Five minutes was it all took for Jaime to be hoisted into the back of a black truck and the entire school to go under lockdown. Classes were evacuating. Men and women in black uniform, holding large weapons stormed the grounds while students and teachers stood under the trees by the school parking lot. Kara was in a state of panic, Alex had joined her and Crystal... well, she hadn't yet been found. "What's going to happen to her?" Kara asked Alex. "How did they know?"

Alex placed her arm around Kara's shoulder. "I was the one that called my dad, Kara. But don't worry. Everything is going to be okay."

Kara was puzzled. How did Alex know about Crystal? But now was not the time for questions. Crystal was being led from one of the classrooms, with her hands cuffed behind her back. The students gathered were in a state of both awe and shock. Crystal was being led to one of the trucks. Her eyes no longer resembled icicles. Her skin was no longer looked cold and unhuman... and the expression on her face, was no longer filled with hostility, but with confusion and fear.

Kara empathized for the girl. Her persona continued to change so easily when she was cold. Something wasn't right. She looked to Alex. "How did you know about Crystal? How did you know to call him?"

Alex pursed her lips together. "Kara, when I saw you outside the classroom, I knew that something was up. I don't trust that girl... I get that you are trying to make friends. But not Crystal Frost. The girl is odd. She proved me right after I saw her corner you in that classroom."

"But, I thought..."

"You thought that I would've abandoned you? You're my sister. Of course, I wouldn't abandon you."

Kara smiled a simple reserved smile and then turned her head to see Jeremiah approaching. "Girls... I'm glad I could find you. The school is no longer a threat. Kara, are you okay?"

Kara nodded. "I'm fine."

Jeremiah smiled and then looked to Alex, his demeanor changing. "Alex? How could you leave your sister alone with her? You knew not to trust her... yet you still left them alone. Kara could've exposed herself to Crystal. Is that what you want?"

Alex's demeanor stiffened. "No, dad. I'm sorry... I should have thought."

"That's right, you should have thought! We can't risk Kara's secret getting out. I need you to keep a close eye on her. After the stunt you pulled, there is no way either of you will be leaving the house tonight. Do I make myself clear?"

Seeing the uncomfortable position that Alex was currently in, Kara was beginning to feel uncomfortable herself. Alex had only tried to protect her, yet she was still being her lectured for something not entirely in her control. "It wasn't Alex's fault," Kara blurted out.

Jeremiah and Alex both turned to Kara, mirroring each other's expressions. It was certainly clear at that moment just which parent Alex resembled the most.

"What do you mean, Kara?" Jeremiah asked.

Kara looked to Alex and then back to Jeremiah. Improvisation was not her strong suit, but Alex's approval depended on this very moment, so she would need to give it her best shot. She took a breath and spoke. "Alex and I had an argument. She warned me not to go with Crystal, but I refused to listen... she decided to call you instead of upsetting me. She didn't want me to do something we'd both regret."

Disbelief painted across Jeremiah's face as he looked to Alex. "Is that so?" Alex nodded dumbfoundedly. But Jeremiah's demeanor did not soften. "The two of you should get to class. The threat's over now."

Alex nodded and stormed away, but Kara remained. She looked up at Jeremiah. "Will Crystal and Jaime be alright?"

There was a crack in his façade, but it was still very subtle. "Jaime is going to be fine. He should be well enough to return to school tomorrow."

"...and Crystal?"

He looked over at the truck where he was being called over by a few of his colleagues. "You should get to class, Kara."

"...But!"

Without hearing anymore of what she had to say, Jeremiah left and headed toward the truck, leaving Kara standing alone, only ten feet away from the rest of the students who were being led back to class. Alex had joined her own friends. If Kara didn't move soon she would once again be alone. She sighed and headed back to class.

#

It was approximately seven at night. Dinner had been eaten and Jeremiah was working late. He had phoned Eliza ahead of time, ensuring that both the girls stayed home.

Alex grunted heavily as she stormed passed Kara in the hallway. "I'm sorry I got you in trouble," Kara called out. Alex ignored her and headed to their room. To Alex's disappointment, the two shared a room. 

Kara followed after her, and Alex attempted to close the door in her face. "Please, just talk to me," Kara pleaded.

"Why? What's talking going to do? You've already said you're sorry. It won't change things."

"It's because I need your help."

"My help? With what?"

"I want to break into your dad's work. I need to make sure that Crystal is going to be okay."

Alex opened the door all the way inviting her into their room. Kara followed her, with Alex closing the door behind them. "Why are you worried about Crystal?" Alex asked. "She's dangerous! Going into my dad's work... is even more dangerous! Are you crazy?"

Kara sat down on the bed and studied Alex. Of course, Alex wouldn't understand. Alex had no idea how it felt to be an outcast. "Because I don't think she means to hurt anybody. I think that her body has been taken over by something."

"Like an alien parasite?" Kara pulled a face which garnered Alex's empathy. "I didn't mean it that way, Kara. I meant..."

"I know what you meant. But yeah, we need to see if she's okay. She's just a kid. I don't want her getting hurt."

Alex looked around the room. She was doing herbest to avoid eye contact with Kara. When she finally turned back to Kara, herface was strangely calm. "Okay, Kara. If you're in... I'm in. Let's do this."