Mrs. Applegate's House

[Natalie St. Clare]

Natalie sat up in the tree in front of Mrs. Applegate's house, staring at the sky. She hoped her uncle and sister would come for her soon. She felt alone, more alone than she ever had.

She had Seen her father's death, just as she had Seen her mother's death. She had tried to warn him; begged him to stay away from the veil. She also knew he hadn't fallen. He had been pushed. She didn't know who had done it, and she didn't want to know. She just wished he had followed her warnings. That he could have believed her. Why was it that no one believed her when she told them what was going to happen? What good were the visions if she couldn't stop them from happening?

She leaned her head against the tree branch and began to cry.

[sblack]

"Is this the right house?" Alastor asked his neice.

[Sabrina St. Clare]

Sabrina looked at the white house with the pink shutters and colorful flowerboxes as they approached. "Yeah, this is the place," she said. They walked through the white picket fence past a large cherry tree, and Sabrina heard a sound from overhead. She looked up and saw Natalie sitting in the branches of the tree. "Natty!" she cried, feeling both happy to see her sister and sorry for the pain she knew her sister must be feeling.

[sblack]

"Hello Natalie. Are you okay?" He asked. "I'll tell Mrs. Applegate that you'll be living with me."

[Natalie St. Clare]

"Hi, Uncle Alastor. Hi, Bree. I'm OK, I guess. As much as I ever am." She climbed down out of the tree. and stood in front of them. "I'm glad I can stay with you," she said. "Come in and meet Mrs. Applegate."

[sblack]

Alastor walked up to the door and rang the doorbell.

[Natalie St. Clare]

Mrs. Applegate: The old woman hobbled over to the door and opened it. She looked at Natalie. "Oh, dear, don't tell me you were up in that tree again. That girl is always climbing trees!" She looked up at Sabrina. "Oh, dear, how are you, child? I was so sorry to hear about your father." Then she turned to Alastor. "Now then, who are you and what do you want with these dear, sweet girls?" she demanded accusingly.

[Sabrina St. Clare]

"Don't worry, Mrs. Applegate," said Sabrina. "He's our uncle and we're goig to live with him. We've just come to take Natalie back with us."

[sblack]

"I'm their guardian now, that unfortunately their parents are dead." Alastor said. "Natalie, before we leave, I'd like you to get all of your things."

[Natalie St. Clare]

"OK, Uncle," Natalie said quietly. She moved past them and walked into the house. "Come help me, Sabrina."