"Persephone." she said in greeting, nodding at me. I tensed, looking away. While Ms. Hall wasn't smiling, I could see the smugness in her eyes, like she knew something that I didn't… that made me nervous. "…is that tea I smell?" she blinked, turning her attention to the kettle on the stovetop. "Yes, I made it for Persephone. There's some left, I think." Ian said, stretching as he went to the cabinets to get her a teacup. Ms. Hall folded her arms, looking me over as my face turned bright red in embarrassment. She gave a haughty smirk, before Ian returned with a steaming cup of tea, and handed it to her. "Thanks, Ian." she said, sipping the tea. "Huh. Not what I would've liked, but"- "Is there a reason you're here?" Ian interrupted, rolling his eyes. "Actually, yes." she paused, setting the cup on the table. "Can I speak with you? Alone?" He arched an eyebrow at her, and something small registered in his eyes. "Fine, Susan." he sighed, glancing back at me. "You can wait in the living room, if you'd like." I felt myself nod, silently walking out of the kitchen, and listened to them ascend the stairs. I couldn't take not knowing what they were talking about that was so important. Especially if it possibly involved me. I rounded the corner, and immediately crept up the stairs, thankful the wood didn't creak. Soon, I was standing in front of a closed door, listening to their muffled voices. Leaning forward, I pressed my ear to the door's cold surface, straining to hear. "…Susan, you can't be right"- "When have I ever been wrong? She's…" her voice faltered, and I anxiously leaned further into the door. They had to have been talking about me. "How would you know?" "…how could I not? It's obvious, Ian." "Obvious? Define obvious." "Ian! The change in personality… the way she carries herself, oh, and not to mention the symbols on her body." "Quiet down!" he shushed her, sadness creeping into his voice. "I just don't want her to get hurt…" "Trust me. She's the one doing the hurting." I looked down at my hands, and they trembled as I remembered that I actually did hurt people. Violence was beyond me, but lately, I'd impulsively resorted to it anyways. My eyes narrowed, and I grasped the cold doorknob, any feelings of nervousness evaporating. Taking a deep breath, I turned the knob. And flung the door open. --------------------------------------------------- Uh-oh. I sense a confrontation! I think we'll finally find out what Persephone is- Or is about to turn into.