Saint Joseph School

(( OOC: This post started off with a gift from Jaygo but is evolving into an insight to Kali that most here will never see in game. Kali is a dark empath. She struggles with the dark powers she has as a big part of her wants to be cheerful and happy * a "normal" teen and yet this darkness consumes not only her power levels but alot of times her emotional state also. She is much more likely to take things to heart then most people. Altho she does pretty well at hiding it from others . This Gift , will in some ways encourage her to come to terms with her powers and learn to redirect the effects they have on her and become more the person she wants to be. ))

Kali sleeps soundly in the warmth of the dorm room. The blankets pulled up tightly around her as shes curled into a small ball.

Visions of a walk on the docks , sitting on the beach,Him wrapping his coat around her when she shivered ....and a kiss ,
play themselves over in her mind.

Its almost like reliving the experiances again. But something isnt right this time.
This time instead of the sweet voice telling her how much her company is enjoyed all she can hear is the words spoke to Mimi " Kali was my second choice."

Kali awakes slowly. The grogginess fades away slowly and she sits up in her bed rubbing her eyes.

She slides out of the covers and gives a small gasp as her bare feet hit the coolness of the floor. Shuffling her way to the bathroom , she does her business in there washes her hands and then her face to clean the nights sleep from her eyes. she brushes the mane of long dark hair away from her face and heads back to the warmth of the covers.

As she climbs back into the bed a small object on the dresser nearby catches her attention. She looks over to see a small ornate jewelry box.
"That wasn't here before.... where did it come from?" she wonders to herself.
The other girls are still sleeping so she cant ask if its thiers placed there by mistake. So she reaches for it pulling it to her.
A small notecard is attached,She reads it carefully, a smile so big her face should be cracking appears and she opens the box .
Inside is a beautiful jade pendant attached to a small purple ribbon.
Kali takes it out examining it carefully . Her fingers run slowly and gently over the ornate symbols carved on the back. She wonders what they mean. On the front is a sunrise carving. A new day... A new beginning.... maybe both. She decides it must symbolize a new beginning.
Carefully she fastens the ribbom around her neck being careful to pull the hair away from it.

She curls back up into the covers absently playing with the small jade piece as she trails off once more to the land of dreams.
" stop worrying so much about everything and just enjoy yourself for a change" is the last thought she has as she closes her eyes and awaits the alarm clock to go off.more.

The Dance is only a few days away. The last few days have been like a whole new life for Kali.
Her newfound confidence has enabled her to open up a bit more around others and shes made more friends than she dreeamed possible since her arrival.
Sporting the jacket Jaygo placed around her a few days earlier , Kali wanders back out to the spot they sat at by the ocean. She sits quietly watching the waves lap up onto the shore.
Pulling a small brown paper lunch bag from the jacket pocket she takes out some crackers and tosses them to the seagulls as they sail gracefully along the shoreline. Their high pitched cries , a language she wishes she could undertsand.
"you miss them alot dont you?" Jaygo had asked her about her family the day they had wandered around talking.

She hadnt realized til He said it how much it must show. Although she was sure noone else had picked up on it the way He had. Most probibly figured her to be just a quiet girl.

She had called home that very evening after thier date.
" Daddy? do you think I could come home for spring break? Maybe just a few days?" She had pleaded with Him.
" honey ... we have been over this time and time again... Your mother just cant handle the stress... you know how hard all this has been for her..." He told her.
"its ok Daddy.. I understand.... maybe later ... maybe in a month or two..." she tells Him as she fights the tears back. Careful not to let Him hear the rejection she is feeling.
There was so much she wanted to tell Him , she wanted to tell Him about the dance coming up , about the new friends she had made... and she wanted to tell him about the jade necklace too. But she couldnt. Not right now.
" Honey , Im so glad you called... " She knew what was coming next , she had heard it every phone conversation they had since she had been sent to St joes.
" I really have to go hon , you be a good girl and we will talk again soon ok?"

Be a good girl....
What exactly did He want from her? She hadnt even been skipping her classes lately. After the last call , the call Sister Mary sat in on after reporting to Kali's parents her frequent absesnces... Kali had done her best to be in every class. She had turned in every assignment.
She hadnt even made any penguin jokes !!
As she hung up the phone , she played with the jade pendant again.
Her fingers running softly over the sunrise carving.
"yup a new beginning" she thinks to herself. " I have to make a new beginning for myself , one without Daddy and Mom. I have to start being an adult I guess"
As her hand lingers on the phone reciever a moment longer , she looks out the window at the slowly sinking sun ....
Time to go think things thru.

Another Day

Another day like any other day....
Ok well not quite like any other day. Not quite like any other day she could remember actually.

Kali had made her weekly call to her parents home , only to hear the startling mesage ....
I'm sorry the number you have reached is no longer in service, for aid in a local call please contact directory assistance . For all other calls please call your operator. Or please hang up and try your call again

She dialed the number again ... same message . Several more times she tried the number. Each time more urgently and frantically than the last. And each time the same computerized message answered her.


With noone else to call Kali finds her way to Sister Mary. She explains in a shaking voice whats going on and asks if there has been any word from her parents that maybe someone forgot to give her.

Sister Mary .... looks worriedly at Kali for a moment and tells her to calm down ,
" We will find out whats going on together ok Kali?"
she takes Kalis trembling hand and leads her to Mr Conrads office .

Sister Mary motions Kali to a nearby chair and enters Mr Conrads door talking to Him briefly before motioning to Kali once again to enter.


" Sister Mary has informed me of your problem Miss Jade."
He says in a concerned voice. Continueing on He says :
"I haven't heard anything myself , but I will definately see what I can find out. I'm sure its nothing really. Your parents have your tuition to St Josephs paid for the entire year . Maybe theres just some sort of discrepancy with the phone company. I'm sure it will all work out. Give me today to make some calls and I'll let you know as soon as I hear something ok? "
The forced smile on His face tells Kali , He too is concerned about this.

Sister Mary leads Kali out of the office and assures her the best thing to do is go about the normal routine and not worry.

Kali leaves the campus in a daze. She wanders around in no particular direction finding herself sitting on a cliffside in Founders. It isn't her usual spot... no lion to sit beside her. No bridge to dangle her feet over.

The voice that comes over her com asks where she is.
Jaygos voice... " What on earth are you doing there Kali? That areas dangerous to be alone in! "

Within moments , or what seem like moments .. He is there beside her.

"Its ok I was just sitting here thinking is all" she tells Him.

The chat between the two of them is unlike any before and Jaygo looks very concerned.
" Kali... are you sure you're ok? I mean I've never seen you so stoic before..."

Forcing a smile, she assures Him everything is fine. She pushes the emotions down deep. Deep into the blackness of her mind. The familiar smile reappears. The one everyone is use to seeing. The only side of Kali Jade anyone at SJS has ever really known.

After talking awhile the two depart for other destinations. Kali makes an excuse to go... she needs to relase some of the anger inside and she can't ... or won't do it around Him.

Tearing thru Devouring Earth that have invaded a nearby office building, Kali realizes she shouldn't have tried this alone. She isn't a fighter by any means. She's a healer. The thorns from the offenders pierce her skin but oddly the pain is almost welcome.
It brings forth the darkness from within her. Concentrating hard on a nearby Fungy ,the deep pools of her onyx eyes seem to darken more as she let loose a dark blast with more force then she's ever controlled. The blast envelopes the plantlike beast in a flash.. and she can feel some of its energy being drawn back to her. Several more times she blasts the offenders. One after another they fall. Some taking more from her than others. But each offering the little slivers of pain to her that allow her to let go with the release she so badly needs.

When the building is cleared, she collapses to the floor. Beads of sweat drip down her face and the long mane of dark hair hangs moist and sticky to her neck and shoulders.
And in the solitude of the cleared out building she cries. Noone can see her. Noone can hear her here.
After gathering her composure she leaves and heads back to the dorms.

She sneaks quietly in hoping noone has seen her and the state shes come back in. She makes her way quickly and silently to the bathroom , careful not to wake the sleeping girls nearby , undressing quickly and getting into the shower. The hot water feels soothing to her tired body.
She doesn't come out until the water chills and no longer will run hot.

Wrapping a towel around her she heads to her closet to find some suitable clothing , pulling out a long satin nightgown and sliding it over her slim body. Her damp hair causing it to cling to her skin.

She slips quietly into bed pulling the covers up to her neck and reaches over to turn the clock radio on the nightstand on.

The words she listens to are soothing even if to most they wouldn't be

How many times have you told me you love her?
As many times as I wanted to tell you the truth.
How long have I stood here beside you?
I lived through you, you looked through me.
Ooo, Solitude
Still with me is only you
Ooo, Solitude
I can't stay away from you
How many times have I done this to myself?
How long will it take before I see?
When will this hole in my heart be mended?
Who now is left alone but me?
Ooo, Solitude
Forever me and forever you
Ooo, Solitude
Only you, Only true
Everyone leaves me stranded,
forgotten, abandoned
left behind.
I can't stay here another night
Your secret admirer, who could it be?
Can't you you see all along it was me?
How can you be so blind as to see right through me?
Solitude
Still with me is only you
Ooo, solitude
I can't stay away from you
Solitude
Forever me and forever you
Ooo, Solitude
Only you, Only true


Her eyes close and she drifts into the much needed and yet much avoided sleep.

Days have passed , Mr Conrads has been working thru His contacts to find out any info He can on Kalis parents.

The phone number is still not working and the agent that checked thier house reported back the house is empty with a realtors sign out front.
He did manage to get the Realtor agents name and number from the sign.

Me Conrads calls the number , asks for the Agent and explain in very little detail His need to contact Mr & Mrs Jade. She assures Him she will pass on the message imediatly.
Twenty minutes later Mr Conrads recieves a call from the family attorney.

" Mr & Mrs Jade would like to relinquish temporary Guardianship of Kali to St Josephs if possible.... they assure me they will continue to pay her tuition and for anything the girl should need . But they wish no further contact from her directly. As such thier new address and phone number are to remain off the records and any questions should be directed to me."
Mr Lewitt , the attorney awaits the response quietly.

Mr Conrads sat in shock for a moment. Never would He have seen this coming. His meeting with Kalis father when she was enrolled gave the impression of a close family . The father seemed genuinely concerned for his daughters well being and the chance to come to grips with the changes suddenly occuring with her body.
" Of course we will continue to take care of Kali "
He speaks in a stunned voice.
" Is there anyway I could speak to Him directly Mr Lewitt? I do have some questions as to what exactly this Guardianship will entail andHis intentions for her."


" Any questions you have please feel free to ask me Mr Conrads, as I said earlier the parents wish no more contact with her or the school"

The attorneys voice was monotone almost emotionless.


" Yes , yes , I understand... Well , Ill speak to the Sisters who run her dorm and her teachers and get back with you this afternoon then. "
Mr conrads tells the seemingly cold Mr Lewitt.

" Please understand Mr Conrads , the choice was not an easy one for Mr & Mrs Jade to make. They are deeply troubled with her well being. They just feel its best for all involved considering the events recently after her last call to them. Her mothers emotional state is very fragile and at this point its the best way to have it handled. "

" What events exactly are we speaking of? I wasn't aware anything had happened"
Mr Conrads asked in a confused tone.

"After the girls last phone call..... her mother had a terrible breakdown , she had to be hospitalized. She hasn't come to terms yet with Kalistas changes yet. She still feels her daughter is...... "
His voice trails off for a moment..
" possessed.... I know its preposterious Mr Conrads but thats how she feels. She feels the best thing for all of them is to put Kalista in your care."

The statement hangs in the air a moment while Mr Conrads keeps His professional tone.
" well as I said we will continue to care for her. And you can assure the parents she is not possessed Mr Lewitt. She is a gifted child. Not unlike most the other gifted students housed here at SJS. She has been adjusting slowly but well. I thank you for your time and I will call again if I have anymore questions."
He hangs up the phone and sits back into His chair.
Now.... how to inform the young girl of this news.
This would not be an easy conversation. He would need a little time to discuss it with Sister Mary before calling Kali into the office.

Kali leaves Mr Conrads office numb.
The shock of her parents decision and the ease at which they seemingly tossed her aside soaking slowly in.
Sister Mary has an arm around her walking alongside her. Neither say anything. Sister Mary just follows along side Kali watching the girls face carefully and with much concern.

Arriving at the door to her dorm room she looks to the Sister and thanks her for her kindness. She enters the room and looks around to see if anyone else there before collapsing on her bed.
No sign of November ..... Her side of the room is picture perfect as always.
Grabbing a large over stuffed velvety teddy bear , Kali curls up in the blankets not bothering to remove her shoes or change.
Its still morning. She should be in class , but she lays there quietly .
There are no tears , No breakdown , just a numbness inside.

She wonders how they could do this.... why would they do this.....

Absent mindly she runs her fingers over the jade pendant.

The symbols still have an unknown meaning , but the sunrise is now even more significant to her. A new beginning she had thought when she found the gift. And a new beginning was exactly what she was recieving. Whether she was ready or not.

She lays motionless. And in the darkness of her thoughts it comes to embrace her. The tenticles rise slowly and purposefully up from under the bed and wrap around her. Not like when she has called upon them to use on others. Instead like gentle arms holding her close. Comforting her and reassuring her. For the first time she understands the powers arent a curse. They are a part of her. A very special part .

Days have gone by slowly. Kali has remained somewhat numb to everyone and everything around her. The change in her is apparent to many now. Even Jaygo has began to avoid her. Or so she feels.
She meets with Kris , listening to Kris's problems with the others in Q5 and offering her own advice. But afterword Kali spills everything from inside herself.
How could she have told Kris everything? She didnt even know the girl that well. She didnt know any of them that well.
Kris offered help with Kalis plan to go look for her parents. She had connections ,

" just wait a few days Kali I'll see what I can find out ok?" she told her.

When they parted , Kris gave her a much needed genuine hug. One friend to another.
She watched Kris leave the beach , off to make amends with Stasis.

Kali sits once more in the sand. The soothing sounds of the water helping to relax her. Its getting dark. The setting sun making calming colors of purples and blues against the darkening sky.

She removes all her clothing exept her bra and panties , laying them carefully on a nearby rock.

Slipping quietly into the cool water she swims out a few feet , careful not to go too far. Just a few moments to feel the water around her. To feel the little fish nibble her toes as she treads water.
She swims back to shore , sliding her wet body into the leather pants. Tugging and pulling and giving a giggle to herself at the lack of thought to getting them back on when she took them off.

Her clothing clinging to her still damp skin she heads back to the dorms. She needs to shower , change and make some inquiries on a bus schedule.

Noone would even realize she was gone she was sure.

7:00am.... she awakes to the alarm. She dresses quickly in her school uniform and grabs her carefully packed bookbag. It had to look normal. It had to appear like any other morning.
She knew November would ask questions if she left out uniform.

She makes her way across campus quietly and purposefully. The bus station isnt very far away. She can be there by city transit in only maybe half an hour. Then its home to Illinois. She can get answers there. She can find someone to tell her what she needs to know and be back tomorrow , the next day at the latest.

Going Home

The bus ride is longer than she had thought but its been awhile since she made the journey to SJS with her parents. On the way here with them she had spent most of the trip sleeping in the backseat of the car.
She never has been much for driving. All couped up inside the car she couldnt feel the breeze and it felt stuffy and sleep would come easily and take her to other places so she could forget the fake cool air that forced its way thru the car.

Laying somewhat curled up against the window of the bus, her feet pulled up under her and her uniform jacket pulled in close Kali watches the scenery as the bus rides along the countryside. Every once in awhile she pulls her long dark hair away from her face.
14 hours later , and hundreds of miles of interstate behind her the bus pulls into the airport parking lot.
Kali makes her way off the bus, bookbag slung over her shoulder.

" Miss? Did you have luggage under the bus?" the driver asks.

"Oh no , thanks but I only had this bag" Kali replies with a somewhat lost expression.

Kali watches as other peoples loved ones welcome them with arms extended. The smiles and laughter coming from them as they hug.
But there is noone here to welcome her. Noone even knew she was coming.

Looking around she now realizes she hadn't thought this plan out very well.
She never thought out how she would travel around town , or where she would stay tonight.

"oh well , no time to worry bout that now" she mumbles to herself as she makes her way through the other people and across the parking lot to the airport .
Inside she finds a line of payphones and digs thru her purse for some change.
She makes a few phone calls , finally getting ahold of an old friend.

" Maddie? it's me Kali! I'm here for a day or 2 and I was wondering if you can come pick me up at the airport? Yeah , I just came in on the bus. "
Kali does her best to sound cheerful and excited to be back.

" Ok great I'll wait at the main doors.
Yes I am soooo glad to be back. It's just a visit but I have missed you guys so much!" She exclaims.

The last part wasn't fake at least. She had missed everyone here.

Kali stands at the doors fidgeting from side to side as she waits. She has doned her forced smile so well these past months and noone even catches on that on the inside its the total opposite. So once again she smiles.... She smiles at the other people as they pass through the revolving door to the airport lobby.
Just some happy school kid home for Easter break is her appearance to everyone else.

Maddies little sportscar pulls up. The cd player blaring loudly as she flashes a smile and waves like mad at Kali.

Kali half runs to the car, throwing her bookbag into the backseat as she hops in. Her smile is real now. Shes happy to see Maddie and the two hug and squeel as they reunite.

" Ok where are you staying?" is Maddies first question .
Followed quickly by ,
" how long are you here for?"
and
" Oh my Gawd Kali you look great !"

A light flush appears across Kalis cheeks as she begins to answer..
"Thanks... . well Im only here a day or two then I need to get back to school. and Umm well I was hoping I could stay with you? My folks are busy this weekend and I really wanted to come back and see everyone before thier move is finalized."
Kali does her best to sound like she knows all about her parents sudden move. She wants information but she doesn't want Maddie to know the truth about her being deserted.

"Well pffft of course you can stay with me! Why didn't you call and let me know? My mom won't care at all , she loves you to death you know that!" Maddie rambles on a bit more but Kali is dazed looking around.

"Hey Maddie?" Kali cuts her off unintentionally , " Wheres Joser at these days? I mean do you talk to him much?"

Maddies facial expression does a sudden 360 as she replies.
" I umm ... I thought you knew Kali.... He left her not long after you. He moved to Paragon. "

"oh ... well yea I kinda knew I just wondered if you had heard from Him is all" Kali replied.
She remembers the night He came to Pocket D. And how she had pretended not to know Him in front of the kids from school.
Especially in front of Jaygo...
She sits quietly for a moment ashamed at how she had so coldly reacted to Him.

Maddie drives through the city and Kali asks her to stop by the old house a moment.

" I wont be long, I just need to look inside real fast and make sure the movers didn't miss anything" she says , trying her best to sound convincing.

"Um sure " Maddie replies with a confusd look on her face.

She dirves down the tree lined streets half watching Kali and half singing to the song currently playing.
Still trying to look convincing, Kali sings along too.

Both girls singing , Kali quietly , more mouthing the words than singing them . And Maddies raspy singing voice , oblivious to any onlookers as they drive

I tear my heart open, I sew myself shut My weakness is that I care too much My scars remind me that the past is real I tear my heart open just to feel
I tried to help you once A kiss will only vise I saw you going down But you never realized That your drowning in the water So I offered you my hand Compassions in my nature Tonight is our last dance
I'm drunk and I'm feeling down And I just wanna be alone You shouldn't ever came around Why don't you just go home?
Cause your drowning in the water And I tried to grab your hand And I left my heart open But you didn't understand But you didn't understand
You fix yourself
I can't help you fix yourself But at least I can say I tried I'm sorry but I gotta move on with my own life I can't help you fix yourself But at least I can say I tried I'm sorry but I gotta move on with my own life
I tear my heart open, I sew myself shut My weakness is that I care too much My scars remind me that the past is real I tear my heart open just to feel


The song ends , the two girls still repeating the chorus as Maddie grips the steering wheel and sings loudly.
" Repeat !" Maddie exclaims pushing a button on the stereo " I love that song!"

Kali smiles. " yea me too"

They pull up in front of the large modern Bi-Level home Kali once lived in.
" I'll just be a second" she says with a smile as she jumps out of the car and walks briskly to the front door.

Holding the Realtors lock in her hands she glances back to Maddie briefly and begins to concentrate on the lock. She gives a shove upward followed by a hard tug back and the lock snaps open.
No harm no foul she sighs with relief. Kali then takes her keys from her purse and opens the lock on the door handle.
Smiling back at Maddie she holds one finger up in the air then quickly dissappears into the house.
The house is totally empty other than a small card table and 2 chairs in the dining room. Atop the table is a small stack of realtor papers. Specs of the house printed out for interested buyers.
She wanders through. her hands running along the walls.
Nothing.... absolutely nothing. She can't pick up any feelings at all here. She was sure she could.
She walks down the stairway to the family room downstairs. Still nothing.
She passes quickly through the empty rooms , looking sadly at the once photo filled walls. Stopping outside her old bedroom door, she reaches for the doorknob and opens it slowly.
Her surprise at what she finds comes out in a gasp. The room is just like she had left it. The canopy bed, its white lace canopy now somewhat yellowed and dusty. The matching bedspread still covering it. Stuffed animals crowded into nets hanging in one corner. Pictures of her parents and her friends line the top of the vanity.
She opens drawers only to find her clothing still there as well.
Kali sinks slowly onto the bed. She wants to cry but she can't.
And suddenly it hits....
Flashes of emotions hit her full force. Not her emotions.... ones left in this room.
Her mothers angry voice, Her fathers sad pleading voice. She cant make out whats being said, Only the emotion behind it.
Looking across the room she notices Maddie now standing in the door. A look of panic and terror on her face. Now Kali realizes the tentacles are once again wrapped around her. Long black arms comforting her. One in particular seemingly stroking her hair.
Just as suddenly they are gone.

Maddie stands in the doorway ....
" Kali... what is going on?? And don't tell me anymore stories! Tell me the truth! Tell me now or I swear I'll leave and never speak to you again!" She yells at her.

Kali tells Maddie everything. The powers , the desertion of her parents, it all comes out. It comes so fast in a jumbled mess and she knows Maddie can't possibly understand. But the girl tries. And much to kalis surprise , Maddie comes to the side of the bed and hugs her. "Come on Kali lets get out of here."

Maddie leads Kali by the hand and both girls leave the house. Kali leaves behind much more.
She knows now what she came for. Tomorrow she will head back to the school.

Some Things Never Change

Kali awakens early... its 4:30am.
Outside its still dark , the stars dimly light the sky outside Maddies bedroom window.
Kali slowly and carefully crawls off the bed , careful not to awaken her sleeping friend. She grabs her bag sliding a note she wrote Maddie late the night before on the nightstand next to the bed.
Dear Maddie ,
I had to leave and head back to school. Sorry I didnt tell you but you were sleeping and I figure I have prolly made a big enough mess here anyways. Here's my new address and I hope you will keep in touch. I will try to visit again after schools out for summer. This time I promise no secrets and no surprises. By the way , Im sorry for leaving like this but the truth is I didnt tell anyone at St Joes I was leaving so right now Im in a lot of trouble. Ill let you know how things go after I get back there.
Friends forever ,
Kali

She Grabs the bag she repacked the previous night and quietly makes her way out of the Tudor style house Maddie shares with her mother and younger brother Alex.

Walking towards the Train stop she takes a slight detour back towards the house she had shared with her parents. She walks quietly past the front walk gazing at the front door as she passes. The tire swing hanging from a large Oak tree limb swaying slighty in the breeze.

Continueing down the road past the house she makes a turn down a small gravel road. She can smell the water before she can see the moon reflecting off of it.
The Marina sits quiet at this early hour. The birds normally flying and squacking thier pleas for a few chips or crackers to be thrown thier way still silently sleeping.
Kali makes her way down to the boat docks. She walks out onto one of the small piers feeling the water sway it beneath her. Here she sits.
There is no lion here , No large guardian to hide behind. Just water and sky and a million stars surround her. She lays back resting her head on her bookbag and looks to the stars above. The gentle sway beneath her is comforting. Like someone holding her and rocking her. She closes her eyes for a moment and imagines it . How good it felt and how right it had seemed.

The sun is starting to peek up along the horizon now.... the dark night sky changing gradually to pinks , oranges and reds. Time to move on, she has to get to the Bus and get back to St Joes. Already she is readying herself for the lectures and reprimands to come.

She makes her way back up the road , her tennis shoes crunching through the gravel as she walks. As she approaches the main road Maddies car pulls up.
Get in you goof! Maddie exclaims with a half frown half grin on her face.
I swear girl , I dont know where your heads at but you know Id never leave you hanging. Get in Ill get you to the airport

Kali smiles , opens the door and slings her bag into the backseat. Sliding into the front she thanks Maddie and relaxes against the soft interior.

How did you know Id be down here? Kali asks looking to Maddie.

well , I drove past your old house and took a lucky guess Youd stop here. You always come down to the marina when somethings bothering you. Maddie tells her with a grin.

Kali smiles back. Yea , I guess I do huh. Some things never change.

Maddie pulls inot the Airport parking lot and follows the signs that lead to the Bus terminal in back. She waits quietly with Kali for the bus to arrive.
7am... Kali boards the buss waving a sad goodbye to her friend. Neither girl say anything. Enough has been said for both for now.

The bus pulls away and Kali curls up into her seat. The trip back will be long. Maybe she will sleep

All Aboard!

Kali half sleeps as the bus makes it way back to Paragon. The little jolts from bumps in the pavement and the bright sun coming through the small window keeping her from drowsing off totally.

As the bus pulls into a stop in Columbus, Ohio the driver announces a short layover.
We will be stopping to refuel and pick up passengers here , Restrooms and a small cafeteria are available but be back to board the bus in 30 minutes please.

Kali makes her way off the bus with the other passengers. Heads into the cafeteria and orders a coffee. Shes never drank coffee before but its the cheapest drink on the menu and she has spent almost the money she brought with her. She didnt realize how expensive the short trip would be.

As she sips the warm liquid she she tries to ignore the odd taste focusing more on the smell. She likes the smell , that alone is making it tolerable to her.
Thinking back she remembers Joser trying in vain to get her to try it before.
Come on ! Just take a drink! How do you know you dont like it if youve never even tried it? He had said.
She wishes He was here now. She wishes she hadnt been so cruel and cold to him. Maybe she wasnt as different from Stasis as she had thought. Maybe Stasis wasnt as cold as she had thought. Maybe she should give the other girl a chance before she passed so severe a judgement.
Funny how opinions can change just when you are sure you know things. And even funnier how much you can discover you really dont know at all actually. she thinks to herself.

The driver calls for the passengers to reboard and Kali realizes shes been dazed off in the land of daydreams again. A whole half hour had passed and she hadnt even realized it.
She tosses the half full cup into the trash on her way out and reboards the bus.

Situating herself again in the seat she smiles at an older couple in a nearby seat. The two retirees sitting holding hands like a couple of school kids. That thought diminishes the smile and returns her gaze to the window and the long trip still ahead.

((Okay, just because I would not want Kali to feel like no one reads her thread, I am interrupting to say I love it.

Okay, carry on.))

Barrier wrote:((Okay, just because I would not want Kali to feel like no one reads her thread, I am interrupting to say I love it.

Okay, carry on.))

(Have you seen the view count.. plenty of people are reading this little gem... gotta agree with you though.. good stuff )

((Definately! I love reading this, Kali!))

Star light Star bright

Sister Mary has been watching Kali like a hawk since her return from her " little escapade" . The older nuns dissappointment in Kalis actions has been quite evident .
I really thought you to be more level headed than to run off like that Kali , what if something had happened to you? We wouldn't have known , who would have contacted us? You didn't think about that did you?
Sister Mary had said alot more than that even. Carrying on like an old mother hen. In a way Kali had liked all the fuss the old woman made. It had been a long time since she had felt as if someone other than Jaygo cared. And now.... well even He didn't seem to. She was sure He didn't understand why she broke things off the way she had. But as hard as she had tried there were somethings she just couldnt forget. She had forgave sure... but to forget wasnt as easy as she had thought.

Classes are over for the day and Kali has been " grounded " to St Josephs campus until further notice. She is unable to leave the school grounds without a school escort.
Quill Windwalker offers to take her on a training exercise.
C'mon Kali , it'll get you off campus a little while and let you blow off some steam.Besides you know how much Quilly loves smashing things He had said with a grin.

She gets permission from Sister Mary and tags along behind Quill.
Quill was right... it is what she needed.
The team goes thru many training exercises. By the end of the night Kali is worn out and ready to head back to campus.

Thanks Quill... maybe sometime I can buy you lunch to thank you . she tells Him as they head back to the school.

She sneakily seperates from Him enroute back to St Joes... His voice comes over the comm.
Kali ? where'd you go? You know I cant go back without you c'mon! Sister Mary will be all over me!

I'm right behind you honest!
she tells Him. In truth she just wanted a few moments alone to fly over the water and look at the stars.

As she approaches Peregrin Ferry she descends to the parking lot outside the docks. So many people still wandering about for this time of night.
She is about to board the Ferry when she feels something strange.
Her skin erupts in a series of goosebumps and tingling sensations.
Then she hears Him.

Kali? Honey? Is that you? She spins around to face the speaker , a shocked expression crossing her face.


Daddy.....

Daddys Little Girl

The shock on Kalis face is quite evident. She cant believe He is standing there talking to her as if nothing has happened.

Honey ! Its so good to see you! God how I have missed you , look at you! You look so much different ! Older more mature perhaps .... Hows my babygirl doing? The compliments dont stop , the broad smile on his face never changes.

Suddenly it hits her like a ton of bricks. His smile never changed.... just like hers.... a fake forced smile made for everyone else to see

She doesnt answer , just stands staring dumbfoundedly.

Honey? Are you ok? C'mon sweety dont be upset , I came to see You I came to talk to you... it wasnt easy to find you , I couldnt goto the school I had to ask around and find out what areas you frequent.

Still not answering she stands wondering who He has questioned , how Did he know to be in Peregrin , even she hadnt know she would be there til right before she had come. But it was true she had been frequently there as of late.

Slowly and methodically she lifts the comm to her lips , speaking quietly and tryin to keep her voice steady.
Quill..... I need just a few more minutes then i will meet you at the train in Talos ok?

Quills voice comes back , Hes always so kind , but you can hear the slight annoyance despite His efforts not to be
ok sure kali , just let me know when and try to hurry we cant be late ok?

She looks up at her father , her dark eyes smoldering.
You have 10 minutes at most and I have to leave other then that you can meet with me at the school
Her voice comes across cold , almost hateful to him. But inside she is holding back from running to Him and hugging Him. She has missed Him and her mother so very much.

Honey come sit on the bench with me at least. I need to explain..... He tells her as He reaches for her hand.

Drawing her hand back quickly as if he were one of the diseased Vahz from the sewers she hisses back
Damn right you need to explain ! What do I look like to you? Some babydoll you can toss away when it doesnt look new anymore or breaks? Well Im not a doll ! Im your freakin daughter!!! Did you ever think of that??? Did YOU???
She is almost screaming at Him . People passing by stop and look then lower thier heads and hurry away.
A black mist is forming around her , shielding her from the accusing looks and thoughts around her. To anyone near the mist counteracts and confuses them. They stumble away not knowing what is actually going on.

Kali please ... please just let me explain His voice sounding urgent , His eyes pleading and the smile gone.
She stops , holds in the rage thats seeping out of her.

Well tell me ... go ahead explain... tell me she hisses at him.

Good lord Kali... you have changed so much... you have really grown into a lovely young lady havent you... The words are genuine. She knows this but at this time they arent the words she wants to hear.

Just tell me!!!! holding back is getting harder but so far she is doing well.

You look so much like her Kali.... I wish you had known her... I never in a million years thought you would change so much. You have her eyes.... she could pierce thru anyone with those dark eyes of hers. She looked so innocent and yound Kali... so much like you right now.... He was babbeling now .. He wasnt making sense at all.

what are you talking about??? who is SHE? You dont make sense daddy.... the rage within her is fading ... the confusion is now taking over and the mist fades away slowly. Her dark eyes soften , saddened , unable to understand the jumbled conversation.

He reached into His pocket and pulled out a worn and faded photograph handing it slowly to Kali.

She reaches for it timidly. As she looks at the photo He continues to speak.

Her name is Imaya , She was of native decent I think Im really not sure , ..... I only knew her a short time. A few days actually... I met her when I was in Nevada on a buisness trip . Things happened ... things I cant and wont go into right now. And anyways several months later she contacted my office asking me to please contact her it was urgent. When I called the number back , she told me she was with child.... she didnt want to try and raise her baby there in the situation she was in. She was going to place it for adoption unless i wanted to take responsibility.
Telling your mother what had happened and what was to come was the hardest thing I have ever done. Well almost the hardest...
He stops briefly , its obvious Hes thinking how to finnish the story.

Kali sits speachless. Staring at the photo in her hands. The woman in the photo was beautiful. The same face , same eyes , same spots... those horrid spots Kali had hated so very much all this time. But there they were , gracing the face of what Kali thought was the most beautiful woman ever.

Your mother couldnt have children so at first I tried to make up a story I thought she would believe and go along with... I told her I knew a woman from the office in trouble.... and that she was offering to let us adopt her child as she knew we wanted one of our own. At first she seemed to go along with it and seemed happy. When we went to pick you up after you were born , your mother .... your real mother .... made a comment. She looked at me and said I think she has your nose and my eyes. Please take good care of our baby. It was all out then. In just a few moment my whole story had fell apart and all I could do was wait for the reprocussions to follow. But your mother... the mother you know... she never let on she had heard. She raised you just as if you had been hers all along. We were happy Kali ..... remember how happy we were??
And you didnt look like her... there were no signs of her abilities... I never thought... I mean I never thought we would have to explain... I never dreamed you would be so much like her



His eyes well up with tears . Kali is numb. She cant let him continue. She understands everything way to well now.
Standing up she hands her father the photo and begins to speak.


I have to go.... I really have to go daddy. I do want to hear more but I cant.... not right now... please... call me or meet me here tomorrow again? I just ... I just really need to go please...

How could she feel anything but remorse for the way she had reacted to him. She wants to hug Him , she wants to stay and listen to more. But she knows she has to get back and she knows Quill is probiibly frantic by now as she realizes at some point she had shut her comm off.

He stands from the bench wiping his eyes with his finger tips. Once again He opens his jacket and inserts the photo. He then pulls out a business card and hands it to Kali.

here is a number to contact me at Kali. Please do call , theres more to tell you when you're ready .

As the sun does rise

Its morning now. On Novembers side of the room the sun shines bright and cheerfully through the well dressed window. On Kalis side , the window is covered with dark curtains . Blocking the harsh morning rays.
Kali wakes as the alarm sounds , smacking the top with her eyes closed and wishing for just a little bit longer. Its going to be a busy day . She has to make all her classes. Her security Level exams are approaching even faster than she had antcipated and shes nervous she wont be ready.
She crawls from the warmth of the covers and goes through her normal routine.

The day flows on. Everything just as normal as any other day. Lunch time comes and she makes her way to the table she shares daily with Sapphire Angel. Slipping into her regular seat she begins to pick at her food.
You alright Kali? You look like somethings bothering you...
Sapph asks. Things have been a little different between these two lately. both have feelings about the others involvement in recent happenings that neither have expressed to the other.
Yea I'm ok , just had a late night is all , kinda blah feeling today
Kali answers.
The girls resume the normal chat and gossip they share at this time every other day. Who did what to who , what either heard or saw during the morning classes etc.
Hey Sapph? You think maybe we could catch a movie or something this weekend? its been awhile since we went and blew off studies.
Kali asks with a grin.
The bell sounds and Kali grabs her tray adding she and Sapph can catch up later and talk about it again. She has to make it across campus to appologize to Quill for losing Him the night before and make sure He didnt get into much trouble for returning without her the night before.

Kali doesn't find Quill before the next class begins and hopes Hes not too upset with her. She will look for him later and try to make amends with Sister Mary if He got in too much trouble for things.
The afternoon classes go by smooth and easily. Or at least they seem to. Kali really hasn't paid much attention. Shes anxious to get them finnished and go someplace to make her phonecall. She has a second meeting with her father to schedule. Theres alot of things left unsaid for both.



(( OOC: feel free to post anything you want thru here. Interactions between Kali and her friends is helpful ))