The Afterlife
Chapter One

Catheryn spun around on the swivel chair in front of the desk. Around and around, until she was so dizzy she felt sick. The images of the past afternoon filled her brain, so she spun faster, trying to erase them with the image of the spinning room. She couldnt believe it. She had actually wanted to kill them. How could she of thought of doing that? Her brother Samuael was standing in the doorway, watching her. Finally, the dizziness overcame her and she slid off the chair to her knees. The chair spun slowly behind her. Finished? asked Sam. Cat nodded slightly, and bowed her head so her long black hair fell like a curtain, concealing her face. A single tear ran down her cheek and splashed onto the carpet. Sam came over and knelt beside her. Come on, Cat, he murmured, putting his arm around her, It cant have been that bad.
It was still awful, muttered Cat.
Well, ok, it was bad, but it could have been worse. You didnt actually kill them. He replied, smiling.
I suppose. But this was much worse than all the other times. She sobbed, and the tears started running freely down her pale cheeks.

*

Cat was walking out of the lunch hall and onto the playground, and Sam was watching her carefully. He had learnt to be careful. He had learnt that particular lesson at the last schools they had been at. The ones after their mother had died. The death had brought a sudden intensity to Cat that had got her into so much trouble. So much trouble& Sam had kicked himself often over that past month. He should have been there for her. But this time was different, he was always careful now. Cat had walked over to the shade of the trees and was sitting down, quietly daydreaming. She was so different, he thought, maybe that was the reason the other kids had done what they did. A group of kids, mostly boys had noticed her and were starting to approach. Cat was pretty no doubt, but somehow Sam guessed that they werent going over on account of that. He moved closer, just in case. The kids were now standing in front of her. She regarded them with detached interest as one started to speak. Hey, why are you sitting on your own? he sneered.
Cat replied quietly. Because you said I wasnt allowed to join in with your games.
Thats right, called another one,  and do you know why you werent allowed to join in?
No. But I bet youre about to tell me.
Sam grimaced. She always taunted people. It drove him mad sometimes.
Whatever, smart-alec. Sneered the first, But yeah, were gonna tell you. Its because youre weird. A freak. Acting like were not even here, being all quiet and helpless. Why arent you normal? 
Because Im different. Special. My mum told me that everyone who is different is special. Most people are special. Of course, there are exceptions& She answered, smiling slightly. The boy was puzzled for a second, then he understood the meaning of Cats words and furious anger fired up in his eyes. Why, you little cow, he snarled, do you really think that a freak like you can insult me and get away with it? No. And anyway, what a load of crap your mum made up. Your mum was weird too, I bet. What are you, a family of freaks?
Cat suddenly stood up, her emerald eyes burning with hatred. What did you call my mother? She asked quietly.
I said she was a freak, just like you. Answered the boy, hands on hips. All the others sniggered. Sam could sense the danger now, and started walking closer.
You are a load of immature, selfish children who are insensitive to all that is around them. She growled, stood up, and took a step towards the group, fists clenched.
And you, like your mother, are a freak. What are you going to do about it? The boy nodded to the others, and they also took a step forward. Lets see if we can beat the weirdness out of her, he hissed and maybe youll decide to agree with us that you and your whole family are a bunch of freaks.
Cat howled, and her eyes were like two rings of green fire. You will pay for your words! She shouted, you know nothing of death or the pain of others after it! The boys crept forward, fists clenched. Cat let out a scream of rage. She was lit up with a piercing blue light that illuminated her willowy frame. Slowly, she held up each of her hands, fingers. Cat - NO! Shouted Sam. Something in Cat seemed to deflate, and her light dimmed a little. She shot a defiant look at Sam and then glanced towards the boys, making a short, sweeping movement with her arms. Arrows of blue light flew from her hands, and darted to each of the boys hearts. Each of the boys looked surprised, then dropped to the ground, unconscious.
Cat  what the hell have you done? asked Sam as he reached her. Cat looked into his eyes. A trace of the fire was still burning, and her eyes were unreadable. They deserved it Sam. They deserved it. Soon teachers were running from all directions to the unconscious boys. Everyone was sent home early, but stories of how Cat had been carrying a gun spread like wildfire. Letters of complaint from all of the parents arrived at school. As was expected, Sam and Cat were expelled that evening. Sam received a call at their house with the news. He did not  could not  tell his father.

*

Sam sighed and looked at his younger sister. She was almost asleep, the tears still shining on her face. She was so young, so innocent. Sam had vowed to protect her ever since their mother had died. What had gone wrong? He stood her up, hugged her goodnight and went into his own bedroom. The words they deserved it, Sam were still turning around and around in his head, and he wondered, not for the first time, what on earth had happened to her.