Death's Exception

Chapter Seventeen

"Mom? What's wrong?" Titus runs to her, but I sit completely still. I am frozen underneath her terrified gaze. This gaze that looks so familiar it haunts me. It rattles my bones to think I have seen this face before. A face stricken with horror because of me. Titus grabs his mom's arms and tries to calm her down. She starts to sob hysterically, never letting her gaze wonder from my eyes.

"Why is she here?! Get her out of here, Titus. NOW!" Titus steps away from his mom, and looks at me; puzzled. I stare back at him blankly, still sitting at his father's feet. I stand slowly, and try to find a voice I do not have. A strong voice. I voice that will not cry as soon as the words leave my throat.

"Ma'am, I am Rory. I mean no harm." Upon seeing that I am approaching her, she looks frantically around her for something to keep me away. She pulls Titus into her arms.

"What do you want with us?" Tears rush to my eyes and I stumble backwards. What have I done? What has the demon done to terrify these people so? Titus breaks away from his mother's embrace, and steps toward me. His mom gives his a horrified glare.

"Talk to us. Why are you scared of this girl?" The woman looks around the room like she is being betrayed.

"It is all over the news, Titus. This girl can't be trusted. She is a science experiment gone wrong." I grab Titus' arm. My breath catches, and I try to steady myself. Titus turns to me, and holds me up. I let myself mold into his body. I don't dare cry. I don't dare move. I don't dare breathe. The demon said he could do it. He said he could take me and rip me apart and build me in his own image. I am starting to believe him. Just the horror in this woman's eyes works to disguise itself as a mirror. Her gaze works to transform how I see myself. Titus pulls himself away from me. I stand looking at the ground, terrified that my eyes will betray me. That somehow they will again lock eyes with Titus' mom. Titus walks over to a wall, and scans his hand over it. A TV projects itself onto the wall, and a picture of my face appears. This picture isn't made to look beautiful. It is me. Splotchy skin, dominating scar, bright eyes, pitch hair, and everything else that makes me ugly springs from the TV. I reposition my hair to my right shoulder, and try to block out the image.

"National news:

We have all heard about the scientific phenomenon Aurora Destiel. The fifteen-year-old with a second chance at life. Science can and often has created monsters, and we believe that Aurora is one of those instances. We advise all of you to avoid her at all costs for your own safety. We do have people on the job, and we assure you she shall be collected and handled as soon as possible. For more on the subject here is Dr. Finley:

'Hello, Americans. I would like to first apologize for any fear you may be feeling in response to Aurora. She is being handled, and I assure you all will be well before the week ends. For your own safety and caution, I will list the things Aurora can do that you should be respectful of if you see her. She can and will hurt you and your children if not treated harshly, and driven away. She cannot be reasoned with. She is an animal. Do not be fooled with how similar she looks to us." Titus slams his fist on the wall, and the TV snaps off.

"Dang it, you people will believe anything whether there is science to back it up or not!" He storms out of the door, and I follow. My whole universe is crashing down around me, and I have no idea where to start trying to put it back together. Titus rubs his hands through his hair, and rests his face in his hands. I walk up beside him, and place my hand on his back. "I don't know how to protect you." He mumbles. I blink. I blink again and tears rush to my eyes. Titus cusses under his breath, and wipes his eyes.

"Titus, let's drive." He looks at the car, and back at me. We have to get out of here. Somewhere safe. Somewhere we can think and rest. He nods, his eyes wide. He jumps into the car, and I follow. My back is hurting terribly, now. I squeeze my eyes shut as the car starts to drive. The last thing Titus needs to know is how much pain I am in. It would wreck him. Energy starts to leave me, and I stare straight ahead not able to process anything that has happened in the past 24 hourse. I lean my head back on the seat.

"Rory, you should sleep." I don't need him to tell me twice.

"Um, yeah, before I do, Titus- you don't have to do this. Do you think it is worth it? You just left your family." His face hardens.

"Rory, I brought this on you. I can't just abandon you. Listen, we will get through this together." I nod, and stare at the window. Snow falls, trees pass, grass blows, and leaves fall. Flowers bloom despite the cold snow that skirts their roots. I want my painting. I long for the comfort of my four walls. I know that I will never see them again. I will never feel that again. For as long as I am alive I defy death. And, death can't have that. Maybe I will run until I die. Titus sighs, and I look at him out of corner of my eye. He is beautiful. Everything about him makes my heart leap inside my chest. How his hair curls at his brow, how his teeth are absolutely perfect, how he has a dimple on each cheek when he smiles. I am now his burden. I am now a consequence of a decision he regrets he ever made. My lip trembles, and I avert my eyes from him fully. I brought this upon him. The death of his sister, the loss of his job, the abandonment of his family. His suffering has come from my hand, and I can do nothing about it except watch as the light in his eyes slowly dies.