Right. Wrong. Law. Justice. What was the difference between it all any more? If if someone did something right for a good reason...they could still get punished. If it was the right thing then shouldn't someone get praised and not locked away? Why was there no room for a gray area? The law was always fair. The law was just. It sure didn't seem like it half the time. Speeding, robbery, fighting, murder....no matter how big or small you were still punished for something so small, for what? To make the failing justice system look good? It completely wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair. Lives were ripped apart and children were thrown into the system all because the parents stepped over the line of right. To be more correct, a young girl's life was being torn apart right in front of her eyes all because her parents were trying to do something right.
Debbie and Steve Stone seemed like any normal family. They were madly in love and had a model daughter. She was talented in singing and anything musical really. They were proud of her but never ever spoiled the young one. They had a secret...a terrible one. For years they watched as killers and rapists would go free, not even getting a sentence. It frightened them to think of the world their little Evangeline could live in. Because of that, they felt it was upon them to correct the law. Steve always used to say "When the Law fails to kill a man and he kills many more then the law has failed and must be corrected." She never understood what that meant until the night of her thirteenth birthday. She had come home late one night to the smell of blood, her parents shouting about where to hide the victim. She saw blood stained clothes in a pile. After that sight she had run upstairs and not told her family what she had seen. Now, on the day before her 17th birthday, her parents were captured by the cop running his case. What was worse? Her family begged for him, the captor, to take her in.
Heartbroken eyes. Dead heartbroken eyes. Evangeline's eyes never looked that way. She was raised correctly. She was raised with values that most parent would love to have their child to have. Growing up had been some what normal...except for one small factor. Her parents were murderers...Though she would never call them that. They were good parents to her and kept her away from all the murders but...she knew better. When her parents came home, she could smell the blood and watch them clean themselves up when they came home. She often would sit on the stairs and watch them. The female had even seen them discuss a future murder a couple of times. She knew they were bad people so she had not confronted them about it. Maybe she should have, because now she couldn't even say goodbye.
Evangeline couldn't remember how long she sat in the waiting area at the station, wanting to cry but refusing too until she managed to find a room that she could. Her auburn hair hiding her sapphire eyes from the world. She seemed so innocent, so pure.....She was charming, loving, and a kind soul who would stand up for what she believed in. Right now though...she looked like a shadow of her formal self. She seemed distant, heartbroken, and torn apart. Her parents had been careful and kept her away from it all, but did they have to get such a harsh punishment. They were probably going to die now and she would never see them again. This wasn't fair. This just wasn't fair.
Now where was she? She was sitting in her parent's captors car, on the way to his home. Just when she didn't think her life couldn't get any worse. As he drove, Evangeline kept her eyes on the scenery, humming a small lullaby that her mother used to sing to her. Evangeline's parents encouraged her to do something good with her life, and it had turned into singing. This was going to be all over the news....how was she going to be looked upon? She would probably picked on, she knew that much. When the car stopped, she stayed seated, not wanting to move. When her side of the car opened, she stepped out, a small bag with her belongings clutched in her hands.
As the cop opened the door to her new home, she stepped inside, her eyes keeping themselves on the ground. She was still in a bit of shock and refused to move from her position unless someone urged her otherwise. She didn't want to be here despite what her parents thought. She was only sixteen, but she was wise enough to make her own choices. Why did she have to go from having everything at her home to having nothing here. She wanted her keyboard and her laptop so she could mix music and calm her nerves. She wanted her pictures of her family. She wanted her mother and father. They aren't coming back. They were caught and now are going to die...for what? Doing the justice system a favor? As she waited to be escorted to her new room she waited, ready to breakdown.
Like any other night, the cop came home to his wife and seventeen-year-old son, had dinner, and usually went to bed. This night was different; he had brought with him a girl, around the same age as his son. It would stir things up in the household, especially since he hadn't been able to tell anyone that she was going to be staying with them. Evangeline, the girl he had suddenly become guardian to, seemed scared and depressed; rightfully so, her parents were killers and had been sent to prison with the possibility of a death sentence. He felt sorry for her, and so harbored no negative feelings towards her, just pity.
His wife, on the other hand, was livid. Not in front of her, of course. On the outside she was a kind, caring Christian mother with all good intentions. But, behind closed door, on the interior of this warm heart was a woman seething in rage at having a child of merciless killers in her home. That night, when everyone had gone to bed, she and her husband stayed up for three hours arguing about the girl, about where else she could go, and where else she should be. The detective won, of course, using police psychology to calm his partner and ease her into sleep.
Now, Josh, his son, was completely indifferent towards the girl. He had been laying on his bed with headphones over his ears when she walked by, towards the guestroom that she would be staying in. Confused, perhaps, but didn't care the least about her, thinking she would be gone within a day or two. It was unusual for his father to bring someone home, especially one so young, but thought it was a normal Christian cop thing that people did. He didn't believe in it: Christianity. God. Thought it a hoax and a waste of life. He liked to live, go to parties, get drunk. The only thing he believed in was saving sex for someone important. He was still a virgin; he'd get teased by his friends at school, but his sheer bulk would stop that immediately.
Ever since he was a young child, he'd been tall and well built, after his father. At twelve-years-old he had reached a height of five feet six inches. Now, he slowed down and topped off at five foot eight, one hundred and eighty pounds. Large shoulders. Women swooned over him for his shoulders, which he accentuated by wearing slimming tops. He was by no means egoistical, he just knew he was attractive, with short brown hair and hazel eyes. This girl, would be gone in a matter of days and he could resume his life as ladies' man, car buff, and a police man's son.
It was hard to imagine living in a place where you were hated and not exactly wanted. That was how Evangeline felt at the moment. Before the cop could say anything, she ran upstairs and into the guest room, the father explaining where she would be. All she had to do was shut the door and lock it to get her point across. She wanted to be left alone and not bothered. She knew how much trouble this was going to be, but at least she had her own job, her own money, and her own car. All of those things made her very independent for a sixteen...well...seventeen year old. She kept forgetting her birthday was the next day. She unpacked her things quietly and sighed as she let herself lay on her new bed. Nothing was going to be the same.
A couple of days passed, Evangeline trying her best to deal with the entire situation. The past few days, even on her birthday, she had spent at work or in her room crying her eyes out. Having everything ripped out from beneath your feet was not something she would had ever tried to experience. Her first day at Josh's school had been hell too. She had been picked on, bullied, and shunned by even the teachers. His parents felt it would be better and easier for them if she went to the same school as their son. She had not even spoken a single word to him. His father had done all the talking. She remembered the first morning of her stay, she was asked to come downstairs to meet everyone. She had done so, her eyes showing how broken her heart was. Her cheeks were stained with tears, her eyes red as well. His wife couldn't bear to come near her and Josh just seemed indifferent to the entire situation. Lucky him. After she had introduced herself, she said she had to go to work and left to do just that.
Today had been just as hard as any day. Knowing her parents had pleaded guilty and had received the death penalty was more than she could bear. It almost made her sick. When she had gone to school for her second day, it had been no different than her first. Her locker had been destroyed by paint and even called out in the middle of lunch. Some kids had decided that she deserved to get hurt for what her parents did. She didn't go down without her choice of words. She had stood up to them, and had gotten hell for it. Luckily it was a Friday and she would have some time to heal. She had bruises on her arms and torso from the way she was forced around. Her face was intact with just a small scrape above her eye.
Evangeline wouldn't call herself ugly, but she wasn't drop dead gorgeous either. She was the type of girl that most guys would find cute and alluring. She was not the one night stand type of girl. A natural and exotic beauty as her father used to call her. She was of Asian and American heritage. Her facial structure seemed very Asian but her eyes are what gave her away that she was only half. Her hair was long and flowed down her back in silky strands. She had an hourglass figure like her mother and stood about five foot three inches. She was short but it didn't matter. She had plenty of personality to back that up if you got her to open up just a little.
As she parked her car in the driveway, having left slightly early from school, she got out and entered her new home. More like a prison... she thought as she entered the foyer. Closing the door behind her, Josh's father appeared, looking slightly worried. He tried to ask what happened but Evangeline didn't let him get the chance. Tears forming in her eyes she ran up stairs and to her room, leaving it slightly ajar. Sighing she sank to the ground. She could only be strong for so long. In school she refused to show how hurt she was and how broken she felt. Now that she was here, it all came rushing back. She changed into a sports bra and shorts, observing the purple and black bruises that blossomed on her arms, legs, and torso. "At least I get a break from all this..." she muttered, referring to the weekend. Standing she walked to the bed and curled up in a ball, facing the door. The bed felt cool against her bruises. What she needed was a first aid kit and a couple of ice packs but she refused to go back downstairs. At least...while the parents were home.
She still hadn't left yet. She actually started school with him. Josh realized then that Evangeline wasn't leaving the house, that she had actually moved in with them now. She was to be his sister. He kicked himself for thinking that; he was an only child and he would remain that way, no matter who else came into his life. Indifference was the key. He had seen her getting tossed around and bullied, but said nothing because the majority of the people bullying her were his friends. He stayed out of it, of course, because word would get out that the police man's son was bullying school kids. His father wouldn't have any of that.
Josh walked home that day with a girl he'd been hitting on for a week now and she was just starting to show an interest in him. Maybe they'd hook up, go on a couple dates, who knew? He'd seen his...roommate?...sister?...whatever the hell she was, drive home in her car. A little pang in his heart caused him to forget the blond at his side and think about the scared little girl that was in the room next to his. Maybe he should help her. Maybe he should actually stand up for her and do something. It wasn't her fault her parents had murdered murderers. The girl next to him poked him in the ribs. "What was that for?" he asked irritably.
"You weren't listening to me tell you about my cat," she said, and went on explaining about how cute he was when he chased a piece of fluff down the hallway or some s**t. He rolled his eyes and turned down the street, waving goodbye to her before she could say another word. Finally!
Upon walking into the house, his father stopped him at the door before his shoes or coat could be taken off. "Can you talk to her, Joshua? She went straight up to her room without saying anything, and it looks like she's been crying," he said to him, a pleading look in his hazel eyes, so much like his sons.
The young teen let out a sigh and marched upstairs, throwing his bag on his bed before knocking on Evangeline's door. "Hey! You all right in there? Dad's worried about you," he spoke through the door. Maybe if he opened the door...it was locked. Fine! She wanted to be left alone. He turned to leave, but hesitated as the feeling to stay and help welled within his body.
Evangeline heard the door open downstairs. Josh must be home. She quickly went over and locked the door, sitting near it. Her body was too sore to move much at the moment. Her black sports bra and black shorts seemed to go along with her bruises. It almost didn't make them look that bad...almost. She heard someone coming upstairs and then knock on her door. As Josh's voice rang through, the female bit her lip. How was she alright? Did she look all right? Her fist clenched. She shouldn't need to answer. He saw what happened to her. Everyone in the school did. He just could have done something about it and- Who was she kidding? No one in their right mind would want to jump into a fight that she made worse by standing up for herself. No one could fault her for that.
Just as she thought he would walk away, he hesitated. There was no getting around it. Slowly she stood and unlocked the door, opening it and standing in the door way as she kept her eyes towards the ground. The light of the hallway flooded her room, illuminating the bruises that had just formed, already formed, and even the ones that were starting to fade. She didn't say anything and just stood there, wanting to know what he wanted now. Over the few days she had been here he had not bothered to make contact so why now? Tears made a steady stream down her face as she stood there, her long auburn hair hiding her face and yet matting to it with her tears.
It was hard standing alone against so many. Her parents did not have a right to do what they did, but at the same time, there reason was the best one could give. All they were doing was cleaning up what the judicial system let rot. She shouldn't even know about them committing the crimes but at the same time, they didn't know she had discovered them. That night was one she would never forget. She had been up in her room just minding her own business. She was trying to decide what to make for dinner and her parents were late, so she thought. As she made it down stairs, she smelled decay and blood. Hiding on the stairwell, she heard her mother and father talk about what they had done. She quickly ran back to her room and just went to sleep.
Her parents were going to be on death row. Though they had cooperated with the system, the judge was going to give them the death penalty. Everyone knew it. Lethal injection...at least it was a peaceful way to go. The female knew she shouldn't be thinking of things like that as it stood now but at the same time, she didn't want to think about Josh's reaction to her many bruises that circled her torso and seemed cover her arms and legs. She didn't even want to think about why she had even opened the door like she did. She probably should have thrown on a shirt but at the moment, her eyes seemed broken and dead, something she hid very well at school. At school she looked calm and full of fire. This was completely different than the eyes that he was probably used to seeing.
He knew what had happened at school, but he was not expecting what he saw when she opened the door. First, she was in a pair of shorts and a sports bra, which was the first thing he noticed, being a guy. Then, Josh looked over her entire body and saw the bruises, as dark as the minimal clothing she wore and much uglier. His face was unreadable, his mind turning over and over with things to say, but he couldn't decide on anything to comfort her. For some reason, the song Angel by Sarah McLachlan came into his mind then, and he furrowed his slender brows. "You should really put some ice on those," Josh said, nodding his head towards the biggest bruise. "Here, I'll go get you some."
He turned away and marched downstairs before a word could be put in edgewise, not bothering to answer his father when he asked what happened. His son shrugged in reply and went back upstairs with a towel in one hand and a pack of frozen peas in the other. "Evangeline, right?" he felt foolish for asking, especially since she had lived with them for awhile, and was in some of the same classes. He just couldn't bring himself to admit he remembered her name, especially since he pretended not to know her at school, which was why he never stepped in on the bullying or the protecting. But, this was ridiculous! She came home and cried every night, was covered in bruises, and girls should never be bullied, especially like that!
She had come here with nothing, she had gained nothing while living here, so what was the point? Josh was surprised Evangeline hadn't tried to commit suicide yet. Although, she wouldn't get very far, his father having close to the highest class of first aid, and his mother was a devout Christian and would not allow for anyone to kill themselves, it being a sin. Josh wouldn't have it either. Someone kill themselves in his house? I don't think so! "Are you going to be all right, though? Anything you want or need right now?" he leaned against the door frame casually.
As Josh rushed downstairs she reached out her hand to stop him but he didn't notice. She shook her head and walked back in her room, leaving the door wide open. The guest room was shades of red and golds, comforting to some. The dressers were a rich maple as well. Her keyboard was set up by the window, her guitar right by it. On the bed was sheet music and paper, looking as if she had been trying to write down something. The female sighed and winced. This was going to be a pain to try and go to work in. Her boss said he would text her if he needed her and she just wished he would need her today.
As Josh came back, she wiped her tears and tied up her auburn hair, showing off her facial features. When he spoke her name her eyes widened. Did he really know her name? Yeah she had introduced herself but she didn't think he was paying attention. She nodded in response sighed mentally. She felt so vulnerable right now. He was seeing what she had tried to hide. She couldn't even bring herself to put on the mask she would wear at school. That mask made her seem strong and determined. Now she seemed broken and helpless.
Since this started, she had gotten text after text of people telling her they couldn't see her anymore or that she was dead to them. Every friend she had made had seemed to fall through her hands...like sand. She couldn't seem to grasp it. The only people she could talk to were those she worked with. They knew that what happened was not her fault. They had accepted her and even helped her when customers tried to leave because she was serving them. As of now she worked at an Asian bistro as a waitress and a performer. Her singing brought the crowds in and the owner couldn't be more thankful to her.
As he leaned against the door frame she sighed and leaned against the wall. Her voice steady despite stray tears that seemed to trickle unnoticed down her cheekbones. She didn't know how to answer his question. She wanted all of this bullying to stop. She wanted her family's mistakes to not haunt her. She didn't want to be here and judged by his family. She wanted... She wrapped her arms around herself and stared him straight in the eyes. Before she could stop herself, she spoke the first words she had ever spoken in the house since she arrived. "A friend.." she said quietly.
His face remained impassive and unreadable, then a small smile spread over his lips, but sadness was in his eyes. Josh couldn't believe what he had heard. A friend? This was all the she wanted? Unbelievable! He had no idea what to do, not knowing how to be just friends with a girl. He knew that girls hugged each other when they were sad, but that was when they'd been friends for years, and he's only hooked up and/or made out with girls. He regarded her for just a moment with confusion, then opened his arms and beckoned her towards him. A hug. That's what he would give her. Girls would tell him how comfortable he was to cuddle with, and how his big shoulders acted like pillows for their beautiful heads. Evangeline was a girl, and was no exception.
It was right then, in that little moment of friendship between them, that he decided he would do something. This was abuse. Natural school imbeciles acting out, but abuse nonetheless, and Evangeline had already been through enough having her parents sent to jail and put on death row. Both of them, at that. What a horrible life she's had. Josh's heart beat wildly in his chest then, at thinking about how awful her life had been and how horrible she must be feeling. No family. No friends. No boyfriend (or girlfriend, he had no idea what she was into). Nothing.
Evangeline looked at him with pure shock on her face. Was he really asking her to come over there and hug him? She bit her lip. This was ridiculous. She didn't need..well...she did in a manner of speaking but she never thought she would actually get one from Josh. He seemed so distant and busy with other things in his life that he would want to help her. He had plenty of friends and plenty of people that he could pick and choose from. Him showing her that he wanted to help...it made up for him pretending she didn't exist...well it some what made up for it.
Slowly she peeled herself from the wall and walked over to Josh, letting him pull her into a hug. It only took that much for her to breakdown. That was all she needed and wanted right now. She was some comfort for crying out loud! In one day she had lost her family and forced to live in a place that she did not want to live. The mother hated her and wanted nothing to do with her, the father cared way too much. Josh...this was just right. She had no family. She had no friends. She didn't have a boyfriend nor had she let herself have one. She couldn't find anyone that she really connected with anyway.
Her body hurt all over as she cried. She cried about losing her family. She cried about losing her friends. She cried about being bullied and being strong despite all of that. Her small frame seemed like it would shatter with any moment. This was her way, though saddening, of her trying to open up. Evangeline felt her fingers entangle themselves in his shirt. She felt bad that she couldn't hold it back but the warmth she felt and the comfort she so desperately wanted, she was feeling in his arms. If things couldn't return to normal then she would be fine. She just needed a small ray of hope that things would get better for her! After all...they couldn't possibly get worse could they?
Josh hadn't expected her to start crying and looked at her in horror as she cried, but it subsided as he realized that this was probably what she really needed. He had only originally intended for a short hug, but when she started to cry, his heart broke. He hated seeing girls cry, and she was sobbing! Right on his favorite shirt. Oh well, it could be washed. His large arms wrapped instinctively tighter around her, urging her to let her heart out. He stroked her hair, patted her back gently, ran his hand in slow concentric circles over her back, the way his mother had when he was little and had hurt himself or when one of his best friends moved away.
He'd been around crying women before, but it was different with this girl, for some reason. Maybe because he had no real emotional ties to her, but felt he needed to protect her anyways. Maybe because she was a scared girl in a violent world. Maybe it was just because he found himself growing more and more attached to her as the seconds wore on. "I'll help you, Evangeline," he whispered to her, hoping it would help calm her down, if anything. "You won't be bullied any longer. Nobody should have to endure what you've gone through."
Evangeline let her tears roll down her face, feeling his arms wrap themselves tightly around her. It felt as if she was be secured, to keep her from falling into despair or a desperate place that she could no longer dig herself out of. Every little thing he did in that moment spoke volumes for how much better she would feel in the days to come. Her mother and father did comfort her when the times were right. If she had hurt herself on accident, they always told her to get back up and keep moving. For emotional pain such as a death or loss. Even a frustrating day could make her break down into tears at the younger years. Her family would make her some tea, give her some fruit or something sweet, and just hugged her the way Josh was at this very moment in time.
His hand running through her hair calmed her senses. The circles he made over her back helped each tear be closer to the last one. Slowly but surely she began to calm down, knowing that letting all of that out would help her in the days to come. She had cried ever since she had arrived in this place...this place she was forced to call home. This was different though. These tears were what she needed to let out. They were something she had been holding back so she could at least pretend to be strong. Anyone in this type of situation would need comfort like this. She just hoped Josh's parents would not mind her bawling like this..on their son no less. She knew the mother may be upset by...but the father...he may be relieved she was opening up.
When Josh spoke the female raised her head to look at him. Was he speaking the truth? Would he really help her? She shook her head. She didn't want anyone to get hurt because of her. Yes, her getting bullied was just teens being ignorant, but someone was getting hurt in the process. She didn't ignore his help though, knowing that ignoring it now would mean that when she needed it the most she would be standing on her own. Her tears began to cease, the female's sobbing halted. Tears still seemed to trickle down her face in silent trails. "Just be careful...." she said quietly. Even if he did nothing to help her during school, just being here for her after the fact would be more than enough for right now.
Josh's father heard her sobbing and came up the stairs quietly, peeking in through the door. He saw his son holding the girl and smiled, thinking That's my boy. He went back downstairs to watch television, while waiting for his wife to get home from work. He was on call today, and he hadn't been called in, so he liked to watch cartoons from when Josh was younger.
Josh hadn't heard his father come up; if he had, he would've pushed Evangeline away roughly and stalked to his room. Luckily, he didn't, or the girl may have been more upset. He rested his chin on her head as she cried, waiting for it to stop. Then, she spoke. What did she say? He snorted in derision, still holding her. "Careful? Phhts! Do you see how big I am? I practically own the school," he chuckled and patted her on the back again. "You won't be bullied anymore. Put ice on those, and come downstairs and grab something to eat, you'll feel better."
After they had finished hugging, he pulled away from her gently, holding her at arms' length and regarded her intently. What was it about her that fascinated him so much now? It was odd then, he suddenly felt a stirring in his stomach like he hadn't really felt before. A yearning to hold her for longer, but he knew better than that. Don't get attached. That's what all the gang movies had taught him, what the prisoners from his fathers' stories told him. That was why he was always getting with girls, but not being in a long term relationship with them. Evangeline, seemed different, in a way that he wanted more from her. "And don't eat those peas, I'm pretty sure they're no good now," he added and then left the room, closing the door behind him so she could relax and dress.
Evangeline sighed as she pulled away from him, hearing his reply to her whispered words. He was tall and he did seem like he could handle himself, but it was force of habit. She was always used to telling people to be careful or to watch themselves. It felt wrong to not offer those words to someone that had just comforted her. She didn't say a word to him about her habit. She figured it would be pointless to try and mention something about it. Right now she just did not want to speak unless she was spoken to. If she did, it would be a wasted breath and she didn't want to waste anything right now. Because she had lost so much, because she was not gaining anything in return, she knew that she had to be careful about anything she said and even anything she did.
As Josh held her at arms' length, she stared at him for a moment. For someone that seemed anti-social around her, he was pretty handsome. He seemed strong and secure, but she never let looks fool her. Her father always told her to not judge a book by its cover and she knew that those words were very true, even now. If she would have not been so soft on her parents, she maybe could have stopped this from happening. She could have...Her thoughts stopped in their tracks. She could have made things even worse for herself. Her parents had raised her right. Sure they killed many people, but what did they do for society any way? They stole, they raped, and they hurt other innocent people. Her parents were technically doing the world a favor...
Handing her the peas and leaving, Evangeline sighed to herself as she placed it on her bruises. She hissed and clenched her jaw, the cold biting into her skin. Did he really want her to come down stairs? Did she have to? She had not eaten in that house either. She had just eaten at work and brought things home with her from there to eat. She didn't feel like taking their food or anything. The mother would probably hold it over her head later. Making her way over to the closet she pulled out a pair of jeans with Japanese symbols down the side of the right leg and a long sleeve black scoop neck shirt that had angel wings imprinted on the back of it. She let her hair down and looked at her face. It was still a bit red from crying but she didn't have to go downstairs now did she?
Her phone rang, the female grabbing it and answering it. "Hello?" She could hear one of her coworkers on the other end, asking her if she knew where the key was to the private booths for larger parties. Evangeline thought for a moment as she grabbed some Icy Hot patches from her bag and slapped them on her torso. Her arms and legs could wait. "Gomenasai (I'm sorry)Um...it wasn't in the usual place?" The female coworker explained that she had checked everywhere. Leaving the room, Evangeline sighed. "Put Leo on. I locked it up as Leo told me to since it wasn't being used. I gave the key to him so I will see if he can remember." It didn't take long for Leo's voice to pop on the phone. As she wandered down the stairs she entered the kitchen and bit her lip as Leo began to complain. "Leo, today is my day off. Remember? Don't complain to me. Listen...you had the key last right? Did you throw it in your desk drawer in your office again or leave it in the training room?" He paused and she could hear shuffling around. She heard a sigh of relief and nodded. "See? No harm done. I will see you tomorrow afternoon to help open. Ja matte ne! (See you then) " As she hung up she let out a long sigh. Leo could be a handful but he had a good business and was paid well to put up with him. She couldn't ask for a better job.
When the cop's son had returned downstairs to pull some fruit out of the fridge, he couldn't help but look at his boy and smile. He was proud of what he'd done, even though he wasn't sure of the whole story. Mr. Robins felt as if he raised his only child right, to cherish life and women and love them for who they are; the same way he treated his wife. Although, at times, she was a little bit too harsh on everybody, wanting them all to go to Heaven and find salvation and whatever else. He believed there was a God, but not like his wife did, the crazy nut job that she was. His son, not so much. Whatever he believe in worked for him. The smile was still plastered on his face as he leaned against the door frame, arms over his chest, just like Josh had done in Evangeline's room.
Joshua Robins looked over to his father and gave him a crooked smile. "What? Did I do something funny?" he asked his father, continuing to move fruit into a bowl and place it on the wooden kitchen table. He sat in one of the matching chairs and pulled a grape from the vine, popping it in his mouth as he waited for his father to answer and for Evangeline to come down.
"No, no. I'm just...very proud of you," he said, and walked past Josh to pat him on the head. When the teenage girl came down the stairs, he smiled to her, but said nothing, seeing she was on the phone. The shower called to him, and he also wanted an excuse to leave the kids alone to talk some more before his wife got home and fussed over dinner or her son or what have you.
He had given his father a perplexed look as he walked off, seeing him ascend the stairs when Evangeline came around the corner on her cell phone. She was talking to somebody named Leo. Boyfriend? Nope. She mentioned something about going into work tomorrow, so obviously her boss or a co-worker. The angel wings on the back of her shirt caught his attention first, seeing as she had walked past him, so he decided to get a closer inspection. He was directly behind her when she'd turned around and disconnected the phone call. "Uh...hi," he said awkwardly, realizing how close they were again. "I uh...got you some fruit from the fridge if you're hungry." He sat back down, clearing his throat to avoid any more awkward silences.
Evangeline blinked a couple times in surprise as she found Josh behind her. Why was he so close? She gave him a confused look as went to go sit down. She tilted her head to the side and sat down too, grabbing an apple and biting into it. She didn't say anything but her eyes looked thankful. She at least didn't look like she was going to run out of the room. That was an improvement at least. Thinking back on the phone she felt a small smile find its way on her face. Leo could be such a space case sometimes. He was always forgetting things. He was good at managing money though. All of his employees should be thankful for that much.
Taking another bite of the apple she eyed the boy beside quizzically. He was different from most boys she was around. She was mainly around the nerdy type of guys or the 'losers' as most would call them. She could get along with most anyone if they would give her a chance. Her old school had accepted her because of her talent for anything music. To put it in plain and easy to understand terms, she was popular. Her exotic looks, her personality, and her upbringing had been coveted by many. She had been asked out plenty of times but turned all down. She just, wasn't the type of person to go around. When she did date someone, she wanted to date them for a while...no flings involved.
Deciding to attempt to make conversation, she took another bite of the apple and swallowed. "Any...plans for the weekend?" she asked quietly. She would be working so it was of no consequence to her, but she needed to get used to talking. That much she assumed. She figured she might as well try and get to know Josh and then move to his father and mother. Facing facts, she was stuck here and couldn't move out until she was eighteen. Once that day came, she would be ready to go and to be on her own. She was already starting to save money and she would have enough to move in about a year. She couldn't think of a reason to stay after that time...but sometimes things did change. That she knew more than anyone.
There was no expectation to talk, just to be around each other and comfortable with each others' presence. Hearing words come out of her mouth caused him to look up, almost in alarm, but he maintained his composure and answered her question. "Got a party to go to. You know, keep up appearances," Josh said and chuckled, running a hand through his dark brown hair. Maybe he should bring her along. Show who she knew and maybe people would back off, leave her alone. Maybe even help her work her way up on the popularity chain. "Do you...wanna go?" He hadn't thought she'd be working, but if she was, it didn't matter. If she wanted to go, maybe he could even hook up with her. No! What are you thinking!? She friggin' lives with you man! he mentally kicked himself for his stereotypical male behavior and waited for her answer.
It was then he wondered if she had any really nice clothes. Casual weekend party clothes, or if she wore make-up, or if she ever did her hair, or attempted to look like the other girls in school with their tight tops, short skirts, and high heels. Evangeline didn't seem the type to do that, wearing jeans and a long sleeved shirt (to cover the bruises, understandable), her hair up in a ponytail, and seemingly no make-up. It bothered him slightly that he only just remembered noticing any of this, but it was helpful nonetheless as to whether she'd need new clothes or anything. Even if she wasn't going, he'd mention something to his father that she needed some more clothing. Hopefully, he wouldn't make Mrs. Robins take her; Josh knew how much she detested the child. Maybe he'd take her. They could take her car, or his 1986 Ford Mustang for a spin as well...he stopped himself. One step at a time.
She listened intently, taking another bite out of her apple. A party? She had not been to one since...well..ever. She had always been too busy with music or homework to really bother. Evangeline never had to worry about keeping up appearances. She didn't understand the thinking process behind it. "Keeping up appearances huh?" she said thoughtfully as she finished the apple and went to go deposit it into the garbage. As she sat back down, she picked a stray grape and popped it into her mouth, letting the juices flow down her throat.
As he offered for her to go with him, she shook her head. "I have to work all weekend...I picked up a couple of extra shifts." Normally she would have asked for a rain check but she really didn't want to cause him problems. "Besides I don't usually go to parties unless I'm hired to perform." She smiled sheepishly as she took another grape and put it in her mouth. She was never too interested in being popular or even being noticed. If she had a couple of friends to help her out, she could get by. She also didn't know what one wore to a party. Most of the time she wore what she felt like. She was fashionable and loved fashion like most girls did but she was a bit more quiet about that.
The female gazed outside, seeing her blue Saturn Aura shining in the sun. She had worked hard to afford that car and she had gotten it with what she had saved. She worked hard for everything she had owned. She was a natural type of girl. She would wear make up when she went out or when she worked. Going to school? She didn't care as much. Her hair was hard to fix into anything by simple styles so most of the time she didn't bother with it. She was raised to be simple. She was raised to be..well...herself. She silently wondered what type of girl Josh was into. She shook her head, it was only out of curiosity of course. Looking at him and hearing him talking about popularity, she assumed that he probably liked those within the same popularity group...blond, killer curves. That was what most guys were into right? She was curvy but she wasn't blond, nor popular. The exotic look was pretty popular with the boys but right now, she wasn't popular with anyone...except the local news.
He shrugged and grabbed a peach, rubbing it over in his hands, feeling the fuzz over his rough hands. They were rough because of all the sports he did, which also explained his manly physique. And his hands were stained black from oil from being in the auto shop all the time at school, working on his mustang to make it all "pretty and stuff". 1...2...3... he thought to himself, counting how many times it rolled over in his hands. Some things had to be done three times. He didn't know why he was like that, but it just made sense to him and made him at ease. "Okay, cool," he said and looked out the window to see what she was staring at, as he took a bite of the fruit. "Um...where do you work?" he managed to ask between bites.
Josh had a job, but it was only part time and even then he only got maybe ten to fifteen hours a week. Just something to keep him busy during the summer more than anything. He worked as a car washer at the local car dealership, but he wasn't allowed to wash the really expensive cars; the owner thought he was too reckless and would therefore drive a Viper into the wall or something, and that was a lot of money. His mother always bought him the clothes he wanted, well, gave him money for clothes. His father gave him money for whatever else he wanted, even alcohol. Mr. Robins discouraged underage drinking, but always said that if one were to do it, at least do it right and safe. He didn't know his son smoked, either.
Seeing a few strawberries, she snatched one and took a bite of it, savoring the taste. Strawberries were her favorite fruit. Anything involving strawberries and she would eat it. Her mother used to give her strawberries as a reward when she was younger so anytime she gets a chance to have one, she takes it. Closing her eyes she looked at her hands and then back at Josh as he spoke. She wondered if he worked as much as she did. She wondered if he liked his job as much as she liked hers. She looked at his hands and wondered about his interests, but those were questions for another time.
As he inquired to her work, she let her eyes meet his. "I work at the Asian bistro downtown right by the Hilton Hotel. I am a waitress there and I sing there with some of the other waitresses as well." Looking at the fruit bowl, she decided on a pear and grabbed it, her stomach started to calm down a bit, her body aching. "I've worked there since it opened....so I know most anyone that comes in and out of there. After all of this..." She paused as she took a bite. "They have decided to stick by me since I have done more good than harm. Leo doesn't really care about all of this. I bring money in and a lot of it." She shrugged and took another bit, chewing it slowly.
Deciding asking questions was better than silence, she decided to see if he worked. "Do you work?" She thought for a moment and took another couple of bites. "You are welcome to stop by my work if you want...I can give you the employee discount." She smiled and stretched her arms in the air, seeing a car pull up in the driveway. "And that's my cue to leave..." she muttered as she stood and finished her pear. "Sorry..your mom...doesn't like me very much...I don't blame her.." she muttered as she threw away the rest of the pear and hurried up stairs, the mother entering as she reached the top step. She went to the room and shut the door, deciding this time to not lock it.
He knew the place. He had actually taken a girl on a date there one night, coincidentally when Evangeline hadn't been working. "Employee discount, huh?" Josh asked and chuckled, grabbing a strawberry as well. They were one of the top three favorite fruits of his, especially since he loved strawberry rhubarb pie. He listened in silence, knowing that she would open up more and possibly become more comfortable in the house she was now living in. It also made him happy to listen to her, despite all the indifference he had held towards her in the beginning. "I'd like that."
Then, she asked about his work. He explained briefly about the car washing position he had, but didn't go into much detail, deeming it boring and very unsuitable for table conversation; more for interviewing someone. That comment had made him chuckle to himself, but his face still remained that impassive, unreadable one his father had taught him so well. One of the tricks of being a police officer/detective was to never show fear, pain, or pity, in case someone used it against you. That's why a lot of girls liked him. They wanted to figure him out.
He, too, heard his mothers' Acura pull into the driveway and watched as Evangeline went upstairs, closing her door just as the front door the house opened. "Hello, dear," Mrs. Robins said as she walked into the kitchen. "I hope you don't spoil your supper with all that fruit." She took her shoes and coat off at the door, placing her large dark purple purse on the table and went about getting dinner ready.
"I only had a few pieces," he said, rather coldly.
"Well, don't get all snippy mister. If you didn't have that much, why are there two pears missing?"
"Evangeline had one."
The name stopped his mother dead in her tracks and she regarded him coldly. "I see," she replied simply and went back to making dinner.
"What have you got against her anyways?" Josh asked, standing up from the table to stand closer to his mother, to whisper in case the female teen should hear.
His mother sighed. "Not her. Her parents. Bloody bastards got what they deserved," she said, not looking at her son who happened to tower over her short five foot four.
"Her parents. Not her," he repeated and walked off into the living room to watch television. The statement had run through her mind, finally settling in that she did have something against Evangeline, but didn't know what. Or was it the fact that she resented her for taking her husband's and son's attention away from her? Jealousy. That wasn't it. She was Christian, and it was a sin to be jealous of another human being. Love all Gods' creatures. But, she didn't love the girl. Didn't show any love for her in any sort of way. What a horrible woman she had been! She'd make it up to her...somehow.
Evangeline sat by her keyboard, letting her fingers go up and down. She made sure her keyboard was low enough so it wouldn't bother Josh's mother but high enough so she could hear it and still get absorbed into it. She played softly, using the electronic pedal every once in a while as well. It was soothing to her. She loved music of all kinds and it was nice that she could at least savor the feeling it gave her here. In this house, she felt so unwelcome but eventually she knew she would. If not, then she could leave when she turned eighteen. As soon as that happened, she did not have to live anywhere but of her choosing.
Thinking to herself, she wanted to sing something as well. Did she have anything she could practice? Thinking back, she did have a piano piece for her work she needed to practice. She began to play the piano piece, practicing it for a moment. Soon after, she figured it was time to put her voice along with it. Closing her eyes she stopped for a moment then started to play and sing. The song itself sounded soothing at first. As the melody played on, it sounded regretful, sad, and even lonely. It talked about not saying goodbye and as much as she tried, she could not go where her treasured one had gone. It was a parting of ways type of song. The song was meant to talk about the hardships of leaving one you loved. She hoped, that maybe her parents would be her last heartbreak.
The piece was emotional, her voice quiet but strong all at the same time. Her mother and father knew she had a talent as a singer and could get far. They always pushed her to pursue it in life. To be honest, she really did want to make it into a career she just didn't know how. She didn't know where she needed to go or where to start. For now she just keep doing what she was doing and maybe get discovered. She would find out more when she was in better spirits but she could be happy like this for now. She had a good job and roof over head so she...As she finished the song, a few teardrops hit the keys. She would be fine...she just needed to block out her thoughts for now...
Josh turned down the television, because he heard something upstairs. Music. It was beautiful! A little too sad for his taste, but it was beautiful nonetheless. He turned the tv up and went upstairs, following the music to Evangeline's room. Stopping at the door, he pressed his ear to it so he could listen to the whole thing. When it eventually came to the end, he found his chest heave heavily and it hurt to breathe. The song had gotten to him. It had actually gotten to him, even though he had no clue the lyrics, not one for speaking any other language other than English. He just scraped by in French, cheating on tests and whatever.
He knocked on the door before opening it, finding it was unlocked and walked in, seeing she was crying again. He wanted to make a joke of it, but tears were serious business. He tried anyways: "You're crying again!?" he said, shutting the door behind him and chuckling, to let her know he was only joking. "Did the song get to you? It got to me. I was sobbing outside your door just a second ago." He rose a hand to his face and wiped away an imaginary tear.
She jumped as she heard her door open, seeing Josh walk through. As he joked about her crying, she wiped her tears and smiled. "It happens sometimes." She stood and turned off her keyboard and stretched. The practicing had done her some good. It made her feel a lot better to some degree. Anyone could tell she was in a better mood just by her posture. Sure she was still sore but she would be okay with some rest and several hot showers. Sitting on her bed she winced, the pain reminding her as to what had happened.
The song had gotten to him? That was new. She had never had a song touch somebody before. "The song? I suppose it got to me. I at least know what it means." she teased as she crossed her legs sitting Indian style. Sobbing outside her door? That was a bit extreme. Seeing him wipe away an imaginary tear, she pursed her lips. "Hey I can make plenty of people really sob with my music thank you very much." She smiled and laid back down on her bed wincing slightly. The bruises could not seem to heal fast enough.
Flipping around to her stomach and looked at Josh. "So what brings you up here? Nothing interesting going on down stairs?" She rested her chin on her hands, as she looked up at him. She could smell food being cooked but didn't plan on going down stairs. She didn't want to see his mother nor the father right now. His father had been kind to her, but she still couldn't forgive him for doing his job. Sure that was something she shouldn't be mad at him about but it didn't matter. For this she would be selfish...at least until her parents were laid to rest.
He chuckled as she realized he had been sarcastic and not sincere in his 'crying' scene. Josh sat on the bed next to her, watching her change from position to position until she was comfortable. It was hard for him to watch her, knowing that every time Evangeline moved was because of all the bruises and bullying she had received. He was glad he decided to stick up for her, and couldn't wait for tomorrow, Friday, when he could finally step in and kick some a** for a girl! It'd been awhile since he got into a fight with someone and he was itching for some action lately.
The last fight he got into was with a girlfriends' ex-boyfriend. A drug dealer. The dumb b*****d had abused her and gotten her hooked on heroine, and she was totally clean with Josh, didn't even crave it. Well, the first few weeks she did, but she found a different outlet: cigarettes and sex. He'd enjoyed it, but it was still horrible to know that the girl you were dating and sleeping with actually had feelings for somebody else, and somebody who was very bad for her. They had gone to the bus loop to go catch a movie, when her ex popped up out of nowhere and asked for her back. Josh had grown very angry and stepped in, saying she was with someone better and the next thing he knew, he had been punched. Anger had welled within him and it took everything not to punch him back, especially since the girl was crying and saying "Don't hurt him!" When the ex had punched him again, he wound up his right fist and punched him in the jaw. After that, a few punches were thrown back and forth and he walked out of it with a bloody lip. The girl he was with left him two weeks after that to go back to her drug dealing ex. Oh well. Good riddance.
"Nothing really," he said, answering her question about the downstairs area. "Mum's just making dinner. You should come down this time. I think she's making something extra special for us tonight." Josh made sure the word 'us' was stressed. He even took the liberty of pointing from himself to her so she would get the point. It was known his mother had a good heart, and when it came down to children, she was the biggest softie around. He had used some psychology he learned from his father on his mother downstairs, hoping it would help Evangeline feel more welcome in the house she called home. You should feel welcome in your own home, shouldn't you?
Something special? She raised her eyebrow in skepticism. At this point, anything involving his mother and special didn't sound to good. She didn't want to be mean to his mother but she wasn't entirely comfortable going downstairs. She was barely comfortable being around Josh. Even though he made sure to make it apparent that the dinner was for everyone, she just couldn't see herself going downstairs. Then again, maybe if she went downstairs once then maybe she wouldn't have to do it again. Maybe her presence would be enough to help her not attend family dinners.
As she opened her mouth to answer, her phone began ringing. See it was one of her coworkers, she dived for it not too gracefully, falling off the bed in the process. "Ow...." she said as she answered her phone. Hearing the frantic voice on the other end she sat up, her chin resting on the bed, her free hand rubbing her head. "Hey Drake...can you talk a little slower? All I heard was you guys were in serious trouble..." Drake's voice calmed as he began to explain the situation. Apparently most of the staff had called out and they needed extra hands. They needed her to perform to keep the customers busy. "Are you serious? Most of the staff? What happened?" She stood and ran to her closet as she grabbed her uniform. The uniform was a blue Chinese dress that fell to just below her knees. "I don't know of really anyone I could bring as extra hands.....I can just multitask....Come on Drake...this is my day off for crying out loud!" She sighed, hearing his concerned voice. "I'm sorry...I just had a rough day at school...don't get me started about what happened...give me twenty minutes and I will be there...I better get paid overtime for this! You tell Leo he owes me a raise or a nice fat bonus." Drake's laugh sounded through the phone and she puffed her cheeks in response. "Don't tease me...anyway..I'm getting ready now...just..do something!" She clicked her phone shut and tossed it to her bed.
Giving Josh an apologetic smile she grabbed his hand and led him out of the room. "Sorry...work...I don't know where I am going to find an extra set of hands to come help." Running back in her room she closed the door and closed it. She slipped on black tights and a black undershirt to hide the bruises. Slipping on blue flats, she looked at her face and began to apply make-up. She applied the dark blues, blacks, and silvers, her Asian heritage beginning to show more and more. Looking at herself she smiled and winked. Now that was someone who could turn heads. She carefully took her hair, and twisted it up, taking her blue chopsticks with stars and Japanese symbols hanging from the top and put them neatly in her hair. She left two strands loose in the front, shrugging as they framed her delicate face. She grabbed her phone and her keys and sighed leaning against the doorway. She was way too sore for this but a job was a job.
He was confused from the very beginning, trying so hard not to laugh at her as she fell off the bed and reached for her phone. A male's voice on the cell sounded distressed and Evangeline went on about going into work on her day off, and not being able to find help. He looked at her with a face that said: Hello? I'm right here! Big buff boy! But she obviously didn't see that because the next thing he knew, he was dragged out the door and slammed in his face. Okay, so maybe slammed is a bit of an exaggeration, but that's what the emotional hurt felt like. Josh laughed silently to himself. So she managed to get out of dinner with the family. Maybe he could, too. He waited a moment until he figured Evangeline was finished getting dressed and waited for her to come out, his arms crossed over his burly chest in an attitude sort of way. When she finally did come out, he found that his eyes popped slightly and his mouth dropped. She was gorgeous! Definitely a head turner. "Wow, Evangeline...Jesus, you're going to work like that?!" he asked, in an affectionate sort of way. She looked the part for an Asian restaurant. "What does your work need help with? I might be able to..."
Her eyes glanced at Josh as he commented on her outfit. This is what she wore to work all the time. It was the uniform for the girls that performed. She felt very pretty in it and it felt very natural. It may have been a pain to dance in but that was okay. She could make it work. The female laughed seeing his reaction to her now. She could clean up nice and everything. It wasn't on her top things she wanted to do though. "I go to work like this every day. In the winter we are supposed to get longer dresses but until then we are stuck with the short ones. They are a pain to perform in." She had to be careful about her movements because if she moved too much, then the audience may get to view something she would rather not show the world. Enough of her business was on the news as it was.
He was offering help? She mentally smacked herself. He could be of some help if he really wanted to. Pulling away from the door, she circled him as she thought. If Drake and Leo could put him to work then they could be saved. They probably needed help in the back. Drake could handle the orders and getting them out. She could help with that as well. Leo, if she could convince him, could do much the same thing. "Everything and anything at this point but if you are willing to pitch in...need I mention you will be paid for your services?" She finished circling and faced him. "I will be doing what I can but I will most likely be performing to keep the customers satisfied. Until we can do some crowd control...so don't get distracted too much. I wouldn't want to move you to tears again" She smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "If you really want in...then I guess just come with me. We can take my car," she said as she circled her keys around her finger. Sure enough she walked past him and downstairs, rushing out the door before anyone could stop her. Quickly she climbed into her blue Saturn Aura and turned it on, taking a minute to breathe.
Her phone rang once again but she pressed ignore, seeing it was from Drake. She was on her way, he could be patient. She would have to give him a big kiss on the cheek for bailing her out of dinner. Drake had always been around to help her before. No matter what he used to give her rides to work, and would even take over a shift for her if she couldn't make it in. She stretched her arms in the air before she fastened her seat belt. This would be the first time Josh would see her on stage. Most of the time she was forced to sing the English versions of a lot of the Japanese songs that made the place so popular. When there were mainly customers that were Asian, she would not sing in English. What did it matter though? Business was business and performing was performing. She was just lucky the two mashed together with this job.
He watched her go down the stairs, and followed right after. He thought about changing out of his jeans and black t-shirt, then decided against it. Josh figured he'd be in the back anyways, and nobody would see him. He laughed at her comment about him crying again and went to grab her, but she had already gone. Once he was downstairs, he kissed his mother on the cheek. "Sorry, Mum. Evangeline has to go to work, and she asked me to help," he wasn't going to tell her he offered. She'd grow a little perturbed and demand he stay home. But, it was against her ways to turn down someone who needed help when they asked. "Put dinner in the oven for us?"
She nodded and stirred whatever was in the pot, Josh couldn't see, and she waved goodbye to him. Her hazel eyes, so much like Josh's, looked out the window to see him climb into Evangeline's blue Saturn and drive off. It was hard to see her baby boy go with someone that she didn't like very much, but she had seen it before, especially with all the girls he hung around with. Mrs. Robins always wondered who he was dating or seeing, who was more important in his life, but she never asked, not wanting to mingle in his social life. Although, she did wonder if Evangeline was his new interest.
Phoebe Majere Community Member 
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