Goodbye, California Skies

April Abrams || halfblood || 18 In search of someone special...found this dumbass island instead.

[smiling-marina-blog]

Reunions & Introductions // Maple

[smiling-marina-blog]

As she watched April smile, she smiled as well. Then she looked at Ming, who looked somewhat torn. She knew it was probably hard for him, so she walked over, excusing herself from the ground and took Ming’s hand in her own, before bending down to his level. “Hey, don’t forget for a moment, Ming, that you’re my brother just as much as April is my sister. Okay?” “But you have the same Mummy…” She tickled his tummy, causing him to giggle. “But you and I have the same daddies! The same memories from when you were a baby. You’re my brother now matter what.” She said and kissed his forehead softly. “Deal?” He nodded, doing their secret handshake that neither of them would ever forget. 

Still holding Ming’s hand, she returned to the group. “Should we give her a tour of the house guys?” She asked her family, Ming squealed before running away. “My room first!” Mari looked to April to see if she wanted to come along. “He’s really into racing cars right now… his bed is like a race car and he is very proud of it.” She said with a laugh.

[lovelylittleapril]

April watched as Marina talked to Ming, and she couldnt help but feel a pang of sadness. She couldnt help it- she was trying to understand what it could be like for the boy, to have someone new move into the house- such a change in the space. For Marina to have someone new in her life as well...she imagined it would be difficult. She just hoped that she wasn't imposing on everyone's lives too badly...

Apri smiled when they offered a tour of the house, and when Ming became excited by the idea of showing her his room. "Right now?" April asked, slightly astounded. They must've had a good amount of money to buy the boy a bed he might not want in a year. It was such a different environment to be in...nothing like she had ever experienced or been in. And suddenly everything was too real. She was going to be living here, Marina was actually her sister, everything was actually looking bright for once. 

[smiling-marina-blog]

Reunions & Introductions // Maple

[smiling-marina-blog]

lMarina looked to her fathers for their reaction, not wanting to lose the connection to her sister who she had grown attached to in such a short amount of time. She watched April wave and smiled comfortingly at her. Then back at her dads. 

"So yeah, this is April. Like I said, we’ve got the same birth mother, and she’s really super nice. And I know it’s a lot to ask but I was wondering if maybe… I don’t know, if maybe she could just… live with us… I know we’ve got two spare bedrooms…"

She watched as her fathers spoke to each other in their own language mostly consisting of nods and hand signals. Mari hated when they did that. That usually meant she was getting grounded or something. They turned to Mari and April. They noticed Mari had moved slightly closer to April, and both of their hearts melted, the answer was undeniable. 

"Well April, I know this may be a bit strange, you know have two fathers, and moving in with a family you barely know, but if you really want to live with us, by all means, there’s a spare bedroom upstairs, and one in the basement." Jackson said, smiling warmly at her. "And I suppose proper introductions are in order. I’m Jackson Pascal. This is my husband Tyler Pascal, and our son Ming."

Tyler held out his hand. “I’d suggest the room upstairs. It’s a bit bigger and has a better view.” 

[lovelylittleapril]

A smile spread across April's face when Jackson said she could stay, introducing them. And when Tyler held out his hand? She didn't think it had actually hit her as to what this meant...that she had a family now. Instead she just shook his hand, the smile still apparent.

"I promise...you won't regret this." she said. April definitely meant that. She had been alone her entire life, there were only a few instances where she had someone on her side, someone to watch her back, and April really didn't want to lose the chance for a family. She wanted to eventually love this people, and she wanted them to love her. 

[smiling-marina-blog]

Reunions & Introductions // Maple

Marina was about ready to scream she was so excited as they finally reached her family’s neighborhood. She wanted to run but she didn’t know if April did. She knew maybe April was scared because that’s how Mari felt every time she thought of meeting their real mom. 

"That’s it!" She squealed, looking back at April after spotting her house. "I… don’t want to be rude, but perhaps it’s best you wait out here while I see them again for the first time. That way I can tell them about you, but don’t worry, they’ll love you!" She reassured her again. She didn’t mean to, but she hugged April, so high on happiness that she could probably lose an arm and still smile. Suddenly she noticed three things at once. She noticed flowers on the doorstep, a sign that said “Missing” on it right above her picture, and a stocking hung outside the door with her name on it, and her heart broke. Did they think she was dead? They must have thought she was dead. She wanted to cry, and with shaky hands, she rang the doorbell. Nobody came and she was so anxious to see her family that she rang it frantically until she saw Ming come to open the door. Oh he had gotten so big. 

The door opened, and there was her home. There was her brother. Ming’s jaw dropped and he reached out to make sure she was real. “Fishy?” He whispered. She nodded. “Yes Buddy, it’s Fishy.” She said, tears prickling her eyes as he threw his arms around her hips. “FISHY!” He screamed, holding her tightly. 

"Ming, who was at-" It was her father, Tyler. He stared at Marina, and immediately fell to his knees, looking at her in as much disbelief as Ming had. "Marina… Princess? Are you-" She unlatched Ming from her legs, brushing past him gently before falling down next to her father, she hugged him tightly, the tears now unstoppable. Then came Jackson, who let out what could be considered a scream. 

"Oh my god!" He said, joing the trio, pulling her away from Tyler and into his arms. "We thought we lost you. Oh Mari, we thought you were-you-" He began crying, holding her to his chest again. After another three minutes of doing nothing but embracing and smiling and just being together again, Marina leaned back. 

"I’ve got a bit of a surprise for you guys…" She said, standing up with mascara stained cheeks. "When we were on the island, a girl came up to me, and she- well… I’ve got a sister…" She waited for their reactions, but for now it was just confusion. "My birth mother, she apparently had another child right before me, and we were separated when you adopted me and… she found me… and I wanted you to meet her, and mayb we could discuss the option of her living with us.." SHe said tentatively. "Here just- she’s just outside, please keep an open mind." She hurried outside, beckoning her sister in with a comforting smile.

[lovelylittleapril]

April was absolutely terrified. Meeting Marina's family was something that was very scary to her, and it had her shaking her stylish yet affordable boots. What if they didnt like her? What if they just didnt want someone else living in their house? It was a huge change to invite someone into your home, to accept them, and agree to take care of them. April didnt need that...she wasn't asking for that. Really she wasnt asking for anything, it was mostly Marina's idea to have her come live with them. And April couldn't disagree, she wanted someone to love her and accept her. 

But it was a big thing to ask. Which made her nervous. There were multiple ways this could go...her mind seemed to definitely be one that looked at all the options. It was nuisance, how imaginative her brain could be. 

April just nodded when Mari said she would go inside first. Staying outside was fine with her, she wasn't exactly ready to walk inside yet anyways. But once Mari had walked inside, it seemed like it took her forever to come back, and her nerves were really starting to get the best of her. She could only thank god that she wasn't a nervous sweater. Her arm pits would be soaking by now if that was the truth. 

Eventually, Mari opened the door and motioned for April to take a step inside. The girl took a deep breath, and stepped in, ready for the reactions of the 3 people standing in front of her. 

"Hey, I'm April..." she said with a slight wave, her awkwardness really getting the best of her.

[littlelovelylulu-blog]

Lulu blushed and smiled. “Yeah, I never really had anyone to call, so I figured why waste the money on it? Maybe I will. I think I’ve got some friends now…” 

She laughed and nodded. “Isn’t it though? I really miss it… I loved Netflix. I miss Netflix. That’s the first thing I will do when I get back.”

[lovelylittleapril]

"You think you have some friends?" April laughed slightly. "You don't know for sure?"

"Oh, I've never had Netflix...I haven't really had the time for much movie watching, to be honest." She shrugged, "Maybe one day."

[littlelovelylulu-blog]

"Yeah! I do not go in the water very often, or far, but I am very observant, and I have witnessed people even touch some of them. I have always been interested in being so close to one, but I am not a very strong swimmer, but yes, I am sure if you go deep enough, you will definitely meet one." 

"Oh, I actually do not have a phone, but I will send you a letter or something maybe… or perhaps I will get a phone because it would be nice to keep in touch with you if we get off the island." She said, wishing she could for once speak without rambling. "Unfortunately there is no WiFi, I’ve tried tinkering around to make some, but I haven’t been able to do it." She said with a disappointed sigh.

[lovelylittleapril]

"Send me a letter? What time is this? 1950? Maybe you should get a phone" April chuckled, "I swear they're pretty useful."

"Dang, but wifi is so important. Well dont worry about it, I'm sure none of these wizards are really missing it too much."

[lovelylittleapril]

Family, Maybe || Maple

[smiling-marina-blog]

Mari felt tears sting her eyes as she heard what her sister had gone through. She wanted to turn back time, and have her father’s adopt her, or turn back time to go through all of that with her. She had been lucky, so lucky to have lived the life she lived. When she was there, with her fathers, she had taken it for granted. But being on this island had made her realize how lucky she was, how loved she was.

But it also made her realize how lonely she was. 

In Hogwarts, she was in classes with people, not necessarily her friends, but she was constantly surrounded by other people. On the island… all she really had was Scarlett, Tristan, and Quill. She was so lonely. But Scarlett was gone. She had left her, and it had been a month. She was beginning to wonder if she hadn’t cared about her enough, maybe if she cared more, she would have at least said goodbye… Now she had April, though.

"I’m sorry… I’m so sorry that that happened to you… I wish I could change time." She said, realizing just how truthful it was.

[lovelylittleapril]

April nodded, giving her a thankful but sad smile. "It's all in the past...I'm sure now I can get over all that stuff...I mean at least, I can try to get past it. I'm sorry I had to drop all this stuff on you- especially right after we just met- i mean talk about careless." she said with a slight chuckle. 

"Let's just do sisterly stuff or something...not so sad. Wanna show me around the island?" she asked, ready to get up from the sandy spot. After spilling nearly all her secrets, she really wanted to get up from that spot- start moving again. It would really help her to actually leave it behind.

[lovelylittleapril]

Family, Maybe || Maple

[smiling-marina-blog]

Marina took a few deep breaths, she still didn’t know for sure if she wanted to meet her real mother, she didn’t know how her parents would react. Would they be hurt? She didn’t want to hurt them. But she saw how much April wanted to meet her, she couldn’t take that away from her just because she was worried about hurting the feelings of three people she knew would never stop loving her. 

"Yeah." She said, with a definitive nod. "Yeah, I would love to help you find her. I think when we meet her I might just hide behind you or something, but I am rather interested in seeing what she’s like… what she looks like… what her life is like." She listened to her, and her heart ached. Where had things gone wrong, that forced them to be separated? Why had she been taken before Mari? Why couldn’t heTyler and Jackson have taken them both? "Wh-What has it been like…? If you’d like to tell me? I’ll help, I promise I will."

[lovelylittleapril]

April took a deep breath, unsure if she wanted to start this story. She gave Marina a side glance before looking away again. "It's really a long story... so you might want to make yourself comfortable" she started. Could she trust this girl with all this information? April figured if they were going to be family they had to start trusting each other anyways... maybe now was a good time to start. 

"I-well...I left the orphanage when I was around five, and I was adopted by a couple...George and Livvy was what I called them." April stuck a piece of hair behind her hair and continued on. "When I was young they started noticing the magic- they figured out quickly that the strange occurrences were happening because of me. So they...they thought they could make a quick buck off of it. I guess they thought they could sell my talent or something... Show it to the world. So we moved to Los Angeles, California- The fame capitol of the United States." She hadn't really wanted to relive those memories.. even though they happened so long ago, April could remember just what they put her through- the physical and the emotional abuse- just to bring about some kind of magic. "So I was...mistreated...", a light way to put it, "because they wanted to bring about some kinda...magical response. I never really could do it though...not in in front of other people, I never did what they wanted me to...so I faced the consequences, so they said...that went on until I went to the Academy when I was 11." She took a moment to compose herself. Remembering what she went through as a child always hurt...she needed the second...she couldn't dwell on what happened so long ago.

"Sorry...yeah, uh, like I was saying....In America, the Wizarding School that I went to was split into a boy's and girl's school. So...kids were always breaking the rules to each other, or just breaking the rules...myself included. I went to the dean's office a lot back then..anyways, summer after my 5th year I found that envelope and...well...I skipped out. I ran away." she shrugged, as if it was so nonchalant that she left to live on her own at 16 years old in Los Angeles, a city known for its crime rate.

"After that well... I lived on my own for a while- tried to learn what I could about the letter, and about the pictures- about you. I worked a few small waitress jobs....found other means of getting money...I did what I had to. I protected myself..." The images of that one night appeared in her head, the night when a gang of men attacked her. It was late, after work when she had been walking home, when they started calling out to her, continuing on to surround her and bring her into the alley. Their gross hands grabbed her body, ripped off her clothes, violating any boundary she thought she deserved. No one heard her screams...or at least no one came to help. It wasn't until April grabbed her wand that she was able to save herself. 

"I got into some trouble with the magical government after that...you know, you're not allowed to use your magic until your of age and all that. I had a big trial and everything where they decided if what I did was in order to protect myself...it went on for a while...but eventually they decided that I was off the hook. After that well...I learned how to fight..I always had a knife on me."

April looked at Marina, checking for her response. She felt as if she had been talking for ever. "That's only half of the story..."

[littlelovelylulu-blog]

"Yeah, oh well! I’ll move on before I accidentally get sad or something." She said, hearing something in the girl’s voice that for some reason prompted Lulu to stop talking. "One of the best things about this island is that there are dolphins, and if you get in the water sometimes they get really close."

Lulu nodded, still upset that she had forgotten the name. She never forgot anything. “Oh yes, of coruse, Tangled, I do not know why I have forgotten that. It is a great film!” She said, her smile getting wider. “Yes! That sounds very fun, actually, I would love to do that.”

[lovelylittleapril]

"Dolphins in the water?" April exclaimed, "I mean, I've seen a few dolphins on the coast in California, but I never would've guessed that I'd see them out here as well." It was lucky that the conversation topic had changed...maybe Lulu had read her mind or something. 

"Let's raincheck that then- just call me whenever its a good time. I'm not really sure where we'd get the movie from though...I don't exactly have the DVD's on me and I'm not sure this island has WIFI." April said, with a slight laugh.

[fetching-adam-fletcher]

Yeeeaahhhh, we’ll see. Like I said, I’m not too sure how it feels to have more than one or two friends, but I’ll give it a shot I guess.

[lovelylittleapril]

If I can make friends on this island, you can too I'm sure. I mean, I'm the new kid, it's gonna be hard to make friends no matter what  for me.

[lovelylittleapril]

Family, Maybe || Maple

[smiling-marina-blog]

When April accepted the hug, Marina smiled, happy that someone wanted to be around her, since it seemed as though so few people did. She wanted to hug her again and again, just to know that someone cared about her. She listened, and didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. “It’s okay, I never really cared enough to delve into it… It was like… I already had parents, I didn’t want her to make me feel differently about my dads…” 

Mari held the envelope in her hand and sighed, debating whether or not to open it. After taking a deep breath, she did, taking out the contents and looking at them. It was strange, so strange to see herself as a baby, something she had never seen before. The youngest she had pictures of herself were when she was two years old. She held the letter in her hands, but shook her head minutely, placing it back. She wasn’t ready for that yet. She looked at April and smiled. “I’ll help…. Even if I wasn’t all that interested, that’s what sisters do. It might even be interesting…”

[lovelylittleapril]

April nodded. It was clear that Marina loved her life, her dads, her family. Why would she need to go searching for another family when she had one of her own? She was jealous inside, of what a nice life Marina had lived. She only wished she could've lived one just as magical.

April noticed how she didnt check out the letter and gave her a  confused look. The letter had been so important to April for so long, so few words, yet it held so much importance. It was like the paper held her mother's essence or something. It was so strange seeing Marina not even open it. 

"You'll...help me look for her? Find out something?" she questioned, kind of shocked. "I-I dont really have a family like you do Marina, or anyone really of my own...my life up to this point...has been insane. If I found information about where I can come from..and our mom... well- It would really help."

[lovelylittleapril]

Family, Maybe || Maple

[smiling-marina-blog]

Mari watched her… sister turn away from her and pursed her lips. It was strange, still and probably would be for a while, to call someone her sister. She wanted to put her arms out and hug her, but April was an unknown variable, she didn’t know how she’d react so she just put her hand on April’s shoulder, rubbing her thumb against it in what she hoped was a comforting manner.

She wondered why April was getting so upset, why she had run away just to find her. However, she figured if April wanted to tell her she would, so she just sat there, picturing seeing her family again, finally hugging them, finally teaching Ming to swim. Introducing them to April. She knew they would love her. Marina already did. Maybe it was because she was desperate to have someone who would have to love her… or maybe it was the fact that she was the only connection she had to her mother. 

Marina smiled widely at the girl, finally giving in and wrapping her arms around her, giving April a tight hug. “I’m glad you’re here… I’m glad I’ve got a sister.” She said. “Do you remember anything about our Mum…? If you want to tell me about her…”

[lovelylittleapril]

April excepted the hug graciously. She didnt hug often, but having Marina's arms around here felt so comforting. Her question through her off though. April looked Marina in the eye. "I-I really don't know much- or anything."  She felt so disappointed- after all her travels you would have thought she would have learned something? But in all honesty- April had been more determined to find Marina than anything, her search to discover things about her parents and her background hadnt even begun yet. 

"I havent really started looking for her yet." April played with the bracelet on her wrist. "All I have are the things I found in the envelope." She reached into her knapsack and pulled out the entire thing, handing it to Mari. "There isn't much- just a few baby pictures. And a letter." The bracelet had also been in there, but April was unsure if she wanted to tell Marina that.. for some reason she wanted it to remain hers and hers only. 

"I still want to learn more about her..." April started, "I just haven't started that search yet..."

[fetching-adam-fletcher]

See, I am really looking out for the good of others when I’m telling them I’m an asshole. [ laughs ] I don’t really know. She just doesn’t have many friends. But she’s the most amazing girl in the world, so I just think more people should like her.

Yeah, I don’t really need to save, but whatever. It sounds fun, I’ll definitely give it a shot!

Well it happened back in Hogwarts, I was never really nice to anyone in the first place, and that just sorta topped it off, but I deserve it. [ shrugs ] You’re right though, there are very few cool people on this earth.

[lovelylittleapril]

Well, I wish you two luck then, if you're trying to get friends and everything. 

[littlelovelylulu-blog]

Lulu’s smile faltered, often times she was able to convince herself that it really was okay, but then she realized - well, hoped is more like it - that someday they would get off the island and she would have to face a life knowing she’d never see their faces again. “Well I have got my Mums ring, and my Father’s pocketwatch…” She trailed off, not knowing how to finish the setence, and simply held up her finger to show Lulu the ring.

"I actually do not know many Disney movies… I know of Finding Nemo, Cinderella and… the one about the girl with extremely long hair and her extremely attractive animated soulmate."

[lovelylittleapril]

"At least you've got something to remember them by." She said, smiling sadly. All this talk about parents was really making it hard for April stay positive, not having any good parental experiences to go back on anyways. She wished they could change the subject, she thought, as she she bit the inside her cheek. 

April laughed, "Tangled. I actually havent seen that one-I've only seen a few actually. Lion King being one of those few. Maybe one day we can watch more of them or something."

[lovelylittleapril]

Family, Maybe || Maple

[smiling-marina-blog]

It was still hard to process everything, but there was one thing that was clear. Marina had a sister. She had someone on the island. Scarlett was gone, the only people she had were Tristan and Quill and sort of Dante. She had someone who came to her. Who wanted to know her. Not just someone who needed help. They were family, and if life with her fathers and little brother had taught her anything, it was that family was the most important thing in the world.

"Well, that’s where you’re wrong!" Mari said with a big smile. "You’ve got me and two dads, and a little brother. If… you want them, that is.” She said, uncertainly. She didn’t ask them, obviously she couldn’t, but she knew that the second her fathers met April, heard they were sisters, April would have her very own room in their house, and be as loved as Marina had been.

[lovelylittleapril]

April's eyes started to water and she turned her ahead away from Marina. It was all just so much- she didn't think it would happen like this to be honest. She didn't think that Marina would welcome her with open arms to fast. The idea that she could have her own family that loved and cared for her was just not something she ever even dreamed of. A sister was a long shot- a whole family just seemed impossible. 

All April had ever known were abusers, cheats, impostors, anyone who just wanted to use her then throw her out. She spent her whole life surrounded by people like that- and if anyone seemed to be on her side they were ripped away from her eventually. Family wasn't a word she ever even got to use- but now...now that might change. She didn't want to get her hopes up- she didnt want to assume that she could just share Marina's family- but the idea that she could just sounded so good to here. 

She had never cried tears of happiness before, but right now everything was just so much better than expected. "It's great....it's great to hear that Marina."

[lovelylittleapril]

Family, Maybe || Maple

[smiling-marina-blog]

Silently, and with shaking hands, she took the first picture, looking at it carefully. It was a picture of her and her fathers at the train before her very First Year. Her dad’s each had one hand on her shoulders and she held a pretty pink cage nearly as big as her with an owl inside of it. Her luggage had been painted pink, despite them not knowing if that was against the rules or not. They all had such big smiles on their faces. Marina kept looking at the picture, tears welling up in her eyes. They were so happy. They were together. They were safe, alive, laughing. She wanted them back.

She took the other photo, still silent and looked at that, then back at the girl. When she looked back at the picture, despite it being somewhat old, she could tell that it was the same girl. She had never seen baby pictures of herself, but she assumed that with the bright blonde hair and slightly tanned skin, not to mention the large eyes, it could only be her.

She still wasn’t sure how to react. Was she happy? Scared? Jealous that April knew more about their mother than she ever did? Their mother… what a weird thing to think about. She had almost forgotten that she had a mother in the first place. She thought about Ming, about her dads, about how they would feel… She knew her fathers would welcome her with open arms but… Ming… she didn’t want Ming to feel like he was being replaced, or like he wasn’t her brother. She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again, still so shocked by the whole situation. “Well… April, I guess… it’s nice to meet you again.” She said, smiling warmly, realizing that she finally had family on the island. There’s no way she would risk losing the only family she had. “I’m Marina Rosalie Pascal, I’ve got two fathers, Jackson and Tyler, and a little brother named Ming… I’m glad to say I’ve got a sister named April.:

[lovelylittleapril]

As Marina watched over them silently, April sat nervously awaiting her new response. She had spent 2 years trying to get her, 2 years either completely alone or with the worst of people. She needed Marina now to take her in, she wouldn't admit it, but she was searching for someone that would be on her side. Who would take her in unconditionally and be there for her. She needed the family. 

A smile spread across April's face. "I'm April Abrams..." she paused, unable to list out family members, unsure of how to continue. "I..don't have any other family so...but you...now." 

[fetching-adam-fletcher]

Ahh see now you’re catching on. I’ve never claimed to be anything but a douchebag, at least I come by it honestly.

Ahh, then Southern California it is. Maybe I’ll visit there once we get off this island and it becomes cold here.

[ laughs dryly ] Maybe three. But I’ve done some shit to someone the whole island seems to love, and I haven’t really been forgiven. I don’t mind though. I’m really not a people person anyway.

[lovelylittleapril]

Oh yeah at least there's always that- you warn people before they actually start to get to know you. Well, at least your working on this whole douche thing. People don't like your girlfriend either...or..?

Yeah, its kinda far away though. Might need to save up for a trip like that. 

I understand that..I've messed up before- maybe i haven't been shunned by an entire island because of it- but I've messed up. People aren't usually cool anyways. 

[lovelylittleapril]

Family, Maybe || Maple

[smiling-marina-blog]

The feeling of relief that washed through Marina’s entire body was nearly overwhelming. With all of the feelings she had had concerning her family, she was glad to know that nothing had happened to them. She wished she was as brave as Scarlett was. She wished that she could just leave, to go and be with her family, but she couldn’t… She was weak, so weak. She wouldn’t survive on her own. “Okay, thank goodness.” She was about to ask if it was about Scarlett, but she saw the girl’s expression and knew not to interrupt.

She listened to her, let the words sink in, and then couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “That-That’s funny. How.. how could you possibly be my sister…? My mom… I-I don’t even know who she was…” She said, her hands began to shake. “I’ve already got a family…” She spoke the words without realizing how harsh they had sounded, and immediately felt horrible. “I mean not-not that I’m… I’m not upset about this or anything just… can you please give me more information… I’m not understanding.”

[lovelylittleapril]

Well, this was definitely one of the reactions that April had imagined would happen. She would freak out, tell her to leave, say that she didnt have a sister and she didnt want one. Maybe not those words exactly but something like that. April nodded when she said she already had a family, of course she did. Of course Marina was the one who got the nice loving family, she didn't April to come and turn that all upside down. She was about to start apologizing, or yelling (she actually wasnt sure which) until she noticed Marina talking, asking for more information. 

April pulled the battered picture of Marina out of knapsack, handing it to her. "I got that picture two years ago, it had your name on the back. I found it in an envelope of our mom's stuff that my foster parents had been keeping from me...I guess the orphanage had it before them." April shrugged, not really wanting to tell the whole story...maybe another day. She didnt want to remember the night she found that envelope in the house, or all the nights she spent alone in the darkness afterwards. Instead she continued on passed those details, "I didn't really know much...but I thought the picture was important. There was another baby picture in the envelope as well...and then this one." She reached for one more picture, pulling out one that had a 2 year old peeking over at a small baby. The letter read in cursive, 'Baby Mari and April'.

April watched for Mari's reactions, choosing to continue talking instead of sitting in silence. 'So...I searched for you, found out about Hogwarts and the War, eventually ran into Marcus...which got me here."