Sleeping Rain

7/30/2019 Sleeping Rain

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Prologue

Rain blinked her eyes open after her sleep attack. Though it was currently the middle of the day,

Rain could see no light leaking though the closet she was currently sitting in.

Why was she in a closet? Well simply hours earlier, Rain had gotten a hold of the remote in theliving room while her mother and stepfather were absent. She found a music channel on television (one

of only 11 channels they were able to receive) and took the liberty to dance around the tattered, filth

filled, living room.

Rain loved to dance.

Had her audience been more then the rats that lived in the battered walls, or sometimes her non-lucid mother, Rain might have known that her dancing was quite good.

Unfortunately one spin and extension of her leg happened to knock the remote off the table (thatwas lopsided and only had 3 legs) and the remote shattered on the cemented floor (once covered by a

layer of beige carpet that had been ripped out, once all trace of it's original colour had disappeared).

Before Rain could attempt to repair it her step father returned to the living room, his blood shot

eyes narrowing, his mouth twisting into a look of distaste then anger as he spotted the remote.

After a lot of bad words and bruises later Rain was deposited in the closet that locked from the

outside and left there for an undetermined amount of time.

Some times, Rain could be left in the closet for a couple of days before anyone would think tolet her out. Being shy and fragile she tried very hard to escape the attention of all those living in the

house and most days succeeded.

Rain now continued to sit in the closet with her arms wrapped around her legs as she tried to

stay quiet.

Seconds later gunshots rang out from the front of the house.

Rain was used to gunshots. When her mother was lucid enough to care she would tell Rain to


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cover her ears, shut her eyes and name something for each letter of the alphabet.

And that's what Rain did, though very quietly. There was more shots then normal and even after

Rain had uncovered her ears at the end of the alphabet she could still hear them. She covered her earsand continued the mantra until fear closed over her so hard it gave her a panic induced sleep attack that

lasted a few minutes after the sound of gunshots had stopped.

Rain was in the closet for 3-4 hours more until one of the police officers/ crime scene

investigators happened to investigate it.

Seeing the strange man, Rain curled up even more tightly into her ball and hoped to become

invisible while the man froze in surprise.

He was sure everyone in the house was dead and he did not expect to find anyone alive or under

the age of 20 for that matter. Once the shock wore off he called for the paramedic in the ambulance

they had on stand-by to come in immediately. Though the man and women paramedic were also

surprised to find the young girl in the closet, they were professionals and quickly picked her up fromthe closet and convinced her to come to the hospital.

Rain was still scared but she was smart enough to see that she really had no other options but toco-operate. So she went along with them and was not surprised by the blood smeared on the floor or the

many wholes in the walls.

When the paramedics had wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and retrieved water for her

ready to question her by the ambulance Rain finally decided to speak, though her voice was horse and

quivering.

Where's my mother?


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Chapter 1

Caroline's POV

I grinned after hanging up the phone almost unable to contain my excitement. It had been some

time since I had taken a decorating job, for I hated to leave little Mathew. But he would be starting

Kindergarten in three weeks, and oddly enough I was already starting to feel a little lonely thinking ofall my children being at school. This job would be a nice change and would surely keep me occupied.

The phone rang again jolting me from my thoughts. I frowned at the number on the caller I.D.,

not recognizing it although from the area code I knew it was not from any of my friends in California.

Hello? I answered.

Good Afternoon, may I please speak to Miss Caroline Colt, formerly Caroline Wood?

This is Caroline Colt, I answered even more curious. The last time I had heard my maiden name was19 years ago when I had married Henry, who I was still madly in love with even after almost 20 years

of marriage.

Ah yes, well I am calling on behalf of the Miami police and law enforcement. At around 6pm 2 daysago the police were called out to a shooting. Almost all inhabitants of the house that seems to be the

main target, are dead. The only survivor was, a young girl around 16 years of age, severely under

nourished and almost completely uneducated. Her name is Rain Taylor...

I frowned while listening bewildered to why I was being informed about this, until I heard the

last name Taylor, my mind immediately searching for the link. The police officer continued.

The child is the daughter of one Mary Scott, and Jonathon Taylor, who are both deceased. Jonathon

Taylor, in action 11 years ago, and Mary Scott of a gun shot wound 2 days ago. We were able to

retrieve the will of both Mrs. Scott and Mr. Taylor and in the event of both their untimely deaths youare named sole Guardian of one, Rain Evelyn Caroline Taylor, he finished.


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My mind replayed his words over twice before they could make sense of his words and

suddenly it clicked. Mary who's last name used to be Kennedy, was my best friend all throughout high

school. I was silent as many things all washed over me. Shock and grief over finding out that after all

these years she is now dead. More shock about the daughter I had never knew existed and panicked andsurprised that I had been named her guardian. Oh Goodness, what am I suppose to do?

As she has no other living relatives and no other names even mentioned in the will, we hope you couldtake it upon yourself to house the girl until the age of 18, where she will become legally responsible for

herself. If you refuse we will have no other choice but to put her in foster care. Either way the court

would appreciate your presence here tomorrow at 8:00 am to either take her home with you or signover, her care to the legal system, he continued.

I bit my lip still completely undecided though horrified at the thought of having a girl at that age putinto foster care. Knowing either way I would have to make the trip over there I resolved to think it over

, and of course consult Henry before I made a decision.

Alright I'll be there at 8:00 am tomorrow, I assured before rattling off my cell phone and telling them

to call in case of an emergency.

After hanging up the phone I put my head in my hands rubbing my forehead at the headache I

could feel coming on, my design job all but forgotten. My head buzzing from all this new information.

I still couldn't believe Mary was dead. It had been such a long time since I had last seen her and

now we would never be able to reconnect. And a daughter? Of course even in high school you couldtell how crazy her and Jonathon were about each other. With Mary's blue eyes and long dark hair and

Jonathon's dark eyes and curly blond hair, they were both good looking people. And of course Mary

was one of the best friends I ever had.

I wonder what her daughter looked like. Why did they name her Rain?

It's not like I expected her to keep the baby names we came up with at the age of 15 when wesat around eating junk food and dreaming about the future. But Rain was a pretty unusual name.

My eyes teared when I remembered what the police officer said her second middle name was.Rain Evelyn Caroline Taylor. Even when we had lost contact after high school Mary had still named

her daughter partly after me. I took a deep breath trying to calm down as I grabbed a couple of tissues

to dab my eyes. Unfortunately it was then that my sweet, over protective, husband walked into myoffice.

At first he was smiling until he saw the expression on my face that I had quickly tried to hide. I

got to my feet planting a smile on face not wanting to alarm him. I wasn't quick enough.

His expression immediately turned concerned as he rushed to my side.

Carol, honey, what's wrong, he asked, pulling me into his arms.

Comfort immediately filled me and I hugged him tighter. It was amazing how much better I feltsimply having him close. He was truly my miracle cure, my other half.

I received some news today, I started off wondering how I could possibly tell him that we could


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possibly end up the guardians of a young girl in just a days time.

He nodded motioning for me to continue. I did. He also knew Mary and Jonathon back in high

school, so at least that saved some time. He also looked regretful at the news of their death and to sayhe was shocked to hear about Rain was an understatement.

After I was done we were both silent, lost in our own thoughts.

As much as it seemed like the right thing to do, being the guardian, being legally responsible for

another human being and taking them into our home, was not a decision to be taken lightly.

What do you think? I finally asked.

He looked into my eyes moving the blond strands from my face and behind my ear.

After a moment he answered not moving his eyes from mine.

I'm leaving it completely up to you. If you feel like it's the right thing to do and think we can handleit, then go for it. I know you won't do anything without first thinking about everyone else, He assured

stroking my cheek, a small smile lighting his face. I smiled back at his confidence. Even after 21 years

he'll still do anything to make me happy.

I love you, I said pecking him on the lips.

Love you too, he answered automatically pulling me close.

That night I caught the 8pm airplane, on my way to Miami.

The next morning after leaving the hotel, I grabbed a cab and gave them the address name. Iwas so nervous my palms were sweating, and no matter how relaxed I could make myself appear on the

outside, on the inside I was a wreck.

After staying up half the night debating I decided I owed it to my friend to at least put the girl

up in my house for the time being, but if there was any trouble I would make other arrangements. I lost

contact with Mary too long ago to be sure of what type of person she was before she died, and so Icouldn't be sure what type of person her daughter turned into, so it was unfair of me to make any sort of

decision before meeting her first.

I arrived at the child and youth building connected to the police department and I quickly paid

the cab fair and got out walking at a normal pace to the entrance. I had to resist the urge to stand frozen,looking at the building.

But I swallowed my indecision. I was a fully grown adult and needed to act like one.

The lobby was fairly plain, though very clean. In the corner sat a waiting area with magazines, alamp, and a few cotton covered chairs. Straight in front was a large front desk with two computers and

a women sat in a chair with a clean pressed blouse and her hair up in a tight knot.


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I stopped at the front desk waiting for the attention of the secretary before giving her a

professional smile.

Excuse me, my name is Caroline Colt and I have an appointment at 8:00, I said glancing at mywatch to see I was about 5 minutes early.

She nodded also smiling politely as she started typing into her computer. A second later herhands paused and her smile dropped.

Ah, I see. Rain Taylor. They're ready for you now in room 5H, down the hall and to the right, shesaid plastering the smile back on.

Thank you, I said nodding and completely disregarding the secretary as the nerves ate at me.

I found the room easily and took a deep soothing breath and letting it out slowly before

knocking on the door three times.

A voice called me to come in so I opened it up slowly my eyes taking in the room. It looked like

a large office with a desk off to the right hand side, a few potted plants and cream coloured walls. There

were two men inside. One with black gelled hair and a mustache, the other balding with glasses. Bothwore professional looking suites and smiles as I came up to the desk.

Ah Mrs. Colt I presume. Please take a seat, responded the black haired one pointing to a chair thathad me sitting with the black haired man on my right and the balding man on the left.

I am Liam Unsworth, and this is Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson is, well was, Mrs. Scott's lawyer. I am

here because I am the current manager of this facility and it is my job to overlook when any of thechildren are put into another's care, to make sure they are put in proper homes, he continued. I nodded

and shook hands with both of them, relieved my hands had cooled.

So Mrs. Colt I think before we get into any technicalities we should know what your decision is about

taking in the child , Mr. Unsworth said getting down to business while Mr. Johnson remained silent.

I bit my lip still not ready to make a decision.

May I see her first? I don't want to decide anything before I know more about her, I said preparingmyself as both the lawyer and Mr. Unsworth nodded.

As I was about to rise to my feet though he held up his hand motioning for me too wait.

In that case there are some things we should tell you, before you meet her, he said sharing a look

with the lawyer.

What is it? I responded getting anxious.

First is that Rain is very undernourished so please refrain from staring, as she seems to be also very

shy. Second... he said pausing while I wondered how bad must she possibly look if they're warning menot to stare? Now it seemed to be Mr. Johnson turn to speak.

...She suffers from the sleep disorder entitled Narcolepsy. It is a disorder that causes her sleep patterns


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to be disruptive and irregular. Extreme cases like Rain's even have what are called,'sleep attacks' where

fatigue will hit her at random times, causing her to drop to the floor and fall into a deep REM sleep in a

matter of seconds. These attacks can last anywhere from a few seconds up to a couple of hours but for

Rain they only seem to last for up to fifteens minutes tops. That's why in her records she was labeled as'home schooled'. Though it would appear her mother and step father were either too high or drunk to

actually teach her anything. She's very far behind academically, but her mental capacity is generally

normal so she should be able to catch up in time for the second semester. Or you could put her inschool in three weeks but assign her a tutor, he explains and I blink as a new layer of shock washes

over me. Narcolepsy? Drugs? Home Schooled?

It appeared that if I decided to look after this girl I would be taking on a lot more responsibility

then even I imagined. Even if I managed to get her health back to par, the chances that she would ever

lead a normal life are slim to none, with that kind of disorder.

I swallowed the lump in my throat when I thought of what kind of life she was leading till now.

How could Mary have kept her out of school and let her starve? Obviously Jonathon's death had

affected her more then anyone realized if she went into such a depression to let her life turn out likethat. For the life of me I couldn't see her ever turning to drugs and drinking.

Anything else? I asked, wanting to get it all up front now. I didn't want anymore surprises down theroad.

Not that we are aware of, no, he answered seriously. I nodded and he stood up motioning for me torise as well. Though then I was no longer sure if I wanted to see Rain. Could I even look her in the eye

without wanting to bawl, to cry for the life she's lived till now because no one cared or knew enough to

step in?

Come and I'll introduce you, then leave you to talk, he said walking ahead of me to open the door to

which I nodded a thank you. He walked straight ahead to the door across the hall and opened it up

again holding it open for me but this time I skipped the thank you as my eyes were too busy scanningthe room. My heart was beating loud in my chest in anticipation. I frowned as I noticed something was

wrong. I scanned the room twice to be sure but, it was empty.

I turned to Mr. Unsworth expecting to see a horrified look on his face, and announce that the

child was missing but instead he simply looked sad before he sighed and walked over to the closet. He

searched it for a minuted before moving on to a trunk to which he simply moved a couple Items aroundbefore closing it. I frowned about to ask him what he was doing when he should be looking for a

missing child, when he opened a cupboard on the side of the room.

There you are, he exclaimed as he reached inside the cup board and to my horror pulled out a youngchild with crazy curly blond hair, wearing a guys hoodie, leggings, and ratty shoes on their feet.

What on earth! I exclaimed walking closer. The closer I got the more my horror grew. Their handstiny and bony, the legs looked misshapen without muscle or one ounce of fat. When they turned enough

that I could see the face I recognized the sunken skeletal look of someone severely starved and my

hand flew to my mouth as a small whimper escaped it.

It was when I looked into her eyes that I realized who this girl was. This was Rain. This

seemingly 10 year old boy was actually a 16 year old girl.


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I quickly got my self under control as I remembered the warning and noticed her struggling

against his hold slightly trying to get back into the cupboard, her eyes wide and scared.

Mrs. Colt this is Rain. Rain this is Mrs. Colt, Mr. Unsworth interceded as he tugged Rain gently in

front of him so she was facing me. Well technically her body was turned in my direction but her head

was tilted down facing the floor and avoiding everyone's eyes.

Painfully shy also seemed to be an understatement.

I walked closer until I was right in front of her then bent down slightly. I waited until finally she

raised her head and looked into my eyes. Hers looked scared but also curious as she searched my face.

I looked in to her eyes that, besides the fear, were an exact copy of my lost best friend and in

that moment all my reservations flew right out the window. It became perfectly clear that I was meant

to take her home


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Chapter 2Rain's POV

I sat uncomfortably in the drivers seat on the way to the airport. Being uncomfortable had

nothing to do with the quality of the car seat because basically, they were the most comfortable seats I

had ever sat in. The reason I was uncomfortable was the women next to me.

Caroline's warm brown eyes looked kind, and her hands that would pat my arm, shoulder or hair

were extremely gentle. And I still couldn't believe she was friends with my mom in high school,because having some kind of connection to my mom, even through someone she knew was very

comforting.

These things made me want to trust her, but basically she was a complete stranger to me. I didn'tdo well with strangers. I'd never even really gone out in public, except a trip or two to the corner store

or the park. Especially the strangers who came by the house for they scared me more then my

stepfather did.

I glanced at her again from the corner of my eye and ducked away when I saw her gaze flicker

over to me. She opened her mouth and broke the awkward silence for the first time since we'd beenintroduced.

So... we should probably get some more clothes for you, but I think maybe we'll hold off until you put

on some weight,she said grimacing making me frown in confusion. I understood what she meantabout more cloths...well somewhat. When we showed her my three shirts, one pants, one leggings

wardrobe she just about had a heart attack. Though why it was such a big deal was beyond me. It

seemed that in her mind it was just a given to own more clothes then that.

What do you mean? I asked quietly wanting her to explain what she meant by put on weight.

Well surely you can't expect me to just let you go around in three shirts that I'm pretty sure are

men's, she said visibly shuddering. I almost smiled that I had guessed right on that account. This


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person was surely odd.

Umm... I meant what you said about 'putting on weight', I explained though now it was her turn to

look confused so I continued, It's just the expression is kind of confusing. Would you like me to wearsomething heavy? I asked starting out quietly but spoke in normal volume by the end of the sentence.

While I spoke I couldn't help thinking that this women was clearly insane.

Her eyes widened in surprise before a short surprised laugh escaped her mouth.

No dear, I mean you have to eat more and then your body would turn it into fat and muscle, then yourbody would weigh more. You are undernourished, which means that your body hasn't been getting any

of the things it needs to keep you healthy. Right now your body is probably unable to fight infection,

you get tired easily even if you didn't have a sleeping disorder, you probably get sick easier, basically ifyou weighed any less, your body wouldn't be able to function, she said making my eyes widen.

Being as skinny as you are is a sickness. You'll have to eat a lot even when you aren't hungry to make

your body get used to taking in regular portions, she continued and I remained silent staring at mypants and fingering the fraying ends.

Was she saying that regular people ate more then I did, and that was normal? How strange. Mymother ate the exact same as I did, though I guess the men in the house ate way more. But my mother

said that was because it was natural for guys to eat more then girls. I do admit the people at that place

they put me after I was taken from home did give me three plate fulls a day which I only ate about ahandful of of it. Surely I was expected to share it and someone else ate the rest. I wanted to ask her

what she thought was normal but in the end I couldn't get myself to open my mouth, so I simply

nodded.

It was quiet for the rest of the drive.

I was actually quite excited by the time we reached the airport and was fidgeting like crazy inmy seat.

Are you nervous about flying, Caroline asked curiously. I was surprised that she actually wanted toknow how I was feeling about things so much. I guess I just wasn't used to all the attention, even from

one person.

Yes, but I'm also kind of excited, I admitted looking at my lap, unable to stop a smile from slipping

onto my face. She chuckled and nudged me forward.

I was excited... until we reached the inside of the airport. Then I was terrified.

There were people everywhere. Bumping into each other, hugging, laughing, and talking. And

my goodness it was so noisy I could barely hear myself think. It suddenly didn't matter if I didn't knowCaroline that well, as I ducked behind her, glued to her back for protection.

Where did all these people come from? I whispered, my voice quivered slightly as my body shookfrom fear. She grabbed my hand gently from behind her back and held it in hers. She patted me gently

on the head and smiled a reassuring smile at me before tugging me forward.


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It's alright Rain, we'll be on the plain soon. How about I let you sit next to the window? She

suggested with a happy smile. She looked so relaxed I tried to relax too but even when my heart calmed

down the shaking didn't stop.

Getting through all the different parts of the terminal took a little bit of time. But I made it

through, surprisingly. Though I had gone back to walking right behind Caroline and remained that way

till we entered the plain.

Good thing too or when the sleep attack hit, completely unexpectedly, I might have hit my head

off something metal and hard when I dropped to the floor.

Apparently I had really tired myself out both physically and emotionally which can bothseparately cause my attacks. So It lasted most off the flight, which took off as soon as Caroline was

able to explain about narcolepsy to the hostess who had viewed my fall.

When we got off I felt refreshed as usual and therefor, thankfully, a little more calm when weentered an even more busy airport then the first.

But I still found myself glued to Caroline's back until we were finally able to exit the airport.

Oh and I forgot to tell you my husband Henry will be picking us up, so you'll get to meet him as soon

as he gets here, she said her eyes shining with affection. I wondered how Caroline and Henry gotalong. If it was anything like my mother and stepfather did then I hoped I had somewhere to sleep

where I wouldn't be able to hear them fighting.

Caroline must have either guessed what I was thinking or she read something from my

expression.

Don't worry sweet heart, I know you'll like Henry. Other then the fact that he is practically alwayslate, he has no other faults, she said with a small laugh gesturing to the fact that he had yet to arrive. I

nodded trying to give a convincing smile but to be honest I had met enough new people in the last

couple days to last me a life time.

Yet a few minutes later a man with dark hair and dark blue eyes appeared and rushed up to

Caroline wrapping his arms around her waist. I jumped back quickly to avoid contact but watched as hepulled back from hugging her with a reproachful look on his face.

I'm so sorry my darling wife for I am late. Let me forever burn from the heat of a thousand suns were I

to ever let you down, he said dramatically though something in his eyes looked quite humorous while

his expression remained the same.

Caroline's lip twitched from obvious amusement but she kept a stern look on her face.

I'm not sure if I could ever forgive you. Just think of the damage you have caused me emotionally by

simply planting the idea in my head that you may have forgotten about me, she said faking horror. Ilooked at them curiously, only managing to think that these people were even more odd then I had

originally thought. God please let them not be on drugs, I silently pleaded.


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No I could never, he exclaimed pulling her close, lips to her ear and whispering something that made

her blush, laugh and push him away lightly muttering something under her breath that I was unable to

hear.

Henry however was looking at me in complete shock and something like horror before he

realized he was staring. He then turned back to his wife looking for answers as she turned to me and

once again tugged me forward.

I was really starting to dislike that.

Henry this is Rain. Rain this is Henry, she introduced us. I dropped my eyes and nodded a hello

completely unsure of what to say. I fidgeted tugging at my shirt, not liking the attention. I was a lot

more comfortable when they had been busy conversing with each other a minute ago.

Nice to meet you Rain and welcome to California, he said holding out his hand and smiling gently at

me. I looked at Caroline quickly as she gave me reassuring nod. I stepped forward slightly and put myhand in his shaking it quickly before letting go and stepping back again.

Well she certainly looks like them, he said to Caroline. I cocked my head to the side wondering whohe meant.

Yes, those are definitely Jonathon's curls and Mary's eyes, she said smiling at me and it hit me thatthey were talking about my parents. I couldn't remember what dad looked like much and mom didn't

like to talk about him so I never knew that's where my hair and complexion came from. It was a safe

assumption though, I thought, because of my mothers tanned skin and straight black hair. I on the other

hand with my light hair, pale skin and few freckles on my nose, looked almost nothing like her if itwasn't for my eyes.

Well I suppose we should be heading home, Caroline interjected motioning me to follow as she tookHenry's hand and started forward as I trailed behind.

Did you tell the boys yet, She asked as we climbed into the car. This one was red with dark grayleather seats and about a hundred buttons that I had no idea what they did.

Henry nodded running his hands threw his hair.

Yes, a little, but not everything you told me when you phoned me earlier. They don't know anything

about where she was living before or about her narcolepsy. It might be a good idea to tell Jamie

though, he added putting the car into drive. On the way home Caroline and Henry mostly spoke backand forth with the occasional question back to me but I was perfectly happy just listening. There was a

lot in there conversation that confused me, especially when they talked about people that I didn't know,

but I didn't dare interrupt for fear their attention would turn to me.

Staring out the window as the world flew past was mesmerizing. I'd never gotten to see so

much. At one point I pressed my whole face against the window hoping to see everything more clearlyto which got me quite a few amused glances from people on the street and from the couple sitting in the

front seats.


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Rain I hope your ready to meet the boys. I know they can be a handful but I'll make sure they don't

give you a hard time, Caroline called back to me snapping me out of my daydream.

The boys? I asked confused. Why would they want me to meet boys. Mom always said I should stayaway from boys!

Oh, I guess I didn't tell you yet, she said looking over at me sheepishly.

Henry and I have 7 sons, she said smiling.

My eyes immediately widened in shock. I was going to be living in a house with 7 boys.

Good lord have mercy, I thought.

Arriving at the house I froze as Henry and Caroline left the car. Henry helped with Caroline'sbags and Caroline grabbed my bag then frowned when she noticed I wasn't getting out of the car.

She opened my door and patted my hand as my eyes seemed to be frozen wide in terror.

Rain they're good boys. Trust me everything is going to be okay, she comforted. I looked back at her

hoping I would be able to tell if she was lying. She looked completely honest to me. If she was a liarshe was a good one. I gulped swallowing my nerves and slowly got up from the car walking slowly to

the house putting off this meeting as much as possible. I was almost annoyed at Caroline for making

me do this, then blinked surprised by that thought. This women was taking me into her home, feedingme, and showing me a lot of kindness. I should be more grateful.

I looked up to Caroline smiling and putt on a brave face. She smiled back seeming relieved.

It was time to be optimistic, just because I didn't like people didn't mean I couldn't learn to like them. Iliked Caroline and even Henry seemed like a funny guy and they were complete strangers to me.

I finally looked at the house torn from my thoughts as my mouth dropped open. This house wasbeautiful. I couldn't tell you the name of the style of architecture, or how big it was but just from the

front I could count eight windows including one large one above the front doors. And I mean doors as

in two large planks of beautifully carved wood with two separate knobs right, leading onto acomfortable looking front patio with a porch swing and everything. It even had vines growing across

the sides, white flour buds blooming from across them matching nicely with the yellow-brown brick.

It's beautiful, I whispered when I was finally able to close my mouth. Caroline smiled again.

Thank you, I hope you enjoy the inside as well. I loved decorating it, speaking of which, she said as

her thoughts seemed to change direction, I'm going to have to put you in the guest bedroom until yourroom is ready. It's the only room I really get to make look like a girls room, she added her voice

sounding excited and enthusiastic.

I suddenly felt bad at all the trouble she was going through. I was about to tell her she really

didn't need to do all this for me, but one look at her face and I snapped my mouth shut somehow

knowing she didn't see it that way.


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Opening up the front door I took a big breath and stepped forward, Caroline staying close

behind me, especially after witnessing one of my sleep attacks. I noticed the shoe tray and then the nice

clean wood flooring and put two and two together. At home I would have never walked around thehouse without my shoes with all the crap constantly scattered all over the floor. But my old house could

never be classified as a nice house no matter who lived in it. Where as this house practically screamed

money. The caramel colours on the hallway walls was warm and homey, the floors smooth under mybare feet.

A little down the hallway it led off to the stairs on the right, a wall and then opened up from theleft into what looked like the living room. Taking one step into the living room I froze suddenly

forgetting how to breath. Two boys sat on the couches playing loud, violent sounding video games. One

sat on an armchair reading a book and two others who looked exactly alike ran into the room with a toyairplane. When the first one saw me he stopped frozen and almost comically the second one ran right

into him and they both fell over.

Who's that? the first one to fall asked. Both had brown hair and blue eyes. Get off me, the other one said scowling at the first one after he pushed him off.

Boys stop fighting, Caroline scolded putting my bag down and putting her hands on my shoulders.

At the sound of her voice the other three turned around, the game on the television froze and the

brown haired boy with darker eyes that was sitting in the armchair put down his book.

All of their eyes landed on me and froze. Feeling absolutely terrified with all their eyes on me, I

ducked my head and backed up a step.

Boys this is Rain. Come and introduce yourself, she said squeezing my shoulder reassuringly.

Before anyone could move a constant stream of, Mommy mommy mommy mommy mommy

mommy..., came from the other room, growing louder. I looked up again just as a very small boybarreled into the room. Caroline stood in front of me just in time to reach down and catch him.

Mathew baby, no running in the television room, she attempted to scold but the smile that broke outon her face as she hugged him ruined the effect.

But daddy said you was home, he told her pulling the typical innocent face. He was so adorable itwas hard to imagine anyone ever being mad at him.

His eyes found me and widened slightly. He cupped one off his hands and held it to his mouth

so that I wouldn't hear what he said, before speaking at full volume.

Mommy is that a girl, he asked her. Before she could respond one of the boys on the sofa with light

brown hair interrupted her.

No Matt that's about half a girl. She's missing about 50 pounds and 15 big macs, he informed him

smirking.

Cameron, Caroline sounded outraged and surprised, her voice hard.


16/45

Cameron shrugged turning back around.

That's sick, The other boy with black hair and dark eyes, and glasses said shaking his head before he

two turned back to the game.

I turned toward the boy with the book who was still looking at me, his face blank. I felt my face flush,

not knowing why, but feeling really embarrassed.

C'mon mommy we need some macs so she can be a whole girl, Mathew informed Caroline tugging

on her skirt. Caroline sighed giving up on scolding them for the time being.

Alright, Rain you can have them introduce themselves later. Right now I'll show you to the guest

bedroom,she said nudging Mathew to go into the living room, to which he made a face but crawledonto the sofa next to the one with dark hair and glasses.

I nodded, so glad to be out of there, I felt like I could breath again.

She led me back through the hallway and up the stairs which curved into a spiral and lead to

another hallway and the rest of the staircase. We stepped into that hallway and she pointed to the door

on the left with one hand, my bag in the other.

Here's the guest room, she announced twisting the knob and motioning for me to go first. I pushed

the door open and stepped into the guest room. It had white walls with a painting off the beach on oneside, light blue curtains framing a large window, and dark blue and white bedspread. The bed was made

so tight you could have bounced a quarter off the surface, everything so clean I was suddenly afraid to

take another step. What if I got dirt on the perfectly white carpet? I didn't want Caroline to get mad at

me.

I bit my lip debating for another second before I heard a sigh.

Well go on in, I'm not getting any younger here, she teased. I swallowed and stepped into the room

remembering to check where I stepped in case I made a mess. If I cleaned it up before she saw it then

hopefully I wouldn't be punished.

So what do you think, she asked that same cheery smile on her face just as it was getting awkward.

It's very nice, I assured her tugging my sleeves over my hands. Only now did I notice the sweat

running down my neck. I was so nervous before I didn't even notice the temperature and climate

differences between here and Miami.

Alright so there's a bathroom across the hall if you would like to take a shower. I'll grab some of my

clothes for you and leave them on the bed, she announced standing up and leaving the room before I

could argue.

I took a deep breath before opening my door and peeking out into the hallway. Luckily it

seemed no one was around and I quickly spotted the bathroom across the hall, the door left open. Ichecked one more time to make sure no one was coming before bolting into the bathroom and shutting

the door. There I breathed out a few times feeling tired. I turned once I got my breath back but choked

while exhaling it again. My eyes widened as I looked in the mirror right in front of me. The girl in the


17/45

mirror's eyes widened as well her face skeletal and pale. Reaching one bony hand forward I froze as

she raised one also.

It was then that I sort of understood what Caroline was talking about. I did look bad, of course Iwas never beautiful but perhaps if I didn't resemble a skeleton, I could have been considered cute. After

all I used to have my fathers dimples, which was one of the only features about him I could remember.

Shaking my head I quickly undressed folding my cloths and putting them on the counter. I

climbed into the shower that seemed almost comically big, perhaps big enough to fit 4 or 5 people. I

mean why would you even need to fit that many people in there?

I turned both the taps on from habit and jumped when hot water hit my shoulders. I immediately

turned that down when I realized which one of the taps was hot and almost wanted to cry when thewater went cold. I had never had a hot shower, as my stepfather would have beaten the crap out of me

if I used up the little hot water we had. Surely with so many people living in the house they had to be

extra careful about how much hot water they used.

After squirting a tiny bit of shampoo in my hair and rinsing it out another case of fatigue hit.

I opened my eyes to the feeling of water pounding and rolling down my body. I blinked startingto sit up when I felt the familiar ache on the side of me head, slight nausea hitting me before I lay backdown. Another unfortunate thing about sleep attacks-if I'm not around something soft 24-7, (which is

impossible, without strapping myself to a pillow), when they hit while I'm standing I almost always end

up with some sort of head injury.

Turning off the water after a few minutes I carefully rose to my feet, my fingers sliding up the

wall in an attempt to keep my balance. When I was fully standing I took a breath in relief then groanedas my skull pounded. I would have a goose egg but not a concussion...this time. I stumbled out and

quickly searched for a towel which I found in a cupboard beside the toilet. Stretching it out I gasped at

how big it was before wrapping it around me. It went past my knees and covered all the way to my

neck and was so fluffy I instantly felt guilty for getting it dirty.

Shaking my head, I tried to clear my thoughts and think positive. I shouldn't feel guilty for

making things dirty because I can always clean them myself. Thinking negatively will only make metired and then I'll have more sleep attacks, which I really can't handle.

Opening the bathroom door I prepared to rush back to my room when I almost ran intosomeone.

Who the hell are you?


18/45

Chapter 3

Rain's POV

Even though this boy asked me a question, I just couldn't answer him at the moment.

He was the most gorgeous boy I had ever seen. I couldn't take my eyes off him, couldn't even

think, as I stood gawking at him like some idiot.

He had dirty blond hair that was fairly short but messy leaving his face completely uncovered.

My god it must be against some sort of law to cover it up. He was so tall I wondered if I would get a

crick in my neck from staring at him. Especially his eyes, so expressive for a boy I could seeeverything flitting across them. They were a darker blue rimmed with green and framed with lashes so

thick on a boy it was unnatural. His shirt clung to his body showing he was no slacker in the workout

department either. His whole being practically emanating bad-ass. My god I couldn't seem to stop

looking at him. He was just so... perfect. There has to be some kind of flaw somewhere!

He seemed unexpressed with my silence and my staring at him. He rolled his eyes and clenched

his jaw.

Who are you? he asked again, speaking slowly like I was mentally retarded.

I blushed and looked down hoping I didn't make him annoyed with me.

Sorry, I'm Rain, I answered not looking up and that's when I realized I was still in a towel.

Heat rushed all the way from my neck to my ears from embarrassment. I clutched the towel

tighter around me and squeaked turning toward my room and getting ready to run for it.

Unfortunately a hand clamped unto the back of my towel forcing me into an abrupt halt.


19/45

Whoa, hold on. What are you doing here? he asked. I was too embarrassed to meet his eyes, so I

stared at my feet.

Mrs. Caroline said I could stay here for a while, I said only loud enough for him to hear.

Mrs. Caroline? he asked, his tone slightly amused.

Can I get changed now? I mumbled tucking my head slightly into my towel.

I heard an annoyed sigh before he let go of my towel and I rushed forward into my room andclosed my door as quickly as possible, hoping the ground would swallow me whole.

From now on, I'm bringing clothes with me into the washroom. There's no way I'm repeatingthat little adventure.

As soon as my face cooled I turned toward my bed and was relieved and a little scared to see a

pile of clothes there. I was relieved I didn't have to put my dirty clothes back on but scared as to whatCaroline had given me. I once had a shirt that lay flat on my skin that was very uncomfortable and I

hoped she wasn't able to find anything like that. I was much happier with baggier clothing.

Unfolding them carefully I was surprised at the soft texture. The shirt was a light blue andslipping it on I sighed in relief as it hung off me loosely. It covered my shoulders and had a round

neck. The shorts were white with blue writing across the but and when I put them on and pulled the

draw string they fell to my knees. I left my hair as is. Even when my mom used to put it up into a ponytail she would grumble about how impossible it was.

It was then, strangely enough that the grief really hit me. She was gone. My mom was really

gone. Over the past 8-10 years she hadn't acted much like a mom at all but that didn't mean that I hadloved her any less. At least I knew, wherever she was, she wasn't hurting anymore. Maybe she was with

daddy somewhere. I sat on the edge of the bed, my arms wrapped around myself as I grieved. Tears

rolled down my face relentlessly with loss. I wanted a hug so badly right then as I realized I had no oneleft to hug. The sobs grew worse until I couldn't stop them, didn't know how much time was passing as

I grieved.

After a time the tears dried up and I curled up onto my side and closed my eyes. I couldn't sleep,

not then, but my mind drifted as if I was dreaming.

How could I live with these people? Honestly I was already terrified of them. None of the boys

that I'd met wanted me here. Of course neither did anyone at my old home. My stepfather tolerated me

but he honestly wished I would just go away, disappear.

When a knock came at the door I was so out of it that it made me jump. I hadn't realized how

close I was laying to the edge of the bed, that when I jumped I fell right on my tail bone on the floor.

After a couple ow's and rolling onto my knees I remembered what had startled me and stared at thedoor from over the side of the bed like it would magically reveal who was behind it.

I decided to stay hidden on the floor beside the bed after a couple second then invite the personinside. Not like I could stop them from coming inside anyway as the door had no lock. What was I

going to do, throw something at them and tell them to go away?


20/45

The boy with brown hair and dark eyes that was reading earlier came in and put his hands in his

pockets. He rocked back on his heals looking awkward before he frowned and turned his head back and

forth, his eyes scanning the room and his eyebrows turning down in confusion.

Umm Rain? he asked quietly.

Yes, I answered after a few seconds. His head snapped to where my eyes were peaking over the topof the bed.

A tiny smile appeared on his face and he bit his lip like he was trying not to laugh.

What are you doing? he asked. It only then occurred to me that hiding like this might seem kind of

ridicules. I slowly stood up but stayed where I was in the room.

What are you doing? I asked ignoring his question.

We were both silent for a second as he collected his thoughts. After a minute he blew out a big breathof air.

Look ummm... I know this must be a really confusing and difficult time for you. Moving sucks.

Moving in with a bunch of people you don't know must suck even more. So I just thought maybe youcould use a friend, he said shrugging. He look up took a step forward and looked me in the eye, I'm

Jamie, he said introducing himself and holding his hand out to me but didn't move any closer.

Surprised I looked at him wide eyed. More awkward silence filled the air while he waited for me toshake his hand and I thought over moving closer.

Finally when he seemed like he was going to let his hand drop I made up my mind on impulse and

walked over gently placing my hand in his. We shook awkwardly and quickly pulled our hands back.

Rain, I introduced myself.

He nodded and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. It was silent for a few moments while I

struggled for something casual to say. I shook my head wondering how on earth I was going to act like

a normal person when I was practically a hermit with no people skills.You want to talk about it? he blurted out his face going red as he looked embarrassed.

I blinked a couple times looking at him like he was some weird alien species as his face seemed

to just get redder and redder.

Talk about what? I finally asked hoping he would elaborate. He was looking at the floor with his

hands in his pockets so I couldn't see his face when he replied.

I heard about what happened at your home and about your disorder and stuff. I was just...I.. I just

wondered if you wanted to talk about it. You can talk to me if you want, he said his voice getting

quieter as he talked. I blinked unsure what to say to that. He wanted to listen to me talk about whathappened to me and about my sleeping disorder.

But why? I asked still not understanding. Finally he let out a big breath and looked at me in the eyes.His looked sad yet determined and I was suddenly speechless.

When my mom told me how you were living it made me sad but mostly it made me angry. The way


21/45

my family lives. Well it's the easy life. I've never understood how lucky I was, or how good I had it

until today, he said shaking his head and sitting down before he continued, And it made me angry

that, that could have happened and that no one had noticed or intervened and it makes me angry

because it wasn't fair. he said his hands curling into fists on his lap but his voice never turned harsh orangry. So I want to help make up for what your owed. I want to be your friend and if you want to talk

about anything I want to listen so that maybe it'll make it a little better, he finished softly started to

look unsure of himself again. Still speechless, even more after he had confessed all that I did nothingbut stare at him with wide eyes.

Well I...I umm, he stuttered then pointed at the door.

I'll just let you settle in... and stuff. Talk later..., he trailed off looking uncomfortable.

See you at dinner, he announced before turning, I thought he was going to leave but after taking one

step he turned back. Oh and my rooms three doors down on the right if you ever need anything, he

added before spinning on his heel and reaching for the door handle.

Jamie? I heard myself call before having consciously decided to. He stopped and half turned waiting.

I was still dumfounded that he wanted to be my friend so easily. That he could get so worked upover what I'd gone through. In that moment I knew he would be one of the best people I would ever

meet.

Thanks, I said so softly at first I didn't think he could here me under I saw the red creep up his neckand then his head nod. He left then and for a few minutes I didn't move from the spot.

He seemed kind of shy, like he didn't introduce himself or extend offers of friendship very

often. Why on earth would he want to be friends with me? Did he feel sorry for me? Or was it justbecause I didn't know anybody? He really did seem genuine though.

I really didn't do much for a couple of hours. I was too scared to leave the room in case I raninto someone. When the next person knocked I wasn't surprised enough to fall on the floor again but I

was surprised. This might be the most visitors I've ever had. Over the next hour from the moment I told

her she could come in, the next person's goal became quite clear.

Your much too skinny, I'll make you another plate, Maria said after I managed to finish the first. And

it wasn't a little plate with a couple of fruit. No, this plate was bigger than a frizbee and was packed fullof potatoes, cheese, chicken, and rice. She she made me finish every. Last. Bite. Clearly this women

was some sort of masochist.

But, I tried to object but she was already out of the room. When she first came in she didn't evenpause to introduce herself before asking me the last time I ate something. When I said yesterday She

looked so appalled it made me almost feel ashamed. Why I should feel ashamed over that, I didn't

know. She said that as much as she loved Caroline, she could be a complete airhead. I wasn't surewhat that meant either but I didn't dare ask.

Maria came back soon after and shoved a plate with basically the same thing into my lap.

Eat up. Henry gave me a protein powder to put in your food to help you put on weight, she

explained.


22/45

I'm really full already I don't think... I started looking at all the food doubtfully.

Oh so you don't like my food? she demanded some kind of accent laced through her words.

No I love the food... I tried to object again without offending her but she cut me off mid sentence.

Good then eat up. You have 3 weeks before school and by golly your going to be normal by then or

my name isn't Maria, she announced. And once again she stayed till I finished the whole plate then I

laid on my back and tried not to throw up. This time when I was left alone I was so tired I slept untildinner time.

When I woke up I sat up right away and waited for the usual dizziness and blackouts but itdidn't come. I blinked and realized that for once there was no pain in my stomach, no dryness in my

throat, or lightness in my head. I stood up and smiled enjoying this new feeling while it lasted. It was

so strange feeling hungry for so long that I couldn't even realize the pain I was in until it was gone.

I went down for supper like Maria had told me. Even though I didn't feel hungry, I was already

weary enough of her that I knew she would force feed me twice as much if I didn't show. I just hoped

that most of the family was out or that I could eat by myself. I think I'd die if I had to sit there for twolong with so many people staring at me.

I didn't know where the kitchen was so I tentatively went down the stairs and peaked into theroom with the television where everyone first was when I walked in. I was relieved to see only the

little-ist boy on the sofa his eyes glued to the TV. I looked over and saw what looked like a kitchen that

attached on the far side of the room. In it were Maria, some older lady with gray and black streaked

hair , and Miss Caroline who was chatting away with Maria as she stirred something.

C'mon jump! I heard from the television and I looked in horror to see a character look out and

prepare to jump out of the window.

Oh no!, I gasped when she jumped but let out a relieved sigh when the character started to float out

and began to fly.

Starting to get sucked in by the movie I walked forward and curled up at the end of the couch,

carefully taking a look at the little boy who sat in the very center of the couch. Luckily though he wasto focused on the television to pay me any attention and I relaxed into the back of the seat and started

watching the television.

Rain! Mathew! I heard and jumped at the sound of my name. Oh no! What if I wasn't aloud to watchthe television and she was about to yell at me! I quickly got up having learned that hiding only made

the punishment worse and walked up to where Caroline was at the edge of the kitchen.

It's time for dinner! she announced with a smile and I felt my body relax. She was smiling and

bouncing as she walked past me so I knew I wasn't in trouble.

Seeing no where else to go and after one warning look from Maria I sat down at the edge of the

table and ducked my head, begging to disappear. I could still see from the corner of my eye when

everyone else piled into the room. Once everyone had sat down I peeked up and again relaxed a little


23/45

when I noticed that most of them were ignoring me and Jamie was beside me.

Hi Jamie, I said as quietly as possible. He looked toward me looking embarrassed but said hello

back to me. I searched the rest of them discreetly and noticed that 2 of the boys were missing. One wasthe blond I had run into in the hall and the other was the one that sort of looked like him that was on the

couch when I first got here. The younger identical boys were on the other side of the table playing mini

video game devices, Caroline and Henry sat next to one another at the other end of the table deep inconversation, the little guy who I decided must be Mathew was sitting beside miss Caroline tipping his

chair over slightly, and the older boy with glasses was between the twins and Henry, and kept glancing

at me frowning and making me nervous.

I was almost glad when the food came because it gave me something to concentrate on. If I

could finish the whole thing Maria might take it easy on me until tomorrow.

Alright, Caroline announced getting everyone's attention.

I think now would be a good time to get acquainted with our newest addition, she said motioning tome and smiling encouragingly. Why? Why did she have to put me into the spotlight like that? Is she

trying to torture me?

So how about everyone announces their name and three things about them that Rain should know,

and then she'll tell us three things about herself, she said looking excited. She turned to little Mathew

and told him to tell me his name.

I'm Matt, he announced proudly making a tiny smile form on my face.

Good job honey now how about you tell her three things about you, Caroline encouraged him.

I'm five, I like Peter Pan and I don't like pickles, he said scowling at the word pickles. I smiled,

unable to help it. That was the cutest thing I had ever seen, and pretty random too. Caroline looked likeshe was holding in laughter but grinned at him proudly.

Good job Mathew! How about you, Zachary and then we'll go around the rest of the table, she saidcheerfully nodding at one of the twins.

I'm Zack, not Zachary or anything else, I'm 10, and this game is stupid, he announced looking boredbefore he started shoving food in his face. I nodded remembering to call him Zack in the future so I

didn't make him mad. I looked at the other twin as he started speaking.

I'm Chris, dido on the other names, I'm the cooler better looking twin, and this game is stupid, hefinished smirking and putting emphasis on the word is, before pulling his game back out.

I'm Jeremy, I'm 18, and I like basketball, announced the one with glasses.

I'm Henry, My age is confidential, and I like to watch sports, said Henry who looked amused at his

wife. I turned to Jamie to see what he would say.

My names Jamie, I'm 14, and I like photography, he said quickly. Photography? I thought quickly

about what that could possibly be and frowned when I couldn't figure it out, but was too nervous to ask


24/45

about it.

Everyone turned to me and I froze having no Idea what to say. So instead I stuck to the three things I

was told about myself.

My name is Rain, I'm 16 years old, and ummmm, I said unable to think of anything else to say.

C'mon Rain just one more thing. Maybe something someone else says that describes you? A nickname

maybe? she suggested smiling encouragingly.

Ummm, well my step father says I'm a stupid bitch and a parasite, but I don't know what that means,

I said remembering what my stepfather would call me. That's sort of like a nickname right?

I blinked as everyone responded. Caroline looked horrified, Henry looked uneasy, Jamie and Jeremy

looked shocked and the little kids looked confused.

What's a bitch, One of the twins asked.

I don't know, my mom wouldn't tell me, I said shrugging but looking down trying to escape the

staring.

Rain that's an awful word, did he call you that all the time?, she asked looking sad.

My stepfather told me that everyday, I told her the truth not knowing what else to say.

Well Rain what he said wasn't true and it was awful of him to say so. Why don't you tell us something

you like and something you've learned about yourself, she said changing the subject. I noddedconfused but didn't want to ask why she hated the word if it made her that upset. I bit my lip nervously

and slowly said the first three things I could think of not wanting to offend her again.

I'm underweight, I have a sleeping problem, and I like the television, I said and was glad when

Caroline looked relieved.

What do you like about the television? she asked actually looking interested, while I hoped someone

would change the subject and take away the attention.

I like the channel were it plays music and people dance, I said honestly my voice getting even

quieter.

Oh you like music video's? That's cool, she said looking like she'd just discovered something whileshe smiled so wide I was surprised it didn't hurt. I ducked my head and almost prayed they would

ignore me now.

Hey Zack how did your karate class go? You and Chris are behaving yourselves right? Henry asked

as everyone turned away. I was so grateful I could hug him but settled for going back to my food and

listening to Zack go on about Karate.

By the end of supper I managed to finish the whole thing making me want to lie down and

throw up. Time for desert! Maria called looking satisfied with my plate. I frowned wondering what


25/45

the heck she was talking about. The curiosity got the best of me and before I could think about it I

leaned over and whispered to Jamie.

Desert is that thing with a lot of sand right? I asked cupping my hand over the side of my mouth.

A dry Dessert is a place with sand. Desert is sweet food that you have after dinner, he said back

smiling slightly. I nodded feeling relieved that I knew what was going on until I realized what he said.

You mean we have to eat more? I asked horrified. The expression on my face must have set him off

because he laughed.

You don't have too but Maria probably will want you too. I'll make a distraction and you can slip out

okay? he asked still grinning. I couldn't believe he was going to help me out of here. If Maria foundout she'd probably force him to eat my desert too!

Are you sure? I asked not wanting him to get in trouble because of me.

It's not a big deal. When everyone looks away duck out, he said and I nodded.

Thank you, I said never having had someone do something so thoughtful before.

He nodded and picked up something that was left on his plate making me frown before he threw

it at Jeremy. It splattered on his face, noodles dripping down his forehead.

Now, Jamie said and even though I wasn't sure what just happened I ducked out of the kitchen and

went back up to my room.

Not wanting to get the bed dirty I lay back on top of the covers but couldn't sleep. After I was

sure everyone had gone to bed I wandered around the house, watched television and even danced a

little, enjoying all the space and being careful not to touch the remote.

In the morning I went and sat in the window of my room and pressed my face against the glass

to look outside.

Breakfast! I heard being called from outside my room making me jump.

I went and sat in the same spot and noticed that only Jamie, the twins, Mathew and Caroline were there

this morning.

Good morning Rain, how did you sleep? Caroline asked cheerfully. Was she ever not full of smilesand joy or was her face just permanently frozen in that expression?

Good, thank you, I said making sure to be polite even though I actually didn't sleep last night. Icouldn't most nights but last night I felt even more energetic then usual.

Are you sure? You look tired, She said looking concerned.

I'm fine, I assured her biting my lip to keep from asking her about the sounds I heard coming from

the walls during the night around 1 am.


26/45

Rain you are a terrible liar, now tell me what's wrong, she demanded sternly yet reasonably.

I opened my mouth a few times and fidgeted with my hands until I just blurted it out.

I think you have a ghost, I said quickly then bit my lip as heat rushed to my cheeks. She's gonna

think I'm nuts!

She blinked a couple times obvious not expecting what I said. She frowned and put down the

bowl of fruit that Maria had just brought out along with platters of toast, bacon, ham, and scrambledeggs.

What makes you say that, she said curiously, obviously trying to humour me.

At around one this morning I heard a bunch of moaning coming from the wall and then there was

some banging and a girls voice screaming something, I said staring down as I said it. As it came out of

my mouth I realized how ridicules this was. They were never going to believe me!

It was quiet for a second before Jamie just burst out laughing which surprised me making me

jump.

Look I know it sounds ridicules but that's what I heard, I said indignantly. My whole face heated up

in embarrassment.

Oh we believe you. Well about the noises, but that wasn't any ghost, Caroline said sounding

annoyed.

Cameron's room is right next to the guest bedroom that your staying in. What you heard was him and

a... friend doing something they shouldn't have, Jamie said as he tried to stop laughing but couldn't

keep the smile off his face. I was still confused though.

What could they have been doing, and at that time in the morning? I wondered shaking my head,

thinking that Cameron was really strange.

That was it for Jamie who gave up holding in his laughter and broke down practically falling off

his chair. I looked over at Caroline who also looked like she was trying not to laugh. I sighed and gaveup. These people were really strange.

Well, Caroline started when the laughter had died down some, in any case you won't have to worry

about Cameron anymore. I'll talk to him, she said and then changed the subject. I was at least glad tohear the house wasn't haunted.

By the end of breakfast I was once again ready to throw up. Jeremy had shown up five minutesago and Caroline had pulled him aside to talk to him. Just as I was about to make my escape upstairs

Miss Caroline came back in and waved me over to the doorway off the kitchen where Jeremy was. I

looked between the two off them frowning and wondering what was going on.

Rain, Jeremy has done a few courses in physiotherapy. So as you put on enough weight to be healthy,

Jeremy is going to help you gain muscle and be fit. Often people with Narcolepsy have worse


27/45

symptoms if they're unfit or under/overweight. So hopefully if we can make your body stronger we can

control the sleep attacks better, Caroline explained. I blinked surprised and a little confused.

What's physiotherapy? I asked.

Jeremy will explain it to you, she said giving me a nudge toward him before taking off into the

kitchen. Feeling awkward and nervous about being left alone with him I ducked my head down andlooked at the floor pretending to examine my feet.

Come on, he said. I looked up and he nodded his head in the direction of one of the rooms on the leftside of the hallway. I followed him slowly into a huge room that was full of different kinds of

machines. The walls were covered in mirrors, there were fans running on the ceiling and mats piled up

in the corner.

This is our home gym, he announced before he walked over to the mats, pulled out two, and put

them down side by side in an empty space. He sat down and waved me forward again so that we were

seated facing each other.

Okay so first of all I'll explain physiotherapy. It's a type of exercising that targets specific muscles in

your body, to build them up, or stretch them out to make your body stronger and more durable. Forsome people it also reduces pain, he explained in a professional yet relaxed sort of voice. I nodded

hanging off his every word as I started to understand what Caroline was talking about.

So we'll start off by you telling me what your daily routine was like, he said folding his hands

together and giving me his full attention.

Ummm... well in the morning I would find mom somewhere in the house and I would wake her upand give her a glass of water. Then people would start coming over so I would go to my room. Around

the middle of the day my mom would come in with a plate of food for us to share. After that she would

tell me to stay in the room and lock the door and I would have a nap. Sometimes everyone would leavethe house and I could watch television but most of the time I had to hide in the closet until it was dark

out. Then I could go get some water and then go back to sleep for an hour, I said trying to think if I did

anything else but I wasn't really allowed to leave the house.

Jeremy blinked, his face expressionless while I chewed my lip and tried to think. After a minute

I gave up and shrugged waiting for him to speak. He seemed to be concentrating on something until hemanged to put a calm expression on his face.

Alright, well I'm going to be making up a new daily schedule for you that will involve exercise,

weights, food breaks, and breaks where you can read, relax and learn school work. As the time goes onI'll increase the physical stuff but for now you'll... and he continued on to explain the type of exercise

and stretches I'd have to do. Apparently everyday for the next couple months I would meet him in here

for an hour or so then have lunch then learn school things.

Wait. You mean I get to go to school? I asked already getting excited. I'd seen shows on television

about school with the friend clicks, the teachers, and the teen drama. I didn't really understand a lot of itbut it looked like fun.

Yeah, he nodded not elaborating. I couldn't help bouncing up and down and smiling so wide my


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cheeks hurt. But then my smile faded as I started to worry. What if I couldn't do it? I'd never gone to

school before, I could barely teach myself how to read by watching kid shows how could I learn about

math and science and all those other subjects in time for school to start? I'm going to look like a

complete idiot and get bullied and...

Hey stop whatever your thinking about. Mom will get you a tutor and we'll all be at school with you,

so there's nothing to worry about... well except for your sleep attacks but hopefully if we can get you tosleep through the night they'll get less frequent, Jeremy said smiling sympathetically.

Why are you being so nice to me? I blurted out then sat horrified at being so direct. He seemedsurprised too and we sat in tense silence for a minute. When I could finally look him in the eye to see if

I had offended him I was surprised to see he looked almost guilty.

My mom told me about you. When we first saw you we thought you were just another shallow young

girl with an eating disorder because she was obsessed with being skinny. We didn't know you had been

starved and secluded and beaten and most of us jumped to conclusions. Most of the others still don't

know. Jamie and I are the only ones who know everything and want to help make this easier for you,then he half smiled at me and I blinked surprised by how good looking he was.

Were not bad people really. We want to make things easier for you. And I'm sure once we get used to

having a girl in the house and you get used to living in a house full of boys you'll be one of the family,he said patting me on the shoulder.

After that I found it a little easier to talk to him and ask questions about this schedule and aboutschool. When we were done talking he suggested we start the physiotherapy and showed me some

stretches to start with. He reached over and told me to try to touch my feet. I bent down and easily

wrapped my hands under the bottom of my feet and looked at him to make sure I was doing it right. He

blinked looking surprised and asked if I could do the splits. After I spread my legs out and slid down tothe floor Jeremy whistled.

Wow, your flexible. Did your mom ever put you in dance classes or did you just stretch on yourown? he asked curiously.

I never did dance class but I like to dance, I admitted saying the last part quietly. Dancing was theone thing I had for myself I didn't really want to share it with others.

Cool, he nodded then continued on. He had me doing some exercises with the smallest weight for afew minutes and he took me around and showed me the machines and how they worked. After I was so

exhausted I just wanted to lay down right where I was but Jeremy insisted I needed to eat. So I

followed him to the kitchen and sat in my usual spot, my body hunched over and my eyes half closed.

Hey Rain, Jamie said frowning at me. I nodded back at him and knew I was going to sleep very

soon. I only managed to hold out until the food was brought out, then my eyes shut.


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Chapter 4

Ashton's POV

As I entered the kitchen I noticed the girl that had bumped into me in the hall yesterday sit

down next to Jamie. I still didn't really understand what this girl was doing here but truthfully I really

didn't care. My mother was impulsive in many ways so I was just going to assume that she brought in

some random homeless girl and was going to feed her and take care of her until she was well enough tobe released into the wild, just like an injured bird.

Sitting down myself I yawned still not completely awake. I don't really sleep well or muchthanks to the fact that I was an eighteen year old boy with much better things to do than catch up on

beauty rest I didn't need. My sleeplessness was also do to my condition, that tended to make me restless

and easily distracted.

My head snapped up when I heard Jamie say hi to the new girl. Shy Jamie who couldn't even

look a girl in the eye was looking at her with a worried look in his eye. I frowned wondering what on

earth could have possessed him to try to make friends with this girl when the answer entered the room.My mother. Of course she would tell Jamie he had to make friends with the new girl. My mind flashed

to when I had bumped into her yesterday and how she had ducked her head blushed and run away. The

new girl must be as shy or possibly even more shy then Jamie. Figures, push the shy kids together.

I snorted somewhat amused and was about to look away when her head suddenly dropped into

Maria's home made Macaroni and Cheese. Everyone seemed to freeze for a second before Jamie

reached forward looking unsure of what to do.

Make sure she can breath, Mom ordered biting her fingernails. Jamie did what he was told andreached forward moving her face to the side and then putting his hand in front of her mouth. After a

second he visibly relaxed.

She's sleeping but I think she's okay, he announced,

Okay? I thought perplexed. The girl just did a face plant in macaroni, how did that equal okay? I


30/45

could feel my protective side coming out. Of course I didn't even know this girl so I didn't care for her

but the fact that she was living here made her one of us. I felt it was my responsibility to make sure

nothing harmed anyone under this roof. I had always felt that way, one of my random instincts that I

couldn't control or explain.

What happened? I demanded harshly from my mother. She looked over at me with this look that she

gave me sometimes as if she wished she knew what was going on inside my head. The thing was Iwasn't thinking right now. The need to have everyone okay was instinctual not something I could think

over.

Rain has narcolepsy Ashton. It's a sleep disorder where the person has what are called sleep attacks,

like this, she said motioning to Rain who was still unconscious in the Macaroni, where they are

forced to sleep at random times during the day. It can be a rather dangerous disorder when the sleepattack occurs when the person is, for example, on the stairs, or taking a bath, or climbing a ladder. And

if someone faints while doing any of those things it's obvious what could happen, she finished looking

at Rain sadly.

It was quiet for a moment until Cam burst out laughing and we all gave him our what the heck

faces.

Dude she's sleeping in macaroni. Someone needs to get a camera, he said before pulling out his

phone. I was about to either laugh or punch him in the face when Rain sat up looking slightly confused

and yawning, her face plastered with noodles and cheese.

Suddenly the rest of us couldn't help but laugh too. The bewildered look on her face combined

with food all over her, was just too much. Cam laughed even more and was gripping his stomach

probably because he was laughing so hard. Jamie was the first one to stop laughing and after Cammanaged to get another picture Jamie handed her a napkin and helped get most of the cheese off.

Here sweetie I'll get you another bowl, Maria said fighting a smile while she reached for Rain'sbowl.

No it's okay really. I don't want to waste it and besides it's not like my face was dirty, she pointedout. Maria shrugged looking unfazed but I watched as her gaze almost never left Rain as she ate.

Figures Maria would make it her personal mission to put some weight on the girl. I could only imagine

how much it offended her to have someone that skinny in the house.

I finished my own bowl and left without a word. I didn't want to pay any more attention to the

new girl. She would be gone soon enough. Besides it was dangerous for me to let myself start to care

for other people, besides my family. I got attached too easily and when I got attached I found it hard toleave them alone. That's why I couldn't sleep around like Cam. Cam could make sex mean nothing and

I could not force my brain to think that way.

Hey Twin! Speak of the devil...

Hey Cam, let me guess, party tonight? I asked the question being rhetorical. Cam parties pretty

much every night.

To my surprise his face scrunched up in annoyance before he answered.


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Can't. Stupid girl heard me with Alicia last night and mom is furious, and watching my every move.

In her exact words, 'You're lucky the poor girl thought there was a ghost and couldn't figure out what

you were really up to or you might have scarred her for life',he finished in a bad imitation of her

voice. If you ask me she was over reacting, he added.

Wait, did you say she thought you and Alicia were a ghost? I said feeling surprised and amused.

Yup, dumb girl's too innocent to know any better, he said shrugging. I burst out laughing for like a

minutes straight. When I was calmed down I wiped the tears from my eyes dramatically while Cam

rolled his eyes.

Yeah very funny. Just tell that to all the disappointed girls, there will be tonight when I don't show

up, he muttered sulking. I rolled my eyes and shoved him for being so dramatic. He shoved me backbefore heading off to his room.

When I got inside my own room I pulled out my guitar and fiddled with it for a bit before

playing out some cords, and then a few sets. I felt relatively calm which was good and uncommon forme. I tried to keep control of myself so I didn't get angry and flip out on someone who didn't deserve it

but accidents happen. My anger was just triggered so easily and mostly by really random things I could

rarely prevent it. Usually the key was to stay focused on something, keep my logical brain moving.

I frowned thinking of my stupid disease when I struck a wrong cord. I shook it off repositioning

my fingers and shaking my head and started when suddenly I was having a hard time thinking and myfingers were in all the wrong places. I tossed my guitar on the bed and kicked the wall. Dammit why

couldn't I do anything right?! Can't even finish one damn song!

Wait Ashton, calm down, I tried to tell myself but it wasn't working. My head snapped up and Iknew what I had to do. I threw on some sweats and went down to the gym, glad it was empty. There

was no time before I completely lost it so I skipped the gloves and just started pounding my fists on the

punching bag. I could barely feel the pain in my knuckles so it was easy to ignore as I tried to channelmy anger. I hated losing control. Why did I have to be such a Freak! I couldn't even play on my guitar

without throwing a freaking temper tantrum. What the hell is wrong with me!

I hit it again and again on autopilot. I still wasn't paying attention to the growing pain in my

hands. I couldn't, the anger consumed me.

After 10 more minutes I was finally tired out, my brain able to function once more. The

adrenalin was gone too so the pain wasn't dulled any longer as the effects started hitting me full force. I

swore as many swear words as I could thing off before I gritted my teeth and inspected my hand. It was

bruised and somewhat swollen but I'd had worse. The thing was that since no one but my family knewof my condition, everyone would see the bruises as evidence that I was in some sort of fight. I kind of

got a reputation of a bad ass completely by accident. But at least since so many people were scared of

me less people were willing to make friends. It was easier to keep most of them away. That way I didn'thave to worry about hurting them.

I went to the kitchen and got ice ignoring Maria as she gave me worried looks. I didn't want tobother with pain meds because they didn't really work. I wasn't really bleeding, so I left quickly after

the ice so, she didn't try to talk me into letting her look at it. It was embarrassing when she bandaged

me up when there was practically nothing wrong.


32/45

I stopped on the way back to my room when I heard voices coming from the guest room.

Curious and needing a good distraction I walked closer frowning and leaning toward the door to hear

what they were saying.

A tutor? I heard Rain ask.

Yeah, mom made Jeremy in charge of your schedule and that includes getting ready for school. But

since your so far behind and because it's dangerous for you to be going around by yourself, with your

sleep disorder, mom thought it was safest to say that your age is 14 and put you in grade nine with me.So in addition to being in your classes I can teach you and help you keep up with your home work,

Jamie explained, although it took me a second to recognize his voice. Was he usually so confident

when talking to girls now? When did this happen?

I frowned when my brain processed another strange thing they had said. To say your age is

14... The way he said it almost made it sound like they were knocking her down a grade, but that

didn't make any sense. There was no possible way she could be any older then 13...could she?

So I'll be in all your classes? she asked and even from the other side of the door I could tell she was

relieved. The shy students stick together I suppose. Oh well, at least now Jamie would have someoneother then the geek, the emo, the gay, and the kid who looks like he never hit puberty to hang out with.

Add an anorexic narcoleptic to the group and I think he's managed to befriend all the weirdest people

you'd ever meet.

Yeah my moms already called in and mostly registered you. We just have to go in a couple days

before to check over everything, he answered.

So what are we going to work on first? she asked sounding nervous.

Reading. But mostly we have to figure out what you've managed to learn already so I don't wastetime teaching you something you already know, he said and at this point they started to go over school

work and I took it as my cue to finish ease-dropping. I pulled away from the door wondering what the

heck was going on? They almost made it sound as if Rain had never gone to school before. Even if shewas homeless there's no way social services would have aloud her to never attend school... is there?

I walked back to my room mulling over the mystery that is our new house guest. I hadn't evennoticed how my mood had stabilized as I kept my mind occupied. Them talking about school work had

also reminded me that we had a mere 3 weeks before school would start back up again. Had the

summer vacation really gone by this quickly? I opened my door and headed over to my phone that I

had left on my desk before dialing my friend Caleb.

Hey man we're going out to The Barking Spider tonight. See you at 9.

Time to make the most out of my summer vacation.


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Rain's POV

It's been 2 and a half weeks since I've moved into the Colt's house. According to a very proudMaria I've gained 20 pounds. According to her I've still got more weight I need to put on but Caroline

said that she was just relieved I looked so much healthier. I couldn't believe how much my body has

changed though. I don't feel like throwing up after eating one plate of food, I don't get pain in my

stomach anymore, and I'm no longer able to see my bones through my skin. After the first weekCaroline took it upon herself to pinch my cheeks and pat my head almost every time she sees me. At

first I just thought that she had gone crazy and started to worry, now I just ignore her strange behaviors

altogether.

I've gotten to know the other people of the house better. The youngest is Mathew. He's five

years old and really 'clingy', according to Jamie. One breakfast he went so far as to climb into my lapinforming me that we could share my plate. I was shocked to say the least but he was too cute to ever

refuse so I hesitantly put one arm around him so he didn't slide off my lap and ate with my other hand.

The younger twins Zachary and Christopher are pretty much permanently grounded. They do

everything humanly possible to try to annoy everyone else. They even started calling me shorty andwhenever I have a sleep attack when they're nearby I wake up with pen all over my face. At first I

thought it was because they didn't like me so I asked Jamie about

Sleeping Rain

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