Peter chuckled. "Well, my aunt is cooking dinner now anyways. But I think she might let us watch a litle more." When the Pevensies got back form Narnia, Peter said goodbye to his friends, then had dinner with Miley and his aunt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While Jen was having dinner with Brooklyn, she was curious about the girl. The girl didn't say where she was from, or anything. "So, you like to ride horses?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter's aunt asked, "How was your first day of highschool?"
Peter answered, "Crazy. But I made three new friends, so that's good."

Logan said goodbye to Peter, Declan, Brian, and Miley after the movie was over. He grabbed his book bag and skateboard which he had left by the door, and left Peter's house. Things were still a little damp outside, but for the most part the sun had dried up all evidence of the rain storm earlier. Peter slung his bag over his shoulder, flipped his hair out of his face, and kicked his skateboard into a satisfying speed, rushing down the street toward his house. The wind blew by his face and through his hair as he went, while thoughts blew through his mind. Today had went well, all things considered. He was still slightly upset about losing the basketball game - and not being able to visit the skate park. He determined to go tomorrow with Peter. And he determined to win next time he played basketball against Brian.

Maya sat down at the table to eat with Jen and her family. When Jen asked her if she like to ride horses' her thoughts immediately turned to a young man in a cowboy hat and boots. She quickly shook herself out of her daydream and quickly answered. "Yeah. Yeah, I like to ride." She blushed slightly, almost sure that Jen could tell where her thoughts were, then remembered that she had never told about her first stop on this journey.

Jen saw a spaced out look in Emmy's eyes, wondering what she was thinking about. "How ofteb you ride? I used to ride some with a friend but she moved."

Brian enjoyed re-watching Prince Caspian, it was one of his favorite movies and he had watched it at least ten times before, but seeing it again was no big deal and a nice relaxing experience considering the tension of the hours before. He watched in silence mostly ignoring any and all comments made by Logan. Half way through the movie, in the scenes close after the Night Raid, Caspian and Peter were arguing. Logan said something about them being arrogant. Brian's mind twisted around his words, then he broke out in a fit of laughter. He tried to stifle it, but Peter's comment only made him chuckle more. Them arrogant? he thought looking over at the other boy That's a laugh!! I wish he could see himself....talk about pointing fingers! He could tell Logan was slightly offended at Peter's statement about him and he instantly pointed fingers. Brian's humorous mocking expression turned into one of frustration and his hands curled into fists at his sides. "Look who's talking..." he muttered, then turned stiffly back to watch the movie. Close to they end of the movie, Logan got a call and talked disgustedly for a few minutes before hanging up. He then went on to say she was trying to tell him what to and that she was annoying. Brian glared over at him. "She's your sister! Be nice! But even then, she's not annoying" then the movie ended. Logan said nothing to him, and Peter left, so Brian followed. He waved goodbye to his friend, shot a tense glance toward Logan then walked out. He slung his backpack up over his shoulder and precede to walk the few blocks down to his house. When he arrived supper was almost done, and sat down to wait for it, his thoughts on only two people...Emmy and Logan.

***

Brandon rolled his eyes, and looked away. "That's a long story which, under they circumstances and the fact this bullet is still in me, I don't want to retell." his voice laced with deficiency, and could tell by the mounting expression of frustration on the officers face, this wasn't going well. The doctor then sat up, scratching his chin and turned to they officer, telling him they would have to do minor surgery to remove the bullet and stitch up the wound. "It won't take more than half an hour" he finished gesturing toward Brandon.

*

Andrew drove toward Abigail's house, squinting to see through the light drizzle that pelted the streets and his wind shield. It was a dark night and he saw lightening flashing somewhere in the distance, beyond Ditto town. he thought about Abby, and how her voice had been urgent and frightened. She had sounded horribly shaken, and the sooner he saw her the better. A slight rumble of thunder brought his attention back to the road, and away from her. That's when he saw the reflection of headlights behind him. Glancing in the rear view mirror he saw a medium sized car pull up close, and stay there driving at his same speed. He pressed a bit harder on they accelerator and his own vehicle jumped forward, but they other, guessing his move followed in suit. He wondered who this was, and why he was following him. He swerved from side to side, always bringing his car back to the right lane each time, but still the other vehicle did the same. Andrew was never once to lose his head, growing up as a son with a policeman as a father had it's advantages. He picked up his cellphone and was about to dial the number for the local Ditto authorities when the red SUV behind him, sped forward and slammed into the back of his car. Andrew jolted forward his phone slipped from his hand, but the seat belt stopping his head from contacting the dashboard. Who is this!?? he thought frantically, and floored they accelerator but the SUV only followed gaining more speed quicker and hurling itself into his back again.

**

Abigail rung her hands, sweat dripping from her fore-head "Why is he taking so long!?" she cried, sipping her warm milk. There was deep anxiety in her voice, and she looked into Amanda's eyes, grasping her fingers "What if something has happened to him!"

**

Maralyn, concerned but glad he was back planted a gentle kiss on his cheek "Why did they take you Justin? What's this all about?" her questions were quietly spoked, but urgently curious.

*

Melisha sucked in a breathe and waited. No!! Please God she begged they Almighty Don't let her find me... she had been drawn closer to the Lord these last few months, with her Father being abusive and the stress and tension. She had not yet come to accept Jesus as her Saviour but she knew, beside all that, that He could help her. The woman again said, in a voice like a cat "Come out...come out...we won't hurt you. I promise, and I can't give more than my word. If you come now I can help you. We all want to" her voice, despite being more like a purr then a voice, was german in accent.
Never!! Thought Melisha, but still something pulled at her to reveal herself.

**
Susan finally pulled away and raised her hand, smacking Ian across the face. He winced, but his smile was still left. Her eyes flashed and she screamed "HOW DARE YOU!! You had no right!!" her voice was like a snarl

"I had ever right in the world...and some day you'll see" he said and sighed "I suppose I've ruined any hope I had of being your friend."

******

"I don't want a foster home Dominic" Natasha said, sitting Indian style across from him on her bed

((OOC: Sory for any miss spellings...it's horrible later here...I got to go to bed )))

Amanda suggested, "I could call the police to make sure he was safe, but we all know what happened the last time I did that."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Justin ran a hand through his hair, which was tapered to the lower neck. "Brad is...alove. And they had kept him in a prison or soemthing and then, he yelled at me because Vicki Mae was in bad foster homes...I probably should have tried to see what would happen to her, but I was just so confused there. I had no clue what was oging on and Brad siad you adn I were gonna go to a game and gave him and June tickets so they died instead. That never even happened!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After the surgery, one fo the officers gruffly said, "Tell me everything."

Logan sauntered casually into the dining room, where his mother and sister were just setting dinner out and getting ready to sit down to eat. A steaming chunk of meatloaf sitting on a plate on the table filled the room with a heavy smell. Logan glanced at the meatloaf and made a fake grin. "Ooh, meatloaf, my favorite." He was being mostly sarcastic, since he really didn't care for meatloaf at all; but food was food, and he wasn't planning on letting it go to waste. He quickly sat down and placed a slice on his own plate.

"How was your day at school?" Mrs. James asked the twins.

"Great," Logan replied.

"Fine," Emmy said less enthusiastically. "I mean, it was nice, I guess."

"Did you make friends?"

Emmy nodded. "A few."

"I made friends," Logan said quickly, "Emmy sort of tagged along all day. You know how she is, Mom."

"I made friends with two girls named Jen and Brooklyn," Emmy said quickly, as if to defend herself. "And a boy named Brian," she added.

"Yeah..." Logan moaned while rolling his eyes, "Him. Kind of a loser."

Emmy shot him a glare, but didn't say anything. Mrs. James spoke up instead.

"Don't be rude, Logan," she said harshly. "You should be happy that your sister has some nice friends."

Logan shrugged the rebuke off. "Alright, whatever." He took a generous bite of his meatloaf, and made a thumb's up sign. "Mmm, good meatloaf, Mom." With that, the subject was successfully changed to other things.

"Yeah, I try to ride when ever I can. But I haven't met anyone here that has a horse, so..." Maya shrugged and left the sentence hanging. "I didn't know you rode. Well, I haven't known ya fer very long, but ya jest don't look the ridin' type. How good can ya ride? I can gallop perty good."

After dinner, and after the remnants of the meat loaf had been put away and the kitchen tidied up, Emmy went up stairs to her room, not especially wanting to watch TV with Logan. She changed into her PJs and sat on her bed reading for about an hour, when her cat provided a purring interruption, rubbing his back along her shoulder. She smiled and stroked him; his long, silver fur had always reminded her of an elderly wizard's beard, which is part of the reason she named him Prospero. Gandalf would have been her second choice.

"First day of school today," she said to Prospero. Talking to her cat was a habit she had picked up long ago. "It's a nice school, I guess. Not as bad as my old school. But still... it reminds me of it. I met some nice kids." She sighed, and her mind ran over several painful memories that brought a tear to her eye. "You'll probably always be my only friend," she said with a half-hearted grin. "I don't know if I can ever trust anyone else again."

-------

After watching a few of his favorite shows, Logan switched the TV off and headed over to the computer instead. He logged onto Facebook and quickly searched the names of his new friends, adding each one he found. Then he updated his status: Logan James had an awesome first day at ditto town hi school... skatepark tomorow! "I hope, anyway," he said to himself. "So far Ditto Town's weather hasn't impressed me."

Peter awoke Tuesday morning with a yawn. He looked out the sunny window and tousled his dark curls, glad they were there. After breakfast, he rode with Miley and the two of them had the radio on. "Hey we really should have open mic night at church again."
Miley smiled, "I would love that, but it's up to Justin."
When they went into teh school, Peter found Brian at his locjer. "Hey, sup?"

"Logan, get up!" Emmy's voice cracked through the prism of Logan's dreams, shattering them in pieces and drawing him closer to the waking world. He rolled over in his bed and groaned.

"Leave me alone, Emmers."

"It's time for school! We'll be late if you don't get up!" Emmy

Logan's eyes snapped open at lightning speed. "Ug, school!" He said as he sprang up and jumped out of bed. "Wait for me downstairs, I'll be ready in a minute."

In exactly three and a half minutes, Logan came flying down the stairs like a herd of elephants, shoes untied and hair still messy. Emmy and their mother were both waiting by the door, and they headed out quickly. Logan grabbed his skateboard just as he left. “Might be stopping by the skate park later on today,” he explained to the other two as he slid into the back of the minivan.

After a short drive, Emmy and Logan entered the school hallway, just barely on time.

Maya woke with the sun streaming in her eyes. She was lying on the gravel in an alley; her arms under her head and her jacket across her waist and legs. Stifling a yawn, Maya got to her feet sleepily and stretched to get the kinks out of her body. Popping her neck, she grabbed her jacket, stuffed it into her bag, shoved it onto her shoulder, and exited the alley in search of some breakfast.

Logan saw Peter and Brian conversing together at the lockers, so he immediately walked up to where they were, smiling. "Hey, good morning, guys. Nice day outside, huh? Perfect day for the skate park. What do you say, Pete? Are we on for today?"

Brian and his Mother waited to eat until his Father arrived home. He was a lawyer, and often out late on cases or in court but tonight was they exception and Brian was glad to have both of his parent's company. The first day of High school had been far what he had expected, and he wished to vent a bit before he hit the sack...he would rather not go to bed on his anger. He thought back on the day's events....starting from when he arrived at his locker to when he just got home. He thought of Logan, snobby, arrogant and competitive, his equal and enemy. Anger boiled just thinking of him, and he tried to cool down his stung feelings. Then he thought of Emmy. She was different than her brother, and rather pretty. He found himself blushing thinking about her in that way....but her image wouldn't leave his mind. He hoped she would be there again tomorrow at school. Maybe she'll be in some of my classes he thought eyes sparkling. Then not only would be able to defend her from her brothers criticism but also talk to her more. I'd like to get a chance to know her... he played with his fork, as his Mother finished the gravy and set the steaming spot on the table. They sat in pretty much silence until she asked about school. Here we go... he thought, and turned to look at her, running a hand through his hair.

"It's...different than the other school. Peter and Jen, and all the others were there, but there was couple of new kids I got to make friends with to"

She chuckled "High school usually is different. Who were the new children?"

"Logan and Emmy James. Oh and..." he laughed "Another boy named Declan. He helped us escape when a pack of bull-headed school buddies decided to start picking on Peter, and we all got dragged in. He's just plain hilarious." he took a quick gulp of his water. "We played some basket-ball after classes. Our team won. I got assigned some Math homework. We watched a movie and Peter's then I came home. That's about it" He knew he should tell his Mom about Logan, but he thought she would only scold him and tell him o be more understanding and patient. How can you be patient with that guy? he cleared his throat, and opened his mouth to speak when the front door burst open and his Father, standing there in a disheveled business suit and tie cried

"I'm home!" he was grinning broadly. He placed his briefcase in the normal corner near the door, then shut and locked the front door. "What's for dinner?" he asked, eying the things in a way that made Brian laugh. He washed up, removed his out coat, tie, and shoes then sat down. "Say grace?"

Brian murmured a quiet prayer then picked up his fork and dug into the pile of steamed broccoli and cauliflower with cheese sauce, that was on his plate. Supper was great, and they all exchanged words over the meal. Brian summarized school for his Father then they switched topics and chatted about different things. When the dishes had been cleared, Brian excused himself to go up and prepare for bed, and try to get his homework finished. His parents said goodnight and he hauled his book bag up and into his room. Removing papers and his books, her stacked them haphazardly on his bed, then removed his laptop from it's bag. He plugged it in, and turned it on, letting it boot up while he slipped into a floppy shirt, and some shorts. He then flopped onto his bed, munching slowly on a yogurt and nut candy bar. He opened up his note book, grabbed a pencil then flipped to the page in his thick math book. He wrote down the problems and worked on them for about an hour, before exhausting his brain and packing it up for school the next day. He shoved his book and writing things back into his back pack, then leaned onto his bed, surfing the web. He checked face book, then his email, and after awhile decided he'd sleep. He shut the computer down, and put it away before climbing under the covers and curling up Tomorrow will be a new day...and I think I'll bring my skate board to school... he thought before yawning and dozing off

Tuesday

Brian got up early, showered and was down stairs for breakfast right on time. He ate quickly though, wishing to get to school earlier today, and maybe meet up with Peter before classes. His Father was already gone, but his Mother wasn't and he finished his toast and cereal kissed her good bye and left the house with a "See you later!" and a wave. He biked down to the school, enjoying the streets of Ditto town when they were so quiet, and the air was still cool and hanging. When he got there, a crowd of kids had begun to appear, and they seemed to loiter about the door, as though uncertain whether they wished to enter. He went in though, and sped to his locker, his skate-board under his arm. When he got there he opened it and shoved it in, then retrieved a few other articles. That's when Peter came up, looking every bit happy. He asked him 'sup' or what's up. "Nothing much." Brian said, and turned to him with a smile "Are we still up on going skate boarding? I brought my board and..." he hand't heard Logan, silently walked up behind them, but he suddenly and distinctly heard his voice. He rolled his eyes, the annoying sound piercing his conversation with Peter. But he tried to wear a still disarming smile. "Good morning Logan...." he muttered under his breath, stepping back as the boy's wave of authority seemed to dash his own presence against rocks. He attempted not to growl, but keep his eye riveted on the school building walls. His mind crept to other thoughts. Where is Emmy he wondered? then I guess we WILL be going skate boarding today

**

Tuesday

Melisha lay on the sidewalk, the concrete below her blistering from heat. Her cheek smarted, and sweat trickled down her temples into puddles near her face. Tears slipped down her bruised features and mixed with the perspiration that came trickling from her fore-head. A groan escaped her cracked dry lips as she tried again in vain to prop herself up on one arm. She could barely remember how and why she had been left like this...or who had been with her at the time. All she managed to grasp at, was darkness...she seemed to recall a room and a woman, goading her, telling her false lies of hope. She had foolishly believed, and then followed her back to a different room. It had been quiet and damp, and she remembered the lady's expression changing and she had left, leaving Melisha to pound helplessly at the door. Chuckling sounded behind her, and two or three men had approached, sneering and jeering, saying that their mistress wanted them to make her forget all she had seen. Crying, she wasn't strong enough to break away from their grip as they brandished sticks, and beat her until she wailed and feinted from pain. She had awoken here, on the street, her body aching and her head swimming. Her duffel bag, holding her sweater and food, was missing and her cellphone had also been taken. A prayer was on her lips, and she begged the Lord to let someone came and find her. Barely anyone ever ventured into the abandoned parts of Ditto town. Except runaways, criminals and waifs. What a mistake it had been in coming here! Why had she ever run away? Her Father's cruelties were better then even this. Her hair, caked with dirt, hung limply across her face, shading her skin somewhat from the rays of sun. Her clothes were stained with blood, and stuck uncomfortably to her chest and arms. "Help!" she choked, knowing her weak cry fell on deaf ears "Help me! Please...some one..." her raised arm came back to her side, as needles of pain shot through it. She whimpered, then accepted herself for dead. No one will find me... she thought.

*

Monday

Abigail nodded "Don't call the police. I'm sure he's fine." her own fretting though did neither to strengthen either girl's hopes. Minutes eased into hours and by the time they knew it was beyond late. Abigail's eye lids were dragging, but her concern over Andrew grew stronger. She tried to awake by talking with Amanda but it was no use, and finally slipped off. Her dreams that night were plagued with grotesque thoughts of what could have happened to Andrew. And I'll never see him again...

Tuesday

Abigail awoke with a start, her mind joisting her ruffly from sleep. The feel of warm sheets under her finger tips caused her eyes to pop open and notice she was in bed. Her wheel chair stood close at hand, it's wheels locked it keep it in place. A cool breeze was blowing in from her window which was open to the spring air. A blue bird stood on the sill, singing his heart out to the wind. When she rustled her blankets, he tweeted and flew away, leaving her alone. She wondered how she had gotten to her bed, but more importantly Where's Andrew? she threw back her covers and moved with to the edge of the bed. Pain coursed through her legs, like blood did in open veins. But she forced herself, straining her muscles. That's when the door to her room, creaked and the knob turned a few times, before swinging open.

*

Tuesday

Brandon awoke to the beeping of life support, and the thick smell of fresh sheets. A smattering of colors wavered in front of his eyes, as voices faded in then out. It was all quite confusing, as his stomach suddenly set in with a grip of nausea and pain. There was a bandage wrapped tightly around his ribs. He could feel it constricting his already baited breath. The surgery must be over. This was both a blessing and a curse. It meant he was alive and well cared for, but it also meant as soon as he was fully well the police would hall him in for questioning. What did they think he knew that he hadn't already confessed, or they had found on their own. The boating was an accident...a freak incident that had taken both his Mother and little sister. Something that left him rather bitter. But it was a ironic bitterness. He wasn't angry toward his older sister, who had first arranged the excursion, but at his Father for treating her so badly after he thought they had all died. Taking to drinking, he had brow beaten her with words, slicing her heart into shreds and destroyed her self-worth. No wonder she had left. Mentally scared she had wanted relief and escape...she had run to Andrew's arm which had been welcome. He had been an old friend since child hood, but no one suspected someday Abigail would be his wife to be. Brandon was glad his sister had found some one to care, and good friends who could help take care of her. A forever smile, and cheerful laugh, that was how she hid her scars. But the car accident, he knew, had once again made her vulnerable. Relieving the tortured girl that was on the inside; haunted by memories and guilt. He let out a little sigh, as his vision cleared and he was thrust into the world. Reality....with sweet sorrow I greet thee again He saw the doctor and the officer conversing in low tones about him, then when the police man noticed he was awake he straightened and the doctor, nodding to him left. The officer approached him, pulled up a hard-backed wooden chair, and rested his elbows on the back. "How did you get shot?" he asked again and Brandon rolled his eyes. "I told you....can't we leave the questioning for later at the station!?"

*

Monday

"You think you have the right, to barge into my house and kiss me?" Susan's face was red with anger. She fumed, and whirled on him rushing over to a phone and picking it up. She was about to dial 911 when a hand gripped her wrist, and gripped the tender skin at the joint causing her to drop the receiver. "Oh!!" she screamed in frustration as Ian held her arm tightly. "Let me go!! Let me go now!!"

"No! You'll hear me out Miss Susan. You will!" he said giving her a shake for emphasis. "I had dreams about you. Terrible ones. You were in pain....you were in a hospital. I'm trying to warn you...help you! Maybe what Justin said about you is right." he said beginning to doubt if there was a gentle woman truly inside her "Your spiteful. Why?"

Susan pounded frustrated fists on his chests "I don't believe you! I don't have to answer your questions!" she shrieked struggling. "Let go of me!!!" she choked out, suddenly feeling a burst of weakness flame up in her ribs. She fought at the desire to sink to her knees and sob, and put on a hard expression on her pretty features. "Let go!!"

He finally released, seeing anguish covering her face. "Susan, have I hurt you?" he asked worriedly, hoping he had done nothing to injure her.

She tried to hide it...but couldn't and sunk down to one knee breathing "Leave...me...alone..." she found it hard to breathe, like something was constricting her side. She then knew what do to. Feint. She let her body, pull her into a state of breathless blackness and she toppled backward, feinted.

Tuesday

Susan awoke to the thick rich smell of coffee, and the soft glow of firelight against her cheeks. She pulled her eyes open, and to her dismay saw Ian, sitting across from her in an over stuffed chair, sipping a black mug of coffee. She wondered why he had staid. Anger began rising and she tried to abate it back. I guess I'll have to try a different approach...smooth talk him to get him away... she thought, yawning and sitting up

Ian instantly became alert and sat up "Are you alright? I feared for your health and staid." he said replacing the cap to a saucer on the table.

***

Monday

In the end, Andrew was forced from the road. His car toppled into a ditch and stuck fast in the water and mud. Jumping out he slipped and fell, splashing in the knee high muck. Picking himself up he scrambled onto the sidewalk, and watched as the pursuing vehicle sped past. Of all the nerve!!! he thought, raging. Well....I can't catch him now, and my car is dreadfully stuck. I'll have to find a pay phone he trudged off down the street, keeping near the lampposts for light.

Tuesday

Morning found Andrew in a down town Ditto town, coffee shop. He sat at a booth, his eyes showing the evidence of a sleepless night. He was waiting a call from either Abigail or his Mother. But neither had come yet. What a morning this has been... he thought and sipped his apple cider

((OOC: It's huge....I know....and it took a week or more to write. Well anyway, sorry for any typo's, I'm too tired to look over it now....maybe later...)))

Once they got to the station, the burly policeman said, "One more time. If you don't answer me, I'll have the barber shave your head and I will put you in a jail cell. Tell me, why were you shotand what were you doing at Abigal's house pinning a young woman a few years younger than you against a wall?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter ran a hand through his thick, dark curls. "Yeah, we are definatly skateboarding. I, uh might have to borrow one of yours if that's okay?" He wasn't sure who he was directing this to. Logan, Brian or both. Still, he was excited to hang out with them both, even if they hated each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jen was walking towards her next class, when she noticed Emmy. "Yesterday was crazy, wasn't it?"
~~~~~~~~~~~
Amanda heard slamming and creaking in the room across the one she was staying in. "Abigal? Are you okay?"
As she stepped out a room, she felt someone grab her. She stepped on the man's foot. Let me go!"
The man knocked her to the ground and asked, "Remember me?"
She gasped, as he looked like Abigal and slightly familiar...oh, he noticed her from her almost one-night stand with some guy at the bar. Oh no! What if I cna't be around hsi daughter anymore? It was a mistake!
Her dad said, "I saw you in there, you loose woman. Won't have you spreading your sleazy disease on my daughter!"
Amanda glared at the man. "You're the one who hates her and blames her for your son's death! SHe's suffered so much at your hands. Leave us alone!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Justin held his daughter in his arms, after breakfast. He looked down at her short, dark hair and rubbed it, hoping she would have long hair someday. Even if she didn't, he would still love her though. Yesterday was so tiring, having his best friend turn out to be alive and an enemy. He looked at the vast colors of orange and cranberry leaves on the trees and wondered how he would ever explain to Sarah that she has a sibling, that none of them ever knew because of his mistakes. Still, Maralyn said she never had to know. Sure, I'll just hide it and let her figure out from someone else.