"Okay, I think that's enough questioning." he said after a long while. Leigh nodded, thanking her lucky stars for her understanding host.
"I..I have a few dollars on me," she mumbled, shoving her hand into her pocket. She pulled out about fifty or so dollars and shoved it into his hands. "Here," she said gruffly "Take it. I can't just stay here and not expect to give anything. It'd be wrong." She forced a smile. Max's father looked down at her and smiled.
"It's okay- Leigh. We don't expect anything in return. The shop generates enough money for us to do a few good deeds in our lifetime." He dumped the money on the bed and stood up."You should try to sleep. And dont worry, I'll make sure the boys dont come in here and annoy you." She nodded and lay back down, closing her eyes.
It wasn't long before her world was thrown back into darkness
Kai slumped into the park bench, the soft afternoon breeze ruffling his hair.
What was up with that girl? he thought How could she just talk to me like that? Nobody talks to me like that. He scowled and folded his arms, leaning back into the cold bench. Hmph.Females
Tyson sped up the stairs- and right into Mr. Tate.
"Whoa Tyson. Slow down."the man said, holding his hands up in defence. His eyes narrowed a little. "Tyson, tell me your not going upstairs to annoy Leigh again" The boy smiled innocently.
"Ah...hehe...I'm not going upstairs to annoy Leigh?" he said hopefully. Tyson's second father sook his head.
"Sorry, but she needs her rest." he said, dragging the young teenager back to the shop floor with him. Kenny looked up from Dizzi as he saw the two re-enter the room.
"It's almost six," he remarked slowly. "My parents will probably be getting worried."
The other boys looked over at him when he stood.
"Okay Cheif," Max said cheerfully. "See ya!" Rei stood up as well, having to unknot his hair from a picture hook on the wall. He yelped in pain as Tyson ripped him away from the wall.
"You should reallly cut that, buddy" he said, getting ready to leave as well. "It's past your knees." The older boy growled and pat the end of his ponytail smooth.
"It's my pride and joy," he said lovingly. "I can't cut it." He rubbed it against his cheek.
Everyone sweatdropped and he blushed.
"Okay....Yeah...Going..." he mumbled, still holding onto it. He walked out the door and shut it silently behind him.
"Come on, Tyson." Kenny said dragging his friend out the door. "Bye Max."
"Yeah! See you tomorrow Maxy!" Tyson said loudly. "And make sure she doesn't wake up until I get here." Max rolled his eyes and pushed his two best friends out the door.
"Bye you guys." he said, waving as they walked off down the street. He smiled and laughed a little, then turned back to his father. "Well Dad! What are we gonna have for dinner? CANDY?!" He laughed again and clapped, then rushed to the kitchen. Mr.Tate sighed and punded his fist into his forehead. There was a huge crash and he hurried after his hyperactive son.
Maine winced as her father leaned down over her menacingly.
"Maine! I know you can't lie to me," he rumbled. "You know that simply by telling me where your sister is, you can save yourself a whole lot of trouble. And she'll be back home, safe, in no time."
Her eyes flowed to the floor, it was true. She couldn't lie to her father. Not when he'd raised her, and gave her everything she had ever needed or wanted..
"Maine," Another deep voice said slowly. "Please, tell us where she is. I need her back! I can't go on...w-without her."
Maine's face turned to a scowl.
Yeah right, she thought sourly. You couldn't give a damn about her if it wasn't for the wedding! Just because you want Daddy's stupid title.
She looked up at Tristan and put that agonizingly innocent look on her face.
"I'm sorry Tristan." she said, voice empty. "I don't know where she is." The man frowned and turned away, dark green eyes narrowed in anger.
"I've heard you use that voice before." he said icicly. "It's what you use when you want to manipulate people. I don't beleive it for a second. If you want to leave your sister out to die, fine. We'll just have to find her without your help. It's almost winter, Maine. I hope, for your sake, that she's somewhere nice and warm. Or you'll be the one to blame for her death."
Her father nodded slowly.
The girl kept her head bowed, blue-black hair hiding her face.
"Hmph." Tristan grunted, storming out the door. Her father shook his head and followed. The door slammed behind them, leaving her in the gigantic room by herself. She sighed and slumped back, letting her tense body relax.
She hated lying.
Leigh woke up with a start, sweat pouring down the sides of her face. She breathed deeply, gasping for air. Whe she had settled down, she looked out the window.