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Chapter One:
- `[Between Love and Madness lies. . .Obsession!]
Her older sister was late yet again. This was now her third play since she had joined the young star’s academy across town and tonight she was to star in their production of Cinderella, taking the leading role.
Sitting on the bottom step in her first outfit, a ragged looking brown stained dress, with a matching bandana tied around her dark locks, Kylie held her chin atop of her clenched fist, pouting at the large front wooden door ahead of her.
“Momma, Kennedy’s late again” The 10 year old called out to her mother, who was pottering around in the kitchen.
Hearing the sadness and frustration in her youngest daughter’s voice, Maria Perez finished drying her last dish, dried her hands in the blue towel and threw it on top of the bench before going to check on the little girl.
Sighing at the frown that crossed her young child’s face, she bent down catching the girl at eye level “She’ll show, just give her time” Maria reassured her daughter, caressing the young ones cheek with the tip of her thumb.
“What if she doesn’t, she only just made it last time” The girl sulked, huffing as the clock continued to tick.
“Who barely made what?” Maria’s eldest daughter Kennedy entered through the front door, her brows arched with questioning towards her mother and sister. The girl’s state clearly showed that her night had been that of eventful. Her words escaped through heaving breaths, her clothes stained with dirt and grass, and her hair wisped at the sides, not to mention the thin layer of sweat covering her body and begging to show through her clothes.
“Where have you been young lady?” Maria questioned her daughter, standing from her bended knee; throwing her hands to her hips.
“Ah out--with Brittany; how much time have we got?” Kennedy lied flicking her wrist to check the time.
Shaking her head, Maria ordered “Go shower, five minutes tops and we’ll talk about this later – I think an apology is required for a certain 10 year old” she whispered the last part taking a step towards her daughter before leaving them to be alone.
Kennedy glanced over her little sister still sulking on the step; she hadn’t once looked at the teen since she had arrived home, she was determined to show her sister how she felt about the teen’s lack of time management. Bending down, Kennedy tilted her head, trying to catch the little girl’s attention. “Sorry I’m late Ky, I was just out doing ‘you know what’. I tried to get back earlier, trust me I ran like crazy to get back; looking like a freaking lunatic, this old man even thought I was some kind of mental patient running down the street cursing about vampires” She stifled a laugh “But I’m here okay, late – but still here – think you can forgive me Chiquita?” She whispered, following her words with a hopeful smile.
The younger of the Perez daughters curled her lips at her sister’s explanation, all the while trying her best to put on a serious, angered face “You’re lucky you’re my sister, I forgive you- this time, now go shower cause you smell really bad” Kylie threw her hand in front of her nose, making a face at her older sister’s stench.
Kennedy squeezed her little sister in a tight hug, much to the attempt of the younger girl’s tries at breaking free, “Aw you love me” She laughed before rubbing the girl’s head and heading up the stairs.
Kylie watched her sister round the corner at the top of the stairs. She knew exactly where she had been, it wasn’t with friends like she had told her mother. Kennedy had hardly any friends instead she used them as an excuse for her late night disappearances. Every night that Kennedy left, either out the back door or through her window, Kylie would worry. It wasn’t normal for a ten year old to worry so much, but with a sister as a vampire slayer, how could she not?
Kylie was the only person who knew the teen’s secret, apart from her watcher. Kennedy would much rather her little sister not knowing about Vampires and the forces of darkness, but after the invasion of her dairy, the young slayer was forced to explain on the mentions of Vampires and slayers.
Five quick minutes passed; Maria and Kylie stood halfway out the front door waiting for Kennedy to join them. Maria waited in her brown coat with her purse over her shoulder, and Kylie, still in her outfit but with a purple jacket over top.
“Ken”-
“Coming” Kennedy dashed down the stairs, her head trying to push its way through the top she was still putting on. Kylie rolled her eyes at her sister choice of clothing, tanned coloured Khaki’s with a white shirt and black hooded jacket. Searching for her sneakers, Kennedy finally managed to finish her outfit still hopping on one foot to put her shoes on.
“I’m sorry your highness, but I must leave now it is but midnight and my chariot waits”
Kennedy slouched in her chair next to her mother, watching her younger sister on the stage. With a bag of popcorn in hand she watched, mouthing the words along with her little sister through the mouthfuls. Every line, she had heard at least a hundred times. Kylie would practice every day since she had landed the role, the young Latina even managed to pull her older sister into reading the prince’s lines every now and then.
“You wanna tell me what you were up to earlier?” Maria whispered leaning towards her daughter, her eyes still focused on Kylie up on stage.
Kennedy swallowed a mouthful of popcorn, “I was just out with some friends, having a good time” She lied to her mother.
Maria cocked a brow, “And your idea of a good time requires you to roll around in the dirt?”
Kennedy sighed, “We were running around, being silly, I slipped on a rock and landed face first” she tried to drop the subject, switching her attention back to the stage. But her mother wasn’t convinced, Maria still questioned the explanation as she fell back up right in her seat.
“And they lived happily ever after” The crowd around the slayer stood in applause as the actors bowed, and the little girls curtsied. Kennedy crawled to her feet, clapping her hands together for her younger sister who continuously bowed with a beaming grin.
Maria unlocked the front door to her three bedroom house, opening the door she held it back for Kennedy to carry the youngest Perez through the door, asleep in her arms. Her daughter was stronger than her, but Maria took that as a result from the teen’s physical training that came with her joining the schools track team.
Watching her daughter climb the stairs, she thanked the higher being for blessing her with two beautiful gifts. Even if one was to some extent a trouble maker.
Walking into the kitchen, Maria threw her keys into the bowl on top the kitchen bench. A red light flickering on the answer machine caught her attention. Pressing the button, she waited for the voice and began to fix herself a cup of tea.
“You have one new message”
BEEP
“Mrs. Perez, this is Richard Davidson from Featherstone High. I am calling in regards to your daughter Kennedy. I would prefer to talk about your daughter’s situation in person, would it be possible if we could arrange a meeting with both you and Kennedy as soon as possible? If you could let me know, you can either reach me on this number, or reach me through the school office. Thank you”
BEEP
“End of Messages”
Maria sighed, stirring her tea. Tapping the teaspoon on the rim of the cup, she placed it in the sink before picking up the phone.
Kennedy drew back the purple covers on Kylie’s bed before placing the sleeping child underneath. Kylie stirred a little, turning on to her side; using her hands as a pillow. Kennedy couldn’t help but smile, pulling the covers over her little sister’s body. Caressing her hair, she pressed her lips to the girl’s forehead then left the room, taking one last look at her sister before easing the door shut.
Downstairs, Kennedy found her mother in the living room sitting on the sofa, with her legs pulled up watching late night television and sipping on a cup of tea. The phone sat on the coffee table in front of her with a note next to it. Kennedy glanced over reading over the words ’11.45, Kennedy’
Tilting a brow the slayer questioned the note, “What’s at quarter to twelve?”
Maria took the remote in her hand, switched off the television and placed it back down; turning her position to face her eldest daughter. “A meeting with your principal” She answered.
Kennedy drew in a deep breath, “About what?”
Maria pursed her lips, “You tell me?”
There were a number of things the meeting could be about; Kennedy knew that she wouldn’t even be able to count the number using both hands. She had been suspended twice already this year, one was for her numerous late mornings, and the other was for starting a fight with a boy. If there was anything Kennedy was best known for around Featherstone High, it was her many run-ins with Dr. Davidson.
The young slayer was reluctant to answer, so her mother took the chance to speak, “Whatever it is, your father is going to be there as well, and before you start, I asked him to come. I’m not the only parent responsible for your behaviour; you and I both know that. So whatever it is that your principal wants to talk about, I want your father to listen as well, got it?”
Maria’s voice was very stern. It was a voice she hardly used with her daughters, but whenever she did they both knew she meant business.
If there was one thing Kennedy was afraid of, it wasn’t a demon or vampire; it was her own mother in a rage. That was one thing Kennedy had witnessed that scared the life out of the slayer. When her parents split, and Maria found out about her husbands affair, she lost it. Kennedy was old enough to know, and she witnessed her mother’s breakdown while Kylie was sent to stay with their grandmother. Kennedy was asked to go with, but she refused to leave her mother; with it also being around the time she had begun her training as a slayer and there was no way she was going to leave her mother on her lonesome.
“She aint coming is she?” Kennedy asked referring to the young blonde who was now her father’s partner, known as Trish.
“No she isn’t, this is just for you, your father and I. So I suggest you go get some sleep, I’ll be dropping you & Kylie off early. I have a meeting at eight”
Kennedy agreed, she gave her mother a kiss on the cheek “Night Ma”
“Goodnight Mija” Maria replied, turning back to the television, and switching it back on.
Lying on what she had now claimed at Featherstone High, her bench, Kennedy flicked her wrist to check the time; 11.37. ‘Another eight minutes’ Kennedy thought. The sun shone down harshly and the slayer bathed in its heat. She loved the heat, it reminded her of the days she spent holidaying in México with her cousins, laughing, running, playing all kinds of sports. She loved the atmosphere, the feeling of having people surround her that loved her and cared for her. That was a feeling she hadn’t felt in years.
A shadow soon fell over her body, covering her warmth. Squinting her eyes, she sat up, her eyes falling on to the figure of a girl. The brunette had a milky complexion; her hair was dead straight with a few highlights here and there along with numerous ear piercings, ones that matched the piercing in her bottom lip. Dressed in a loose red singlet and a mid thigh tight black skirt she stood, her head cocked, and her arms were thrown across her chest.
“And where the hell were you last night?” The girl asked.
Kennedy sighed, “Brittany, shit – I forgot, I’m so sorry.” The slayer slapped herself mentally.
“You forgot? What you get it some where else? I bet you were off with some little slut weren’t you?” Brittany shook her head.
Kennedy stood to her feet, rubbing the girls arm. She knew her charm would help her get out of her situation, it always did.
“Baby, you’re the hottest girl in this joint, you really think I’d skip you for somebody else? You know me better than that don’t you?” She smirked; catching the girls brown melted eyes. Brittany stood her ground though, not giving in to Kennedy’s infamous charm.
“You are not getting away that easily Kennedy Perez”
A small beep alarmed on the slayers watch. Flicking her wrist, the numbers 11.45 flashed repeatedly. Realising the time Kennedy cursed, giving the girl a smile. “Can we talk about this later? I gotta jet. Davidson wants to see me and my Ma, after school maybe?” She gave a hopeful grin.
“Fine but”- Kennedy cut her off, giving the girl a quick peck, she grabbed her shoulder bag and ran off towards the school entrance.
Richard Davidson was in his fifth year as principal at Featherstone High. The school was one of the most highly recognised schools in the district, producing some of the most outstanding academic scholars and athletes. It was also known for producing some of the trouble makers that resided within the small town, one being in Dr. Davidson’s eyes; Miss. Kennedy Perez.
Sitting in his high backed desk Chair, staring out his back window, Richard Davidson watched as the students at Featherstone congregated and socialised during the school’s recess. His office walls were lined with various portraits of the achieving students and groups at Featherstone. His desk was laced with pictures of his family. One of his son in a football uniform, holding the game ball in the air. Another of his daughter, celebrating her graduation, dressed in her gown with a diploma in hand.
A small knock at his office door caught Richard’s attention, spinning in his chair Richard came to find his assistant, Rachel standing at the door.
“Your 11.45 is here sir, Mrs. Perez” Rachel informed, walking through the door, and handing Richard a file.
Taking the file from the girl Richard nodded, “Thank you Rachel; do send her in” Rachel did as she was told. Leaving the room, she returned within seconds with Maria Perez.
Rising from his seat, Richard nodded for Maria to take one of the three chairs that were set out on the opposite side of his desk. Maria, in return smiled, and took the offer.
“How are you Mrs. Perez?”
Maria waved her hand, “Maria’s fine, and I’m very well thank you. May I ask what this is about?”
Richard cleared his throat a little; “If you don’t mind, I’d rather wait for the others to join us” he straightened up the files and papers on his desk.
Maria nodded in agreement, turning her attention to the clock on the wall, 11.49. Kennedy and her father were late as per usual. She stifled a laugh, knowing that Kennedy gained that trait from her Father.
An exasperated man rushed through the office door of Richard Davidson, dressed in what looked to be an Armani suit, with a stylish beige coat overtop. Taking one of the seats next to Maria, he sighed seeing the non-presence of his daughter.
Karlos Perez was one of the most elite lawyers in the district. Maria was at the age of 18 when she first met the potential Lawyer in college. His handsomeness, intelligence, personality and charm all caught the young Latina’s eyes. To her it was a sense of love at first sight.
Dating became a regular for the two college students, and within a year Maria had fallen pregnant with her first child; Kennedy. Karlos was a little reluctant about becoming a father, but eventually he came to his senses when his closest friend gave him the idea that a family would improve his chances with the firm. The couple rushed for a marriage, and at the age of six Kennedy became an older sister with the birth of Kylie.
Karlos was a hard worker, but after the years, work become Karlos’ priority, put before his wife and children. And soon work became another life to Karlos; leading to his affair with the young, attractive assistant he now called his fiancé.
“Mr. Perez, thank you for joining us today, I believe your wife”-
“Ah ex-wife” Maria corrected.
“Ah yes, I do believe she requested your presence today, so I thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule.” Richard greeted.
Karlos wasn’t an angry man, more along the lines of frustrated. “Yeah – thanks” Turning toward his ex-wife he asked “Where is she? I don’t have all day” his tone came off a little harsh about the mention of his first born.
Pushing back the irritation her ex-husband ignited Maria answered, “Well you weren’t exactly on time either Karlos”
“Don’t start Maria; you know I’ve got a busy day. This is the last thing I need, haven’t you been disciplining the girl enough?” Karlos questioned, infuriating the woman next to him. Before she could answer, their daughter’s presence ended the argument that thankfully hadn’t yet begun.
“Ah, Kennedy thank you for finally joining us” Dr. Davidson gestured for the teen to take the remaining seat.
Plastering a fake smile, Kennedy took the seat, throwing her bag on the floor at her feet; slouching in the chair.
“Now I know you are all wondering why I have called for this meeting. It has come to my attention that the numerous notifications that I have sent to your home concerning Kennedy’s behaviour have either been misplaced or prevented from being seen” Richard informed giving the slayer a questioning look. Kennedy slouched further in her seat, feeling the burn of both sets of eyes belonging to each of her parents.
“Now, let’s take a look shall we” Richard opened the file that lay atop his desk. Inside was a photo of Kennedy, one of the nicest the slayer had taken, she was in happy mood that day, having had an ‘incident’ that would later be discussed.
Kennedy swallowed down the lump in her throat, as the principal continued to speak, “There a numerous accounts of tardiness. Numerous fights, that although were not always started on Kennedy’s behalf she was yet, still apart of the incidents. There was the scene where she blew out half of the science department. Not to mention cutting class, the lack of homework completion, and let’s not forget the incident with Ms. Morgan”
Maria’s eyes widened with each complaint, or incident as Richard referred to them. She knew of her daughter’s behaviour, but she had never thought it had gotten so out of control.
“Let’s be honest, the thing with Brittany wasn’t exactly my fault, she came on to me, I was just having a shower as per usual after gym class, and before I knew it we were well ‘you know’ but she was the instigator, she”- Kennedy attempted a defence, only to be cut off by her mother.
“Do not even finish what you were about to say young lady” Maria held her hand up. Rolling her eyes, Kennedy slouched further in her seat in desperation to escape the disappointing looks.
“So what does this mean? Can’t we just settle this matter with a detention” Karlos’ impatience was getting the better of him.
Hearing her fathers voice seemed to aggravate the slayer “Like you care anyway” she mumbled to herself.
Richard shut the file, taking a long breath, “I’m afraid it has gone past that level of punishment”
Each member of the Perez family knitted their brows, unsure of what the man was getting at.
Expanding on his comment Richard continued, “What I’m trying to say is that the only choice I have left is-to expel Kennedy from Featherstone High”
Maria shook her head with disappointment. Never had she thought she would have to hear those words from a principal. She could barely look at her daughter she was that disappointed. Partially blaming herself for the decision, Maria turned to Richard “I am very sorry for the trouble Kennedy has caused, but are you sure this is the only solution?”
Richard held his hand up, reassuring the mother “I’m afraid that this is the final straw, Kennedy’s behaviour doesn’t seem to have changed since this first occurred. Now I know that there may have been some troubles at home, but”-
Karlos cut in, interrupting the man “Why am I here, I still don’t see how this affects me?” he asked.
Her ex-husband’s response sent Maria over the edge, “She is your daughter Karlos, have you forgotten? I am not the only one responsible for her, how can you be so selfish?” She stood from her seat, enraged at the man.
In return Karlos rose from his, his veins now reddened in his throat “Have you not learnt how to discipline her?” he questioned the woman’s parenting.
Richard tugged at his tie, clearing his throat. But his attempt at an intervention failed. Kennedy looked over to him, rolling her eyes.
“Discipline her? At least I am still around to try Karlos! When have you been there for her? Huh” Maria almost spat the words in his face.
“Oh don’t blame this on me leaving Maria; she’s been acting out before I left, the late nights, the gay thing”-
By now Kennedy had had enough of her parents squabbling; her decision to cut in finally took an agreement when her father brought up the issue of her sexuality. “I knew it; I knew this was about me being gay!” She pushed back her seat with an incredible force, near yelling at her father.
Karlos was shocked by the tone of his daughter’s voice, how dare she stand to him like that. “Don’t you start with me” Karlos took a stern step towards his daughter. But Kennedy held her head high, never once breaking the intense stare she inflicted upon the man who she resented as being accountable of her being.
“I started, so what? Say it, say that the reason you left was because you couldn’t stand the fact that your daughter is gay. Or the fact that you didn’t even want me in the first place; that the only reason you stayed with mom was because you knew that the Firm wouldn’t select you if you had a bastard child. And that the only reason Kylie was born was so that you could show that you had a perfect happy little family, a family every good lawyer should have, but all of that was shit, it was all a lie wasn’t, Karlos.” With every word Kennedy took another step towards her father, eventually coming face to face with the man.
Maria knew her daughter had pushed the right buttons with her father; she knew that he would answer, but she didn’t want to hear the answer, nor did she want her daughter to hear it. So she took her chance at that time to prevent the words from being said. “Kennedy, that’s enough, go and wait for me in the car” she ordered.
Kennedy was hesitant towards her mother’s words. The stubbornness and hard headedness that her genes produced refused to let her guard down. She remained eye to eye with her father, never once looking away, she could feel the anger rise; she could feel the tears welling. But she refused; refused to show her emotions; refused to show him how much he hurt her.
“Kennedy Maria Perez, get in that car-now!” Maria enforced her words.
Letting out a deep, angered breath, Kennedy shone her back to her father, took her bag in hand, and stormed out of the office.
Maria looked at her ex–husband, complete and utter disgust surged through her expression.
“Maria” – Karlos attempted to approach.
“Don’t you dare, just – just leave it Karlos” Maria took her purse; swinging it over her right shoulder. She gave Richard Davidson a weak smile, and apologised for the behaviour her family had displayed. Richard accepted, and Maria left.
Kennedy stormed down the corridors of Featherstone High. Shouldering a few people on her way but never once apologising for her faults. With her eyes glued to the ground, Kennedy soon came to a halt--a pair of sandals, and tone legs blocked her way. The slayer sighed, knowing full well who the stood in her path. Her eyes travelled the body, the black skirt, the red top, and soon the beautiful face. She brushed away the stray tear she had allowed to fall. Her cheeks had reddened with anger, and her eyes were glassy. Sucking in on her bottom lip, Kennedy refused to give any eye contact to the girl.
“Hey –how’d it go?” Brittany asked, trying to catch the girl’s eyes.
Kennedy’s response was low, and mumbled, “I got expelled”
Brittany chuckled lightly, “I thought you’d be happy, now you don’t have to show up” She tried to lighten the mood.
“It’s not that”
Brittany cocked a brow, “Then what’s the problem?”
Kennedy shook her head, glancing over her shoulder she caught a glimpse of her mother heading in their direction, turning back she answered, “Nothing, I gotta go” She tried to push past the girl, but a firm grasp caught her arm.
“I know you’re all shit, clearly your upset. Can’t you just talk to me?” Brittany pleaded. Kennedy bit her lower lip.
“I gotta go, I’ll talk to you later” she pulled away and left for the car park. Brittany watched her estranged girlfriend leave the school grounds, frustrated at her lack of communication. Since they had begun their somewhat on again off again relationship, Kennedy had always been the distant one. The only emotion she was good at showing was the lust she had for her lover, and the passion she brought. Brittany knew from the start that Kennedy had a reputation as a so called player, she had ‘dated’ plenty members of the gay community, and had even had the occasional incident with members of the straight. There were even rumours at one point that the slayer had been involved with a married woman, but Kennedy always denied.
A distressed Maria Perez threw her keys on the kitchen bench, threw he coat over the hook, and slammed her purse on the counter.
Kennedy scuffed her feet on the ground, with her head lowered and her bag drooped over her shoulder, she followed her mother through the door, heading for the stairs.
“Get in here now” Maria yelled. Kennedy swallowed down hard, preparing herself for what was to come.
Kylie on the other hand was completely out of the loop. She had gotten the sense that there her sister was in some sort of trouble, and she imagined that it was that of serious.
“Expelled? Kennedy expelled! How could you be so stupid, I don’t even know what to do with you” Maria rubbed her fore head, pacing back and forth.
“Ma, I’m sorry, it’s just, there’s so much going on and”- Kennedy tried for an explanation.
“That’s what I’m here for, don’t ever think that you can’t come to me” Maria sighed.
“You wouldn’t understand” Kennedy mumbled, leaning back into the bench.
“Really, try me?” Maria questioned. Kennedy didn’t answer, she couldn’t. How on earth was she supposed to explain her nightlife? Tell her mother that vampires were real, and that some man had told her that it was her duty to kill them? Yeah that’d work.
“What’s going to happen now?” Kennedy asked, her voice lowered, along with her head.
“I don’t know- go help Kylie with her homework while I think” Maria waved off her daughter, still with her pacing.
Kennedy sat legs stretched, and arms bent out behind her next to the coffee table, whilst Kylie kneeled next to her, writing in her purple flowered note book with a purple frilled pen.
“Why is Momma mad?” Kylie finally asked.
Kennedy sat up straight, leaning her elbow atop the table; leaning her head into her palm. “I kind off got kicked out of school”
Kylie’s jaw dropped, and Kennedy nodded with agreement. “What did you do?” she asked stunned.
“Kylie, honey, why don’t you go and finish your homework upstairs while I talk to Kennedy” Maria suggested walking in on the sisters conversation. Kylie packed up her things, smiled at Kennedy and did as she was told.
“So I’ve thought about what we are going to do” Maria stated, leaning against the frame of the entrance of the living room.
Kennedy waited in anticipation for her mother to continue.
“Remember I said about my meeting this morning?” Maria went on. Kennedy nodded, slightly confused.
“Well the company are setting up a new branch in Sunnydale, there’s a job going and they’ve offered it to whoever wants it.”
Knitting her brows Kennedy shot up straight, “We’re moving?”
“That’s what I was getting to; I know it’s going to be a little hard on Kylie. But right now it’s your situation that is at focus. You need an education, and it’s going to be a tough ride to get you into another school in this district with your record. So I’ve made up my mind” Maria insisted.
Kennedy was surprised at her own reaction. She didn’t oppose the idea, she half heartedly welcomed it. After all there was nothing really that was keeping her there, apart from her grandmother and Brittany – but even that was always off and on. Then there was her duty, protector of the city, but there was hardly any activity in her small town, a few vamps here and there. She knew there was a hell mouth nearby the city, but she was unsure as to where.
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TBC
A/N: Hey all, so i know I've got other stories that i havent updated in a while, but this fic just kept bugging me so i had to cure the itch! Paring - okay so the pairing is set at Kennedy/Other, this is because there are going to be 3 love interests for Kennedy, and i've still to figure out who she's going to end up with, hopefully your feed back will help me choose. Its a season re-write of the first two seasons, im going to use the first couple of episodes in season one for my starters, and then jump to re-writing season two kind of, and thats where the big bads will start coming in... well thats what i have in my head for now!
So read, review and enjoy! And ill try my best to keep updating!
thanks guys |
