Big Sister/Little Sister (Rachel Kells)

[Rachel Kells]

In Rachel's mind the day hasn't tanked. In fact it had gone quite well. She had gotten to spend time with Alice, had gotten to go to the beach, get away from summer homework and had even gotten to talk a bit about how wonderful Alice was. Rachel didn't see the down part to this day at all. Sure she might have slipped up a few times, might have let Alice down a little bit, but overall the day was nice. It wasn't normal. Rachel was tired of normal. Normal meant that the ideas in her head got a lot darker. She didn't really like those darker thoughts but she knew that they were true. Very true.

She knew she was a monster, she knew that it was her fault, that the severed relationship between them existed. She had caused it, she was the one at fault here. Rachel was at the point where she often times would find more things to hate about herself than like. She tried to keep this as hidden as possibly from Dr. Neville. He would make her give up more of her precious time if he knew just how deep her self hatred went. Rachel applied some more sunscreen as she listened to the sound off the lake. She liked the lake, liked how peaceful it was, and she liked that Alice had taken her. Honestly, Rachel was in a good mood.

Rachel frowned as Alice asked about her father. Alice was supposed to be the safe one. The one that didn't ask about her father. She didn't want to talk about it honestly, but she knew that Alice wasn't going to give up. She also didn't want Alice to use her power. "That's not fair you know! Threatening to use your power!" Rachel shook her head as Alice looked over at her. Sighing Rachel set her mouth in a thin hard line and bit her lip before talking casually. "He didn't do anything to me. Just... stopped contact." She wasn't sure if she wanted to go further, but she knew that Alice wasn't going to be happy with just that."Look Alice, if you really wanna know what he did then..." Rachel sighed and turned around to fumble in her bag. She kept the letter on her at all times. Never knew when she might needed to be reminded of who and what she was. A monster. "He does love me you know, he loves me, but hates who I've become. Just remember that. " Rachel delicately handed over the folded paper. On the delicately folded paper was as follows:

To the Thing I used to call Daughter,

All your life I believed you were my child. But I am now sure that your backstabbing mother lied. You are no way my daughter, because you never were, no you are a curse. That is the only reasoning I can see.

There is no way that an abomination like you could have possibly come from me.
Your mother just found the closest person to help her raise a monster. It saddens me that she used a person like myself, a wounded member of the army that fights to protect this wonderful nation. I am ashamed I was fooled for so long. If you have any humanity left, you will fight this...thing that you have become. It hurts to see the face of evil share the face of my daughter, the freak. I'm sure you understand that I cannot allow such a monstrosity near my house for Christmas I would be committing blasphemy.

No, you shall never enter my house again. I will not let this affect my convictions to do what I know is right and rid the world of this plague, this infestation, knows as "metas". Do not try to contact me, I do not wish to hear from an abomination like you again. I have contacted your mother as well to let her know my feelings.

Nicholas Kells

Rachel smiled softly as the letter was handed over to Alice. "Just be careful with it please."

[Alice Halifax]

Alice usually had not problems with using her power on anyone but Rachel was different, just like Catherine. Alice did her best to keep her power in check when around either of them, but this problem plaguing Rachel right now needed intervention. Alice would go to any length to protect and help her little sister, even if that meant making Rachel mad at her. Doing the right thing, or what one thought was the right thing, sometimes meant putting everything on the line. Alice would not sit idly by and let her Family members be hurt or suffer. Alice's new found Family was so important, they helped her stay anchored in the world.

Alice sighed again as Rachel sort of snapped at her, wounded by Alice's admittance that she would willingly use her ability on the younger woman. At least Alice had given Rachel the chance to willingly open up to her about her father instead of just jumping right in and making her. Rachel might not have been able to see the generosity there, but she would look back one day and see just how merciful Alice had been here. Youth made people blind and while Alice was young herself she was wise beyond her years and understood more than most others her age.

Alice raised an eyebrow as Rachel began to dig through her beach bag, looking for something. Alice was curious as to what her little sister was looking for but that curiosity was sated as Rachel pulled forth a letter and handed it to Alice. Alice took the letter carefully, giving Rachel another curious look in the process. With a gentle touch, Alice unfolded the letter and began to read. She took her time pouring over the words on the paper and with each sentence her expression grew more and more angry. Alice held a lot of anger for meta human bigots. Yes, Alice was an elitist but not in the typical sense of the word. Alice thought of herself as better than some because of what made her who she was. It wasn't her money or the simple fact that she was a meta. No, it was her ambition and skills, both meta and natural which made her better than others. Those who had the desire and determination to make something out of themselves in this world was what meant something to Alice. Taking life by the throat so to speak was what impressed her, nothing else.

Seeing such ignorant blind hatred from Rachel's father just because Rachel was a meta was all it took to send Alice into the darker parts of her mind and personality. Rachel was this man's own flesh and blood and here he was disowning such a bright and beautiful young woman for simply being what she was. He went on to even say that Rachel wasn't even his because a man like him could in no way create what he called a "monster". This was why Alice's little doll had become so angry and dark....so sullen. Rachel's father had destroyed her self confidence and that bright soul which Alice had seen those years ago when she laid eyes on her at the mall.

Alice finished the letter and slowly folded the paper back up. She turned to face Rachel head on now and the look she bore was one Rachel had never seen before. Sure, Rachel had seen Alice made and upset before, but nothing like this. The look in Alice's eyes was one of hurt and pure malice. Gone was that sweet dreamy look which usually graced Rachel and in its place was the monster deep inside of Alice. This look said it all, said it would make Rachel's father pay for his cruelty and ignorance. "I've dealt with bigots like him before but this time, this time its gone too far. Even I have lines I don't cross. He's supposed to be your father. To do this to you, to say these things to you is unforgivable," Alice said, dropping the letter to the ground as she moved out of her chair toward Rachel, embracing the other tightly. Alice shook a little as she squeezed her little doll tightly. "You are not a monster Rachel. Being a meta makes you special, makes you beautiful. Don't believe these vile and vicious words sweetheart. You are perfect in every way," Alice said softly, still holding her little sister tightly. "You are too good for that monster. You are my little sister and that is something I don't want you to ever forget," Alice added, closing her eyes as she tried to contain the rage in her voice and mind.

[Rachel Kells]

Rachel watched nervously as Alice read through the letter. At least she was being careful. The letter was what was keeping her going, was what was making her want to be better. She needed the letter to be safe. Alice would be able to tell the number of times Rachel had read it over, and over, and over again. The once stark white paper was now faded, and it was almost ripping at the places where Rachel had folded it to try and preserve it. The letter was obviously very important to her, and it was one of the only very precious things that Rachel held dear. The letter, and even the necklace she was fidgeting with now. She knew that Alice was processing, but after watching Alice's face Rachel bit her lip. Alice seemed to be getting mad. Why couldn't she see that her dad loved her, and it was just the meta-ness of her that was what made her a monster to him? To Everyone? Rachel cautiously looked out over the lake. She hoped she had made the right decision showing Alice. All she knew was that she didn't want to be forced to do anything, not by a person, or by a power.

A million thoughts were running through her head as Alice slowly refolded the letter. She waited for Alice to give it back, focusing on the letter as she knew Alice was looking at her. And boy, was Alice looking at her. She could feel the glare that Alice had on her face boring into her. She didn't even want to acknowledge it honestly. Instead she was focused on the paper that slowly fell to the sand as Alice spoke to her. "He isn't a bigot." Rachel softly said this as she almost whispered it into the Summer breeze. "He loves me, just doesn't like the thing I've become." She didn't want Alice to hate her father. She loved her father. She loved him and she hoped that with all her practice he would love her again. Would overlook her illness.

She refused to see being a meta in a positive way. All it was was an illness the government hadn't come up with a cure for yet. They had to be trying. They had to be. She wasn't sure what she would do if they weren't. Rachel stiffened as she was hugged, and cautiously relaxed. At the fact that she was not a monster she knew Alice would never agree with her. She knew she should just keep quiet. That way she wouldn't offend Alice by saying anything wrong. "I'm far from perfect Alice." To her she had a very very long way to go before she was even remotely close to being perfect. "He isn't a monster!" She said this a little more sharply than she meant to and winced as she snapped. "Alice I love him. He might not see it right now, but I know he loves me. He means the world to me. " Cue the almost blubbering. "Alice I love that you consider me your sister, and I won't forget it, but he isn't a monster. He's my daddy."

Great. Now she was crying.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice had long since released Rachel, finding it hard to just sit there while Rachel defended her monstrous father. Sure, this bigot was her biological father, but as for being a father, it ended there. The man had no idea of how to be a proper parent and Alice would have to show him the error of his ways. Rachel had no idea of just how hard it was for Alice to sit there and say nothing. Alice had made her point and no amount of argument from Rachel would change Alice's view. However, Alice did see how her words had wounded Rachel and so, Alice would drop things there. She had said her peace, let it be known her feelings for Rachel's father. It wouldn't be brought up again and nothing would be said. Alice would plot and carry out her schemes regardless of how much Rachel wanted her not to do so.

The teachings Alice had endured during her youth about how to present herself as a lady began to shine forth. She drew her emotions inward and her face became as stone, unreadable. She sat straight up, hands clasped and resting on her knees. This was a simple defense and even someone as young as Rachel should recognize the look. "I see," Alice said simple, the tone of her voice lacking any emotion. "We will discuss this matter at length some other time Rachel. Right now, I think it best we head home," Alice said simple before standing up. The matter was closed and the moment put on hold. Nothing Rachel said or did at this point would change things, the day was over and Alice was clearly going to resolve this matter at a another time when she was more collected and calm.

[Rachel Kells]

As Rachel was crying Alice seemed to be calculating. The older girl seemed to be thinking about all that she had said and Rachel knew that the other girl was probably disappointed in her. She didn’t want Alice disappointed in her, but she couldn’t help how she felt. Rachel knew she was the monster and her dad was innocent. Why didn’t Dr. Neville or Alice see that. She was the one at fault. She was the monster.

That was at least how Rachel viewed it. Digging for a tissue in her small bag, Rachel tried to stop crying. OF all the things she could do, Rachel was sure that the crying was bugging Alice. She tried to smile. She tried to be happy. It was almost ironic how quickly Rachel could stop herself from crying. She knew that the older woman wouldn’t care, as long as she was at least giving the appearance of being happy. She slowly smiled over at Alice. “Alice, just... thanks. I’m sorry I kinda broke down.” She heard Alice’s comment and slowly nodded. “Maybe we should... thank’s for taking me out today. It was nice to get away.” She looked over at the other girl and giggled. “Goodness I’m not an attractive cryer. I bet you are.” She smiled and hoped Alice would take the bait.