The Aberrant Clan

Crissy's Point of View

"Thomas, hurry up, we're going to be late!" I scream from downstairs. Thomas comes running down the stairs, grabs a piece of toast, and starts eating. "How did you sleep, sweetie?" I ask.

"Good," he replies, barely able to keep the food from spilling out of his mouth.

I smile and look down at my watch, "Oh shit, come on, we need to get going. Grab your bag." I say to Thomas with a solemn tone in my voice.

We expeditiously rushed to my old Ford Ranger and drove to school. I never genuinely look around while driving. I only fixate on the road. I usually see Thomas admiring the trees and the beauty of nature.

We arrive at the school. I park my car in my usual parking spot; we sit still in the car for a minute in silence.

"Have a nice day, and don't give your teachers too much grief. You know they talk to me," I look at Thomas with concern.

"I know. See you later". He quickly jumps out of the car and walks off to class.

Sometimes I worry about him. I wonder if he ever wonders if what I tell him about our parents is true. If he believes the postcards that he receives every month are from them. What if he knows they are dead? I should have that talk with him soon before he hates me for the rest of his life. I shove the thought aside and head to class to start my day to do what I do best.

Teach.

The last bell of the day rings. I was on my phone while walking outside. My grandma sent me a video of a kitten running towards a glass door and I felt the laughter building up in my chest. Then I heard car brakes screeching the next moment. Someone almost ran me over. My heart felt like it was pounding outside of my chest. I stared at the driver, and I lost control.

"Are you crazy? Don't you look where you are driving?" I start yelling at this idiotic driver.

"I apologize. I didn't see you there." He says this while climbing out of his car.

While staring at him in anger, I started to analyze him from head to toe. His dark brown hair in a messy style and his slim fit body. Well built. By the way, he is dressed, he doesn't seem like he cares how he looks. Jeans with a T-shirt and sneakers. While he walks towards me I realize he is extremely tall, about six feet. I snap back into reality.

"You didn't!" I try to restrain myself, and I saw he starts to grin-the nerve of this guy. "I'm sorry? Do you think this is funny, by almost killing someone?" I start to walk toward him. Matches his pace. The urge to punch him in the face stifles me. His grin quickly vanishes as soon as those words came out of my mouth.

"Ma'am, I do apologize for my lack of attention. It was not my intention to almost hit you." He says this with sincerity in his eyes.

I just sigh.

"It's okay. Just next time, look where you are going." I smile at him, the smile not reaching my eyes.

I turn to walk away, and he yells, "I'm Alexander, by the way," I stare at him from over my shoulder and start walking to my car.

Thomas has soccer practice, and me going to town and waiting for him to finish. We take our regular route home. We don't usually speak in the car. Thomas believes it will distract me from the road. So, we always have a silent drive home. Therefore, Thomas always loves to stare out of the car window. Sometimes I think he just wants to avoid me.

As we return home, we unload all our stuff out of the car and carry it inside. I decided to start with food.

"What are you in the mood for?" I ask Thomas as I take out my favorite coffee mug. It has a cute ladybug on it. This was a cup that Thomas had made me when he was in pre-school. "Chicken or toasted bread?"

"I think toasted bread." He says with a smile on his face. "Is it okay if I eat in my room?"

"Why?" I ask, concern on my face.

"I promised Jimmy we could play an online tournament as soon as I got home."

"Sure. I will bring it up when it is done," I reply with hesitation.

"Thank you!" As he says this, he runs upstairs to his room.

I just shake my head with a smile on my face.

When I finish the food, I take his dinner to his room. I decide to join him. After we finish dinner, I take our plates to the kitchen and start to clean. It was a mundane task but it had to be done. On my way to my room, I peek through Thomas's room door and see he passed out. I tuck him in and give him a kiss on the head before going to bed. My parents used to do this every night, they always thought it would keep the nightmares away from us as children.

The following day, I open the fridge to get some milk for my coffee. Ah yes, that fresh morning coffee smell. I smile. Sitting on the porch, as I did every morning, I stare out into the forest. For the first time, I notice something strange in the woods that I had never seen in my two years living in this house. It was a crow. So far as I can remember, black crows never come to these parts. I was slightly startled, but I brush it off and went inside.

I went up to Thomas's room, "Sweetie, I'm just going to town quickly; I'll be back soon."

"Okay." He reply, glued to his computer screen.

I grab my car keys, hop into my car, and start to drive to town.

I get to the supermarket. While climbing out of my car, I almost tripped, scanning to see if someone saw me. Luckily no one was nearby. I got to the slide doors of the market, put my hand out for the shopping cart, and someone else grabbed it.

I froze in shock. "Hey, that was mine"

"I don't see your name..." as he says it, he stops mid-sentence. "Wait, you're that girl I almost ran over with my car, the one that didn't want to introduce herself, kind of rude, don't you think?"

Rude! The fucking nerve of this guy. "May I please just have the cart?" I say, irritated.

"Sure." I reach out to take the cart. He pulls it away. I stare at him, stunned. Oh, how I wish I could punch this moron.

"If you tell me your name, you can have it." A grin appears on his face.

"Why would I tell my name to a self-centered prick like you?" I say this while rolling my eyes.

"Because it's manners, and something tells me I will have to teach you some."

I sigh. "Fine, it's Crissy. Can I have the cart now?"

"Sure."

While he smiles at me, I give him a fake smile and walk away into the store. The urge to flip him off overwhelmed me. "The next time you see me, you can ask me on a date."

I didn't even look back at him. I just walked away- The audacity.

I walk through the store and wonder to myself. What is up with that guy? The whole two years I have been living in this town I never saw him. It's probably new people in town. Maybe. But asking him on a date, never in a million years. After shopping, I pay for my things and walk to my car. At least I don't have a lot of stuff to load in.

When I return home, I unload the car and walk towards the house. I almost drop everything when I saw what was in front of the door. It was another black crow. Startled, I just shoo it away. Why are these stupid birds following me? Maybe it could be the same one as last night? Crissy, you are overthinking again.

I place everything on the countertop.

"Thomas, I'm home!"

I hear him screaming from his room. "Okay!"

I start cooking dinner, and I hear a knock on the door. Putting everything down, I open it up. On the other side there is a handsome man with black hair and brown eyes. His beard and moustache is well shaven, and I could smell his cologne as the wind blew through the house. He is also very well dressed as if he is a businessman.

"Hi, I apologize for my intrusion. My name is Austin, and I just moved into the house down the street with my family. I was taking a walk, and I saw your car in the driveway, and I just had to introduce myself to my new neighbor." He says with a big smile.

He has the most beautiful smile.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Crissy. Welcome to the neighborhood. You and your family will love living here."

"Thank you. Well, I better be getting home, but I will see you around, Crissy."

Just by the way he says my name in his deep voice with his attractive accent... It makes my knees numb.

"I'll see you around. Enjoy your walk."

"I will." He nods his head and starts walking up the road.

Wow, what just happened? No, Crissy, you don't have time to date, you have Thomas, and he is your priority. You owe this to your parents.

Thomas comes walking down the stairs. As I close the door, Thomas leans against the wall.

"Who was that?" He asks with a giant smile on his face. Raising his eyebrows up and down.

"Our new neighbors, well, one of them. Can you stop that thing you're doing with your eyebrows? It's getting weird."

"Is he attractive?"

"Sweetie, you know I don't have time for dating, with work and looking after you. I have better things to worry about." I tell Thomas with sadness in my eyes.

"You should start dating again. Not everyone is the same."

I just ignore what he had just said. "Come on, grab your bags. Jimmy's mom will be here any minute to pick you up."

"Okay, fine." He says, disappointed in my response.

After a few minutes, Jimmy's mom stops in the driveway and hoots. Thomas runs downstairs. He gives me a hug and a kiss and runs out of the door.

After I finish my dinner, I start cleaning when I heard glass breaking. I froze for a second. Turn to look for the sound and walk to the glass back door. With a sigh of relief, it was just a squirrel that knocked over my coffee mug. I pick up the broken pieces, and as I stood there, I felt uneasy, but just shook it off, went inside, locked all the doors, and went upstairs. A shower was needed after today. I stink.

I climb into bed, place my head on the pillow and fell asleep instantly.

Austin's Point of View

"Did you guys see our new neighbour?" Alexander blabbers.

"What about her?" Michael responds with not much interest.

"She's attractive, isn't she?" Alexander says with a smirk on my face.

"Probably," Michael says as he walks to the kitchen.

"Oh, come on, why not have a little fun while we are here." Alexander places his feet on the couch.

"Dad gave us orders to stay away from the humans. We can't compromise our location." Michael responds with a severe expression on his face.

"Come on, Austin, what do you think? Can we have some fun?" Alexander winks at me. Giving me a slight grin.

I just stare at him, and I didn't respond.

"You guys are no fun. I know you went to meet her, Austin. You want her just as much as I do. Just admit it, you want to fuck her; I know I want to." Alexander chuckles while I growl at him.

***

Crissy's Point of View

I woke up feeling determined. I need to find out who this family is and why they moved here. I flung myself out of bed, rushed to the shower and finished my routine. I went downstairs. Maybe I should bake them a cake? Collecting all the ingredients and throwing everything together. I pop it into the oven, and now it's time to wait. While waiting, I made a cup of coffee and sat outside on the porch. A few minutes have passed, and the timer's bell goes off. Ah, that fresh cake smell.

As it cools, I quickly make the icing. When I finished decorating my masterpiece. I smile brightly and rush to the door. When I open the door, that stupid fucking crow is back. What the fuck is up with this thing? I almost dropped the cake to the floor."Stupid thing, go away" As it flew away, I saw it had some marking under its wing. I couldn't make out what it was. Anyway, back to my mission!

I had never walked this path before. I always drive, so I never had the chance to see what beautiful flowers and plants grow here. I can't believe, after two years, this is the first time seeing this. I never imagined it would ever be so beautiful. The trees are so green and almost growing over the road. The is only a little space between the trees to see the clouds. Down the street on both sides is dianthus growing-the beautiful pink and white colours. I should take walks here more often. I smiled and kept on walking until I reached the house Austin claims to live in.

I find it strange for someone to live in this house; it has been empty since I moved here. As I get to the door, I hesitate to knock. My anxiety was taking over my body. What if they are serial killers and planning to take my life? Oh no, Thomas. Come on, Crissy, pull yourself together. I shook my head, trying to return to reality; sometimes, my head can be overdramatic. I took a deep breath and knocked. I hope they like the cake; I'm not the best baker in town. After a few minutes of waiting patiently, no one answers. I stared at the cake. Maybe I should go home as I turned to walk home. The door opens.

"Hello?" A voice came from behind me, making me startle.

I flung myself back facing the door, stunned to see anyone look so good with blond hair, and boy was he tall, six foot four if I wasn't mistaken. Wow, this family is so fucking attractive. I could feel my cheeks burning as I was blushing. Crissy, get your shit together.

"Can I help you with something?" The man says with an emotionless tone.

"Um, yes. Hi, I'm Crissy. Nice to meet you. I want to welcome you and your family to the neighbourhood, and I baked you a cake." Presenting the cake to him with a big smile.

"Thanks." He grabs the cake then slamming the door in my face. I stood stunned for a few minutes. Why is this guy so fucking rude? You know what I'm done; I don't have the time and energy for this kind of rudeness in my life. I storm off.

As I walk home, I hear soft footsteps from behind. My eyes widen, and I try not to panic. What if it is that rude guy? What if he heard me storm off? I know how it ends. Never look back. Otherwise, it will notice you even more and maybe even start running. Fuck, please don't let me die today. I try to keep my breaths soft and slow. Suddenly, I hear a smooth growl. I stop in my tracks.

My breathing starts getting heavier and heavier. I slowly turned around, and a sigh of reliving left my body, a puppy. What on earth are you doing here in the middle of nowhere?

"Are you lost, little one? Where are your owners?" I took the tiny one home as we walked down the street to my house. The puppy fell asleep in my arms. I think he must be only a few weeks old. He is too small to be a year old. Thomas always wanted a puppy. "Well, little one, if your owners don't come and look for you, you can be our little buddy." At the same time, I walk down the street only a few steps from my house. I realise that I didn't have any dog food. I need to buy the puppy things to survive. When we got home, I grab my car keys and hop into the car. I place the little one on the passenger seat. Before I drove off, I stare at the puppy. I just smile.

While driving to town, the puppy got restless; he didn't want to be alone in the passenger seat anymore. I know Thomas is going to kill me if he finds out. I place the puppy on my lap. Passing out. I arrive at the pet shop, and everyone who saw the puppy wanted to pet him and give him kisses. I gave the all a friendly smile and let the puppy get a lot of attention. While inside the shop, I bought him a leash, food, and a little bed to sleep in. After I paid for everything and was on my way out, I saw someone had reversed into my car. The insurance isn't going to cover this. Shit. As I walk around my car to inspect the damages.

At this moment, I was furious. What made it worse was that the perpetrator left a note on my car window. Who still leaves a letter after they wrecked your car? I was screaming from the inside. I picke up the letter and read it: "I apologize for reversing into your car. I promise to pay for the damages if you agree to go on a date with me." Turning the note over to see if there was a name, but no luck, only their phone number.

Why would this idiot think I would agree to a date if I don't even know who they are? "Fucking unbelievable," I say in frustration and climb into my car.

On my way home, the little puppy is fast asleep. I kept thinking about who this imbecile was that left the note. I tried to stay calm for the sake of the puppy. As soon as I got home, I unpack everything; I gave the puppy his food and some water. "You're hungry, aren't you?" I smile and pat the puppy. While he was eating and drinking. I fell onto the couch. I contemplated if I should text the number or leave it. I can't afford to fix my car. Fuck it, let's text this person. They wrecked my car, and they will fix it!

I texted Hi, I wouldn't go on a date with you, but you are paying for the damage. Not long after I sent that text, my phone rang. It was that number phoning me. Shit, shit, shit. I mumble to myself. I then decided to answer the phone.

"Hi..." I answer hesitantly.

"Hello to the lady, I almost ran over with my car." The voice says with joy.

"You? First, you almost kill me, and now you wreck my car. What is wrong with you?" I respond furiously.

"I do apologize for everything. Therefore, I want to make it up to you." Alexander replies.

"You can make up for paying for the damages." I started to get annoyed.

"Fine, but you will regret not taking my offer."

"This is not the way to get a girl's attention. This is the most horrible pickup line anyone has ever tried with me." Oh, gosh. Why did I say that? There was a moment of silence. Then Alexander spoke.

"Please just agree to get a coffee with me tomorrow?" He says with sincerity in his voice.

"Fine, if you then agree to leave me alone and pay for the damages on my car." There was no chance of winning against this guy. He won't give up.

"Good, I'll meet you at Annie's tomorrow at eight. Good night." He says with excitement.

Before I could say anything, he disconnects the call. What did I get myself into? I haven't been on a date in so many years. What do I wear on this type of occasion? Fuck Crissy, it's not like you have a crush on this guy. Nor is this a date; this is to get him to pay for the damages he has made. That's it. I decide to make myself a cup of coffee, and I go and sit outside on the porch to clear my head. Something new to my routine, the little puppy, wants to sit on my lap. I still need to figure out what type of breed he is. My knowledge of dogs is not that far researched. I sit in my chair, and I try to puzzle everything together. This fucking weirdo that doesn't want to leave me alone, but maybe I'm just overthinking it. I haven't dated anyone in years. Perhaps this is a good thing. Maybe I shouldn't worry too much.

He is kind of cute, though. I might give him a chance. Still overthinking, making my way to my room.

I tuck the little puppy into his bed. "Thomas will have to name you because I am terrible with names. I can't wait for Thomas to meet you." I put on my pyjamas and when straight to bed.

Crissy's Point of View

Waking up at three in the morning. I climb out of bed and made myself some coffee. Sitting outside on the porch. It was raining, and the smell of the earth was being cleansed by nature. I'm not used to being alone for so long; Thomas is always around the house. When I need company, I usually talk to him. Luckily, he will be returning home later today. Then I can finally show him the puppy. I decide to text Alexander.

I text Alexander, Hey, are you awake? Not even two minutes went by. My phone buzzes. It was Alexander.

Hey beautiful. Why are you up this early? The text reads.

I couldn't sleep. I apologise for bothering you, and I know this might seem strange, but do you maybe want to come over for coffee? I text back.

The next minute my doorbell rings. I was a little startled because who would be out this early in the morning? I opened the door, and it was Alexander. I find this strange, he lives a mile away, and his car isn't here, and I just sent the message a few seconds ago. It's a fifteen-to-twenty-minute walk.

"How?" I stutter.

"How did I come here so fast? I was out for my morning jog, and as I passed your house, you texted me." He says with a smile on his face.

"Oh, okay, that makes sense." Something was still off with what he had just told me. I didn't overthink it.

"Come in, please." I step aside for him to walk past me. "So, how do you drink your coffee?"

"Black with two sugars, please." As he says this, he starts to scan my home.

"I see your people skills are improving." I let out a giggle.

"I want to make you smile. You have a gorgeous smile, did you know that?" He walk closer to me. It made me feel uneasy for a few seconds.

I stutter before saying, "Thank you. Here's your coffee." As he takes the coffee from my hand, his hand touches mine. His hands are so soft and warm. It almost feels like home.

"Stunning place you have here. You have the best view of this town." While he says this, he walks to the porch.

"Thank you. Yeah, when I saw this house, I just had to have it and fight off two other families, but I won." I say it proudly.

He starts to laugh, it was the first time I had heard him laugh, and it was soft yet loud.

"So, I'm sorry that I ask you to come over. My brother is usually here to keep me company, but he's at a friend's house, and I don't have many friends that will come over at three in the morning." I stare into the abyss while saying this.

"No worries, I'm glad you texted me. Also, I already sorted out your car, if you were wondering." He stretched out his arm and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. I smile at him.

"Thank you. Well, you probably should be getting home, you kind of stick. So, take a shower before I meet you for coffee." I stand up and lead him to the door. I opened the door he steps out.

He grins. "I will see you later." I closed the door, and I took a deep breath. He is sweet in his annoying way. The thought ran through my mind.

As soon as he left my house, I could feel a chill running down my entire body. I never thought anyone would ever make me feel like that. It was a strange feeling; I don't know to explain it. What am I doing? I can't think about him like that, but I feel drawn to him for some strange reason.

I got dressed, and I just put on some natural-looking makeup. Not too much; otherwise, he might think I'm trying too hard. Oh shit, the puppy. I think he will be fine. I won't be gone too long. He needs to learn to be alone for a while.

I left the house and went to town to meet Alexander, as I arrive at Annie's coffee shop. Alexander is already sitting there. I climb out of my car and walk toward him just before I sat down, the guy that introduced himself as Austin shows up.

"Good morning, Crissy." He smiles at me. Just the way he says my name makes my knees weak. I couldn't help but smile at him. I might have looked like an idiot at that moment.

"Alexander." He says his name with some anger. "If you would excuse us for just a moment, please? I need a word with my brother." He stares at Alexander as if he was about to strangle him.

"Of course, take your time," I say, a bit scared. Finding my seat.

As they were talking, it seemed very intense. I then decide to walk over to them. My legs were shaking like crazy. Shit, I hope they can't see it.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I think it's best if I go home. It looks like you two have a lot to discuss." I say, looking at both.

"I apologise, Crissy, but my brother should have wasted your time like time," Austin explains.

"It's okay, really. Alexander, I will see you another time. Goodbye, Austin. It was great seeing you again." I say this with an awkward smile.

"Drive safe, Crissy." Austin smiles as I turn around and start walking to my car.

Before I climb into my car, I felt someone grab me, and we fell to the floor. Then the next moment, I heard a loud crash. When I opened my eyes, I was staring right into Austin's dark brown eyes; after a few seconds, I snap to reality.

"What the fuck was that?" I blare out and made my way to my feet. "My car." I stare at my car and then the building. I couldn't see where the big rock that landed on my car came from. I stare at Austin for a while. Then stare at the ground.

"Are you alright?" Austin starts to inspect me to check if I had any marks or bruises.

"I'm..." I start to stutter, and finally, the words came out. "I'm fine. Thank you for saving me."

"It's not a problem. I'm just glad you're not hurt." He gives me a sincere smile.

I just shake my head. "Can you please take me home?" I mumble to Austin.

Austin just nods his head, and we start walking to his car. I just glance at my car and climb into Austin's car. As we drove home, I was still in shock at what had just happen. We just sat in silence the whole ride home. After the drive, we came to a stop. I just sat in Austin's car for a few minutes. I look at him and start to inspect every piece: his nose, mouth, eyes. I took a big breath, and climb out.

"Thanks for the ride," I say with sadness in my voice.

"It was my pleasure. Are you sure you are alright?" He asks, concerned.

"Yeah, I'm sure." As I turn around about to walk to my house. Austin spoke.

"Here's my number if you would ever like to talk, and I will try and sort the things out with your car." He passes me a piece of paper.

"No, no, it's okay. I will handle it." I took the paper with his number on it.

"I insist." He says convincingly.

"Thanks. I'll talk to you later." While saying this, I hold the piece of paper in the air.

"Go get some rest, please."

I nod as I turn to walk towards the house; Austin screams, "Goodbye, Crissy." I just smile and went inside my house. Why do I get these chills when he speaks to me? The way he says my name, it just... Why does he make me feel this way? I hardly know him. At that moment of the incident, it was like I felt safe and at home.

Not long after I got home, Jimmy's mom dropped off Thomas. Thomas runs inside with his bag; he then rushes to give me a big hug.

"How was your visit to Jimmy's?" I ask, putting on a fake smile.

"It was awesome! We stayed up late playing video games. We just had the most fun." He says with excitement.

"That's amazing. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Oh, I got you a surprise."

"Really, what is it?" He says with curiosity.

I called the little puppy, and it jumped out of his bed and ran to Thomas.

"A puppy?" He freaks out once seeing him. "Where did you get him?"

"I found him wandering the streets, and I know how much you always wanted a dog." I couldn't stop smiling. Seeing him so happy made my heart glow. "He still needs a name."

"Thank you, Crissy! His name will be Max. Can I take him upstairs?"

"Sure, remember he is still a puppy and needs to be trained," I say with concern.

"I will take good care of him, I promise." While saying this, Thomas runs upstairs with Max.

My heart just jumps with joy, knowing Thomas was happy. Time for bed. After everything that had happened, I'm glad Thomas didn't notice my car wasn't in the driveway.