The music pounded in Lily’s ears, beat after beat of the droning techno making her heart race. She and Matt stood facing each other, hands miming in a rave. Lily felt like a different person in her neoteric outfit, black kikwears and a black tank-top. Her hair jounced back and forth in the black silk ribbon. Matt looked almost identical, black kikwear pants, a black tank-top and a silver short-sleeved shirt. His hair was tied back and down in a simple pony-tail. Since the two had broken away from the house, they went out more. Matt made his way over to the bar to get a bottle of water. He noticed a familiar face, that of his brother Jeff. He made his tracks over to him. "Hey." Jeff looked up.

"Oh hey Matt. What’s up?" Matt shrugged.

"Nothing really. Out with Lily. You?"

"Here with the others." Matt looked around, seeing Christian, Gabby, Edge and Kael in a booth nearby.

"Somebody’s missing," Matt noticed.

"Yeah, Grel is meeting us here later. Actually, he should be here shortly." Matt nodded.

"Sure. I’ll see you later, all right?" Jeff shrugged and turned back to bringing an armload of drinks over to the table. Matt rejoined Lily and the two continued to rave.

"What was that about?" Lily asked.

"Nothing. I was talking to my brother."

"How is he, by the way?"

"He’s fine."

"He should have come with us. They’re going to continue to deplete his energy. He should come home to his family. His real family." Matt nodded.

***

Back at the table, Jeff handed out the drinks. "Chartreuse for Gabby, screwdriver for Kael, LI ice tea for Chris, and two cokes for me and Edge."

"What took you so long?" Gabby asked.

"I was talking to my brother." Gabby shuddered. The other three looked at him.

"Why?" Edge asked. "There’s no point. He and his little slut left. Forget them." Jeff’s temper flared as he grabbed the collar of Edge’s shirt.

"Let’s get one thing straight. You can be mad at them for leaving all you want. But never, ever insult them. Matt is family. Lily is not a slut, and if I ever hear you say anything against them ever, I’ll spare no time in killing you." Edge shrugged Jeff’s hand off.

"Anything you say man. Never again." A hand fell on Jeff’s shoulder.

"Children, stop arguing. We must remain a family, no matter who leaves us. They will return." All eyes fell to the newcomer.

"Hey Grel," Christian piped. Jeff walked away towards the door. The table felt Jeff’s presence leave.