Right Into The Sea ((PG-13, open))

Jeni laid on her bed, starring up at the ceiling, her music blasting in her ears. That night, like any other, she couldn’t sleep. For weeks now, hell ever sense she got here, that horrible, horrible day had been replaying every time she allowed herself to slip into a somewhat needed sleep. She rubbed her eyes, sitting up, mumbling something about ‘damn nightmares’ and ‘that son of a bitch driver’. She stumbled past the mirror, and flinched at what she saw out of the corner of her eye. “No…” she mumbled, touching the cool mirror. The girl there mimicked the movement. Her hair was in a loose, messy pony tail resting on the top of her head; there where huge bags under her tired looking eyes. The girl was unnaturally pale, her raven black hair only making it look much, much worse. The worst part of it was that the girl was…her. Jeni Elizabeth Carter.

Jeni flinched, and turned away, unable to handle the realization that she looked completely awful. But it wouldn’t stop her. She grabbed her combat boots, her jacket, and her sunglasses heading for the door. She was too tired to care about what she looked like. She walked her head down, hair in her eyes toward the beach. Why? She had no idea; Habit… she thought. But, whatever the reason, she was pretty sure that the beach would just make her feel…better?

She turned down her music, so it wouldn’t cover the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. She breathed deep, taking in the salty ocean air. For what seemed like an eternity, she smiled.

She sat down, close to the water, singing along with the song; It was one of her favorites. “Gomenasai for everything Gomenasai, I know I let you down, Gomenasai till the end, I never needed a friend, Like I do now…” her smile grew as she continued; the exhaustion rolling off in waves, right into the sea.

Alyson growled at Joey. She was in the sleeping bag next to him and pressed against the wall. What she hadn't realized was how big Joey was....and how much she had grown. She would tell him tomorrow but decided to let him sleep for now. Alyson was just nice like that....sometimes...occasionally....okay!, rarely. Aly sat up and carefully stepped out of the crowded cabin. At least at the orphanage, move people had bunks. Here, over half were on the floor. Alyson rarely was cramped but right now she needed a breather.

Alyson was still in her PJs (shorts and a T-shirt that was too big...though her scars still showed), so she decided to go some place secluded. She wanted to get food but....when she looked over that way, it was death dark. Alyson shivered at the shadows and walked towards an area with some light. There was a lot of moon light tonight so, the beach was the perfect spot.

Once there, Alyson made sure that no one was around and started spinning, dancing in circle, laughing. Alyson had seen two people die in her past as well as been through dozens of families...but she was still 8 years old. Suddenly, Alyson heard music. She stopped instently and faced the music to see a girl sitting in the sand. She was singing along with a song Aly had never heard before. Alyson walked over to the cautiously...not sure if she could trust her one. Two, if she was safe to even talk to. "Hi!" Aly said with a childish grin.