(TSF 1 or The Sub-sequent Fate) Hu-mans Path #1

18

     The party had lasted all day. It was now nighttime. CJ and the others were ready to go home. She said her goodbyes as guests begin to enter their vehicles. She finished cleaning up and accidentally bumped into Peter. He was silent and handed her a pile of folded tablecloths. They have not spoken to each other since he saved her from Abbie and Jillian. CJ tried hard to think of words to say and finally spoke.

"Um, thank you very much."

He looked at her strangely. "Y-You're welcome. But, they're just covers for a table."

"No! I mean...thank you. You saved my life. Again."

He chuckled. "Oh, that. No problem, Girlie. Those cloths go in the bottom of the linen closet, in the hallway." He turned to walk away, but she touched his arm. He stopped and looked at her.

He sighed. "Look, I haven't been the nicest person lately. Putting it honestly--I was a jerk. So...can you forgive me?"

She took a deep breath. "On two conditions. Tell me everything you know about changers, and call me CJ."

"Okay, but I prefer Cicely. It's a timeless and unique name, it's pretty much perfect for you."

He smiled at her gently, she blushed and playfully punched his chest. She kept her hand rested there, he absentmindedly moved closer to her. He placed his hand on her forearm. A honking horn startled them and he bashfully pulled away. They turned to look and see. It was a large yellow school bus.

"Your ride's here." He stated

CJ was shocked and overwhelmed. "I'm goin' home...in that?"

He nodded and took the sheets from her hands. "I'll see you around."

She couldn't help but giggle. "Promise?"

Peter chuckled. His smile was becoming enchanting to her. "That's a promise, CJ."

He walked away and stopped, he turned around and watched her enter the large tank with Liam, Devin, Anne, Elise, and Tense.

    CJ was on her way home, she was on a school bus; her driver was a Veer, Antoinette D'Winter specifically. Her new members of Sanctuary were riding along as well, minus the Talbot Family. The point was to make it seem like they were High School students, and what was better than to go home on a school bus?

[She LOOKS like a teenager...she can't pass off for an adult.] She thought.

She jerked, when she felt a tap on her shoulder from behind, it was Devin.

"Don't worry...she does this a lot. With us, appearances can be a little decievin'."

"I get it already! You guys aren't exactly hu-man."

"Annie! Show the new girl what I mean, please?" He said

Anne chuckled. "Any requests?"

Elise raised her hand apprehensively. "Ooh! How 'bout--Valerie, maybe?"

"Splendid. One lady with scary on the side, comin' up!" Anne pulled over the large bus over to the side of the road. She parked it quickly and removed the keys from the ignition. She stood and walked directly toward CJ. "Now, try not to freak out."

The girl looked up at the roof for thought. "Let's see. Valerie Chambers." She closed her eyes for concentration. "British accent, Con-serve looking with blonde hair...got it."

She took a deep breath, her eyes remained closed. CJ watched in amazement as Anne's hair began to lighten right before her eyes. Her  body was thickened and elongated. Her dress stretched down into a set a dark slacks. Her face stretched into that of a mature, sophisticated woman. Anne cracked her neck and finally opened her eyes. They were glowing a bright tint of blue. They slowly faded and shift to Valerie's eye color: blue. She moved forward and walked toward CJ. She was marveled by the sight, as she was face-to face with Valerie Chambers.