Reminiscing (Open)

[Kadence McAvoy]

It was the beginning of yet another month of work, work, work. There was nothing else that Kadence did. She didn't go out and have fun, there was no one to go out with. She didn't converse with co-workers, typically she kept her head down. Over all, the only thing she did was mix drinks and serve people. Though on the outside it seemed like she was having fun, she was hollow inside. Kadi was sure she'd never be the same as she was back before Hayden died. Even with the reassurance that he died a hero, someone who fought for his country, she still couldn't accept it.

Every first day of the month, Kadence stopped at her parents' house and grabbed the binder of pictures from that month that held memories of her childhood all in that month. July was the middle of the summer, with the fireworks and bright weather. It had been Hayden's favorite month of summer because he had forgotten about school or work and got lost in the summer heat. They swam, went on walks, stayed out late to see the stars on a clear night. Summer had always been Kadi's favorite season, but it was different without her brother.

Flipping open the binder, she looked down at the first few pictures, all of Hayden back before she was born. He had long blonde locks, hanging in his face and this tiny frame, an adorable little boy. She flipped the page a few times until she found ones of her as a baby and Hayden as the perfect big brother. He was constantly holding her, playing with her. Tears filled Kadence's eyes as she continued going through each picture. She saw the one of them at Hammel the summer before she had first started and he was about to graduate. Then there was the one in his uniform at his graduation in South Carolina. The last picture she had of him was a short bit before the road-side bombing, him and his boys sitting on the Humvee, him wearing the leather band that she had given to him before he deployed.

Kadence fiddled with the set of dog tags he'd had made for her when he first joined.

[Jason Prowler]

Hearing about a lake outside of Pilot Ridge Jason decided to explore a bit in search of it. He always had to be doing something and today he decided that it would be a great idea to do a little fishing. Once he reached the lake Jason found a dock that he was able to walk out a little. The wooden dock seemed old yet inviting as if it were calling for someone to visit it. A creak could be heard with each step as Jason walked out onto it. When he reached the edge he sat down carefully and then took his fishing rod to add a fishing lure. Jason stood up, fishing rod in his left hand, and casted. The spinning reel spun over and over by the strength of the cast and reached over three hundred yards into the lake. The lure landed with a big splash which he hoped wouldn’t scare any fish.

The day was beautiful, it was a warm July day coupled with sunshine and a nice breeze. Jason was taught how to fish by his older brother, for survival purposes but for fun too. It was just another activity for him to keep Adam’s memory alive in his heart. As he looked out onto the beautiful clear water he wished he had a boat to go exploring a bit. He was the adventurous type, always wanting to explore new things, especially since it was necessary for him to stay on military bases why his brother was out on missions.

Not too far from his left he noticed a young girl; well at least she looked young. She looked like the poster girl for Hollister with her blond hair and sense of style. The girl was gazing at what seemed to be a binder while fiddling with something, he couldn’t tell what it was but it wasn’t any of Jason’s business and he continued to reel in his lure in hopes of a catch, not that it could put up much of a fight for him though.

[Kadence McAvoy]

Kadence knew this monthly torture was unhealthy maybe, but she didn't want to forget him. It had already been almost eight years and she still wasn't over the pain of it. There was a possibility that she was only making things worse for herself by constantly thinking about him, but she was scared that if she stopped, she'd never want to think of him again. It had been bad enough when she helped her parents go through all of his stuff in his room and had to throw most of it away. She hadn't been able to go into his room for months after that because it just made her feel more empty inside. For a while they even tried taking down all of the pictures of him in the house. The entire time her mother had been void of expression. That night, she could hear her mother crying hysterically and asking God why he took her baby away from her.

Running a hand through her curls, she closed her eyes and sniffled. It was hard remembering things like that, but she couldn't not think about it. She remembered back when she would get hurt or upset and Hayden stayed up with her, watching Disney movies until she fell asleep. He'd always acted as her protector and best friend. After he died she couldn't find anyone to replace him in her life. She didn't have any close guy friends or people that she could talk to about anything of significance except for Dr. Neville and she wasn't even going to the institute anymore. It probably didn't help that she was not all that trusting when it came to guys anymore, but she could change...or at least she hoped she could.

Kadi glanced around her and caught sight of someone on the dock a few feet from where she sat. For a second she just looked at him; young, but nothing more than a couple years younger than her. She rubbed at her arm nervously and wiped at her eyes. Feeling slightly ambitious, Kadence snatched her binder up and stood. She hesitantly walked over to the dock and cleared her throat, "H-hey, any luck?" That seemed innocent enough. And if anything reminded her of Mason in the boy, she could just leave.

[Jason Prowler]

Jason was reeling and recasting again, it didn’t seem like there was anything taking the lure. Perhaps it wasn’t the right lure for this type of water. He was interrupted by the Hollister girl who he noticed a little before. Her greeting to him seemed a little nervous, he didn’t think he looked intimidating, he was just fishing. He turned to greet her, his eyes met with her greenish blue eyes; they were watery as if she had been crying. “Lots of luck” he said to her with his smooth voice complimented by his smile revealing his dimple on his right cheek. “Beautiful day, nice calm water, sunshine and we’re around to enjoy every second.” Jason wasn’t dumb, he knew she was inquiring whether he’d had caught anything but this girl needed some cheering up and being positive was Jason’s forte, and who knows maybe if acted more positive he wouldn’t be as depressed from his recent loss, his brother would have wanted him to lead a full life. “My names Jason, and let me guess, you’re a famous model right? “ He said to try and get a smile out of her.

[Kadence McAvoy]

It wasn't that boy intimidated Kadence, in fact it was usually the other way around. She was very unapproachable when it came to men because she didn't particularly like being played. But he was just a kid by the looks of it. Younger than what she pegged him to be, but he held himself in a very mature manner. She cut off the thought before she could get carried away. Mason had presented himself in the same fashion, confident and harmless on the outside. Kadi just had to remember that not every guy was like him. There were some guys like Hayden still out there.

"That's good, I mean that the weather is holding up for you," She wasn't sure why she felt the need to engage in conversation, least of all now. More often than not she was okay with just going about her business without anyone knowing what was really on her mind. It was getting harder though, not having any friends to go to when she was feeling down or upset. She needed someone to pick up where Hayden left off, someone that could show her that she didn't have to believe what Mason told her. Perhaps that was what she was looking for now.

Kadence let out a short laugh and shook her head, "Not exactly. Bartender is the word you were looking for. And you're what sophomore in high school? I'm Kadence by the way. Kadi's probably easier to say though." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smoothed her jeans, still making sure that she appeared perfect. Who knew what would be said if she looked like a slob in front of him? Kadi wiped beneath her eyes enough to brush away the last of the tears without smearing her makeup.

[Jason Prowler]

A bartender? This girl was older than he thought, Jason knew she was older but simply thought she was an upperclassman at the school. She probably just saw him as some little kid; it was too bad because she definitely was a pretty girl. He noticed how she carefully wiped her eyes of her tears.

“Kadence, that’s a pretty name, you know bartender was my second guess,” Jason responded jokingly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you and just so you know I’m a junior in high school.” High School, the concept was still foreign to him, he’s never been to school before and he hadn’t really had much interaction with civilians either. “I’m at the Hammel Institute, have you heard of it?” Jason barely knew anything about the school, he wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be a secret but they were in the area and he was sure that people around here had to know about it. “I just transferred over there from…” Jason paused for a second. “I suppose you can say I was home schooled.”

Jason was partly leaning on the dock’s railing, “You know a beautiful woman like you shouldn’t be crying, you’re a bartender, everyone loves the bartender. You get to hook up people with all kinds of drinks.” The fishing pole leaned against the railing, casted out into the lake, mostionless, still not a nibble on the line. Kadi was holding a binder; he was curious about it but hesitated to ask not wanting to be to pry into her business having just met the girl. “So what are you like 19, 20?” he said still with his smile on.

[Kadence McAvoy]

Kadi scrunched her nose and rolled her eyes, smirking at his joke. Young as he was, he was so cute and it was nice talking to a guy that didn’t make her feel like she was nothing. It was like how Hayden spoke to her when they were younger, always trying to get her to smile. “Oh, sorry, I got my grade levels mixed up. And that’s awesome that you go to Hammel. I actually graduated from there, pheromone manipulation,” She stated proudly. It was easier stating her power when she knew she wouldn’t get tested for it, not that this kid couldn’t be the son of some creepy scientist dude. She nodded when he told her about transferring, though she was a little surprised he’d been home schooled.

She looked down and chewed the inside of her cheek, “Everyone may love the bartender, but even we have problems of our own.” Like someone they just couldn’t forget, no matter how much time passed. Kadence looked out towards the lake, her mind drifting back to her brother and when he had been a junior at Hammel. Jason reminded her a lot of her brother and it made her sad, but at the same time it was nice knowing that not all guys were jerks. “Twenty-one actually, otherwise I’d be working as a waitress still,” She said with a smile.

[Jason Prowler]

Jason listened attentively to her before responding. “You graduated form there? That’s awesome, maybe you can give me some of that insider info.” He laughed. “Pheromone manipulation? What is that like you can make men widely attracted to you? I don’t think you need a power for that Kadence, I’m sure those older men are throwing themselves at your feet.” Jason felt the need to share his own power with her, something he usually didn’t do right away like the others at Hammel unless they asked upfront. “Super Strengths is my power.” He flexed his left bicep, “Check it out! I may need some tape for these rips!” He was making a fool of himself, mostly on purpose to try and get more smiles out of the girl.

Jason sat himself up on the dock railing as he watched Kadence look out into the lake in deep thought, it was a look he had seen before, well has had before. “Twenty one? Wow you’re way out of my league.” He said playfully. He motioned his head towards the fishing pole. “How you ever been fishing before? You should give the rod a try! Maybe you’ll have better luck than me catching something.”

[Kadence McAvoy]

Kadi nodded at his question and smiled, “Insider info huh? Like all the inside scoop on the teachers and whatnot?” She didn’t have many stories about the teachers, seeing as how they’d always been super nice to her, especially after Hayden’s death. And Dr. Neville was practically a second father to her. He’d been so kind even back when she rebelled against everyone and strayed towards the wrong group of people. He told her what she was doing wrong when she didn’t want to hear it, but in the long run it had helped her greatly. He was part of the reason she got her life back in line. That and the thought of how disappointed her big brother would be if he knew how she had acted.

“Yes pheromone manipulation, it sort of works that way, but it’s more of an emotion controlling thing. I can get people riled up or cooled off by emitting a scent that’s soothing or heated. And uhm no, guys don’t exactly throw themselves at my feet, I have some trouble trusting guys sometimes…at least my age of guys.” Mason was a large part of that. He made her feel like nothing and she couldn’t handle feeling that way ever again. He told her of his power and she giggled as he flexed. “Oh wow, that’s crazy! I bet you could bench me with ease,” She said with a smile.

Kadence laughed and leaned against the railing beside him, having to look up at him now. “I know I don’t look that old, I get told that I look like I’m fourteen. Sorry babe, you’re a cutie though,” She smiled. When he asked if she’d ever fished before she smirked, “My brother taught me when I was little, I grew up around water, so yes I know how to fish.” Kadence snagged the fishing pole and reeled in to check the bait, “Pfft, you got robbed and you didn’t even know it.” When she reeled it all the way in, she found an empty hook. “What do you have for bait?”

[Jason Prowler]

Yeah, give me that insider scoop, you know the best way to sneak out, the best hiding places, where to party. Haven’t you ever partied before?” He chortled. “Seriously though I don’t know anything about the place, I’ve never been to a school before let alone one made for people with a range of powers.” The only faculty members he’d even encountered was Mr. Coleman and Tracy his recruiter.

“That’s an interesting power, I haven’t heard of that one before, I feel like mines so cliché. Well I’m glad I’m not guys your age then.” He said with a warm smile. “And I can totally bench press you, in fact I could shoulder press you with one arm and wouldn’t feel it.”

Kadence seemed a lot more cheerful now, “Pfft I let you have that pole.” He joked. “That’s so funny my brother taught me too!” She reeled in the line of the fishing pole and inquired where the bait was. “It’s a fishing lure, you don’t need bait attached to the hook silly.” He pointed to the intricately designed black and purple lure that resembled a tiny fish. “You need to cast it out and make it dance in the water. You're sure you know how to fish?” He asked with a little skepticism.

[Kadence McAvoy]

"I have partied before, I just don't advise it. They always catch you," She pointed out being all old and wise. Since when had she gotten so boring? Wasn't she a bartender who technically partied every night? "It's really not a bad place though. Everyone is very understanding and you meet some great people. Some people even meet that special person they end up with. Who knows maybe you will, too." She smirked at him.

Kadi laughed, "It is pretty cliche, but I mean all abilities are different depending on the person. And I am also very glad you aren't my age because I'd probably be flirting so much right now." She winked at him and smiled back. Kadence rolled her eyes and shook her head, "Right, well I dunno I'm extremely heavy. I don't think you could lift me at all." Thank you low self-esteem in large part due to her ex. She knew she wasn't fat, but she felt like it sometimes.

She was a little hesitant to comment further about his brother, but it caught her interest that he had an older brother as well. "How old?" She left it at that instead of using a past or present verb. Kade was always worried she'd say the wrong one like everyone so often did with her own. "Ew, you use fishing lures? Lame. I was taught the old fashioned way, ya know with live bait. And yes I know how to fish!"

[Jason Prowler]

“Don’t advise partying?” Jason rolled his eyes, “Gee you really are a lot older than me. So what if they catch me partying, life’s about adventure , being caught is just part of that thrill!” He looked up for a moment appreciating the bright blue skies and then back at Kadence. “I think you need more fun in your life!” He smiled at her, “a special someone? Not unless you have a little sister.” He joked.

“Age is nothing but a number my dear” he shrugged a little “When you’re twenty-five I’ll be twenty, so we’ll rethink this in five years.” He laughed. Jason jumped off the railing and stood in front of Kadence, interlocked his hands and stretched out his fingers forward, cracking them. “Now you’ve done it, now I have to show you because you don’t believe me.” He shook his hands out and did some stretches all for show of course; he didn’t have to stretch to lift her. Jason grabbed her by the waist and lifted her up above his head, [URL=http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/dvd/lionsgate/DirtyDancing3-lg.jpg
]balancing [/URL]her in the palm of his hands as her body spread out evenly above him. He twirled around slowly, with little effort, giving Kadence a 360 view of the lake and the forest around them. Jason put her down gently in front of him, dusting of his hands , with a smile of success on his face. “Well, it looks like I can.” He winked at her.

Jason leaned on the railing still facing the lake; he rested on his forearms as he thought about what to say to her. He sighed, it was surprising how much his brother came up in conversation, but the more he spoke about it the more real it became., like this was all not one bad dream and his brother would visit him on campus one day. Jason smiled at the thought and turned to face Kadence, now leaning his back against the railing. “He would have been 35 next month, but uh.” He swallowed hard. “He’s not around anymore, he uh…he’s missing in action. My brother was a captain in the marine corp and nerver returned from his last mission.” He looked down at the wooden floor of the dock with a frown then picked up his head to look at Kadence. “He was all I had ya know?”

[Kadence McAvoy]

Kadence snorted, “Oh trust me, I remember. Sometimes though, being caught isn’t all that fun. Especially when it almost lands you in jail.” Gosh that had been a hectic night, but hell, she even had to admit it was fun at the time. It was the whole talking herself out of going to jail that hadn’t been very fun. And technically it hadn’t even been her that should have gotten in trouble. Mason ditched her at the time and she was stuck cleaning up his mess. “Nope, no sister, though I know of a few girls that are very nice,” Though she was sure a boy his age wasn’t looking to settle down with a nice girl quite yet.

She smiled at him and nodded, “Yupp, call me in five years when it’s legal.” She narrowed her eyes at him as he hopped off the railing. Of course she brought this on herself, but she was prepared when he took her by the waist and hefted her up over his head. She had seen Dirty Dancing enough to know how to hold her body, but she couldn’t help herself when she let out a laugh. “Okay, big shot, time to lower me back to the ground please,” She said after he gave her a view of the lake. He set her down and she shook her head. “Yeah, yeah, whatever.”

He leaned against the railing and she watched him with a level expression. As he spoke, she recognized the struggle before he even mentioned that his brother was no longer around. She smiled sadly and nodded, “I can understand that a lot better than anyone else might.” Kadence felt the tears fill her eyes again and she bit down on her trembling lower lip. Taking a deep breath she figured she might as well face up and tell him why she understood. “My big brother would have been twenty-seven, he joined when I manifested and died from a road-side bombing in his first deployment. It was almost eight years ago,” She whispered as a tear slid down her cheek and she wiped at it with a laugh. “I guess I still haven’t quite gotten over it. These are pictures of him. It’s kind of why I came here.”