The afternoon has come. The sky still grey, the gentle chill, the streets filling up from the afternoon rush, located in the same town but away from where a murder had taken place; Both Jack and Alexandria were in the park, walking on a cracked walkway. After dealing with the drunk man, once the two were finished sharing their warmth, Jack had ordered Alexandria to put some proper clothes on to jolt out of there. Once she did, only putting on a long hoodie and shorts, the two hopped into his car and drove away from the scene with hardly any traces since she barely had anything on her. All she had to her name in that home was a bookbag similar to what she had when they were young. Jack made sure to collect his bullet casing and dispose of it before police arrived.

When they left the scene, while Jack drove like a madman away from a troubled event, the two didn’t really say much. Alexandria sat in the passenger seat just watching the outside world like a slideshow with a smile on her face. Jack did the same, but smoked a cigarette as he drove. Along the way, eventually Jack broke the silence and asked if she wanted to stop by the park to catch up. She glimpsed at him, nodded, and once her eyes were back to her slideshow, she grabbed his hand and held it during the drive. They arrived after thirty minutes, and once they got out, Jack shared his coat with her since her hoodie didn’t do much to keep her warm. She refused at first, but he insisted and she eventually gave in to wearing his coat, getting a full wiff of the boy she fell in love with years ago.

Ahh… his manly stench, oh, how I miss his presence. Alexandria thought.

As she wafted in Jack’s manliness, sniffing his coat and drooling, he turned to her and looked hysterical. The young man chuckled while Alexandria didn’t seem to mind being laughed at and once she was done, she walked up to him and smacked him on his forehead, walking away. Jack casually massaged his forehead and followed her afterwards. What seemed to be just a normal walk in the park afterwards, the two barely saying anything besides spotting objects they recognized from the past, pointing, saying, it was peaceful and Jack couldn’t feel more relaxed at the moment. Alexandria kept a soft smile, Jack grinned, there wasn’t a moment of awkwardness; everything felt as if where they left off from their last discussion all those years ago. A little afterwards, Jack felt the aftermath of earliers struggle punch what’s left of his fatigue. He needed to sit down and Alexandria can see his eyes start to swell with tiredness. She guided him to a nearby bench, and when Jack saw it, he knew it all too well. It’s the one he sat on years ago to discuss a plan in which he and Angela stole food from a nearby gas station as well as his first time being concerned over her well-being.

Once he sat, Alexandria stood for a moment, staring at Jack with her bright brown eyes. Hmm… What's she planning? Jack wondered.

Despite having some bruising, she was as pretty as she was in the past. Her long brown hair, glistening caramel eyes, a familiar skin tone to his, and her slender yet curvy body really made him fluster. Lastly she was just as tall as Veronica by an inch, showing off her long slender legs which he stared at more than her eyes.

“Why are you standing there, looking at me in silence, Alex?” he asked, laying back on the bench, bringing his eyes back to hers.

She had a still face and did not respond. Instead she turned around and seemed to ignore him. This worried Jack, thinking she might’ve been angry at him, but he questioned why? He groaned and coughed, clearing his throat to get her attention. Nothing worked. He got annoyed and poked her back. She had a smug grin that he couldn’t see, and in response to his action, she stuck her butt out in front of his face. His eyes got big and the young man glanced around, and she walked backwards into his comfort zone. Jack cleared his throat again and Alexandria lifted her butt and slammed it right on top of his lap, which made him grunt.

Alex crossed her arms and legs, nodding in enjoyment. “Bet you didn’t see that coming, sweetheart! Huehue!”

Jack rolled his eyes and smacked the back of her head. “Yeah yeah, but I bet you didn’t expect that either.”

She grabbed her head and slightly turned around to him, “dick, even after I was being beaten up, you still hit me?”

Jack shrugged, “whoops, I thought you were just tough enough like you always claimed.”

Alexandria pouted and looked away, back to viewing the full fledge of the park. “And I still am, stupid dickwad.”

“A potty mouth as always. Jesus, and I thought I was bad…” Jack exclaimed.

“Oh? Me a potty mouth? Hmm, let's retrace our steps and rewind time, shall we!”

Alexandria stood up again, placing her hands on her hips and sticking them out. Jack watched as he prepared himself to hear her life changing statements. In hearing things she will say, it will answer more to the mystery of how they met, how things differed and what made her departure on that unfortunate night.

She turned around to Jack and had a smug smile. “First off…” she bent over and got in Jack’s face. “Fuck… you.” she blew him a kiss and backed away, flipping him off afterwards.

Jack was stunned and felt played. Actually, it angered him and the young man grew a shadow of anger over his face. She felt his cold stare and got nervous, backing away more and starting to sweat as he rose from his seating. She saw his fists clenched, and couldn’t understand why he got so offended. Jack on the other hand was eager to learn why he became a potty mouth in this timeline and potentially hearing more of their past. It’s a silly thought but to Jack, it’s something he’d like to hear from so much thats changed. Yet being teased and insulted like that? This had him pissed.

She raised her hands, steadily pushing them. “Woah, take it easy man… you’re pissed all of a sudden.” she said, nervously chuckling.

Jack took a big step forward, “Alexandria…” he replied, his tone heavy and fierce.

At this point, Alexandria wanted no part in seeing his anger explode upon her. Instead of helping him calm down or apologizing, she ran, and as fast as she could. Jack chased after her, and the two didn’t get far because she accidentally tripped and fell over on the grass. The young man stopped and watched as she tried recovering but quickly accepted her fate. She looked up to him, took a deep breath and nodded.

She spreads her arms out and lays flat on the ground. “Do your worst, Jack.”

With a shadow hovered over his face, the young man got on a knee and brought his hand over to her face. She closed her eyes and then felt a fling on her forehead. Immediately she sat up and rubbed her forehead, looking at Jack who had a smug grin of his own. Alexandria pouted and pushed Jack, making him almost lose his balance.

“Asshole, don’t scare me like that!” she exclaimed.

Jack rolled his eyes. “Hmph, I really had you, didn’t I?”

She replied by smacking his arm. The two stood back on their feet and decided to take a walk along the walkway with no interest in a destination.

Alexandria and Jack walked quietly for a minute until curiosity struck her mind. “Hey Jack,” she asked, taking a look at some kids playing tag nearby.

Jack also glanced at the kids, bringing their walk to a stop. “Yeah, what’s up?”

She crossed her arms and tapped her fingers against them. “Wh-What took you so long?”

On hearing this, Jack felt guilty once again, but felt as if it were deserving. This was guilt in which he had no control over due to the fact he has no clue what’s occurred these past years. The only memories he can recall are the ones that are linear, not this perpendicular time he’s been placed in by a being that defies reality. He can’t think of anything to answer the question, she sounded hurt when she asked him, which made this not deserving guilt grow tenfold. Instead of making up a lie, an excuse, Jack thought of one answer, one she can understand and relate all too well given her unfortunate circumstance.

The young man lightly smacked his gums and gently wrapped his arm around Alexandria’s shoulders. “Life… that's what happened,” he said, his tone soft and gentle to the ear.

Alexandria deeply sighed and lay her head against his chest while watching the kids play ball. “Hmph… understandable.”

With the two watching the children play, sharing their warmth, they can’t help but feel nostalgic over this. Weirdly enough, Jack feels he’s been in this scenario with her before, but can’t make up from where. Feeling this unfamiliar scenario, this made Jack wonder if he continues living in this time, will he unravel more of what’s occurred here. Could this potentially lead him to the trials that William spoke about? Or perhaps more! He wonders what else he’s about to unravel once he finishes his time with Alexandria, and hopes to recruit her on this journey.

Meanwhile, back in Detroit Michigan, Sarah wonders what else has occurred during Jack’s absence. She hasn’t seen him for three days, and tried everything in her power to call or get in touch, but everytime she did, it resulted in her mother mysteriously stopping her. A phone call, no because her phone would die instantly from her mothers magic interference. A message through the computer? She couldn’t even get on the internet without it glitching out or blacking out. When those efforts were gone to waste, she tried leaving, but everytime she did, her mother magically appeared out of thin air to stop her from leaving. Whether it was out the front door, back porch, Sarah even went as far as to try something only a rebel teen would do, which was sneaking out. That ended her being caught before it became an action. As a result of all these actions, she’s been house arrested, and didn’t understand why.

Sarah asked her mother about her over protective behaviour, but she always repeated the same answer; “This is for your own good.” Sarah couldn’t even look out her window because it was blacked out by her mother’s magic, which raised concerns. She felt tired and for the first time, upset with her mother. Right now, Sarah’s on the floor, crossed legged, and thinking of what to do.

The goth girl rubbed her head from her overthinking and frustrations, letting out a long sigh in the process. “What has come of mother… what’s with this over parenting?”

Sarah shook her head, got on her feet and walked over to her window that was covered by her black curtain. She wanted to open them, but thought it would be useless since it might still be pitch black out. Feeling nothing was at her odds, she opened them to at least pretend to get a taste of what would be the sun cleansing her skin. When she did, she was immediately blinded by it, which surprised her and made her eyes jump out. Sarah gasped and opened her window, and saw her tiny yard, the city of Detroit out in the distance, and heard the joys of nature. This made her furious towards her mother and decided to confront her about this strange behaviour.

“You locked me, blocked me from viewing mother earth, for almost four days! And now, all of a sudden… everything's normal again?!” Sarah crossed her arms and stomped out of her room, going downstairs to see if her mother was present. “Mom! Why have you—”

Once she stepped foot in the living room, her mouth was covered by someone's hand. She mumbled and wondered who it was and when she looked over her shoulder, it was her mother who looked like she had no care in the world.

Sarah knit her brows and pulled off of her mothers grasp. “What the heck mom?!”

Sarah’s mother kept her still face and responded with a simple nod to her daughter. Sarah crossed her arms again and once she was ready to say more, her mother abruptly raised her finger to her mouth to tell her daughter not to speak.

This angered Sarah, leaving her mouth open and grunting in annoyance. “Mom, don’t tell me to shush when I’m—”

“Your concerns will be answered, my wonder of life. Just don’t raise your voice at me or you will see a hell like no other.”

Her mothers tone, it sounded wicked and menacing. This made Sarah shiver and listen to her mothers request. She didn’t mean to sound like a rebel or raise her voice to the person who granted her life, she just wanted answers to her strange behaviour's as of lately. Saying no more, Sarah waited on her mother for what she’ll say next. Sarah’s mother lowered her hand and walked over to her comfy single chair and sat down. Sarah followed and sat on the left long couch but close to her mother.

Sarah’s mother rested her hands on the arms of her chair and stared straight to the line of the kitchen. “I apologise on behalf of your young mind, my dearest daughter.”

Huh, what does she mean by that? Sarah thought.

“I know there’s a lot going on with not only you, but with your friend Jack as well.” She raised her pale hand, aiming it at her daughter without looking in her direction. “Your adolescent minds can’t comprehend everything that defies the basic laws of physics and nature. The sheer incomprehension of these occurrences have not only brought fear and the peak of questioning if this is reality or fiction; But may also hinder the development of your growth.``

Sarah’s lost, and doesn’t understand where her mother’s coming from. Only a fraction of what she said she understood. She wanted to say something but chose not to, only because she didn’t want to anger her mother furthermore. Her mother closed her hand and it made Sarah gag for air for a moment.

She coughed, gasped for air while grabbing her throat. “Mo-Mom! What the—?!”

“Silence, my loving child.” Her mother turned her cold silver eyes to her coughing daughter. “I’m sorry for doing that. I just got a little carried away for a second.”

“Car…ried—away?! You just choked my lights out for a millisecond mom!”

Sarah’s mother grinned. “Yes, yes I did. I did that to knock the anger out of you. It worked, didn’t it?”

Sarah massaged her throat and gagged one last time. “Ye…ah! Now I’m sca-scared…”

“Mm, my apologies again. Before I answer your concern of my over parenting that’s occurred these past days, could you answer me one question? Pweez my little blossom of life.”

Sarah’s not enjoying this conversation. Especially with that childish tone her mother did for a moment made it seem as if she were playing around. Feeling there's no progression on her reasoning being here nor has her mother attempted on answering anything, Sarah wanted to leave the conversation and return to her room. Although, there’s many mixed emotions going on in her mind, but after what her mother just did, Sarah’s feeling contempt to ask anything else.

Sarah nods and frowns in response to her mother. “Whatever…” she muttered.

Sarah’s mother smiled briefly. Her face turned back still and cold. “That young man, Jack, what is he to you?”

Sarah lays back on the couch and stays quiet.

“Is he a friend? A brotherly type of bond? A bothersome loser who’s stuck in your friendzone?” Her mother transformed her straight lips into a curve that was wicked, reeking of curiosity. “Or perhaps, a love interest? Boyfriend, hus—band potential?”

Sarah’s eyes glanced around as her breathing grew slow. Her mother waited on an answer, eager to hear what it was. Sarah blew her frustrations out her nostrils and mildly turned her eyes to her mother who all of a sudden had a calm smile on her face.

Sarah blinked and lightly sighed. “He’s someone who I can relate to, mother…” she brought her eyes to the wooden ground, staring at it. “And share the same confusing burdens as I have all my life.”

Sarah’s mother shut her eyes for a moment and when she did open them again, they glistened. “Do you think you might—love him?”

Sarah mildy shook her head. “No, those emotions don’t exist. Nor have I even thought of something so trivial.” she said, dialing down her tone.

Her mother believed her daughter, yet she couldn’t understand why she was curious about asking her such a silly question. Now having heard her answer, it only made it more exciting for her and her twisted mindset. Afterall, Sarah’s mother loved teasing people, whether it was for fun, curiosity, or in most of her cases, to bring pleasurment to her twisted mind.

“Thank you for answering my stupid question, my loving daughter.”

Sarah shrugged, “mmhm…”

“What’s the matter, Sarah?”

Sarah scratched her arm and the back of her neck. “Nothing… I’m just going to ask this before I get more scared.” she grabbed her arm, and bit her lip. “Tell me… why have you closed our house out of reality for these past few days, the truth, please.”

Sarah’s mother giggled. “To protect you, duh.” she answered, her smile growing wider.

Sarah hunched over, biting her lip further. “What do you mean by that? It doesn’t make sense… you even went as far as cutting off any communications to the outside world.”

“Oh my dear daughter, don’t you understand? That’s what happens when something—or someone tampers with history and most importantly… time.”

Sarah raised her body, looking at her mother who had a wicked smile. “Huh?! What does that mean… what you’re telling me, again, that our history was altered?”

Her mother softly blinked, and nodded without saying a word. Sarah grew in disbelief and this made her quietly gasp and draw a sweat. Although she wonders in what way has time been tampered yet again.

“Mom… explain more, please. I need to know for the sake of my mentality.”

“Mmm…” her mother crossed her tender legs and wiggled one. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. But, on the other hand…” her smile grew more wicked and her eyes grew sharp, “if you invite Jack after what happens to him after tomorrow; then I’ll explain more.”

“Wh…at? What do you mean… what happens to him tomorrow?” she asked.

Her mother stood on her feet, walking over to her shaking daughter. Once she stood in front, looking up to her mother, she appeared amused and her smile reached the edges of her face which made Sarah question her odd behaviour.

“Don’t worry… because I’m not too sure what will happen.” she placed her cold hand on Sarah’s hot face, “Truth be told my dearest daughter, your friend intrigues me. Whatever outcome occurs, I can sense that our time will be altered yet again but—back to which it flowed on your encounter with the great William H. Christ.”

Sarah’s eyes were shaking, bulging out, the tone in which her mother spoke was that of tormenting sadism.

“So in the meantime, just hang back and stay inside just for one more day, okay, Sarah?”

Sarah didn’t respond. She was frozen with fear and for once, questioned if this was really her mother, the caring, loving mother who never showed, expressed such sadistic tendencies. After seeing that her daughter was paralyzed from her words, her mother held her face gently and got close so she could look deep within her eyes.

“Just for today, Sarah, look deep into my eyes, and bear witness of what you are.” she said.

Once Sarah’s eyes met with her mothers, she began to see another world, one in which she saw Jack talking to her, but the environment appeared to be a forest, and afterwards a flash changed to that of a woman on the ground, pleading to her, and showing her pendants of Christianity, Witchcraft, and one she couldn’t make out of. Another flash saw that it was nighttime, and a wall of fire had scorched a landmass in front of her eyes. Her hands were brought up, clapping to the hellfire scorching the earth. One more flash brought her to a man with blonde hair on his knee, proposing to her, to which she rejected and the last thing Sarah saw was the man frozen in embarrassment.

Her mother gently placed her head against her daughters and softly said, “You’ll soon find out more of who you really are… and why I adore and do everything in my power to keep you away from any dangers.” she slowly creeped to her daughter's ear, “especially to those who want to take you away like they have before.”

Sarah gasped and her eyes glowed as well as her mother. The glow was blood red, and the two shared the same luminance. Her mother grabbed her hand as her daughter stayed paralyzed, intertwining their fingers. Once their hands were locked, her mother grew a vile smile, and she began to giggle. Her hair began to float, the ends of the darkness that made it its colour were slowly being burned away as well as Sarah’s hair. Their skin grew paler but illuminated as if they were beings sent down from heaven.

Sarah’s mother giggled one more time until it transitioned to laughter. “My loving daughter… there’s nothing more important in this world than you!” she gently placed one of her hands on her cheek, growing her vile smile even more. “When the time comes, I’ll not only show you, but I’ll show your friend who—”

In unison, Sarah’s mouth moved along with her mothers to say, “I really am.” Afterwards, Sarah stood on her feet, her hand still locked onto her mothers and again, the two said in unison, “Afterall… I am what I am, a Sinner who has broken the lives of many and shattered our reality! And brought it to its near end!”

Her mother wiped her smile, and let go of Sarah’s hand. Once she backed off, her mother’s appearance changed back to who she was as well as Sarah who fell back on the couch, unconscious. Her mother flung her bangs and crossed her arms, walking to the living room window to look out of it. She looked and smiled at her beautiful front lawn, the children playing across the street, it warmed her cold heart.

“So long as they don’t threaten you, my dearest seed of life… then they can continue living the second chance given to them and the lie that they’ve been given by our ancestors.”

Sarah’s mother steered her eyes to the sky, squinting them. Someone other than William has corrupted our time, and in this case, it is an entity far beyond any comprehension.

***

Driving back home, both Jack and Alexandria were silent again. With her feet on the dash, staring out the windshield, seeming calm, and Jack’s eyes on the road, both friends have just finished a nice lunch. During their lunch the two didn’t really say much other than play with their food, giggle, chuckle, stare at strangers and being awkward to them. Alexandria waved to a stranger just to tease him to make Jack jealous and get a reaction out of him. Sadly, it didn’t do anything to him other than make him raise an eyebrow. This made her sigh so deeply because he’s still the dense guy she always knew. But this made her laugh and hoped she could teach him more about the emotions of human bonding. After their lunch they got in the car, of course not without some attention when a random guy walked up to Jack and whispered soemthing into his ear. When Alexandria asked what he said, Jack replied and said that he was warning him of her and the danger my wallet and all his prized assets were in. This made Alex burst in laughter and not say anything further for five minutes.

Once they drove off and after those five minutes, when Jack took a glimpse at Alex he saw her face express disappointment. Jack wanted to ask why she looked down but wanted to hold it off once they got to Eric’s home. They were just two blocks away from reaching their destination, and Jack can’t help but grin. Alex had a subtle smile and looked to be on the verge of taking a nap when Jack tapped her shoulder which made her look at him. He rubbed her shoulder and she grabbed his arm, rubbing it and going back to viewing the road. Jack wanted to keep her smile, he definitely didn’t want her to look down like she did earlier in the drive.

Finally, they arrived and Jack parked the car in the driveway. “Well, we’re here, home.”

Alex dropped her slender legs and lay back on the chair. “Your home, not mine.”

“True, but uh, you do have a home, right?”

She gave Jack a sassy side view. “You know the bookbag I just grabbed? Yeah that’s my home bud.”

“Oh, don’t tell me you’re still homeless after all these years?” Jack said, his face scrunched.

She rolled her eyes and opened the car door. “Congratulations! You’re smarter than a fifth grader, Jack Samr!”

Jack chuckled and opened his door too. “Hey, I still haven’t even passed the fifth grade, remember?”

Alexandria regretted her words, remembering Jack’s situation. “Oh damn. I’m sorry…” she said, stepping out and getting a whiff of Jack’s neighborhood. “Nice area, reminds me of home.”

“Heh, figures. Shall we go inside?” he said, getting out and closing the door too.

She tucked her hands into the pockets of Jack’s borrowed coat and waited for him. He walked past and she followed him to the front door and waited for him to open it. Jack took his keys out but stopped before he could insert them.

He looked at his friend and turned serious. “Alex… was it you or I that winded us here?”

Alexandria placed her hand on his shoulder, leaning to his ear. “It was you that led us through the whiteness that consumed our state. And after being rejected from household to household, ultimately, you were the one to push us forward as your dear sister was drawing her last breath.”

So the events of Angela and I are practically the same but with her involved. Wicked. Jack thought.

Jack grinned, “Then why did you leave me?”

She kissed his cheek and grabbed his hand, inserting the key into the keyhole for him. “We’ll talk more about that after my reunion with that devious sister of yours.”

“Devious? You say? Is that how you remember her?”

Alexandria mildly squinted her face, “Oh there’s more, but I’ll let her answer that for you if you can’t remember what type of friendship we shared, hehehe.”

Jack unlocked the door and opened it to reveal his home to her. Immediately, Alexandria took off his coat, hung it up on the rack next to the door, and took aim for the couch, jumping onto it and making herself at home already. She stretched, yawned beyond belief and felt exhausted. Although Jack questioned her mental state. If she’s behaving this nonchalant after a near death experience she had a couple of hours ago, who knows what other circumstances she's gotten herself into to feel this way.

Jack tucked his two fingers and whistled loudly. “Angela, could you come down here?”

Alexandria groaned and grabbed one of the pillows on the couch, hugging it. “Oh damn… already? I was thinking we could’ve at least catch up for alittle while…” she sighed, “whatever, let the beast come forth!”

Jack chuckled but grew a little nervous. He hasn’t seen his sister ever since he ran out of his home in a panic when she told him she couldn’t remember who Dr. Cato was or even the girl in his dreams. He swallowed and heard her coming down the stairs. Once he caught a glimpse of her, his skin tingle and when her eyes caught sight of him, she ran to him and jumped onto Jack.

His breathing grew fast and the young man’s eyes hazed. I can’t help it… she looks too much like Mallory.

Angela rubbed her face against his abdomen and let off to look up at him. “Brother, I was worried sick about you! Where have you been?”

Jack hid his nervous nature and played it cool, patting her head. “Just wanted to take some long naps and sleep, that’s all.”

Angela pouted and smacked her knuckles on his stomach. “But for three days?! Pueh!”

Jack forcefully chuckled and Alexandria quickly caught on to his acting. It concerned her as to why Jack looked scared being around her, but for now, she’ll ask for another time. She cleared her throat and once Angela heard it wasn’t her uncle's deep tough bassy voice that produced such a weak sound, she shifted her head in the direction of the noise. Once she caught a glance of the culprit, she already knew who it was which made her gasp.

Alex raised her hand and waved to Angela. ‘Hey there, you foul demon you.”

Angela pouted more and gripped Jack’s shirt. “How in the heck did she get in here?! Of all people, her? Her!”

Jack shrugged. “What? You don’t like her?”

Although that was apparent in the original time. So I’m guessing nothing changed between these two. Jack thought.

Angela crossed her arms and strutted to Alexandria. “Oh I have much to say to this fipflabber!”

Alexandria chuckled. “Give me your worst then, you adorable emo demon you!”

“Ha, ha, I ain’t emo you twit! I just like wearing black.”

“Oops, my bad, I couldn't tell the difference with that black skirt, black eyeliner, high socks, chains, and band shirt with oh! Guess what?! A striped long sleeve beneath it, poser!”

“Why you!” Once Angela walked around the couch to stand in front of Alex, she dropped her arms and looked down. “Why… why didn’t you stay, asshole.”

Jack was shocked to hear this and now questioned their relationship. Alexandria moaned and grinned, reaching her arms out to Angela to reel her in for a hug. Angela wrapped her tiny arms around her and softly whimpered.

Alex brushed her hair, and held Angela. “I’ll tell you after I explain it more to my hubby.”

Angela let off and wiped her eyes. “You better or else you’ll feel my wrath.”

Alex chuckled and aggressively patted Angela, messing up her hair. “I know I know, don’t you worry my little demon.”

Jack grabbed his chin and wondered more about their relationship.

So they actually got along here yet kept the tension they always had beforehand when we first bumped into her.

Jack squinted his eyes, thinking deeper about this new transpiring info being revealed in front of him.

This is… bizarre! Yet, I don’t hate it. This, this is a good change in my opinion, one that I wished stayed. Hopefully more good gets revealed as life continues; that is until I bump into more of William’s supposed trials.

Jack walked over to the two and sat on the couch. Both girls glanced at him, and smiled. He replied with a grin and their front door opened, turning all their heads. It was only Eric who had just returned from the store, carrying two grocery bags. He set the bags gently on the ground and once his eyes met their stare, he froze and wondered why and who the other girl was. Angela playfully waved to her uncle, Jack nodded, and Alex winked to Eric.

Eric scratched the back of his head, arching his brows. “Why are all of you looking at me? And who’s the girl? New girl of yours, Jack?”

Jack turned to Alex, patting her leg. “Nah, just someone I’m glad I’ve been able to reunite with.”

Alex blushed and rolled her eyes, grabbing his hand. “Stupid dense idiot.”

Eric laughed and pointed at Jack. “Ey! She’s already funny, and what she said about you is true.”

“Ey… what do you mean by that, Alexandria?” Jack asked.

Angela punched her shoulder. “Hey, go easy on my brother, I know he’s dense but you didn’t have to call him out like that.”

Alex raised her hands, grinning. “Oops, my bad. But I can’t help not say something when the big buffoon says a compliment that is meaningful.” She dropped her hands and grabbed his hand. “Especially directed to someone he likes without knowing.”

Jack raised a brow, and smacked his lips. “Damn… why me?”

Eric walked to them, tapping Jack’s shoulder. “I don’t know who she is, your new lil mama, but I already like her!”

“Whatever…” Jack replied, leaning back on the couch with his arms crossed.

Everyone laughed and Jack can’t help but return the favour of sharing this nice reunion. Everyone continued to chuckle and giggle until Jack’s phone rang and his face went white for a moment. Both girls saw his face transform and had them worried. Eric wondered why he got spooked from his phone ringing, and looked to the two girls who only shrugged to him in response. Jack got up without saying a word and walked off into the kitchen to answer it. He reached for his phone, and flipped it open, and quickly let out a sigh of relief. It was only Sarah who was calling.

Jack cleared his throat and answered it. “Sarah, hey, everything alright?”

Sarah was on her bed, rubbing her forehead from a horrible headache. “Mmm, I’m okay, just my head’s killing me…”

“Yeah, you sound kinda out of it. Almost like if you were just waking from a full day of sleep.”

“I know… I don’t know why my head hurts, but I’m just calling to check up on you since it’s been a couple of days since our last talk.”

Jack looked over his shoulder to see if any of the three were snooping into his conversation. Once he saw the cost was clear he walked more forward towards the back porch door.

He pushed one of the blinds down to look out back. “I would love to tell you what happened to me these past days, but for now, let's talk about it tomorrow.”

Alexandria made her way into the kitchen without being noticed or heard. She wanted to hear who Jack was talking to and why the young man’s acting a little strange since their reunion.

Sarah slammed her head on her bed and groaned. “Sounds better since this headache’s literally torturing me… talk to you tomorrow, bye.”

Sarah had hung up and Jack closed his phone, letting out a breath. He turned around and was surprised to see Alex standing there with her hand on her hip.

“Oh… were you, uh, listening?” he asked, nervously.

“Yeah, just a little bit, and enough to make me jealous.” she leaned her hip more and raised a finger. “So, who was that you sounded worried about?”

Jack put his phone away, “a friend.”

“A friend?” she replied not without adding some sass and crossing her arms.

“Yeah, a friend. Is that a problem?”

“Mmm, maybe a little.” she walked over to Jack, stopped and flung her hair, letting it slap his face. “How close are you two? Hmm?”

Jack wiped his face, “dang, your hair is soft but man does it tickle. Anyway, her name is Sarah, and I’ve known her since childhood.”

“Childhood ey? Childhood friend… close still, mm.” Alexandria began to think, slamming two of her fingers against the sides of her head. “Oh man, now it all makes sense!”

Jack wonders why his friend is acting strange all of a sudden, but he can’t help but grin over it. “You alright there, Alex?”

She got into his face, placing a finger on his nose. “It seems like I have a rival!” she began pushing and twisting it, which made Jack twitch an eye. “You promised to marry me you stupid buffoon… I even got your sister's approval!”

Jack gently grabbed her finger, lowering it. “Right right, now that is something I do remember in my orig—I mean of course! Don’t worry, I still… hold up. Angela approved it?! Her!”

Jack’s perplexed and looked away briefly. They’re even closer than I thought, wicked. He thought.

Alexandria started laughing and patted his shoulder. “I’m joking, sweety. Don’t think about it too much, but I did want to ask you something.”

“Oh, what would that be?”

“You okay?”

Jack furrowed his brows. “Wha-what do you mean by that?”

“It’s exactly what I meant by, are you okay?”

Jack grunted, looked to the side and hesitated to answer. Alexandria waited for a response, and was patient enough to grab one of the chairs closeby to sit on. It didn’t matter if it was going to take him a minute or more, perhaps an hour but she wanted to hear what’s bothering him. Jack on the other hand couldn’t really tell her what's going on; even if he did she would think he might be on some narcotic.

Jack sighed. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

The answer she got made her roll her eyes at him. “No you aren’t. You can lie to me all you want but I’ve known you long enough to know when you're lying.”

“Is that so? You got to know me that well in the span of three months when I was living out in the streets?”

Alexandria twisted her face, rolling her eyes harder. “Huh?! Three months, tch… you really aren’t okay. More like almost two years mister.”

“Huh…?” Jack replied, leaving his draw dropped. “T-T-Two years?”

“Yeah, you heard me. Did you really forget all the things we did during those wretched times? Sheesh, talk about having dementia…”

Jack’s eyes quivered, the young man couldn’t believe what he’s hearing.

We were on the streets for that long? That means I didn’t meet Eric until I was almost thirteen…

Jack placed his hands on Alexandria's shoulders. “Alex, how old was I when we first met?!”

She slightly turned her head, giving Jack a side look. “Woah… you sure you’re alright? Did you hit your head or something?”

“Shut up and just answer the question.”

“Hey, ease the tone. Relax Jack, no need to—”

“Tell me, how old was I?!”

Alexandria didn’t like the look in the young man's eyes, and more importantly, his growing clutch. “Chill, you’re starting to hurt my shoulders!”

“Spill it, fucking tell me or—”

“Relax!” Alex slapped Jack, and the young man dropped his hands. “Goddamn man, what’s wrong with you?” she said while massaging her shoulders.

Jack rubbed his cheek and grabbed his head. “M-my bad… I didn’t mean to get carried away.”

Alexandria grabbed Jack’s hand and dragged him away and out the kitchen. Eric and Angela were in the living room, playing a video game that she loved beating him on. It was one of her weird cartoon games that had ridiculous overly buff men and women in erotic outfits beating each other up. Eric grew frustrated and wanted to crush the controller in his hands but remembered that it wasn’s property. Angela giggled and stuck her tongue out to her uncle. The two then heard Alexandria stomping her way in, and the two turned their heads at her. Angela pointed at her and she replied by pointing at him and then swirling her finger.

“Ah ah, okay. His rooms down the hall.” Angela said.

Eric glanced at both and wondered what they said before. “Ya were talking with ya hands? How the hell did ya learn that?”

Angela smugly grinned. “When you were homeless for almost all your life like the two of us, you’re bound to learn an alternative way of communicating without being noticed, hehe!”

Alex gave her a thumbs up without changing her straight face. “That’s my lil demon!”

“Ya damn kids, whatever. You guys have your own methods, my gang and I have our own.” Eric said.

“Whatever uncle, but just because we’re being side tracked doesn’t disclose the fact that I’m kicking your butt!”

Eric mumbled something and a vein popped out of his forehead as he mashed the buttons. Angela laughed evily while Alexandria continued dragging Jack down the hall and eventually opening his bedroom door. Once the two were inside, she let go and closed the door behind them. Jack approached his bed and sat, and deeply sighed as he brought his eyes to Alex who stood with her arms crossed. She tapped one of her feet and raised a brow to him, and he replied by shaking his head and expressed a gentle smile.

She softly grunted and shut her eyes. “Honestly, if there’s one thing that pisses me off about you is your abrupt anger and hiding your emotions.”

Jack groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “I-I’m… you know what. I don’t think there’s a reason for me to apologise anymore. I need to be honest from now on.”

Alex grinned, opened her eyes and went to Jack, sitting next to him. “As you should be. Now, what’s bothering you, and why are you acting afraid of your sister?”

Jack rubbed his face and hunched forward, resting his arms on his knees. “I-I don’t know… and that’s the truth. I know that’s the answer you’re probably not seeking, but it’s something I can’t tell you. For now, it’s more so—of, why? You know what I mean?”

Alex placed her index finger on her chin. “Uhm… no.”

“Figures. Anyways, no, I’m not alright. I had a rough week to say the least, and I’m pretty beat mentally.”

“There you go,” she replied, wrapping her arms around him. “Go on, tell me more. You know you want to?”

“You sure? You’d probably be here all day towards the night.”

Alex ruffled his hair, kissing his cheek afterwards. “I ain’t got no home, no friends, so, I have all the time in the world.” She eased towards his ear, “and if it does lead into the night, then I can repay you with that other—promise we both talked about years ago.”

“Huh? Another promise? How many did we end up with!”

She giggled, “three, and maybe more if I ain’t being the teasing liar that I am, hehe.”

“Ah shit. I really need to stop promising things that I can’t remember. At least I remembered the marriage part, but what’s the other?”

Alexandria grew seductive, rubbing her hands all over him. “You want to find out?”

Jack felt butterflies in his stomach, and turned to Alexandria. “Now? And why are you rubbing me seductively?”

She grinned and pushed Jack against the bed, and getting on top of him. Jack’s confused, his eyes bouncing, the young man’s nervous nature grew more once he saw a glimpse of Alexandria’s chest when her shirt dangled. He saw that she changed her bra, a whine coloured one that was of lingerie. She giggled and grew closer to Jack’s confused face. The young man furrowed his brows and looked into his old friends glistening eyes. She grew closer and closer but Jack had stopped her by grabbing her shoulder.

“What is it? Is this your first time? Because it’s mine as well you know.” she muttered.

Jack wiggled his mouth, “before you do whatever promise I printed into that skull of yours, I have a question for you.”

“Oh? And what would that be? My loving future husband.”

“Earlier, right after we finished lunch. What the guy said to me, and when I told you, it upsetted you, didn’t it?”

Alexandria paused and stared. She softly blinked and patted his chest, and got off, sitting afterwards. “Always serious, aren’t you?” she shook her head and forcefully smiled. “Fucking mood killer.”

Jack sat up and grabbed her arm. “We can go back to what we were doing after you answer me, Alex.”

Alexandria fiddled her thumbs, and bit her lip. “Dude, I don’t think I’d be in the mood even if I tell you.”

“Why? Is it that bad?”

She stopped talking and shrugged, looking down. Jack had no idea what the man said to him bothered her this much. He had to know the truth behind his statement, that way he could find a way to cheer her up. The young man wrapped his arm around her shoulders and brought her closer. She replied to his action by leaning her head on his broad shoulder, feeling safe in his hold.

“Come on, you can tell me anything, Alexandria.” he said.

Her eyes quivered, and she tensed up her body, still feeling the bitterness in her mouth hard to swallow. She thought deeply about it, wondering if he’ll look at her differently if he knew exactly what that man had said to him. Alexandria in the past did tell Jack all the bad things she had to do to sustain her life while being homeless, but what he said about him accepting her was true. But being apart for this long, and the new lifestyle she had to sustain to live in a way to avoid conflict and enemies, she knew this was something she can’t bring herself to tell him. Just the thought and the reminiscing of her current situation makes her stomach turn, but she only has herself to blame.

After another minute of silence, Alexandria grew just enough confidence to tell him. “Jack…” she whispered.

He replied by rubbing her shoulder and not saying a word.

Her eyes were narrowed and shook like crazy, but she had to tell him since she knew how much of a caring guy he was. “What that man told you about me and your wallet; has to be that I’m a… a…”

“Come on, you can tell me, Alex. No matter the answer, I’ll always accept you for who you are, and that’s the cute girl who stole from others and overcame her drug addiction—partially.”

Alexandria giggled and she shed a single tear. “You’re so fucking stupid, Jack.” She gripped his shirt and shut her eyes. “Jack, I’m a prostitute… but—”

At first Jack barely heard her, and wondered why she stopped speaking. When he realised what she just said, firstly, he didn’t know what that word meant. He let go of her and grabbed his chin, trying to remember where he heard that word from. Alexandria thought he rejected her and almost had her burst in tears but then she saw his thinking face on which made her raise half a brow. Then, it struck Jack and once he remembered what that was, it made his eyes pop out of their sockets. Seeing his reaction made Alexandria’s heart ache because he looked very surprised yet disgusted.

Jack turned to Alex and pointed at her. “That… I remember Randolph telling me what that is and bringing me one on my fourteenth birthday.” He nodded repeatedly, “that was a woozy, and she was attractive. But if I remember correctly, I think she was an escort, I don’t know.”

Alexandria felt more heart broken hearing this, actually it made her eyes squint. “Wait… your first was an… an es-escort?”

“Yeeuup. If you mean sex, then yeah. Although I’ve had more than I can chew once I turned sixteen.” Jack scratched his head, chuckling, “I was going wild since I was always stressed out. Thankfully my uncles were the ones that helped set those arrangements up.”

Alexandria’s face turned still and she gave Jack a cold stare. “You-You know what you’re talking about, right?”

“Yeah, people that do things to make the other party happy. Like sexual things, which you do, and it kinda grosses me out if I’m being honest.”

“Hmm, gross you out? That’s understandable but let me finish my confession before you make a judgement.”

“Alright, go on then, quit stalling and why are you looking at me as if I’m some stupid mutt?”

She breathed in, kept her frustrations held for another ten seconds and blew it out her nostrils. “So you know about sexual stuff yet… you don’t understand or know anything about the concept of love or relationships?”

“I-I know a little… now. I’m starting to learn.”

Alexandria couldn’t help but smile and smack Jack’s arm. “You’re so stupid… but I love you. Anyways, yes I am in fact a prostitute, but! Without doing any of the nastiness. In fact, I pretend to be one, go as far as I need to in order to get what I need, which is to steal desperate mens belongings.”

Jack nodded, “oh, understandable. So that explains why you have no home and remain to be called Snatch.”

Alexandria giggled and wrapped her arms around Jack again. “Woah, I haven’t heard that name in awhile! Can’t believe you still remember that, hehe.”

“Duh, of course I’d remember. You’re someone that I refused to forget about.” he raised his right wrist to her face, showing the bracelet she had given him. “That’s why I still haven’t taken this off.”

Her smile grew softer once he said that. She subtle her eyes and grabbed his wrist, and forced each other to fall on the bed. The two stared into each other's eyes and locked their hands. Alexandria let go and crept her hand towards the area of his crotch, which made Jack raise his head in confusion.

“So… what exactly did those escorts show you? If you don’t mind me asking.”

Her voice grew seductive, gentle, yet it was pleasant and made Jack feel hot. He rolled his eyes and cleared his throat. “Well, whatever you’re about to do, I’ve had that done to me.”

She grinned and licked her lips at him. “Well, whatever they’ve done to you, I believe I could do better.” she rubbed around that area, which made Jack groan.

He blinked erratically and chuckled nervously. “Is-is this one of the things you did to get far into your plans?”

“Nope, actually I’ve never touched a man besides you. The most I’d do is strip tease before the drug I put in their drinks goes into effect which blacks them out.”

“Cheeky, wait… that’s diabolical and if that’s the case, then how are you this good at grabbing my junk?”

She winked at him, “Right, hehe. And I just had a lot of time to practice and watched a lot of porn to get an idea on what I’d do to you if we ever reunited, sweety.” she dug her hand inside his pants and he felt her touch. “And here we are—today.”

“This-this is different from what they’ve done… I mean, not the ac-action, but just th-the feeling…”

Alexandria went up to his face, moaning into his ear. “Because it’s different coming from someone you have feelings for, babe.”

She slithered away, started unzipping his pants, her eyes stayed locked onto his while he looked like a confused dog. Jack took a deep breath and wiped his face with his right hand, while using the other to grip his bed sheet.

“Wh-what are you about to do, Alex?” he asked, starting to feel more heated.

She stopped and stood up, slowly taking her shirt off and throwing it at his face. Jack grabbed it and threw it to the side, seeing that her face was near his crotch. He took another breath, shaking his head and tilting it as he looked into her seductive nature.

“So… what’s next?” he asked while grinning.

She reached behind, trying to unhook her bra. She grinned as well and again, licked her lips. “I’m about to show you how much—I missed you… Jack Samr.”

Jack’s eyes mildly shook, but in excitment and felt his stress being blown away. “Well then… show me, Alexandria.”