Breathe. Just, Breathe. ((Jack and Padme))

[Mackenzie Holden]

Even though the sun shines; it doesn't in my world. The sun's always blocked by clouds- or it just isn't there to begin with. People say that when the sun burns out, there will be no more earth- no more galaxy because the sun will engulf it and burn all the planets. But if that's true then why does my world still exist? My world has no sun, so why am I still here? The scenery rolled by lazily, the sun shining with brilliance on the acres and acres of fields. This was the best part of the trip home; the beauty of the farmlands before they entered London. Before they entered hell. Is this what life is about? Hiding and running? Being scared and hurt? Or is there more? Why do people have to put up with things that make you buckle under pressure, pain, and tears?

And just as quickly as the golden scenery had appeared; it disappeared. The cold dreary streets of London appeared in its place and Mack already felt the sorrow fill her heart. She leaned her head against the window and continued to watch with uneasiness. She didn't want to go home. She never wanted to go home. It was too late now though, the car was pulling up into the driveway to her house- where her hell still awaited. Pam was out on a business trip, and Dix had some sort of camp she was at for the week. So it was just going to be her and Derreck. Mack sighed and got out of the car, thanked the driver, and walked up to the front door. She was about to open it when it swung open, and the tall figure of Derreck Holden stood in the frame. Not even noon and he's ready for murder... Mack thought as she stared up at the person she was frightened of the most.

"Mackenzie." Derreck said coldly. Mack's eyes didn't leave his, and she continued to stay frozen to her spot. Her eyes began to fog because she hadn't blinked; and she was hoping Derreck would turn away and walk back inside. Mack let out a sigh of relief when he did. Mack tucked her hair behind her ears, picked up her luggage, and entered the Holden Manor. Knowing that her day hadn't even begun. My world has no sun, so why am I still here?

[Mackenzie Holden]

The pain was unbearable. A splitting migraine that seemed to grow into something larger. Though it wasn't just a migraine- it was everything mixed with that migraine, and it felt like her head was splitting into two. Mack wished that she would just die, nothing was worth this pain. Tears poured from her eyes onto her cheeks, and falling to the hard wood flooring as she crawled up the stair case. Her right hand shot up so she could grab the banister, she was losing her footing, but she had to make it upstairs. She had to make it to her room so she could lock herself safely away from her abusive father. Though she knew he wasn't far behind, she could hear his drunken footsteps and the grunts from him running into things. Every now and then a curse would be echoing around the halls of the house, but none directed towards Mack just yet. Time. It takes time. Mack crawled up another step, her hand still gripping the banister, and she groaned from the pain that was in her stomach. Her hand covered the spot where she was bleeding profusely and she tried hard to be stable. Only 10 more steps to go. She could do this. There was another sharp pain and Mack let a scream escape her lips. She would've covered her mouth if she had a free hand, but she didn't and she nearly slumped down to the bottom of the staircase if she hadn't heard her father at the bottom. Mack grabbed onto the banister with both hands, the bloody one slipping but her other hand was turning white from the strong grip. She hoisted herself up onto the next step, then the next, and so on and so forth. She reached the top of the stair case and leaned against the wall, "Breathe. Just breathe." She told herself in between gasps of air. Mack looked down the hall at her bedroom door, it looked so solitary and so distant, but she had to make it. Or else she would definitely be murdered by her father in no time.

Mack pulled herself up and leaned against the wall, as she staggered down the hall towards her room. She could hear Derreck climbing the steps at a leisurely pace, and she knew she had to beat him to her room. But she wondered if she could even do that. The pain in her stomach was killing her so much that all she wanted to do was get to her room, get to her wand, and heal herself before she had to get another major beating. Though she secretly hoped Derreck wouldn't use a busted wine bottle this time. Mack winced at the memory and pushed open her bedroom door, quite relieved to see that Derreck wasn't even half way up the stair case yet. She stumbled in and then slammed the door, locking all the locks- which was 8 in all- and then staggered to her trunk which was in front of her bed. Mack pushed it open and took out her wand as the staggering steps by her father became more destinct. Mack pointed it at the cut in her stomach and muttered a healing curse. Blue light flew from the tip of her wand, and resided itself in her cut- which healed over almost immediately. Mack sighed and sat down- leaning against her trunk and waiting the banging on the door. It never came. Curiousity filled Mack and she stood up from her place, her head still throbbing- but not enough to make her pass out just yet. She walked over to the door and carefully un locked everything. She opened it and peered outside, her heart getting caught in her throat. Mack nearly cried from relief when she saw her father passed out cold from teh alcohol. She sighed and closed her eyes, breathing in deeply.

Mack closed the door again and locked all the locks before sitting down, with her back against it. She tried to erase the pain, but she couldn't. The rest of the vacation was going to be hell, and Mack knew it. Mack knew she was going to end up with some major injuries, and there wasn't anything she could do about it. Why her life was so god damned screwed up- Mack wasn't sure, but she tried so hard to live like it was worth living. She wanted to smile and be happy, for those who want her to be happy. Mack laughed at that, The only person who wants me happy is Jack, and he should be enough for me to be happy- but for some reason it doesn't feel like it's enough. Though I wish he were... Mack sighed and ran her fingers through her hair, while leaning her head against the white door. She looked around her room, her blue eyes flickering to her closet and her shelves where things were neatly perched. The awards for self-defense and the thigns she collected. All were useless, but all seemed to describe Mack perfectly. She couldn't wait to move to Ireland so she could leave her door open for the world to see her achievments. She couldn't wait.

Mack sighed and stood up, went to her closet, took out her black electric guitar and amplifyer. Then grabbed her microphone and microphone stand. She placed the guitar, amplifyer, and mic stand up on the balcony which was a few feet upwards. Then climbed up there herself. She set up the amplifyer and microphone before strumming her guitar. Mack breathed in deeply, and started a song. Her anger definitely coming up; "I feel chained
Chained down
You shove me to the ground
I can’t run, I can’t shout
Held back, just let me out

For someone heartless
This couldn’t mean less
But I’ll push it in your face
(I’ve got my reasons)
I’m only human
(And I’ve got something to say)

Let me rise
Let me fall
Let me breathe
I wanna lose control, I’m not afraid to lose it all
Let me break
Let me crawl
Cause I will get back up again, If you let me fall

If I burn down
In this fire
I’ve got myself to blame
I can’t stop
Or give up
I need to feel the pain

Can you hear me
don’t come near me
You just get in my way
I’m only human
And there’s nothing you can say." Mack continued to play. She was going to play for as long as she could without the neighbors yelling at the noise. Though Mack doubted her music was noise.

((If you want to hear the song, click here. Sung by Alexz Johnson, lyrics by unknown.))

[Mackenzie Holden]

It had been five hours since Mack had given her balcony performance, and the neighbours finally called the police. She had decided to fall asleep at around 6, but she couldn’t. She wanted to blame it on the spring mattress, but she knew that wasn’t the reason. The reason was the nightmares she was receiving, and the cold sweat she was drenched in. Mack sighed, clearly frustrated, and threw her covers off her body. The cool air made her shiver so lightly and she swung her legs over the side of the bed, rubbing her hands up and down her arms, “Blasted cold, it’s almost as if it’s the middle of the bloody winter.” Mack muttered to no one in particular- just to herself. She never thought it to be bad; as long as she didn’t reply. Though she found that she did find herself answering her own questions at times, but that wasn’t the same thing.

Mack looked out her window, her head pressed against the glass, letting the rhythm of the rain pulse through her body. It was soothing in some way, but it didn’t make her feel any better. Normally the rain did soothe her, but tonight it was a different story. For some reason it just made her numb inside- it made her want to curl into a little ball and disappear from the world forever. She wanted to run in the rainy streets and slip into the puddle, drown, and maybe no longer feel pain. She wasn’t depressed, no, Mack could never be truly depressed- but she was in a dark mood and she needed to get out of the house. Her feet were just itching to run- just itching to break free and hit concrete, just longing to go go go! And that’s precisely what she did.

It was only a matter of time before Mack was running through the streets of London- which was being cast with a downpour. It wasn’t busy on the street she was running on, but she could hear the noises of the traffic in the busier streets. There was even a considerable amount of lighting seeping through to the street she was running on. Her breathing was irregular and her hair was no longer straight- it was curly and her face was stained with left-over eye shadow; she hadn’t bothered to wash it off before going to bed. Mack breathed in deeply, clutching her stomach- she sank to the ground. Tears pouring from her eyes, she began to cry right there in the middle of the street, the dead London street.

[Mackenzie Holden]

Her hair was a sopping mess and she was quite chilly, but she didn' bother to change when she climbed back into her room through her window. She simply curled under her blankets and drifted off to sleep. Only to be woken up again 3 hours later, "Miss, get up! Miss, your father has informed me that you are to be going with him on his business trip to Scotland! Oh, Scotland's lovely isn't it, Miss?" The over-excited voice of Aidia Reverez rang through Mack's ears with as much pain as the cut she had recieved from Derreck the previous day. She adored Aidia, but honestly! That girl was too happy for something that wasn't something to be happy about!

Mack groaned and rolled over, feeling like hell. She was sure she had caught a cold from being outside in the rain and not bothering to change into dry clothes- but she didn't care. She looked at Aidia, the Spanish maiden. Well; her parents call her the servant, but Aidia was too pretty to be a servant. She was much more a maiden if anything. She had full silky brown hair that reached to her middle back, and Aidia always wore a flower in her hair. She had chocolatey brown warm eyes that sparkled whenever she spoke- and her spanish accent was very thick that Mack found herself speaking in Spanish at times. No one in the Holden family knew Aidia's real first name. Only her last. So, Derreck had given her the name of Aidia, which so conveniently means 'help' in Spanish. Mack found it tasteless- but it suited the Spanish maiden very well. She looked like an Aidia.

"Aidia- did he say what part of Scotland?" She asked with a raise of her eyebrow. Jack lived in Scotland. It wouldn't be too terrible to go to Scotland if it was the part Jack lived in, but if it wasn't. Then Mack would just go and stay at a different hotel. She wasn't in the mood to stay in the same hotel as her father- let alone the same room. Aidia looked at Mack and shook her head before going to the closet and pulling open the double doors- "Now, what shoud you wear, Mack? You have a hundred or more outfits- and your father wants you to look presentable. Go take a shower and I will decided on your wardrobe." Mack sighed out of sadness and hopped off her bed towards the large bathroom which was connected to her bedroom. She drew the water and took a quick shower. When she stepped out, she walked into her room to find a pink sun-dress, sun hat, and sandals. Mack rolled her eyes and picked up the outfit- hodling it to her and looking at herself in the mirror, "I am that girl in the mirror, but that girl in the mirror is not me.." Mack whispered as she looked at herself with the dress, hat, and sandals on. Her blonde hair was curled and she wore light pink eyeshadow, lipgloss, and fingernail polish. This wasn't Mack- but if her father wanted her to look like this, she would.

The flight to Scotland was rather uncomfortable for Mack, considering she was in a frilly dress- but she got over it and ended up falling asleep on the plane. It wasn't until the plane landed that Mack woke up, her father had already gotten off and she was being shaken awake by the flight attendant. Mack smiled apologetically and stood up, grabbed her purse, and left the plane as quickly as possible. It was embarassing! Why hadn't her father awoken her?! Mack sighed in frustration and went towards the baggage claim- where she found Aidia and Derreck. Aidia was standing stock still, and Derreck was on his cell phone. Mack rolled her eyes and stood by Aidia who had already acquired three suitcases. Derreck clicked his cell phone off and crossed his arms as he looked at his daughter, "Mackenzie- what took you so long?" He asked in a tone that was far from kind or concerned. Mack looked at Derreck- fear in her eyes. Maybe it was a good thing she didn't know where Jack lived- she didn't want him to see her frightened out of her socks.

40 minutes later, they pulled up to the racetracks. Mack had remembered going to these as a little girl, but the memories were vague and Mack had no recollection of the races that were won and lost. She just remembered she was completely bored out of her skull. So as they walked to the tables, Mack realised they were there for tea- not for the races. "Great..." She whispered to Aidia, who giggled and sat down as Mack did. There was a whistle and the horses were off. Mack watched with boredom and sighed- wondering what else this trip had instore for her.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack looked up at his ceiling in bed; unable to get any sleep. For the past few days, he had felt hollow and unwanted. No one at his house cared for him much; unless you'd count Bobby, the sixteen year old man-servant. Bobby was like a brother to Jack, but even he didn't understand what Jack was going through. He wanted to be back at Hogwarts with his friends and mostly Mack. But that wasn't going to happen. Instead, Jack was left with an angry father and a politely confused servant, inside a huge manor. The house-elves didn't count; Jack barely saw them. Now, he was going to have another sleepless night and in the morning all he had to look forward to was a horse-race. Roger was bringing him and letting Bobby tag along. Surprising, really. Roger never trusted Jack and Bobby to act appropriate around his 'friends.' Why there was a sudden change, Jack didn't know and frankly didn't care. Jack didn't care much for horses or racing; it was going to be rather boring at the place. Jack rolled over in bed and closed his eyes, trying to get rest before the morning.

"Sir, you must get up. Master's orders. Hurry, you slept in, Sir!" Jack opened a sleepy eye and found a very distressed Bobby standing in front of him. He was wide-eyed and kept on wringing his hands together. Jack rolled away from Bobby only to meet the floor. "Ouch!" He rubbed his head and looked around; he had just fallen off the bed. It was quite a fall too, since his bed was rather high. Standing up groggily, Jack looked around at Bobby. "What's the time?" he rubbed his head which still was throbbing horribly. "10:00, sir. We have to be there at 12!" Bobby pushed Jack away from his bed and toward the closet. "Master has suggested what you should wear, sir. I will get it out for you." Bobby smiled at Jack before turning to get whatever he was talking about. Jack waited, wondering what Roger had wanted him to wear. He was soon answered as a sleek suit and tie with gray pants that still had the crease in the middle were pulled out. These clothes Jack had never worn. The looked stiff and uncomfortable. Jack gaped at them as Bobby laughed.

"Don't worry, sir. I don't think it'll be too bad. Master told me to wear my worst clothes so it looks like I'm a piece of filth in the house. He has his ways, master, doesn't he?" Bobby put a thin smile on his lips before looking away. Jack laughed at this comment, however. "Bob, this isn't me. I would rather wear my worst clothes than wear these stiff things. I probably won't be able to walk properly." Jack smirked at Bobby and then dismissed him so he could get dressed. The clothes did prove to be very stiff and uncomfortable; Jack felt like they were too tight also. A knock on the door sounded through the room. "Come in!" Jack called and in came Bobby once again, this time holding some hair conditioner. "Sir, Master said to put some of this in your hair and slick it back. He says it'll make you look better. He says that your hair is unruly and will be tamed by this. Shall I do it or will you?" Jack turned to look in the mirror at his brown hair. It was always rather messy; he had never made any attempt to prefect it. "I will do it, Bob. You may leave." Bobby left, closing the door with a snap. Jack shook his head in contempt before taking the hair lotion and putting some cautiously in his hair. Making the lotion go back, he made his hair slick and shiny. Jack looked in the mirror to find a totally different Jack Rendle staring back at him. He took the socks laying on his bed and put them on; then grabbed the shoes he was going to wear before going on downstairs.

The place where they were going wasn't far; a twenty minute walk, in fact. Roger had to drive; he was not the one to enjoy exercise, although he was rather thin. Jack and Bobby sat in the backseat, silent. There was nothing to say. Roger finally spoke up, using his gruff voice. "You two will act like we have gone over. No talking unless you are spoken to. Sit in your seat without fidgeting, Jack. Servant, you will stand next to me through tea. Look at the person who is talking with polite interest. Do you understand?" Bobby and Jack nodded; they had heard the whole speech before, except it had been much longer. Sighing, Jack looked down at his absurd clothes, wondering if anyone he knew saw him, if they would recognize him.

After a five minute drive, Jack and company finally reached the place where the race was going to take place. Jack stepped out of the car when Bobby opened his door and looked around. People everywhere were milling about, talking to friends and family. Jack wished that Mack would be here; they would surely find something to joke about. Even Padme would be welcome; he knew that she would never listen to Roger and his 'rules.' Smiling slightly from the thought, Jack followed his father to the top box, Bobby tagging along behind. Once there, they found the little place were a few tables were set and people were serving tea and other things. Jack looked at all the people sitting there. He first saw a girl with brown hair sitting next to a pretty girl with blonde hair. Jack's gaze shifted to the man and at once recognized him as Derreck Holden; Mack's father. But...that meant Mack had to be around somewhere. He looked around wildly as Roger sat down. Jack followed suit, still looking. Then it hit him. The pretty girl next to the girl with brown hair was Mack! A Mack that was extremely dressed up and looking unlike herself. Jack grinned; he couldn't believe that that girl was Mack. He wondered where Dixie was, but wasn't bothered by that. He couldn't believe that Mack was really here; a few feet away from where he was standing. Trying to catch Mack's eye, Jack heard Roger say something to him.

"Oh, great. Look who it is. That dreaded Derreck Holden." Jack hoped desperately that Derreck hadn't heard Roger; he didn't look too happy at the moment. "Just as long as they don't notice us. My partners will be joining us later. I have to go wait for them at the front gate." Jack heard a whistle and then heard the thundering of hooves. The race must have started. Jack wasn't looking; he was still trying to catch Mack's attention. Roger words were drowned out for a few moments from the roar of the crowd. "-go anywhere." Was the last words Jack heard before Roger stood up and left them. Jack stared at Bobby disbelievingly, finding the same expression on the servant's face. Roger had just given them free reign. They could go anywhere. Jack knew deep down that Roger must have said, "Don't go anywhere," but Jack hadn't heard that part, so he wasn't going to heed the don't part. Smiling slightly, Jack stood up and walked behind Mack's chair, looking at Derreck Holden. "May I sit?" He pointed toward the chair next to Mack; he wasn't going to seem rude to Derreck Holden. Jack self-consciencely remembered how his hair was slick and shiny. He wondered if Mack had even recognized him. Jack knew he had to make a good impression of Roger, so he had decided to be polite. So unlike Jack. Or, the Jack he had been before he left the manor. Jack didn't take his gaze away from Mr. Holden, wondering what he would say.

[Mackenzie Holden]

"Wretched thing, I can't believe you made me wear this Aidia." Mack spoke with an annoyed tone of voice. But the glare she recieved from her father shut her up quickly. Mack placed her hands in her lap, and looked down at them so she wouldnt say anything more. She was always saying the wrong things around Derreck- and it made her feel extremely stupid when he gave her that look. She was about to pour herself some tea when she heard a familiar voice behind her. Derreck looked, as did Aidia, while Mack turned around- shading her eyes from the sun that was behind Jack. He looked....different. Suit. Hair. Mack had to blink to make sure it was him, and when she did see it was him she smiled and looked back to her father who had gone back to his papers.

Mack looked back at Jack and smiled lightly, "Take that as a yes- he won't say it." She told him quietly, she took her hat off and placed it on the table before moving her purse from the chair beside her. Mack poured some tea for herself and then looked at Aidia who stood up and curtsied, "Hola, Senor.I am Aidia Reverez, the-" Mack cut her off, "The Spanish Maiden." She leaned in towards Jack and whispered, "Aidia means 'help' in Spanish. My father was a bugger and named her something so insensitive." Mack rolled her eyes and sat up straight as she caught a glimpse of her fathers face, Uh oh. Mack thought. Derreck Holden raised his right eyebrow at Jack and said coldly, "I thought I told you not to be in his company, Mackenzie." Mack closed her eyes and said, "You did Daddy, I'm sorry, but he is-"

"He is a Rendel!" Derreck barked. Mack looked at her father, fright in her eyes.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack waited for an answer from Mr.Holden but was not given one. Instead it came from Mack. He sat down quietly and looked at each one in turn. He had no idea who the other girl was, but he didn't have much time to dwell on that as the girl stood up and introduced herself. Jack nodded politely at her, although he had never heard of the name Aidia. He gave her a smile before looking smiling at Mack. He didn't reply; he wouldn't be insolent and attack Mack's father. Although he would have loved to. He stiffened in his chair as Derreck Holden looked at him but spoke to Mack as though he wasn't there. Jack felt his blood boil but said nothing. For the first time in his life, Jack noticed that Mack looked afraid and helpless. He turned to look at Derreck and tried to remove his anger from his voice.

"I'm sorry, sir. I can't help being a Rendel. Although I wouldn't change it." Jack said politely as he smiled at Mr. Holden. He wouldn't change just for a man like Derreck Holden. Jack deserved the name Rendel at the moment; he was being stubborn. It was known for a Rendel to be stubborn and arrogant. I'm not being arrogant. I'm just pointing out a few things to Mr. Holden. Jack knew it might not be the same for Mr. Holden; who knew what he was thinking right now. Jack looked over at Bobby and saw that he was still standing near the table, glancing at Jack with a worried expression. Jack gave him a grin before turning back to the Holdens and their maid. He dearly hoped that Roger wouldn't come back any time soon. If he did, Jack's father might have heart failure or hurt someone. Preferably, Jack. He cringed as he heard the door swing open. He looked up and what he saw made his jaw drop. A young woman in her early thirties walked in with curly brown hair and blue eyes. Next to her walked a young girl. Jack's sister.

[Padme Rendel S2]

Padme woke up early when Celesta, the house-elf, poked her. "Miss, Tessa wishes to see you." Padme nodded and got up, her hair a frizzy mess. She smirked at herself in the mirror and then walked into the kitchen. Instead of finding Cameron stuffing his face, Tessa was standing there looking very pretty. She didn't look nearly as tired as Padme had always seen her. She smiled at her mother before sitting down. "Padme, darling, how would you like to go to a horse-race? I found tickets for the top box in Cameron's briefcase." Tessa winked at Padme. "How about we all get on our best dresses, Padme? Who knows who will be there." Tessa winked again and then set off toward her bedroom. Padme shook her head at her mother and then stood up. She didn't feel hungry at the moment. Padme loved horses. This would be great. Plus, without Cameron things would be different. Tessa could pay attention to Padme. Padme had never seen her mother act this young before. Of course, she was young, but she had always acted tired. She walked toward her own room on the second floor and started to pick out what she was going to wear. Padme loved to get classy. She picked out a flowing blue dress with ruffles at the end, light blue sandals and a straw hat with a ribbon. She put her hair up in an an elegant bun under the hat, in case she removed it. She then painted her nails a stunning pink color, while putting on mascara and black eyeliner. Padme looked in the mirror critically, looking at herself from every angle. She never usually was this way, but today was different. It was just going to be her and Tessa. Or.... so she thought.

Padme pulled on her high-heels and then ran downstairs, only to find her mother in similar clothing, except the dress was pink. Her hair was in curls and the eyeliner made Tessa electric blue eyes look bolder. She smiled at her mother. "Well, shall we get going then? We have a plane to catch." Padme nodded and followed her mother out the door. The busy London streets were filled at the moment, but they looked dreary none the less. A few people stared at Tessa and Padme but others didn't pay much attention. Padme was starting to like her new looks and as she followed Tessa, she wondered how long her liking of it would last.

The plane ride seemed to take hours. Padme kept on asking what time it was every five minutes. Finally, Tessa told her they were going to land and Padme felt the plane's wheels hit the ground. She looked out the window at the beautiful Scottish landscape but had no time to wonder where her brother lived. She knew that Jack was around her somewhere. Tessa pulled her away from the window and the exited the plane. A blast of noise reached Padme's ears as she looked around. There were people everywhere. She shifted, feeling a tad uncomfortable in her outfit but Tessa pulled her away from the crowd. It started to thin as they walked up more stairs until they finally reached the top box. Barely anyone was around but, as they entered the box, Padme noticed a group of people sitting at a table. She heard these words the moment they entered: "He is a Rendel!" the arm clenching Padme's arm suddenly tightened the grip until Padme felt as though her arm was going to be squeezed off. She gulped and looked up at her mother with raised eye-brows. Tessa looked simply furious; her blue eyes were glazing over, they looked like they were about to start rolling, her body was ridged and her smile had been wiped off of her face. Instead, it was replaced by a very nasty look indeed. Padme had never seen her mother this angry. The mention of the word Rendel usually sent sparks but this was more than sparks. It was like an explosion. Tessa stalked forward, still clutching Padme. Padme felt as though she was suddenly a rag doll. Tessa had been dragging her over to the table.

"Did someone say Rendel?" Tessa said in a dangerously low voice, her glittering blue eyes narrowed to slits. Padme looked at the people assembled there. A man, two girls and one boy. One of the girls and the boy looked vaguely familar.... Padme felt like a weight had been swung at her head. It was Mack and Jack! She tried to smile at them but couldn't; her arm was turning a purple color from the loss of blood. She grimaced and looked up at her mother, who was now speaking. "Is Roger Rendel here?" Tessa looked around as if expecting hell to come out of the corner. She then turned her attention back to the people sitting there. Tessa's eyes widened slightly. "You-you're...." For a moment, Tessa seemed at loss for words. She was looking at the man sitting there. Padme glanced at the man and then back at Tessa. "Derreck Holden. You are not here with-with Roger, are you?" Tessa's words were slurring with anger. Padme glanced at her brother and then at Mack, looking scared. Wanting to be rescued from this person. Tessa had never acted like this and at the name of Rendel she had exploded. Why did it matter so much? Padme had kept her real last name, but Tessa had changed her's instantly. Now, why hearing her last last name would make a calm woman break out in rage? Padme wondered as her arm turned puce.

[Mackenzie Holden]

Mack closed her eyes, ashamed of her father, but more frightened than ashamed. She looked up as Jack spoke to Derreck- fright even more in her eyes. This time for Jack. Derreck loooked at the boy, his anger obvious in his eyes. He was about to say something more when someone else spoke. Mack looked over and nearly fell out of her seat; it was as if the wind was knocked out of her. Padme stood- not five feet away from Mack and Jack- with a woman who looked almost exactly like Jack. She did a double take and looked at her friend. The woman spoke again and Mack looked at her father for his reaction, "Oh God no! I would rather die a thousand deaths than be anywhere with Roger Rendel. His blasted son just took a seat, I don't want him anywhere near Mackenzie. If you know this insufferable brat; then take him away." Derreck looked at his papers again. Mack looked from her father to Jack, to Padme, to the other person.

"No. We'll go. Or I will. I'm going to- I'm just gonna go." Mack pushed her seat back and grabbed her purse, heading to the door of the box, and going down the flight of stairs. She leaned against the wall and put her head in her hands, sliding down to sit on the ground. She breathed, "Breathe, just breathe." She whispered to herself. She hoped Jack had grabbed Padme and followed- she was about to break free.

[Padme Rendel S2]

Padme shook her head at Mack and then at Jack, trying to free herself from her mother's grip. She was surprised how strong it was; Padme couldn't get away. She heard the man start to speak. She realized that the man must be Mr. Holden. He said that he wouldn't be with Roger Rendel no matter what. Padme's breath escaped her as Tessa's grip loosened considerably. She saw Tessa look over at Jack and saw the smile spread across her lips. Padme knew that Tessa knew that Jack was her son. She saw Tessa wink at Jack before looking at Mr. Holden again. "That insufferable prat would be my son. I must agree with you though. Roger is my least favorite person in the world." Padme felt a shiver run through Tessa. She was standing that close to her. "I admire how you are so out-spoken, Mr. Holden, but really! Try to take other people's feelings into consideration! Do you know who I am, Mr. Holden? I'm Tessa.....er...." Tessa struggled with her words, unable to speak. Finally, she shook her head. "Er.....Rendel. I'm Tessa Rendel. Or was. I still like to go by that name." Padme looked up at her mother in complete shock. Since when did Tessa like to go by Mrs. Rendel? What had ever happened to her new husband, Cameron Luker? What had happened to Mrs. Luker? Padme tried to think but it proved hard. Very hard. She watched as Mack headed out the door. She put a thin smile on her lips and looked up at Tessa. "Hey, mum, I'm going to go follow Mack, kay? See you later." Padme exited, throwing a look at Jack to follow her. She wondered what Jack and Mack were doing here, but as she looked around; that it didn't really matter. She was happy that they were here but.... it was odd how Tessa had reacted when she knew that Jack was her son. Padme shook her head and then looked around for Mack. She found her at the end of the stairs, sitting on the floor. Padme walked over there, trying not to gather too much attention to herself. She standed next to her, not wanting to sit down with her dress. "Jack will be joining shortly." Padme told her as a greeting. Jack better be joining.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack watched as if in slow motion the woman and Padme approach. He knew who she was the instance he had laid eyes on her. Her electric blue eyes shining and her brown hair gave it all away. Tessa Rendel, Jack's mother was standing right there a few feet in front of him. Jack watched everything she did, his eyes not believing what they were seeing. How can this be? I thought.... I-I..... Jack swallowed very hard and looked down at Padme who seemed to be struggling. He only looked at her for a brief moment; he wanted to look at his mother. She must have been in her 23 year when she left Rendel manor. Jack thought. So now she must be 31.... He tried to smile at her, but his muscles didn't seem to want to work. Then, Tessa winked at him and smiled. That lightened Jack's heart considerably and he was able to put a grin on his face. But then, Mack left. Jack felt his high-spirits escape him. What was the matter? He didn't want to leave now. But, any time now Roger could be returning and things could turn extremely nasty with Tessa and Derreck. Not something Jack wanted to witness. He got out of his seat slowly and walked out of the room; no one seemed to notice much, or care. He opened the door and stepped outside, looking for Mack. He saw her and Padme at the end of the stairs. The horses seemed to be done with the race; some people were getting up and walking away. Jack walked down to meet his best friend and sister. "What's the matter? Are you all right?" Jack asked Mack, who was sitting on the ground. He didn't ask Padme; she looked fine. He sat down next to Mack, not caring if his suit got dirty or not.

[Mackenzie Holden]

Mack looked up as Padme joined her, she wiped her eyes and tried to smile at the girl, but there was something about her prescence that made Mack shudder and look away. Mack tugged at the dress so the fabric went over her knees, her big pink hat was dipped below one eye and her blond hair was a mess. She took off her hat, ran her fingers through her hair, and closed her eyes, trying so hard to maintain being stable. She was sick, upset, and she felt like she needed to run. At the moment she wanted to be anywhere but there. She was about to stand and leave, head towards the stables- when Jack entered and took a seat next to her and asked what was wrong. Mack looked at him and shook her head, "I don't feel too well, I went running last night- caught a cold because of the rain and didn't get much sleep. No worries." She told him with a reassuring smile. She looked at Padme and raised an eyebrow before standing and fixing her dress.

"So that was Tessa, eh? Not the nicest person is she?" Mack offered her hand to help Jack up and then leaned against the wall. Thoughts running through her head. She smiled that mischevious smile and headed down another flight of stairs towards the main level. She got to the end of the stairs and looked up at Jack and Padme, "come on you two! We have some place to run to!" Mack called up to them, exiting the case and running towards the stables.

[Padme Rendel S2]

Padme watched as her brother came down the stairs and sat down next to Mack, asking if she was all right. Mack said something about no sleep and catching a cold from running in the rain, which made Padme's eyebrows raise to their full extent. "Why would you want to do that, Mack?" She didn't say anything else, seeing as she was in no mood for insults. She looked up as Mack went down the stairs, called for them to follow, and then set of down to the stables. Padme laughed and looked down at what she was wearing. She thought that she had a feeling what Mack was getting at here.... Padme looked at Jack and then looked down at her high-heels. Sighing, she took them off and started off at a run down the stairs. She didn't mind running barefoot, as long as there was no glass on the ground. She smirked and wondered what it must look like to the people in the stands who were still there. Grinning at the idea, Padme let her dress swish around her as she ran after Mack.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack smiled at Mack but couldn't help but wonder why she had taken a run in the rain. Jack knew that Mack liked the rain, but running out there was strange, even for Mack. He didn't mention it; he knew Padme was thinking along the same lines and was relieved when she said nothing either except for questioning her as to why she would want to do that. Jack looked down at his hands, still marveling at what had happened back there. He had really seen his mother! Not in the best of moods, but still... She was the same woman he remembered eight years ago. Jack smiled down at his hands, wondering if this would be the last time he would see her for another eight years. Hoping it was not true, Jack looked up suddenly when Mack stood and ran down a flight of stairs, only to call up for them to follow. Jack looked at Padme as she ran down the stairs after Mack. He got up too, and ran down the flight of steps and out of the case. He couldn't help but wonder what Mack was doing. She had said something about running....... Did that mean they were running away? Jack picked up his run to an all out sprint, wanting to catch up to Mack so he could talk to her. Instead, they were all in a line. Mack was in the lead, Padme next and then Jack, bringing up the rear. He smiled inwardly at the thought of what the few people left in the stands might be thinking. Maybe today would be worthwhile after all.

[Mackenzie Holden]

I feel chained, chained down. You shove me to the ground. I can't run, I can't shout. Held back, just let me out. For someone heartless, this couldn't mean less. But I'll push it in your face, I've got my reasons, I'm only human, and I have something to say. Let me rise. Let me fall. Let me breathe. I wanna lose control, I'm not afraid to lose it all. Let me break. Let me crawl. 'Cause I will get back up again, if you let me fall. If I burn down, in this fire. I've got myself to blame, I can't stop. Or give up. I need to feel the pain. Let me rise. Let me fall. Let me breathe. I wanna lose control, I'm not afraid to lose it all. Let me break. Let me crawl. 'Cause I will get back up again, if you let me fall. Can you hear me? Don't come near me! You'll just get in my way. And there's nothing you can say...

Mack stopped running only to unbuckle her sandals and carry them in her hands, then she was running again. The dirt squishing beneath her feet. She looked behind her and laughed out loud at what she saw. Padme had her shoes off as well, and Jack was bringing up the end. Mack smiled and looked forward again- quickly jumping over a pile of hay to get to the far end of the stables where her horse was. Okay, so it wasn't her horse, but she had bet on it and had visited it before. It's name was Wildfire. Her pink dress was being swirled around her legs and it was annoying Mack to hell and back again- but she couldn't do anything about it. She reached the stables and jumped over the fence to the stalls. It was then she stopped and took a breath- waiting for the other two to catch up.