CHAPTER (ONE)

The Girl (Who Forgot) & the Boy She Wants (to Forget)

Once upon a time, there was a girl and a boy. I forget the rest. The
child muttered, tired of sitting next to her rabbit on the worn bus seat. And since I cant remember where Im coming from, wherever Im headed better be more interesting. Her stomach ached as she clutched her armrest, scooting around to keep the springs from poking her numb bottom. She remembered promising someone shed stop telling stories. That was it. Everything else in her head was a big white blank. Even the person faded from her memory, erased by the bumps and cracks in the asphalt. The blue post-it note pinned to her worn shirt crinkled. Just dont tell stories and everythingll be fine. No nonsense, right bunny? Wait, talking to a stuffed rabbit wasnt exactly cheating, right? The bus jerked to a stop and her stomach settled. Outside the windows a tiny town peered back with dusty trees and little stores. The driver nodded at her and said, Your stop. She tucked her bunny into her suitcase. The girl hopped off the bus stairs, shoelaces trailing. With a rumble, the hulking bus drove off like it was late for an appointment. Pft, well, bye to you too. She grumbled. No one met her at the station. Guess Im not the only forgetful one. Now what? Under her feet, a bright arrow pointed right, drawn in chalk. Weird...might as well follow these since I dont know where Im going. Pushing her braid behind her ear, she let the curiosity ease the ache in her feet. Pink arrow, green arrowshe followed along. Purple arrow, blue arrow. Nonsense wont help, I just have to be quiet, keep my head down, yellow arrow, blue arrow, blue and another blue arrow. And I cannot, cannot tell any stories! The arrows veered up a set of stairs, past a flaking metal gate toWoah. Hundreds of plastic eggs bloomed in an enormous oak tree, swaying from faded yarn stems and casting rainbow shadows on a tumbledown crooked house. A large wooden painting of a bunny nestled between the oak trees snaky roots. Rabbits, she sighed, Whys it always gotta be rabbits? The arrows pointed up the sidewalk to a yellow door that looked like someone peed all over it. The windows glass panes rippled like water. Half

hidden in the upper branches of the oak tree, the roof spouted a round turret like a castle. The iron fence boxed everything in, tall red brick pillars on each side. And of course, the numbers on the mailbox matched the blue post-it note pinned to her shirt. This house is only pretending to be normal, she thought. Just like me. The weight of someones eyes knotted up the space under her ribs. The attic curtain flapped in the wind, saluting her. The leaves of the oak tree rustled. The sound of a crow leaked out between a maze of tiny acorns. The gate creaked open and a tiny girl glared at her from under a mop of blond hair. She looks like a dandelion with that hair, she thought, Uh, hi? The child kicked her in the shin and darted to the front porch, cackling Silly ass! The front door slammed open, slammed shut. Why that little-! Furious, the girl darted after the child up the steps. Her feet smeared the chalk arrows. A pile of un-color shoes, laces untied and tangled next to the stoop. Rubbing her bruised shin, she thought, Im keeping my shoes on, harder to run away barefoot. The yellow door creaked open. The girls foot arched back in case it was the dandelion girl again. And so, here you are. An older woman frowned from behind the screen door. Under her dark red dress everything rode up to her chest or plunged down to her hips and thighs, like someone squished her in the middle. Graying wisps of hair brushed tired wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and pinched mouth. Here I am. The girl didnt know what else to say. The woman sniffed. Well, youre late. She turned and disappeared into the house. Hey! She called, W-who are you? Hay is for horses. Im Mrs. Rouge, the caretaker of Joy House Orphanage. The woman wasnt waiting. So the girl traded the fog of her past for the gaping dark hole beyond the yellow doorway. Their footsteps echoing in the dimness, the girl was so nervous it felt like she tumbling down instead of walking. The inside of the house tilted too far to one side. Every picture frame on the wall hung crooked, half of them empty. The striped wallpaper peeled at the edges, bearing teeth of yellowed whitewall. Even the stairs warped and bent funny. A locker stood by the doorway. Wonder whats in there, she thought. Mrs. Rouge looked back over her sharp shoulder, Dinner is at five thirty, breakfast at seven. Lunch is at noon. Questions?

Uh, yeah, why am I here? Why are you acting like you know me? What is this place? What idiot picked the name Joy House? No maam. The girl shook her head. There are seven other orphans here not counting you. Oh, she thought, so Im an orphan? Wait, no, Patrick makes eight. He returned yesterday on a trial basis. Stay away from him. She waved her hand, annoyed, My daughter, Lorina, and I also live here. Things are quite tight here, Alice. Licey. What? The woman snapped. Licey, maam. My names Licey. At least I think it is Licey? Mrs. Rouge puffed up to twice her size. What sort of nonsense is that? Uh-oh! The girl replied so fast she almost chipped a tooth, No nonsense, maam. Im not an Alice, Im a Licey. Are you being smart with me, child? The woman demanded, knobby hands clenching her teeny tiny waist. Not really. Licey shrugged. But I cant follow directions if someones yelling Alice, Alice and Im Licey, Licey. Do you already have a Licey? We must have made a mistake! So, uh, Ill just go and- That wont be necessary. Mrs. Rouge caught her by the arm. Good to know you havent changed. Come along then, Licey-for-now. They passed a kitchen, strange smells wafting from behind the swinging door. Inside an Asian man with a towel wrapped around his forehead glared as they passed. At his feet, a black dog with a curly tail whined. Something flashed where the mans right hand should have been. Licey tried to see more, but Mrs. Rouge kept tugging. That is Hukku-san, our cook. Hes from Japan so his English is a bit off. Do hurry up. The others are waiting because of you. Her voice pitched higher as they came to the dining room. Licey clutched the dented doorframe. Seven sets of eyes pinned her to the spot. A messy tablecloth spread wrinkled between hands all shapes, sizes and colors. Mismatched cups and saucers clinked as nervous fingers sat drinks down before Mrs. Rouge noticed. At the head of the table sat a teenaged boy, dark hair covered by a top hat with a huge price tag tucked in the band. Hm, Licey thought, wonder if that ridiculous hats really there or if Im just seeing things? She rubbed her eyes. The hat stayed. Mrs. Rouge clapped her hands. Everyone, this is A-, ahem, Licey. Treat her kindly until she gets settled.

Licey looked sideways at the woman. Just until I get settled, huh? A chunky, younger version of Mrs. Rouge stood, her chair scraping. At least she smiled. Hello, Licey! My daughter, Lorina. Mrs. Rouge explained. Lorinas brown eyes turned sympathetic. She skirted the table and took Liceys hands. Y-you can call me Lori if youd like! If theres anything you need, just tell me! Ill be happy to help! Ill be happy to help! someone mimicked behind her. Stop that. Mrs. Rouge snapped. Lorinas smiled faded when Licey slid her hands away. Anyway, Im in the room off the stairs, should you need me. Thanks. Licey thought, I dont want to need anyone. I believe youve already met Bella. Mrs. Rouge waved at the girl with the fluffy hair. Shes three. And to be feared. The rest of you can introduce yourselves, correct? They nodded, the picture of innocence. Mrs. Pillar, our home school teacher, will show you to your room after youve cleaned your plate. She pushed Licey forward to the wolves and vanished into the house. The teen at the head of the table raised an eyebrow as Licey tried to sit. Move down. He laughed as the rest of the kids stood, slid to the side and took different seats. Licey tried for another chair, but the others did the same thing again. Oh, and now weve got a Licey girl, huh? Too bad theres no room. Licey gave up and took up her spot by the door again. And you are? Patrick. The boy grinned, tipping his strange hat. You can call me Hat-Trick. His dark hair fell into his eyes as he leaned forward. Anything you need, let me know. Lorina cant do anything, can you, Lorina? Lori shook her head. Fat tears rolled down the girls flushed cheeks. Another teenage girl sat half draped across her chair, half across HatTrick, thin as a piece of paper turned sideways. Ah, you made her cry, Hat. It looked like a rainbow shattered over her head. She wove her nails through her multicolored hair, playing with the two ponytails at the base of her neck. Im Marsha. Im sixteen and Hat heres seventeen. That one, She pointed at Lorina, is only fourteen. And youre all of what, ten? Eleven. Whatever, sweetie. Stay out of our way, and well stay out of yours, kay? Licey nodded, not scared of Marsha or Hat-Trick, but wary, curiously, absolutely wary.

Marsha pointed toward the far end of the table. That little one down there, is Matty Mouse. A young boy with skin the color of coffee and hair braided back in tight rows dozed on the tabletop. He barely opened his eyes enough for Licey to realize they were talking about him. Hes nine. If you want on the computer at night, youre gonna have to fight him for it. Next to him is Bella. She cant talk much. And she bites. Bella glared. Licey glared back. Useful information Two sets of gray eyes appeared before Licey. A little boy and girl stared up at her with faces like mirrors, skin the color of cinnamon, hair orangey poufs. Were twins. The girl said, hands on her hips. Why you starin? You stared first. Im Delia and this is Elliott. Wes six and three quarters. She wandered all the way around Licey and shook her head. Elliott sucked on his fingers and kept close to his sisters heels. The girl sassed, But, you aint gonna last long. Im not even gonna bother knowin you. Licey shrugged. Your choice. Ahem, arent you forgetting someone? The boy at the foot of the table asked. Hat-Trick laughed. Nah, Petes out flying again. Flying? The last boy grimaced. He stood, lanky body squeezed into a suit coat three sizes too small. William Ofston the Third, he stuck his hand out. There was a small straight scar in the middle of the boys palm. The rest of the group, sang off-key, banging spoons, Slightly off! Often off slightly! They all call me Slightly. He grumbled. The boy took his hand back when he noticed Licey looking at the scar. He bowed at the waist instead. Im twelve, so Im second in charge after Hat-Trick and Hukku-san. Ill be honored to be of any assistance to you. You should have gotten me a chair. Licey muttered. The others howled laughter as Slightly sat down in a snit. Hey, Licey girl, you want to see a trick? Hat-Trick asked, leaning closer over the dingy tablecloth. Ah, and heres my curiosity again, jerking me around like a puppet. Welcome back, Licey managed to think. Her toes touched Hat-Tricks by the time she stopped herself. Well, what could it hurt? No telling how long Ill have to deal with these people. Might as well play nice. Dont Slightly whispered.

Marsha frowned, Hat. Dee crossed her arms, Told you so. Grinning, Hat-Trick snatched Liceys hand and her spread her fingers out on the tablecloth. He had scars on his hands too, crisscrossing his palms like crooked Xs. Hat-Trick grabbed a butter knife. Hold real still, little rabbit. His dark eyes grew wide, until she could see the whites all around. This is a great trick. Why did he call me rabbit? She thought. My bunnys safe in my suitcase, he couldnt have seen it. Then light caught the edge of the blade. His hand slid off Liceys so fast it really seemed like magic. Hat-Trick carved an arc in the air. Hes gonna stab me, Licey realized, furious. Ive been here all of ten minutes and this jerks gonna stab me! A warmer, smaller hand circled her wrist. Someone yanked her back. She stumbled, was that Slightly? No, this boys too short. Whoever he was, he still had hold of her hand. I tired of being jerked around today! Excuse me! Do you mind? Nope. The kid chirped, squeezing her fingers. You mind not bein skewered? The butter knife stood straight up, stuck an inch deep into the wood of the table. Hat-Trick looked up, disappointed. Ah, you spoiled my fun, Pete. The room held its breath, all eyes on the newest child. His shirt was torn under a black hooded jacket, faded camouflaged pants cut off just past his scraped knees. His hair was a tangle of curls with flecks of spring leaves and small twigs sticking out here and there. You can let go now. Licey tugged on her wrist, but the little boys fingers stayed around her hand. He turned and stared her down with blue, blue eyes, You one of them or one of us? Peter- Lorina mumbled. Its Pete! Not Peter. He said, eyes never wavering from Liceys face. And I wasnt talkin to you. Im talkin to her. Now, which is it, stupid girl? Stupid girl? Licey tore her wrist away. Whore you calling stupid? You know who I am? Pete asked. Licey puffed up. Well, no! Then youre stupid. He grinned flashing perfect little teeth. What the? Okay, fine, almost having my hand skewered to the table wasnt the smoothest move ever, but still! She put her hands on her hips. So just because I dont know who you are, oh Great, what was it again? Peter- Pete!

-Im stupid? Yep. He jumped up onto the table, vaulting cups, a plate of fried chicken, and an absurdly large bowl of mashed potatoes. And the only stupid people here are grown-ups. So you must be one of them! He thrust an accusing finger at Hat-Trick and Marsha then waved in the direction Mrs. Rouge disappeared. A grown-up. He spit in the gravy as if the word was too awful to keep in his mouth. Ew. The rest said. Bella clambered up onto the table beside Pete, copying him. Grownup! Pft, Licey shook her head. Im not one of them and Im not one of you, Im just one of me! Nope, dont work that way. Pete shook his head, Bella following suit. Youre one or the other. Oh? I thought I was just a stupid girl! You said it this time, not me. Must be true then! The stories she could have told about this piece of work! No, no, no stories! Licey bit her tongue and sat down. No one moved chairs this time. I should have never followed those arrows, she thought, grabbing a roll, Pass the butter. Need a knife? Hat-Trick asked. No, thank you. I already have one, see? Without looking down, Licey drove her own knife into the soft roll and twisted. Maybe it was something in her eyes, but Hat-Trick was the first to look away. Everyone else passed food around the boys legs. Petes blue eyes all but glowed as everyone ignored him. Hey! Im talkin to you, stupid girl. Licey counted how many times she chewed her mouthful of roll and pretended the boy was invisible. That was a bad move. But at that point she didnt know any better. No one ever ignored Pete. He grabbed the huge bowl of mashed potatoes out of Slightlys hands. The other children froze. All eyes were back on him now, all except for Liceys. Licey took another bite of her roll. Chew, chew. Hey, you. Chew, swallow, another bite. Chew, chew. Not gonna happen. Stupid girl? Chew, chew, swallow. No way, no how. Last chance. Chew

Pete dumped the bowl of mashed potatoes on Liceys head. Thick globs slid past her ears and the smell of butter and starch filled her nose. Licey blinked, clearing the majority out of her eyes, but she didnt wipe it away. She just kept eating. Inside her head a hundred furious thoughts flared up like matches. This wild kid grinning at her from the middle of the table had just upended ten servings of warm mashed potatoes on top of her head! Hm, well at least its warm. And it probably wouldnt stain. I only have three shirts after all. Lorina ran into the hallway, stomach jiggling as everyone else burst out laughing. Another adult, round and squishy, carried in a tray of fried chicken. And who are you then? She took one look at Licey and shouted, Good grief, shes barely been here ten minutes! Yep, Licey grumbled in her head, thats what I thought too. The lady fumbled for a napkin, her pudgy face ruddy under her messy bun of hair. Licey figured she was the teacher, Mrs. Pillar or whatever. Gah, quit rubbing the stuff in and let me go change, Licey thought. Or do the mashed potatoes count as not cleaning my plate? Mrs. Pillar tried to pull Pete from the table. Pete hopped from one end to the other, upending the gravy all over Slightly. The vegetables flew over Matty Mouses corn rows and Marsha dodged as the first plate of chicken rolled past her. The twins watched, Elliott in awe, his sister as if shed expected this from the get go. Bella ran shrieking after Pete, kicking whatever food hed missed at the walls, blond hair streaked with ketchup. He tossed the child up so high the cracks in the ceiling framed her back like huge dragonfly wings. Next all these nutsll fly out the window, Licey thought, jealous at the idea they could escape. The laughter and shrill voices set her teeth on edge. I want my bunny, Licey thought. A glob of mashed potatoes hit her bare foot and Licey jumped when a wet tongue licked her skin. Pulling up the edge of the sad table cloth, Licey came nose to nose with the black dog shed seen in the kitchen. The dog panted like she was smiling as her curly tail thumped the scarred wood floor. Hm, she thought, maybe the dogs normal? Stop! Pii-ta! Bera! Down, now! A deep voice, raspy like sharp gravel demanded, Sumi, come. The dog wiggled out from under the table. Petes foot was halfway in the air from throwing Bella. To his credit, the boy caught her again without even having to look. Hat-Trick chuckled. Hukku-san saves the day yet again. Hows that sitting with you, Pete?

Im standing. Pete snapped. On table. Hukku-san said. Off. The man pulled a small towel from his sleeve and offered it to Licey. Thank you. The edge fluttered from her grasp. The towel hit the floor with a soft hiss. Instead of fingers grasping at Petes shirt, a long set of silver hooks snapped closed over the edge of Petes jacket. Licey gasped. Hukku-sans had a claw instead of a hand. Ideas burst like balloons full of paint, colorful, violent, too full. She imaged a mouth snapping, bright red staining blue water, tiny white wave caps like the points of teeth. A dragon ate it, yeah, a sea dragon! Green with yellow eyes like a cat, long like a snake with claws like Hukku-san had now! But Hukku-san mistook her gasp for horror. He pulled away, yanking Pete from the table. With a sickening shuu-rup sound, Petes jacket ripped. The mans long hooks tangled in the strips, Pete found his footing jumped away. Bella howled. Hukku-san caught her before she fell with his good hand. Take her! His rough voice growled as Bella aimed her thrashing toes at his legs. The teacher tottered over and tucked Bella under one flabby arm. Hukku-san, should I get Mrs. Rouge? No. He grabbed Pete by the arm, deep eyes narrowed. Pete glared, eyes burning with hate, Oh, now youve done it. Growling, he slid out of the torn jacket and threw it on the floor with the towel. The man pointed with his hooks, To your rooms. Slightly and Matty stood without a word and shuffled out, dripping vegetables as they went. The twins scurried away giggling. Hat-Trick smirked when he walked by Licey. He tousled her hair, rubbing the mashed potatoes into her scalp. See you later, Licey girl. Pete smacked Hats hand away, straining against Hukku-sans grip. Sumi growled. Licey fought not to throttle the pair of them. Pii-ta, go. Hukku-san said. No more trouble tonight. Its Pete, you stupid- The mans posture changed and Pete fled. With his back ramrod straight, Hukku-san said to Licey. I am sorry to scare you. She looked up, eyes dark. Im not scared of you. Licey said. Ive seen a lot stranger. Nn. Hukku-san nodded and followed the boys out, Sumi at his heels. Mrs. Pillar handed Bella off to scowling Marsha. Give her a bath. Ill take care of the new

girl. Marsha huffed, Dont bring her to our room. Theres no space since Delia wont let Elliott out of his sight, right Bella? The little girls face contorted like a goblin. Shoo, go way, silly ass! Would if I could, Licey thought. The teacher threw up her hands, Fine! Just get Bella clean. Under her breath she said, And wash her mouth out while youre at it. Only cause I want to go to town later. Marsha turned her nose up and plodded away, her tight jeans smeared with carrots. Licey stood in a puddle of mashed potatoes. Embarrassment sunk in deeper than the greasy butter. I only have one pair of pants. She mumbled. Come on. Mrs. Pillars face softened and she rested her chin on the girls shoulder. Lets get you settled somewhere. But she stopped short in the hallway. Shoulders slumping she sighed. Are these your things? Of course they were. Someone had thrown her clothes all over the hallway. A pair of her underwear stretched over one side of the banister. Liceys cheeks burned. Lorina and Mrs. Rouge rushed around the corner. Mother you have to see this, you wont believe- What on earth! Mrs. Rouge shrieked when she saw Liceys suitcase and then Licey herself. The woman stomped up the stairs. Her hand jerked back when she saw the panties sagging down like a sail. Then she screeched up to the second floor, All of you, off to your beds! A number of groans floated back down the stairs. You poor thing. Lorina whispered, stooping to try and put the clothes back where they came from. Why dont you stay with me in my room? No. Licey pushed Lorinas hands away and stuffed everything back into the suitcase, snapping the locks shut. I dont want to stay with you either. I dont want to stay with any of them. She looked up at Mrs. Rouge. The woman had a strange, wistful look on her face. There somewhere else I can go? No, child. There is nowhere else left for you. Mrs. Rouge whispered, If you like, you may have the room in the cellar. Mother! Lorina said. Maybe she couldnt disappear, but underground workedbetter than a room where shed be kicked to death in her sleep or drowned in processed vegetables. Okay. Mrs. Rouge and Mrs. Pillar led Licey to a tiny door off the side of the kitchen. The door locks on its own. So once youre down there, youll stay

until someone opens it again. Mrs. Rouge grabbed a long string attached to one of the ceiling lights. You can use this to signal. she yanked and the bare bulb flickered on, Hukku-san starts working in the kitchen around four in the morning, he can prop open the door. Theres a toilet and faucet down there as well, so you should be fine. Fine is about the only thing Im not right now, she thought. Half stumbling down the creaking stairs, the door clicked shut behind her. She rinsed her hair in the sink, changed into her nightshirt and shoved the rest of her stuff under the lines of glass jars full of colorful preserves and vegetables. Petes ruined jacket ended up on the floor. Dust puffed up when she clambered onto the tiny bed. Curling her knees to her chest, Licey sniffled. They cant see me now, she thought. I can cry now. But it wasnt tears for being embarrassed or doused in food or even being teased and laughed at. No, someone stole her stuffed rabbit. And Licey was too heartbroken to notice someone watching her sobbing from the high narrow window.