As Maya walked along the road, she thought of what the town would be like. She had been offered rides along the road, but had declined each of them. She didn't trust anyone. When the sun was high in the sky, Maya finally came to a sign welcoming anyone who intered the town. She looked at the sign a nearly burst out laughing.

"What kinda name is Ditto Town?"

As she intered the town, or city, it began to ran. Pouring down on her shoulders and head, she headed to the nearest building. It looked to be a highschool. She saw that she was at the back of the school. Now soked though, Maya pulled open the nearest door and found herself in the gym--a competitive game going on.

Emmy looked up, eyes filled with curiosity, as the gym door opened and a girl entered, dripping wet from the harsh rain outside. Emmy glanced questioningly toward Jen. "Do you know her?"

Brian hurried, as quick as possible, to cut Declan off as he rushed toward the hoop. Though he usually didn't mind losing, this time he couldn't. He had to show Logan that he was just as good as he. Nothing was more important right now then showing that smug bull dog what was what. Brian was surprised at himself, as he realized this whole time he had been thinking out of anger, and not surely out of his desire to be friends. Bull Dog? Where did that thought come from...though his nose is pushed in he thought with a chuckle. But who could make friends with someone who hated you as much as you hated him? Shaking his head he resolved that winning this would be they only way. Plus, winning in front of Emmy would make his day. Though he had only met her today, he had liked her timid spirit and the fact she was the complete opposite of her brother. Quiet and conservative was what he liked to see in most people. Realizing he was staring toward her he blushed and brought his mind back to the game.

**

Melisha didn't call back after Johnny, but she did glance to see if he would pursue her. When she saw she was safe, she broke into a run and cleared the boundaries of the park. The street, still damp from last night's rain, was empty except the occasional car that putted past. She walked down the sidewalk making her way slowly but surely down each street. As mid morning slipped into afternoon, her stomach began to crave food....something other than soft warm apples. She pushed the feeling back for awhile, knowing she had nothing else to over her body but that. Finally after hours of her stomach rumbling, she removed one of her last apples and bit into it hungrily. It didn't sooth her craving but at least it was something. By late afternoon the sun was hot, and she was fatigued and sweating. Every part of her body wished she was lie and rest but she knew she couldn't. She was no closer to her goal than she had been that morning. Frustration suddenly built up and she sat down on a bench at the corners between streets. Hot tears ran down her cheeks and she wiped them away quickly. Running away had given her nothing but an empty stomach and further trouble...

Brandon could barely handle what he was seeing as the policeman shoved him out of the door. He had been rejected again, by the only person in the world he had had left to run to. Abigal had been his last chance to be accepted again...and she no longer wanted him. He was in a dazed shock, tears clouding his amber eyes, as the cop led him out and away. They sat him in a squad car, and hand-cuffed his hands, taking all precautions to assure he would not run away again. He sighed as one of the cops, slid into a seat next to him and instantly began questioning him. He refused to speak, or answer any of his inquiries. I don't feel like answering to anyone now... he thought grimly and stared at the enclosing midnight

**

Abigal had a hard time responding to Amanda as she asked if she was alright. "No...no....a glass of water please" she gasped, having a hard to breathing Is alive...No! It can't be! she thought

*
Maralyn chuckled at her husband "Oh Justin....your silly" she said with a slight weak smile

*

Ian arrived at the door to Susan's house dripping wet...his clothes were soaked and he was shivering from the harsh pellets of rain that were falling onto his back. Knocking, he waited for an answer

Justin chuckled, "Thanks."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jen looked at the deprived child in front of her. "No. Should we introduce ourselves?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter blocked off Logan, praying silently that Brian would make the shot.
~~~~~~~~~~~
THe policeman shoved Brandon into the interrogation room at the jail.

Declan did a hand spring, then grabbed the ball a little stunt never hurt anyone He dribbled the ball forward, and made a shot for the hoop. The cool swishing noise put a smile on Declan's face.

Maya saw some teenage boys playing basketball and two girls watching them. One of the girls looked at her a began whispering to her friend. Maya immediately felt out of place. She slowly approached them cautiously.

Jen noticed the battered girl approach her and Emmy.She stood up. "Hi."

Maya watched the girls with a lowered head. Then she saw one of the girls stand up. She braced herself for what ever was coming. She was relieved that her battered face had healed. There were only a few scars felt--those on the outside on her face and those on the inside in her heart. One of the girls held out her hand and welcomed her. She knew she had to do something in return, but what? Say "Hi" also? She slapped a small, pleasant smile on her face and took the hand. "Hi."

Jen asked, "WHat's yoru name? You go to teh school?"

"Um, no. I don't. I jest got here. And my name's Brooklyn," she spoke in a strong southern accent. "Um...do you know of a place thaet I could git some dry clothes?"

Seeing that the girl's clothes were battered and worn, Jen asked, "Would you like to come to my house? I have some clothes."

"Um..." Maya hesitated. I don't know. I hardly trust anyone. But what am I supposed to do. Freeze to death. She mentally decided to go, but be a where of everything going on. "Okay. Who are those boys over there? Do they go to this school with you?"

Jen said, "The one with short dark curls to mid neck is my boyfriend. HIs name is Peter. Those are our friends. We go to this school." She looked towards Emmy. That's my friend, Emmy. She goes here too. So, what brigns you here?"

What should she tell this girl. She'd change the subject and direct the question back to her. "What's yer name?"

The basketball game continued at a furious pace. Declan and Peter seemed to be having fun, but things were tense between Logan and Brian. At one point, Logan managed to make a shot from the three point line. Declan gave him a high five, but Logan was looking at Brian. What does he think of that? he thought in his head, and grinned. Game was tied at this point, but Logan really wanted to win, if only to prove himself better than Brian.

-------

Emmy stood silent by Jen's side while Jen spoke with the new girl. She didn't really know what to say; she was never good at meeting new people. Her mind wandered as she wondered what the girl's story was; was she alone, or did she live somewhere nearby? Why was she out in the rain? Where did she come from?