Family Reunion

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with her blessing

<< Carole...KAREN was relieved to see that her daughter had TOTALLY written her off. They were touching parts of their relationship that had grown cold. The returning warmth felt good to them both.>>

<< as Morgan reacted to Karen giving Morgan her blessing to go to the Salem Witches Ball, she was touched by Morgan's gesture of concern and empathy.>>

Courtney/Morgan said:
I know what this day is for you...for US and I know that your ultimate goal has always been to keep both of us safe...I know your worried. I don't have to go...
Click to expand...

<< Karen held her hand up and shook her head to the negative>>

No no...

<< smiling at her daughter with encouragement>>

You go on.

It'll be good for you.

It'll be good for me.

and perhaps I'll be able to make progress in my interactions with dear Michael just as I am trying to with you, my dear daughter

But, be sure to let me know you did make it there.

and call...and call...and call...

<< smilng a bit more>>

and If you feel like you've called too many times?

just call once more!

<< winking>>

Go on, have a good time. You've earned it.

I'll be fine.

<< Karen stands up and comes around the desk to meet Morgan>>

Morgan said:
Thanks...Mom. This means alot.
Click to expand...

<< they embrace>>

You're welcome.

Now you better hurry and get ready. You don't want to be late.

<< Karen pats Morgan on her back and sends her on way.>>

<< closing the door as her daughter departed. Karen was confident she'd done the right thing and felt better, knowing that she'd taken the first step toward a healthier relationship with her daughter.>>

<< for those few moments, Karen allowed herself OUTSIDE the persona and facade of "Carole"...unaware that at this very moment, the reason for the creation of this facade was very much alive, very much HERE and closing in.>>
 
and so...

<< the majority of the students and facult board the luxury charter buses and soon, the buses slowly begun to pull out of Hillcrest, one by one in a caravan, carrying everyone for a weekend retreat.>>

<< from a window in her office, we see Dr. Carole Starr standing, watching the buses depart with a pensive look on her face.>>

<< as the buses leave, only she and a VERY small handfull of students remain behind. As far as SHE knows, her daughter, Courtney is preparing to leave for the Salem Witches Ball which starts in just a few hours.>>

<< Sergeant Detective Michael Armstrong will be joining her this evening and they BOTH hope for a deep heart to heart, after all, Carole had already reached an impasse with Courtney and it stood to reason she would soon come to that with Michael. Both of these people meant the world to her, she couldnt let her backstory or her fear "KILL" her future with either of them.>>

<< Hope is stronger than fear, at least that's what Carole believes at the moment.>>

<<MEANWHILE

<< Courtney texts Delilah via her Diva that her mother granted her permission to go the..."GATHERING" she had originally wanted to go to. The news comes as a surprise to Delilah and Ava, who was nearby when the text came through, but Courtney has informed them she will be joining them for Ava's private party instead. A sign that Courtney has allowed herself to draw closer to them.>>

<< and not a moment too soon, considering what is drawing closer to HER.>>

<< and so, as Carole prepares to close up shop in the administrative offices of Hillcrest for the weekend, Ava, Delilah and Nicolas are quietly hurrying about, getting ready for this evenings festivities and anticipating a night of fun.>>


<< What would Carole say if she caught them? What would THEY say if they knew what this day really meant to her or Courtney? or worse...that the meaning of that day had taken an all TOO REAL form of danger so far unseen on Hillcrest?>>

<< we must watch and see>>
 
Delilah and Ava were busy collecting what they'd need for the party that night and getting ready to start setting up at their secret location. Delilah was just thinking that they should have skipped school entirely that day in view of the amount of prep they had to do when her phone buzzed at her.

Delilah's face fell - she couldn't help but be disappointed that Courtney was now allowed to go to the event she'd wanted to. She knew it was selfish, but she wanted Courtney to come to their party. She looked over at Ava.

"Well, Hell's frozen over. Dr. Starr told Courtney she could go to that thing in Boston."

Delilah scrolled down on the text. And her face brightened.

"But she's decided to come to the party instead. That's great."

Delilah smiled over at Ava. She had been worried about leaving Courtney alone with her mother, but clearly she hadn't needed to be. Things were looking up for her friend already.
 
into the evening

<< 2 hours had passed.>>

<< Dr. Starr finished up the work she felt needed to be done before the three day weekend officially could begin for her.>>

<< it was now dusk outside and she was one of only two people in the administrative offices. she was not immediately aware of Delilah and Ava flying about Hillcrest, setting up their party in the basement of recreation hall.>>

<< packing up her leather attache and grabbing her purse, Carole looked at her daughter's picture on her desk. then slowly slowly opened her locked drawer and there was a picture of Blaze, her eldest & deceased daughter. A lingering gaze pushes KAREN to the point of being misty eyed and swallowing an emotional "lump" in her throat.>>

<< her maladaptive impulse kicked in. this was the worst night of nights for her. it was time for a DRINK and the bottle of vodka in her freezer was calling out to her. she would hurry back to her luxury residential apartment to partake of her liquid comfort before Michael showed up.>>

<< with her leather attache on her shoulder and purse in hand, she leaves the office, cutting off the light and shutting the door>>
 
one last look

KAREN shuts off her lights and closes the door. But the fading sun and just dawning moon make just enough of an odd dusk light from the outside to highlight something.

A SHAPE of a shadow cast one of the windows that isnt apart of the usual office setting.

He'd been there for a few moments. Standing outside the window. Watching his MOTHER. He saw her look at the picture of his baby sister, then the picture of his elder sister whom he'd taken long ago.


But even in his mind, there was an appreciation for savoring the moments of this 20 year hunt. Now that he'd found them, he was taking time to survey his PREY up close and personal.

This would be their last night alive and at long last, this would all be FINISHED.

He'd make sure of that.


The thought they'd destroyed him, gotten away from him but they were wrong.

DEAD WRONG.
 
walk of...distress?

<< out of the offices down garden path the sound of Carole's high heels could be heard on the stone walkway as she walked with a moderate pace.>>

<< by now, there was a slight breeze and some leaves were rustling in the air.>>

<< there was another sound...one that made Carole stop and stiffen up a bit as she look back to the offices. It almost sounded...FELT like someone was nearby, WATCHING her.>>

<< after a long pause and looking around, she turned to continue forward when suddenly the bell from the bell towers tolled AND Carole bumped into Ms. Marion Chambers, the school nurse & 2nd in command of the emergency medical team. Even though the bells tolled on every hour, for Carole, who was already in a jumpy, tense mood, combined with the sudden running into of someone she didnt realize was there before...it gave her quite a SCARE as she exclaimed with such a start and flinched.>>

HAHH!

DAMMIT!

<< Carole placed her hand on her chest, near her rapid beating heart as she exhaled with some distress and looked at Ms. Chambers with a flash of displeasure in her opal blue eyes.>>
 
a moment

<< Ms. Marion Chambers was the school's resident Nurse. Highly skilled and experienced, she came with high recommendations to Dr. Starr and has been on staff for several years.>>

<< The students at Hillcrest love her dry humour and quick wit.
The faculty respect her for being so kind and accepting of mutants, never hesitating for a moment to offer support when necessary.>>

<< She was on her way out just as Dr. Starr was, coming from a path that lead to the main path Dr. Starr was on and when Carole was suitably distracted by what she heard, the two women accidently bumped into one another.>>

<< For her part, Nurse Chambers was just as startled, if not more so. Not by the bell tolls but Dr. Starr's own pronounced exclamation and reaction.>>

<< she could see the flash of displeasure in Carole's face. It's a look she'd seen before in years past ...always at this time.>>

Nurse Chambers: Oh god! I'm so sorry Dr. Starr!
 
a maternal moment

<< her breathing regulates and she settles a bit.>>

<< shaking her head as Nurse Chambers apologizes.>>

It's okay...I'm just...a little on edge. I'm sorry I didn't see you.

<< she said with a tight tone.>>

Nurse Chambers: << smiling a bit>> well at anyrate, it IS Halloween. I guess everyone's entitled to...one good scare!

<< Carole looked rather stone faced>>

....I've had more than my fair share.

<<FLASH>>

Oracle said:
<< 20 years ago, Halloween night, outside the Victor home>>
Karen: ADAM!?

<< Having removed the clown mask, Karen and Christopher behold the sight of their son, dressed in a clown costume, holding a large, blood dropping kitchen knife.>>

<<several years later, ANOTHER Halloween night outside Larchmont Memorial hospital. A much young Morgan clutches a wounded Alycia Barnett while Karen casts a powerfull Hellfire spell to KILL her murderous son.>>

Morgan: MOM! he's STILL COMING!?
Click to expand...

<< indeed she'd seen more than anyone at Hillcrest could guess and she had plenty of reason to feel the way she did tonight of all nights. But year after year, as she carried the pain, burden, HAUNT and FEAR of all this...there were those here that noticed how this day seemed to be ESPECIALLY difficult for her. Michael was one of them, Marion another. Marion was a mother too.>>

Nurse Chambers: Dr. Starr, are you alright?

Dr. Starr: eh...<< waving her hand trying to dismiss the notion>> it's just been a long day, I'm tired...my nerves...

<< Marion was not convinced...>>

Nurse Chambers: Dr. Starr....Carole. I know it's not my place...but if I could be just...a little...MATERNAL for a moment? I'm a mother too.

Nurse Chambers: I don't like to see you...<< gesturing to her>> like this. I've seen you like this before. Every year...on Halloween in fact.

<< Carole looked a bit concerned. Though it wasn't possible for Marion to know the backstory, ANYTIME someone seemed to get "too close", it made Carole uneasy. She often didnt realize how visible her distress was to those nearest to her.>>

Nurse Chambers: I just wanted to say...that we've ALL had bad things happen to us. The trick...sometimes the only thing that helps is to try and concentrate on TODAY. One foot in front of the other, no matter how slow the step...and eventually you put ALOT of distance between yourself and the bad that's happened.

<< Carole's facial expression softened. Marion was not just the school nurse, she was a respected colleague and one of the few beside Michael that had shown Carole support that she was either too proud or too AFRAID to ask for.>>

Nurse Chambers: I really want and hope for you to feel better, Carole. Please take care of yourself.

<< Marion reaches for Carole's hand and gives it an encouraging squeeze. Carole returns the gesture.>>

Dr. Starr: Thank you, Marion. You're very kind.

<< Carole said in a lower tone, trying to keep her swelling emotions in check.>>

Nurse Chambers: I'll see you Tuesday, okay! Take this weekend and get some rest. You work hard around here and you deserve it.

<< Marion winks at Carole and walks past her.>>
 
into the night

<< Dr. Starr and Nurse Chambers had been walking together while they talked and where now out in the main courtyard near the gates of Hillcrest.>>

<< Nurse Chambers did not live on campus and so her car was parked near the guard post.>>

<< as they finished and Marion encouraged Carole to take care of herself and get some rest this weekend, she walked toward her car one that looks oddly "familiar" ;)>>

Nurse Chambers: Oh, Carole! Happy Halloween!

<< waving as she enters her vehicle. Carole waves back, watching Marion slowly circle the fountain of the courtyard and finally exit through the gates after punching in her access code on the keypad near the guard post.>>

<< Carole was now alone once more, or so she thought.>>

<< She soon began to make her away across the courtyard, very few lights from windows of studen dorms were on, an indication of those that had remained behind. The campus grounds were rather quiet, save for the evening breeze and Carole's own thoughts in her head, which might have been as loud as a horn section in a symphony.>>

Marion Chambers said:
The trick is....concentrate on TODAY!
Click to expand...

<< it echoed in her mind as she tried to shoo away the OTHER thoughts creeping up.>>
 
Hillcrest- outside of Carole's residential apartment

<< finally reaching her residential apartment, Carole takes a moment to fish her keys out of her purse.>>

<< as she retrieves them, a noise from her right causes her to look up and turn in that direction>>

<< from around the corner, a short distance away, the shadow of a large man moves across the wall and seconds later, the form himself appears, walking toward Carole.>>

<< it's not a man. it's THE SHAPE!>>

<< Carole's eyes widen and her mouth slightly opens in disbelief.>>

no...

<< it's just another emotionally charged hallucination. it HAS to be.>>

<< shutting her eyes and practicing the calming/centering techniques she picked up in one of numerous therapy sessions. if she just calms down...it...HE goes away. just like she did when she "saw" him during her meeting with Dominique, Nicolas and Michael this morning.>>

<< a few moments. she opens her eyes.>>

<< THE SHAPE is still coming for her, walking with a purposefull stride!>>

again!

<< standing there, once more she shuts her eyes tightly. quickly attempting to regulate her breathing and calm herself. a few moments and she opens her eyes.>>

<< HE'S STILL COMING! HE'S GETTING CLOSER!>>

<< Carole...KAREN tries once more...in EARNEST! shutting her eyes.>>

CALM DOWN, KAREN! GET IT TOGETHER. CONTROL YOURSELF!

<< The Shape REACHES HER! It's TOO LATE!>>

<< He GRABS HOLD OF HER ARM!>>

NO!!!

<< Karen shouts! There's a flash of golden light on the place of her arm where she's been grabbed as she flinches and recoils from his touch. another PAINFULL JOLT and REPULSE from a personal WARDING spell as she forcibly shoves the hand away, opening her eyes.>>

<< only she finds it's NOT the Shape after all! It was MICHAEL.>>

Michael said:
WHOA!!! CAROLE!!
Click to expand...

<< Michael...who was not a man easily caught off guard, once again found himself PAINFULLY shocked and repulsed from Carole via her magick. Her extreme reaction indicated she must of thought he was somebody else...clearly someone or something she was TERRIFIED of.>>

...

<< Carole looked truly disoriented as she blinked a few times, her breathing rapid.>>

Oh...MICHAEL!

I'm so SORRY...

<< she sounded very strained>>

<< both of them needed a moment to steady themselves. Michael had never been with a woman who could HURT him like this, nor had he seen someone so hair trigger, exciteable and jumpy! He'd never been with someone like Carole and she had her endearing, redeeming qualities...this WASN'T one of them for him. But even though he DIDN'T know the backstory, he'd learned enough to understand Carole needed support and help. He also knew she loved him, as he did her.>>

<< After their talk at lunch today, he was sure that they'd have a break through tonight...that is if she didnt break his arm with another one of her damn warding spells.>>


<< bowing her head, she placed her hand clutching her keys on her forhead>>

...you scared me and I....

<< shaking her head>>

it's my nerves.

<< Michael was a strong, tough man. The pain from her spell was awfull, but he would survive it. He knew Carole didnt purposefully set out to harm him.>>

Michael said:
your SPELL might mess up MY nerves...in my arm, Carole! that's the second time today!
Click to expand...

<< the sergeant detective frowned a bit with discomfort as he slowly balled his fist several times and flexed his arm to make sure it was still functional.>>

<< Carole looked apologetic>>

Michael, I don't go out of my way to harm you. Surely you know that. I'm sorry about this.

<< after a few moments, Michael softened a bit as he informed her of her "opportunity to make it up to him" during their time together this evening...this weekend.>>

<< Carole looked a bit bemused as Michael gently placed his hand on the side of her face and looked into her opal blue eyes.>>

Michael said:
I'm going to make the rounds to check on the "Hillcrest remains" and I'll be back here after that, okay? Now remember, when I knock at the door, it's ME. Not some monster so don't open the door and fire one of your mystic force bolts at me. Otherwise you could damage something we'd BOTH regret.
Click to expand...

<< Michael said with a hint of sarcasm and humour, trying to lighten the mood a bit. Carole smiled sheepishly as she agreed and entered her apartment, closing the door behind her, leaving Michael outside.>>
 
and so

<< The best things come to those who wait. An age old adage. But in Michael's case, one would also have to be willing to endure an occassional PAINFULL JOLT. Still, both he and Carole had high, URGENT hopes this evening. They both had an emotional stake here and he'd come too far to give up now.>>

<< As Carole entered her apartment, Michael watched her close the door. He totally MISSED another shadow move across the same wall of the building Carole had seen HIS shadow on before mistaking him for a deadly threat.>>

<< the 2nd shadow was the one she SHOULD be afraid of, but as it had been most of the day, she was tragically unaware and just "arms length" from mortal physical danger. she, her daughter, her daughter's friends and her lover were ALL in mortal physical danger.>>

<< For the moment though, Michael, content in the knowledge that things would only get better this evening for he and Carole, made his away across campus to check on those students still here. This INCLUDED Nicolas- who was on probation and barred from all social functions, along with Ava and Delilah who both inexplicably [at least to the casual observer] did not furnish signed permission slips from their parents to go on the weekend retreat.>>

<< Courtney, as far as Carole and Michael knew, had teleported to a gathering in Boston and would return later on.>>

<< Michael's first stop would be Ava's dorm, where Delilah was also. He'd visit Nicolas afterward.>>

<< Inside of Ava's room, the movie Scream played on the flat screen, but neither girl was really watching it. They were both getting ready and gossiping...including Ava picking with Delilah about the date she arranged for Delilah with a guy on campus she was totally into showing up at the party.>>

<< Ava and Delilah scrambled to hide whatever they were doing that might give away their true plans as Michael knocked on the door.>>
 
Delilah loved Halloween, and all through October her favorite horror films were playing on her tv. And here at Ava's was no exception. She looked at the flat screen out of the corner of her eye to catch a particularly good scene, while gathering up some decorations to take down to the rec center basement.

"Mmmmm...Skeet Ulrich..."

She smiled at Ava and continued about her business, when suddenly Delilah's ears perked up. She could hear footsteps. HEAVY footsteps. Not Nicolas.

"Someone's coming!" she hissed to Ava, and started shoving the decorations under Ava's bed.
 
Once Courtney had left with her mother, Ava had no doubt in her mind that she wouldn't be coming to the party. Dr. Starr had her daughter on the tightest leash possible, and when it seemed like Courtney was getting some slack, her mother would tighten it even more. But much to her surprise, Courtney stated that her mom was letting her go to the gathering she had told them about...Ava frowned a bit. But again, the brunette was surprised when Courtney told them she would be going to their party instead. Ava smiled, finally believing that Courtney was not only letting them in as friends, but also considering them friends as well.

So as the hours passed, Ava and Delilah hung out in Ava's dorm room, setting up for the party and watching old scary movies. Scream, one of her favorites, was playing on the flat screen.

Delilah: Mmmmmm....Skeet Ulrich.

"Ew, Lilah. Seriously?"

Ava said with a giggle, knowing her best friend had a fetish for Billy Loomis for years. Looking back down at the blunt she was rolling, she gently picked it up and licked the paper before pressing it together and sealing it shut.

Delilah: Someone's coming!

"Shit!"

Grabbing the baggy of weed and the few blunts she rolled, Ava darted across her room and shoved them into her pantie drawer. Closing the drawer just as the person knocked on the door, Ava began to walk to answer it, looking back to make sure Delilah had hid all the decorations. Taking a moment to compose herself, Ava opened the door a crack to see who it was.

"Oh, hey."

She said with a smile, opening the door fully to show Delilah it was Michael Armstrong.

"What's up?"
 
Mike flexed the muscles of his left arm as he did a final walkabout before the weekend began. It felt like putting a key in a light socket, and he had already determined that he would be playing THIS one up a bit tonight.

But it stuck in the back of his mind...what in the HELL had a woman like THIS spooked? Whatever it was, he was prepared with some goodies in the trunk of his unmarked as needed.

As he walked up to the girl's room, he heard a bit of a hurried shuffle before he saw the young ladies.

"Oh, hey."

She said with a smile, opening the door fully to show Delilah it was Michael Armstrong.

"What's up?"
Click to expand...

He smiled a knowing smile. He knew something was up but he also knew he had been young once and, compared to the shit he saw beyond these walls, he knew that they had angels in their midst. He almost whispered as he spoke, in case he was heard by the wrong ears. He gave Ava two copies of his card, one for each of them.

Just letting you two know to be careful and if you need anything...call me. I know that Carole has been strict on you all and I plan to help mellow her out a bit, get her off your back at least for this weekend. I was young once too. PLEASE do not make me look like a fool for going to bat for you. Take care you two.

He turns and walks off, still smiling.

By the way ladies, don't get caught with that weed.

He turns the corner, headed to the guys dorm to speak with a certain young man with whom he had been all too familiar...
 
The Warden Approaches.

By now Nicolas knew the drill. He would be lectured by Mike while he got to do his reading or some of his research until the Warden finally left him alone. His only worry would be if Dr. Starr ordered some sort of cockblock quarantine, but he had a feeling that she would be too busy wrestling naked with Mr. Armstrong to enforce it. She had a nice shape for an old lady and Mike struck him as the type of dude that liked to get his freak on. He chuckled as he thought of drawing a picture of THAT pairing.

He was old-skool grooving to [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KutXyPEEbQs"]"My Mind Playin' Tricks on Me"[/ame] by Geto Boys when he noticed the knock on the door. he opened it and Mike walked in, his face a mask. He shook his head as he walked past and took a seat.

Kid...are you TRYING to sabotage yourself?

What do you mean Ward - Officer Armstrong?

You are the smartest kid here. Your dossier reveals that if you reach your full calculated potential, it might take almost everyone here to put you down if you go bad. That is a lot of power to inherit. That is a lot of responsibility. It will be hard enough out there as a Black man...and you are a mutant?! And you are powerful as shit?

Dr. Starr wanted you arrested, was afraid of what you MIGHT be if you could scare someone so badly and not understand why that was dangerous. I vouched for you. I KNOW you are a good if mischievous kid...and Carole knows that too. Look, if you will listen to me and keep your nose clean...I will get you cut loose by Christmas, maybe sooner. But you have to work with me. Understood?

Nicolas rolled his eyes and stiffened at first as Mike spoke, but over time he nodded slowly. He understood.

Mike...thanks. I will be on my best behavior.

You better be. Now, give me 10 minutes before you roll over to see those girls. Don't let anything happen to them and if you need something, call my damn number. Got me?

Gotcha.

Not fucking around son. If you make me look like a dumb ass for running interference for you-

I got it man. I...I got it.

Alright then. 10 minutes then you are officially cut loose. Pound.

Mike and Nicolas bump fists and the officer walks out, into the hallway, and down the hall. Behind him, in the room, Nicolas smiled a bit.

Hmph. No dude EVER called me SON. Feels better than I thought it would. I can make it 8 weeks. I THINK I can at least.

Nic settles back in and starts the song over. By the time it is done and he finishes freshening up, the 10 minutes will be gone and it will be time to have some REAL fun.
 
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Mr. Armstrong was hinting that the girls were up to something causing Ava to raise her eyebrows inquisitively.

"Mr. Armstrong--"

But he continued, stating that if they needed anything to call him. He also threw in the guilt card by stating that he was going out on the limb for them and not to let him down. Ava just gave him a sincere smile.

"Don't worry...we're just hanging out watching movies. No biggie."

Though Ava knew that Michael knew they were up to something, she wouldn't dare confirm it to him. Plausible deniability. That's one thing she learned from her father.

Michael: Take care you two.

"Thanks. Happy Halloween!"

As she prepared to shut the door...

Michael: By the way ladies, don't get caught with that weed.

Opening her mouth to object, nothing came out. Slightly stunned....how the hell did he know?! He wasn't a super...they didn't...but...Ava frowned and closed her dorm room door.

"Okay, he's weirdly good at his job...and pretty hot in a man in uniform kinda way. Minus the uniform...if that makes sense. ANYWAY. We should probably start getting dressed, it's almost time for the party."
 
maladaptive comfort

<< inside of her luxury apartment, Carole quickly withdrew a frosted bottle of absolute vodka from the freezer, opened it and began to drink...GULP several swallows of it down as she tilted her head back.>>

<< it was a startling thing to behold for those who werent aware that she was a functioning alcoholic. Even Michael hadn't seen her drink HARD liquor like this, but he did come to realize her penchant for wine and champagne was more than a mere "taste for" these things.>>

<< Shutting her eyes tightly, she swallowed hard before exhaling slowly with muted relief as she leaned forward with her arm on the refrigirator and her head resting on her arm.>>

...just...one day....

<< cut to several minutes later>>

<< Carole is in her shower. She lavishes herself under the Square Rain overhead with a long hot shower. She hopes to wash away the sorrow and pain but she knows from years of carrying it that it wont that easy.>>

<< at some point during the shower, her minds eye unwaveringly fixates on that which she most wants to avoid. she begins weep over Blaze, her eldest daughter ; Courtney...MORGAN'S dear friends- Alison, Haleigh and Cameron ; the heartache, the GUILT, the forever unanswered question ->>

WHY!?

<< She was a loving mother, a firm but nurturing mother. She and Christopher gave Blaze AND Adam a well rounded life. How...WHY did Adam become this...THING OF EVIL? HOW could SHE have given birth to someone...someTHING like that!?>>

<< KAREN sobs in she shower.>>

<< cut to a little while later.>>

<< inside the apartment, the lights are low, with candles providing cozy illumination. Smooth Jazz plays on the system in the living room of the apartment.>>

<< Carole emerges from her master bedroom, no longer looking like the severe and stylish Headmistress of Hillcrest. She was now casual but still looked well put together.>>

<< there was no hint of her emotional despair from earlier in the kitchen or in the shower.>>

<< Carole had put the bottle of vodka back in the freezer...after one more gulp. She brushed her teeth and gargled thoroughly.>>


<< Still, on the coffee table, there was a large, perfectly chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec, a moderately priced sweet champagne that was very pleasing to Carole's pallet. It was purchased from the same store that her daughter had so capriciously shoplifted from only hours ago. On the coffee table was tray of assorted fruits and other suitable finger foods along with two crystal flutes for the champagne.>>

<< On the hearth there were pictures of Courtney along with BLAZE, Alycia Barnett and Carole herself from another lifetime. Because so few people were ever guests in her private residence she never had to worry about hiding momentos of her past in there, but tonight, with Michael coming, she'd definitely be going in another direction.>>

<< soon, with everything ready, Carole a moment to look in a mirror before there was a knock at the door.>>

<< She hesitates for a moment since opening the door and letting him in meant she was really doing this. Finally she opens it. She's greeted by the sight of a casual but no less handsome Michael, who bears a big smile on his face and is holding a PUMPKIN in his arms.>>

a jack o' lantern!?

<< typically associated with this "holiday", it was another reminder of that HELL NIGHT for her, but HE didnt know that. He noticed her somewhat puzzled expression at the sight of the pumpkin.>>

Michael said:
I thought we'd do this right.
Click to expand...

<< He meant well.>>

<< She smiles a bit.>>

Of course.

Come in.

<< shutting the door behind him. now the two were together and out of their usual attire. Carole looked much softer but no less stylish.>>

I'm glad we could have this time together, this weekend, Michael.

<< leading him into her luxury apartment, Carole advises him to set the pumpkin on kitchen island. Michael was one of the FEW that had been here before so he knew his way. still he'd learned not to ask about certain things...pictures that he'd seen before. tonight would be different.>>

<< Back out in the candle lit living room where the smooth jazz plays softly.>>

Let's sit down, shall we?

<< Carole sits beside him. Michael may have wanted to plant a kiss or something but Carole abruptly reaches toward the coffee table.>>

How about a glass of champagne? There's an assortment of fresh fruit and other finger foods to accompany the drink.

<< Carole poured into a flute for Michael and then one for herself. She immediately consumed half of the flute before setting it down and finally allowing herself to engage more directly and personally with Michael.>>

<< He could tell tonight would be very interesting but he had no idea just how deep it would be.>>
 
and so

<< and so, as Carole and Michael began their evening together, so too did the "Hillcrest Remains.">>

<< Ava Cassidine and Delilah Trelevan were joined by Nicolas King as they scampered with mischevious glee across the campus grounds to the building that housed the kitchen and dining areas. For weeks Ava and Delilah had been quietly prepping the sub basement, which was filled with old school furniture and other scholastic relics and decor, for the party. It was the perfect secluded hideaway for an intimate party.>>

<< Now that the evening was at hand, they time had come to enjoy their carefully laid plans and thanks to Courtney and her shocking use of her teleporting power, they were fully stocked with enough liquor to rival even Carole's own liquor cabinet.>>


<< Ava, who had been on kitchen duty earlier in the week, managed to keep the pass keys to secure them access into the building and now, they quietly snuck in. Courtney was not there, which was not unusual for her, since she appeared and disappeared on her own time schedule, but considering that they hadnt seen her since she met with her mother earlier...they WERE wondering where she was.>>

<< they also noted that the night air seemed a bit breezy. lots of leaves were rustling and blowing up from the active air and there seemed to be an almost "ANXIOUS" vibe.>>

<< Anyone who attended Hillcrest understood that "normal" was relative, but there were some things that stood out in spite of THAT even. Was it the collective excitement of the party and a weekend free of Dr. Starr's whip cracking? After all, before they were mutants or anything else...they were young adults and they were doing something that was almost like a "rite of passage" for this time in their lives.>>

<< Ava and Delilah slipped inside, Nicolas was the last...but at the last moment, Nicolas' peripheral vision seems to register the passing of a large form...a SHAPE? was it a shadow? he paused and looked toward where it had been, then to where it should be moving, but nothing. He lingers for a moment, wondering if Courtney might be playing a little halloween joke, but then again...he knows that's not her style.>>

<< Soon, Ava quitely calls for him to come inside and close the door and he does so. They move through the dark halls of the building and make their way down below grown to the sub basement.>>
 
darkness falls

Nicolas King picked up on a presense. No matter. His search was in vain and soon he went inside with the others and as the door shut, only the swirling air and flowing leaves outside would herald the full appearence of THE SHAPE as he lumbered around a corner into open view.

He stared unwaveringly at the door where the kids had once been.

Slowly he looks around.

In the distance he spots the dorm where Courtney...MORGAN, HIS SISTER resides.

His black, souless eyes soon revealed demonic flickering red irises that glowed bizarrely in the darkness that seemed to hover nervously around him.

The HUNT was still in full effect. Sister AND Mother were so close at hand and soon, his hands would be stained with their BLOOD.

It was obvious that the goal would not be immediately reached, with these others- Michael, Ava, Delilah and Nicolas around Karen and Morgan, but that would not stop him.

Anyone who got in the way or tried to interfere would be fatally brutalized. Alycia would soon have plenty of company.

After a few moments, he moves- a slow, steady pace.

The shadows around seem eager to bend and conform to his shape as he moves in the darkness, closing in.
 
Mike picked up the Jack-o-Lantern and made his way to the door. He was casually dressed and as he waited for her to answer the door he thought about the evening to come. His gut told him that he needed to be ready for anything, and so he loaded the car up with some extras and switched out his service revolvers for a pair of .44 revolvers, one by his hip and one at the small of his back, both tastefully hidden unless the Good Doctor decided to finally jump his bones.

<< She hesitates for a moment since opening the door and letting him in meant she was really doing this. Finally she opens it. She's greeted by the sight of a casual but no less handsome Michael, who bears a big smile on his face and is holding a PUMPKIN in his arms.>>

a jack o' lantern!?

<< typically associated with this "holiday", it was another reminder of that HELL NIGHT for her, but HE didnt know that. He noticed her somewhat puzzled expression at the sight of the pumpkin.>>
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I...thought we'd do this right.

Mike was off-the-clock, as it were, but he was in full detective mode due to his gut feeling, her hesitance at the jack-o-lantern was noted and he set the thing on the kitchen island only after being prompted.

Of course.

Come in.

<< shutting the door behind him. now the two were together and out of their usual attire. Carole looked much softer but no less stylish.>>

I'm glad we could have this time together, this weekend, Michael.
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Same here, Carole. It has been too long...

He followed her into the house and she led him to a sitting room. He had been here before, but not with jazz playing and the candles lit. His groin stirred just a bit at the setup, but he cautioned himself not to rush things. Carole, even if this were THE night, would not be simply taken. He settled down beside her and barely toasted her before she downed half the flute and set it aside.

Liquid courage...I get it.

She then finally turned to face him, quiet and actually quite deferential. He was on.

Mike grabbed her face gently but firmly and kissed her, open-mouthed and deeply. Karen went with it but he could see her eyes widen before finally settling a bit into the passion he had only seen flashes of so far. He ulled back, his hands now engulfing hers in her lap.

Do you know why I did that?

Carole, normally not one to be without words, silently looked, mouth agape, then shook her head 'no'.

I did that because I find you irresistible, but I also did it to let you know how I feel. I will be honest with you. I want to spend the weekend making passionate love to you. But I want MORE to understand you and put your mind at ease. You are under tremendous stress and I am here to help you relax, however that needs to be done. The ball, my dear, is firmly in your court.

Mike leaned in and kissed her forehead this time then settled in, pulling the sorceress close and holding her...
 
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