The Devil's reflection

Early Risers

Frank wasn't certain what woke him the blinding sun, the pain in his left arm or the pounding. Pounding? Frank opened his eyes as he sat up throwing the too small blanket from the bed before getting to his feet. Pulling on a pair of shorts he threw on a t-shirt not knowing what to expect. He stumbled for the door as he threw it open staring down the hall as another pounding came from the direction of the living room. Was Clive even here? Frank made his way into the living room quickly finding that it wasn't in his head, someone was knocking. Rubbing some of the exhaustion from the night prior out of his eyes he walked over to the door yanking it open as Rin jumped backwards a bit.

"Morning Frank! Oh you're not dressed..." Rin stated as Frank ran a hand over his hair.

"What time is it?"

"It's 6:45. We came to pick you up." Rin smiled as Frank ran that bit through his head.

"Pick me up? How'd you even know where I live?" Frank asked.

"Our dad told us you might need a ride in the mornings and we drive past here anyways. So, here we are." Frank blinked at her before nodding.

"Give me five minutes." Frank stated before shutting the door and heading to his room quickly changing and grabbing his coat. Shoving all his school material into his backpack he pulled it on before preparing to head out the door.

Frank... The voices whispered as Frank stopped half over the room's threshold. The glint of the knife shimmered in the dim light of the morning as Frank bit his lip thinking. Grabbing the blade he yanked it free from its spot in the frame before stuffing it into the bottom of the backpack. Rushing to the bathroom he wet his hair down and brushed his teeth before heading out to the awaiting car. Joey waved at him as Frank popped the backseat of the car before climbing inside.

"Morning." Joey said as he flipped the car into reverse.

"Sorry, I didn't know you guys were coming."

"Yeah, our dad told us to pick you up on our way to school. How'd you get to school yesterday?" Joey asked as he got the car turned around and began driving down the gravel road to the main.

"Clive dropped me off yesterday."

"Our dad brought you home though..." Rin stated as Frank licked his lips.

"Yeah, Clive didn't show... so I started walking."

"Sorry man, we can take you home tonight if that works for you." Joey suggested as Frank held back his smile.

"That'd be amazing." They pulled on the main road.

"So we are going to swing past Julie's and pick her up before getting the others." Joey stated.

"How are we all going to fit in the car?" Rin asked as she looked at her brother for a few moments. Joey glanced into the rear view mirror for a few moments before returning his eyes to the road.

"We'll figure it out." Joey said as they turned towards the small city.

"What kind of music do you like, Frank?" Rin questioned as she messed with the stations.

"I like a bit of everything." Frank admitted as Rin settled on a station. Frank pulled his backpack from his back onto his lap as he heard the faint whispers ringing through his ears. He knew it wasn't from the radio or the chatter that the two siblings were sharing. It was badgering him, the voices hissing against his skin as he felt a chill as it rushed up his back. What was happening?

Frank... They weren't leaving, they weren't leaving him alone. Why was this happening?

The car came to a halt, snapping Frank out of his thoughts as Julie came sprinting up to the vehicle. Popping the door she slid inside pressing herself against Franks side as she stuffed her bag on the floor.

"How are we all going to fit?" Susie asked as she looked into the car as Michael cocked his head still silent.

"Frank your middle." Julie stated as Michael headed to the otherside.

"Wait why do I get middle?"

"Because," Julie grabbed Susie's wrist dragging her on her lap, "I have Susie." Julie smiled as she yanked the door shut as Michael settled to Franks right. It was a bit cramped but Frank could deal as Julie kept glancing at him out of the corner of her eyes.

"So... um... Michael how was your night?" Frank asked the silent man beside him. He felt the teenagers eyes on him but no words came forth to answer as Susie leaned over practically falling into Frank's lap.

"Michael doesn't talk much." Susie stated as Julie yanked her back onto her lap. A small giggle rippled through the pink haired girl, as the car fell into a comfortable silence. The soft music from the radio filled the space between as Frank couldn't help the smile that was forming. Soon enough they reached the school, and the group fell out of the vehicle. Joey helped Susie to her feet as the pink haired girl jumped onto Michael as the teen barely moved from the jump. He just kept walking as Susie clung to his back desperately holding on as Joey and Rin followed after. Julie grabbed Frank's arm yanking him backwards against the side of the vehicle.

"Alright look. I don't like you. So let's make this clear, don't fuck with my friends otherwise we are going to have issues." Julie snapped as she glared at Frank. "Got it!" She growled.

"Why would I do anything?"

"Don't know, don't care. Just don't step out of line." She spat before turning on her heels and following after the group. Frank grumbled under his breath as a chill rushed up his arms, a soft voice whispering into his ears.

Julie...

"Yeah, Julie." Frank muttered as he started towards the school, he wasn't ready for what today would bring.

~~~

Hope you guys are enjoying the story.