Status: This is my first offical published piece, so go easy on me

Manipulator

Chapter 9

As I sit my room, Sorrin above me, I realize that mistake I've made. I push him off of me, and he disappears into the light. I begin to cry a little bit. "Daddy, I'm so sorry," I whisper through my tears. I remember the promise I'd made my dad when I was little. And now I feel like I've broken my promise. I clench my fists in my blanket, and my body suddenly hurts everywhere again. I fall back onto my pillow, my hands and legs shaking violently. I close my eyes, trying to think about anything else.
When I open my eyes again, I'm home, in my tree house. I look out the window to see my normal neighborhood, nothing's changed. I look at my phone, where I have a text message. I read it, and smile at what Ryan says, "Hai b-dai grl hav Sorrn brng u 2 mi plas". I remember Sorrin and I's kiss, how it felt so good, but wrong. I text him back, "sry cant. Dans got a srpris 4 me he'l driv me ovr l8r" and go into my step father's house.
The house is trashed, so I know someone's been here. "Dan?" I call, but no reply. I group to my old room, and my bed's been tossed over, and my china doll's face is cracked. I run down the hall to my parent's room. When I go in, I see Dan lying in front of the door, eyes open and his face twisted in fear. I check his pulse, and receive nothing. I look around the room, and see daddy's sock draw open. I walk over and find a secret compartment. As I lift the lid, a book lays with a bunch of junk. I take the dresser drawer back to my tree house, and begin to read:
October 7th, 2004
Isabel is showing such promise with her ability. I fear that Leistung Dieb may be onto us. I'm moving my family to a safe place after Halloween. Sarah doesn't understand why I want Isabel to practice her power, but it's to keep her safe. Issi, if you're reading this, then something's happened. If you lose everyone, go to the Dawn family. They'll know what to do.
I want to read more of daddy's journal, but I see something glistening in the drawer. I grab it, and bring out a beautiful ring, and inside is engraved my name. Its beautiful amethyst stone matches my eyes. I remember asking my mother for this ring, and she told me I could have it on my 16th birthday. I slide it onto my finger, and walk outside. I pull out my phone and text Sorrin, "can u com get me at my plas and tak me 2 Ryans?" The reply came quickly, like he'd been waiting for my text, "sur but itll cost ya". I roll my eyes, and close my phone and start walking to the storm drain I'd taken when I was escaping the L.D men. As I walk, a gold SUV drives up to me. I look inside to see Sorrin, grinning like a madman.
"You wanted a ride?" He chuckles, and I climb into the car's back seat and buckle up. "Aw, I wanted to look at you while I have you alone." He joked.
"Guess you'll just have to watch the road." I joke back, grabbing my sore ribs. I still don't understand why the L.D freaks had to beat me up, but they did a pretty good job of it. The ride doesn't take too long, thank the heavens, but Sorrin stops the car randomly, and joins me in the back seat. The car begins to obey his voice, continuing the drive, but in endless circles. I try to move away from him, but Sorrin just moves closer.
"Am I that bad a kisser?" He asks, and I shake my head, and he embraces me and begins to kiss me. I try to push him away, but it only encourages him. I pull me head away and he just gets it again. Eventually I just raise my hand and slap him, finally freeing myself from his forceful kiss. The car stops and I climb out and begin to walk. I hear the car park and I run for it, ducking under things and sliding through storm drains. I find myself in the same place that I'd been stolen from, but I'm not worried now.
I walk to Ryan's enormous home, and ring the doorbell. Mr. Dawn smiles when he sees me, up and moving. He brings me in and takes me to the parlor room. I can hear Ryan arguing with someone, and I think of Dan and my mother on some nights before I stayed in my tree house. It suddenly occurs to me that I'm an orphan for my 16th birthday.
Ryan walks into the room, a large smile on his face. But when he sees my tears, his smile turns into a small frown. He walks over to me and sits on the crush red velvet couch.
"What's wrong?" He inquires as I curl up next to him, holding onto him like a small child.
"Dan…" I whimper, "I…Dan's…dead." I sob when she say that word, dead. Ryan strokes my hair, shushing my tears. "Hold on." He stands, kisses my forehead and walks out of the room. I sat alone, thinking of the pain. Mrs. Dawn sashes in, and sat next to me, holding me like a mother.
"Hush now, my baby
Be still love, don't cry
Sleep like you're rocked by the stream
Sleep and remember
My lullaby
And I'll be with you when you dream
Drift on a river that flows through my arms
Drift as I'm singing to you
I see you smiling
So peaceful and calm
And holding you, I'm smiling, too
Here in my arms Safe from all harm
Holding you, I'm smiling, too
Hush now, my baby
Be still, love, don't cry
Sleep like you're rocked by the stream
Sleep and remember this river lullaby
And I'll be with you when you dream I'll be with you when you dream." She softly sings. I remember when I was little; a friend of my mother would sing that to me. I cry a little bit, and Mrs. Dawn looks at me with her calm blue eyes.
"Mama didn't sing it like that the night before she vanished." I admit. Leslie (Mrs. Dawn's first name) looked at me curiously.
"How did she sing it?" Leslie whispers in my ear. I look around; to make sure Sorrin and Ryan aren't listening.
I take a deep breath, and begin to sing,
"Hush now, my baby,
Be still now, don't cry.
Sleep as you're rocked by the stream.
Sleep and remember,
My last lullaby,
So I'll be here when you dream." Leslie looks puzzled, so I continue
"River, oh River, flow gently for me,
Such precious cargo you bear.
Do you know somewhere, she can be free?
River, deliver her there." A tear hangs on my cheek, and Leslie moves my hair away from my face.
♠ ♠ ♠
The song she's singing is the River Lullaby, from The Prince of Egypt.