-- SET FIRE TO THESE MEMORIES

[LARK MARIE HARPER]

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Uploading memory database. . .

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. . . . . . . . . .

Recovery successful. Corrupted data moved to: C:\users\Lark\Memories\Repressed Memories

All files fully accessible.

WELCOME TO THE RECESSES OF LARK'S MIND. . .

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[LARK MARIE HARPER]

“Why did we even have to move to this hell hole anyway?” A young girl snapped hotly, brown eyes sparked with anger and resentment. Sitting across the table an older couple glanced at one another helplessly before focusing on their daughter. They knew what her future would be like once she reached the appropriate age, but for now Lark Marie Harper was none the wiser to her elemental powers. Thus far, her temper was merely accredited as a trait courtesy of her father. Frank sighed and rubbed the side of his head wearily. “Because of my job Lark. We have discussed this quite a few times, if you don’t recall.”

“Oh, I heard you, but that doesn’t mean it makes any more sense than the first time you told me.” Lark’s stare was cold and hard as diamonds.

“It makes perfect sense, Lark,” Frank retorted, his lips forming a hard line. “Without this transfer I would have been out a job and you’d be living in the gutter.”

Lark wouldn’t hear of it, and dramatically turned her head in the other direction with an added ‘hmph’. “Whatever. Now I have to go to this stupid school and deal with stupid people. You guys just don’t get it. You’ll never get it.” Little did they know that their child was being bullied at school, but they might have known had Lark been more up front about her problem. She kept a lot of issues to herself, especially ones that made her appear weak.

“Just go to school,” Paula ordered wearily, no longer interested in having the same discussion for the third or fourth time that week. Lark grunted and left the kitchen in a huff, snatching up her book bag on the way out of the front door. Frank sank back into his chair and exhaled slowly as though the air in the room finally returned.

“What are we going to do Paula?”

The woman lifted an eyebrow and glanced at her husband. “What do you mean by that? There’s nothing we can do. Lark just need to find herself is all.”

“I’m tired of waiting. One of these days it’s going to get her into some serious trouble, and we won’t be able to bail her out of it.” Frank shook his head and clasped his hands together in a silent prayer that his assumption would not become reality. Paula shrugged limply, appearing tired. “Well then that’s how it needs to be. She’s tough.”

Frank pulled himself to sit up straight, hands placed thoughtfully on the table in front of them. “We should have told her sooner. She’s going to figure out her power the hard way and…it won’t be good.”

“You wanted to keep it a secret!”

“I know I did, but the more I think about it…and the worse Lark’s temper gets I’m not sure it was the wisest decision.”

Paula sighed. “I think it’s best if we just wait. She’s better off waiting now.”

Frank shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. “Very well. We’ll see how it goes.”

Lark’s pace was quick and heated as she walked onto the school property, eyes sharp as they hopping from one figure to the next, deciding which one would be coming after her that day. If it wasn’t the preppy cheerleader it was the guy who could not understand how a female had bigger balls than he did. A small smirk twitched on her lips as she jaunted up the steps and into the front doors of the school; upon her arrival several students turned their heads. Some were out of surprise, some anger, others were emotions Lark did not take the time to notice. Driven by her anger, the long haired brunette walked straight to her locker and popped it open, shoving a few books inside.

“Harper.”

Quick and powerful as a whip, the girl turned her attention on the boy calling her by name. Her eyes narrowed instinctively. “What the fuck do you want Jason. I’m busy.” He stepped up and shrugged. After a moment, a couple of boys appeared at either side of him, glaring down at her with an eagerness to fight apparent in their shoulders. Lark was very observant. The boy chuckled as he popped a knuckle. “Busy? Oh no, but we have business with you Harper. I remember that comment you made yesterday…something about me being a weak and spineless douche bag? We’ll see who is weak.”

Lark’s eyes glittered with laughter. “So the big bad dick face had to get a couple of lackeys to help take me down? Now I’m officially flattered, yet insulted. You think they can hurt me?”

“Shut the hell up and fight us, bitch. We’ll see if you’ll be smiling afterwards.”

“It will be my pleasure to spoon feed you your size five shoe.” Lark smirked as she did not wait for them to make their move; if anything Lark did not usually like to think before acting. If she got the upper hand she had a better chance of keeping it and winning the fight. When it was three against one you had to do what you could to get out alive. Or, at least in one piece. Jason yelped as he was pummeled to the ground. “Get offa me!”

Lark gurgled what sounded to be a mixture between a laugh and a growl as she hailed his face with punch after punch, his friends watching with bemused expressions. The brunette could hold her own against someone like Jason, provided that no one decided to come to his aid. Which they did. One of the boys pulled out of his stupor and kicked Lark in the side, rolling her over onto her back. The pain coursed throughout her entire body as though she were on fire. “Take that you worthless cunt!”

Panting heavily, Lark laughed and sat up. “Aww Jason couldn’t handle the fight like a man so he had one of his buffoons help him out.” She glanced at Jason, who was now holding his eye and wiping the blood away from his nose. “It’s sad that you let your girlfriend fight for you. You should get her a leash.” Lark sneered as she looked up at her assailant, who was red in the face with anger at her comments. She never really knew when to stop talking.

“If I have to be a girl, I sure as hell hope I don’t look like you,” He retorted hotly. Lark smiled.

“I hope you don’t look like me either. I’d hate to have an ugly twin.”

“Well, you’re a—“

Lark pulled herself up to full height, fists tight. “I’m a what? Better fighter? Able to put silly boys like you to shame? Come on, spit it out. I don’t have all fucking day.” The names hurt, but not as much when she was so angry. She was used to all of it by now.

With that, the boys came at her full force, fists swinging and curses filling the hallway air. She staggered back against the wall and took a few punches before making some of her own, their landings sporadic and none too helpful. Once she found an opening, though, she took it. Lifting her leg with as much force as possible, she swiftly lifted her leg and took a shot to Jason’s gonads, bringing him down to the floor in a whining heap. The other two were stunned by the action, and only half expected Lark to execute a few more punches before fist met jaw. She was sure to kick them in the side once they were down. All three were in a state of pain, Lark smiling over them triumphantly.

“Bunch of pussies,” She spat hatefully, stepping over them like they did not even exist. The blood on her nose and the black eye would be questioned by Frank and Paula upon returning home, but that was to be expected. What would they reprimand her for? Defending herself? They didn’t have to know she riled them up on purpose after the initial confrontation. “Come back for more when your balls grow back, Jason,” She called out behind her as she walked down the hallway, leaving them behind. I’ll get in trouble for sure but who cares? There’s nothing for me here anyway.

Lark quickly shoved her hands into her pockets and veered into the girl’s bathroom, washing off her face and patting away the dried blood. Tossing the paper towel into the trashcan, the girl took a moment to look at herself in the mirror; what she saw was a lonely tomboy with a temper none could match, and no capability to make friends. Joshua Dale was the only exception, but she admired him. There was something in the way he carried himself that placed him in high esteem. Lark respected Josh. Not many people earned that from the dark brunette. They had their fights, but he could hold his own and that made it fun. Maybe we’ll be friends for a long time. She thought, smiling a bit before turning away from the mirror and leaving the bathroom. Her loyalty did not come quick, but it was sturdy and unwavering. So far, only one person had that loyalty. Who knew if anyone else could even make the cut?

[LARK MARIE HARPER]

CARTER.

It had been a long day at work. She had been hoping to spend her Saturday working on some homework and possibly spending time with her boyfriend, but the store had other plans. She had only recently started working at the music store, selling instruments and offering guitar lessons where she could slot a time between school and everything else in her life. She was just glad that things were starting to look up. "I'm out for the night," Lark called to the guy standing behind the counter. He was flipping through a stack of cash, counting down the drawer before he closed down for the evening. He glanced up at his co-worker with a brief smile, distracted by trying to keep track of how much he had already counted. "See you on Monday, Lark. You have that guitar lesson that night too, right?" Oh yeah, that's right. The lesson. She refrained from smacking her palm against her forehead and instead smiled and nodded. "Yep, what time was it at again?"

The guy looked at the schedule taped to the counter next to the register. "Uh...you're at 6:30 PM."

"Okay."

They exchanged an official goodbye before Lark shouldered her satchel; it carried a few of her music books and some of her school books for the down times. Made it easier on her when she got back to the dorms when some of the work was already done. Lark pushed the front door open and stepped out into the parking lot, inhaling the slightly stale air lingering around her. It was still warm outside, which she could appreciate. The winter was always bound to be hellishly cold. Hawaii would be perfect this winter. But that required money and seeing her--

"Lark?"

At first, Lark did not even turn around. The voice was familiar. Too familiar. It was the one she argued with over the phone a million times over. Or maybe the woman just so happened to have the same exact voice as her mother. The girl felt her shoulders tense at the thought. Another attempt at getting her attention soon followed the first. "Lark, hello?"

With a stolid expression she turned around and found herself face to face with the last person she wanted to see. Paula. Her nose wrinkled in disgust as Lark took one step back. It was obvious by the dark shadows on her face that she was not the least bit interested in having a conversation with this woman. However, Paula had other plans and seemed intent on trying. Should Lark turn and run? Or just act like the woman was not familiar, get in the car and drive away? No. That was spineless. She was no pussy. Puffing out her chest, she stood her ground against Paula and assessed her with a deep scowl.

"What the fuck do you want?"

Paula drew her head back, stunned by the response. "I thought you would be at least a little happy to see me." Lark's expression was hard. Emotionless. Who the hell did Paula think she was? "I don't know what you're taking but you'd have to be on meth to think I want to see you." She pointed an accusing finger at her mother, stiff and unwavering. The other woman did not step back but looked hesitant. Good. Angry Lark made for a formidable opponent.

"How the fuck did you even find me." Lark asked, though it came out as more of a demand than anything.

"I wasn't born yesterday, Lark," Paula replied, a tinge of anger to her voice. Two Fires in an argument? This would go well. "I know you still go to the Academy so all I had to do was a little recon."

Lark's dark eyes drew to narrow slits of rage. "You...you were stalking me?" Her voice was shaking now.

"You won't answer my phone calls or texts, I sent you mail but never got anything in return. What else was I supposed to do in order to find a way to talk to you?"

"You were stalking me." She repeated.

Paula drew her eyebrows together, lips a thin line. "Maybe if you had answered your goddamn phone, I wouldn't have."

"I don't have to answer anything from you! Nothing! Abso-fucking-lutely nothing! I ignored it all for a reason! What the fuck did you think I was doing, huh!? Did you think I was just too busy? Because you're delusional if you think for one second that I want to talk to you."

She was shaking now, fists clenched tight. The feeling in her fingers was beginning to ebb away but she could have cared less. Paula was here, standing before her claiming to having been stalking in order to try and have some sort of conversation. How did she find out where she worked? Did she talk to Frank? The school? Who did she know of her friends that she might have tried talking to? No answers came to mind and she could feel her head spinning. This was too much to take in. She wanted to fight the woman off, try and force her to leave and never show her face again, but that would not do well for a criminal record. Still, the thoughts lingering at the back of her mind were not anywhere near friendly. Her mother inhaled, body rigid. "I want to try and talk things out! Am I not allowed to come to terms with my mistakes and try and repair our relationship?!"

The anger was flowing off of both of them in waves, Lark's nostrils flaring as she tried to channel her fury. Why here? Why now? A back alley would have been more preferable. "You can't fix what you've broken, Paula! You can't fix a damn thing! Did you honestly expect me to welcome you back with open arms and be happy about this?"

"Maybe not happy at first, but maybe in time--"

"You don't get time!" Lark cut her off abruptly, swiping her hand through the air in front of her. Her voice lowered several octaves, a smooth, eerily calm tone. "You drove dad to drink, he became an alcoholic, all because of you. You ruined our family, you broke us apart, you fucked up everything." She did not even mention the abuse. No, that was not something she wanted to re-tell to the woman who played a part in all of the past events with Frank. All of them. Her lip twitched.

For a moment it grew quiet, a silence that was almost suffocating. Lark wanted to turn and leave now but she felt glued to the spot, unable to break the stare she shared with her mother. They definitely looked related with their expressions nearly identical. She wanted to have the final word, wanted Paula to turn heel and leave her alone for the rest of her life so she could go back to the way things were about ten minutes before, but that was probably not going to happen. Just as Lark parted her lips to make some final retort, Paula spoke up.

"You're a sister."

The words felt like a brief push of wind past her ear at first, a faint whisper that she could hardly comprehend. Lark blinked. Her expression remained the same.

"What the fuck does that mean."

"What do you think it means Lark? It means you have a sibling. A brother."

Lark could have sworn she felt her heart stop. Understanding toppled on top of her like a ton of bricks, crushing her beneath their weight. Her scowl gave way to confusion and anger, a frown of sorts playing heavily on her lips. "A brother. You've gotta be kidding me." This couldn't be happening. When? How? Why? So many questions and she was too stunned to ask.

Paula took the initiative. "It was why I came back. I waited until after he was born and old enough to make any efforts to come back to Canada. His name is Carter."

Carter. A brother. A sibling. Had the circumstances been different, Lark might have found herself ecstatic or at least happy that Carter existed. Instead, all she could taste was bitterness and hatred. "Is he a half brother?" She asked accusingly, locking her jaw a bit to the side as she braced herself for the answer. An answer that she pretty much knew but needed to hear.

"...yes, he is."

"Is the guy you cheated on dad with...is he the father?" Her voice was ice cold, seething.

"Yes."

"Then I don't want anything to do with him."

Even Paula, who knew of the hatred Lark harbored for her was a bit taken back by the response. "I want him to have his older sister. He needs more family."

"Are you going to go back to the other guy?" Lark did not even know his name, nor did she care to know.

"He is the father. We discussed this a long time ago, around the time Carter was born." She stood there in silence again, allowing this all to sink in ever further. Lark just wanted to punch something, scream, set fire to the nearest object, something. "Whether you like it or not he's your brother and he's a blood relative."

Lark scowled, her words a growl. "Not entirely."

More silence. Did Paula honestly expect her to respond to this happily? To throw confetti and set up a party for the return of a woman who turned her life upside down? No matter how much she wanted to no hate Carter--it was not his fault, after all--all Lark could think about was that he was the product of her mother's lack of faithfulness towards Frank. It made her stomach churn and ache. She did not want to deal with this right now. It was a lot to soak in and there was not enough time to do that right now. There was a lump in her throat. Lark took a step back and shook her head. Paula did not even make a move this time.

"Don't ever come to me again," The girl warned darkly, putting her hand on the car door. "Not without my permission. I'll call you when I'm ready, when I want to talk, when I want to see you, and not a moment sooner." The woman watched as her daughter started up the vehicle and took off out of the parking lot as fast as possible, not even daring to look back. There was a lot of thinking that needed to be done, emotions to sort out, and she needed to be alone for a while. Ashton would soon find out, but not until Lark felt calm enough to try and talk.

Why did this have to happen to me now? When everything was going so well? Then again, in the back of her mind, she knew that things were bound to go wrong at some point. That's how life worked.