a special quiet place

She didn’t understand. How was she hearing these girls?? She swore their lips weren’t moving… Maybe it was a trick of the light. Or maybe she had hit her head harder than she thought… 

They didn’t work for Darren. The rest she could figure out later or deal with later. She still wasn’t sure why they didn’t just let the ambulance take her, but she wasn’t about to question it. Not when she knew that it would be too easy for Darren to find her there. The last thing she wanted was for her chance at Julliard to be over before it had even begun. 

She had to get up.

With all the strength left in her tiny body, Kveta pulled herself up with a grit of her teeth and a muffled cry. She grabbed on to Irma, since she was closer, and leaned against her. Her legs weren’t broken, but it still hurt to stand. She would walk as far as she could. 

“Can we just go back to the dorm? Please?” 

They did their best to hide the vividly bright blue eyes. They didn’t have to do it to communicate with one another so close. They were linked; one. Phoebe and Celeste took turns, tapping into the chaotic and anxiety ridden mess clutching Irma’s arm. Irma couldn’t help an irritated huff. If she got blood on her blouse... well, actually she didn’t care. As soon as Celeste left she was trading the blouses for more comfortable attire. Irma took a moment, ready to make her walk on her own two feet through the pain. She was just pathetic, and people were watching. “That’s where we’re going,” Irma muttered as she held her up with a supportive arm. 

She wasn’t heavy. The sisters were 5′8″ and 122 pounds; slight for their height without any supernatural aid when it came to strength. Still, she wasn’t difficult to support even when she didn’t put weight on her leg. Irma brought her to the back seat of the car as Phoebe slipped into the other side. Her intention was to corner Kveta between them- triangulate. Irma didn’t pay it any mind as she helped load her into the seat. 

A few broken bones and some possible internal bleeding. She was lucky not to have a head injury of anything more serious than a concussion. Yet it was the thoughts that circled her aching head that made her curl up into a ball. Phoebe really didn’t beed to implant the thoughts. They were already dead. The overwhelming sense of dread just made her feel nauseous. She was sure she was going to throw up.

Slowly golden hues opened to find Irma kneeling on the ground beside her. Confusion, mixed with pain, clouded her gaze. Why, out of all the people around, did Irma want to help her?? Irma hated her… Or worse Irma worked for Darren. The girl whimpered, unable to say much.

She was alive at least. Kveta lay on the pavement for several moments before she managed to asked, “Why?” Why was she helping her? Why did she hate her? Why would she work for an evil man like Darren? But she didn’t want to go to the hospital. She was terrified of Darren finding out and coming to visit her. She closed her eyes for a moment. “Please, don’t let him get me…” She shuddered at the thought of going home.

Why? Phoebe was already in her head. The questions echoed in Irma’s as though Kveta were speaking them to her now. As though she were actually asking the questions. “We don’t like this kind of attention, so the sooner you stand up the sooner people will stop staring. That’s why I’m helping you,” she paused a moment and tilted her head, eyes narrowed. She could get on the terrorism bandwagon if it meant keeping her roommate in line. “As for how we know Darren well, all that’s important is that we don’t work for him. Get up.”

People like this girl would question their own actions and sanity before believing they could read minds, even when it was so blatantly exposed to them. Phoebe was notorious for it. They didn’t have a lot to lose. Nobody believed it when they said anything. Hunters did but they heard them coming from a mile away so... She wasn’t worried. 

“It’s not always easy to get away from guys like that.” Kveta offered another smile. She understood. She understood in a way that maybe many girls couldn’t. “Starting over isn’t so bad. At least you have your sisters to lean on.” 

Kveta glanced over at Phoebe. She was quiet for a moment before shaking her head. “No, I don’t have a boyfriend. I just want to focus on me right now.” She supposed it was a fairly normal question to ask– especially given that they had just been talking of Irma’s ex. Many girls like to gossip about boys. Kveta never really, had. She couldn’t relate. Most men just made her cringe and wish that the floor would just swallow her whole. 

Nothing could have prepared her for Phoebe’s next question. All the air felt like it had been sucked from her lungs as the color fled her face. Terror paralyzed her for a moment before she shook her head quickly and scooted back so fast she nearly fell on the floor.  “I need to go!” 

With that, Kveta turned and ran. She ran so fast out of that restaurant. She wanted to be anywhere but with people who knew Darren. She was living with someone working for him. Of fucking course she was. Did she really think he would let her go? Why hadn’t she suspected Irma earlier?? That frosty attitude?? 

Tears blinded her as she ran across the street. She never saw the car coming until it was too late– she was tossed several feet, rolling across the pavement before laying completely still. Cars all around stopped and people pulled out their phones to call 9-1-1 for the girl who had just been hit by a car. 

And... she was gone. “Problem solved then,” Irma said as she sipped the green tea that came. The sisters didn’t even look at her as she ran off like bambi. They knew why. She was afraid of the guy. Her thoughts sang of him in a haunting tone of pain and threat-- of course she ran away when she thought they were associated with him, but it could be used to their advantage. She thought they worked with Darren, or whatever. Knew him. Maybe they could be related. 

Then bambi got hit by a car. 

“Oh for fucks sake,” Phoebe groaned as she stood. Celeste followed before Irma reluctantly joined them outside. People were gathered, some even took pictures. She didn’t know how bad the damage was, but she saw people talking animatedly to 911 about the whole thing. Some girl. They don’t know who. Brown hair, real small, maybe a child! They saw the whole thing too. Because all people really wanted was to make a chaotic event about them. 

“Darren isn’t gonna like medical bills,” Phoebe thought, implanting the thoughts within her. “Better try to get up and stop making a scene... We can bring you somewhere he’ll never know about it...” Cut it out Phoebe-

The apartment was the complete opposite of everything Kveta had ever lived in. It was huge and white. So white that she felt filthier than ever. She swallowed thickly, grateful to be swept off into the bathroom that was a little less intimidating 

She sat quietly, watching the warm water filling the tub. She’d never had a bath. Years of filth were layered on her skin. But the bath smelled nice. Still, she was hesitant to give up either the blanket or the bunny. Her breath hitched as tears welled up in her eyes. She nodded, but didn’t look up. She felt ashamed and scared, standing naked in front of Celeste. Kveta gripped her right arm with her left hand, nails digging into her skin. 

Fortunately, Celeste allowed her to stay close. The water was warm against her skin. Kveta wanted in it all. She sank down until she was sitting. This was the best feeling ever! Cautiously she kicked her feet once in the water. It splashed and she realized she had gotten Celeste wet. Kveta gasped and shrunk against the far wall of the jacuzzi tub, knees drawn to her chest. 

“I’s sorry,” she whispered. She fiddled with her hands quietly as she allowed Celeste to scrub her down. The water around her began to turn a pink-ish brown as the blood and dirt melted from her body. She looked up at Celeste, hoping that she wasn’t mad for making the tub dirty. 

She went slow when she took the filth caked blanket off of her. She folded it neatly and set it down on the white countertop before setting her bunny down on top.  All the while staying in physical contact with the naked, beaten girl. She slipped into the bath with her, but when she splashed, she stiffened some. Ugh... She didn’t want to get her hair wet. It was becoming clear a shower would be necessary after this. Her white shirt was stained with a deep red, brown stain... Just from moments in the water. “Don’t worry, it’s okay,” she murmured softly, smoothing her furrowed brow as she held her close for a few moments. 

The sponge was soft, but she needed to scrub her skin. She was pale. Incredibly pale... It didn’t show before. She’d been covered in years of god-only-knew-what. Celeste couldn’t remember the last time she’d ever seen anything this dirty, let alone cleaned it. If this kid weren’t so scared, she’d have the maids handle this... but she felt attached to the little thing. She didn’t trust her in the hands of randoms. Strangers. She could feel that she didn’t want that either- so Celeste scrubbed her clean, occasionally draining some water and letting the jets run softly in an attempt to filter through the dirty water. 

“It’s okay... Your mother should have done this... she should have kept you clean, it’s not your fault.” Now, she took a nearby glass and filled it with warm water to use it to rinse Kveta’s hair. She had to shampoo the mess of curls multiple times, being careful not to let the expensive crap into her eyes. This wasn’t ‘no tears’. They didn’t have kids stuff. It cut through the filth in her hair... There were pieces of things that Celeste didn’t want to think about nestled deep under the mats. With her fingers she detangled as much as she could before covering it with layers, and layers of conditioner. 

By the time she was rinsed off and dried with a fluffy white towel, she looked like a completely different child. Celeste grinned at her as she wrapped the towel around her shoulders. “Irma’s downstairs finding something to eat-” Phoebe opened the bathroom door, letting some out some of the heat. With her she had a pink pyjama set that Celeste had bought for her. The clothes had come fast... 

Was… Was that a joke?? Phoebe and Celeste weren’t laughing, but Kveta chuckled softly, not sure if it was the right response. “Well, I think Julliard will definitely be a more interesting place with you in it.” She was genuine in her comment– for better or worse, she had a feeling that this year was going to be an interesting one. Irma Frost, with her frosty attitude, was certain to take over the school. Kveta could already picture her as queen bee. 

The girl shook her head. “No. But I will just take some water and a California roll, please.” She handed the menu right back to the waiter. Kveta didn’t eat much. Ever. Some might even say she had an eating disorder. But it was one of the very few things she had control over in her life. It was important for her to maintain that control. She figured a California Roll would be far fewer calories than something dripping in sauces. 

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Kveta thought to reach across and lay her hand on Irma’s but decided against it. Beneath the table, Kveta’s leg was shaking. Hard enough to make the water move in cups on the table. “I’m glad you were able to get away from him.” 

Kveta didn’t offer any details to share about her own past. Even if Irma’s ex-boyfriend struck a fearful chord inside her. She was too scared of telling anyone the truth. She was scared if the wrong people heard, she’d be rounded up and never let out of the basement. Darren had threatened to chain her up down there. Sometimes, punishment was worse than death. Death was something Kveta could only dream of. 

“Maybe you’ll meet someone new– someone better on campus.”

“I’m focusing on school,” Irma replied, glancing at Celeste. See? Boring. There was nothing about this interaction that would get anywhere without it being forced. It wasn’t hard to force open a human mind but it also wasn’t subtle. Three girls, eyes aglow as they triangulated around this tiny chick? Not restaurant appropriate. “I should have done that to begin with but... I don’t know. You get caught up with a guy and things just...” she drifted off, lying through her teeth and awaiting her oscar nomination. “I didn’t... So... Now I’m starting over,” 

Phoebe was silent, gazing out the window with her eyes in Kveta’s brain. Chain her up down there- Darren- basement- Irma frowned a little at the thoughts Phoebe was playing. “Do you have a boyfriend?” She asked. Phoebe turned now to look at her, mirroring the soft smile and gaze that Celeste painted on. We could bring him here. Start some drama-Yeah- because we want some violent fuck human around.

“That may be an uncomfortable question, Irma. Not everybody is so comfortable talking about their personal life,” Celeste said lightly with a glimmering smile. Irma stared at her, expression dead. What the hell else was she supposed to ask? Her impatience was about to break it. Honesty! And then major mental manipulation to keep those jaws wired shut. Don’t fucking do it. 

“Excuse me??” This woman was not Kveta’s mother– not if he had the right Kveta. Though, it was an unusual name. There weren’t a handful of Kveta’s just hanging around. He had given her the name. But he figured they were talking about the same little girl because of the bunny– the bunny he had bought her. “You ain’ ‘er mom….” Still, seeing that this chick was losing it, he helped her to sit on the bench. Or at least he tried. She was stronger than she looked– pulling away and sliding down the wall. Matteo turned his amber hues up to the sky, asking why. But he crouched down so that he wasn’t towering above her. 

She’s in New York.. That didn’t surprise him one bit. That’s where he had left her. But three years with her sisters?? Matteo was confused… That was until… 

His mother was dead and gone. Perhaps he should feel some sort of grief, but he didn’t. Not really. She had always been a bad mom. 

“Excuse me???” 

the fucker that raped your sister–

Matteo felt sick to his stomach. He was now holding his head in his hands, too. Kveta… He… He had always promised to protect her, but… 

He had no idea how to process this. He fell on to his bottom as he shook his head over and over. 

“T’ursday,” he managed to say. “Where is she in New York? Can I see ‘er?” He desperately wanted to see his baby sister. To tell her how sorry he was. Maybe one day she could understand why he hadn’t been able to be there for her. Prison was no joke. He had managed to get out early, but she hadn’t be home when he got out. No one had… Someone else was living in that old apartment. And now it all made sense, why. 

“Please, she’s all I’ve got. I ain’ never mean ta leave ‘er.” 

Prison was no joke- I never meant to leave her- raped!? -- should have protected her- promised- confused-”SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!” she screamed, clawing at her temple. She had to dig it out-- whatever helped her pick up these signals. That’s what she had to do. Then it would be over and she wouldn’t even need a reason to take the damn drug. She wouldn’t feel any of his pain or confusion, or hear the desperate thoughts of everyone in the apartments behind them...

Kveta-- “We clothe her, feed her, raise her and brought her from hell and back we are her mother. Don’t ever question that...” Every tantrum, every culture shock, every meltdown and violent memory they eased her through. They were her mom. His words didn’t change that. She was stubborn. Was it possession? 

“I can’t tell you if you can see her it isn’t up to me and I am not asking.” Her voice was stubborn as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Nnnnhh- you are upset okay I get it but stop thinking so loud you’re guilty I understand but I’m not and I shouldn’t be FEELING YOUR WORTHLESS FUCKING GUILT! It does nothing for anyone. Do you think Kveta should see you? After everything has changed? Her whole world is... is... we did everything we could to change it... everything,” 

Slowly Kveta nodded. She looked up at Celeste as she hugged Teo tighter. Feeling like she could finally relax, she shifted so that not so much pressure was on her lower parts. Resting her head on Celeste’s chest, her eyes fell closed and soon she felt relaxed enough that she fell into a deep sleep, her thumb still in her mouth. The hum of the car and the warmth of Celeste’s arms around her made her feel safe. She didn’t have to be scared as long as she was there with her. 

Along the way, her thumb fell from her mouth. Her tiny body curled into an almost fetal position. Occasionally she would cry out. But for the most part, she slept soundly.

The girl woke slowly. The lids of her eyes were still heavy with sleep as she tilted her head back to look up at the blonde. They were here?? Where was here? Kveta yawned, rubbing her eyes with the top of her wrist, like a cat would do, before sitting up to look out the window. She was at a castle… A real castle!! Kveta could hardly believe her eyes. 

She couldn’t stop staring at it as Celeste got out of the car and carried her towards it. Some part of her felt shy because she knew she was dirty and the place looked so big and nice. She curled in against the witch, breathing in her scent to reassure herself that it was okay. They wouldn’t have brought her here if it wasn’t… right??

Cleaned up?? Looked at by a nurse?? It was a lot for the little girl. More so because she was afraid of anyone touching her again. She whimpered softly, ears flatting back against her tangled mane. She didn’t want to be bad. She didn’t want to be dirty, but she was frightened. Tugging on Celeste’s shirt, she asked. “Yews be t’ere?? Wit’ me??” Golden hues flicked from sister to sister. “Don’ leave me…!” Anxiety was filling her and she trembled beneath the blanket, quaking in her own skin. 

She didn’t care to tell anyone where she was from. She’d never say. She just didn’t want to be alone– she didn’t want to be alone with new strangers who would touch her. 

“Kveta, we’re going to be here with you through all of it,” she knew that she didn’t want to be touched by strangers. She could understand that... Celeste knew that she’d be glued to this little girl for a while, and that was okay. As long as she was safe... They carried her upstairs and Irma unlocked the door to the suite they had rented out. The suite was modern and minimalistic. Clean and stylish. The girls fit in there like porcelain dolls. Kveta was wrapped in a filthy ‘white’ blanket which against the carpet was a dull brown. She knew such a place may have been a shock to her, so they were quick to go to the washroom. 

It was large, with a huge jacuzzi style tub, a shower room and plenty of space. She turned on the heated floor and started the water, all the while keeping Kveta against her chest. She set her down on the counter before unbuttoning her shirt. Under her blouse she wore a sheer white undershirt that would cover her well enough. She knew this kid didn’t want to be dropped in a tub. It was big enough for Celeste to kneel comfortably while she cleaned the filth from her skin. She’d have to get her to rinse off in the shower when they were done. 

The small girl with the big eyes looked up at Irma in the front seat and smiled shyly. “She is awfully talented, then. It’s no wonder she got into Julliard,” she replied, before looking back at Phoebe and Celeste, though she was still trying to figure out which was which again. Though, Kveta couldn’t help but to chuckle softly at Irma’s retort. 

Kveta stepped out of the car lightly and held the door open for the other two sisters. She glanced at Irma and shrugged. She knew exactly what would happen once she graduated. Yet, she had to dream. “My dream is to travel.” It was a stupid dream, really. But to go out and see the world, to see what was beyond the borders of what was allowed. “Musicals would be fun, I think, but… I am too shy to sing in front of so many people. I am sure I would sound like a mouse.” 

She was trying to ignore Irma’s frostiness and at least enjoy the company of the other two sisters, who at least seemed… interested in her. 

She hesitated, though, when they asked where she was from. Golden hues glanced around. They were in the heart of the city. Yet, there were so many people who could be following her for Darren… “Manhattan…” She slipped inside the sushi house, holding the door open from the inside. “You?”

“Well, the lab where we were cloned was in Detroit,” Irma mused as she entered the sushi restaurant. Phoebe and Celeste both looked like they smelled a bad fart. A joke too close to home, too real. “After that we moved to New York and now... well, taking over Juilliard,” she chose their seat, not caring for the ‘please wait to be seated’ sign. She wanted a booth by the window, and she wanted Phoebe beside her not Celeste. Of course though, Celeste slid into the booth and took Irma’s hand, guiding her into it as Phoebe slipped in across from her. 

She glanced up when a waitress came by and set down some menus. “Are you a vegetarian or anything?” Irma asked Kveta as she looked over the menu. Phoebe was jotting down the things the sisters wanted as they looked through it. 

Celeste gazed at her with curiosity... As if she was hiding something. A shitload of pain- yeah. Nothing that they could use unless it was to mentally cripple her. Was that the plan? Irma looked up at Celeste, honestly wanting to know. What were they doing playing nice with this broken little human. 

“Honestly, I’m here because I broke up with my boyfriend and shit got weird. Dorm life for a little until things calm down,” Irma mumbled as she took a sip of her water. There. Got the conversation to a dark place.

Matteo had been watching the woman from across the street. He was on break smoking a cigarette outside of the shop. His mechanic’s uniform was rolled down and the sleeves tied around his waist. The only thing covering his muscular upper body was a tight white wife beater tank top that had been stained over and over again from working on cars all day long. 

The way she held her head, almost made it seem as if she if she were a drug addict coming off of something. He had seen a lot of bad trips before. Mostly when he had been at home living with his mom. 

He put out his cigarette on the brick wall as he watched the pretty blonde storm over to him. He was curious as to what she wanted. It was easy to see she was mad. But why take it out on him—

The mechanic stood up straight when his baby sister’s name fell from the lips of the woman. “Where did you get that name?” he asked, narrowing his eyes at her. He had no idea how she had found either of them. He reached for her arm. “Who are you??”

“I am her mother,” she growled, protectively, like this guy would try to take her away. She wasn’t here, but it always felt that way the moment anyone noticed her, or knew her... She got protective. They all did. “I.. one... I mean... when... the bunny--- keeps her safe,” Help. He was holding her arm... good, because she was losing her balance. The world spun, and voices clustered around her so loudly, the bright blue light in her eyes couldn’t be contained by closed lids. She pulled away, backing up unsteadily towards the wall before she sank down and cradled her head in her hands.

She stared at the ground, lighting up the ground beneath her while she was bombarded. She didn’t know if she could trust this person... whatever he was. Related to Kveta or not he did nothing for her. 

“She’s in New York... safe with my sisters where she’s been for three years. The woman who was ‘raising her’--dead and gone. Just gone... went out like a hero carving up the fucker that raped your sister--” her words were barely forming, but they were there, psychically projected to him while she spoke. It didn’t matter if she wasn’t speaking clear, the message would get through. 

Back in the arms of the pretty lady, Kveta buried her face again. She couldn’t hear the screams, no, but she could smell Celeste and that was comforting. Little fingers curled into the material of her shirt while the tiny girl laid her head on Celeste’s chest. The hand not holding on to her shirt was holding her bunny by the ear– pressing it up to her nose while she sucked on her thumb beneath it. If she focused hard enough, she thought she could still smell her big brother’s cologne on it. After all, he had been the one to give it to her. 

She blinked. And when she opened her eyes she realized she was no longer inside the house at all. Rather, she was outside in the cool evening, as Celeste walked towards a pretty silver car. With her ear pressed against Celeste’s chest she could hear the soft vibration of her voice. But fortunately, they were going to wait for her sisters inside the car. Kveta was cold outside. She thought about shifting so that her fur protected her from the chill, but decided against it. The car was warm enough, even if it smelled like leather. 

Kveta looked up in confusion. “One brain?” She didn’t understand. Little brows were furled in confusion. It was hard for her to comprehend, but she tried. Her whiskers twitched as she thought about it. 

Soon enough, though, Celeste’s other parts came to climb into the car. They looked just like her, causing Kveta to tilt her head. How was she gunna ever tell them apart? 

Pretty Lady??? The girl ducked her head and curled into Celeste, totally unsure of how to respond to the compliment. Her ears moved back, but didn’t flatten. Shyly she waved at them, taking her hand from Celeste’s blouse for only a moment. 

But, Phoebe seemed to have struck a chord within the girl because she smiled and her ears pricked up when her bunny was complimented. She nodded. “T’is is ‘Teo!” Kveta lifted the bunny so Phoebe could see the ratty toy better, though she never took him away from her mouth. Once the blonde had gotten a better look, she hugged him to her chest. When she had first received him, his name had been Cakes. His name had changed, though, after her brother had gone missing. This was her very last connection to him. 

“‘Teo keeps me safe.” 

Celeste held her close and didn’t bother with a seat belt. She had the entire back seat, and she shifted them so that Kveta was laying against her chest. It was late. There was a small part of her that didn’t want the filthy child directly on the upholstery. The other part just couldn’t let a suffering supernatural child go. She wanted her to sleep, and ran her hands lightly over her hair and her back. The ride would take a while. “We’ll keep Teo nice and close then, okay?” Celeste mused as she tried to brush some hair behind her ear. 

Irma turned on the heat as Phoebe turned away. Her eyes glazed over as she drifted into Kveta’s head. Children had an interesting way of thinking, but she wasn’t investigating. “You relax with Teo and Celeste... if you close your eyes, we’ll be there the moment you open them,” she murmured in a soft voice, lacing into her mind with the suggestion while Celeste held her. The three were shocked. They didn’t really know how to process what they’d witnessed... Or the fact that the people who did this died too fast.

By the time they got to the safe house, Celeste had nodded off with another blanket around both of them. The two hour drive was a good chance to rest before her extreme make over. The authorities would be looking for something given the state of the room. They’d know there was a child... but that’s all, likely.  Still they had to change her appearance. Clean her up... make her shiny and new. The safe house was a large mansion, older than the ones the sisters lived in. There were towers that gave it a castle-like appearance, and a warm glow. Supernaturals had funded this place... it was basically an underground. 

“Kveta we’re here...” She could tell there weren’t many people there. Good. Just some maids, a few strays, the owner... They wouldn’t see them. Phoebe and Irma were already sending the message. Leave us alone. “I want to prepare you, Kveta--”

“When we get inside, we’re gonna go upstairs... We have an apartment here. We’re gonna get you cleaned up, and looked at by a nurse and then we can show you around, or sleep some more... But we have to get you all cleaned up so nobody asks questions...” Irma got out of the car as she spoke. Moments after so did Phoebe.

Kveta’s eyes grew wide as three buff men entered the tiny dorm room. Though she hardly took up much space, she backed away from them until she was nearly out the door. She didn’t like being around men… at all. She had been through too much to trust any of them. Whether they were cousins of the three blondes, which Kveta doubted–she could see the lust in the boys’ eyes, or not, she would much rather be anywhere but in the small room with them now. So, it was a relief when the sisters decided to leave as well. 

“It’s… nice that you have so much help, Irma,” she responded quietly. Kveta never really knew what it was like to have family. Her family was s messed up. She didn’t say another word until they reached the sidewalk and the dancer saw the black SUV waiting for them. Her brows went up slightly, surprised. 

She bit the inside of her lip anxiously, but nodded. “Sure…” She wasn’t sure it was a good idea to get into a car with them. But anything they had planned for her, if at all sinister, couldn’t be worse than what she had grown up doing. At least, that was her view. 

“Irma… you’re an artist?” Kveta tucked herself against the door of the car as she buckled up in the backseat. “That’s really neat.” She was honest and genuine. She’d never really learned how to draw very well. She couldn’t focus on bringing the images from her mind to the paper– not that she particularly wanted anyone to see them anyways. Her mind was a dark and twisted place from the horror that she’d lived through. Dance was just… easier. 

Irma sighed, wondering what the goal was here. Were they looking for dirt or trying to make it difficult to dislike her. She was kind, with a genuineness about her most humans failed to have. She didn’t answer. Instead she got into the front seat and hoped that would be the end of it. This girl was a tiny dancer who was being fucked with by a bunch of bigger, meaner humans. If she knew what we were and what we could do, it would terrify her. Do you think she’d like having a telepath roommate? She’d tell everyone and sure, nobody would believe it but some might. She looked up in the mirror to meet eyes with Phoebe before nodding once. She knew this was true. 

“Irma is a painter, and she sculpts. She also plays the violin and the piano, but she’s focusing on her art because... why is that again?” She chuckled, grinning at Kveta. She loathed humans, but she didn’t show it. Irma shrugged a little.

“To get away from you two,” she said lazily. The thirty second ride was redundant. They could have walked it. “I was never graceful enough for dancing,” she said as she got out of the car. “Though I have to wonder, what will you do with dance? Teach it? Play in musicals? Get a job with Disney?” She was being a problem, not playing along. Celeste sighed, heavily, irritated. It wasn’t a hard game to play. 

“Better than where your hobby is gonna get ya, Irma” she mused as she smiled at Kveta. “She warms up I promise.” She said as she slipped out of the car. “So.. where are you from Kveta?”