerk finally noticed the confrontation happening at the back of the store, ¡°is there a problem?¡± he called back to them.

    Still not moving back from Sky, the older man called over his shoulder, ¡°just saying hello to the little queer that helped his boyfriend destroy the entire football season for Richmond this year.¡±

    The store clerk sighed with what seemed more like annoyance than any actual concern, ¡°well let him pay for his gas and shit first, then you can say hi to him outside¡± he grumbled.

    Sky just glared at the clerk and finally was able to duck under the other man¡¯s arm and quickly moved to the front of the store, where he tossed money for the drinks and gas to the counter before leaving the store without his cigarettes or his change, as the older man¡¯s eyes continued to burn into him as he left.

    ¡°Get in the car¡± he bit out to Kole who was just finishing with the gas.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Kole responded, a little thrown by Sky¡¯s brevity.

    ¡°Now¡± was all Sky said as Kole narrowed his eyes but moved to get into the car behind Sky who was already starting the engine.

    ¡°Problem?¡± Kole asked as the tires squealed slightly as Sky pulled out of the lot.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t get the cigarettes¡± Sky mumbled as he turned back onto the street.

    ¡°Get carded?¡± Kole replied.

    ¡°No, ran into a fucking football fan¡± Sky responded in the same bitter mumble, which caused them all to sigh slightly. But before elaborating any more than that, Sky continued, ¡°where should I drop you all off? Back at the school, with Kole¡¯s car?¡±

    All of them looked rather confused by the question, but Star spoke first, ¡°wait, you¡¯re dropping us off?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you all don¡¯t need to be in the car when I find a fucking brick wall to drive it into at a hundred miles an hour¡± he muttered angrily.

    ¡°Sky!¡± Star scolded him as the other two just looked at him with more than a bit of worry at the possibility that he could actually be serious, considering their earlier conversation.

    Sky just shook his head as he turned back toward the school, ¡°other than the people in this car, every motherfucking piece of shit in this town wants me dead because Curt fucking raped me and I actually was dumb enough to admit it. I¡¯m just giving them all what they want¡± he returned in the same angry mutter.

    ¡°Sky, come on. Who gives a fuck what they want?¡± Star continued with desperation.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s never gonna stop. Not now, not ever. Maybe this is how it all should have ended anyway¡± he replied, though his volume made the words nearly inaudible.

    That was when Kole spoke up, ¡°fine, we¡¯re all fucked anyway. They¡¯ll all keep hating all of us after you splatter yourself and the car into that wall. So, we may as well come along for the ride, right?¡±

    ¡°Kole¡± Sky scolded him.

    ¡°What? It¡¯s true. Yeah, you got it the worst, but we¡¯re all getting shit on too. So, fuck it. Let¡¯s all just go out in a blaze of glory. The whole town can throw a party. All the freaks gone in one nice, big fireball. The party¡¯ll last for days. Let¡¯s go for it¡± Kole retorted with a bitter sarcasm.

    ¡°Kole¡± Star scolded him as well, though she did understand what he was trying to do.

    ¡°Remember, I came to this school planning to kill Curt the second he fucked with me. I was already ready to end it¡± he reminded Sky, ¡°then I decided to stick around for the three of you. But hey, if Sky¡¯s checkin out, the rest of his soul-mates may as well go too. I mean, what works for him should work for all of us, right?¡± Kole pressed, his anger and sarcasm both dripping from his words.

    ¡°Reverse psychology, huh?¡± Sky mumbled as they pulled back into the school.

    ¡°Decide on a wall yet?¡± Kole scoffed as Sky pulled in next to the little red car again just as the bell for eighth period rang.

    Sky sighed heavily and was silent a long moment as none of them made a move to leave the car as he had requested. Finally, he had to say something, ¡°I can¡¯t deal with this place one more day¡± was all he said.

    After they all tried to think of anything they could say to help convince Sky that it would get better, and failed, Crista finally spoke again, ¡°can we at least just try Kole¡¯s plan?¡±

    Sky shook his head as he went back to his earlier activity of staring out the window, ¡°I don¡¯t even know how it would even work. Not like I ever used this shit to drive someone to kill themselves before. It was always just kill them or defend myself; not anything any more subtle or complicated.¡±

    Star finally spoke up about the idea at last, ¡°but we can see into people¡¯s heads when we want¡± she reminded, causing Kole and Crista both to look her way with a bit of shock.

    ¡°Seeing into someone¡¯s head is a little different than driving them to kill themselves¡± Sky scoffed.

    ¡°Is it though?¡± Star stated thoughtfully, ¡°what drives people mad is what¡¯s in their own heads, and Curt¡¯s got plenty of dark twisted shit in his. All we have to do is turn it against him. We already know we can mess with what people see and hear. All we have to know is what to make him see and hear to really get him to the point where he can¡¯t take it anymore.¡±

    Kole then allowed a small smile over at Star, ¡°is that you casting a yes vote?¡±

    Star just scowled at Kole before turning her attention back to see Sky¡¯s reaction to her theory. Sky sighed once more, ¡°do any of us really wanna see into Curt¡¯s head though? The shit in there could drive us to kill ourselves too; short trip for some of us¡± he scoffed.

    Star sighed, ¡°well, it definitely shouldn¡¯t be you or Kole looking into his head. I doubt we want either of you having to be inside the mind of a rapist¡± she offered, trying not to notice Sky¡¯s slight flinch as he did consider himself to be that as well, deep down, even if they both knew better. ¡°And I doubt Crista is ready for that either. I¡¯ve already had enough dark shit in my head, I can do the seeing. Then I¡¯ll just relay pertinent facts to the rest of you. Then we can all work together to cause that psychotic break of his.¡±

    ¡°Not sure I want you in his head either, Star¡± Sky stated with concern, finally looking back at her.

    ¡°I can take a hell of a lot. Remember?¡± Star told him softly.

    Crista then spoke up, ¡°but how close would you have to be to Curt to see into his head? I think I¡¯m more worried about that right now.¡±

    Star then smiled, which caused Kole and Crista to both look slightly confused. She then offered an explanation, ¡°when we first had to see into their heads to erase our parents¡¯ memories of what we were, we weren¡¯t even on the same planet.¡±

    Kole and Crista then smiled over at her again as Kole added, ¡°once he¡¯s gone; you¡¯ve got so much shit to teach us.¡±

    Star couldn¡¯t help her own slight smile then before teasing, ¡°I have a feeling you¡¯ll be good students.¡±

 Chapter 97

    Though none of the four of them were all that sure of how well their plan would work, if at all; they nevertheless did decide to at least attempt it. After all, none of them were sure how much longer Sky could continue to hang on through day after day of having to relive the most horrible thing that had happened to him, in this life, and be made to feel as though he did deserve it; just as he feared in those darker moments of his. Of course those darker moments were growing ever more frequent now.

    That night, after another quiet dinner, Sky and Star actually retired to their own rooms upstairs. Star was still not overly comfortable with ever leaving him alone, but once she began her psychic dive into the mind of the monster that had terrified Sky as well as so many others, Sky would, in essence, be alone anyway; as she wouldn¡¯t mentally be there in her own body anymore at all. Instead, she would be inside that twisted nightmare that was sure to be Curt¡¯s consciousness. And Sky¡¯s fear of what that would do to her seemed to be enough to keep his mind off of his own living nightmare, at least for one night.

    Upstairs was deadly silent in the Vargas house that night in the hours following dinner. Star was tucked into her own bedroom in that trance like state they had both shared while exploring the horrible memories that Cassie had of their last life. Though this time, Star was in a much darker place, a much darker mind. And now, she was alone there. Sky got increasingly restless as he tried in vain to concentrate on his schoolwork or his computer or anything else as those hours ticked away.

    As her fourth hour in that trance passed by and the clock struck and then passed eleven, Sky was still anxiously looking out at the hallway between their rooms through his still open bedroom door. He wasn¡¯t sure exactly how long he should even be letting her stay in that state, in that place. He assumed she would return on her own, just as they had returned from Cassie¡¯s mind once they finished seeing how that tragedy had played out. But over four hours had passed now and he still had no indication that Star was back from that mental exploration. Then again, there was a lot more than one night of horror to explore in Curt¡¯s head; that was one thing Sky was sure of at least.

    His worry getting the best of him, Sky decided to move his vigilance across the hall, where he could at least watch Star and hopefully have some clue of whether she was engulfed in such darkness that she couldn¡¯t get out on her own for some reason. After all, this entire idea was something new to both of them, at least on this large of a scale and with this twisted of a mind being entered. It was true that Brie¡¯s and Connor¡¯s minds had also been pretty twisted in that original life, but Curt was on an entirely different level.

    It was nearing eleven-thirty when Sky lightly knocked on Star¡¯s bedroom door and received no response. Though that was not all that surprising if she still were in that psychic trance. He took a deep breath and then pushed the door open. His eyes moved to her worriedly as he absently shut the bedroom door behind him once more. Inside the room, Star was seated on the plush black carpet, her back against her bed, her knees pulled to her chest with her arms wrapped around them. Her own breaths were coming in short gasps as her dark brown eyes stared at nothing. But even more worrying than that was that despite the glazed over look in those eyes, there were tears streaming down her cheeks.

    ¡°Star¡± he whispered as he took a step closer, moving to the floor to stoop next to her. Still receiving no response, he spoke more loudly, ¡°Star.¡±

    He watched another moment as she still seemed to have no awareness of his voice or his presence. Though he still was not sure if he even should be trying to jar her out of that state at all. He sat there worriedly for another few moments as his eyes moved around her room, stopping momentarily on the clock next to her bed, then moving back to her. He then took a deep breath and took a seat against the bed next to her, continuing to watch her worriedly as her breathing remained ragged and a few more tears escaped from where she continued staring straight ahead, empty and blank.

    A moment later, when he heard her slightly whimper through her otherwise unresponsive state, Sky couldn¡¯t bear to leave her in whatever pain she seemed to be experiencing. Worried as he was about pulling her from that state, he was more worried about leaving her in it. He then moved to grip her arm firmly but gently and squeeze ever so slightly, ¡°Star, come back, please¡± he stated next to her ear.

    His touch finally being the thing that broke her out of that trance at last, Star quickly turned her head to where his was only a couple inches away. She was at first startled and shocked by the interruption, but once she was fully back in the present again, her expression changed to one of pure despair as she broke down in another torrent of tears and rushed to collapse into his arms as her sobs continued.

    ¡°Star?¡± he whispered as he held her emotion-wracked body close, caressing her hair and her back and trying to comfort her in the aftermath of whatever traumas had sent her into that state.

    She finally tried forcing words through her tears, ¡°god, the things he did to those girls. The way he felt doing those things. God, the things he did to them. And god, Sammi. Sammi was so...¡± she cried the words more than spoke them. She then looked up at Sky, ¡°and what he did to you...¡± she whispered hoarsely.

    ¡°Star¡± he whispered her name again.

    But before he could say more, she moved to cover his lips with her own in desperation. ¡°Please don¡¯t let these be the memories in my head right now¡± she begged him as she kissed him again. A moment later, the kiss ended and they were once again in that silver room of theirs where she was even more desperately pulling at his shirt.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°What? Now?¡± Sky breathed, though he didn¡¯t stop her as she pulled the shirt over his head and tossed it to that silver floor.

    ¡°I need to remember that it¡¯s supposed to be good, not horrible. I need that right now, so badly¡± she breathed as she began ripping away her own clothing then as well.

    Once all her clothing was removed only a moment later, she reached for Sky¡¯s. He quickly helped her remove the rest of his own clothes as Star just as quickly moved to that place above his hips, sliding him inside her in the same motion as they both let out a slight moan at the moment of that connection. With that same desperation, she began moving above him as their mouths covered each other¡¯s through the even more intense moans that accompanied each movement of their bodies against one another.

    It was mere moments before they each easily pushed each other to that final moment of pleasure and collapsed to the silver floor in each other¡¯s arms, both breathing raggedly now as they tried to recover. After another moment, Sky allowed the tiniest smile as he continued holding her trembling body tightly to his own, ¡°oh no, I seem to have skipped that pre-show again this time¡± he told her wryly as he gave her a slight squeeze.

    ¡°You¡¯re forgiven¡± she teased back, then added, ¡°and I think I¡¯m the one who skipped it this time. You just let me¡± she giggled. At the sound of the laughter, Sky squeezed her even tighter, as he had been hardly able to smile or laugh at all lately, and was glad she still could, despite whatever horror she had psychically witnessed earlier that night.

    As they lay together on that silver floor, sharing tender kisses and having nothing between them but the slight layer of sweat that remained after their lovemaking; Star finally broke off their kisses once more to smile up into his eyes.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Sky replied with his own smile.

    ¡°Wanna try something bigger?¡± Star asked.

    ¡°Bigger?¡± Sky repeated as he cast a confused look down at himself.

    ¡°Not that. That has never needed to be any bigger¡± Star teased. She then continued, ¡°I mean, wanna try another magic trick?¡±

    ¡°Maybe...¡± Sky answered warily. He then added, ¡°but are you sure you would wanna try anything else? You were in that trance for like four hours already tonight¡± he warned with a bit of concern.

    ¡°Oddly enough, I think I have even more energy now¡± Star returned.

    ¡°Combining our life essences and all?¡± Sky offered another wry smile.

    ¡°Something like that¡± Star agreed with another small smile.

    ¡°So, what did you wanna try?¡± Sky asked as he cast her another curious look as they continued to lie close.

    ¡°Well, we did skip the pre-show, and time is currently stopped, so we do have time, to say the least¡± Star began, finally sitting up next to him.

    Pushing himself up to his elbows and continuing to look at her curiously, Sky replied, ¡°wanna have the post-show party in lieu of that pre-show, do you?¡± he smirked.

    ¡°Party being the operative term¡± Star returned as he continued to look at her questioningly, ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if I should even suggest it before, since this has always been our place, but do you think we should maybe bring our other, other halves here?¡±

    ¡°What? Now?¡± Sky repeated the same question he had earlier in the night as he finally sat up fully as well.

    ¡°Well, would you be ok with that? Like I said, it has always been our place. And you and Kole did have a few words today¡± she added quietly.

    ¡°Kole was just trying to bring me back from that edge again. And hey, it worked¡± Sky agreed with a small sigh. He then added, ¡°and I mean, it would be safer to bring Crista here than to that motel or anywhere else, if you think about it. Hell, with our radioactive DNA or whatever, we should probably only have any liaisons at all here instead of possibly leaving any evidence or anything else on any bed sheets, or car seats, or whatever back home¡± he stated thoughtfully.

    ¡°So, you would be ok with it?¡± Star asked again, just to make sure.

    ¡°They are our soul-mates now too, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but they¡¯re still human. You think they¡¯d even be safe making this trip?¡± Star asked worriedly.

    ¡°Seems they¡¯re safe doing any kind of psychic anything as long as we¡¯re with them. But I guess we can always go back to before we had this wonderful idea if it does backfire¡± Sky suggested. He then added, ¡°but first we¡¯d have to go get them and then bring them here, and it is almost midnight, on a Tuesday night. The three sets of parental units may take issue.¡±

    ¡°Or maybe we could bring them here without even leaving first? We did just combine our life essences after all¡± she smirked again.

    ¡°You mean psychically yank them from their toasty beds to some weird silver room in the middle of the night? I¡¯m sure they wouldn¡¯t freak at all¡± Sky returned with a slight sarcasm.

    Star then looked down at their still nude bodies, ¡°assuming it doesn¡¯t kill them and we don¡¯t have to go back in time like ten minutes to fix that little error; I think they¡¯ll forgive us¡± she smirked. She then moved to reach for his hand as they both closed their eyes in concentration.

    A few moments later, Kole and Crista appeared there before them, in that strange silver room of theirs. Both were already dressed for bed; Kole in nothing but snug black boxers, and Crista in a light pink baby doll nightgown that barely covered the panties of the same hue. But both seemed to be in one piece, and that was enough to make Star and Sky smile over at them guiltily as they continued to sit there naked, surrounded by the circle of their clothing still scattered across that silver floor.

    ¡°What the?¡± Kole spoke first as he and Crista both looked around in awe, only to both be further startled and distracted as their eyes fell on the two extremely naked, and slightly grinning teens watching them.

    Star allowed another giggle, ¡°think that¡¯s the same thing you said when you first requested we teach you this little trick.¡±

    Crista then piped up, ¡°oh my god, this is your silver sex room?¡±

    Sky smirked over at where her eyes moved over them both, ¡°we so gotta find a better name for this place.¡±

    ¡°And time is stopped right now?¡± Crista asked excitedly.

    ¡°That it is¡± Sky confirmed as she and Kole both continued allowing their eyes to take in all that pretty pale skin of their shared lovers.

    ¡°So, it¡¯s 11:45 now, and it¡¯ll be 11:45 even if we stay here all night and then go back?¡± Crista asked for further confirmation.

    ¡°That it will be¡± Sky returned with another grin.

    Then Kole had to speak up, ¡°so we can spend every night with the two of you, without ever even leaving our own beds?¡±

    Star smiled at that idea as well before she spoke, ¡°apparently you can.¡±

    With the sound of that revelation, Kole and Crista grinned back at each other, then Sky and Star. Then they just began tossing away their own few bits of clothing as they moved toward their lovers, deciding in that moment to just give in and allow themselves some of that happiness they all had been missing for too long already.

 Chapter 98

    Even though Curt was only on the third day of his ten day suspension for ¡®physically assaulting¡¯ another boy on school property, he still found himself waking up somewhere between seven and eight am. Rather than an alarm waking him though, it was the pain returning to his arm again as the previous night¡¯s painkiller began wearing off.

    He made a half-hearted attempt to push himself up from his mattress with his uninjured left arm, before falling back against his pillows while clad in nothing more than the underwear he normally slept in. ¡°Mom!¡± he shouted in the general direction of his bedroom door. Receiving no response in the next ten seconds, he shouted louder, ¡°mom!¡±

    Finally, after another moment, his younger sister Phoebe pushed his door open with a scowl. The rather pretty eighth grader gave him a slight glare from where she stood outside the door, long dark blonde hair dripping water upon the towel wrapped tightly around her just recently developed curves.

    ¡°You can stop shouting. She¡¯s not here¡± she informed him as she rolled her eyes at his annoyed expression before offering a further explanation, ¡°she¡¯s breakfasting with the other real housewives of Richmond, pretending all is well so they couldn¡¯t possibly believe all those nasty rumors about her perfect son¡± she scoffed.

    ¡°She¡¯s supposed to bring me my morning pill¡± Curt complained as his eyes moved over Phoebe.

    ¡°Your legs ain¡¯t broken too, are they?¡± Phoebe returned sarcastically.

    ¡°You ever try getting out of bed with only your left arm?¡± Curt bit back, ¡°just get me my pill, brat.¡±

    ¡°Some of us still need to get ready for school¡± Phoebe glared again.

    ¡°Then hurry the fuck up¡± Curt retorted, which just caused her to sigh heavily before heading back toward the bathroom to do as he asked, if for no other reason than to shut him up.

    When she returned to the room a moment later, her expression had not softened as she continued tightly holding the towel around her as she attempted to navigate the clutter that was his bedroom floor.

    ¡°You also didn¡¯t finish my homework for me last night¡± Curt scolded her as he impatiently waited for her to reach the bed.

    ¡°Me?¡± she scoffed, ¡°I¡¯m in eighth, you¡¯re in twelfth. I think there¡¯s a flaw in your plan.¡±

    Curt returned her scoff, ¡°I don¡¯t know any of the answers either. Just make shit up. That¡¯s what I do.¡±

    ¡°Well, good luck with that route now that you¡¯re probably losing your football scholarship¡± Phoebe returned wryly as she held out the pill to him.

    ¡°Fuck you¡± he growled as he snatched the pill from her hand. Though as she began to turn away, his annoyance and general discontent with her and everything else going on in his life made him unable to curb the urge to punish her comment further by reaching out with that still uninjured arm, and roughly yanking the towel hard to pull it away from her, exposing her completely to him as she blushed brightly and quickly scrambled to reclaim the towel from his grip and cover her nude body once more. ¡°Damn, when¡¯d you grow tits, Pheebs?¡± he smirked as she struggled to cover herself again, ¡°even got some peach fuzz down there¡± he added, his eyes moving over her exposed skin once more just before she finally managed to hide herself again.

    ¡°You¡¯re an asshole¡± she barked back at him. But then her eyes couldn¡¯t help but catch sight of his obvious arousal, considering his own state of dress, ¡°god, you¡¯re sick!¡± she added with further disgust as she quickly began making her way away from his bed and back through the mess to his bedroom door again.

    ¡°What¡¯s the big deal, Pheebs? That fag Sky makes his sister suck his cock all the time. Don¡¯t you want me to teach you how to do it right? We¡¯re alone, I could even pop your cherry for you too!¡± he called after her with a gleeful malice. Though Phoebe offered no response other than another disgusted groan and a shudder as she stepped out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

    It wasn¡¯t too long after Phoebe left his room, that she also left for school with a slam of the front door. After taking his pill Curt glared down at his continuing arousal and then at the cast covering his right arm and sighed in further annoyance and frustration. He slid to the edge of the bed and opened the top book on the pile of school textbooks he was still expected to do work from regardless of his suspension. It¡¯s not that he had any intention or desire to actually do the work as much as he just wanted to get his mind on something that would hopefully make his current state dissipate.

    After a few moments of staring blankly at the textbook, a girl¡¯s voice interrupted the silence, ¡°need some help?¡± she asked wryly from where she was now standing inside his bedroom doorway despite Curt having no indication of her arrival at all.

    ¡°What the?¡± he asked as he looked up and then took pause. He took another moment as the pretty young blonde girl leaned back upon his door, ¡°Caitlin?¡± he asked, finally pulling her name from his memory.

    ¡°Wow, you remembered my name. That is impressive¡± she told him smartly as she continued to center her dark blue eyes on him, ¡°then again, I guess I was your first¡± she added.

    Curt just scoffed, ¡°no you weren¡¯t¡± he retorted, still rather confused by her presence at all.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean that first¡± she stated as she moved to randomly glance at the various items scattered through his room.

    Shaking his head at that strange comment, Curt moved on, ¡°didn¡¯t we break up? Like three years ago?¡± Curt returned pointedly after allowing his eyes to move over her tight t-shirt and shorts for another moment, which did nothing to calm his current frustration either.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    ¡°Break up?¡± she laughed loudly. ¡°That¡¯s a quaint way of putting it¡± she scoffed as she continued to move around the room, running her fingers over his football memorabilia.

    Curt scoffed at her comment, continuing to eye her as she moved around the room. ¡°I thought you moved or some shit?¡±

    Caitlin shook her pretty blonde waves as she gave him another wry look, ¡°not like I had a choice, Curt. Come on¡± she told him pointedly.

    Shaking his head at another vague comment of hers, ¡°what are you even doing here, Caitlin?¡±

    ¡°Here in your bedroom you mean? I thought this is where you liked having me; in every way. Regardless of what I thought¡± she added more coolly.

    Curt scoffed again, ¡°is that supposed to be some dig about this trial bullshit?¡±

    ¡°Whatsoever do you mean? Are you implying that I might have something to say at this trial of yours; being your first and all?¡± she repeated as she took a seat on his desk, deliberately spreading her legs ever so slightly to allow him to easily see under those short shorts she wore, and only adding to the secondary cause of his current frustration.

    ¡°I told you already, you weren¡¯t my first¡± he told her with annoyance.

    ¡°And I told you already; I don¡¯t mean the first girl who willingly let you inside her. But then again, you never really were very good at hearing what I said, were you? Even when I screamed it; over, and over.¡±

    ¡°Fuck you¡± Curt bit back, ¡°get the fuck out.¡±

    ¡°What? You want me to leave? Odd, last time I was in this room, I was the one who desperately wanted to leave. But you wouldn¡¯t have any of that then. You just held me down and made me stay while I screamed and cried and bled and begged you to get off of me; while I pleaded for you to stop. But you didn¡¯t want me to leave then. You wouldn¡¯t let me leave then. At least not until you were done. Then you couldn¡¯t get rid of me soon enough, huh?¡± she growled, her glare burning into him.

    ¡°Shut the fuck up with that bullshit¡± he growled back, ¡°you let me fuck you two weeks earlier. Don¡¯t try to play innocent now.¡±

    ¡°Wow, you remember that even? Aren¡¯t you full of surprises? I thought for sure I was the only one who remembered giving you my virginity. I mean, I was only a stupid fourteen year old then. I thought it was ok that it hurt and bled that time too. But when you held my mouth shut to keep my pain from waking your parents, and then bitched at me about the blood on your sheet; I think that¡¯s when I started to grow up a little. But then, two weeks later, when you had your fifteenth birthday and tried to guilt me into letting you use the ¡®other hole¡¯ I believe you called it? That was when I really grew up. Especially after I told you no and you ripped off my panties and put it in there anyway, despite my struggles and my screams and my pain. That¡¯s definitely when I really grew up. That¡¯s when I became your first: Your first real victim that is. And apparently you liked it so much you just kept finding new ones, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Get the fuck outta here you little bitch!¡± he retorted as he moved to stand.

    ¡°But I¡¯m not really here¡± she stated with a knowing smile before disappearing right before his eyes, and leaving him all alone with her words and his shock and confusion.

    <hr>

    When Phoebe arrived back home that afternoon, she had Curt¡¯s friend Scott with her, as she had texted him for a ride from her school after class. It seemed she wasn¡¯t sure when her parents were getting home that day and that fact somehow made her leery of just heading home alone as she usually did.

    At the sound of the door opening, Curt appeared from the kitchen where he had been struggling to make himself a snack with just that left arm. ¡°Seriously, when the fuck is mom getting home?¡± was the way he greeted his sister as she entered the house. Phoebe¡¯s only response was a glare, still obviously upset by that morning¡¯s encounter. Then Scott stepped into the house after her, his own expression seeming less than pleased. ¡°Since when are you two friends?¡± Curt scoffed, ¡°or are you just trying to fuck my friends now?¡± he asked his sister with another scowl.

    Scott was the one who answered though, as Phoebe just stomped up the stairs without a response, ¡°you seriously think I¡¯d be sleeping with your little sister?¡± Scott retorted, his foul mood apparent in his voice as well.

    ¡°She¡¯s not so little anymore¡± Curt laughed, ¡°man, I saw her after she got outta the shower this morning¡± Curt gloated, ¡°she¡¯s got tits now and everything. There¡¯s even grass on the field. May as well play ball, right?¡± he smirked, making sure he spoke loudly enough for Phoebe to hear him as she hurried the rest of the way up the stairs.

    ¡°Yeah. I heard about the towel shit. And dude, she¡¯s your sister. Is she even fourteen yet?¡± Scott replied with another glare.

    Curt scoffed then, ¡°please, you¡¯ve checked out freshman girls the same as I have. Half of them are the same age as her. What¡¯s with you today?¡± he shook his head and moved back toward the kitchen.

    ¡°Curt, your own sister didn¡¯t wanna be alone in the house with you; so she called me. Does that seem right to you?¡± Scott retorted with disbelief as he grudgingly followed the other boy from the room.

    ¡°Sounds like she¡¯s just bein a whiny lil bitch¡± Curt returned as he moved back to the fridge, ¡°those seem to be going around today¡± he added in a mumble.

    ¡°Well, allow me to continue to whine¡± Scott returned sarcastically as Curt reached for a jug of juice and began downing it, sans glass, ¡°after Phoebe told me about what you did this morning, I had to ask her if she knew who the other girls were who were accusing you of shit. I just had to know. And for fuck¡¯s sake, Curt; Chloe and Sarah?¡± he asked with disbelief.

    Curt only scoffed as he took another swig, ¡°more whiny bitches.¡±

    ¡°Tim¡¯s girlfriend last summer, and mine this summer?¡± Scott returned with further anger.

    ¡°Not like the two of you were fucking them. The poor girls were desperate for it. I obliged¡± he shrugged.

    Scott shook his head again, ¡°so desperate for it that they¡¯re tellin the cops you put something in their drinks and they woke up with you shoving your dick up their asses?¡±

    ¡°Hey, they both willingly drank the drinks and came up to the room with me. They should be happy I gave em something to make it an easier ride. After all, ass don¡¯t lead to babies, not to mention how much tighter they were back there. I mean, they were cheerleaders, even if you two weren¡¯t takin advantage of that fact for some lame ass reason¡± Curt smirked again. He then looked back as Scott continued to center an angry glare on him, ¡°seriously, if you gave two shits about whats-her-face or whats-her-face¡¯s friend, you¡¯d be hitting me right now, not just glaring like I kicked your puppy¡± he chuckled again.

    ¡°Tighter?¡± Scott just shook his head with further disbelief, ¡°and I seriously doubt they were desperate for what you did; especially since I¡¯m pretty sure both of them were virgins at the time they were dating each of us.¡±

    ¡°Virgin cheerleaders? That¡¯s rich¡± Curt returned as he turned away to continue to peruse the contents of the refrigerator, ¡°and if they were dating the two of you and still virgins, maybe I should be asking you how fucking queer you and Tim both were? Maybe you¡¯re just jealous cause I wasn¡¯t shoving it in your asses instead. Maybe just maybe that is why poor Timmie blew his head off after all¡± Curt taunted.

    ¡°You¡¯re such a prick¡± Scott returned, ¡°and I hope you do get locked up for the shit you seem to think is ok. Maybe once you get a few dicks shoved up your ass against your will, you¡¯ll finally fucking get it. And newsflash; I was trying to be your last friend, even after all this. But now that I know that you¡¯re not even trying to deny any of it? And you don¡¯t seem to feel even remotely bad about any of this stuff that you¡¯re not denying? And you¡¯re even pulling shit with your own little sister now? I¡¯m just so done with you¡± and with that, he angrily stormed out of the room.

 Chapter 99

    Not even sure how he planned to retaliate without the use of his dominant arm, Curt¡¯s anger nevertheless made him pursue Scott as he left the kitchen. Only, when Curt arrived in the living room, he didn¡¯t see the other boy anywhere. He glanced at the stairs and then moved to the nearest window at the front of the house.

    Only when he looked outside, he didn¡¯t see Scott or his vehicle anywhere out there either. Instead, he saw his dad¡¯s Mercedes pulling into their paved driveway and then the garage. A few moments later, the door from the garage opened as his dad stepped into the house, barely acknowledged his son, and headed for the den instead.

    His mother entered the house next, her arms full of bags, apparently having made her way from breakfasting to shopping sometime during the day. Curt scoffed as she dropped the bags to the sofa. He then greeted her accusingly, ¡°I thought you were only going out for breakfast.¡±

    That was when his father returned to the room, briefcase gone, tie loosened, drink in hand, ¡°you¡¯re asking your mother to justify her actions? That¡¯s a good one¡± he growled to his son as he took his drink and found a seat on his lush recliner. ¡°Besides, I should be the one bitching, as your mother seems to wanna drain the rest of what¡¯s left in our bank account after we had to waste it all on bailing you out.¡±

    Then his mother finally spoke, ¡°I had to give up regular therapy thanks to that. I¡¯m just adjusting with retail therapy.¡±

    Curt¡¯s father then scoffed then as he held up his drink, ¡°this is my therapy, and it¡¯s a hell of a lot cheaper.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m getting sick of getting blamed for all this family¡¯s problems¡± Curt defended angrily.

    His father¡¯s apathetic expression quickly turned angrier then, ¡°then maybe you should stop being a problem. You¡¯re not even worth any of this aggravation anymore without your throwing arm, thanks to letting that painted up queer get the best of you! So maybe you need to learn to shut your fucking mouth, just like all those bitches you¡¯ve been fucking apparently need to do too!¡±

    ¡°Must we talk about this?¡± his mother mumbled as she turned away.

    Curt¡¯s father then continued, ¡°well they won¡¯t stop talking, or that other little queer. And they all keep saying the same shit. Our golden boy here can¡¯t keep from shoving shit up people¡¯s asses. Are you the real queer here, boy?¡± he asked Curt with a pointed accusation.

    Curt glared back then, ¡°they all wanted it that way. Especially the little fag. I just gave em what they wanted, and now that my arm¡¯s gone, they just wanna finish ruining my life!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re the victim here. All our lives are getting ruined since you can¡¯t keep from fucking the wrong people!¡± his father scoffed, ¡°now both of you get the fuck outta here and let me watch TV in peace¡± he ordered as he waved them both away.

    As his mother attempted to gather her shopping bags into her arms again, and Curt stomped off toward the stairs angrily, the front door opened then as Phoebe stepped into the house, book bag in hand. Curt looked more than a little startled by her arrival, though his parents barely even looked up to acknowledge their younger child either.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you already home? Upstairs?¡± Curt asked her with confusion.

    Phoebe just rolled her eyes at the question, ¡°god, take a few more pills, jerk¡± and with that, she made her way to the kitchen with a shake of those long dark blonde waves.

    Curt then looked back at his mother as she made her way past him to the stairs as well, arms full of bags again now. ¡°Mom, I really think I need a different dosage of those pain pills or something. These ones are really messing with me.¡±

    Before she could respond though, Curt¡¯s father bit out, ¡°you¡¯re lucky we got you anything for the pain at all. You don¡¯t want em? Then don¡¯t take em. But shut your mouth about it. We¡¯re done wasting time on your bullshit for one week.¡±

    His mother simply shrugged back at Curt in concession before moving up the stairs. He then glared after her and then back at his father as well before following her upstairs with an expression that was equally sullen, angry, and even a bit worried as well.

    <hr>

    That evening Sky sat with Star atop her bed after dinner as she tried to do her best to write down all the pertinent facts she had found during her dark journey through Curt¡¯s mind. She figured it would be easier to just get it all out on paper one time for the four of them to continue to use against their nemesis at will rather than having to actually form the words to explain it to them all out loud. As those were emotions and images she didn¡¯t want to have to relive or even try to describe any more than she absolutely had to.

    Glancing down at the horrors Star was scribbling out, Sky had to shake his head, ¡°he really did all of these things? And you saw them? In his head?¡±

    ¡°More than saw them¡± Star mumbled, ¡°I knew how he felt doing them. I knew how much he liked hurting them, enjoying their screams and their pain and their blood even. He¡¯s just...¡± she shook her head as she took a breath, the pen shaking in her hand. She then looked up at Sky as she tried to fight the tears returning as she allowed all those horrible things back into her head, ¡°don¡¯t you ever again try to claim that you¡¯re just like him. You are nothing like him! You never even could be¡± she added in a whisper as she moved to place a soft kiss of assurance over his lips.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    That was when their kiss was interrupted as Sky got a text from Crista, which read, ¡°Cassie¡¯s being a bitch. Rescue me?¡±

    Sky just smirked, ¡°once a bitch always a bitch I guess.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Star asked, a bit thrown by the statement.

    ¡°Cassie¡¯s bugging Crista. She¡¯d like me to give her a reprieve¡± Sky clarified.

    ¡°Give her what now?¡± Star replied wryly.

    Sky just shook his head with a small smile, closed his eyes, and psychically reached out to Crista, pulling her with him to that silver room of theirs. As Crista startled at the quickness with which Sky fulfilled her request, she centered a grin on him. ¡°I could get so used to this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m beginning to sense that¡± Sky smirked as she crawled into his lap, covered his mouth with hers, and wrapped him tightly in her arms. When she finally gave him a moment to breathe, Sky had to speak again, ¡°I¡¯m hoping you were alone when I pulled you here. Blinking out of existence in front of your family, even for a second; that might be a tough one to explain.¡±

    Crista simply giggled at his warning, ¡°yes, I was all by my lonesome, thinking about last night. That¡¯s why I texted you. If you hadn¡¯t answered, I would¡¯ve had to find something else to do with my fingers¡± she told him mischievously.

    Sky shook his head, ¡°I¡¯ve created a monster.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t heard you, or Star, or Kole complaining. You know, except for the annoying illegal part of it all¡± she quickly added with a playful scowl.

    ¡°Well, luckily those laws only apply to earth; and we ain¡¯t there at the moment¡± Sky smirked slightly as she slid her hands up under his shirt.

    When they were both undressed a few moments later, Crista had to take pause as she glanced down at the rather recent scars covering his thigh. ¡°Does that really help?¡±

    Sky sighed softly, ¡°not a lot helps. And are we here for naked therapy, or other activities?¡± he teased as he pulled her close again.

    ¡°I just worry¡± she said softly, but nearly forgot what she was saying as she felt him slide his fingers inside her waiting wetness, expertly distracting her from that attempt at therapy. She moaned slightly as he moved his fingers inside her with his own mischievous smile. Finally finding her voice through a few of those soft moans he was already causing in her, she corrected her previous statement, ¡°I just worry that if I¡¯m on top this time, will it hurt you? That is your thigh after all¡± she asked as her next breath turned into another moan as his thumb caressed her outside as well then.

    ¡°Well Star was already on top last night, you know, before you showed up and distracted her away from me¡± he teased.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure Kole was pretty good at distracting you away from her too¡± Crista grinned as she moved to take that seat atop his hips at the sound of his assurance.

    ¡°We are all very good at distracting each other it seems¡± Sky stated, his words turning into his own moan as she reached down and slid him inside her again. Though, this time, there was no barrier between their bodies as there had been that first time they were together, just over two weeks earlier now. And that fact definitely did well to make him forget any other words he might have been thinking of saying right then.

    <hr>

    Hours later, when Curt tried to go to bed for the night, his eyes had just closed when a girl¡¯s voice startled him into opening his eyes once more. ¡°Maybe your dad was right¡± she stated coldly.

    Curt¡¯s eyes found her in the dark room where she sat in his desk chair wearing a short skirt and halter, just like the one she had worn to that party the summer of the previous year, when he had seen her last. Of course, the last time he had seen that outfit, it was ripped, disheveled, and bloodied; but he quickly pushed that memory to the side before speaking up, ¡°Chloe?¡± he bit out her name as he sat up with a tinge of pain in that arm again.

    ¡°Maybe he was right. After all, you lie about plenty of other stuff. Like the fact that you knew damn well I was a virgin. I told you that night, even¡± she stated in the same cool tone.

    ¡°What are you on about?¡± Curt shook his head angrily at yet another pretty young blonde girl invading his bedroom uninvited once more.

    ¡°Tim was drunk, passed out, when you came to keep the poor neglected girlfriend company and offer her a drink. Of course, I didn¡¯t know what all was in that drink then, but I took it anyway. Guess that means I deserved everything that happened, doesn¡¯t it?¡± she asked him with her anger just barely beginning to seep through.

    ¡°You know what I remember?¡± Curt returned with his own anger then, ¡°I remember you being so drunk you told me that Tim was too nice a guy to take your virginity. Please, he wasn¡¯t a nice guy. You just didn¡¯t do it for him, apparently. And I remember that I offered to pop that cherry for ya, and even though you were dating ¡®Mr. Nice Guy,¡¯ you still agreed to come up to the bedroom with me, even after I made that offer. So maybe you¡¯re the one with memory problems¡± he bit back.

    Chloe just shook her head, ¡°yes, I did agree, because I knew that Tim wouldn¡¯t mind me finding another guy to do that with. I understood him better than you ever did. But you know what else I remember? I remember going to that room, planning to let you take my virginity, and then telling you how scared I was about the whole thing. I was hoping for comfort; another mistake I guess. But what you gave me was another drink, then another, then another.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, they call it liquid courage for a reason. I was being the nice guy that time¡± Curt sneered.

    ¡°Maybe for a second I could have believed that. But when I finally got to the point where I was actually drunk enough to let you, that wasn¡¯t good enough for you, was it?¡±

    ¡°Not my fault virgins ain¡¯t any good in bed¡± Curt laughed derisively.

    ¡°That isn¡¯t what I mean, and you know it. Taking my virginity wasn¡¯t good enough for you. And even though I was still bleeding from that; after I passed out, you just had to do more, didn¡¯t you? That was when you did what you really wanted to do the whole time¡± she told him with a glare.

    ¡°This is such bullshit. You just admitted that you willingly fucked me that very same night. Where¡¯s a wire when you need one¡± he bit back.

    ¡°I willingly let you do one thing, after I was drunk enough, anyway. But I was passed out by the time you decided to do the other thing, and you fucking know it. When the horrible pain woke me up and I screamed for you to stop, you just went deeper, and harder, and hurt me even worse. Guess you got a taste for all that blood and pain after what you did to that little goth girl seven months before me. But then again, she unfortunately was awake for most of your ¡®date¡¯ with her. And she didn¡¯t give you permission for any of what you did to her. Maybe that¡¯s why she was so much better at ending it than I was¡± she sniffled as she added that last part, ¡°they pumped my stomach and brought me back. Guess that¡¯s why Tim knew better than to take pills. Too easy to come back from that. Not so much with a bullet to the brain I guess¡± she shook her head and wiped at a tear, ¡°do you even ever think about why Tim did that to himself? I have a few pretty good ideas why, myself. How about you?¡± And with that, she disappeared before his eyes as well.

 Chapter 100

    Thursday morning found Star waking in her own bed for once. The night before, Sky had made his trip to the silver room with Crista at around eight. But when he returned, also around eight; he felt more like it was closer to midnight. Nevertheless, he did stay up with Star as she continued to write out the nightmares she had seen inside Curt¡¯s head. Though, despite being there to provide Star with moral support, Sky was barely able to keep his eyes open much past eleven. So Star set aside her notebook and curled up next to him, letting him physically recover from his night, as she tried to mentally recover from hers.

    That morning, she still woke before her alarm and rolled away from him long enough to turn it off before it let out its offending screech. She then rolled back toward him, wrapping him in her arms once more as she placed a few gentle kisses over his neck to begin the process of ever so gently returning him to consciousness as well.

    ¡°Is it morning already?¡± Sky mumbled as he squeezed her close as well, but still wasn¡¯t quite ready to open his eyes just yet and make that return to consciousness official.

    Star just smiled at his continued grogginess, ¡°how long were you up there last night anyway?¡±

    ¡°Math? At this hour? There¡¯s a reason I don¡¯t have it til sixth¡± he complained, though without much weight behind the words, ¡°I dunno. I took her there around eight, and came back to you... around eight. So you tell me¡± he smirked, eyes still closed as he held her against him.

    Star just shook her head as she placed another gentle kiss over his lips below those still closed eyes of his, ¡°you know, if we keep up these trips every night, we may be tempted to do that math after all and find out we¡¯ve actually been mentally alive closer to forty years before our physical bodies even hit twenty¡± she returned wryly.

    ¡°What do you mean I can¡¯t have a drink to get me through my school day? I¡¯m forty I swear¡± Sky teased.

    Star allowed a small laugh, ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve spent twenty years up there yet, but it may add up now that we have two more reasons to spend our nights there.¡±

    ¡°Only two more?¡± Sky teased as he finally opened his eyes and returned her kiss.

    ¡°I¡¯m rounding down¡± she defended as she smiled and kissed him back.

    ¡°Maybe we should have stayed there after that first time we went¡± he allowed, though more quietly.

    ¡°Then no Kole and Crista¡± Star reminded.

    ¡°I suppose that¡¯s true, but you gotta admit, it¡¯s hard not to be tempted by that idea; especially after living two more less than wonderful lives since then¡± Sky stated softly.

    Though Star simply looked down. It was true that his suggestion of spending the rest of their lives in a world of stopped time, high above the much more painful one they physically inhabited was a better solution than killing himself was; it was still essentially him voicing that desire to end his earthly existence, in some manner. And that was the main reason they had decided to return at all. Neither of them were totally ready to give up life back then, not if there was a chance to try a better life instead. Though after two failed attempts at that, it was apparent that Sky was still, more often than not, consumed by the idea of making that choice in some way after all.

    Seeing the way Star looked down at his suggestion, Sky sighed softly and moved on, ¡°so, are we gonna be late for school two days in a row now? Got more mind games planned this morning do we?¡± he attempted a smile.

    Star made herself return his smile as she finally looked back up, ¡°I think that can wait til after school. Curt¡¯s meeting that horrible lawyer of his this morning.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s scary that you know that¡± Sky returned with narrowed eyes.

    ¡°Amid all those disgusting and horrible things in his head, he did manage to have one passing thought about the consequences of his actions. Of course, that thought was annoyance at having to get up early to talk to the lawyer about ¡®all the bullshit,¡¯ I believe is how he¡¯s mentally referring to the claims against him¡± she scoffed with a shake of her head at the complete lack of remorse she now knew was truly how Curt felt about all the things he had done; at least, for now.

    Sky shook his head as well, ¡°it¡¯s too bad we can¡¯t use all the stuff you saw in his head. Then there¡¯d be no doubt in anyone else¡¯s head about how guilty that prick really is.¡±

    ¡°I can imagine that testimony; and how did you come across all this evidence, Miss Vargas? Oh, I just psychically entered his mind and pulled all that bile out. That¡¯s admissible, right?¡± she scoffed.

    ¡°If only¡± Sky sighed as they both then finally moved from the bed to try and force themselves to endure yet another school day once more.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    <hr>

    Curt¡¯s father scowled at his watch as they sat in Sullivan¡¯s office at just past nine that morning. He then glared over at where Curt chuckled at something on his phone. Mr. Spencer then angrily spoke, ¡°if I have to miss work for your shit, this asshole could at least be on time.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t mom come, like usual?¡± Curt returned absently as he continued to pay more attention to his phone than his father¡¯s permanent state of anger since even before all these claims had come to light.

    ¡°Her hairdresser couldn¡¯t possibly fit her in any other time. Like I even look at her long enough to know if her roots are showing? We have been married almost twenty years for fuck¡¯s sake¡± his father grumbled as he angrily looked at his watch.

    ¡°Besides, isn¡¯t your secretary a natural blonde? It was on her resume, right?¡± Curt smirked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make me beat the shit out of you in public¡± his father bit out, which did cause Curt¡¯s smile to finally waver, though he still didn¡¯t look up from his phone.

    That was when Sullivan finally appeared from the other room. ¡°Sorry, last minute calls¡± he then took a seat, trying to ignore Curt¡¯s apathy and his father¡¯s anger, ¡°so, I¡¯ve got some good news today. And some news that I need more information about¡± he began.

    ¡°Good news?¡± Curt scoffed, ¡°did these bitches finally stop their whining?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s try to refrain from words like ¡®bitches¡¯ and ¡®whining¡¯¡± Sullivan gave him a cold look, ¡°call it practice for the trial¡± he added.

    ¡°What good news?¡± Curt¡¯s father, Mitchell, bit out impatiently. At least their matching temperaments gave no doubt that the two were father and son.

    ¡°Well, four of the witnesses for the prosecution have voiced their desire to not repeat their testimony at trial; which is very good for us¡± Sullivan answered.

    That was when Curt finally looked up, ¡°which four?¡±

    ¡°Well, Star Vargas doesn¡¯t want to come in, but all she was going to do is repeat the claims her brother made against you, so that¡¯s not really going to make too drastic a difference. Also, Crista Sampson has decided against testifying; but again, the assault on her is the most minor of the charges¡± Sullivan began.

    ¡°Two girls whose testimony barely changes anything?¡± Mitchell scoffed, ¡°still waiting for this good news¡± he added sarcastically.

    Sullivan bit back the urge to give the elder Spencer a cold look as he pressed on, ¡°Kole Wagner has also decided he doesn¡¯t want to appear on the stand either.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the¡ª-¡± Mitchell caught himself, ¡°the one who messed up your arm?¡± he asked his son.

    ¡°Fuckin freak¡± Curt mumbled his agreement.

    ¡°Let¡¯s add both of those to the list of words to avoid, Curt¡± Sullivan scolded, ¡°and yes, that would be the same young man. Though it would have been nice to corner him about your arm, and the fourteen year old girl he was with at the mall, considering his history with Samantha Charles; it still takes away his ability to pull at the heart strings of the jury with his woeful tale about his girlfriend¡¯s and unborn child¡¯s deaths. So, that¡¯s a big win for us. Now, Miss Burke is still planning to testify about the charges pertaining to Miss Charles, but hopefully it won¡¯t have quite the emotional impact as it would have coming from Mr. Wagner.¡±

    Mitchell interrupted, ¡°and the fourth one who backed out?¡±

    Sullivan then allowed a smile, ¡°one of the actual victims¡± he then caught himself, ¡°alleged victims, has actually backed out.¡±

    ¡°Which bit---one?¡± Curt asked eagerly.

    ¡°Not only has Star Vargas backed out, but also her brother Sky no longer wants to testify either¡± Sullivan answered confidently.

    ¡°I was right when I was gonna say bitch; he¡¯s the bitchiest one of them all¡± Curt scoffed.

    ¡°Again, words¡± Sullivan shook his head, then moved on, ¡°but this limits the number of actual testimony from alleged victims to six of the eight. So only seventy-five percent of them are coming forward now. We just have to keep whittling away at that number. If we can get more of them to back down, they won¡¯t have much of a case left at all.¡±

    With his continued businesslike impatience, Mitchell spoke again, ¡°and the news you needed more information about?¡±

    ¡°Well, to replace the four they lost, the prosecution has named another witness. And I haven¡¯t heard her name before. Who is...¡± he looked at his notes, ¡°Rosita Marques?¡±

    ¡°God, you didn¡¯t have sex with her too, did you?¡± Mitchell asked his son accusingly.

    ¡°God, no. She¡¯s like old. And fat!¡± Curt defended.

    ¡°Words again¡± Sullivan shook his head at both the men in his office then, ¡°and who is she?¡±

    ¡°The housekeeper we just had to fire after nearly emptying one of our accounts to bail his ass out¡± Mitchell offered as he angrily gestured to Curt once more.

    ¡°Housekeeper?¡± Sullivan looked thrown by that, ¡°and former housekeeper?¡± he asked before looking back between the two of them, ¡°Is this just revenge for losing her job then? Or Curt, are you sure there¡¯s nothing you could have done in her presence that Ms. Marques could misconstrue as inappropriate in some way?¡±

    ¡°Please, I tried to avoid her every time I saw her. All she ever did was bitch at me about stains and having to replace sheets or some shit. I could barely understand her¡± he scoffed as he looked back at his phone.

    ¡°What stains on what sheets?¡± Sullivan asked worriedly.

    ¡°You really think that Lewis chick is gonna question our maid about my laundry?¡± Curt scoffed again.

    Sullivan looked further frustrated then, ¡°how long was Ms. Marques employed as your housekeeper?¡±

    Mitchell shook his head, ¡°since Curt was a baby¡± he answered, though his tone was cool as he looked over at his son as well.

    ¡°So, she was working for you for the last three years then? During the time all of these incidents supposedly took place?¡± Sullivan questioned.

    ¡°So? She didn¡¯t see anything. She was always gone for the day before any of my parties¡± Curt defended.

    ¡°But she did your laundry, including your bed sheets, on all the mornings following all of these parties?¡± Sullivan asked with further worry.

    ¡°Again, why are we even talking about laundry?¡± Curt scoffed.

    Sullivan buried his face in his hands with obvious stress, as Mitchell just exploded with further anger, ¡°god, how fucking stupid are you, Curt? When you rape girls in the ass, it tends to leave blood... and maybe even other shit, literally, all over your sheets! How could you possibly be this big of an idiot?¡± he exclaimed as he stormed out of the office, not able to listen to any of it any longer himself.

 Chapter 101

    A few minutes after his father had angrily stormed out of the lawyer¡¯s office, Curt finally looked back over at where Sullivan sat, still looking more than a little distraught by the prospect of the entire case laying before him.

    Upon seeing Sullivan¡¯s look of hopelessness, Curt had to speak up, ¡°he¡¯s just being an even bigger asshole now that I can¡¯t play ball. Just because there was blood on my sheets after I screwed those girls, it hardly means they weren¡¯t all there willingly.¡±

    ¡°Blood, and other stuff¡± Sullivan mumbled.

    ¡°Whatever¡± Curt scoffed, ¡°still, doesn¡¯t mean they weren¡¯t willing¡± he defended again.

    ¡°That argument may almost work with Chloe and Sarah, since you took their virginity the same night you ra--- allegedly raped them¡± Sullivan quickly corrected, ¡°but as I said, almost.¡± Sullivan then let out another frustrated sigh to hide any other emotions as he continued, ¡°but with all the others? Not so much. And it won¡¯t even work completely with any of them, really. Yes, girls bleed their first time; their first time having normal sex. But all of those girls bled all over your sheets. All except the one who bled all over the supply closet. And it¡¯s likely that all of them left other stuff behind too, considering your chosen method of entrance with all of them¡± Sullivan stated pointedly as he shook his head once more.

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Curt bit back, ¡°when you do it that way, it makes you come harder, and it doesn¡¯t cause pregnancy. That¡¯s the only reason I like it like that. Just makes a bigger mess¡± he added more quietly with a grimace.

    ¡°And there are plenty of people in the world who ¡®like it like that;¡¯ but they don¡¯t leave their lovers bleeding and crying and in pain like you seem to have left all these girls, and the one boy¡± he added more quietly.

    ¡°Shut up. I never fucked Sky. I only used my hand, just to teach him a lesson¡± Curt glared back.

    ¡°Law says it¡¯s still rape if you penetrate someone against their will¡± Sullivan grumbled under his breath, then spoke at a normal volume again, ¡°and what lesson is it that you were teaching Sky exactly? I just gotta know¡± Sullivan asked with a bit of sarcasm, all his professionalism slipping slowly away in the face of this particular client.

    ¡°He fucking knows. Probably why he won¡¯t go on the stand¡± Curt scoffed, though he averted his eyes once more then.

    Sullivan¡¯s annoyance then developed a slight crack as he remembered that he still needed the paycheck for this case, despite how impossible it was beginning to look. ¡°Are you saying Sky did something to provoke what you did to him; other than just looking the way he looks?¡± he had to add.

    ¡°That¡¯s a pretty big ¡®other than¡¯¡± Curt scoffed.

    ¡°Seriously, did Mr. Vargas do something specifically to provoke the incident last month? Because if he did, we may be able to use that. So you had better tell me now, before the trial¡± Sullivan prodded, grasping at any straw he could at that point.

    Curt scoffed as he glanced back at the door his father had stormed out of several minutes earlier. He then looked back at Sullivan with narrowed eyes, content that no one would overhear. He then took a breath before speaking, ¡°Attorney-client privilege, right?¡± he asked, as Sullivan just nodded. Curt then took a breath and continued, ¡°Sky did come on to me. It just wasn¡¯t that day. It was... a while ago¡± Curt decided on.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to have to be a lot more specific than that if I¡¯m gonna find anything I can use at all¡± Sullivan pressed.

    ¡°All of this is really his fault when you think about it¡± Curt stated, more to himself.

    ¡°Details please?¡± Sullivan returned with a bit of impatience.

    Curt sighed heavily before speaking up again, ¡°it was back in middle school. Sky¡¯s always looked like a girl. He literally goes out of his way to look like a super-hot chick. He gets off on it¡± he grumbled, ¡°but back then, and this was like almost five years ago; we had gym together. I was late coming into the locker room; Sky was the only one left in the showers. He always waited til last¡± he took another breath, ¡°anyway, I walked past the shower he was in. I saw him from behind, and he literally looked like a hot fucking chick from the back. He didn¡¯t look like a guy at all. He never has¡± he defended as he cast Sullivan another look, as the older man attempted to keep his expression blank.

    ¡°And I take it Sky saw you watching him?¡± Sullivan pressed, though his volume was low.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say it like that: Like I was just standing there watching him!¡± Curt bit out. ¡°Like I said, when he was standing there with his back to me, all naked and wet like that, in the shower, he literally looked exactly like a chick. So don¡¯t go acting like I was getting turned on by a guy!¡± Curt warned.

    ¡°So, you got turned on?¡± Sullivan couldn¡¯t help repeating.

    ¡°He looked like a hot, fucking naked chick!¡± Curt replied more angrily.

    Sullivan just looked down and took a breath before turning his gaze back to the teen, ¡°then what happened? You said he came on to you? Exactly how so?¡±Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Curt let out another uncomfortable sigh, but continued to try and make whatever defense he was trying to make, ¡°yeah, Sky noticed me looking at him and glanced back at me. Said something about being almost done. Then he looked down at me. I already had my towel off, ready to get into my own shower. He saw that I was getting hard looking at him. So I quickly told him that I was only even looking because he looked so much like a girl. Keep in mind, we were like thirteen back then. I hadn¡¯t even had sex with an actual girl yet. I¡¯d get hard all the time, even without someone who looked like him, standing there, like that¡± he looked down again.

    Sullivan swallowed another breath, ¡°and what did Sky do when he saw that you were getting aroused?¡±

    ¡°He just smirked and turned to lean back against the shower stall, so I could see all of him then. After my eyes moved down to his dick, he just smiled and looked down at my hard on again. Then he just said some shit like, ¡®see, not a girl.¡¯¡± Curt allowed an angry breath before he could admit the rest of the story. ¡°Like I said, I was only thirteen; had never even had any kind of sex yet. I was just hard almost all the time already; and he was just standing there, naked, wet, smiling, showing me all of him; not even trying to hide himself. And he was looking at me too. So I just reached down and started jerking off. And he actually just stood there, naked, under the shower, watching me¡± he bit out.

    ¡°Did he touch you as well then? Or himself? Was he also aroused?¡± Sullivan asked those questions in quick succession, though in a near whisper.

    ¡°No, he just watched while I did it to myself. Watched and smiled. And then, when I came all over the shower floor in front of him, he just grinned again. Then he asked me if I felt better now. Then he just grabbed his towel and left! See, that¡¯s the kind of prick he is! He¡¯s probably the reason why I¡¯m the way I am. Why I wanna do it the way I wanna do it. It¡¯s all that prick¡¯s fault!¡± Curt retorted angrily, then added, ¡°he¡¯s lucky I didn¡¯t do worse to him after all!¡±

    <hr>

    That day at lunch, Chandler and Emily were sitting outside canoodling in the bleachers, as usual. Scott and Regan sat nearby as she picked at a cup of yogurt and he devoured a rather large sandwich in barely four bites. Chandler was then distracted away from the pretty brunette who he had been attached to at the hip since freshman year, when his text message alert went off. He sighed as he moved away from her long enough to glance down at the phone.

    ¡°Curt¡± he grumbled.

    ¡°God, what¡¯s he want?¡± Emily complained.

    ¡°A ride, apparently¡± Chandler mumbled. He then looked over at Scott, ¡°why isn¡¯t he texting you instead?¡±

    ¡°Beats me. I haven¡¯t talked to him since he got arrested¡± Scott offered, ¡°he sent me some weird text the other day telling me to stop playing taxi for his sister¡± he scoffed, ¡°hell, I haven¡¯t seen Phoebe for even longer; months probably. Figured he was drinking his way through his suspension or some shit.¡±

    Emily then looked back at Chandler, ¡°why is he even asking any of you for a ride anyway? Did they take away his car too?¡± she scoffed.

    ¡°Apparently he was somewhere with his dad and his dad ditched him¡± Chandler shrugged as he looked down at the phone again.

    ¡°Harsh¡± Scott returned with a smirk as Chandler put away his phone.

    ¡°So you¡¯re not going to get him?¡± Regan asked Chandler as she raised a brow.

    Chandler then gestured to the school behind them, ¡°a little busy for the next three or four hours. Besides, company¡¯s better here¡± he snickered, going back to kissing Emily as she smiled back at him.

    Regan scoffed, ¡°like you¡¯ve never skipped before?¡±

    ¡°Only when I had a much better reason¡± Chandler teased as he pointedly squeezed Emily¡¯s behind and went back to kissing her.

    Regan just rolled her eyes and then moved them away from the poster children for PDA and gave Scott a pointed look, ¡°you¡¯re not gonna go get him either?¡±

    Scott scoffed as he opened a can of soda, took a long swig, then finally answered her, ¡°he didn¡¯t text me, now did he?¡±

    ¡°What is your issue with him anyway?¡± Regan asked.

    Then all three of her companions laughed out loud, though Emily was the one who replied, ¡°where to begin to answer that.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t tell me you guys actually buy all the shit these bitches are saying¡± Regan returned, casting a scowl between all of them.

    Scott then looked back at her with a questioning look, ¡°you mean he hasn¡¯t tried any weird stuff with you? My ex, Sarah, and Tim¡¯s ex, Chloe, as well as all three of Curt¡¯s ex-girlfriends, and even that Raina chick who graduated last year; they¡¯ve all been saying some pretty heinous stuff about him trying shit with them¡± Scott asked, ¡°and you are remarkably similar to all of them¡± he added as he pointedly looked over the curves she barely hid under the tight shirt and short skirt.

    ¡°Maybe he just doesn¡¯t like redheads¡± Chandler smirked. He then looked back at his brown haired girlfriend, ¡°or apparently brunettes. He¡¯s never tried anything with you, has he?¡± he asked with a bit of worry.

    Emily scoffed, ¡°please, at every party we¡¯ve ever went to at his house, you and I always spent most of the night locked in one of the other bedrooms together. Curt never got the chance to try to talk me into his weird ass fetish¡± she assured.

    Scott then looked back at Regan, ¡°and he never tried anything with you?¡± he asked her again.

    ¡°Like it would matter to you? Not like we¡¯re even sleeping together, still¡± she mumbled as she looked down at her phone.

    ¡°But did he?¡± Scott asked more firmly, trying to push aside her other comment.

    Regan just scoffed, though her eyes remained averted, ¡°if these girls didn¡¯t want it in their ass, they shoulda just did what I did. I know how to deal with that ¡®weird fetish,¡¯ as Emily called it.¡±

    ¡°Did what you did? What does that mean?¡± Scott pressed.

    Regan shook her head, ¡°it¡¯s simple. I heard all about the entrance he prefers, so I just never let him near my drink; and when he started tryin to talk me into anything, I¡¯d just get down on my knees and start blowing him. He came in minutes and was no longer hard enough to put anything in my ass or anywhere else. Pretty easy to figure out how to navigate a teenage boy with a hard on¡± she smirked.

    Scott just looked at her a long moment before he easily remembered the night Tim¡¯s girlfriend, Chloe, had to get her stomach pumped, and the reasons she wouldn¡¯t explain, back then, for having taken all of those pills. Then he remembered how his own girlfriend Sarah had changed from the girl who always smiled at him sweetly, into the girl who could never stop crying and couldn¡¯t even bear to be kissed, seemingly overnight. Then he remembered what Tim had done to himself not even a month earlier, on the same day that Curt supposedly assaulted Sky.

    Then he had to ask Regan, ¡°and for some reason, you wouldn¡¯t take a drink from Curt, not ever? And if you had taken a drink from Curt on any of those nights... Do you think you¡¯d still have trouble believing the claims all these people are making about him now?¡± and with that, he headed back into the school, just leaving Regan with that question to think on. And having quite a few of his own to think on then as well.

 Chapter 102

    When Crista made her way to lunch that day, she was more than a little surprised to find that the only person at their usual table that day was Alana, who they had grudgingly given a second chance to now that the whole world knew about what had happened to Sky anyway. And Sky and Star were honestly still worried about Alana¡¯s safety as well, considering that last life, as well as her part in helping Curt get arrested in this one too.

    ¡°Alana?¡± Crista greeted her warily as she took a seat. ¡°Where is everyone else?¡± she asked worriedly.

    Alana sighed sadly, ¡°Me and Sky have science together fifth period. Someone in class was talking about how Curt was going to be allowed to come back to school on the 23rd unless the trial gets moved up; which it probably won¡¯t,¡± she added with further sadness.

    ¡°I take it Sky didn¡¯t like hearing that news any more than the rest of us do?¡± Crista replied, her own eyes falling to the floor at the sound of the information.

    ¡°Sky just bolted from the classroom, didn¡¯t even ask to be excused. After ten minutes or so, the teacher sent that band kid, Paul, after him to give Sky a chance to come back and explain himself before getting written up. Only, Paul came back looking all freaked out and whispered something to the teacher, who then rushed from the room too.¡± Alana continued, taking a breath before offering any further explanation, ¡°After the teacher took off, I sent Paul a text asking what the hell was going on. He sent me one back,¡± she sighed shakily, then just offered her phone to Crista, rather than explaining it out loud.

    Crista took the phone and looked down at the text which read, ¡°Sky was in the restroom stall. I saw blood on the floor. I didn¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    ¡°Shit,¡± Crista whispered as she handed the phone back.

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t actually try to kill himself here at school, would he?¡± Alana asked with alarm.

    Crista sighed and sniffled, ¡°I doubt it, but...¡± she just shook her head.

    ¡°But what?¡± Alana asked desperately.

    ¡°Now don¡¯t open your mouth this time,¡± Crista warned the older girl as she wiped at a tear, ¡°but Sky cuts himself. Think he¡¯s done it for a long time now. And hearing that Curt¡¯s gonna be back...¡± Crista just shook her head again. She then took a breath to compose herself, ¡°And where are Kole and Star?¡±

    Alana sighed again as she put her phone away, ¡°when I told them about Sky getting sent to the office and stuff, but that all I knew was what was in that text; Kole said something about needing a cigarette, and Star took off for the bathroom in tears.¡± She then looked quickly back at Crista, ¡°god, you don¡¯t think she¡¯s in there hurting herself too right now, do you?¡± Alana asked the younger girl with further worry.

    Crista sniffled again, ¡°as long as Sky¡¯s still breathing, Star will be too. And she hates pain. She just cries and cries when he does this. Even she doesn¡¯t know what to do to help him through all of it anymore¡± she whispered as she wiped at another tear. ¡°None of us do¡± she added even more quietly. Not able to bite back her own tears any longer either, Crista then quickly got back up from the table and left the cafeteria once more.

    Meanwhile Kole was outside, also quite upset by what was happening with Sky right then, as well as the news about Curt. Through his worry, he didn¡¯t even seem to notice the minutes of the lunch period ticking away. Instead, he continued to try to calm himself by smoking behind the school, angrily staring down at his phone as he waited to get more information on what exactly was happening at all. Or more importantly, what the consequences would be for Sky. Like Crista and Star, he assumed that Sky had been in there cutting himself. After all, being Sky¡¯s lovers, all three of them were quite aware of the scars that were normally hidden from everyone else¡¯s view, underneath all that dark clothing of Sky¡¯s.

    That was when Kole¡¯s worried and angry vigilance of his phone was interrupted as he heard footsteps approaching. Just then remembering that all of them were breaking their ¡®never be caught alone¡¯ rule, he let out a heavy sigh as his eyes fell on where Curt¡¯s friend Scott now approached from the football field on the other side of the back lot of the school.

    ¡°I¡¯m so not in the mood right now, Scott¡± Kole warned him as he shook his head and flicked away an ash. Though his green eyes remained locked on Scott as he made his way from the lot to the sidewalk where Kole waited just outside one of the back entrances to the high school.

    ¡°Good, cause neither am I¡± Scott mumbled as he moved to lean back against the wall on the opposite side of the door, searching for his own cigarette.

    Kole simply raised a brow at that particular response, and took another wary drag off of his own cigarette. Though, he still knew better than to take his eyes off of Scott for even one moment. ¡°Isn¡¯t smoking bad for you athletic types?¡± Kole asked after another moment and another drag.

    ¡°Thought it was bad for everybody¡± Scott continued in the same mumble as he found and lit his cigarette.

    Kole just shook his head and took another drag as he also leaned back upon the wall on his own side of the door. He cast only another momentary glance at his phone before continuing to watch Scott out of the corner of his eyes. ¡°Better be careful though. Your friends down by the field might see us and think we have something or other in common¡± Kole couldn¡¯t help returning, easily remembering the homophobic slurs this boy had tossed at him on more than one occasion.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Scott then let out a derisive laugh, ¡°we actually do.¡±

    Kole blinked as he glanced back up at the other boy, ¡°we do... what?¡±

    ¡°Have something in common¡± Scott returned quietly as he took a drag.

    ¡°Well you¡¯ve finally managed to make me wanna actually speak to you¡± Kole smirked, ¡°what on earth could we possibly have in common?¡± he had to ask as he allowed his eyes to move over the burly boy, wondering if there was going to finally be a confession from Scott after almost eighteen years of homophobia and self-hatred after all.

    ¡°Not that¡± Scott scoffed as he noted Kole¡¯s eyes pointedly moving over him, ¡°I mean, the girl I was dating this summer.¡±

    ¡°You and I couldn¡¯t possibly have ever dated the same girl. Cheerleaders just don¡¯t do it for me¡± Kole offered with another smirk.

    Scott sighed as if pondering whether or not to offer any further explanation, ¡°I mean, the girl I was dating at the end of eleventh, the beginning of this summer...¡± he looked down as he took another drag.

    ¡°What about her?¡± Kole asked with a wary interest then.

    ¡°She¡¯s one of them¡± Scott stated, though his voice barely made it out of his throat.

    ¡°One of who?¡± Kole asked slowly, his full attention now on Scott¡¯s words.

    Scott took a deep breath, glanced out across the lot at the football field in the distance, then finally answered, ¡°one of the girls who are saying Curt did shit to them.¡±

    Kole was more than a little surprised by that, as so far Star hadn¡¯t given he and Crista too many of the details just yet about what she had seen in Curt¡¯s head. He then took his own breath and responded, ¡°so your ex-girlfriend?¡±

    Scott then made himself look back at the tone of Kole¡¯s voice, ¡°she never told me. Just like Tim¡¯s girl never told him. At least I don¡¯t think Chloe told him. I never even heard about it at all til after the charges were filed. I just know that Sarah changed overnight, and I thought she just was tired of being with me. I didn¡¯t know...¡± he shook his head, ¡°and no one ever knew why Chloe tried to off herself. But after Brandi came forward, and Curt¡¯s other exes, Georgia, and Caitlin... that¡¯s when Chloe and Sarah finally also came forward too. But by then, Sarah and I had broken up and Tim had actually already killed himself. I mean maybe Chloe did finally tell him¡± Scott shrugged as he looked down.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s why Tim killed himself¡± Kole returned quietly as he took another drag, then looked back, ¡°and Tim¡¯s ex-girlfriend, Chloe; she tried to kill herself too?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, summer of last year; which I guess is when it supposedly happened. Seven months after your Sammi killed herself¡± he then looked up at Kole again, ¡°guess you have something in common with Tim too¡± Scott returned as Kole flinched ever so slightly at the reminder of Sammi¡¯s fate. ¡°They at least were supposedly passed out for most of it; but they were both virgins at the time, so it had to have still been pretty bad¡± he then quickly added, ¡°I mean, if any of it actually happened like they say it did.¡±

    ¡°One tried to kill herself, the other changed overnight¡± Kole retorted, ¡°do you honestly still think it didn¡¯t happen?¡± Kole bit out before tossing his cigarette and heading back inside once more.

    By then, Crista had made her way from the cafeteria to the nearest ladies¡¯ room. Once she stepped inside, she easily found Star¡¯s heavy platform boots under one of the closed stall doors. As she moved closer, Star¡¯s sobbing also became apparent. ¡°Star?¡± she stated softly as she moved to the stall door, sadly running her fingers over it.

    Star sniffled and looked up from where she had been sitting on the toilet in tears, panicking and despairing over what was going to happen as a result of Sky hurting himself like that on school property instead of the privacy of their own bathroom or his bedroom at home.

    ¡°Crista?¡± she whispered back through the stall door, her voice hoarse with tears.

    ¡°Do you know any more yet?¡± Crista whispered back, only to quickly step back from the door and wipe at her cheeks again as another girl entered the restroom and gave her a disparaging look before moving past her to enter one of the other stalls.

    Hearing the other girl enter the bathroom, Star sniffled once more, gathered her belongings from the floor around her, and emerged from the stall, the black streaks obvious on her now reddened cheeks. ¡°Car¡± was all she said as she took Crista¡¯s arm and led her from the restroom with her.

    When they reached the car after a quick and silent walk from the restroom, Crista looked up at Star, ¡°doesn¡¯t Sky usually have the keys?¡± she asked sadly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t need keys now that you¡¯re here¡± was Star¡¯s simple response as she reached down to take hold of the handle of the driver¡¯s side door. A moment later, the lock clicked and she opened it and got inside. Crista blinked a moment before moving around to the passenger side, where that door also seemed to unlock of its own accord.

    ¡°That¡¯ll definitely be handy if he ever loses his keys¡± Crista attempted a smile as she got into the car, though that smile fell short. ¡°So, was he really cutting himself?¡±

    ¡°Like I¡¯ve even had the chance to talk to him?¡± Star returned sadly, ¡°but after hearing that Curt¡¯ll be back here in eleven fucking days...¡± she just shook her head and wiped at her cheek again. ¡°Like it wasn¡¯t already unbearable for him here?¡±

    ¡°At least he¡¯ll still have the cast on for another month. And he might be stone cold crazy by then, too¡± Crista tried to offer hopefully. Though Star¡¯s sadness seemed incurable.

    ¡°If Sky¡¯s not here... I don¡¯t know how it will be bearable for any of us then¡± she whispered.

    ¡°What?¡± Crista asked with her own panic. ¡°What do you mean, ¡®not here?¡¯ I thought you said he was probably just cutting himself, not...¡± Crista just shook her head with even more panic then.

    ¡°He was¡± Star assured, ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure of it anyway¡± she had to add, as she didn¡¯t truly know what Sky had actually been doing. Though she did tend to know him better than herself in most things. ¡°What I mean is that he¡¯s in the office right now. And these fucking teachers, and principals and counselors and whoever the fuck else; they¡¯re gonna see this as a suicide attempt. And on school property! Even if he was just cutting!¡± Star shook her head with equal parts anger, despair, and her own panic. ¡°He¡¯ll at least get suspended. And forced to do counseling. And they may even put him on some bullshit lock-down in a psych ward for forty-eight hours, if not longer. This is so fucking bad, Crista¡± she added as her tears started once more.

    ¡°They can really do all that?¡± Crista whispered.

    ¡°Yes! They can at the very least suspend him. And they¡¯ll sure as hell try to do the rest, too¡± Star returned tearfully, ¡°especially after he already told Burke he wanted to end it all. This is so, so fucking bad¡± Star repeated with a near lack of all hope more than clear in her voice then.

 Chapter 103

    It wasn¡¯t too long after Star and Crista had made their way out to the car that lunch period, before Kole had easily tracked them down. Though it was almost the end of sixth period before the girls¡¯ nail-biting in the front seat and Kole¡¯s chain-smoking in the back seat were finally interrupted when the school doors opened and Sky himself finally appeared.

    His long sleeve was rolled up and his arm was wrapped in thick bandages as he stepped outside. Brie and Connor then stepped out of the doors behind him, looking nearly as distraught as the other teens looking on from the parked car then.

    When they reached the car themselves, Star quickly got out and wrapped Sky in her arms tightly, as he winced slightly at the pain the embrace caused in his still bleeding arm under that bandage. ¡°Sorry¡± she whispered as she noted that pain easily and gave him a tearful kiss instead.

    Looking past Star and finding Crista and Kole in the car, watching with their own worried and expectant looks, Connor sighed, ¡°I guess you¡¯re all missing classes because of all this? Why should I be surprised?¡± he added more quietly as he moved to get into his own nearby car.

    Then Brie looked back at Star, who still stood close to Sky with her head on his shoulder, her hand clinging tightly to his, her own worry still quite clear, ¡°and are you planning on actually going back to class now that you got to see him?¡±

    ¡°How can I? What¡¯s gonna happen now?¡± Star returned as she lifted her head to look back at Brie.

    ¡°Still figuring that all out¡± her mother sighed with her own hopelessness, as Sky just kept his eyes to the ground, not contributing much of anything to the conversation. Brie then looked between all of the teens and her husband who was already starting the engine of their car. ¡°And I doubt any of us wanna have this conversation here. If you¡¯re not going back to class either, Star, take Sky¡¯s keys and follow us home.¡±

    ¡°I can drive, mom¡± was all Sky offered to the conversation then.

    ¡°That¡¯s good to know, dear; but you¡¯re riding with us¡± she told him shortly.

    ¡°Mom¡± Sky began as she gave him another look of warning.

    ¡°Are you really going to try arguing right now, Sky?¡± she returned.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not...¡± Star began, only to stop herself when Brie gave her the same warning glance and started toward the car behind Connor, giving Sky one more pointed look to get him to relinquish the keys to Star and follow her. Star then sighed back at Kole and Crista as she grudgingly slid behind the wheel of the black Mustang again. ¡°I somehow doubt the two of you wanna endure the night ahead for me and Sky. I¡¯ll keep you posted though¡± she offered sadly.

    The two other teens simply glanced back at where the ¡®mads¡¯ impatiently waited in their own car as Sky slumped into a place in the back seat of that vehicle before Connor pulled out of the lot almost immediately after the door closed behind his son. Kole and Crista then sighed in concession and each moved to give Star a soft, sad kiss. They then exited the car, gave one more look to the other vehicle turning toward the lot exit, and forced their heavy boots to carry them back toward the school doors to try and finish their day without the benefit of their soul-mates being there to help them try to get through it all as well.

    Upon pulling Sky¡¯s car into the garage behind her parents¡¯ vehicle several minutes later, Star sighed as the two adults headed into the house with a shake of their heads back toward where Sky was less eager to get out of the car. Sky then finally did exit their parents¡¯ car as Star exited his, both sighing heavily as the door to the house loudly closed behind their parents.

    Star moved to sadly hand Sky his keys and gave him another sad but gentle hug to further postpone following their parents inside just yet. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you at least got suspended?¡± Star asked him sadly.

    ¡°Three days for having a blade on school property¡± he scoffed as he leaned back against his parents¡¯ silver BMW.

    ¡°So you can¡¯t come back til Wednesday?¡± she asked with a combination of worry and surprise.

    ¡°More like I don¡¯t have to go back til Wednesday¡± Sky returned with a disdainful tone.

    ¡°And that¡¯s all they''re making you do? Stay outta school for three days?¡± she asked as she looked up at him.

    ¡°They wanted to do more. Anything to rid themselves of the reminder of what they let happen on school property during school hours, and the shit storm it¡¯s causing. But Burke insisted they ¡®not further punish such an obviously troubled young man who¡¯s already been a victim of this school¡¯s lack of an efficient policy against bullying¡¯¡± he repeated her words with a mocking tone and a slight roll of his eyes.

    ¡°Bullying?¡± Star scoffed, ¡°please tell me that¡¯s not actually how they¡¯re still referring to what Curt did.¡±

    ¡°Physically assaulting me is the reason for his suspension, after all¡± Sky shook his head, ¡°and I honestly can¡¯t help wondering if their records just say ¡®burnt boy with cigarette,¡¯ since they sure as fuck don¡¯t seem to wanna acknowledge what else he did. Even after Mathis saw it himself¡± he added with continued bitterness about the entire situation still clear in his tone.

    Brie then opened the door from the living room to the garage, ¡°house. Now¡± she told them with that same warning in her tone as the two sighed again before heading inside.

    ¡°Why are you so mad at Sky, mom?¡± Star asked as he took a defeated seat on the couch.

    ¡°Why?¡± Brie shook her head as she looked to Connor for any further input. Though he just sat on the nearby recliner, elbows propped on his knees as he leaned forward, running his hands through his own ear-length locks with obvious stress. ¡°This is exactly the kind of attention this family does not need; the kind of attention you two do not need¡± Brie told them pointedly.

    ¡°You think he did it for attention?¡± Star retorted as Sky just continued to stare at the floor in front of the couch.

    ¡°That¡¯s not the point¡± Brie replied, ¡°whatever the reasons why, attention is what it¡¯s gotten!¡±

    Star shook her head as she also took a seat next to Sky, ¡°all they did was suspend him.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s all they could legally do. But they ¡®strongly recommended¡¯ that we get him serious help; as in putting him someplace where he can get that help!¡± she returned angrily, ¡°do either of you really like the idea of Sky being locked up in some hospital? I¡¯d think you two may take issue with that sort of thing, wouldn¡¯t you?¡± Brie told her children pointedly.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    Star just shook her head worriedly as she looked between all of her family members, ¡°you¡¯re not actually gonna do that though, right?¡±

    Brie sighed heavily as she finally took her own seat in the other recliner, ¡°letting any doctors near either of you is hardly even an option¡± Brie assured, her volume going from loud anger to soft regret, ¡°but that¡¯s what they want us to do. And if we don¡¯t... I can just imagine the unfit parenting memos and the PTA meetings. Not to mention the fact that they obviously want Sky out of their sight; just so they don¡¯t have to deal with any of their own liability in all of this mess¡± she sighed again.

    Star let out her own angry sigh, ¡°this is such bullshit. Chloe, Sarah, Georgia, and Brandi are all his victims too. And they¡¯re even still testifying as far as we know. Why the hell is the school singling out Sky?¡±

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sure they want all the girls gone too¡± Brie returned, ¡°but none of the living ones were raped on school property, as far as we know, anyway. Sky was¡± she added as her own eyes moved to the floor at having to repeat that fact again. ¡°Plus, what gets more attention? Girl goes to party, gets drunk, and gets violated while unconscious? Or football star rapes other boy in locker room hate crime?¡± she shook her head as she bit back a few emotions while Sky flinched at the words, already knowing the truth of them.

    ¡°Just¡± Connor began as he finally looked back at Sky, ¡°I know you¡¯re hurting, Sky, but doing what you did to yourself today? And in the school bathroom? You had to have known how easily someone could have caught you¡± he just shook his head as he looked down again.

    Sky took a long breath before he spoke, ¡°all I was thinking was, Curt¡¯s gonna be back here in this place, in only eleven days. And his trial¡¯s not even scheduled for another two months, if it doesn¡¯t get postponed¡± another breath, ¡°and when he did, what he did to me, it was only three weeks after school started. What could possibly happen in two more months, right?¡± Sky bit out sarcastically, then added, ¡°especially when he¡¯s now got nothing else to lose and a nice long list of witnesses and their friends and families to turn into more victims¡± he shook his head again. ¡°That¡¯s what I was thinking; not, gee I hope that no one walks in and rats me out to a teacher¡± he sniffled as he looked away again.

    There was another long moment of silence before Connor spoke to both his children then, ¡°so what do you want us to do? Send you to another school? Move? What do we need to do to keep any more horror from happening to the two of you? Just tell us now.¡±

    Star was the one who spoke then, as Sky didn¡¯t seem to have much strength left to voice any more opinions of his own just then, ¡°as great as that sounds, dad, it¡¯s not just each other that me and Sky are terrified for. We have two other soul-mates now. And when they try to defend themselves without us, their brains start to bleed¡± she sniffled, ¡°how can we just abandon them, and our DNA, which they now have inside each of them? Especially now that he¡¯ll be back¡± she added with another sad sniffle as she wiped at her eyes.

    Connor looked down again, ¡°well, Kole is almost eighteen. He could likely leave Richmond easily enough, even without his parents¡¯ permission.¡±

    Then Star quickly replied, ¡°and what about Crista? The fourteen year old girl that Curt has already put his hands on; already sexually assaulted. Can you imagine us leaving her there, all alone? With Curt coming back? We may as well kill her ourselves if we do that¡± she finished as more tears appeared at the thought.

    <hr>

    The next day was Friday the thirteenth, and for the first time in seventeen years, Star began to think that maybe that day would finally earn its reputation. After all, she felt beyond unlucky, as well as rudderless and completely lost having to be in that school without Sky there with her. And this would only be the first of three such days. And she didn¡¯t even want to think about what the following week would be like with both Curt and Sky back in school again; assuming any of them even made it another ten days at this point.

    Star was spending another lunch period sullenly sitting at their usual table, when they didn¡¯t choose to have lunch in the car, which she was now driving to school instead. However today, Crista was the only one with her as they waited on Kole to come back inside after having the lunch time cigarette he and Sky usually partook of. And perhaps Alana was feeling rather superstitious that thirteenth day of October as well, as she hadn¡¯t come to school that day at all.

    Crista glanced down at where Star distractedly scribbled in the margins of her notebook. It was the same notebook she had been using to write down all the horrors she had pulled from Curt¡¯s head, as well as the heads of a few of his victims that she had passed in the halls that week; all of them looking about as dejected as Sky had since the charges against Curt came out.

    ¡°You wrote down dates?¡± Crista asked softly as she moved to take a closer look at Star¡¯s writing covering multiple pages of the black college-ruled notebook.

    ¡°I wrote down all I could bear to remember¡± Star stated softly, ¡°easier to make what he sees real if I use as many facts as I can.¡±

    Crista then turned the notebook toward her as she flipped the pages, flinching at a few words that jumped off them as she did. She continued trying to take in all she could, so she could hopefully further aid in their plan to make Curt lose his mind, hopefully even before returning to school if they could. She then narrowed her eyes as she glanced through the dates Star had written before the details of each incident that she could pull from Curt¡¯s head. In a separate shade of ink, there were also written some of the details she had also pulled from the girls¡¯ heads when she needed more to go on than just Curt¡¯s twisted recollection; unbearable as it was to see and feel what his victims felt, herself.

    ¡°So the first one, Caitlin? That was one of his actual girlfriends? And he raped her on his fifteenth birthday, three years ago?¡± Crista asked as she shook her head and skimmed over the words that ¡®Caitlin¡¯ herself had recounted to Curt earlier that week.

    ¡°Yeah, she was the only one who was actually awake for everything he did, other than Sammi, and Sky¡± she added more quietly, ¡°and she ended up moving away afterwards. And we know how it worked out for Sammi and Sky¡± Star sniffled slightly.

    Crista shuddered as she moved on to the several pages that recounted his encounter with Sammi then. ¡°Not sure I wanna read this part¡± Crista whispered, ¡°I didn¡¯t even know her, but... it somehow hurts more, knowing what I do know about her.¡±

    ¡°To put it mildly¡± Star agreed as she also turned her eyes away from the tear-stained pages that she forced out, detailing the experience Sammi had been subjected to in that very building they now sat in.

    ¡°And Sammi was over a year after Caitlin? Right before the holiday break from school?¡± Crista asked as she looked back at the date that also happened to be the date of Kole¡¯s baby¡¯s death; months before it ever even had the chance to be born.

    ¡°Guess it took him a year of wondering if he¡¯d ever have to pay for Caitlin after she was forced to move away. But then he finally got the courage to do more horrible things again, when he saw Sammi go into that supply closet all alone. After all, she was just some freak, not his actual girlfriend. Who¡¯d care what happened to her, right?¡± Star sniffled again as she bitterly repeated just a few of Curt¡¯s thoughts prior to following Kole¡¯s love into that closet and doing all the horrible things he did to her there.

    Crista took another ragged breath as she flipped to the end of Sammi¡¯s encounter, and moved on to the rest. She then narrowed her eyes as she flipped back and forth through Star¡¯s emotion-fueled handwriting. ¡°And Tim¡¯s girlfriend, that was like seven months after Sammi?¡± She flipped more pages, ¡°and this Raina girl, that was eleven months later? This June? At the graduation party the team threw at Curt¡¯s house for last year¡¯s seniors?¡± Crista flipped through more pages worriedly, ¡°then Scott¡¯s girlfriend was only a month later, this July? And Curt¡¯s girlfriend Georgia was only a month after that? A month before school started this year? And Sky was three weeks after school started... and his new girlfriend Brandi was only four days after he raped Sky?¡± Crista gasped as she looked back at Star. ¡°So, the first three were one a year? Then the last five were only in the last four months?¡± she exclaimed. ¡°He¡¯s getting a million times worse, and they¡¯re still letting him come back to the same school, with five of his eight victims?¡± she asked with even more outrage.

    ¡°And those are only the eight that he¡¯s being charged with¡± Star sniffled.

    ¡°So there¡¯s even more?¡± Crista whispered.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± was all Star could say as she wiped at her sad eyes once more, wondering how many more there would still possibly be added to that list once Curt was back in their presence once more; in only ten days.

 Chapter 104

    At around ten that same morning was when Sky finally gave up on his attempt to sleep through his first day of suspension. Though, that was a futile hope anyway since he was now required to attend some sort of counseling or support group for at least the duration of his suspension. Though it was, again, ¡®strongly recommended¡¯ that he continue counseling after.

    However, sitting on a shrink¡¯s couch and talking about his feelings was something he would have dreaded even if he didn¡¯t have to somehow explain all his deep-seated trauma while leaving out the horrors of his previous two lives. After all, if he started mentioning previous lives, the fear wasn¡¯t exposing his alien origins as much as it was getting himself committed for delusional beliefs. So, he opted for the support group instead, hoping he could just sit there listening to the other victims and go unnoticed, himself. Not that he had any desire to listen to more horror stories that would be likely to make him mentally re-live his own; but if Star could endure the things in Curt¡¯s head, as well as the heads of his various victims, Sky could at least endure hearing others recount their own experiences in their own words.

    Though the night before, he had made the decision to go to the meeting of the support group that happened earlier in the day. He figured that way he could at least only have to hear the stories of other rapists like Curt, instead of having to hear stories of what Curt had done to his other classmates. He already had endured bits of those same stories about Curt¡¯s other atrocities while watching Star scrawl them across the pages of her notebook. And forcing down all those triggers in his head was hard enough then.

    However, going to the eleven o¡¯clock meeting for the group was a bit more problematic than the four o¡¯clock meeting, at least when it came to transportation. After all, Star now needed the car to get to school, as he definitely didn¡¯t want her walking or on the bus alone He also voted against her just riding with Kole and Crista during his suspension, as Sky wanted to be sure she had those keys on her and that car nearby if she needed them for any reason. Of course, that left him without that emergency escape himself; but as he had told Burke, he had already endured Curt¡¯s idea of fun, it was Star¡¯s safety he was more worried about now.

    So, he decided that instead of making his soul-mates miss any more classes, as they would all be lucky to pass this year¡¯s classes at this point already; he decided on the one other person he was at least somewhat close to. Though that closeness was miles away from the levels of closeness he had with those who now shared he and Star¡¯s soul, at least in some way and to some extent.

    After taking a moment to hug the other pillow atop his bed to his face, taking in the smell of Star¡¯s shampoo still lingering there, Sky finally made himself leave the bed and get dressed. He was finished dressing a mere fifteen minutes later, as he hardly wanted to get that dolled up when he would be trying his best not to be noticed during the meeting at all. He then made his way down the stairs only moments before the knock on the door.

    He sighed heavily, peered cautiously past the curtain, and opened the door to Alana. She gave him a sad smile and a gentle hug in greeting. ¡°I was so glad you texted me last night. I was freaking out about how you were after fifth¡± she told him softly.

    Sky just looked down, still not all that comfortable being too open with Alana after she had gone to Burke, but he was going to at least make the effort, as he needed as many allies as possible right then, as well as a ride. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m doing wonderful. Got my arm all bandaged and ready to go to my now mandatory rape support group. Life is great¡± he added sarcastically.

    After finding a parking place at the community center, Alana looked over at him as he stared at the building, trying to talk himself into going inside at all still. She gave him another sad smile, ¡°want me to go in with you?¡±

    Sky just shook his head, ¡°we¡¯re really trying to avoid having anyone else need to go to this type of meeting, aren¡¯t we?¡± he told her as he couldn¡¯t help the memory of seeing Curt hurting her the way he had in that last life.

    Once Sky finally made himself go inside, he took a seat in the corner of the room as he awaited the start of the meeting, fighting the urge to run right back out the door. His will to stay took a further hit when he realized that he wasn¡¯t the only one of Curt¡¯s victims who had opted for this earlier meeting either. Apparently Curt¡¯s former girlfriend, Georgia, had also decided to be here instead of enduring another day of abuse at their school. As she stepped into the room and saw him there among the other early arrivals, she made herself force a smile. Sky tried to force the same as he looked back at yet another pretty blonde seventeen year old girl who Curt had ruined the life of.

    If nothing else, Curt definitely seemed to have two distinct types. There were the pretty blonde cheerleaders who were allowed to sleep through most of his assault. Then there were the freaks like he and Sammi, and even Alana in that previous life; they were the ones Curt wanted to be awake for all of it. Then Sky couldn¡¯t help wondering if he would have been left just as bloody and broken as Sammi had been if Mathis hadn¡¯t interrupted after all. And on that thought, he couldn¡¯t help another shudder as he bit back even more emotions when he thought of what would have happened to Star as well, in life number two, if he hadn¡¯t arrived when he had. Or what could still happen to her or Crista, or Alana, or even Kole if they didn¡¯t rid themselves of Curt once and for all.

    It was only about two minutes before the official start of the meeting when Sky¡¯s eyes turned to the door as Brandi and Raina also appeared. Raina was presumably in college, so her schedule was flexible enough that he allowed for the possibility of having to see her that day. Though luckily, she had no previous life¡¯s memory of their intimate encounter in that coffee shop; so she likely would barely even notice his presence. But both of Curt¡¯s exes, Georgia, and now Brandi too? That he was less prepared for.

    Brandi and Raina then moved toward his seat as Brandi offered him a sad smile and greeted him, ¡°you finally came? I was a little worried when I heard about something or other happening with you at school yesterday?¡±Stolen story; please report.

    But before Sky could try to find some response to her inquiry, he noted Brandi¡¯s eyes darkening when she looked around the room and also found Georgia there. Georgia quickly looked away as the two noted one another¡¯s presence. There was obviously something amiss between the two who seemingly had a lot more in common than most in that room. After all, they had both been willing girlfriends and lovers of Curt¡¯s before he got impatient with them not so willingly giving into his more twisted desires. That, of course led to him forcing those desires on each of the girls who had trusted him more than any of his other victims, except perhaps his first, Caitlin; the other former girlfriend in the list.

    But before any more questions could be posed or answered, the woman leading the group arrived and greeted them all as she took a seat in the circle of chairs in the middle of the room, and gestured for them all to do the same. Sky grudgingly followed the rest of the women in the room, most of whom were at least a few years older than Curt¡¯s victims, considering most younger girls would be in school themselves that day. That was, those rape victims who even managed to stay in school, let alone stay alive at all; and that number was pretty low.

    Georgia was surprisingly the first who spoke, ¡°well I guess I can start, since all of Curt¡¯s playmates seem to be here today¡± she said with a bit or sarcasm.

    Raina then scoffed, ¡°I hope you¡¯re not lumping me in with the two of you. I was never his girlfriend. I was just stupid enough to take a drink from him at a graduation party. I believe it was while you were actually willingly dating him, Georgia. I guess I should apologize for your boyfriend cheating on you with me, but look how well that turned out. I¡¯ve learned my lesson, to put it mildly.¡±

    Georgia just scoffed, ¡°I¡¯m here too, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°We all are¡± Brandi put in, ¡°think we¡¯ve all learned a lesson¡± she then took a breath and looked at Sky, ¡°and that lesson is that Curt¡¯s a monster who doesn¡¯t care if you¡¯re his girlfriend, or just a friend¡± she said as she looked at Raina. She then looked back at Sky, ¡°or someone who hates him and would never date him, let alone go to a party or take a drink from him¡± she stated sadly, causing Sky to just look down, as he wanted no attention at all that day, let alone to be specifically singled to by another victim. ¡°And he didn¡¯t even get to sleep through most of it, like we did¡± she added more quietly, with a sniffle.

    Georgia scoffed again, ¡°I wasn¡¯t asleep from him putting something in my drink though. I actually was going to willingly let him be with me that night, like that. After dating him for months, I was sick to death of hearing about how ¡®Caitlin let him, and Chloe let him, and Raina let him, and Sarah let him.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Let him?¡± Raina loudly scoffed.

    ¡°His words¡± Georgia returned, ¡°all I knew was that he fucked you at that party and then you stopped talking to any of the squad and went all Elvira. I thought it was just cause you felt shitty over fucking my boyfriend. I know different now¡± Georgia added more quietly. She then made herself continue, ¡°after hearing about how all these other girls let my boyfriend do it to them, like that. And after seeing the way he had been looking at Brandi while he was supposed to be dating me¡± she shook her head again, ¡°I finally got drunk enough to agree, and I did let him put it in, like that. Briefly¡± she stressed, ¡°then it hurt so fucking bad I screamed and told him to stop¡± she took a ragged breath as she looked up at Brandi, ¡°I even told him that if he liked you so much, maybe he should go try to stick it in you like that. I didn¡¯t know that he would, only a month later¡± she sniffled and made herself go on, ¡°but after I told him to stop, and said that to him¡± she added quietly, ¡°he still didn¡¯t wanna stop, and told me to just shut up and let him finish, since he already had it in. That was when I tried to fight him, drunk though I was, and big as he is. That was when he put his hands on my neck and squeezed til I stopped screaming, and finally passed out. Then judging by how bad I hurt the next morning and how none of my insides would stay inside me anymore, for days.... I guess he got to finish doing what he wanted after all.¡± she sniffled again, ¡°then he was done with me, and he moved on to you, Brandi. I¡¯m sorry¡± she added in a near whisper as she looked down again, as Brandi did as well.

    That was when the woman leading the group finally spoke up, ¡°all four of you were violated by the same boy?¡± she asked softly as she looked between them.

    Sky just shook his head, ¡°at least he didn¡¯t use his dick with me. But, like she said, I was awake for it. Take the good with the bad I suppose¡± he muttered as he looked away, having said more than he wanted to already.

    ¡°Please tell me something is actually being done about this boy¡± the woman, Maggie, turned the question to all of them.

    Brandi answered sadly, ¡°most of us are planning to testify, and Sky did at the hearing; but his trial¡¯s still not for two more months.¡±

    ¡°Two months and five days¡± Sky corrected, ¡°and lucky us, we¡¯ll be back at school with him in ten days. Well, three of us and Chloe and Sarah¡± he added as he glanced at Raina.

    Noting Sky¡¯s eyes on her, Raina looked up, ¡°guess I should be thankful he didn¡¯t rape me til after I graduated. I don¡¯t know how I could stand being in the same building as him ever again, let alone concentrate on any kind of education while there too.¡±

    Maggie sighed heavily, ¡°if you all file restraining orders, you might at least get them to force him to finish his school year from home or online. It¡¯s worth a shot, right? I just worry for you gir--- all¡± she corrected herself as she glanced at Sky.

    Sky then retorted, ¡°and restraining orders can be broken. And who knows what he could get away with doing before the cops even get there to arrest him for breaking it...¡±

    ¡°Sky, you can¡¯t think that way¡± Maggie returned softly.

    Then Raina scoffed, somehow still feeling a bit of that empathy for Sky, even in this life, ¡°what way? Realistically?¡±

    Georgia then added, ¡°something needs to be done about him. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t argue there¡± Brandi added more softly.

    Sky then looked between all three girls, and held his tongue, though inside his head, he was just thinking, ¡®something will be.¡¯

    Once the meeting ended, Sky looked at his watch as he got back into Alana¡¯s car, ¡°how bad was it?¡± she asked him softly.

    ¡°It¡¯s almost time for lunch period at school, right?¡± was Sky¡¯s only response.

    ¡°Yeah, I figured I¡¯d drop you back home, then try to at least go to my afternoon classes¡± Alana allowed him the subject change.

    ¡°We can save time, just take me to school¡± Sky told her flatly.

    ¡°Um... What?¡± Alana asked, a little thrown, ¡°one, you hate being there. And two, you¡¯re not actually allowed to be there til Wednesday¡± she reminded warily.

    ¡°Kole¡¯s always outside at the beginning of lunch, I can at least talk to him without even having to go inside¡± was the only explanation he gave.

    ¡°Then how will you get home?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll manage. Now come on Alana, we gotta go if we wanna catch him before he heads back into the school¡± he told her with a bit of impatience. It was obvious that some sort of determination had taken up residence in Sky after that meeting. Though Alana had no idea what that was actually a determination to do; but she nevertheless just allowed a slight sigh and started the car.

 Chapter 105

    Once they arrived at the school and exited Alana¡¯s car, she gave Sky another worried look, ¡°I won¡¯t go to the office and tell them I¡¯m here til after lunch. So text me if you still need a ride home, ok?¡± she told him as she gently touched his arm before heading into the building.

    Taking a look around to make sure no teachers were nearby to catch him in the school lot during his suspension, he headed for Kole¡¯s car, which was parked in its usual spot next to his own. Kole startled a bit as Sky moved to the passenger door and got into the car.

    Kole couldn¡¯t help a small grin, ¡°this soul-mate thing must be intense if you¡¯re actually here when you don¡¯t even have to be.¡±

    Sky just shook his head and managed his own brief smile as he slid closer in the seat and covered Kole¡¯s lips in a long kiss. When the kiss ended, Sky smiled again, ¡°I¡¯m only here for a second though. So, in that second, you wanna go to space?¡± he smirked.

    ¡°Wow, getting suspended is apparently an aphrodisiac. I should try it¡± Kole returned wryly, which just caused the slightest chuckle from Sky. Kole then gave his answer, ¡°and I did rather enjoy my last alien abduction, so how could I refuse?¡± he asked as he offered Sky his hand.

    Sky smirked as he took it, ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I was the one getting probed during that last abduction of yours.¡±

    ¡°Must be why I enjoyed it so much¡± Kole teased, though as he finished the sentence, they had now disappeared from the front seat of his car to now reappear in that silver room once more.

    As soon as he noted their new location, Kole quickly moved closer and began kissing Sky¡¯s lips even more passionately. When they took a moment to breathe, Sky spoke hoarsely, ¡°I didn¡¯t just bring you here for sex though, this time.¡±

    Kole looked at him curiously then, moving to push down the erection that had already started in him during that kiss, ¡°just?¡± he couldn¡¯t help asking mischievously.

    Sky smiled back, ¡°of course, there can be sex¡± he assured, ¡°but I need to borrow your brain too, not just your...¡± he just looked down at Kole¡¯s pants with another smirk.

    ¡°Well damn¡± Kole replied, ¡°you mean I don¡¯t have to try to be this pretty after all? You even like me for my mind too? I may fall for you yet.¡±

    ¡°May?¡± Sky smirked, repeating Kole¡¯s earlier tone.

    ¡°Hush, you already know how I feel about you¡± Kole smiled as he gave him another more tender kiss, ¡°now what exactly did you need my brain for?¡±

    ¡°Star¡¯s been pulling most of the weight so far. I think it¡¯s time we lend her a hand, or a brain, or two¡± Sky stated calculatingly.

    ¡°Finally our turn, eh?¡± Kole looked back with interest. He then spoke more quietly, ¡°are we gonna confront him with the Sammi stuff then?¡±

    ¡°Not yet¡± Sky returned as he took a breath, his answer causing Kole to look somehow relieved and disappointed at once. ¡°But the two of us are uniquely equipped to get at not so much what he did, but what he thinks, deep, deep inside, and would never admit out loud.¡±

    ¡°How bad he¡¯d rather be with boys than girls?¡± Kole smirked.

    ¡°Who better to root that out of his sick head? Hell, I already started rooting it out back in middle school. Which is probably why he hates me so much, when you think about it. Cause I know what he really wants, deep inside; and he knows that I know. He¡¯s always been afraid I¡¯d let everyone else know about those desires he hates himself for having too, and make him finally face them. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time to really fucking turn those screws?¡± Sky added more bitterly.

    ¡°Turning the screws on Curt, after what he did to Sammi, and you, and all of them? Get me my latex mask and whip¡± Kole agreed with his own bitterness as he easily agreed to the plan.

    <hr>

    Curt was impatiently waiting on his mother to make him lunch that day, now that Rosita was no longer in their employ, and likely being prepped to testify against him that very moment. ¡°How hard can it be to make a sandwich? God, mom?¡± he complained impatiently as he looked down at his phone.

    ¡°I don¡¯t cook. You know that. That was always that Mexican¡¯s job¡± she grumbled as she continued to try and even locate a knife to spread the bread with.

    ¡°Amazing you kept me and Phoebe alive this long¡± he mumbled.

    ¡°That was also her job¡± his mother defended in the same mumble. She then added more loudly, ¡°and now that we can¡¯t afford to pay her, both you and your sister will probably starve to death now.¡±

    ¡°Whatever¡± Curt mumbled again as his text alert went off.

    The text was from Scott¡¯s ¡®sort of¡¯ girlfriend, Regan. It read ¡°wow not 1 party since u¡¯r BS hearing? U must be pretty hard up by now.¡±

    Curt scowled down at the phone and returned his own message, ¡°u offering?¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    Then he got the return text a moment later, ¡°meet me @ the bluffs. That cove.¡±

    His scowl then turned to an eager smirk as he looked back at his mother, ¡°I¡¯m takin off. So you can stop trying to figure out where the silverware is¡± he scoffed.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna try driving with that cast?¡± his mother called after him worriedly, to which he offered no response and simply headed for the garage.

    When Curt arrived at the bluffs, he smiled as he saw Regan¡¯s car pulled in near the edge of the sand, and footprints leading off toward the cove that was about a half a mile down the beach from where many summer parties had been thrown in recent years. He followed the footprints to the cove, then took pause as his eyes fell upon two other lovers that had had the same idea, apparently.

    But as he looked closer, he was even more taken aback by the fact that not only was it two boys making love to one another, but also by the fact that he knew them as well. And they knew him too. He swallowed as his eyes moved over Kole and Sky there on their knees in that sandy cove. Kole was thrusting into Sky from behind as they both moaned loudly in pleasure with each motion.

    Curt¡¯s first instinct was anger when his eyes fell on two of the people responsible for all of his current legal problems. Not to mention how easily triggered he was by this particular activity, considering his own deeply rooted homophobia. But as his arm was still in that cast, his very first instinct to beat them both bloody had to be checked. He had no use of his right arm, and he was alone and outnumbered, technically. And he still had no clue if Kole had that damn knife nearby, or whatever else he had somehow used to do what he had done to Curt¡¯s arm at all.

    So, then he had no choice but to decide to leave in anger, or the other choice, which he tried not to let into his head; which was to stay and watch. When else would he ever get to see this sort of thing live and in person? And with two boys who honestly could pass for girls at that, despite a few marked differences that were more than apparent now, considering their current activity.

    So, he stayed, and he watched, and they continued to give each other moment after moment of intense pleasure, seeming blissfully unaware that they were being watched. And that¡¯s when Curt¡¯s own buried desires made him move closer, his eyes taking in both of their bodies, just as they had done to Sky¡¯s five years earlier, that day in the showers. Only, seeing them both in the throes of such passion made the experience of seeing all of that pale naked skin that much more titillating to Curt this time. And his body responded to that titillation.

    Frustrated even further then by the lack of ability to use his right arm, Curt nevertheless found himself unable to just ignore how painfully hard he had gotten as he continued to watch the lovers. Giving into that frustration, he decided his left hand would have to do as he awkwardly unzipped his pants and began pleasuring himself as his eyes stayed locked on the two boys.

    Minutes later, Curt¡¯s orgasm hit him hard as he tossed his head back, closed his eyes, and poured out his seed across the sandy ground at his feet. As soon as the last drop left him, he breathed heavily and opened his eyes, only to startle as Kole and Sky were both now standing next to him. Only, they were now smirking and inexplicably, fully dressed again.

    Then Sky moved closer and pointedly whispered, ¡°feel better now?¡±

    Then Kole just had to add, ¡°or do you need a hand?¡±

    ¡°Fuck you both¡± Curt bit out as he stepped back, struggling to refasten his pants again with only the use of his left hand.

    Kole smirked again, ¡°oh, don¡¯t worry Curt we were just leaving. Just have to get my phone¡± he stated smartly as he reached down to where he had left it on a nearby boulder, ¡°oh no, it looks like I left the camera on. Hope there¡¯s nothing incriminating on there¡± he smirked again as he retrieved it and he and Sky simply walked away, both smirking then as Curt continued to struggle to get himself back into his pants.

    A moment later, he was fuming as he rushed out of the cove after them. Only, when he emerged from that cove, there was no sign of either of them. Not even a footprint, other than his own.

    And another moment later, back in the silver room, Kole and Sky both startled back to the present, still wearing their smirks. ¡°That was so bad¡± Kole replied through a loud laugh.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Sky returned with mock innocence,¡±we¡¯ve been here the whole time. And in a second, we¡¯ll just still be sitting in your car at school. Perfectly innocent afternoon all around¡± he allowed his own mischievous laugh.

    ¡°If only the video at least could be real¡± Kole shook his head through another smile.

    ¡°As long as Curt thinks it is¡± Sky stated with a knowing smile of his own, ¡°he does like videos that involve teenagers who shouldn¡¯t want each other being caught doing just that¡± he referenced his original life with a shake of his head, ¡°bout time he starred in one of his own, right?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t too long after their latest psychic assault on Curt that the two boys found themselves back in Kole¡¯s car. It was once again only a second after blinking out of existence, never mind how long they had actually been gone. Sky let out a heavy sigh as he looked at his watch. ¡°Alana said she could give me a ride before lunch ends, but...¡±

    Kole just shook his head and handed Sky his keys, ¡°we¡¯re probably gonna be at your house all weekend anyway, Crista and I can just catch a ride there with Star.¡±

    ¡°Speak of the angel¡± Sky smiled as Star and Crista stepped outside, apparently looking for Kole to come join them for lunch after his cigarette.

    ¡°You take my baby, and I¡¯ll keep yours company¡± Kole smirked as he got out of the car, allowing Sky to slide across the car to claim his former spot behind the wheel.

    ¡°Was that Sky?¡± Star greeted Kole as she and Crista made their way down the steps as he exited his car, which Sky then pulled out of the space before any teachers could catch him there.

    ¡°And he¡¯s stealing your car?¡± Crista added with further confusion as the girls watched as Sky waved to them and pulled away.

    ¡°More like babysitting it til we go home with Star this afternoon. If we¡¯re invited, of course¡± he had to add with a slight snicker.

    Then Star looked up at him with a playful scowl, ¡°only if you promise me at least five orgasms before Monday.¡±

    Kole laughed out loud then, ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do.¡±

    ¡°I like this plan, I¡¯ll have at least four¡± Crista smirked as they each moved to take one of Kole¡¯s hands in their own.

    ¡°Ladies, I¡¯m not a machine.¡±

    ¡°I think you kinda are¡± Star giggled up at him.

    ¡°I feel like such a piece of meat¡± Kole teased, which easily caused Star to smile again as she thought back to when Sky had said something similar to she and Crista in their last life. Of course, Kole wasn¡¯t part of their lives then; but they all were glad he was now. As they needed all the support they could get. And the extra dose of incredible sex was pretty nice too; Star thought wryly as they all headed back inside, hand in hand in hand.

 Chapter 106

    It wasn¡¯t too long after Star, Crista, and Kole arrived at the Vargas house that afternoon, that the three of them joined Sky in the living room to choose a viewing selection before dinner that night. Brie and Connor were slightly surprised that the four had chosen to remain downstairs, but the weekend was still young they supposed, and they would take that surprise happily, while it lasted. The adults moved to the kitchen for their afternoon wine or coffee before dinner preparation, while the teens remained in the next room scrolling through programming options.

    Their decision making process was soon interrupted though, by a loud pounding at the front door of the house. That pounding was accompanied by Curt shouting through the door, ¡°get out here, fag!¡±

    They all froze up more than a bit as they looked to Sky, as he was the one among them who had already personally experienced the scope of Curt¡¯s wrath only a month earlier, and in such a horrible way. Sky took a deep breath as he got up from the couch they were all sitting close together upon.

    Star spoke up first, ¡°you¡¯re not really going to open the door, are you?¡± she asked with a bit of panic as Sky pushed himself up off the couch.

    ¡°Just call the cops¡± Crista put in pleadingly, ¡°it can¡¯t be legal for him to be at the house of one of his victims, can it?¡±

    ¡°And two of you are actually here¡± Star corrected, reminding Crista that she had actually been the victim of the original charge, trivial though it seemed next to the eight rape charges.

    ¡°All four of us are together, and our parents are in the next room. And he¡¯s still got the cast. What can he do, other than just bitch and threaten us?¡± Sky shrugged as he took a step toward the door.

    ¡°He can still pull a trigger with his left hand, Sky¡± Star warned him desperately.

    ¡°Well good thing you¡¯ve got two other people to help you rewind the world this time then, right?¡± Sky told her with another shrug as he moved to the door with a deep breath. At that point, the commotion had also brought Connor and Brie from the dining room to the living room as they looked at all the teens questioningly. Though all of them were too tense right then to offer the mads any explanation.

    Sky then opened the door and stepped outside thankful that the tiny foyer did make it difficult for one to see much of the living room from the porch. After all, Sky may not have been afraid of being on the receiving end of any bullets himself, but he surely didn¡¯t want Curt to have a chance to take aim at any of the others in the house if he did have that damn gun with him again in this life.

    ¡°Pretty sure you¡¯re not supposed to be here¡± Sky greeted his attacker with as much volume as he could force into his voice right then.

    ¡°Gimme the fucking video, fag¡± Curt bit out angrily.

    ¡°Whatsoever do you mean?¡± Sky returned, trying his best to keep his composure as Star and Crista listened from inside, giving each other a questioning look, as Kole simply looked down, though he now had also moved to a place just inside the other side of the door, out of Curt¡¯s sight, but ready to jump to Sky¡¯s defense, psychically if not physically.

    Curt glared back at Sky, teeth clenched, face red with anger, cursing that arm of his once more, ¡°gimme it, or there¡¯ll be nowhere to hide after I get this cast off¡± he threatened.

    ¡°Too late. You already did what you were gonna do to me. And I¡¯m still here. So threaten me all you want. It doesn¡¯t change anything anymore now¡± Sky told him with an eerie calm, and almost acceptance of whatever Curt planned to do to him next time.

    His three companions inside all looked down then as they were once again reminded of Sky¡¯s apathy for any harm coming to himself anymore. He was numb to it at that point. And the fact that he had willingly went out there, it made them fear that he might even possibly welcome it if it would lead to his own death.

    Curt just scoffed angrily, ¡°you¡¯re right. I¡¯m already done with you. But if you don¡¯t gimme that fucking video, you won¡¯t even recognize your sister after what I do to her! That other freak¡¯s freak girlfriend got off easy! Star won¡¯t be so lucky!¡± he growled as Star and Crista both shuddered in their seats on the couch and Kole flinched, biting his lip in anger.

    And as the man at the lab pointed out in their last life, that was Sky¡¯s hair trigger right there. He glared back at Curt as the boy began choking and wheezing, and reaching for his throat. That was when Kole quickly stepped out of the doorway and placed a hand firmly on Sky¡¯s shoulder to attempt to stop that psychic assault before Sky found himself being the one locked up in this life too, after murdering Curt with just his mind, yet again.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t have the video, Curt¡± Kole growled at him, once his touch had broken Sky out of that impulse to murder him right then and there; or at least had broken him out of it, for the moment.

    ¡°Well, then you give it to me, you prick¡± Curt managed using anger to cover his shock and even possible fear, when he was once again able to breathe or talk again, anyway.

    That was when Connor stepped through the doorway and glared coldly at their unwanted visitor. ¡°I know I didn¡¯t just hear you threaten my daughter a minute ago, did I?¡± Connor told him with ice in his tone.

    ¡°We¡¯re just having a discussion¡± Curt retorted as he eyed Connor, ¡°they gimme what I want, and I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±

    Kole interrupted then, ¡°how about this? You never ever touch Star, or Crista, or anyone else and we won¡¯t post that tiny prick of yours all over the internet. How¡¯s that for a deal?¡± he offered with his own icy tone.

    ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll just make sure they can¡¯t talk, after¡± Curt growled back.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Having made his way to the safe in their in-home office before returning to the living room and stepping outside, Connor then raised his hand, and the revolver he now held, ¡°I will shoot you where you stand, boy. Now get the fuck away from my son, my daughter, their friends, and off my property before I see if they¡¯ll throw me in jail or throw me a parade for ridding the world of you.¡±

    Curt simply glared back. Though when Connor cocked the gun, he quickly headed back down the steps and got back into his car with a slam of the door and a squeal of tires on pavement. Sky then looked back at Connor, ¡°fuck, dad¡± he exclaimed with a raised brow.

    ¡°You¡¯re too young and pretty for jail. I¡¯m not¡± Connor replied as he gestured for the younger men to follow him inside, ¡°now what¡¯s this about a fucking video?¡± he asked after he closed and locked the door behind him as everyone in the house sighed in relief before turning to hear that answer as well.

    Sky looked down and Kole spoke up, ¡°there¡¯s not really any video. Curt just thinks there is¡± Kole attempted that ever so brief explanation.

    ¡°So, the video that you two are apparently blackmailing him with, doesn¡¯t really exist?¡± Connor repeated slowly, not sure if that explanation impressed or terrified him. ¡°And is what he thinks is on this phantom video actually so damning that he would agree to your terms? I mean, he hardly seems the type to feel guilty about anything he¡¯s ever done, on camera or off.¡±

    Kole sighed as Sky continued to let him handle that answer too, ¡°he thinks we have a video of him masturbating while he watched two guys having sex¡± Kole danced around that truth as all the jaws in the room dropped except Sky¡¯s; he just blushed and looked away. Kole added, ¡°so believe me, that¡¯s one thing Curt would never want anyone to see, ever.¡±

    Connor just shook his head, ¡°and why does he think the two of you would have such a video?¡±

    Sky then finally spoke, ¡°do you really want us to answer that?¡± Of course, that answer just caused both the mads to pale as they looked quickly away from their son and his male lover.

    ¡°I guess we could make an actual video exist¡± Kole smirked as he looked at Sky who just shook his head back at him. Kole then continued more seriously, ¡°but no one will ever have to know this video isn¡¯t real as long as he keeps his hands, and his dick to himself, right?¡±

    They all just shook their heads then, and attempted to go back to their evening, despite how much more tense it had now become for all of them.

    <hr>

    Once dinner was finished, the adults were further surprised when the teens returned to the living room instead of upstairs. ¡°So, they¡¯re not here for another orgy this weekend?¡± Brie whispered to her husband as they began loading the dishwasher, both of them still unaware of the secret of that silver room, despite all the other secrets they had found out about their children since that school year had begun.

    ¡°Are you complaining?¡± Connor returned.

    ¡°Just trying to figure out what changed¡± Brie assured.

    ¡°Are we sure anything has, after that comment about the video?¡± he asked as Brie glared. He then added, ¡°well, their lives have been a little stressed lately¡± Connor shrugged as she just gave him a doubtful look. He then just sighed, ¡°I have no idea, Brie.¡±

    When the adults passed through the living room about twenty minutes later, they gave the teenagers another slightly puzzled look as they had already turned their attention to the TV. Of course, they were all squeezed onto the couch together, instead of spread out between the sofa and the recliners, so the intimacy between them was still apparently there. Sky and Star were sharing the middle cushion, as they held one another¡¯s hand. Crista was curled up next to Star, and Kole was next to Sky, as Sky¡¯s head lay softly against his shoulder, while Sky¡¯s and Star¡¯s fingers still gently caressed each other¡¯s.

    The two parents then gave each other one more wary glance before heading into their own room for the night, sure that if anything would trigger another lust-filled night upstairs, it would have to be their departure from the room.

    Though, another half hour passed as the teens silently continued watching the TV screen, despite how far away their minds actually may have been right then, all things considered. That was when Crista looked up at Star, who looked particularly distant, and not exactly relaxed.

    ¡°You look very tense¡± Crista stated the obvious as she gently squeezed Star¡¯s other hand, pulling the cover more tightly around their legs. After all, it was now nearly the middle of October, and the temperatures in the evenings had already started dipping to the forties.

    ¡°Imagine that¡± Star mumbled as Sky gently squeezed her other hand from where he had been holding it since they took their seats.

    Crista then looked down the couch at her three lovers who were all trying their best to pay attention to the TV instead of the millions of thoughts racing through their ever so powerful brains. Thoughts about the future and Curt, and continuing their mind games, and dealing with his return to school, and wondering if the blackmail would work; and a million other things.

    Taking it upon herself to at least try and put a dent in that tension, Crista reached under the cover, and placed her hand on Star¡¯s bare thigh below the hem of the skirt she wore that day. ¡°Yes?¡± Star asked as she looked over at the younger girl.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything¡± Crista smirked as she turned her eyes back to the TV, but didn¡¯t remove her hand from the other girl¡¯s even paler skin beneath that warm blanket and out of sight of anyone else either in the room at the moment, or who might pass through again later.

    Star just shook her head and tried to return her own attention back to the TV as well then. Though, that plan was doomed to fail as Crista then moved her hand upward until it reached Star¡¯s panties, causing the older girl to bite back a small smile at last.

    ¡°Do we need to go... somewhere?¡± Star asked Crista as the two boys at the other end of the couch then looked at the two girls curiously.

    ¡°But we¡¯ll miss the next episode. It¡¯s a good one¡± Crista teased as she didn¡¯t look back at Star, though still slid her fingers inside her panties causing the slightest gasp in Star as she bit back another smile and tried to keep her gaze on the screen in front of them.

    Though Star¡¯s attempts to keep her eyes on the screen did take a further hit as Crista slid her fingers inside her and caused her to have to bite back another gasp. That was when Sky and Kole looked back at her again. Sky spoke then, ¡°you all right over there?¡± he had to ask.

    ¡°Fine¡± Star answered a little breathlessly as Crista¡¯s fingers began moving inside her under that cover, causing her breath to become a bit ragged.

    ¡°O...k¡± Sky replied as he looked back at where Kole just wore a questioning smile as well.

    Then Crista upped the ante and began caressing Star outside as well, as the older girl whimpered slightly and tilted her head back to try and regain her composure.

    ¡°Still fine?¡± Sky had to ask as he and Kole continued to look at the girls curiously while Star¡¯s hand squeezed Sky¡¯s even tighter as she tried to bite back that next quiet moan.

    ¡°Getting better¡± Star whispered through broken breaths as Crista continued watching the TV with a guilty smile.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your other hand, Crista?¡± Kole had to ask, though in a whisper, as his questioning look turned into a smirk as he noted that that hand was indeed hidden from view under the cover.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure I have no idea what you could be implying¡± Crista smirked back, and let her thumb rub against Star again as Star¡¯s body began to shake as she bit back another moan and her nails dug ever so slightly into Sky¡¯s hand.

    Kole and Sky couldn¡¯t help allowing their own chuckles then as it became obvious exactly what was going on under that cover at the moment. Kole then just had to speak up, ¡°yeah, I think the weekend has officially begun.¡±

 Chapter 107

    When the sun set on the Vargas house that Friday night, Curt¡¯s white Ferrari made its second appearance of the day. He awkwardly got out and moved to just as awkwardly open the trunk. He once again cursed that arm of his while glaring up at the house where the boy who had magically broken it two weeks earlier and his lover, who also seemed to will the very air out of Curt¡¯s lungs earlier that day, were inside. He then allowed the thought that they were also likely doing more of what he witnessed them doing even earlier in the day. And that thought caused further anger, disgust, and some other emotions he didn¡¯t want to admit to.

    He then reached into the trunk to retrieve the gas can that he had brought along that night. Just as he began to lift if from the trunk as best he could in his current physical capacity, he heard the chirp of a siren as Detective Calvert¡¯s unmarked car pulled in next to him. He dropped the can back into the trunk as he glared back at her and her partner as they got out of the car, hands on their guns.

    ¡°Got a call from Mr. Vargas earlier tonight. Seems he thought you might show up at his house, again¡± Calvert told him coolly. ¡°And here you are¡± she added sarcastically, ¡°I¡¯m sure you know you¡¯re not supposed to be paying your victims visits, now don¡¯t you, Curt?¡±

    Curt continued to glare as he bit back, ¡°well, maybe you should be hassling those freaks¡¯ dad. He pulled a gun on me earlier!¡± he complained.

    She shook her head as her partner continued to eye the seventeen year old, ¡°so, he pulled a gun on the boy who raped his son, then showed up at his house, threatening to do worse to his daughter? Is that your complaint? Should I file it for you?¡± she bit back pointedly.

    Though before Curt could pose any more flimsy arguments, she took a step closer to look at his still open trunk. She then nodded to her partner, who also moved to look at the gas can he had been reaching for. They then both glared back at him, their hands never leaving their guns for an instant of the conversation.

    ¡°And what were you planning on doing with that?¡± Calvert asked.

    Curt took a moment to mentally scramble for some answer, ¡°not my fault this is where I ran outta gas¡± he settled on.

    That was when her partner moved to the driver¡¯s side window and took a look inside. ¡°I guess you not only slept through the class where they taught you what no means, but also the one where they taught you how to read a gas gauge.¡±

    ¡°Fuck you¡± Curt bit back.

    Calvert just rolled her eyes at that response before she replied, ¡°what a strong defense. I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll work just as well in court¡± and with that they moved to guide Curt into the backseat of their car.

    <hr>

    It was nearing midnight when the teens got to the end of the latest episode of the program they were binge watching that night. As Sky paused the TV to push himself to his feet for a bathroom break, Star scowled down at her phone. ¡°Almost pill time¡± she mumbled as Sky had given her scowl a questioning look as he stood.

    Star then stood as well, both Crista and Kole standing with her. ¡°We¡¯ll help¡± Crista offered with a little grin.

    ¡°Help me take my pill?¡± Star returned wryly.

    ¡°Or something¡± Crista teased back.

    Star just shook her head at the younger girl. She then turned to Kole, ¡°you feeling helpful too then?¡±

    ¡°I was just plannin on getting started on that agreement, or nine, I have to fulfill¡± he told her in the same teasing tone as she and Crista snickered and Sky just gave Kole another questioning look then as well after pausing his steps near the door of the downstairs bathroom.

    ¡°Then, I guess I¡¯ll be upstairs in a minute, too¡± Sky told them with another curious look.

    Then Kole replied, ¡°good, cause nine¡¯s a lot. I may need a hand from you... or other parts¡± he smirked as he let his eyes move over Sky pointedly, causing the girls to give him another wry grin.

    Sky just shook his head and bit back a smile as he stepped into the bathroom to heed nature¡¯s call. A few moments later, he returned to the living room, sighing at the snacks and empty soda cans on the stand in front of the TV. He then moved to begin cleaning up after their night in front of the TV, when his phone buzzed.

    His breath caught a moment considering the hour and the fact that almost everyone he even socialized with at all was already in the house with him. He gave the unfamiliar number another wary look before making himself answer the call with a hoarse hello.

    ¡°Sky?¡± a woman¡¯s voice greeted him, ¡°sorry for the hour, but this is Detective Calvert at Richmond PD.¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± was Sky¡¯s first panicked response. The traumas of his still rather short life made him almost always immediately jump to the worst possible conclusions in just about any situation; especially considering the very situation his life was in at that moment.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°Well, being one of his victims, among other factors, I wanted to let you and your family know that we arrested Curt again tonight¡± she told him with a bit of hope in her voice.

    Sky took a ragged breath, trying to process the two distinct emotions that information caused in him. ¡°Well, that¡¯s great and all. But what did he do this time? Who did he hurt?¡± he added in a near whisper.

    Her voice dropped as well at how easily Sky did jump to those worst case scenarios, though she could easily understand why. She then offered her answer, ¡°well, we think we actually stopped him from hurting a few people tonight¡± she assured.

    Sky just shook his head, not overly comforted by that, still, ¡°so what did he try to do tonight, then? What did you end up arresting him for?¡±

    ¡°Trespassing and attempted arson¡± Calvert told him with a deep breath of her own.

    ¡°Arson?¡± Sky swallowed, not exactly having expected that to be her answer.

    ¡°Attempted¡± she corrected, though quietly.

    ¡°What the hell did he try to burn down?¡± Sky had to ask.

    Calvert took another breath, trying to figure out how to best field that question, ¡°he was caught outside one of his victim¡¯s houses, getting a can of gas out of his trunk, obviously agitated; the tank on his car nearly full¡± she stated, though still offered even that much information with obvious wariness.

    Sky closed his eyes as he bit back that approaching anxiety attack and tried to make himself remember to breathe and form words. They finally left his throat in a hoarse whisper, ¡°it was our house, wasn¡¯t it?¡± he choked as his eyes moved to the stairs, then his parents¡¯ bedroom door, then his own front door, just imagining what state the house and all those he loved inside it could possibly be in at that very moment.

    ¡°We stopped him, Sky. We arrested him¡± Calvert attempted to assure further at the sound of the panic in his voice.

    ¡°Yeah, well I seem to recall you arresting him before. Less than two weeks ago!¡± he told her, the panic turning into anger easily.

    ¡°Listen, Sky, I know it¡¯s terrifying, what he tried to do tonight. But this is actually a good thing; a very good thing¡± Calvert stressed,

    ¡°What the fuck are you talking about?¡± he bit back.

    ¡°Listen¡± she repeated, trying to calm him long enough to explain, ¡°the reason this was allowed to happen is because the judge allowed him out on bail. But now he¡¯s been arrested again, less than two weeks later. And what that proves is that ¡®the accused poses a reasonable threat to the community¡¯¡± she told him pointedly, then smiled as she added, ¡°he won¡¯t get bail this time.¡±

    Sky took another moment to try and process that information. He finally swallowed hard, and just had to make sure he was understanding what she was telling him, ¡°you mean they¡¯ll actually keep his ass locked up this time?¡± he whispered, not daring to let much hope into his tone just yet, still.

    ¡°Well, yes, and no¡± Calvert answered quietly.

    ¡°What?¡± Sky bit out.

    ¡°It¡¯s a much lesser charge, but he was already out on bail for several more serious charges, so they will take that into account. However, he is technically a minor, for at least another eighteen days, so they¡¯ll likely put him in a juvenile facility, at least until his eighteenth birthday.¡±

    ¡°In less than three weeks?¡± Sky repeated coldly.

    ¡°Yes, that is an unfortunate factor of the justice system. They have to release juveniles, even if they are detained there this close to their eighteenth birthday¡± she admitted sadly.

    ¡°So he¡¯s still going to be free again? In less than three fucking weeks? Released only eight days after he was supposed to come back to school anyway?¡± Sky asked more loudly, ¡°how can you actually try to tell me this is good?¡±

    ¡°That isn¡¯t a guarantee Sky. When he turns eighteen they¡¯ll have another hearing to determine if he should actually be released or moved into a regular prison for the remainder of the time before his trial in December. He could still very likely just be moved from juvenile to adult detention¡± she informed him firmly.

    ¡°Could?¡± Sky retorted sarcastically.

    ¡°Listen Sky,¡± she repeated once more, ¡°in light of his actions tonight, we¡¯ll easily get restraining orders keeping him away from your house as well as all the other victims¡¯ homes, and work places, and schools¡± she stressed. ¡°This is why I said it ultimately was a good thing. He made his bed with the crap he pulled tonight. Even if they don¡¯t keep him detained til trial, there¡¯s no way any sane judge will ever let him return to the same school as five of his victims now. You won¡¯t ever have to see him again, unless you decide to come to the trial. This is a good thing, Sky¡± she assured him once more.

    Sky was quiet a long moment, as he took a deep breath, ¡°so, if you¡¯re right... if¡± he repeated, ¡°we may not have to go to school with him again. Great¡± he then quickly continued, ¡°but if they don¡¯t actually keep him locked away til December, he¡¯ll still be free til his trial, even if he¡¯s not sitting in school with us. And he already tried to kill me and all my friends and family tonight. Sorry if I¡¯m not really seeing a lotta ¡®good¡¯ here¡± he finished coldly as he ended the call, and slumped back to the couch again, running his fingers through those long pretty locks once more.

    Sky took a few more minutes before going to tap at his parents¡¯ bedroom door and recount this new information to them. He then took a breath and moved to head up the stairs to also share it with the others. When he finally arrived back in his room, the three of them were already cuddled close together atop his mattress. Each girl took turns offering Kole playful kisses in anticipation of their next trip to that silver room.

    Kole broke off his latest kiss with Star to look up at Sky as he entered the room, shutting the door quietly behind him. ¡°If you took much longer, we were gonna have to start without you¡± he teased.

    ¡°Got a call¡± Sky mumbled as he moved to his dresser and began ridding himself of a few of the numerous pieces of jewelry that he had worn that day.

    ¡°At this hour?¡± Star asked with a bit of concern.

    ¡°That detective, Calvert¡± Sky answered as he continued ridding himself of the jewelry most likely to get caught up on the hair or clothes of his companions at inopportune moments.

    ¡°God, what happened now?¡± Star asked, as all three of Sky¡¯s lovers adopted more serious expressions then.

    Sky let out another breath as he finally turned back to them, ¡°what do you want first? The minutely good news or the could be good but probably will end up really bad anyway news?¡±

 Chapter 108

    As Sky was only required to go to three counseling sessions or support group meetings, it was assumed he would go to one on Friday, Monday, and then Tuesday; the three days of his suspension. However, when he woke up that day, after a particularly long night with his companions, he decided he just wanted to get these meetings over and done with. Plus, he reasoned, if he went during the weekend, he wouldn¡¯t have to deprive Star of the car, or make anyone else miss any more classes.

    Perhaps knowing there was no chance of running into Curt in town that weekend also helped his decision somewhat as well. Though, despite Curt¡¯s current incarceration, they still wanted to at least try to stick to their ¡®never be alone¡¯ rule, especially in light of the run in at the gas station Sky had had earlier in the week. After all, Curt may have been the most unstable ¡®good ole boy¡¯ in town, but there were others; most of whom had a bone to pick with Sky and Kole both. In light of that fact, the two boys decided to stick together once they ventured out in public, neither wanting to unduly put a target on either of the girls who were their also rather constant companions.

    Instead, Star and Crista would enjoy their Saturday with the assurance of not running into Curt by making a trip to do some clothes-shopping, which they had all fallen behind on since the attack on Sky exactly one month prior. The girls would have Sky¡¯s car, and Kole would be taking Sky to his meeting in his own. After all, things may have been a lot more open with the mads in this life, but Sky still didn¡¯t want his parents carting him back and forth to a rape support group. And it was safer if he was with at least one of the three lovers who he needed to defend himself or said lover, if they absolutely had to.

    ¡°Sure you wanna do this on the weekend?¡± Kole was asking Sky as they neared the center of town, where the community center was. ¡°Didn¡¯t you go to the early meeting yesterday to avoid seeing the entire cheer-leading squad from our school?¡±

    ¡°Most were there yesterday anyway¡± Sky replied with a sigh, ¡°may as well go and endure it. Who knows, we may need more info from them if the asshole does get released again. Shouldn¡¯t be all on Star to dig it out.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re not feeling guilty about the last time we fucked with Curt¡¯s head, considering?¡± Kole asked, as Sky cast him a dark look. Kole then quickly added, ¡°I¡¯m not saying you should feel guilty. Fucker deserved every bit of what we did. I just know you have a tendency to feel guilty about things, even if you shouldn¡¯t¡± he added more quietly.

    Sky just sighed heavily, ¡°I do feel guilty. Guess you¡¯re right about that. But his retaliation just makes me wanna push him off the cliff that much harder now. I¡¯m just trying to force myself to wait til after we hear if they¡¯re sending him to real jail or not. I wouldn¡¯t wanna make him blow his head off before he gets raped at least once for every person he¡¯s raped¡± Sky growled.

    Kole blinked at that comment, but allowed a small smile as well as they turned into the lot, ¡°dark Sky. I like it¡± he smirked.

    Sky just shook his head, not able to help his glare turning into a smile at Kole¡¯s words, ¡°I¡¯ve always been dark, and you¡¯ve always liked me¡± he retorted as he returned the smirk.

    ¡°Well, you do have addictive naughty bits¡± Kole teased.

    ¡°And you liked me before you touched em too¡± Sky teased back as he reached for the door handle.

    ¡°Yes for all of the five days I knew you before I was on my knees getting ¡®addicted¡¯¡± Kole added wryly as the two got out of the car.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t required to go in¡± Sky told him with a narrowed brow as he saw Kole leaving the car with him.

    ¡°No, but you¡¯ve got fifteen minutes or so. Figured we could have a cigarette and then I¡¯ll just kill the hour at that coffee shop across the street¡± he told him, gesturing to the shop in question as he followed Sky toward the steps of the community center.

    ¡°Coffee shop, huh? Say hi to Raina¡± he smirked, though as he finished the sentence, the subject of his inside joke that Kole wouldn¡¯t get anyway, came into view as they reached the top step.

    Leaning upon the steps outside the building already was not only Raina, but all his other victims too, minus Caitlin, who lived over fifty miles away now, and Sammi, of course. All eyes turned to he and Kole as they approached.

    ¡°God, not you too?¡± Was Brandi¡¯s greeting when her eyes fell on Kole, interrupting the conversation she and the other girls had been having.

    ¡°What? Me?¡± Kole asked as he was a little surprised that she was addressing him. He then shook his head as he and Sky took a few wary steps closer, ¡°no, when he grabbed me in the locker room, I had a knife at his throat before he could... do anything else¡± he decided on, considering his current company.

    Brandi sighed with only a bit of relief before she looked back at the other girls who all were eyeing Sky and Kole questioningly. Brandi then took a breath and turned back to the two boys, ¡°so, is it true?¡±

    ¡°Is what true?¡± Sky asked slowly as he cast a furtive glance at Kole.

    ¡°Is he really locked up in juvey now?¡± Brandi clarified, trying to not sound too hopeful just yet.

    ¡°And did he really try to burn your house down?¡± Raina added worriedly.

    ¡°Do I know her?¡± Kole asked as his eyes moved over Raina¡¯s purple hair, black clothing, fishnet and spikes.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°She looked a lot more like the rest of them til this summer¡± Sky told Kole furtively as Raina just rolled her eyes. But Sky soon remembered that he was being asked other questions then too, ¡°yes, to juvey, for now; and yes to that¡¯s why he got arrested¡± he sighed heavily, still quite obviously upset by what could have happened to everyone in his life, and himself too, he supposed, only one night earlier.

    ¡°And we don¡¯t know what happens to him after his eighteenth?¡± Georgia put in worriedly.

    ¡°Not yet¡± Sky admitted with another sigh, ¡°most likely there¡¯ll be restraining orders to supposedly keep him away from us. But we covered how much faith I have in those, yesterday¡± he added more quietly, ¡°and he most likely won¡¯t be back in school with us¡± another sigh, ¡°but who knows if they¡¯ll move him to real jail after November first¡± he repeated, referring to Curt¡¯s eighteenth birthday.

    ¡°Two days before my eighteenth?¡± Kole scoffed, ¡°what an honor¡± he added sarcastically. Kole then looked back at the five girls who kept giving he and Sky wary looks, though Kole more so. After all, Sky was a fellow victim, but they were both still men. ¡°Anyway, coffee is calling me¡± Kole told Sky as he looked back at him.

    He then moved to place a long kiss over Sky¡¯s lips before gently squeezing his arm and making his high platform boots carry him carefully back down the steps and toward the coffee shop across the street. Sky took a moment to catch his breath after that kiss before turning back to see five sets of eyes looking back at him.

    That was when the quietest among them, Scott¡¯s former girlfriend, Sarah was actually the one to speak, ¡°you guys actually are gay?¡±

    Raina then scoffed as she looked back at the girl who Curt had violated only one month later than herself, ¡°if they are, someone needs to tell Sky¡¯s boyfriend, considering the way he kept looking at me.¡±

    Sky couldn¡¯t help an awkward smile, at Raina¡¯s statement, ¡°no, neither of us are gay. Nor are we a couple, exactly¡± he had to add, as he just shook his head and gave Kole one more appreciative glance as he crossed the street.

    Then Sarah gave Sky another questioning look. Though Tim¡¯s former girlfriend Chloe spoke next from her seat on the steps beside Sarah, ¡°he¡¯s not your boyfriend, and you¡¯re not gay, but you guys still kiss like that? And in public?¡± she added more quietly.

    Raina scoffed again, ¡°one: twenty-first century. Two: there¡¯s more options in the world than just gay or straight¡± she shook her head, ¡°after all, I think we¡¯ve all seen Sky and Star with their tongue¡¯s down each other¡¯s throats more than once over the years. Pretty sure Star¡¯s a chick last I looked¡± she shook her head again then as she also couldn¡¯t help her own glance at Kole as he entered the shop across the way.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re bi?¡± Sarah asked as she and Chloe both raised a brow and Brandi just looked away, having already gone through this with Sky herself the previous Monday, more or less.

    Raina smirked, ¡°see, you do know the word.¡±

    That was when Georgia finally piped up, ¡°these two obviously don¡¯t care if people know they like guys, unlike some guys I think we¡¯ve all dated over the years, except maybe Raina¡± she had to add as she glanced at the slightly older girl.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t date anyone really, let alone closet cases. The ones who are out are much better shopping companions anyway; and have a lot less issues¡± Raina scoffed pointedly.

    Sky shook his head again, ¡°trust me, us non-closet cases have plenty of issues too, just not ones that end up being taken out on the girls we hang around with¡± he added more quietly.

    Georgia then spoke again, ¡°I don¡¯t think Sarah and Chloe here are so much shocked by the idea of boys liking boys, as they are by boys admitting they like boys, considering Scott and Tim¡± she shook her head.

    Chloe then defended weakly, ¡°hey, neither of them have ever said that¡±

    Raina then mumbled, ¡°and we see how well that turned out for Tim. And I give Scott til college before he¡¯s dressing in drag and singing show tunes¡± she added wryly.

    Georgia just rolled her eyes at Raina¡¯s comment before turning back to Sky, ¡°I think there¡¯s something else here we¡¯re all wondering about. But I¡¯m guessing all of them are too PC to just ask.¡±

    Raina scoffed, ¡°have you met me lately?¡±

    Georgia just shook her head again, ¡°the point is, after seeing that little kiss there, we¡¯re all just wondering, exactly what is the deal with you and him?¡± she asked Sky with narrowed eyes, gesturing after Kole, as the other girls also turned to hear his response.

    ¡°The deal?¡± Sky asked warily as he looked between them.

    Georgia let out a frustrated sigh, ¡°if you kiss him, what else do you do with him? That¡¯s what we wanna know.¡±

    ¡°Georgia!¡± Brandi scolded.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t gonna ask that¡± Sarah defended, to which Chloe just nodded her agreement.

    ¡°See? Too PC¡± Georgia repeated pointedly, then turned back to Sky, ¡°well?¡±

    Sky was a little taken aback, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize that the entire cheerleading squad cared about whether me and Kole were having sex with each other¡± he stalled warily.

    Georgia sighed again, ¡°christ, we don¡¯t wanna know cause we all wanna fuck you. Well, at least most of us probably don¡¯t¡± she looked at Raina pointedly as the purple haired girl just glared back, ¡°we just don¡¯t understand how anyone could, like actually enjoy that... And if you actually do...¡± she just shook her head.

    Sky swallowed hard at her words, ¡°then why am I here? Is that what you mean?¡± he asked defensively.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant¡± Georgia looked down then.

    ¡°Kinda sounded like you did¡± Raina told her coolly.

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t!¡± Georgia denied again.

    ¡°Then what exactly did you mean?¡± Sky made himself ask.

    Georgia tried to compose herself as she tried to find the words to answer him then, ¡°I just don¡¯t think any of us here can even understand...¡± she took a breath, ¡°understand how anyone could actually enjoy something like that, and how bad it hurts, and how horrible it all is with the blood and the... for days after? I mean, how can anyone actually like that? Just, how?¡± she made herself ask him as she bit back all those traumatic memories that were only two months old, still.

    Sky sighed heavily, as they all cast their eyes down at the sound of Georgia¡¯s words. He then took a breath and tried to make himself answer, ¡°What you¡¯ve gotta understand is that what Curt did to you... it¡¯s nothing like what Kole does to me. Nothing like it,¡± he stressed. ¡°Being with Kole is actually a big part of how I¡¯ve managed to cope with any of this at all. When I¡¯m with Kole, there¡¯s no pain or blood or any of those horrible things. It¡¯s the complete opposite of being forced to endure that against your will, with no warning or gentleness or... preparation?¡± he decided on as he shook his head at his own inability to communicate what he meant then. He then took another breath, ¡°You¡¯re getting caught up on the body part, not the act itself. Just think of it this way: Is being raped, normally, if we can even use that word next to rape,¡± he shook his head again, ¡°is that anything like the actual consensual hetero sex that people enjoy? It¡¯s nothing like it at all. Just like what Curt did to all of you, and me, is nothing like what we do when we let someone inside us willingly. It¡¯s worlds away from anything any of us willingly do, no matter what it is we happen to be willingly doing. Worlds away.¡±

 Chapter 109

    Those two and a half weeks til November began were filled with more than a bit of anxiety for all of those affected by Curt¡¯s crimes. Yet, the days somehow still seemed to speed by too quickly. Then it was finally the day of his eighteenth birthday when all involved worriedly stared at their phones. Trying not to also think about him getting that cast off in another two weeks as well, they all waited to hear how awful the remaining six weeks until the trial would truly be for all involved; assuming they survived those six weeks even.

    Then word came that Curt would not be sent to an adult prison until his scheduled trial date of December 18th. Instead, he would be placed on house arrest; with the understanding that even one violation of that house arrest, or any of the restraining orders now in place, or any other breaking of any other law would result in his immediate incarceration in an adult prison until his trial after all. And none of his victims were sure, still, if this was good news or not, as trusting the legal system or authorities to keep them safe did not come easily to any of them at this point.

    When Curt¡¯s parents brought him home that evening, they didn¡¯t say a word to him on the trip from the juvenile detention facility to their home in the richest part of town. Instead they pulled into the garage and headed inside to get ready for a fundraiser they had scheduled that night. That was finally when his mother spoke to him as he somberly followed them inside with his handy new ankle bracelet in place blinking green as they arrived on the property.

    ¡°We have that fundraiser thing with your dad¡¯s company. You and Phoebe can order take out or something for dinner¡± she told him briefly as she turned toward the stairs her husband had just started up.

    ¡°It¡¯s my eighteenth birthday! And I just got out of that place! And you two are going to some fundraiser?¡± he asked, appalled.

    His father glared back as his mother attempted some response, ¡°we have to keep up appearances, Curt, especially now¡± she added more quietly.

    ¡°And I think you lost your right to a celebration of any kind after about the third or fourth girl you raped!¡± he bit back at his son.

    Curt glared back coldly, ¡°so you woulda been ok with the first two or three?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have time to beat the shit out of you right now! But open your mouth again, and I¡¯ll make time¡± Mitchell retorted with a growl before heading up the stairs as his wife sighed heavily and moved to follow him.

    Once his parents left for the evening, Curt stopped his frantic search of every social media site he had ever gone to, and glanced at his bedroom door. He then moved to go down the hall to Phoebe¡¯s door as she also sat at her computer that night.

    ¡°You lose your phone or something?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± she asked, not bothering to look back at him, simply offering a scowl at him opening her door with no invitation or even a knock, but that was usual for him, even before all of the allegations against him came out.

    ¡°I tried to call you¡± he told her with a glare.

    Phoebe just scoffed, ¡°when was that?¡±

    ¡°While I was in that place¡± he bit back.

    ¡°Sorry, guess your call got lost between the ten or more texts I¡¯ve been getting every day for the last month, asking me how my rapist brother is¡± she returned coolly, still not looking back his way.

    ¡°Oh poor you. Your life is so bad compared to mine, huh?¡± he told her angrily as he stepped into the room and showed her the ankle monitor.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong Curt?¡± Phoebe asked smartly as she finally looked back at him, ¡°someone rape you in there or something? You know what they say about karma¡± she shot back, the cast that still remained on his arm somehow fueling her bravery.

    Though as big as he was, he didn¡¯t need his right arm as he reached out with his left and grabbed her by the back of the neck. He then slammed her head into the desk hard enough to knock the chair out from under her, causing her to fall to the floor, struggling to remain conscious after the force of the blow.

    ¡°And you say one fucking word to mom and dad and you¡¯ll get worse than all those girls, and that fag!¡± he warned her icily as he left the room with a slam of the door.

    <hr>

    That Thursday, the day between Curt¡¯s eighteenth and Kole¡¯s eighteenth, Kole found himself heading into school after he and Sky¡¯s pre-class cigarette, to heed nature¡¯s call. A moment after he unzipped and began the task, he groaned slightly as Scott entered the restroom as well.

    Kole just shook his head and looked away, mumbling, ¡°we gotta stop meeting like this.¡±

    Scott simply scoffed as he moved to the urinal next to Kole, causing Kole to raise a brow but he said nothing more. Instead, Scott decided then was a good time to try to make conversation, ¡°so I take it you heard about the house arrest crap?¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Yes¡± Kole said shortly, then added, ¡°and are we friends now?¡±

    Scott just scoffed again as he allowed himself a glance over at Kole, not able to help an even quicker glance downward. He then was so taken aback, his stream of urine even faltered as he tried to force his eyes back up to Kole¡¯s face, ¡°what is up with your dick?¡±

    Kole almost choked on that question, as he was so used to the piercings himself, he had forgotten the reaction seeing either of them usually got upon first viewing. ¡°Up with my dick?¡± Kole had to smirk as he finished, looked down at Scott¡¯s own penis pointedly, and moved to push himself back inside his tight pants, Scott¡¯s eyes not able to stop from watching as Kole covered himself and hid his metalwork once again.

    ¡°Shut up¡± Scott retorted as he too finished, cursing himself for the partial hardness that had started in him at the sight of those two tiny beads on the upper and lower side of the head of Kole¡¯s penis, which was actually only one of Kole¡¯s modifications, unbeknownst to Scott. As he awkwardly pushed himself back inside his own jeans, Scott made himself speak again in the hopes of covering his embarrassment, ¡°seriously though, what the fuck is goin on down there?¡±

    ¡°Your concern is touching¡± Kole stated wryly as he moved to wash his hands, ¡°and it¡¯s called Apadravya, look it up¡± he stated as he turned toward the door, then looked back at Scott once more, ¡°but after you look it up, please curb the urge to call me. I¡¯ve already got three other people who are taking full advantage of ¡®what is up with my dick¡¯¡± he added with another smirk as he left the restroom and the other flustered boy behind.

    ¡°How the fuck do you even...¡± Scott mumbled as he got out his phone, shook his head, then let auto-correct answer his unfinished question. His eyes widened as he read the page that popped up and he swallowed hard. He then took a breath and sent off a text.

    A few minutes later, after the first bell of the day had already rang, Regan covertly entered the boys¡¯ restroom and gave Scott a questioning look as she held up her phone, ¡°what exactly is a restroom emergency? Get it caught in your zipper, or what?¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mere¡± he stated a little breathlessly as he reached for her arm and pulled her into the nearest stall with him.

    ¡°Ok, this is an unexpected turn of events¡± Regan responded warily as she watched him close the stall door after them.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been bugging me since summer about us not doing it. So, I guess this is step one. If you can constantly blow a jerk like Curt, then...¡± he just shrugged as he gestured to where he was still partially aroused underneath the jeans.

    ¡°You texted me for a blow job in the boys¡¯ room?¡± she repeated with a raise of her brow.

    ¡°What? You¡¯re always complaining that we¡¯re not doing it; so that means you wanna do this, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, giving blow jobs in a dirty boys¡¯ bathroom stall is every little girl¡¯s dream¡± Regan replied sarcastically.

    ¡°What? You just told me a couple weeks ago about constantly blowing Curt just to distract him from tryin to put it in your ass too. This has gotta be an improvement, right?¡± Scott argued.

    Regan just shook her head with a smile of disbelief, ¡°I¡¯m not appalled by the idea of giving you one, as much as... confused by what brought this sudden urge on¡± she stated pointedly.

    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Scott asked awkwardly, to which Regan just shook her head, sighed, and reached for his fly.

    A moment after she finished that task and stood once more, wiping at her mouth, Regan¡¯s text message alert went off.

    Still breathing heavily as he recovered, Scott spoke again, ¡°you¡¯re looking at your phone right now?¡±

    ¡°What? I¡¯m fine. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s having trouble standing at the moment¡± she smirked as she read the text and narrowed her eyes before calling up her social media account. ¡°Fuck¡± she said a moment later.

    ¡°What?¡± Scott asked, still a little breathless as he pushed himself back into his jeans once more.

    ¡°Look at this shit Phoebe posted¡± she whispered with disbelief.

    ¡°Curt¡¯s sister Phoebe?¡± Scott asked, ¡°she¡¯s on your friends list?¡± he asked more questioningly.

    ¡°Just look¡± Regan complained as she showed him the phone.

    On it was a picture of just a girl¡¯s forehead with a huge, fresh welt across it. The picture was captioned, ¡°sitting in the school guidance office right now, afraid to even go home again. #CantChooseYourFamily.¡±

    ¡°What the fuck?¡± Scott asked worriedly.

    ¡°How can she post shit like that?¡± Regan asked, appalled. ¡°If her dad sees that¡± she just shook her head.

    Scott scoffed, ¡°you think her dad did that to her?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen his temper firsthand. Back when we were fourteen and Curt and I got caught fucking... The normal way; before Caitlin¡± she added pointedly. ¡°Their dad¡¯s an ass. Trust me.¡±

    Scott just looked back at the phone then back up at Regan warily, ¡°still, it might not have been her dad¡± he stated nearly under his breath.

    Then Regan scoffed, ¡°well you saw the hash tag. And it definitely wasn¡¯t their useless-ass mother. Hitting her kids would require her to put the wine glass or credit card down.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Curt just get out yesterday?¡± Scott dared, pointedly, ¡°and Phoebe is a fourteen year old girl, just like Caitlin was, back when this all started...¡±

    ¡°Shut the fuck up! He wouldn¡¯t do that!¡± Regan retorted angrily, though her voice did drop a bit as she added, ¡°at least not to his own sister, right?¡± She then moved to leave the bathroom stall with another upset look back at him, as Scott just sighed with further worry.

    The rest of the day, both the middle school and the high school were abuzz with news of Phoebe¡¯s rather inflammatory post. All of them assumed the picture was of Phoebe, with a few assuming that her father was the culprit, cause that¡¯s what fathers like Mitchell Spencer did to their children. But most of them assumed, and rightly so, that it was Curt who had done that to his younger sister. And most were also speculating about what else he may or may not have done to her on only the first night of his house arrest, all things considered.

    At lunch, the four of them quietly sat in the cafeteria as they listened to the snippets of conversation going on around them in school that day. Sky then sighed, ¡°I guess I should be happy something finally took their attention off of me and the other victims today. But I¡¯m somehow... not¡± he added more quietly.

    ¡°I definitely think we¡¯ve started to get to him¡± Star added sadly.

    ¡°Come on guys¡± Kole interrupted, ¡°yeah, we fucked with him, but he did just get outta juvey. Everyone knows that prison tends to make criminals worse, not better¡± he rationalized.

    Star and Sky sighed back at him, not really able to dispute the fact. Sky then spoke again, ¡°it still doesn¡¯t make me feel better about what may happen to another girl now. I¡¯ve never even met her, but she¡¯s a fourteen year old girl trapped in a house with that monster. And he already did that to her, even with the cast still on. He possibly did more even. And who knows what else he could still do in the next six weeks?¡±

 Chapter 110

    The following day was finally that much dreaded eighteenth birthday of Kole¡¯s, and a Friday as well. Though none of the four felt much like celebrating. Aside from the possible future legal ramifications of his intimacy with the still fourteen year old Crista, they were all still rather upset about the entire situation with Phoebe Spencer. And she was a girl most of them hadn¡¯t even met at that.

    When they made their usual Friday sojourn to the Vargas house, the four of them barely nodded to Brie and Connor before heading upstairs somberly. Brie then looked at her husband, ¡°so they¡¯re back to disappearing upstairs together, but they didn¡¯t exactly look all that happy.¡±

    ¡°Was there a question in there?¡± Connor replied as he shook his head at Brie¡¯s scowl and turned his attention back to the TV.

    Upstairs, all four took seats, the boys on the bed, the girls on a pair of black cushions upon the floor. The boys then lit themselves each a clove cigarette and sighed as the girls echoed the sigh. ¡°Well, hey, one good thing about this day¡± Kole began flatly, ¡°I no longer have to use a fake ID, or alien mojo to buy us these. Guess we should be celebrating¡± he added sarcastically.

    But before anyone could respond to his halfhearted attempt at humor, Crista spoke up, ¡°I wanna help.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re not talking about helping me buy cigarettes?¡± Kole replied with confusion.

    Crista just scoffed, ¡°no, I mean help with the whole psychic vision stuff. Star made him see Caitlin and Chloe and Scott. You guys made him think there was a video of him jerking off to you two. I wanna help now.¡±

    ¡°Still not sure on what you¡¯re wanting to help with¡± Kole returned warily.

    ¡°Eww, no, not that¡± she grimaced, ¡°I mean, I wanna help with making people see things that might help us finally be rid of Curt.¡±

    Star sighed then, ¡°considering he¡¯s already added attempted arson-slash-murder, and beating the shit out of his little sister to his rap sheet, I¡¯m not sure we should be continuing much more of the psychic mind-fuck.¡±

    ¡°But we need to just finish it already¡± Crista pressed, ¡°and maybe we can help Phoebe to help us do that.¡±

    ¡°Phoebe?¡± they all responded as they gave her a questioning look.

    Crista replied, ¡°yes, if one of us could talk to her and remind her that if he gets in trouble just one more time, he¡¯ll be going to real jail; then maybe she won¡¯t be afraid to admit that it was Curt who did that to her face¡± she pointed out.

    ¡°Talk to her?¡± they all looked a little shocked by that suggestion.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean talk to her for real¡± Crista attempted, ¡°I mean, appear to her. Talk to her that way. I sure as hell don¡¯t want any of us actually going into that house to speak to her. Come on¡± she assured.

    They looked at one another as though pondering the idea, then Star had to reply, ¡°I¡¯m not even sure we could make someone see things if it¡¯s someone we¡¯ve never even met. Not like we¡¯ve tried that before. Never had a reason to¡± she stated sadly.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve met her¡± Crista returned.

    ¡°You have?¡± Star returned.

    ¡°Yeah, we went to middle school together last year. I was in eighth. She was in seventh¡± she reminded them.

    Kole then took a deep drag, ¡°so glad to hear that reminder from the fourteen year old I¡¯ve been sleeping with; and on my eighteenth birthday at that¡± he mumbled.

    ¡°Fifteen next month!¡± Crista scolded him.

    ¡°Not sixteen til next year!¡± he chided her as she scowled again.

    It wasn¡¯t much later in the evening when Phoebe Spencer was locked in her bedroom, sniffling as she scrolled through the comments on the photo she had posted the previous day. Though she had blocked Curt from her social media, she knew it was only a matter of time before one of his friends told him about the post, and she was sure that that would be an entirely new nightmare.

    She then startled more than a bit as she heard her window open, her heart racing at the sound. Her terror was soon replaced by confusion though as her eyes fell on her visitor. ¡°Crista Sampson?¡± she greeted the other girl with that confusion obvious in her tone, as she wiped away a few tears.

    ¡°You remember me?¡± Crista smiled nervously as she closed the window behind her.

    ¡°Hard to forget someone with blue hair¡± Phoebe sniffled again as Crista took a seat on her bed. She then added more quietly, ¡°even if they weren¡¯t co-starring in the video that started all of this mess.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    Crista sighed sadly, ¡°I never meant for that to happen. Hell, I didn¡¯t even know him grabbing me like that was a crime til I heard about the charges being filed¡± she then looked down, ¡°though I suppose it wouldn¡¯t have started at all if it wasn¡¯t for Curt¡¯s arm getting broken¡± she admitted quietly.

    ¡°How did that happen, anyway?¡± Phoebe had to ask then.

    ¡°It¡¯s a mystery¡± Crista deflected as she bit her lip and looked around the room, searching for more words then. ¡°So, I saw your post.¡±

    ¡°Who hasn¡¯t?¡± Phoebe mumbled as she turned back to her computer and clicked the window closed.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing Curt hasn¡¯t¡± Crista dared as the slightly younger girl further tensed.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure he will. And then...¡± Phoebe just looked down and sniffled again.

    ¡°Then don¡¯t let him¡± Crista stated with a firm gentleness.

    Phoebe just scoffed, ¡°I blocked him from seeing it, but he¡¯s got friends. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±

    ¡°Not sure how many friends he still has¡± Crista replied, but quickly continued, ¡°and if you¡¯re afraid of him finding out, then why did you post it?¡±

    ¡°Momentary insanity?¡± Phoebe shrugged sadly, ¡°I have gotten a head injury recently, after all¡± she added with a bitter sarcasm.

    Crista sighed again, ¡°when I said don¡¯t let him though, what I mean is, just tell¡± Crista stated plainly.

    ¡°Tell?¡± Phoebe bit back with disbelief, ¡°I¡¯m sure that would go great.¡±

    ¡°If he gets arrested for one more thing, they¡¯ll put him back in jail. Real jail¡± Crista told her with urgency, ¡°all you have to do is tell and he¡¯ll be outta all of our lives, at least until the trial, where he¡¯ll hopefully then get put away permanently.¡±

    But before their conversation could continue, there was a loud pounding at Phoebe¡¯s door as she went even paler. Then Curt shouted through the door, ¡°open this door you little cunt, before I break it down!¡±

    ¡°Fuck¡± Phoebe sobbed as she looked at Crista desperately for some kind of help. Of course, Crista not being there at all, was a bit limited in any sort of help she may have been able to provide at all. Hell, being there alone, even if she really was there, she doubted she could help much, even against Curt¡¯s drawback of still having the cast on his arm. ¡°How¡¯d you get here?¡± Phoebe whispered to her urgently as he continued to pound on that door with his left arm hard enough to shake it still.

    ¡°Um...¡± Crista was at a loss, as she wasn¡¯t there at all, honestly.

    ¡°Now Crista! He¡¯s going to fucking kill me! Or worse!¡± she pleaded.

    Struggling for any kind of help she could provide while only being a psychic vision, Crista looked back at the other girl¡¯s pleading, tear-filled eyes, ¡°let¡¯s just get you outta the house. Then we¡¯ll figure out the rest. He can¡¯t follow us too far, right?¡±

    ¡°So you don¡¯t have a ride waiting?¡± Phoebe asked with further terror as she made her way to the window.

    ¡°Window, now¡± Crista told her with just as much urgency as the younger girl moved to open it and began crawling through, leaving Crista to worriedly look after her. Once Phoebe reached the ground below, Crista called down to her, ¡°run to the nearest house, call the cops!¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡± Phoebe asked with further worry.

    ¡°Just go!¡± Crista called down to her again, as the girl gave her one more worried look and did as she asked, running as quick as she could to that nearest neighbor.

    And as soon as Phoebe was inside the other house, Crista disappeared, just as the door to Phoebe¡¯s bedroom gave way, leaving Curt fuming, as well as quite confused by the previously locked, but now empty room before him.

    Crista then snapped back to consciousness in Sky¡¯s bedroom once more. As she looked more than a bit distraught, they all gave her worried looks. Sky was the first to speak, ¡°didn¡¯t work?¡±

    Crista sighed worriedly, ¡°it may have. But Curt saw her post. He came pounding on her door to do who knows what to her. She ran to the neighbors. God, I have no idea what will happen to her now if she doesn¡¯t actually call the cops. This could be so, so bad¡± she whispered.

    <hr>

    Brie and Connor were just finishing making dinner for their usual weekend house guests that evening, when a knock on the door disturbed them. They looked at each other warily and Connor went to answer the door. Much to his surprise, and concern, it was Detective Calvert and her partner.

    ¡°What happened now?¡± Connor asked, ¡°he manage to try and kill someone else, even with his little ankle bracelet?¡± he added bitterly.

    Calvert sighed, but did not give him an answer right away, ¡°actually, we¡¯re here to see if Crista Sampson is at your home this evening. We were directed here by her parents.¡±

    ¡°Crista Sampson?¡± he repeated with a bit of panic, his mind immediately jumping to the knowledge he had of the relationship between his two seventeen year old children, and the now eighteen year old Kole and the still fourteen year old girl a police officer was now here asking about.

    ¡°Yes. Her parents said she usually spends the weekend at your house. We¡¯re just verifying her whereabouts¡± Calvert stated.

    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s here¡± he offered cautiously, ¡°did something happen?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll need to see her¡± Calvert¡¯s partner, Detective Castellanos put in.

    ¡°What is this about?¡± Connor asked again.

    ¡°We need to verify her safety. We got a call implying that she could have been in very real danger earlier this evening, and we need to make sure that that¡¯s not the case. Now, are you gonna tell her to come out, or should we come in?¡± Castellanos replied pointedly.

    ¡°Someone thought she was in danger, here?¡± Connor asked worriedly.

    ¡°Mr. Vargas, can we please just see the girl?¡± Calvert stated with a bit more gentleness, but obvious impatience.

    ¡°Sure...¡± he stated, trying to keep from panicking as he stepped back inside and called up the stairs, ¡°Crista, you need to come down here.¡±

    Crista appeared downstairs a moment later, her expression going from confusion to terror as she saw the detectives outside. Calvert then gestured for Crista to step closer, ¡°are you all right? Did anyone harm you in any way tonight?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What? Here?¡± Crista asked with an attempt to keep her own voice even, though that was difficult as she was not only worried for Phoebe but also her three lovers who were upstairs at that very moment.

    ¡°Phoebe Spencer was worried that her brother may have hurt you; when you were at their house earlier¡± Calvert stated with a pointed scolding tone as Connor paled and looked down at Crista, all of them awaiting that explanation.

 Chapter 111

    Crista was at more than a bit of a loss about any response at all that she could possibly give to the detective¡¯s unspoken question. Trying to buy time, she glanced warily between Connor and the detective. She knew that she could technically explain how she was there but not really there to Connor, if she had to, but the detective was an entirely different story.

    She really only had a couple of options here, and none were good. Either she denied being there, which would call anything else Phoebe may or may not tell the cops into question. And they needed Phoebe to help them put Curt away once and for all. Or else, she admitted to being there, at the risk of painting herself as being stupid enough to ever go near Curt willingly, at all; let alone going into his actual house, while he was on house arrest in it. Never mind the factor of the restraining orders that were deliberately in place to keep Curt far far away from any of his victims, and the fact that admitting to being there was, in essence, a lie on her part.

    Even if she were the victim of the least of his crimes; her lover and soul-mate, Sky was not. And going near Curt was sure to put not only Crista and Sky, but the others they cared about in danger too. And Crista knew that all too well. But saying she was there would prove the opposite to the cops who were supposed to be protecting all of them from ever being in the same vicinity as Curt at all. And who knows how seriously they would continue to take that job if they thought Crista were dangerously sabotaging their efforts?

    ¡°Crista?¡± Calvert prodded her after another few seconds of silence.

    With, a breath, Crista attempted to deflect once more, ¡°is Phoebe ok?¡±

    Calvert sighed, ¡°first of all, did Curt hurt you?¡±

    ¡°Is she?¡± Crista pressed again, causing Calvert to sigh heavily at what she saw as the girl being obstinate, when really it was just a desperate attempt to avoid any lie or truth, neither of which would be good for Crista and the others she cared about.

    Conceding to provide some answer to Crista¡¯s seemingly sincere concern, Calvert responded, ¡°she¡¯s terrified to be in the same house as her brother at all. She insisted her mother take her to live with her grandparents until the trial is finally over and done with. Now, back to my question; are you ok?¡± she asked more firmly.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. So Phoebe is moving away? That¡¯s it?¡±

    ¡°Temporarily going to stay with other relatives¡± Calvert repeated again, ¡°but Crista?¡±

    ¡°And nothing else is happening to Curt?¡± Crista asked, voice breaking, her fear of that being the case obvious in her voice.

    ¡°And you seem terrified of him too, as you should be, which begs the question---¡± Calvert began again.

    ¡°So, Curt didn¡¯t hurt Phoebe, then?¡± Crista dared.

    Calvert sighed heavily, ¡°did she tell you Curt hurt her?¡±

    Crista swallowed again, ¡°I saw her post¡± was the only response she offered then.

    Another sigh from Calvert, ¡°she doesn¡¯t technically state that it was Curt that did that to her in that post. We have to hear it confirmed by Phoebe or at the very least, by someone else whom she told¡± Calvert explained with a bit of her own annoyance at that fact.

    ¡°Well, she never denied that it was him, did she?¡± Crista asked with further desperation.

    ¡°No, but ¡®not denying¡¯ and confirming are two separate things; especially when it comes to laws being broken¡± Calvert stated with a bit of defeat. ¡°Now, again, you¡¯re not hurt, right?¡±

    ¡°Right¡± Crista stated with a sad look down.

    ¡°And you actually were at the Spencer house tonight?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not confirming that or denying it¡± Crista told her angrily as she turned and headed back up the stairs sadly then.

    Calvert just sighed after the girl and looked back at where Connor had warily watched the conversation, ¡°if this girl willingly went to Curt¡¯s house...¡± Calvert just shook her head, ¡°I just don¡¯t want another victim, and she needs to understand how serious of a possibility that could be¡± she told Connor pointedly.

    ¡°You¡¯ll get no argument here¡± Connor stated softly as he also glanced up the stairs after Crista with a worried breath.

    ¡°I can¡¯t do my job if my victims go waltzing into that monster¡¯s home!¡± Calvert stressed again.

    ¡°Again, no argument¡± Connor stated in the same quiet tone.

    ¡°If she¡¯s here at your house, you¡¯re in essence her guardian for the time she¡¯s in your care. I don¡¯t wanna ever have to come back to your house again, Mr. Vargas; for any reason.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re in agreement again¡± Connor assured with a nod. Calvert and her partner then sighed in frustration once more and then began heading back toward their car, leaving Connor to finally let out the breath he had been holding, and close the door behind them. A moment later, he hollered up the stairs, ¡°Crista!¡±

    At the top of the stairs, now whispering urgently to her three older companions, all four of them then looked back down at the sound of Connor¡¯s shout up the stairs. They then each took a deep breath of their own to brace themselves to even try to begin any explanation for him then. Never mind how worried they all still were about their last effort to be rid of Curt somehow failing, yet again.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    After a long drawn out conversation over dinner as they tried to explain the reasons they had for their psychic assaults on Curt over the last month, Connor and Brie just shook their heads at each other and the teens.

    Connor finally spoke at the end of their rather long explanation, ¡°so you decided to try and make an already unstable rapist... even more unstable?¡± Connor shook his head.

    Star spoke first, as most of the psychic assaults had been her doing, ¡°we wanted to make him so miserable he¡¯d blow his own damn head off, not just triple the length of his rap sheet with ever new and more varied crimes¡± she mumbled.

    Brie then returned shortly, ¡°maybe you should look up the definition of unstable.¡±

    They all sighed heavily then. Though Crista spoke up, ¡°what we did tonight could have worked though; if only he hadn¡¯t seen that post and made Phoebe so scared she ran instead of talked.¡±

    ¡°If only¡± Connor returned sarcastically, ¡°and how many sentences can we begin that way these days?¡±

    Crista sighed once more, called up Phoebe¡¯s post, and added the comment ¡®you have to tell. They¡¯ll arrest him for real then. Help us all and please, just tell.¡¯ She then looked up at where the others gave her a questioning look, ¡°last ditch effort¡± she replied sadly as she put the phone away again.

    Brie then mirrored the sound of discontent, but made herself get up once dinner was finished and move to the refrigerator. There, she retrieved a huge black birthday cake, complete with eighteen candles atop it. Kole just gave her an awkward smile as she set it on the table before him, ¡°thanks mom¡± he allowed the slightest smirk, ¡°almost forgot about how we¡¯re all supposed to be celebrating, or some crap...¡± he finished with another sigh.

    Sky then spoke, ¡°we¡¯re pretty sure Curt didn¡¯t actually do more than just put that welt across her forehead though, right? I guess we sort of saved her. At least from that¡± Sky added more quietly as he sighed at the still unlit black candles.

    ¡°I just told her to run. Doesn¡¯t feel much like saving¡± Crista mumbled.

    Brie then cleared her throat, ¡°ok, new birthday rule; no mention of any Spencer at all for at least an hour. Now which of you boys are going to give me your lighter?¡± she asked them pointedly as they just looked down guiltily.

    Though, instead of producing a lighter Kole simply looked down at the candles atop his cake and all eighteen of them simultaneously ignited, causing everyone in the room to startle slightly. ¡°Who needs a stinking lighter? Right?¡± he smirked, then looked up, ¡°it¡¯s not bad luck to light your own birthday candles or some shit, is it? Cause, we really don¡¯t need any more of that¡± he added worriedly.

    Sky then scoffed, ¡°please, not like bad luck is a real thing. You act like someone tried to burn the house down with us in it on Friday the thirteenth or something¡± he added bitterly.

    ¡°Hey! Birthday rule!¡± Brie scolded her son as he just rolled his eyes. She then turned to her son¡¯s, and daughter¡¯s, lover and spoke, ¡°now make a wish.¡±

    ¡°What so ever shall I wish for?¡± Kole replied sarcastically as they all just shook their heads and waited for him to blow out those eighteen candles at last.

    <hr>

    As midnight closed the door on Kole¡¯s birthday that night, Sky had made his way to the upstairs bathroom for a quick shower; or so they hoped that that was all he was doing in there. Crista was in Sky¡¯s room, trying to get Phoebe to respond to her online, still. And Star had gone to her room to take her pill, Kole following as he moved to recline upon her bed while he finished his cigarette.

    Star couldn¡¯t help smirking as he took that place while she washed down the pill. Easily catching her dark eyes on him, ¡°figured I was welcome, it being my birthday and all¡± he replied, managing to return a small smile of his own.

    ¡°It¡¯s not technically your birthday anymore¡± she teased him as she sat at the edge of the bed to begin unlacing her high boots.

    ¡°That mean I should find somewhere else to sleep then?¡± Kole asked wryly as he took another drag.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that¡± Star returned his smile, ¡°and sleep, eh?¡±

    ¡°Well unless you¡¯re planning another alien abduction. I do rather enjoy those, I must admit¡± he teased.

    Star just bit back another smile as she finished removing her boots. She then pulled herself free of the leather jacket she had worn to school over a black lace corset that day. She then crawled across the bed to prop her head upon his chest, cuddling closer to him as she did.

    Once he finally dropped the cigarette into the ashtray he had brought with him from Sky¡¯s room, and reached over Star to set it on her bedside stand, she cuddled closer still, giving him a slight squeeze as she did. After a moment of Kole absently caressing her hair, Star moved her hand to begin tracing her fingers over the top button of his pants.

    Kole smiled again as he looked down at her, ¡°should I brace for space?¡±

    Star just chuckled at the question before responding, ¡°I was just wondering.¡±

    ¡°Is there more to that sentence?¡±

    Star allowed another soft laugh, ¡°I was just wondering, how bad did that hurt?¡± she said as she ever so briefly caressed him through the pants before returning her fingertips to the button to allow him to keep from being too distracted to answer.

    ¡°So many people curious about my metalwork this week¡± he smirked, ¡°and let me guess, still trying to convince Sky to get some more of his own metalwork?¡± he teased.

    Star laughed again then, ¡°can¡¯t a girl just be curious?¡±

    ¡°You are a curious girl¡± Kole teased her again. He then continued, ¡°and how bad did it hurt? How bad is ¡®a lot?¡¯¡± he asked as he winced slightly at the memory.

    Star just shook her head, ¡°and you willingly did that?¡±

    ¡°Sammi looked it up and the facts about the effect of said metalwork on one¡¯s partner intrigued her, to put it mildly. And as someone once said, ¡®the things I do for love¡¯¡± he added wryly.

    ¡°Shit¡± Star mumbled as she moved her hand gently over him once more. ¡°What is with boys and pain?¡± she asked more quietly.

    ¡°What? Not like every straight or bisexual girl on the planet doesn¡¯t endure some pain for a boy she loves, at least once, if not more.¡±

    ¡°More?¡± Star asked as she looked up at him.

    ¡°They agree to let us take their virginity, and then most agree to endure even worse pain later in life; some multiple times¡± Kole stated, looking down at the fact of even mentioning fatherhood, considering his own brush with that very real possibility less than two years earlier.

    Star sighed quietly, ¡°still, loss of virginity and childbirth aside, boys seem a lot more willing to endure pain a lot more often than girls do.¡±

    Kole sighed, easily understanding the unspoken reasons behind her sad tone, ¡°he¡¯s still cutting, I assume. Judging by the scars I still see on him.¡±

    ¡°Every time I hear about whatever new shit Curt pulled, I can¡¯t help thinking that that¡¯ll be the time it really pushes Sky too far. That¡¯ll be the time he cuts too deep¡± she sniffled.

    ¡°And it seems like you¡¯re the person he¡¯s cutting even deeper¡± Kole whispered as he gently moved to kiss her lips, both of them feeling the pain of each of those cuts in their own way; both worried about when the next cut will really be too deep for any of them to recover from at all.

 Chapter 112

    Another week and a half passed without Phoebe Spencer admitting to who had hurt her on the day that her older brother just happened to come home from juvenile detention. Now that she was safely tucked away at her grandparents¡¯ house until Curt¡¯s trial, which was still just over a month away, she seemed content to let Curt be her parents¡¯ problem.

    Not that their mother, Lanie Spencer, ever had much to say or do with either of her children. But their father was a different story; at least when it came to one of his children doing something that embarrassed him in some way. And the things Curt had done, up to and including making his other child too afraid to live under the same roof, were beyond embarrassing. Needless to say, that week and a half did not go well for Curt at all. But as his sister had told him on the first night of his house arrest: You know what they say about karma.

    Through that twelve days, Curt¡¯s father did seem to keep him in check, in his own special way. But now it was the fifteenth of November, and all of those affected by Curt¡¯s violence were more than aware of what that day was: The day Curt¡¯s cast would finally be removed. And then one couldn¡¯t help wondering how things would go between Curt and his father after that. But more importantly, his victims all couldn¡¯t stop their very real fears about whether the cast being removed would cause Curt to come seeking some sort of retribution; house arrest or not.

    That day, Curt was allowed a window of two hours to get to the doctor¡¯s office, get the cast removed, and then return home before triggering the police response to him being off his parents¡¯ property. Moreover, one of his parents were to accompany him on his time away from the house. However, Curt being eighteen, that one may have been a little harder to enforce.

    His mother did accompany him though. However, once he was safely in the doctor¡¯s waiting room, Lanie told her son she would be at the cafe across the street and to text her the moment his appointment was over. Curt agreed, though watched her with narrowed eyes as she left the office.

    It was less than an hour later when he returned from seeing the doctor, his right arm his own once again. He then retrieved the spare set of car keys from his pocket, and headed out of the doctor¡¯s office wordlessly. He glared at the cafe his mother was spending his appointment in, and then got into the driver¡¯s seat with a slam of the door, pulling away from the curb and the cafe where she waited on that text that he never sent at all.

    As he waited at the next intersection, it was Curt who received a text instead. He groaned, assuming it was his mother finally emerging from her brunch and noticing the car was gone. Though when he looked down at the phone, the message was actually from his lawyer. It simply read, ¡°a video has come to light. We need to speak, immediately.¡±

    Meanwhile, at the high school that day, the students were required to attend a mandatory pep rally in the gymnasium; even if they had less than no interest in any sort of school sporting event, and decidedly no school pride or ¡®pep.¡¯ And this was of course the category Sky and Star and their friends fell into. But nevertheless, there they were, sitting in the bleachers all looking less than interested in the upcoming rally.

    The administrators involved gathered at the front of the room near their chairs and the microphone, waiting for the cheerleaders to enter the gym to start off the event. The athletes involved also readied themselves in the locker rooms while the majority of students who had almost as little interest in the event as the four soul-mates just socialized in the stands, waiting to try to pretend to care once the assembly began. In actuality, all ninety-nine percent of them cared about was not having to be in class, and therein lied their only source of enthusiasm and ¡®pep¡¯ for said rally.

    Though that assembly never did start on that fifteenth day of November. Instead, the first shots rang out, coming from the girls¡¯ locker room, where the cheerleaders had all been getting ready. And that¡¯s when the panic began in the gymnasium.

    Back in the locker room, those first few shots cleared a few random girls out of his way as he made his way toward his actual targets. The first he zeroed in on was Chloe. The bullet that entered her chest ending her life much more efficiently than those pills ever did was quickly followed by the one that found Sarah, who had been next to her, as she usually was.

    Through the screams, he found his way to Georgia, smirking at her as the next bullet pierced her skull. And last was Brandi, who had run to hide in the showers, cowering and crying and screaming, just like she and so many other girls had done upon waking up with him on top of them over the last three years. He just gave her a cold glare, as her next scream was cut short as his next bullet shattered her skull then as well, putting an end to all of the girls and their protests, once and for all.

    As he moved to leave the locker room, Regan peered out from behind a set of lockers, tears streaming down her face, ¡°please, you don¡¯t have to...¡± but before the sentence left her lips, the next bullet entered her chest, ending whatever reasoning she thought she could even use with him.

    Then he moved out of that locker room and back toward the boys¡¯, reloading as he went. There the scattering, panicked athletes, most of whom were his former friends and teammates, caught the next hail of bullets. The last to go was Scott, who also tried to speak, ¡°man, please...¡± and then the bullet ended his words as well.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    That was when he moved into the gym itself, and began firing shots into the crowd scrambling for the doors. He took another moment to reload again, then fired at the administrators who were also panicking as they tried to herd the students safely out of the gym. The first of his next set of bullets found their targets in Miss Burke, then Assistant Coach Mathis, then the head coach, then Nickels, and the Principal. Then whatever was left in that clip took out any other faculty present before he reloaded again. His eyes then began searching the clamoring, screaming teenagers trying desperately to escape the large room.

    That was when he easily found his black-clad final targets, who were still trying to even get out of the stands among the rest of the screaming and crying students. ¡°Freaks!¡± he shouted as all their terror-filled eyes turned at the sound of his voice.

    As they tried to force down their own panic long enough to act, the next shot left the gun. The bullet cut through the side of Alana¡¯s head, as blood and skull covered those nearest to her, including Crista. The next shot then entered Crista¡¯s arm and pierced it on it¡¯s way through her ribs and into her chest as she collapsed next to Alana, Star¡¯s scream and sob echoing the shot as Crista¡¯s blood covered her.

    The next one he took aim at was Kole, and that bullet cut through his neck, almost severing his head from his shoulders as his own blood splattered Sky, who had been next to him.

    Then he took aim at Star, blowing Sky a kiss as he prepared to pull the trigger once more.

    That was when Sky¡¯s desperation finally outweighed his panic and shock and grief . His hand already gripping Star¡¯s arm tightly through the chaos, it took a split second before he pulled her with him to that silver room, just as that next bullet had left the gun.

    Both of them covered in the blood of their soul-mates, they both collapsed to that silver floor in sobs, not even processing the fact that their own lives were still theirs, for the moment. All they knew was that they had lost the other half of their soul, and that crippled them with that same shock, grief and despair as they continued to sob into each other¡¯s blood covered arms, trying desperately to decide how either of them could ever go back there, and go on after that loss.

    <hr>

    It felt like hours that they stayed in that silver room, sobbing into each other¡¯s arms. Though, when they were once again able to form any rational thought at all, they knew that time was currently stopped back there amid that horror that they had barely escaped from. And they knew that if they did what they always did, and returned to the same place and time that they had departed from; that it would only be to return to that same horror, and worse, as that next bullet would be ending Star¡¯s life as well, the second they went back.

    Sky¡¯s tear choked voice finally left his throat after those hours of grief, ¡°this can¡¯t be what all this was for! This can¡¯t be what was meant to happen! We can¡¯t be expected to go back to a world where he took all of those lives; their lives¡± he finished as he bit back another sob, he and Star still holding each other close.

    ¡°Our lives¡± she added in her own hoarse whisper, ¡°if we go back to that moment, it¡¯ll only be to die. To let him kill us too.¡±

    ¡°All of those lives can¡¯t be worth less than Curt¡¯s! It can¡¯t be how it was all supposed to end!¡± Sky repeated in another emotion-choked whisper as he squeezed her closer still.

    Star then looked up into his eyes with another sniffle, ¡°so, this isn¡¯t what you want, then?¡± she made herself ask.

    ¡°What?¡± he asked her with shock.

    ¡°To let it all end, finally¡± she forced herself to ask through another sob, terrified of his answer.

    Sky bit back his own sob at the possibility that she could truly believe that he wanted things to end so badly that he would let all those people¡¯s lives end with his. ¡°Not like this¡± he told her as he pulled her close again.

    Star then squeezed him tight with some small bit of relief at hearing that Sky wasn¡¯t that far gone, and didn¡¯t want to die that badly after all. Never mind how grief-stricken they both were right then; there was that little sliver of hope that she had always wished to see in him, through all three of their shared lives.

    The two then took another long moment to try and compose themselves and formulate some sort of plan to deal with all the horror they had just witnessed. Star then spoke again, ¡°so we have to go back, again¡± she stated softly as she looked up at him once more.

    ¡°Back?¡± Sky asked her warily.

    ¡°Back to before what happened in school today. We have to rewind again. We can¡¯t let this be the way it all ends. We just can¡¯t¡± she confirmed.

    ¡°So we¡¯re going back to save Kole and Crista?¡± Sky stated with a shaky breath.

    ¡°And Alana, and all the rest of them. I mean, what other choice do we have? We either go back and save them, or we just go back to die¡± she repeated once more.

    Sky swallowed a bit, ¡°if we succeed, if we do save them...¡± he just shook his head.

    ¡°What?¡± Star asked worriedly.

    ¡°You know what Kole will say if we go back to save him and Crista¡± Sky told her in a near whisper.

    ¡°Thank you?¡± she offered with a scoff.

    Sky sighed heavily, ¡°more like, why didn¡¯t we go back to save Sammi and his baby too? You know that¡¯s exactly what he¡¯ll think. He¡¯ll hate us for not giving him back what he lost too¡± he whispered.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know that¡± Star stated as she looked down.

    ¡°Star¡± Sky stated.

    ¡°We can¡¯t go back and relive those two years again though. We can¡¯t have another two years of memories to try and stay sane through, Sky. We can¡¯t just wait to see how bad we destroy our lives when we relive those two years again. We just can¡¯t go back that far. The three lives we have now are hard enough to keep straight. Hard enough to deal with.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not the one you¡¯d have to convince.¡±

    Star sighed again, ¡°if we tried to save Sammi... then who knows what Kole¡¯s life would be then? Who knows what ours would be without him, then? Not to mention, everything else I just said. It would fuck things up even worse. I can just imagine the nightmare we¡¯d turn that next life into. We can¡¯t go back that far, not again, Sky.¡±

    ¡°Again, I¡¯m not the one you need to convince¡± Sky told her sadly. He then took a breath, ¡°so, we just go back to this morning, not any further. We stop all this from happening, however we can, no matter what it is we have to do to stop it¡± he confirmed with her.

    ¡°Yes, we only change today. Just today. Any way we can. We can¡¯t let them all be dead for the sake of that prick. We just can¡¯t.¡±

    Sky took another breath, ¡°so we save the entire school today, and tomorrow we figure out how to not make Kole hate us for doing so. Sound about right?¡±

    Star simply sniffled and sighed sadly again, but nodded, and took his hand.

 Chapter 113

    ~Earlier That Day~

    After reading that message from Sullivan, Curt pressed his foot to the accelerator, tires screeching on pavement. After racing back to his home, he made a bee line for his dad¡¯s den, and the safe where Mitchell kept that gun and all of its ammo. Rushing to pack the ammo and the gun into the dufflebag he hadn¡¯t used since his arrest, Curt didn¡¯t even hear the footsteps in the doorway behind him.

    As he stood and turned, his eyes fell on Sky and Star, both waiting there in that doorway. Their hands were clenched tightly in one another¡¯s. watching him wordlessly, breathlessly as he prepared for the violence he had planned that day. Curt was a bit taken aback when he saw them there. But then he remembered all the other strange or unexplainable things he had seen since his arrest; nearly all of which had to do in some way with his victims.

    ¡°Not falling for it again. I know you¡¯re not really here at all. None of you are. And none of you will be¡± he added with a bite as he pulled the bag up over his shoulder and determinedly moved toward the doorway, despite the two other teens standing in it.

    ¡°Wrong, Curt¡± Sky stated coolly, ¡°we are here. We¡¯re real this time.¡±

    Curt scoffed as he took only a second¡¯s pause. He then sneered, ¡°in that case...¡± he didn¡¯t finish the sentence as he reached into the bag again, causing both Sky and Star to take another shaky breath.

    Sky then made his voice work again, ¡°just stop now, Curt. You still can. We¡¯re giving you one last chance; a chance that you don¡¯t even deserve at all.¡±

    ¡°A chance you never gave any of those girls, or Sky¡± Star added, the words catching in her throat as the gun came into view once more.

    ¡°Fuck you both¡± he stated in a slow growl as he turned the gun toward them, pulling the safety back as he did.

    Only then, he inexplicably turned the gun back toward himself, seemingly against his own will, placing the barrel under his chin. His eyes filled with fear, Sky¡¯s and Star¡¯s eyes full of hatred as they glared back at his response to that one chance that they had chosen to give him.

    And then the gunshot went off.

    <hr>

    ~6 Months Later~

    Kole had already awoken and gotten his shower that Monday morning in late May. His long black locks were now dripping, his pale skin only covered by a towel about his waist. He returned to Sky¡¯s room where he had left the bed and his two sleeping companions behind half an hour earlier. He just shook his head down at where they continued to cuddle close together on Sky¡¯s bed, refusing to open their eyes on the world that day, despite what day it was. Kole then grinned as he pulled himself free of that damp towel, balled it up in his hands and threw it into the bed between Sky and Star.

    ¡°Would you two get up already? We got high schools to graduate from¡± he teased in response to them startling at the feel of the towel landing between them as they opened their dark, sleep-filled eyes with a groan.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just call it in?¡± Sky mumbled, burying his face in the pillow as he rolled closer to Star, each only clad in the dark black underthings they had gone to bed in the previous night.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    Kole just scoffed at that response. Though the two finally pushed themselves up to their elbows a moment later. Their sleepy eyes just then noting his nakedness as he moved toward the pile of clothing he had left on Sky¡¯s chair near the bed the previous night. Both their sets of dark eyes then moved over Kole, piercings and all, as he smirked back at them, turning to hold their gaze, as he slowly, deliberately began dressing.

    ¡°Enjoying the view?¡± Kole called them on the way their eyes moved over him.

    ¡°We were supposed to be getting up?¡± Sky stammered.

    ¡°Think you already did¡± Kole teased as his eyes moved to Sky¡¯s snug underwear before finally allowing them some composure as he finally slid his vinyl pants up over his narrow hips.

    <hr>

    Once the graduation ceremony came to a close, parents and their now adult children laughing or taking pictures, Kole returned from the punch bowl to interrupt where Sky and Star had been quietly whispering to one another. The two startled from whatever somber conversation they were having as he reappeared.

    ¡°Ok seriously, with the whispering?¡± Kole complained as he handed them their drinks.

    ¡°Sorry¡± Star said softly as she looked down, taking her drink from his hand as she did.

    ¡°You two¡± Kole just scoffed and shook his head after handing Sky his drink as well, and then moving his cat green eyes from his companions to take in the crowd with a sigh. After another moment, Kole just had to speak again, ¡°we did it. Against all odds, we survived fucking high school¡± he told them pointedly. ¡°Well, all of us except that prick. But last I checked, that was a good thing! And you two have been acting even more melancholy as fuck since then. And that¡¯s coming from me! What is with you two? Curt blowing his brains out is the best thing that could have happened; what we wanted to happen! Hell, I made the birthday wish for that exact same thing to happen myself; only twelve days earlier. You¡¯re welcome by the way¡± he smirked. ¡°So cheer the fuck up already. And that¡¯s coming from me!¡± he added with another pointed grin before he then got distracted by his parents not only showing up, but actually calling out to him. With a sigh back at Sky and Star, he made himself then leave their side to at least acknowledge his parents¡¯ presence.

    ¡°Well, he seems happy with how things turned out¡± Star said softly as Kole moved away.

    ¡°Only because we never told him, or Crista, about that last whole rewind.¡±

    Star allowed another soft sigh, ¡°or that we technically killed Curt, ourselves.¡±

    ¡°Not according to the cops¡± Sky stated, though there was sarcasm there.

    Star then looked back up at him, ¡°do you really think Kole would hate us if we told him what we did to save him, and Crista, and all of... them?¡± she added as she gestured to their graduating class, most of whom had been mowed down in a hail of bullets in that other, much darker time line.

    ¡°I know the pain of losing Sammi and the baby is so deep with him... I just don¡¯t know if he would ever forgive us not taking that pain away if we could have. And should he?¡± Sky stated sadly.

    ¡°We saved everyone else though, including Kole himself, and Crista¡± Star attempted to remind.

    ¡°Tell that to Curt¡¯s victims when they wake up screaming, remembering what he did to them... to us¡± he added more quietly.

    ¡°Then maybe we did save Sammi after all¡± Star whispered.

    ¡°What?¡± Sky asked as he looked back down at her.

    ¡°At least she¡¯ll never wake up screaming, remembering what happened to her, or her baby. By letting her stay gone, we saved her from that, in a way. Didn¡¯t we?¡± Star asked hopefully.

    ¡°But do you wanna hope that Kole sees it that way too? Honestly? And he doesn¡¯t just think we could have somehow stopped Curt from hurting her at all?¡± Sky told her in the same whisper.

    ¡°I guess we should just let him enjoy this life, as much as he can, without her. And not open that wound again, after all. We¡¯ve all got enough pain to deal with, without inflicting any more on each other, right?¡± Star stated softly.

    ¡°Now let¡¯s just hope we all can get past it now. All of it¡± Sky agreed with his own shallowly buried pain always apparent,

    ¡°As long as you promise me that you honestly do really want to try to get past it all now. Can you do that, Sky?¡±

    ¡°I promise¡± he smiled down at her, covering her lips to seal that new promise of his with a soft kiss.

    ~THE END~