Roger guided Lily downstairs as she clutched her tattered backpack and large packet. Pete watched them from his counter, confused on who the new girl was, but no one else really seemed to pay any attention other than that. Roger waved to Pete as he grabbed his coat and they left into the night.
As they walked outside, Roger was reminded of the poor weather as the rain poured on the both of them. He quickly removed his coat and put it over Lily's shoulders, hoping to protect the on boarding paperwork. Kurt would be upset if his hard work was destroyed by the rain, and Roger wasn't going to test his patience anymore. Gingerly, Roger led Lily back to his apartment.
When the arrived, Roger checked his watch, realizing that it was almost three in the morning. With a sigh, he pulled out a key from his trouser pocket and unlocked the door in front of them. He let Lily go in first, who silently wandered in. Roger closed the door and removed the coat to place it back on the coat rack. Lily held the packet closer as she looked around. The apartment was dim when lit, but it was normal.
Roger walked past her and into the kitchen to grab a glass and his bottle of whiskey. Lily watched him for a moment before walking to the couch to sit down. Once seated, she watched the rain outside the glass doors leading to the porch. It was calming and peaceful, and she began to relax.
"What's your story?" Roger asked, joining her in the living room. He sat in a chair across from her with a drink in his hand. Lily turned to him and set the packet on the coffee table in front of her. "How did Kurt find you?"
"He found me sneaking around the back, looting through the garbage," Lily whispered, finding her courage again. Roger leaned forward, asking for her to go on, that there was more to the story. She sighed and straightened. "I was fired after making a fuss about a vampire walking into the store I worked at. Everywhere I turned, there was another one, but it wasn't everyone. After a while, I assumed I went insane and decided to live off the streets. I cut ties with my friends and family, and then I ran."
"Seems sort of rash, don't you think? Why didn't you get help?" Roger offered, leaning back again.
"My parents have an image to protect, and they probably would have thrown me out on the street if I told them what I can see," Lily explained before taking a deep breath. "The strange man said that you can see what I see."
"Yes, we both can see things for what they are. We are immune to magic, so to speak. Well, most magic. Anyway, the glimmer doesn't work on us. We can see the werewolves and other creatures for what they are. However, we need to be careful of who we reveal that secret to. Some don't want to be found, and are in deep hiding within the human communities. In my experience, it's better to leave them alone," Roger offered, then sipping his drink. Lily nodded slowly.
"Are they the Rogues?"
"No, the Rogues are the newly formed or newly introduced into human society. Mainly, we will be tracking down newly formed werewolves and vampires. Of course, we do get an occasional one where there creature has never seen a human. Those cases can get dangerous, as they don't know what they're doing. Once we contain them, the organization can help them adjust to humans and learn to coexist," Roger answered, rubbing his eye for a second. "Of course, that's easier said than done. We're technically humans, but we possess something different. That makes us a unique creature, and that scares the Rogues, but with enough practice, you can show them you mean them no harm."
"Practice?"
"You're becoming a Sighter, just like me. Welcome to the welcoming committee!" Roger exclaimed with a laugh before returning to his dreary demeanor. Lily stared at him.
"Don't I get a choice?" Lily hissed, becoming angry. Roger shrugged.
"Probably, but the other choices include getting your mind wiped, including the true sight that you have. The procedure is a long and painful process. My predecessor got it done, and he nearly died instantly. Instead, his brain became damaged and he had to stay at an asylum until he died four years later," Roger informed as Lily blanched at the idea.
"So either I agree, or I die?" Lily clarified as Roger shrugged.
"Basically. Besides, it has some good perks. Free drinks at the bar, health and life insurance is both covered, you can earn a lot of paid time off, which is nice. It also pays a decent amount," Roger offered as Lily bit her lip in thought. "Honestly, it gave my life meaning for a while."
"Does it not now?"
"Let's just say that this job brought a new meaning and reason to live, but it also took it away from me just the same. So, hey, as long as you don't get too attached, you should be golden!" Roger answered, laughing cynically. She glared at him, wanting a better answer than that. He swallowed the remaining liquid before announcing that he was heading to bed. When he closed the door, Lily sighed and laid down on the couch to sleep.
Comments (0)
See all