Orchid

Oh No You Don't

"Who?" Talor looks on in horror.

"Somebody I care about," I say with certainty. "She wants to hurt me the most...and she'll get away with it. The Outsiders will think it's just an "accident", not murder. They'll just be like, Why would a murder take place so peaceful like McDonald's?" I shut my eyes and teleport to the alley of McDonald's. It seemed so long ago that Lucy and I stood there, facing Xander. I smell the rich aroma of Big Macs and McNuggets. My friends pop up right beside me, looking on, bewildered.

"So who is this person?" Talor demands. She doesn't know Ross, never knew him. He's her cousin, but to her, he's only a little weak Outsider.

Jason speaks softly. "Orchid, is it Ross?"

I nod, almost imperceptibly. "And we have to stop her."

We enter McDonald's, Talor and Jason flanking me, Talor's dad and Jenna in front and behind, respectively. I spy Ross sitting by himself in the corner, eating his favorite, the Bacon Clubhouse.

I sense her aura before I see her. The extreme power and electrictity feeling is coming from the ladies's bathroom. She's in hiding. And by the way Talor flinches and Jason screws his mouth to the side, they sense it too. Jenna stops, freezes, and she starts to tremble with fear.

"She's here," I say strongly. "Talor, barricade the door with Jenna. Jason and..." I trail off.

"Just call me Blaze," Talor's dad says kindly.

"Um yeah, Blaze. You can backup the front and back doors. Make sure she's doesn't make an easy exit." My head swivels so I'm looking at Ross. "I'll greet my brother."

Jason salutes mockingly. "Anything, Miss Orchid."

"Oh, shut up," I say, and blush.

When everything is taken care of, I march toward Ross's table. He sits alone there, staring dumbstruckedly at his phone. I peer at him, making sure Lycaeon hasn't opened any wounds on him.

Yet.

"Hey, Ross!" I say in a cheery tone.

Ross's head jerks up, and he stares at me, looking amazed.

"Orchid?" he whispers softly, his bright blue eyes confused and happy at the same time.

"Yes. It's me. It's me," I say, swaying with emotion. I've missed him, and what has he been going through? Both of the girls he believed were his sisters are now gone, disappeared, and probably never coming back. I know that once my duty here is done, I'm not coming back to Earth for a while.

"She told me you were coming." Ross reaches for me, takes my hand. His hand is rough from years of rock-climbing, but soft too. "It's okay, Orchid. I found the one. She's beautiful and so nice. You'll love her instantly!"

I get a sick feeling in my chest as he goes on.

"And guess what?" His eyes are earnest. "She looks like Arya!" He laughs. "It's like a bigger version of her!"

I shake my head. She twisted Ross. Changed his perception. A few weeks ago, Ross would've never fallen for someone that looked like his sister. He would be freaked out. I remember what someone said to me: Lycaeon changes perception. Shira can control intent. They're both not Warriors, but they're Ancients.

"That's not funny, Ross," I tell him. His gaze is blank. He didn't even properly welcome me back. "C'mon. Let's get you home. What are you doing out here, eating junk food, anyways? Mom's probably making her delicious baked potatoes and fried shrimp over rice. Chocolate-chip cookies or red velvet cake for dessert, probably." I tug on his hand, but he just shakes his head and keeps on smiling.