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Post by Pauley Morgan on Jul 29, 2009 20:29:41 GMT -6
Barely holding her head up, Pauley walked through the cemetary, her pale face reflecting the moon light, showing the tears that were still streaming down her broken face. Balled up in her hand, the color blind woman held the cause to her sorrow. A letter, issued by a state attorney in New York, could not be seen as she had it clenched so tight, the veins in her right hand could been seen.
For an hour, she had been wondering around the city, not caring where she was, who she bumped into. The moment the letter had been opened, it was as if she were just a shell, leaving even her keys and cell phone as she left the empty flat for a destination unknown. Now at the cemetary, the small woman, barely able to keep standing from exhaustion, collapsed, landing on some poor soul's resting place.
Through tear blurred eyes, Pauley unfolded the letter carefully, wanting to read the words again.
Ms. Morgan,
We have received notice that your mother, one Mrs. Nicoletta Morgan-Harrison, died at the first of this month. You were the only beneficiary in her Last Will and Testament. On the enclosed paper you will find everything you were left.
We are very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
The office of the New York State's Attorney.
A lone tear splashed onto the page, and she crumpled it back up, drawing her legs to her chest. Her mother was dead. The mother she never knew, was dead, and had left her whatever she had. Pauley had not looked at the second page of the letter, and so she had no idea what had been left to her. That did not matter anyway. She had lost the last connection to her past. And that was what made those tears fall in the graveyard on the full moon night.
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Post by Cael Mahoney on Jul 31, 2009 6:07:23 GMT -6
This was stupid. This was so, so stupid. Cael was kicking himself now. Coming here like this. Unannounced. He hadn't realized how bad it was here and he was, quite honestly, very surprised. He couldn't imagine that his brother could live here. But he knew that Cian lived where the work was. So far, the only appealing thing that he had done here, was to meet a few interesting people. Thats about it. He sighed a little as he walked around. Meandering where he wanted to. As he chose. At this point the young Scot was looking for a place to sleep. He had contemplated just crashing in the street. Right on the sidewalk where he was. But that wasn't a smart idea. Cael had only been here for about two days, and already he was homesick. He missed his mum and he missed his dad. He would be able to tolerate being away if he had his brother. But he didn't even know where he was. He was scared, and because he was, Cael had tears rolling down his cheeks. He was a softy. He hadn't even told his parents where he was going. He had just been so excited to go, he just left. But now he was regretting that. Not only that, but he was also in debt.
Something struck him as interesting though. It was enough for him to wipe his eyes free of the tears. He adjusted the backpack on his shoulder and watched a woman walking. Sure, this sounds creepy. But she was alone and walking towards the cemetary. Something unusual indeed. Unless she was practising in something. But he didn't think that was the case here. He stood there for a moment and looked at himself. He wasn't sure if he should go after her. He was wearing a long sleeved baggy shirt. It was loose on his small frame. Baggy pants aswell. Only he was wearing a belt. So the pants were not falling off his ass like most people now-a-days. He atleast had that much sense. His hair was a mess and his brown eyes a little red from the uncomfortable nights on pavement and benches. Not to mention the tears he had just been shedding. He fought over it a little before shrugging it off and taking a step forward. Then another and another. He was walking towards the cemetary. Following her, but keeping his distance. Being careful not to startle her, but he assumed that this might happen anyway. He stood there for a while. Scanning the dark horizon in the cemetary. Perhaps he might glimpse a ghost. But no. He saw her and watched her sink to the ground. Wondering if maybe she was hurt. He decided to approach. After all. He wasn't much of a threat. Merely 5'6" in height, thinner and sad looking. He didn't feel that his appearance made him threatening. He stood now much closer to her and tilted his head slightly. Lass? Are you okay?
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Post by Pauley Morgan on Jul 31, 2009 21:40:37 GMT -6
The tears had finally stopped, giving way to gut racking sobs that made her whole body ache. Not that she could feel much of her body anyway; everything seemed so numb. She had quit feelings somewhere along the way, and now just started at the paper. Her last hope of finding the mother who had left her behind was dashed, with one small bit of a tree. A tree had died just so she could be informed that woman who gave birth to her had died. How... well, she couldn't find a word for it. Her mind had stopped working at some point at well.
Hearing a voice from somewhere around her, Pauley's head snapped up, a slight hint of fear swept through her, until it registered to her eyes and ears that the person speaking was only a boy. One that didn't seem as if he could hurt a fly, but she knew looks could be decieving. Just look at her. She had killed two men, but she didn't look like she could, now did she? "Yea, I'm fine." Trying to get a better look in the moonlight at the boy, confusion crossed her features. He looked familiar, but, different at the same time. "Do I know you?"
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Post by Cael Mahoney on Jul 31, 2009 22:25:37 GMT -6
She was sobbing at this point and Cael was thinking that he should perhaps leave. Considering he knew that he didn't like being surrounded by people when he was sobbing like that. But she snapped around and looked at him. He almost jumped a little. He heard her question and slowly shook his head in a 'no' fashion. I'm sorry.. I don't think so... I have only been here a few days, so if you knew me, that would be a wonder. He smiled at her. One thing that he and his brother shared. That same smile. Cael adjusted the strap on his shoulder a little. Hoisting the bag up on his shoulder as he made it more comfortable. He had a light Scottish accent that drifted in the space around them. So um... i hope i am not intruding... I can leave if you like. I just thought that, if there was something wrong, then I could help. He turned to leave again.
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Post by Pauley Morgan on Jul 31, 2009 22:40:51 GMT -6
It was that smile. She knew that smile. She saw it every day. The exact same smile her love had every morning when she would grin at him, glad to have another day with him. Not even bothering to wipe the drying tears from her face, Pauley stood, the letter still crumbled in her hand. Lines of confusion still etched across her face. Making her way to the young man, she frowned. "No, don't go. I know that smile. And the accent." Now standing right in front of the young man who was exactly her height, she pulled a tight face. "You are Ceal Mahoney. You're Cian's little brother." Confusion and anger mounted. What was a fifteen year old boy doing here, in Holloville? A city he didn't even know. "What the hell are you doing here?" She nearly yelled at the young man, not understanding why he would be there, or how he got there.
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Post by Cael Mahoney on Jul 31, 2009 23:33:36 GMT -6
Cael stopped in his tracks. He turned and looked at her as she was nearing him now. Looking at him. She knew his smile? Creeeeeeepy... That was his thoughts anyway. But then she suddenly knew his name and his brother. This was Pauley. He wanted to smile and hug her tightly as he knew this meant that he wasn't going to have to worry about anything anymore, but he soon found that need recoiling. She was nearly yelling at him. Why was she doing that? He knew that it was stupid to come here, but he was so worried about Cian... he had to come. He missed his mum and dad, and he was alone here until he found Pauley here. The one person who could take him to his brother, and she was nearly yelling at him. He felt hot tears stinging his eyes as he tried to blink them away. I'm sorry.. I just.. I was worried about Cian. He was scared and for him. Scared meant tears. Once more he felt the tears start rolling down his cheeks.
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Post by Pauley Morgan on Aug 1, 2009 0:34:48 GMT -6
Spotting the tears, Pauley immediately regretting getting angry. She smiled slowly and pulled Ceal into her arms for a hug. She was so glad to finally meet a member of his family, but still upset about him coming alone. Stepping back, she blinked away a few tears that were threatening to fall and looked at Ceal again. "Sorry for upsetting you, dear. I am just surprised to see you here." She smiled at him again, so glad to see the kid. "When did you get here?"
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Post by Cael Mahoney on Aug 1, 2009 1:17:23 GMT -6
Cael was pulled into the hug and he held back from sobbing. Then looking at her again she apologised and said that she was glad to see him. Cael wiped his eyes with his sleeve once again. Then adjusting the backpack again. He looked at her and spoke a little quietly as he figured this might earn him a look. About two days ago.... He was hungry. He was tired. He was homesick and missing his family, and he was lost. But he was hoping that maybe he could return with Pauley. He was really hoping that was possible. The idea of having to go without another day was a little too much for him.
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Post by Pauley Morgan on Aug 1, 2009 14:44:57 GMT -6
About two days ago? He had been wondering around the city for two days? Taking in his appearance, it looked as if he had been living in street for as long. The woman sighed heavily, and shook her head sadly. Taking his hand, she pushed all of her thoughts and sorrows to the back of her mind ans smiled. "Let's get you to the house and cleaned up. Your brother should be home by now. You can get a shower, some food, and a bed to sleep on. Alright?" Her pink eyes twinkled kidly, just glad to see that the boy was alright after living on the street for two days. She had done that herself when she wasn't much older than him, and she knew it wasn't pleasant.
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Post by Cael Mahoney on Aug 1, 2009 16:19:48 GMT -6
Cael really liked the idea. Food, shelter, a bed and his brother. It was a sound deal to him and he smiled at her. Sounds like a plan to me. Cael sighed and shifted the bag on his shoulder again. Switching shoulders now. Thank you. He said quietly. There was however one question that was burning in his mind. Several weeks ago, when Cian first called, Cael was told about the call. He was so excited but something wasn't right. His parents looked like they were wearing fake smiles. Cael had asked how Cian was doing and his mum left the room in tears. Sure, he was able to talk to Cian and he sounded okay. A little off, but just fine. Cael had never been told about Cian's..... attack? Kidnapping? The incident. Call it what you like. He had no idea. He looked at her. The question on his mind. It was so tantilizing. he had to ask. Miss Pauley? He was very polite like that. How is my brother doing? He was worried. Something was being hidden from him and he knew it.
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Post by Pauley Morgan on Aug 1, 2009 18:15:19 GMT -6
Getting ready to leave the cemetary, she led the way. Making sure Cael was following her, Pauley paused when she heard her name. The question that followed had her biting her lip, unsure of what to say. "First off, it's just Pauley. Okay? And second, Cian is fine." She didn't know that Cael had not been told about the attack, but she didn't want to talk about it too much anayway, not in public. "He is a bit skittish about some things, but he is doing well." She continued on walking, making sure the young man who was going to be her little brother was just beside her. "Let's just get you home, then we can talk more there. It's not safe out here."
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Post by Cael Mahoney on Aug 1, 2009 18:46:04 GMT -6
Just Pauley. He made note to call her Pauley and just drop the miss. Glad to hear that Cian was fine. But skittish? About what? Why should he be skittish? It just didn't make any sense. But he followed her and kept close. Not wanting to lose his way and stray off. Though he doubted she would allow that to happen. He heaved a little bit of a sigh. Shifting the bag again. It wasn't too heavy either. But if you carry something long enough, it feels that way and gets uncomfortable. He couldn't wait to throw it on the floor and collapse on a piece of comfortable furniture. As they walked on in the silence, Cael looked at her. Deciding to chance it. Pauley... um. Why is Cian skittish? About what?I mean, why should he be skittish? What happened? So many questions and now he was even thinking up more. If there was something wrong, then his parents, and Cian lied to him. Telling him everything was fine. Cael wanted to know when his big brother was hurting, afraid, or in danger. He really hoped that Cian was as Pauley said. But he believed that she was the only one telling him the truth at this moment.
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Post by Pauley Morgan on Aug 1, 2009 23:19:14 GMT -6
With about four blocks to go before they turned into her and Cian's new neighborhood, Pauley frowned at his questions. It seemed as if he had not been told what happened, and she wasn't sure if she was alright with that or not. She stopped walking and turned around with a sigh. "First, let me carry that bag for you." She held out her hand, waiting for him to hand over the bag that was obviously giving him problems. "And second, I don't think I am the right person to tell you the story. We will be at the house soon, and then you can ask your brother if he will tell you." Ceal handed her the bag, and she slung it over her shoulder, then turned back around, heading to the house once more.
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Post by Cael Mahoney on Aug 8, 2009 14:35:19 GMT -6
He looked at her with clear confusion as she stopped and turned to face him. His head tilted slightly to the side. Like a young pup would when a sharp sound was heard. He removed the bag from his shoulder. Lifting it by the strap, he removed the burden from himself and placed it into Pauley's hand. He heard her answer and it made Cael think for a moment. What had happened to his brother? from the sounds of it, there was nothing good about this mystery. An answer he wanted to have. Anything to answer that burning question. Cael cared about Cian a great deal and always did his best to listen to him. But he was so worried about his big brother, he gave abandon to safety and came here to find him and now he is faced with the knowledge that something did happen. As to what that was, it appeared as if Cian was the only one capable of telling this. If not that reason, then perhaps it was that Pauley didn't want to, or didn't think she should tell him. He was thuroghly confused. All he could think of was one question. Is it work related?He wasn't ignorant when it came to the Family that his brother worked for. Cael was the only one in the family who did know. He knew the dangers, and hell, it was how he got here.
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Post by Pauley Morgan on Aug 8, 2009 21:15:59 GMT -6
With the bag in hand, Pauley quickly shifted it onto her shoulder. It was indeed quite heavy, and she wondered how on earth such a young kid could have carried that bag for so long. Taking the young man by the shoulder, she turned with him and began to walk toward the house again. "No, it is not work related. Most of it is his story to tell. After that, I might tell you the rest. But like I said, it is not safe to talk out here." They were now just two blocks from the house, and she was really hoping Cian was home.
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