~Dark Angel~

Part 1

Ordinary night in an ordinary town. They say the night was quiet. Yes, but not here. In my town was noisy at any time. All this place called Cherry Hills. I did not know his real name. Maybe nobody do not knew it. It was called so because of the many cherry trees. When it became really beautiful blossom. My home is situated on the border between the city and cherry garden. Sometimes it seemed to me that I live on the border of two different worlds.

My name is Tracy Collins. I lived here with my parents Mark and Laura Collins and my brother William of twenty years. I was born here. I was a good student while studying. Now working in a small antique shop. I chose the job because it was calm. And there were many interesting things. I did not know where they come from or where you go. But to me while I was able to examine them. Indeed, here there were not many things to do. Ordinary provincial city with a population of 7 or 8 thousand. In a sense it was boring. There were many gossips. I do not like to spread rumors, but it was interesting to learn things.

In the beginning isn't nothing happening. The days passed one after another. When I was not working I just stayed home. My brother Will was sixteen years old. Very difficult age. I heard him argue with our parents whatnot. I do not interfere, but at every opportunity to protecting him. We are not understand ourselves very well because he was impetuous nature. Often came home bloody and bruised. Ofter, Mom and Dad was called in the office of Director. And this was all prompted the city to accept my brother as "black sheep". This irritated me a lot. Well, unfortunetely Will do nothing to refute rumors. This annoyed me even more. But I dared not say anything.

One night called me in home. Mom and Dad were not there, so I replied. Came from the police. They told me that my brother is still involved in the fray and this time he was drunk. I was very angry. I grabbed my jacket and my car keys. Flew out of my home. I got in the car and headed. When I saw the state of Will I wanted to kill him. But I kept self and took him away from there. I could feel all eyes on us, but tried not to pay attention. I push Will in the car and we headed. He did not stop to babble nonsense. Silent during the whole time. But not this was the problem. Once I got on the threshold waiting for us two angry parents. They obviously knew about the incident. Began to make the boy. Maybe it was the first time when I protecting my brother for real. They and I were very surprised by my deed. I helped my brother to bed and then I did the same. I felt good. I seem freed tremendous stess accumulated for years. I slept peacefully.

In the morning I woke up from the constant ringing of my phone. I tried to open my eyes, but the sun mercilessly pierced me. For this I tried to feel the headset with closed eyes. I replied with a dry "hello". Thrilled I heard the voice of Anna Stewart. My former classmate from high school. She was from the popular girls, but said that with me she feel herseld a real. Most of the time i did not believe her, but i never told her. And to say she sounded very excited. She spoke quickly and I did not understand
almost nothing of her words.

-Calm down, Anna.Speak slower, please.

She drew a deep breath and told me that in the old house, amidst a field of cherry trees, there are new tenants or owners. It was difficult to know with precision. Not turned its attention to the words. I got up, washed and dressed, as usual. Blue jeans and shirt with roses. For breakfast we were just me and Will. He looked very bad and damn hangover. I made him coffee. I dared not ask him questions, but this time I was curious.

-Tell me, Will. How are you this morning?

-Ill, do not you see?

-Why participate in combat?

-None of your business.

-Okay, bro. But next time I will not go home from custody. Well, until recently.

I smiled and left. I had a meeting with Anna, then had to open a store. I never told Will about my meetings with Anna because he has always been in love with her. Well, as we saw, the girl did not stop talking about the new inhabitants of Darkland. So called big old house. Saying that it is haunted or something like that.

-Well, what learns? - I asked, because she expected.

-Not much. Say they are cool family. Parents travel a lot.

-Really?

-Yes. They say two boys and one girl. People here find them strange.

Weird? This sounded quite interesting to boring routine. But I had no intention to go and watch them. Was not my style to do it. Whatever. I went and opened the store. Having arranged the product sat down to honor a book titled "Ancient myths and legends." It was pretty interesting.

All day no one came. Apparently people had their new occupation. Trying to get out information about people from "The House". They were not lucky because the archives were burned in a fire several years ago. To be fair, I was curious, but did not do anything about it.

At one time the door bell rang over. I raised my eyes and saw the last person who would come into this store. It was my brother. View it with unconcealed surprise.

-Damn! Will, not fault the store?

-No!

-But then why are you here? I ask because you never came here.

-Dad punished me. He took my car keys and put my curfew.

-And what do I have this?

-Oh, Tracy! Will not you judge me?

-Yeah! Every time when I do it I get only ingratitude of you. And I do not see how to help. You know that only a miracle would lead to redlection by Mark Collins.

-I knew it was useless to ask you for help.

He went to the door. He was somewhat angry and frustrated. I felt guilty.

-Hey, Will! That you from when you started to comply with the ban?

-What?

-I do not discourage Dad, but I can hide you... several time. Just that I can do for you.

-Are you serious?

-You're my little brother. For you always.

This was the first time he smiled at me sincerely. I was pleased. Even if he slaps all kinds of labels, William was my brother and I loved him. The truth is that we were not very close but I had a presentiment that this will change very soon. But the surprises do not end here. They are just beginning.

I came home early and found another dispute between my brother and my mother. I decided not to dabble in it, but it was not as I wanted. Get up the stairs when he overtook me. Grabbed me by the hand and pulled me unto his room. He was angry. Something normal for a boy on this age. To be honest, the visit to his room was quite interesting. For years I had not come there. It seemed to me fairly clear. There were many books and comics. As the floor had discs and a computer was a whole house video games and similar things.I sat on the bed and waited to findd out why I'm there. A Will walked nervously back and forth.

-I hate them.

-You behave like a child.

-Tracy!

-Okay, okay! Relax. If you stop to engage in fights with each encounter, may not result in penalties.

-Now you taught me? If so, better go out.

-Do not want to preach. I have been worrying about you. You know if you have a problem, you can tell me.

-I know. Only you I can decipher.

-Really? - I was surprised by his confession. - Well, Tim and Dave? They were your best friends?

-Were. They are idiots.

Then we heard some commotion from the living room. My father had returned. My mother came and knocked on the door. Will not let her, but she still came in. Report that we received an invitation to dinner from the new family from the old house. We were their closest neighbors. William and I looked at each other one another. Mother go out excited.

-We are invited in this crazy house?

-So I understand, man. Now you can boast to the idiots at school, right?

-Yeah! These are probably some freaks.

-Hey! And we're with you such as humans. Let us at least have the opportunity to speak to us.

He laughed.

-You're not as boring as I thought about you, sis.

-Once you say I will accept it as a compliment. Now it is better to prepare for the event. Tomorrow we will probably in the newspapers. - I laughed.

Both began to laugh. I went to my room and chose the most elegant clothes. Not because I wanted to, but because my mother insisted.Black skirt, white shirt and black bodice. I felt stupid. On the other hand, William refused to dress like an idiot. In the car sat next to me, but didn't stop to laugh on my stupid clothes.I only I made him a malicious glance. He read without error and stopped. If he wanted my hepl would be kept nice. i know it was not nice hijack this, but it was helpful.We came to the formidable house for about ten minutes. I was scared to go there. And why have invited us? Maybe because we were not the people who spared stupid rumors.Will was more bored that excited. He did not want to go there, but did not want further punishment.

We stood on the porch and my father knocked loudly. There was a slight creaking and the door opened. Before us stood feeble old man with a black jacket and black trousers. He invited us inside. He was something like a housekeeper and took care of younger family members. Unlike other members of my family I wen uncertain.Inside was out of a horror movie. There was an eerie candles and pictures. My brother went with me. A little more I would have grabbed him by the hand. The house was much larger that it appears. Five minutes later we are in a large living room. There were threaded with antique furniture and wood silk upholstery. There we were welcomed by a man and a woman dressed as end-of film about vampires.They were parents. Seemed... impressive. Welcomed us very warmly. Handshke, hugs and so on. My brother looked openmouthed. Knocked him before they noticed him. Then the lady stood before me.

-Hi. My name is Minerva. You must be Tracy. I heard the you work in an antique shop.

-Well, yeah. Nice to meet you, ma'am.

-And this must be William. Around town talking about you.

-Gossips do not have another job. - Muttered my brother.

All laughed. The man, whose name was Nicholas, also smiled. He and his wife invited us in the dining room. It was huge place. Large antique table with chairs, large sparkling candlesticks with candles were the only source of light. There was silverware. Bit it was not that attrected our attention. At the other end of the table stood two boys and one girl. The boy on the left side was called Michael. He was with light blonde hair and azure eyes. Looked like a model. Beside him stood dark-haired boy with dark eyes. he looked like he had never seen humans before. The boy's name was David. The girl looked smaller. She had reddish hair and emerald-green eyes. Her name was Klear. Her look was more curious than excited.

Hostess introduced us to the house.Her children stood up and bowed politely. I felt uncomfortable. It's certainly apparent. We sat down and call my parents led. Began to talk of the town. From time to time Mr. Nicholas them a break with the usual questions. William noticed how dare to lift his eyes from his glass. Did my brother was shy? I could not believe it. Several time he answered the questions of curious
lady. However, he is led like an outsider because of his character. Other young people stood silently among us. Not even looked at us. As if we were not there. It was little rough. Then Minerva looked at me. She smiled at me and asked me directly.

-Do you have a boyfriend, Tracy?

-Well, no. No, ma'am. - I am confounded by the awkward question.

-I'm surprised. You're a beautiful girl.

-Thank you, ma'am!

-Surely there are many interesting places here.

-I would not say.

-And how goes the work in the antique shop?

-People don't like the old stuff much. This is unfortunate because there are interesting things. - When I realized that I talk too much and kept silent gaze.

The night continued roughly in that way. Just thought I was silent. Prefer to listen to the conversation of others. All were dressed as goth-dummies. William of us was dressed only in their style. Maybe for this girl did not stop staring at him. I felt strange. I apologized and went on the porch. I took a deep breath and stared into the darkness ahead. Then I noticed them. Wandering lights in front of me. Flashlights? This was certainly curious kids came to see one attraction. I was very anger. I grabbed
the handrail and claws snak deep into it. I took a breath to calm down. Just then I realized that I was not alone on the porch. I raised my eyes and saw a dark-haired boy. He look into the light, but not his face expressed nothing. Suddenly he spoke. His voice was gentle.

-They always make it so?

-Oh, this? Only is there is something new and interesting in the city. However, this leads to the possession of the house spirits.

-Ghosts? - He looked at me with surprise.

I felt awkward. I realize that talking nonsense. That quickly fell silent. I took a breath and walked inside. I received news that we leave because it was too late.Take leave of them and got in the car. It seemed to me that it's not Will want to go. Irritated him on the way home. He was angry, but not denied. Virtually all were in the euphoria of this meeting. I was convinced that the next day we will ask for our new neighbors. I wanted not to go out a few days, but would not happen.

I came home and I went to bed. I was almost asleep when someone quietly climbed into my room. I felt sitting at the bottom of the bed. I recognized it as perfume.

-What you want, Will?

-Did I wake you?

-No.

-Cool. This dinner was not only such a disaster, huh?

-Oh, no! Find a girlfriend and you are happy. Will, behave as a girl.

-Come on.

-For a girls, you gotta talk to Dad.

-I don't think so. Nobody accepted me. I can only speak with you. Only you keep me normal. That stop bothring me.

-Okay, okay. You know I'm on your side. I was just surprise.

-On what?

-You've never been kind with me. Now even let me in your room.

-You're right. But this girl... I can not stop thinking about her.

-I got it. But can we talk tomorrow? Will you come with me to the shop and talk. Of course, I forgot. You would not have fallen there, to come. Err you?

He paused. He thought for a bit and make me strange proposal. He wanted to change my style. He wanted to make me like him. Gothic girl. It was not all bad idea. Together with him we have to hurry across town. I agreed and only then he let me sleep. But it turned into a very strange dream. "Everything was dark. The streets were no people, and doors of the houses were wide open. Peered through the entrances
to several buildings. Was deserted. As if people had just walked her. Food was still stood on the tables. I was alone? Where was everyone? I ran home. The situation was the same. I tried to scream with all my strength, but my mouth does not come any sound. I was afraid. Flew out of the house. I went to ask for help our neighborns. And there the door was open. I went inside and I went along the corridor. Burning candles doses only. I found myself in the dining room. There was much blood. The only thing I saw were two bright red eyes hidden in the dark. Staring at me and seemed to exhaust my strngth. I managed to shriek. Then... I wole up." I jumped out of bed as if burned. I was scared and swim in sweat. Breathing heavily, but sincerely trying to calm down. I sat at the end of the bed and hide my eyes with a hands. Then came Will. When he saw me so upset. He sat down beside me and looked at me.

-What is it?

-Nightmare. Do not worry about me. Come on! Today you will make me like you.

-Is not it great?



The boy enthusiastically holding. More that anything wanted to not alone in this so "orderly" city. I did I needed a change. But secretly I always wanted to be like William. He was more courageous than anyone I knew.But now when I looked so scared, it seemed to me really worried. Relieved him with a smile and asked him to go to I can wear. Took me not more than five minutes. Then I left the room and went down the kitchen. Ate to quickly. Mother was surprised to see us so close. I looked at each other and he with mischievous smiles. Then we went out. Do not dare to tell her what we imagined. It would have freaked.

We left. First we went to the hairdresser. Dyed my hair black with white streaks. Put my all-black makeup. Will not allow me to look at. He wanted to see just where everything is ready. After the hairdresser went to shop for clothes. My clothing consisted of a black shirt with "UNDERWORLD". Pleated black skirt with several intertwined chains. Black fishnet stockings and black boots. When I looked in the mirror as I saw another person against me. I admit that I liked. I was like a new girl. According to my brother, and had to change my music who I listening. Even the interior of my room. Now I've Gothic girl. It was fun because now the whole town would be in shock. Not to mention Mom and Dad.

When we came out on the street staring at us all. William walked with pride. For the first time was proud of me and that makes me very happy. Did not stop smiling. We got in the car and went to the antique shop. When we entered I realized that my brother for the first time the threshold of this place... like that without asking anything.He looked it like entering in another world. To some extent it was true. I must say that for some inexplicable reason, I felt his place. Spend much time here, but just felt comfortable. I can say the same for my brother. Demonstrated interest in seeing. Suddenly I heard the bell. I was slightly surprised because I was standing in front of Mrs. Minerva Hamilton herself.She looked me from head to toe and smiled approvingly. For a moment, confounded by her eyes.

-You look different. I like you, Tracy.

-Thank you, ma'am. Everything was made by my brother.

-He has excellent taste.

Then came William with a book in hand. Be startled when the woman saw. Greeting her with uncommon courtesy to him.

-How are you, Will?

-Okay, ma'am. What do you think about the new form of my sister?

-Perfect. For almost forgot. Klear is very excited about your dating.

In these words he blushed. Haste to hide behind the shelves. Me and my client laughed. She really liked the items in the store. Called them "adorable". Even bought some old silver candlesticks. Packed them in her beautiful black bag. Then we broke the sound of the horn. Heard several times, but when Mrs. Hamilton does not come, her friver came. It was David Hamilton. Was surprised to see my new vision. Do not stop staring at me with curiosity. Be confounded. He said nothing, but took the bags and left. I started to wonder if I did something wrong. His mother told me that he is not very sociable unlike his brother and sister. He preferred to sit alone and read. This made me curious happened. Maybe the boys had this mysterious effect. Except I was not so brave as I wanted. I could not ask him for anything.

William went away and I was alone. Entered or customers. They looked at me more than the things who I sell. I kept quiet and behave differently. Just like my brother: irritable, facing a bleak and uncommunicative. This was not my style, but I already had a new one. Stick to the recommendations of my "mentor". of course, I held and sweet. I could not be serious. That smile, but was a little strange because the black lipstick. And despite everything. I was very happy when the working day is over.
Locked the store and went to the car park. It was dark and only street lamps shone and windows of houses. There was no sound. At that time all they had at home. Aside from stupid parties on both young people who drinking, smoking, listening to loud music and pressed into dark corners. I never fell for these things. I found them for stupid.

Unlocked car, which was not anything special, but dropped the keys. I bent them picked up and heard noise. I stood up, but saw nothing. But when I turned almost jumped. I got my heart with my hand and felt how fast beats. But I took a deep breath to calm down.

-You afraid me. What are you doing here then?

It was David Hamilton. All were dressed in black, even his nails were lacquered in black. it seemed incredible.

-Sorry that I scared you.

-No, nothing. Just no one is walking at this time.

-Why? It is so beautiful at night. So during the day is nice, but...

-Well, I do not know. Do not go out much. In this town is not very fun.

Then my phone rang. I picked up and it was my father. He had worried that lingers. i admit that this little irked me. But I held dear, because both my mother would be in shock when they see me... so I closed the phone. And David watching me.

-Well, I'll go. - I told him with a slight embrassment.

-Will you ride me?

-Don't you drive?

-I came on foot.

Walk? Quite clearly gone up here. The road was long. I was a little awkward, but I agreed. He asked me to drive instead. I agreed, although it appeared that he drives me home. i did not mind because I liked his company no matter that I had seen only twice. it was a little wierd.

Throughout the time both were silent. Gotten to my house and landed. I thought to thank him, but he was gone. I looked but there was no sign. Lifted my shoulders. Once stepped threshold Mom and Dad looked at me like I'm an alient. They could not believe my type. And my brother laughing behind them.

-Do you like her new style? I did it.

-William Collins! What the hell made you turn your sister in... this.

-What? She is beautiful. Even Mrs. Hamilton like her.

-Go to your room.

-No.

-William!!!