Distorted Reflections

Fraught Mediation

A/N: I missed writing this story. So here's the latest adventure of Juniper in this alternate world! All I will say is that the situation doesn't get much easier for her. Enjoy, my readers!

Chapter 4: Fraught Mediation

January 10, 2028

Woods Residence, Juniper's bedroom

8:15 a.m.

After listening to the story Athena pondered what Virginia Woods told her. It sounded hard to believe, but the proof was right there in how Juniper remained unmoving in her bed. Even as her anger wanted to just lash out, Athena did her best to calm down and think this situation through.

"I can't believe you did this to Junie!"

Even if Widget never helped in that regard. To her credit, Virginia Woods took the comment in stride. The old woman understood full well how deeply Athena cared for Juniper. If anything, Virgina felt like she'd failed as Juniper's guardian, and so deserved the defense attorney's ire.

"Please don't apologize. I deserved that," Virginia said. "Right now I need you to talk to my granddaughter."

"Oh, are you saying that wherever Juniper is, she might hear me? Sure, I can manage that," Athena said.

Suddenly, Juniper seemed to twitch, which caused the two women to immediately go to her side. As they continued to watch over her, Juniper made more small movements. Finally she muttered under her breath, "Where am I? It's so dark..."

"Junie! Junie can you hear me?" Athena asked frantically.

"Thena? Is that you?" Juniper said, before falling silent again. Then she was just as still as she was before, and no attempt to rouse her seemed to work.

"Call Juniper's other friends. I really do believe that wherever Juniper is, we can reach her," Virginia Woods said.

Athena immediately took out her cell phone and started dialing numbers.

January 12, 2028

Alternate O'Conner Residence

11:40 a.m.

When they finally arrived at Hugh's house, Juniper knocked softly on the door. As expected, Hugh answered, smiling at the sight of Juniper. The minute Hugh lay eyes on Robin, however, his smile vanished. To his credit, unlike Robin, Hugh waited for Juniper to explain herself even as his eyes narrowed.

"I've been talking with Robin, and I believe that it would do us all good to listen to what he has to say," Juniper explained.

"You really decided to go along with this?" Hugh asked Robin.

"I'm not pleased about this either! But somehow, Juniper convinced me to give you another chance," Robin said. "Don't make me regret this!"

"Hmph. I suppose the least I can do is play the gracious host," Hugh said, opening the door to let everyone in. "Myriam arrived earlier, though, and she was in a good mood. So you'll excuse me if I'm not optimistic about this."

Suddenly, Juniper actually found herself wishing for the kinder Myriam she'd met a few days ago to come back. The judge student had to admit that that version of Myriam was much less of a thorn in... well, everyone's side.

January 12, 2028

Alternate O'Conner Residence, living room

12:20 p.m.

Of the four people in the room, Myriam was the only one that was smiling, and it was her malicious smile for whenever she detected trouble. The atmosphere of the room was unbearably tense, with how Hugh and Robin stared each other down. It was all Juniper could do to keep from bursting into a coughing fit.