Hi everyone, I'm very sorry I haven't updated in quite a while. I don't like to post my chapters so far apart but I've just been terribly busy. High school hasn't been treating me so fairly of late, but I'm hanging on. As I've mentioned before, I'm extremely thankful to those who have reviewed; your feedback really keeps me going, and as a new writer it's nice to have other people's opinions on my work. As I've also mentioned before; I own nothing. All rights to Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children go to the respectful owners. Now on to the story...

"What did Adria tell you in the study yesterday?"

Auntie Mariell's eyes darted around nervously.

"Nothing that you should worry about, darling."

I eyed her skeptically.

What are you trying to hide from me?

I sighed in defeat, then an idea came to me.

The children played while Alma read a book to the younger ones. The day was windy, unlike the sunny weather her and the children had grown so accustomed to. However, she knew she couldn't keep the children pent up in four walls and so she decided to bring them to the beach. As usual, they were almost entirely alone. That same calmness and serenity that the sea always brought washed over her as the little ones listened attentively. She looked over to Fiona endearingly watching the girl's fascinated expression; completely lost in the story.

"...and then the rabbit jumped up the fence, over the log, through the forest, and into the lily pad where the frog awaited him patiently..."

I walked on the sidewalk with my hands stuck into my pockets, clutching my phone. Auntie Mariell had finally agreed to let me go exploring again. Reluctantly, however, but I had managed to blackmail her into letting me go. Threatening to tell Adria all I'd heard of their conversation and claiming it had been Auntie Mariell who had told me really scared her into letting me do as I pleased. I felt guilty for doing so, I really liked the woman, but I needed time alone. I passed by a group of teenagers, squeezing through the sidewalk to fit through.

And then I saw him.

There was a man; tall, thin. Looking right in my direction. Our eyes met for a split second. I turned around to see if I had been mistaken, if his his gaze had been focused on someone behind me, but there was no one.

I continued walking, intending to rest at the beach for a while; find a quiet spot away from all people. Why had that man's stare unnerved me see much? Perhaps it was just the way he stood; an air of authority around him

I continued walkimg, trying my best to ignore the prickling sensation in the back of my neck. Out of pure curiosity, I lifted my head, fully expecting to meet his gaze again, but he was gone.

I continued on the now familiar path, already the fresh scent of the ocean mixed with sand carried by the wind wafted my way. I breathed it in, allowing myself to relax against the soft breeze, letting it guide me.

I continued walking contently, until I felt as though I was away from all civilization, entirely alone and completely oblivious to the world around me.

A sharp pang of pain echoed throughout my head, confusion overtook me for a split second as I realized I'd just been hit.

And then, everything went black.

Alma dried her hands on the hand towel resting on the counter.

She stared at her reflection on the bathroom mirror for a few moments, looking into her own eyes .

A loud knock startled her; pulling her out of her thoughts and she gave a small gasp.

"Miss Peregrine! Jake's dad is here! Should I open the door?"

"No, Millard, it's alright, I'm on my way."

She stepped out and shut the lights, quickly making her way towards the front door and nearly tripping over some scattered toys on the floor.

"Hey! I brought Chinese. Thought you and the kids might like it."

"Of course, come in please"

She answered, taking the bags from his hands.

"Oh, nah, I'm just stopping by real quick, I gotta get going but uh, maybe tomorrow y'all can come over for dinner?"

Taken aback by the invitation, Alma stared for a few moments without answering.

"Jake's idea. My wife's making smoked turkey legs. Just thought you guys might like some."

Finally composing herself, she cleared her throat.

"That sounds wonderful Mr. Portman. I'm sure the children will be delighted to visit Jake."

"Great! Yeah, well, I'm gonna get goin'. Uh, have a good evening."

"Likewise Mr. Portman, and thank you for the food, and the invitation."

"Uh-huh"

He waved goodbye as he walked over to his car.

Alma waited a few moments before closing the door and walking over to the kitchen to set the food down.

Strange

She was more than a bit perplexed that the Portmans had invited her over to dinner. And not just her, but her children as well. Ever since they'd found out about their existence, the Portmans had been very wary around them with the exception of Jake, of course. She had only been over to dinner twice at their place; once alone, and once with her children. They tried their best to appear polite, but the distrust was evident; especially from Maryann. Alma didn't fail to notice the way she physically avoided them like the plague. The invitation took her by surprise; she hadn't thought the Portmans would want her and her children once more in their home. In a way, she understood. Sure, an invisible boy, a little girl with a second mouth were things not many would grow accustomed to so easily, but the way Maryann looked at her children, almost disgusted, made her blood boil. She didn't want to place her children in a situation in which they would be unwelcome, or even ridiculed but how could she say no? It had been Jake's idea, afterall.

She sighed and readied herself to tell the children of the news, hoping that their innocent nature would be oblivious to Maryann Portman's dislike of them. Although for some strange reason Alma couldn't fathom, Maryann seemed to dislike her the most. She felt that it might be something personal, but gave it no more thought in order to prevent any sign of worry or distress from showing in her features; she didn't want her children wondering what was bothering her.

She finally stepped out of the kitchen.