The Forgotten

Allergic to Peanuts

Hands trembling, I hand the picture back to Shain. I look at the next item. It's a folded up form. I unfold it and look it over.

It reads:

Gemini: E-6-11; F-6-11.

Gene Analysis:

Blonde

Green eyes,

Athletic

Intelligent

Wrist Weakness

Strong Willed

Tall

Fear of Amphibians

Rebellious On Occasions

Allergic to Nuts.

I don't read on. Information overload.

I was born before my sister. I've never had nuts. Good thing apparently. I've never seen an amphibian, but I guess I shouldn't go near one. That would be embarrassing.

Shain's voice draws me out of my thoughts.

"So, are you E or F?"

"I'm not Raven," I reply. There's no way I could lie now. The game's finished. At least, for Cardinal and Shain. As for everyone else, they don't know; I'm still play acting.

"Did you kill your sister?" she asks. "And Jess?" I shake my head.

"You've probably figured out I'm Forgotten, right?" I ask. She nods hesitantly. "When the Bristills found Raven's body, they immediately covered it up because they anticipated this continuation of killing. They wanted to fool the murderers. I don't think it worked though. York and Janessa, who seem to be in on it, definitely know who I am."

"Because they're Forgotten?" Shain asks.

"They were," I correct. "I think they're out for revenge on all the parents they didn't pick them."

"But they were picked," Shain persists.

"Only because their parents couldn't get the child they wanted," I state. "Forget the motive for a minute. The Bristills got me to masquerade as Raven. Janessa and York want me on their side, so they spared Cardinal. They don't know yet that there's no way I would ever join  them and they're barking mad for thinking of that idea."

"Are they?" Shain asks. "Who killed Jess?" I shrug.

"I think it's Jersey. She did find the body." Shain sighs.

"How long have you been Raven?"

I tell her the truth. "Just since I got back to school. And yes,' I continue, anticipating her next inquiry, "I did trigger the alarm on purpose." She scowls.

"It was for the better," I explain. "It takes an outsider to see how all of you abuse your influence, money, freedom, and power. That's not good. I wanted to show you that, without it being clear who's showing."

Shain huffs, which I take to mean whatever.

"So...they killed Tabitha?" I ask. Shain nods without saying anything. I can't really blame her. I want to, but she isn't upset about my origin. Rather, me getting her thrown in prison.

"They shot her in the back of the head," she says quietly. "Whoever did it obviously didn't appreciate Janessa spilling."

"So she's next," I guess. "Do you know where she is?" Shain nods and together we climb out the window. We have to get to the bottom of this. I'm happy to have Shain around and in on everything. If I'm going to be Nancy Drew, I need a Bess or George. Not that Shain really matches either of their characters. The point's the same though.

Janessa, rather than a servant, is the one to answer the door. She is not happy to see us.

"What are you doing here?" she demands.

"You're going to die," I tell her. She glances around.

She hisses, "Don't you think I know that? I just couldn't let it continue."

"Tabitha is dead," Shain states. Janessa's eyes widen and her face turns pale.

"Can't be," she says. "She's the President' s daughter. They were supposed to wait." Shain and I exchange glances.

I ask, "Wait for what?" Janessa looks nervous.

"Just because I don't want to participate doesn't mean I don't want them to go through with it," she replies coldly.

"They're going to kill you,' I remind her. Janessa shrugs.

"It'll better serve the cause." She sighs. "But you should know, something's going to happen tomorrow. And they know who you are, Eris." I cringe. Having outsiders call me by my name is unnerving. They aren't even supposed to know.

I'd better keep this from the Bristills. If they find out how many people know the truth, they might put me back in the doghouse.

"Have a nice day," Janessa says pleasantly, giving us a fake smile and slamming the door in our faces.

I look at Shain.

"I think they're going to kill you and Rubin in front of people, make a show out of it," I tell her.

"How'd you figure?"

I explain, "You're the children of the President of the United States. They'll want to kill you guys after their other targets." Shain shivers.

"So, what, we'll be their prizes?" I nod. She groans. "I hate being famous."

I laugh. "I won't let anything happen to you. We'll figure this out. Now you need to warn Rubin...and your parents. Tell them about Tabitha."

"They probably already," Shain begins. I cut her off.

"I'll see you at school tomorrow. Don't let anyone get you alone until then." She nods, slightly shaking. That makes me feel...better, I guess. I don't know. I suppose there's something comforting about having a plan of attack. Defense more likely.

I hope we can pull this off.

"Crap!" I suddenly exclaim.

"What?" Shain asks worriedly. I shake my head.

"Nothing major. I just have twenty minutes to get back to the Bristills before Will picks me up." That perks Shain's interest.

She asks, "Wait, are you two gonna go out, like, on a date?"

I turn slightly red.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, we are." She squeals giddily.

"We have to get you back. I'll drive you." I scowl.

"Yes, because I was going to walk all the way back." Shain grins.

"You really are a lot like her." I scowl She shakes her head. "I mean, in certain aspects. That is so something she would say."

"Really? I always thought I was completely original." We get into Shain's car.

She laughs and presses the auto drive, filling in the address and speed.

"In most matters, you are. I wish you could have met her."

I don't reply to this. I don't know if I would have liked her. It would have most likely been really weird for both of us.