Would You Believe Me?

JOIN THE PARTY.

Ever since she awoke from the ashes, Charlie has been terrified. She lost everything in the fire. Her home, her belongings, her entire life. She hid herself away, choosing to bed-up underneath a bridge. A couple of other people lived there, runaways, and they had no problem with letting Charlie into their home. These hobos included; Mary, the mom of the group, Marcus, the playful, but responsible one,  and Sam, the mischievous one. They'd all been friends for a long time, and they  ran away together. Why? They didn't tell. Charlie didn't mind this. 

On her first night with them, she'd been startled and set her hands ablaze. This frightened everyone, of course, but it was revealed to be a miracle. She lit fires for them to stay warm, cooked food, and was extremely warm to cuddle with on cold nights. (She also scared away raccoons and such.) Charlie didn't really like being touched, but she allowed it. This was the closest to family she had. 

Weeks later, the group was out and about looking for food. Digging through trash, stealing, or getting kind people to offer them small treats. Charlie in particular had her eyes set on shopkeeper's stand, which had raw fish that were set on display for sale. If she could grab a few, the crew would eat good that night. All she needed to do was find a way to snag them. She walked around the stand, grabbing one effortlessly. This, of course, was only because the man running the stand was distracted. But she needed two more. She dropped off the fish with Marcus, then turned around for round two. 

"Jane, do you see that?" Chuck said quietly, nudging Jane with his drink. 

"What is it?" she said as she looked up. Penny, who was sitting next to her, perked up as well. 

"Isn't that Charlie Alexander? That girl who 'died' in the fire at Mi Casa?" Chuck said with wide eyes, a fascinated look on his face.

"Yeah, that is..! I recognize her." Penny said with a nod. 

"What are you suggesting?" Jane said with a glare, "We aren't going to randomly go talk to her."

Chuck dismissed her, "Jane, everyone thinks she's dead. Maybe, just maybe, she went through some crazy accident like you guys. The explosion, the lightening, the fire. Think about it! It can't be coincidental." he said with a grin. 

Jane sighed, but nodded, "I see your point. I'll approach her and attempt a peaceful negotiation." she said as she stood, her baggy clothes ruffling gently.

"Why is she talking like a robot again?" Penny asked before sipping her tea.

"She does it when she's aggravated, but she also does it when she's nervous. Which do you think it is?" he said with a smirk, talking a drink from his cup. 

Charlie was making her way around to grab another fish. She saw that the keeper was busy talking, and decided she would attempt to grab the second one. Before she could slip away, a shout was heard from behind her.

"Hey! Where do you think you're going?" a man's voice yelled. She froze, then slightly turned her head to look. 

"Come back here, thief!" the man yelled, running towards her. Before she could turn and run, she had been pinned to the ground. The man ripped the fish from her jacket, but Charlie fought back, determined to bring the fish home for the others. Her hands were beginning to heat up, tinting a deadly red color. Before she could release any flames, a hand shot into her view and grabbed the man's ear.

"Ow! Ow, ow, ow, ow!" he said as he was pulled backwards by his ear. Jane was revealed to be the one holding it. 

"Excuse me, sir, but I'd have to ask you to please remove yourself from this woman." she said calmly. The man gritted his teeth.