The Lioness

by John Stang

Part 2

    

Joshua Harris is the adopted son of Paul and Merriam Harris. He was an only child until his parents adopted another child when he was ten years old. Joshua could not understand why his needed to adopt another child after him. In truth he started to resent this baby his parents brought into his house.

Perhaps he was not good enough. From that point on he started to excel in everything he participated in. He became a star athlete but his dad never came to any of his games. Sure his mom came to the games but she always dragged the rug rat with her. His attention span was so limited that they ended up leaving before the games were over. What did he have to do for his parents to notice him over the pipsqueak?

College Sports quickly lost its luster to Joshua. The coach had enough of him so he went to Joshua and asked what his problem was. Joshua very quickly proved he was the strongest and best player on the team on that fateful day of practice. No one even came close to his level of skill. The coach was highly impressed. Joshua however shrugged him, left the field, and never returned. He lost his scholarship due to his lack of commitment.

Joshua however did not lose his commitment but rededicated it to another passion of his-physics. He received two separate scholarships from the same college one a sports scholarship the other an academics scholarship. He could only accept one scholarship however so he chose the sports scholarship. He could play ball and still study physics at the same time. He played sports however only to get his parents to notice him. He does physics because he enjoyed it.

Joshua tried to switch to the academics scholarship he received but when he turned it down the school offered it to someone else instead. He tried to see if his father would pay for his college but he refused. In the end he had to transfer t a different college that had held his academics scholarship open in hopes he would come around. That was okay for the new college was one the best for physics. Joshua later learned the scholarship committee knew Joshua would do something like he did. Hoe not only got graduated but got his masters and doctorate before the age of Twenty-five.

Whenever he visited home though it seemed like his younger brother hogged all of his parent's attention. To makes matters worse his brother hated sports, quit everything he set out to do, made lousy friends, and received bad grades. He later learned he hated sports because everyone kept comparing him to his older brother, his friends all took advantage of him, and was molested by supposed mentor.

Jonathan did receive straight A's in one school until it went bankrupt. He put all his heart into that school so he was heartbroken when it closed. His grades plummeted after that. He barely passed his junior year and complete failed the first half of his senior year. The folks transferred him into another school were he made straight A's but according to him a donkey could do the same. The school was not challenging him at all. He quit it all together when he turned eighteen and aced the GED test. Jonathan never went to any school dances or proms.

Yes he went on to college but because he did not know himself he lacked direction and drive. He went thru so many majors and was about to change his major again when the counselors had enough of him. They researched what he had taken already to give him any degree he might have accidentally qualified for. When Joshua found about it he knew the diploma was not worth the paper it was written on. Jonathan did not set out to fill out the requirements of the degree. He only accidentally did it. Whatever job he lands based on the degree he would fail at it and sure enough he did.

When Jonathan lost that job Joshua hopped a plane to Jacksonville. If he knew Jonathan he would probably sulk until doomsday over this. Their parents would probably enable him saying that he could stay there for as long as need to. Joshua could not allow that happen.

When he got to the house that night it was just after eight. After settling in his room Joshua went looking for his brother. Jonathan's nineteen sixteen mach one mustang convertible was sitting in the driveway and he was not at the house.

Joshua then remembered Jonathan mentioning discovering a beautiful spot nears the house. It was a high face space overlooking the water. The cliff was hidden by trees but there was a small clearing at the top. It took only a small bit of searching but sure enough he found it.

Jonathan was indeed there. Joshua was about to make his presence known to him when he stopped in his track. It was a clear night, the moon was full, and the air was warm. Joshua had a clear view of what his brother was doing. Jonathan was doing a martial arts kata. But unlike the katas he seen his sensei do, the one Jonathan was doing was smooth and elegant. Jonathan was seemingly performing it flawlessly meaning he must have been practicing it for years but Joshua knew nothing about him practicing any martial arts. In fact he remembered him quitting that to just before his first belt qualifying test.

After Jonathan finished the kata he stepped into the clearing. "Where did you learn that? It was beautiful."

"A friend from elementary father was a Chinese national before coming to America on a work visa. He offered to teach me something special but on the condition I quit taking Tai Kwan Do. What you just saw was the first kata of the Tiger-Crane style of kung fu."

"Tiger-Crane? There are only a handful of people that can perform that style."

"My sensei said the same thing therefore he had to teach me this in secret but you saw me performing one of its katas. Tell me brother. What brings you to Jacksonville?"

"I wanted to be here to tell you to get off your ass and do something with your life."

"I appreciate your concern but I got a job earlier today at the local grocery store. I think I will start small and work my way up from there."

"As long as you move forward without any false aspirations I have no problems with you."

"You have problems with me brother. For years I had to live in your shadow. You made quite a name for yourself here in Jacksonville. Everywhere I go everyone is constantly comparing me to you. I even get picked on for I am your little brother. Your enemies tried to hurt me as well. That is why I tried to learn Tai Kwan Do. Later I found out they were not really teaching me but tried to embarrass me instead. That is why I did not take my white belt test. Later my true friend introduced me to his father who taught me the Tiger-Crane style."

"I did not realize it was so hard for you here. I dare say this it looks as if you can now proceed forward. I think everyone finally got the message you are not me." Joshua began to leave the cliff clearing.

"Joshua, do you love me?" asked Jonathan in a whisper. Joshua hesitated as if considering answering him. In the end he chose to remain silent and went back to the house.

Now years later he was once again flying back to Jacksonville to once again confront his brother Jonathan. At first he thought about putting him in an institution especially upon hearing the crazy tale his psychologist had told him over the phone. But Jonathan called him Sunday afternoon. They talked in quite some detail. It was clear that Dr. Crushing was a scrupulous and manipulative creature that had to be dealt with. It was also clear for the first time in years his brother was willing to compromise. In the end he wanted his brother back.

The original plan was that he would rent a car and drive to Peter's clinic then he changed the destination to the house when he learned of Dr. Crushing's behavior. However when he the gate at the Jacksonville International Airport he noticed Jonathan standing there. Right next to stood a young girl.

"Jonathan, I thought I said to not pick me up. There is rental car waiting for me."

"I wanted to pick up me brother."

Joshua smiled. "I'll cancel the rental car." He then turned to the young girl. "Who is this young girl?"

"My name is Anne Hart. It is nice to meet you, Sir." Inwardly Anne cried at having to greet his brother in this way but he did not peter when he told him the tale what happen.

"Are you the same Anne Dr. Crushing mentioned?"

"Yes she is," answered Jo.

Aggravated Joshua grunted "We will discuss this at home."

They went to baggage claim where Joshua proceeded to get his luggage and gave them to Jo. Anne directed Jo on what to say and do telepathically as not to upset Joshua too much. Jo hated every step of this but went along with it.

In the parking garage Joshua was looking for Jonathan's familiar looking car. Anne went straight for the Escalade and stopped. Joshua continued down the garage. "Br…Sir this is the vehicle."

Joshua turned around and looked at Anne then to his 'brother', and then to the Escalade. "Jonathan how dare you come to pick me up in their car," he said with anger written on his face.

"You are mistaken Br…Sir. This car belongs to Jonathan."

"That's it. Young lady, I do not want to be disrespectful but that is the second time you addressed me when we hardly know each other. Please do not do again unless I address you first, got that."

"Yes Sir."

"Good. Now where are the keys?" He directed this question to Jo but to his amazement Anne reached into her purse and produced the keys. With a huff he snatched the keys from her then placed his bags in the back of the vehicle. He was about to throw the keys to Jo when he put his hands up to stop him. "You Drive." With that remark Joshua got into the drivers seat, made the necessary adjustments, waited until Anne and his brother was properly seated, and then drove off.

Joshua decided that because it was late and he needed to relax he would take them to dinner before heading to the house. Rather not upset the girl's mom he asked Anne to call her mother to see if it is okay with her. Embarrassed she made the call rather than upset her brother again. Upon hearing of the consent Joshua drove to an upscale restaurant he knew of.

During dinner he tried to engage Jonathan in conversation but for some reason he constantly hesitated. He then noticed his brother repeatedly glanced over at Anne before continuing. Joshua remembered something about these two being able to communicate telepathically. He surmised they were playing that game now. Finally he had enough of this shit and paid the bill.

Both Anne and Jo knew Joshua was irritated on how the conversation at dinner went down. They could not help it. They knew he did not want Anne to speak so they settled for Jo to answer using the cues from Anne telepathically. That idea however backfired when it became apparent to Joshua what was happening. On the trip to the house both Anne and Jo remained silent both physically and mentally.

Joshua stopped when the house was within sight. He stopped for he noticed a Limo parked in the driveway. He was about to ask Jo a question the remembered their game. Calmly he glanced to Anne thru the rearview mirror and asked "Anne, what can I expect inside the house?"

Anne was taken by surprised then glanced down the street at the Limo. "Inside are my mom, her attorney Bart Quicksilver, and our psychologist Dr. Richard Tuttleson."

"I see. I had wished to do this tomorrow after I rested and my attorney got here but it seems you are all determined to do this tonight. Fine then just fine."

Joshua parked the Escalade behind the Limo. When they entered the house Rachel tried to greet them but was directed to remain quiet by Anne as she also directed Jo telepathically to Joshua's room. A moment later both Jo and Joshua reenter the living room.

"Now let me see. You must be Rachel Hart the mother of this young girl," Joshua stated glancing to Rachel who nodded affirmative. "If I believe you then you have not been properly greeted into this house right." Again Rachel nodded affirmative. "Then before we discuss what brought you here let me say welcome to the Harris family home."

"Thank you, kind Sir."

"It is I who must thank you. I noticed this place is immaculate. Your doing I suppose."

"That and the cleaning crew I paid for yesterday."

"They did a good job. Would you please introduce the other two gentlemen?"

"Certainly. This is my attorney Bart Quick…"

"Silver. I know nice name. Thank you for faxing me a copy of the proposal. My attorney was on the same flight I was. I had him pick up my rental car and then head to a hotel. He has a counteroffer excluding the Harts. Sir you will not be needed until tomorrow at ten a.m. when my lawyer is here. Please leave my home."

Bart glanced at Rachel who nodded at him. "I'll be in the Limo." Then he left.

Joshua glanced at Richard. "Now then you must be Dr. Richard Tuttleson. I spent some time researching you out these last three days. Your bio is somewhat colorful in the parapsychology side. Tell me Doctor. How did you find out my brothers wealth and problems?"

"Just what are you implying?"

"All right I just come straight out with it. You called Dr. Peter Crushing's clinic about my brother's case file. You pressured him to releasing it to you. Then you concocted some bullshit story saying he and Anne there switched bodies. I think your plan to force my brother into signing his money to as well as this house might have worked if it were not the fact he was an old buddy of mine. You have some nerv…"

"BROTHER JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN." Anne screamed hysterically not being able to keep quiet no longer.

"I WARNED YOU ANNE NOT TO SPEAK TO UNLESS I ADDRESS YOU. YOU ARE NOT MY BROTHER," Joshua yelled as he slapped her so hard it knocked her down. Jo immediately leaped towards him. Joshua decked him. Jo immediately recovered and pounced on Joshua-wrestling him the floor.

"STOP IT! STOP IT!" screamed Anne. Both Joshua and Jo stopped fighting. Jo got up while Joshua crawled to sitting position on a nearby sofa. "Joshua, what if I can prove to you that I am Jonathan."

Joshua glanced at her. What he saw was a beautiful young girl about his daughter's age. She was obviously an athlete and had her long blond hair in a ponytail. "Young one there is nothing you can say or do that will convince me of this." He said it with so much venom that is could kill an elephant.

Tears immediately ran down Anne's checks. She ran down the hall. Joshua feeling like a jerk ran after her to apologize. He stopped when she opened the linen closet. Anne reached to the very bottom to retrieve a scrap book that his father hid ages ago.

As she got up she was surprised to see Joshua standing there. "Here is your proof you big jerk. Dad hid this down there years ago. No one ever knew it was there. I doubt even he remembered it was there when you moved him." Anne slammed the ancient scrap book into Joshua's chest as she ran down the hall and out of the house with tears still in her eyes.

Joshua tried to run after her but was stopped by Jo. "She obviously wanted you to examine that first." Jo pointing to the scrap book Joshua was clutching.

Slowly Joshua sat down in a nearby chair and opened the scrap book. He read the inscription which he noted was in his father's handwriting. What was inside was every article about him from the sports pages while he played in Jr. High and High School. The later half was pictures of him at his games taken from his dad's camera. He knew then that his dad was at his games for he never allowed anyone else to touch his camera-not even his mother.

With tears in his eyes he carefully closed the scrap book then looked directly at Jo. "Tell me what is in this scrap book."

"I have no earthly idea," replied Jo quietly.

Joshua knew immediately he was telling the truth. The only other person who would possibly know would be his Dad, his brother, and now him. The proof was undeniable. Anne was his brother. Joshua quietly placed the now sacred book down on the coffee table then leaped out of the house after Anne.

It was night already and the moon was out. He noted it was a full moon and knew where to look first if indeed he was Jonathan. He ran immediately to the cliff. Sure enough there she was. He hesitated for he saw her doing the same kata he saw Jonathan doing there years ago. Now he was sure of it. Anne was indeed Jonathan his brother.

"I thought I find you here little brother."

Anne stopped cold in her movements and faced Joshua. "I take it you believe me now."

Joshua decided to not answer her directly. "Do you remember what you asked me years ago before I left this cliff face?"

Anne nodded while trying to hold back the tears that were reforming in her eyes this time tears of joy.

"I did not answer you then but I think I will answer you now. Yes I do. I do love you little brother." Anne could not hold back the tears anymore. She began to run again but this time instead of running away from Joshua she ran straight to him and hugged him. Joshua felt a little awkward but placed his arms around Anne anyway.

The next day during breakfast Joshua heard the full story of how this happen thru to what happened on Monday at Jacksonville Electric. Joshua was impressed on how much had actually happened in short period of time.

He then listened carefully to the compromise Anne had proposed and under the circumstances could not find on thing to disagree on. He very impressed that Jonathan had invest the original ten million so wisely. Joshua had a few conditions of his own.

Joshua has a daughter named Kelly at the exactly the same age as Anne's body is now. He can not think of a reason why not let Anne see his niece again. Anne was overjoyed but was dismayed that Joshua demanded that she can only be introduced to her as a long lost 'cousin'. Jo on the other hand had to make appropriate appearances as her 'uncle' every once in a while.

Secondly he will no longer refer to 'Anne' as his brother but rather his sister. Anne began to laugh at this. When asked what she was laughing about she told of the earlier conversation she had with Jo that went along those lines. Anne said that was fine but asked if Joshua could some day refer to Jo as his brother. Joshua thought about it said he would like to try it.

"Look at the time. Anne you better change into your running clothes right away," declared Jo. Anne shot him a nasty look. "Look Anne I will not see that body goes to hell like this body went. I let you go easy until now but we both know they roughest hurdle is passed so no more free passes. Go get put on your running clothes," ordered Jo sternly.

"I'll run with you, Anne," volunteered Joshua. "You're coming too Jo."

"Whaat…," replied Jo.

"Do not what me brother. Anne let that body go but it is your responsibility to get it into shape just like it is Anne's responsibility to not let her body go. Now both of you go put on your running clothes and be back here in ten minutes." Anne flashed him a look meaning I am a girl and girls need more time. "Correction, be back here in thirty minutes."

The run did Anne a lot of good. Not only did it feel good but it seemed to cure whatever was left over from her recent period. Jo did I told you so but Anne laughed when he got tired very quickly due to obesity. Joshua is in excellent physical condition but he did not have near the stamina of the fifteen year old Anne. Anne kept on going far longer but had to turn back for she needed to get ready for when the lawyers arrive.

However when she turned around she discovered she was far from home. Anne would have to pour on the speed to make it back in enough time for her so get ready. In her mind she heard Jo laughing at her. (You do know you cannot sign any contracts being fifteen.)

(Jo, I realize that but in reality I own everything therefore it is my responsibility to make sure everything gets separated evenly. You may be the legal owner but I am the real owner. Just ask Joshua if you do not believe me.)

(Okay I get it. We need you there. The time is eight thirty a.m. You are at least an hour away. And you will need at least an hour to get ready. You will never make in time.)

True. Anne knew she would never make by running just in the streets. She will have to take the most direct approach but that way is full of obstacles. In his original body it would be impossible but in her current body. (Anne don't you dare. You are not used to that body yet.)

(Precisely the reason why I need you to close your mind off to me so I can concentrate on the journey.)

(You are determined aren't you? All right you win.) "Damn she's stubborn."

"Now that sounds like her. What's up my new little brother?"

"O she needs to get back to the house in thirty if she has a prayer of being ready in time for the Lawyers arrival."

"How far away from the house is she?"

"She reached the ocean."

"Is she crazy? That is about an hour run. Even an Olympic class runner can not accomplish that feat. Tell her I'll postpone the meeting till noon."

"I can't. She is blocking me and promised me to close my mind off to her as well so she can concentrate on the journey."

"It sounds like she hatched a half ass plan. What is it…No; tell me she is not taking a short cut by coming on dead straight." Jo kept silent as he continued to walk back to the house. Joshua could not believe Anne. In her new path are tall fences, buildings, a raven, two busy streets, and a slew of houses.

Anne at that particular moment was having the time of her life. Sure her chosen path was difficult but this body she was in reacted superb. She was able to leap over standard three or four foot fences in a single bound. What surprised her most was the she could recover quickly.

Jo was wrong when he said she was not used to her new body. Doing the Tiger-Crane kata last night helped her get used to her body. This course is only solidifying her familiarity with this body.

Without realizing it Anne was using the Tiger-Crane style in this obstacle course. Both the Tiger and the Crane has superb balance. The Tiger has good speed and leaping ability. The Crane had good maneuverability in the air. When she came to the first building she used the Tiger form to quickly leap from crevice to crevice until she was on the roof. From the roof she used a combo of tiger-crane to leap from rooftop to rooftop.

It was nine a.m. exactly when Jo and Joshua arrived back at the house. Joshua was about to grab the keys to the Escalade in order to pick Anne up when they heard the shower running. A quick glance in the hamper showed the running outfit Anne wore that morning. Jo and Joshua was amazed that not only did Anne beat them there but she had enough time to jump in the shower. This meant she could do miraculous things in her new body. Jo even stated that even he could not do what she did when he had that body.

Still what she had done was extremely dangerous and foolhardy. Joshua knew he could not let her get away with it. He took the lead by calling the attorneys and telling them they were meeting somewhere else. Jo was on Jonathan's cell talking with Rachel about what Anne had done and the danger she placed herself in.

Last night they decided the three new siblings would stay at the house while everyone else would stay at the hotel. Rachel was a little apprehensive with this arrangement due to the fact that Joshua had slapped her little girl not softly but hard then talked to her with extreme venom. Joshua was very sorry for what he had done and reassured her Anne was safe in his care. Surprisingly Dr. Tuttleson who was very protective of Anne was on Joshua's side stating under the right circumstances anyone can lose it. It was because of his opinion that Rachel consented.

After making the phone calls both Jo and Joshua hit the hot tub on the back deck. Jonathan really did live a sweet life they concluded. Five minutes later they dried off and started to get dressed. At precisely nine forty the walked out to the Escalade as Rachel drove up in her rental.

"Where is she?"

"She's in her room, Rachel. She still thinks the meeting is here at the house."

"Thanks Joshua. I think missing this important meeting is a fair punishment for her since the point of her dangerous escapade was to make it on time. I'll take it from here. You know what the points your old brother wants please make sure they are met. Due to her escapade however I have a few conditions of my own. I wrote them down." She hands Joshua a piece of paper.

Joshua scans what was written. "I have no problem with this but she might have a problem with the third condition."

"Leave that to me. You may be her brother but I am her mother. Jo you are in trouble too."

"Me? What did I do?"

"You could have stopped her with your telepathy."

"She closed her mind off to me."

"That is only to block you from reading her mind. She could still hear you or she would not have to ask you to close your mind off to her."

(What she said is correct you moron. Don't you dare leave without me Jo!)

(When did you learn what we were doing?)

(You dropped your guard when Mom pulled up.)

"Joshua we have to go NOW."

"Why?"

"I accidentally dropped my mental guards when Mom showed up. Anne knows everything."

Joshua and Jo climbed into the Escalade and quickly pulled out as Anne ran out the door. "Stop you stupid jerks." But it was no use they sped off. Anne was about to give a very hasty pursuit.

"Stop right there young lady!"

"Mom they are leaving without me and it is my assets they are dividing. I should be there."

"Have you forgotten that you are a minor now and the lawyers cannot listen to you?"

"But…"

"But nothing, young lady. You lost the right to be at the meeting when you took a big chance to get home quickly. You made your wishes clear and Joshua has promised me to include all you conditions."

"But I am more worried about the conditions Joshua may include."

"Have some faith in Jo. He is extremely smart. In fact when she was in her original body she has helped more than once understand some of the fine print in contracts. Joshua will be able to get anything past him. You best be worried about the conditions I made that Joshua promise to work in."

That sent a chill down Anne's spine. Anne quietly walked back into the house and sat down in the living room. Rachel followed and sat opposite her. "What conditions mom?"

"First you will no be eligible for your trust fund until you reach twenty-five years old. Secondly you must get a written recommendation from both Joshua and me before you can receive your trust fund." Anne did not like where this was heading. "Thirdly you must get into and attend an all-girls boarding school of my choosing for your junior and senior year to be eligible for you trust."

"BOARDING SCHOOL! No way." (Jo, tell Joshua not to agree to number three of mom's terms.)

(Sorry Anne. Joshua told me earlier to tell you he will add every one of Mom's conditions and I agree with them. He also wants to remind you on how your original education went.)

Anne slumped dejectedly. "I see you just conferred with Jo and got a negative response." Anne nodded to her mother. "As I said before you must attend an all-girls board school for your junior and senior year of high school. Additionally you must apply and get into a prestigious college of high caliber such as Yale, Harvard, Oxford, Princeton, Notre Dam…"

"Okay I get the picture. I take it I must attend one of them as well."

"Not only attend but receive a doctorate from said college with a GPA of no lower than 3.5 before your twenty-fifth birthday."

Anne's eyes popped out in shock. "Are you out of your mind? A doctorate before I turn Twenty-five. That's impossible even for a gifted and brilliant student."

"You achieved the impossible today young lady. I just asked you to keep doing just that." Rachel stepped into the backyard.

She's crazy Anne thought. (She is not crazy Anne.)

(Jo! Then what do you call her conditions she made before I can touch the trust fund I wish to have set up with funds I earned?)

(Sensible considering how smart you seem to be.)

(Have you looked at our educational background?)

(Yes. You were a gifted student at one time. Then the school you were attending went bankrupt along with your grades. What happened? Did the horror of going to a new school slow you down?)

(Not exactly Jo. I put a lot of my heart into that school. When it went bankrupt school was never the same for me.)

(Well now you have a chance to do it over again like I know you often wish you could. One more thing before I hang up telepathically the Boarding School I think mom has in mind only takes gifted students physically and academically. You proved you have the physical portion down today-just keep it up. The Academics may be a challenge since I was home schooled. That means you will be going to the local high school by our house in California full time for the sophomore year. Bye Anne.)

Anne sat in the living room digesting what Jo had just told her telepathically. She knew from Jo want to that school part time to be a cheerleader. It was a sure thing if she went to that same school she would have to take Jo's place on the squad. Anne also knew they were six weeks into the new school year that means she would be about two and half months behind when they finally get back to California and register Anne.

Anne had to speak with her 'mom' about this. She stepped outside and sat in a whicker chair next to Rachel on the deck. She was carefully searching for the right words. "Mom Jo thinks you might have already chosen the boarding school."

Rachel smiled at Anne. Rachel was proud her original daughter knew her this well. "The Ferguson School for Girls, it's located in the state of Washington just above California."

"Is it just as hard as Jo describes to be accepted there?"

Rachel smiled again knowing victory was at hand. "Harder for they interview the parents as well but I have points in my favor being a previous valedictorian graduate of Ferguson."

That explains a lot thought Anne. "That would mean I probably have to go full time to the school Jo went part time to and make great grades, Right?"

Rachel did not like how that last question was worded. "Yes it would. Where are you going with these questions you already know the answers to?"

"The school year has already begun by about six weeks. By the time we enroll me fulltime it will be about time for their midterm exams. I will have little chance to catch up in time to make the grades it will take to get into Ferguson."

Suddenly it dawned on Rachel that Anne was right. She immediately went inside and grabbed the phone to call Joshua but it was already too late, the contracts were already signed on Anne's trust fund. They talked some more about some things that came up then she hung up. Rachel could not believe the fix she had put Anne in. Desperate she phoned the principal of Jo's school in California to explain the predicament. An hour later the school called Rachel back with a solution.

Rachel went back were Anne was petting her dog. "Anne, I called Jo's school and you were right. When we planned to enroll was exactly two days before your midterm exams which might have count for only one third of your midterm grade. However they said now it will count as one hundred percent of your grade and the teachers are now preparing a much harder exam just for you for that reason. You are now henceforth enrolled fulltime in Jo's part time school. The principal is also aware of the strict guidelines of Ferguson so you are in classes the enrollment committee stipulates. These courses the principal tells me are amongst the hardest a sophomore takes. These courses are now mandatory for you. As part of the requirements for Ferguson you must also participate in a sport. Cheerleading in most schools is not considered a sport by Ferguson. You are fortunate that Ferguson considers cheerleading at Jo's school as a sport."

(Boy mom sure know how to make a person's life difficult)

(You said it Jo.) Anne had a flashy thought. (Jo, you heard everything mom said?)

(Sure did. My mind drifted while here at the meeting and suddenly I heard mom's voice.)

(Hey that's a neat trick. Maybe I can use that trick to eavesdrop on the meeting.)

(Do it and mom will text message Joshua with a 411 meaning you are listening in thru me. She said she can tell when we are communicating telepathically.) Anne turned to Rachel slowly.

"If he just told you I can tell the answer to your questioning look you are giving me is yes I can tell. Now are you two talking to each other or are you eavesdropping?"

"We are talking. He says he heard what you said about the exams and my enrollment."

"Oh then tell Jo..."

(Tell mom I can her thru your ears.)

"You can tell her yourself for she can hear you thru my ears. This is so strange."

(But it is fun is it not.)

"Jo, I am afraid you will have to help Jo catch up enough to ace these exams while we are here."

(Tell her no problem. Have her text message Joshua with the list of books we need to pick up)

Anne relayed the message but Rachel said the school will e-mail the list later. Rachel explained that the teachers have to pick books that were available in both California and Jacksonville that covers what they had covered for Anne to be tested on. Anne and Jo asked how long that will take. The school said at the most four days.

When Jo and Joshua got home later that evening, Joshua sat Anne down at the kitchen table and went over everything that was done that day. As expected everything was done according to Anne's wishes with Rachel's conditions added. However there were three additions that had to be handled.

"How dare you add this condition to receiving my trust fund Joshua!" Anne was not pleased.

"What did he add?" asked Rachel.

"He added that I have to become a recognized world class martial artist before I can be eligible for my trust fund." Rachel shot an evil glare towards Joshua.

"I believe you are already there Anne. I just made it where you will have to be recognized as such that's all."

"That's all, THAT'S ALL. For your information my sensei warned me to never compete in any tournaments for it might show the wrong people my style. These people wish my particular style to be wiped off the planet. To be recognized as you say will mean I will probably have to face these people in fights with only one outcome-death."

"I didn't realize but now it is too late. I can't change it."

"There's that contraction again-can't. You can't change this and you can't change that. Joshua and Rachel is it you can't change it or won't change it?

Joshua and Rachel looked at each other then Joshua answered "Won't!"

There it was. The answer Anne did not want to hear. That answer meant they conspired together to make sure she started to obey them like the child she appeared to be. "Now that we have your attention Anne, there is one last document you must look at." Joshua handed it to Anne.

When Anne examined the document she busted out laughing. "This is a joke."

Joshua looked at Anne sternly, "No jokes Anne. That document is genuine. All it needs is Rachel's signature to make it binding." Rachel went over to stand behind Joshua to signify that she will indeed sign it tomorrow in front of the attorneys.

"But these are adoption papers saying that you are adopting me as your daughter. In case you forgot I am your brother/sister not you future daughter. Doesn't Jo already have a Father?"

"He died overseas before I was even born Anne," replied Jo sadly.

Anne could not say anything when she heard that confession. After a long silence she looked over to Joshua. "Do I have to call you dad?"

"Well as your Father the Ferguson School for Girls will interview me too. Then they will interview us as family. You may just want to get used to it so you will not trip up during the interview. After that it will be expected by Ferguson to call me dad whenever we are allowed to visit or when you get to call us. After three long years of calling me dad you may find it second nature to do so."

That was a long winded yes Anne thought. Anne blushed crimson just thinking how absurd this whole situation was. Just one week ago she was Joshua thirty-nine year old younger brother. Now she was about to become his newly adopted teenaged daughter. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because Florida has a weird law forbidding people from establishing trust funds for people outside their own family. There are exceptions this law of course but we do not qualify them except for the establishment of trust funds for adopted daughters."

Anne began to laugh again. This is all insane. Because of the laws She have to comply to Rachel's and Joshua's wishes in order to get her trust fund that is composed of money that she earned when she was Jonathan. Calling Rachel mom was easy since see saw that she indeed needed her since the first day she was Anne. It was calling Joshua dad that was going to be hard.

Biting back her pride she asked "Can I go for a walk Dad?"

It felt weird to Joshua for Anne who he knew was his brother in reality to call him Dad for that first time. He did not know what to say.

"Well Daddy can I or can't I?"

"You can but only in this neighborhood. And you have an eleven p.m. curfew. Be back no later than that." Joshua knew Anne needed some time alone right now. He also knew she would probably go to only one place-the cliff. It was fine by him.

About three hours later it was five minute after ten p.m. when Joshua showed up at the cliff. Anne was indeed there but instead of doing a kata she was just sitting there. Joshua thought she was sleeping when he realized that she was really meditating by the by the way she was sitting. Why would she be meditating when in the past she only came up here to practice her kata? Joshua remembered suddenly how Jonathan made his way onto the spiritual plane.

"Are you trying to will yourself back on the spiritual plane?"

"It's just the first step to prepare myself to do so. I have to go back to correct this situation Daddy."

"Whenever we are up here why don't we drop the legal shit and call each other by who we really are?"

Surprising him Anne shook her no. "While meditating I realized I am acting just like a fifteen year old girl. Hell I beginning to love calling Rachel mom. Being in mom's arms is not strange but rather comforting to me. Jonathan could never cry or hug you but that is precisely what I did last night. I also realized what a crazy thing I did today. Mom and you were right in needing to punish me. In truth you and mom did nothing today that I did not deserve but needed including all those conditions in order to get my trust fund." Anne got up and walked over to Joshua. "Joshua, the Jonathan part of me is still a little freaked out but the Anne part of me is overjoyed that you are adopting me as your daughter Dad. Can you guess which side is winning and which side is losing Dad?"

It was a rhetorical question since she called him dad twice. Joshua hugged her with all the love he could muster. After the hug they began the long hike back home so Anne would not miss her curfew.

The next day Joshua informed Anne that she needed to come with him to the lawyer's office as well. "Why do I need to go Josh…Dad?"

"When Rachel gave the account numbers to Bart from Jonathan's portfolio she noticed he purchased a lot of property, stocks, and was silent partners in numerous businesses. We decided that those things were yours so we included them into your trust fund. However there must be a trustee to oversee those matters must be appointed until you earn your trust fund. We felt you might like to appoint the trustee yourself."

Anne forgot about the rest of the portfolio. It both thrilled and scared her that her new dad took all of into account. It thrilled her that she will one day get control of them back again. It scared her for she will lose control of them once she switches back with Jo.

"Anne dear, do you have anyone in mind to be the trustee?" Rachel asked while coming into the house that morning from the hotel.

"Morning Mom. Yes I do. Daniel."

Rachel stopped in her tracks and stood stiffly by the table "That jerk. I don't even trust him to tie his shoes correctly."

"He wasn't always a jerk mom. He's just having trouble making sense of this insane situation Jo and me are in. He can't make sense of it therefore he believes it not to be true. Look how violently Joshua…I mean dad was when confronted with this situation." Anne was still obviously having trouble calling her brother Joshua Dad.

Rachel loosened up a bit. True Joshua was very violent when he was confronted with the truth. Anne found a way to convince him and since then Joshua proved to be their strongest ally. Anne is demonstrating a knack for gathering good people as her allies. "Do you think your plan for tomorrow will work to convince him?"

"I will not only convince him, he will go the lawyer's office Monday to confirm his trusteeship. I have a question though. If he does that will he get any pay for doing it and can we setup a trust fund for his children of an amount based upon a percentage on the net profit of my portfolio over a twenty year period?"

"I asked those questions myself. He will get a very handsome salary. The trust funds are possible for the trustee families but there need to be a clause in his contract that he can't sell anything without your okay Anne." Anne did not like the sound of that. He will be a very cared for but leashed trustee. "Anne, get your running clothes on."

Anne looks at him puzzled. "You do remember what happened yesterday?"

"Your mom will pick you up at Ocean Park where your run will end. She will bring you back here so you will have enough time to get ready. Now move it. You have only twenty-eight minutes before I leave the house." Anne smiled as she went to her room to change. She could get used to this.

During the run Joshua asked Anne what happened when she tried to inform Daniel of the unique situation. Daniel seemed like a cool guy considering his reaction when he learned of the situation. However Joshua wished he had room to criticize Daniel for dismissing Anne. When Anne told her new dad of her plan to convince Daniel, Joshua told her no that she is not allowed to do it. Anne told him it would be an only one time thing and Daniel would probably rectify the situation himself. Joshua relented.

Later that day Anne was getting the boat ready. Part of her plan for Daniel was for her to take the boat to the island alone. This was the contention everyone has with the plan. It was illegal for a fifteen year old to pilot such a large boat without adult supervision. Joshua offered to take her to the island and leave her stranded there. Anne said no cause that will not prove anything. She had to pilot it to the island herself or Daniel would not have any bases to believe her. That is the reason why she must get the boat ready herself as well.

She came across the life vest she used when she was Jonathan. Putting it on she found it was huge on her too huge for her to use. Desperate she tried on all the other life vest but they all did not fit right as well. This is bad. Maritime Laws in each state are similar. She was taught by Daniel to obey all the laws in each state that are for safety. In most state, all children age seventeen and under had to wear a life vest while riding a watercraft.

"It looks like we need to take you shopping Anne."

"Jo, you scared me. What are you doing here?"

"I felt you distress and came to see what was wrong. One more thing you need to call me Jonathan from now on."

Anne stopped what she was doing and looked over at Jonathan. For a while now everyone was more concerned about her. It had to be just as rough for Jo. Jo now had to assume the identity of Jonathan legally in order for Anne's trust fund idea to work. No one had bothered asking Jo if that was okay or not. Jo was a trooper though going along with everything without complaint. However there telepathy worked both ways, Anne can sense Jo's pain. Up until this moment she had been too preoccupied with her own pain to recognize the pain she sensed from Jo.

"Jo even though we have not officially known each other long I fell like I known you all my life."

"Me too Anne. Richard says that is due to our telepathy."

"Silly, that's not what I meant. I care for you as if I had known you all me life. I know what you are feeling even when you have your mental blocks up. I can tell where you are even without forming a mental link with you. I knew you would come to my defense with Joshua that is why I goaded him. And that is why I know you are hurting on the inside now. I know what's wrong and no, I did not snoop into your mind to find out-I just know. Want to talk about it?"

"Rachel has told me today that I could not call her mom again. She is not even considering any of my feelings. Joshua expects me to call him brother even though I don't even know him. On top of that every one is fawning all over you. And you did this to me by doing something reckless by willing yourself into a strange realm. I feel so abandoned."

Unknown to Jo Rachel had walked up behind him just as Anne asked him if he wanted to talk about his feelings. She was about to sneak away when Jo started by using her name. "Jo my precious child I could never abandon you. Why do you think we are here in the first place? We came to get you. Since then everything started to happen so fast your feelings did not occur to us. For that I am truly sorry. For the first time in Jonathan's pathetic life she is trying to do what is right for everyone. She is also concerned for you. But if you prefer this to go down any other way just say the word and we try it your way for you are my precious little girl. I hope you never forget that."

Jo looked at Rachel then went into her arms for a hug. In that precious moment the mother's soul connected with her daughter's. It was on the spiritual level. When Rachel hugged Anne that first day Anne felt comforted because the body remembered the physical connection. This latest connection went even deeper than that.

"Hey Jo I love you too. I really do," stated Anne feeling a little left out. She then stepped back realizing that she might be intruding on an important bonding moment. Jo however scooped the little girl in his big arms toward what turned into a three way hug that last for a minute.

When it was over with Anne asked Rachel why she originally came down.

"Joshua and I were talking about your expedition tomorrow and he asked if you, Anne, had brought your life vest from California. I looked at him and told him you never owned one. He then told me about certain Maritime Law concerning little girls and boats. Then he told me the smallest size Jonathan had…"

"I know Mom. We have to go shopping."

"Precisely. He recommended a place called Jessica's Boat World."

Anne knew of Jessica's. The time she been in there as Jonathan she was not impressed with them. She wondered why Joshua would recommend it now when you e-mailed him telling him such. Then Anne remembered why. She told Joshua in the e-mail she felt it was geared towards the female boater hence the name. Almost every thing in there was for girls. There was nothing in there for guys; no camo, no large life vest, no male swimsuits, no mechanical parts, and no fishing gear. Still in Anne's new perspective Jessica's was the perfect choice, they had the largest assortment of life vest and swimsuits for women.

Anne relented and asked Jo if she could take her without thinking past that she did not have a license yet. Rachel told Anne she would be the one to take her or she could not use the boat. It struck Anne as funny that her mom would let her take the boat out illegally if she followed the rest of the maritime laws.

When they pulled into the parking lot at Jessica's Anne knew right of that it was indeed geared for women for the sign was colored yellow and lavender just like Jo's original room in California. If that was not enough then every fiber of being was telling her it was for girls. They only part that was not sure yet was the part of her that was still Jonathan. Boy she wished Jonathan part of her would go away forever.

The new Jonathan stopped dead in his tracks, turned around, and starred at Anne. They were about ten feet from the store entrance yet Jonathan stare stopped Anne in her tracks too. She knew then that he had heard what she thought of her Jonathan half. That was a mistake to do while unguarded.

"Sorry."

Rachel was inside but came back outside when Anne said that.

"What are you sorry about? For wishing the male part of you to disappear forever or are you sorry for liking being a girl so much that you wish to remain that way even if we find a safe way to switch back."

"I do like being a girl but I like being a guy more. I hate having to go through you and dad for access to what originally was mine." Anne looked around at the crowd that was beginning to gather. She then took him aside after which the crowd scattered. She then began to whisper. "I feel weird calling my own brother 'Dad'. But do you know the one thing that I truly hate Jo I hate that you had to grow up practically overnight. There is so much you might miss out on: your prom, the cheerleading competition, college, boyfriends, wedding, the honeymoon, and children."

"Anne I can have some of those things now."

"Yes you can but it will not be the same. You should know that better than me."

Jo did not need their link to know that Anne meant every word she said. It was written all over her face, the face that used to be hers. He knew that Anne felt awful for accidentally taking over her youth. She also knew Anne had started to train her mind so that maybe one day she will be able to will herself onto the spiritual plane to correct the situation.

Jo scooped Anne into a hug. As soon they connected something magical happened. They felt each others aura. I seem their bodies remembered their true selves. Startled they looked around them without breaking the embrace. They began to see the auras of the people they saw just like they were on the spiritual plane.

Then they saw it-the entity that sent them out of the plane. It was there and watching them closely. Anne and Jo believe that it does not realize they could see it. That was until Anne made eye contact with it. Realizing they could it the Entity flew at them. However being from the spiritual plane it has no physical form in this realm so it caused them no pain. When they separated they still saw other people auras but not the entity. However just they knew it was there watching them.

Immediately after Anne entered Jessica's she tried to straight to the life vest but on the way to the they passed the swimsuits. One had caught Anne's eye and she knew she had to have it. Jo looked at thru his new perspective and said so what. Rachel raised an eyebrow with the exchange. These two were getting reacting as if they have been in there current bodies for a long time.

The swimsuit that Anne found was cut like a Baywatch one piece swimsuit. It was camel in color which went great with her complexion. They shoulder straps were navy blue and they seemed to go all the way to the crotch!!! Rachel raised an eyebrow again and said no. Anne asked why not. Rachel could not believe she was pouting. She asked Anne to put try it on. After she came out of the dressing room Rachel stood Anne in front of a mirror. Rachel then told her that the swimsuit did in fact fit her perfectly but she was now to look at it with the Jonathan part of her brain. Anne looked and followed the v-like strips all the way to her crotch. Red faced she flew back into the dressing room to change.

The next one Anne liked was tiger striped. Again her mom said no. Frustrated, Anne asked her to pick out one. What she came up with Anne told her no way for it would make her look like a toddler. Jo laughed when he heard Anne say it. Both Anne and Rachel looked at Jo and agreed that laughter boy should have a go at picking a swimsuit for Anne.

Much to their surprise Jo took his time carefully examining each rack. When Jo thought he found one he went of to the tops. In the end he found one both had liked. It was indeed a one piece swimsuit but cut differently. When Anne tried it on she loved it more than her original choice. It was mostly yellow with only two thin strip of navy on each side as if it tied the front and back together. The neck line came down in a v-shape while the entire back was covered. I did com to a v in the crotch but with a little wider material. The suit accentuated Anne's long legs. Jonathan then produced a yellow t-shirt and navy shorts for Anne to wear when she was just chilling.

Anne's original idea of getting a neoprene lift jacket like he got when she was Jonathan went out the window when she discovered none of them neither fit her right of was the right color for her new outfit. Thank goodness her new body was proportioned differently than Jonathans. These proportions gave her greater number of choices. After trying on different vest, she settled on a crème and navy one that seemed to go well with her new outfit. The vest fit only okay. Some others fit perfect but did not go well with the outfit. Anne knew then that women sometimes sacrifice comfort for style.

The next morning was Saturday morning. Anne was piloting Jonathan's jet boat toward the island. The sun was just coming up. The air was cool and the waters were still. It would take about an hour to reach the island. Anne was enjoying the serene journey to the island this morning. As Jonathan she only enjoyed only parts of the journey. This time she enjoyed it all. In fact she slowed down the boat to about twenty knots. Jonathan would have ran it full speed about thirty-five knots.

At her current speed it will take about one hour and forty minute to reach the island. Anne did not mind the extra time however since a flock of seagulls was traveling alongside the boat. Those majestic creatures even made the boat as part of their formation it seemed like. Anne sat on top of her boat seat just to get a better view of this awesome spectacle.

When she turned into the channel were the island was located she her splashing in the water. Fearing it may be a shark she looked at the water. What she saw was incredible. A school of dolphins joined the flock towards the island. Anne had never before heard of this happening. Now she had a flock of seagulls and a school of Dolphins traveling with her. It was almost as if they were escorting her to the island.

When she got to the island she noticed an empty spot of beach right next to a very familiar pair of jet skis. She knew they belonged to Daniel. She also knew he had seen her approach. The gulls and dolphins left as she pulled into the sand.

Daniel was pleased when he saw Jonathan's boat approaching that is until he saw only Anne was on the boat. He was not amused. He wasn't surprised as Anne showed the same stubbornness Monday that Jonathan has. But what was really ticked him off is that he taught Jonathan better than this. Anne has no business piloting the craft at all nevertheless alone like this. He told his children to stay at the campsite while he approached the approaching boat.

As Anne beached the boat she saw Daniel approaching. The look on his face told her he was pissed. She thought of turning back but knew he would pursue her with his jet ski. Even at top speed Daniel would easily catch up to her. No the best course of action was to meet him head on. She had enough time to tie up the boat and sit on the bow of the boat before Daniel reached her.

"What are you doing here young lady?" He asked this while looking at the young girl in front of him. He had to admit for a young girl she was cute. She had on a yellow to and navy shorts. She was obviously athletic. She wore a Rams ball cap with her long blonde pony tail thru the size adjustment of the cap. She wore a pair of Lara Croft style sunglasses which were polarized.

"I just wanted to enjoy this weekend the same as you."

Daniel knew this was not all as he continued to stare at the young girl in front of him. She had tied up the boat in the same manner as Jonathan does he noted. But as he continued staring at Anne he can only remember when she told him she was Jonathan just five days ago. That was impossible but he had to admit some of her reminds him of Jonathan.

Anne was cracking under the intense stare. "Okay I had hoped to convince you I am Jonathan sometime during this weekend." There is was the truth behind her trip to the island.

"Get back in the boat. I'll escort you back to Jonathan's." This was not a statement Daniel made but an order.

Just them Anne got desperate. She got off the boat and dove down and curled herself around Daniel's feet. "Please Daniel. I promise not to say anymore about me being Jonathan. I'll do everything you say just please let me stay." Anne began to cry.

'Damn' thought Daniel. Anne had figured out how to work people in her new body. "Do you have a tent?" Anne sobbed a yes. "Air mattress?" Anne's tears dried up as it downed on her were this might be leading. Still somberly she replied yes. "Did you bring your own food and drinks?" Could it be he was going to let her stay?

"Yes," replied Anne while smiling. "I came fully prepared." Knowing what was coming she jumped up and wrapped her arms around Daniel waist.

"Bobby!" he yelled out without dislodging Anne. Bobby immediately can down from the campsite. "In that boat you will find a tent. Get it and set up next to ours." After bobby left with the tent he dislodged Anne and held her at arms length away with his hands on her shoulders. "Now you listen to me. You promised no more talk of you being Jonathan. I plan to hold you to that. Monday morning I will pilot the boat back to Jonathan with Liz following by Jet Ski. If you do as I say then you can stay till then. Also if you a good little girl I'll arrange a little test that will tell me who you are for sure however you will not know it is a test." Anne smiled her acceptance then Daniel hugged her.

As Daniel and Anne approached the campsite they were met by Elizabeth. "Dad, why is Bobby setting up another tent?"

"You earlier begged to stay in a tent by yourself but I refused. I cannot allow a young girl stay in a tent by herself." He said this while glancing toward Anne. Anne blushed crimson realizing what Daniel was about to say. "Anne her wants to stay but not in our tent and since I cannot have her stay by herself I like to know is you will be willing to share her tent."

Elizabeth was overjoyed. "Of course I would like to share her tent only I like to know if it is truly okay with Anne."

Anne carefully looked back a Daniel. "Dad, would you please allow Anne to answer truthfully."

Daniel walked off to help Bobby. Elizabeth took Anne's hand and walked away from the campsite to the beach dragging a surprised Anne behind her. At Jonathan's boat she released Anne's hand. "Tell me Jonathan how did you learn to manipulate that way? I watched and heard everything from behind those bushes then sneaked back when Dad called Bobby. I must say you were masterful."

Anne stood stiffly. "Thank you. I share a mental with the original owner of this body. Thru that link I learn how to dress myself as well as makeup fast. Before we learned ho to block our link at times we had free access to each others thoughts and memories. How do you know who I really am when I did not even try to tell you?"

Liz sat on her Dad's Jet Ski seat facing Anne. "I have always been sensitive Jonathan to the world around me."

"Liz, if you continue to call me that then your dad will kick me off the island. Please even in private call me Anne."

Liz looked at her sympathetically before noticing Anne had not moved at all yet. "I will just as soon as you relax."

Taking this cue Anne relaxed and sat on the hood of her 'uncle's' boat. "You asked me a question earlier I like to answer it."

"The question on whether you mind if I stayed in your tent or not?"

"Yes. Jonathan, my new uncle, would never let you stay in his tent and I am doubtful Daniel would ever allow it either. I, however, am a girl your age. Not only is it okay with me but I am looking forward to it."

"Anne I don't swing that way."

"I didn't mean it like that…"

"Relax Anne. I was only joking. I know what you meant. The same goes for me. I was not surprised you showed up today. I would have been disappointed if you didn't."

The two girls grabbed some of Anne's gear and went back to the campsite where Daniel was waiting for them. "Thanks girls. Bobby and I will get the rest. Is everything cool between you two?"

Anne and Liz said yes in unison which startled Daniel. Liz asked her dad if they can go on their own for a while. Daniel trusts Liz so he said as long as she kept an eye on Anne it was okay with him. Anne knew he wanted Liz to baby-sit her. Even though she hated his attitude she did like Liz's company.

The island is quite huge actually. A small town can easily fit on it. On one side of the island was a good size beach where everyone likes to beach their watercraft. The beach only make up about three-eights of the island circumference. They rest of the island is surrounded by rocks. On the other side of the island are thick woods that no dares go into. It has been sanctioned off as a wildlife habitat by the island owners but luckily the woods only compose of half of the huge island. A huge clearing which everyone uses as a party spot lies just beyond the beach. Surrounding the clearing are semi-light woods except the portion next to the beach. Everyone uses these semi-light woods camp sites.

At one time the island did come up for sale but was very quickly bought. The owners had a sign posted on the island that the island was not going to be developed. Boaters and Jet Skiers were free to camp there anytime they wished. They only rule is you are to pick up after yourself and leave the island in pristine condition. No one knew who bought the island but they were glad he kept it semi public. Later three individuals received letters in the mail explaining that they were given right to govern over the island whenever they were out there. Daniel as it turns out was one of those individuals.

Anne and Elizabeth made their way thru the crowd that day. Anne was shy around the boys as some tried to hit on her. Liz had to keep her eye on her for she had to admit she was about the prettiest girl on the island her age. When they came up near the volleyball net a group asked them to play. Anne was reluctant until one said just as well for he would have mopped the court with her. That steamed her to no end. "You're on jerk. I have one condition though if it's all right with everyone else. This jerk and I are captains and pick the teams," Anne demanded angrily.

Just then one of the people that were sent one of the three governing letters walked up. "Hold it." Anne looked over at the sexy thirty-five year old blond named Kathy McLean. She was kind nature and loving. She was also very smart. She also had the personality that everyone would o anything she asks of them. When Anne was Jonathan he had a huge crush on her he later got over.

Anne thought for sure she would be asked to leave the island. "Child even though I don't know you there is something familiar about you." Anne blushed. "You are in Daniel's care this weekend are you not?" Anne nodded. "What happened here to get such a rise out of you?"

"Those jerks have been hitting on me all day-continuously even after I made it clear that I was not interested. Then they asked me to play volleyball with them which I refused. Then this jerk insinuated that I was weaker than him. Then you walked up just as I answered his insult."

Kathy looked at Anne and had to laugh. Such a pretty young woman had to experience with boys hitting on her but this girl seemed clueless on how to handle them. Yet this girl had Daniel wrapped around her finger less than five minutes after she got here a feat few women had been able to do herself included. On top of all that she reminded her of someone.

"I'll allow this. I have two conditions for this match. The first one is that you boy must make the first and that chose is Elizabeth."

"What no way!" cried Anne.

"You can always leave Anne. You will find me less able to be manipulated than Daniel." Anne remained silent. "Good. Now each will chose their ten person team. Since the first player on Jason's team has been chosen it is your time to choose Anne."

Daniel got to the volleyball area just as Anne started choose her first player. He got the scoop of what was happening from the gathered crowd. As the last of the team was chosen Daniel got upset again but not at Anne-at Kathy this time. He knew Kathy had it in for him for being one of the three chosen to govern the island with her.

"Good. The teams are chosen. Now as for the last condition. The loosing team will be responsible for cleaning the island tomorrow after three p.m. when most everyone would have left."

Anne was furious now. This bitch had arranged for her and Liz to be on opposite teams then throw this condition into the works. "The conditions are nullified if I do not play right." Anne started to leave.

"Either play or leave the island," declared Kathy.

Anne looked back. "As you command."

Now Kathy was for sure she seen Anne before but where. "And both teams will do the clean up chore."

Anne looked at Kathy and knew she meant it. She turned around and rejoined her team. However Anne was now torn between her loyalty to Liz and her not wanting to clean the island.

"Wait a minute. Why do I have to play?" cried an angry Elizabeth. Kathy walked over to the teenaged girl and whispered into her ear. Suddenly Liz's eyes popped open as in surprise then she blushed after which she bowed her head in submission. "Okay. I'll do it. I will play and keep the conditions."

"Now hold on. What did you say to Liz?" demanded Anne of Kathy. Kathy remained silent however. Elizabeth stepped over to Anne and looked her in the eyes. Her eyes told Anne why. Kathy somehow figured out that Anne was Jonathan. As impossible as it seems that is what those eyes told Anne. Desperate Anne glanced over to Kathy who nodded her head meaning she did know. Anne asked in her mind why are so many people figuring it out who she was without her saying anything. Anne looked back at Liz just in time for Liz to slap Anne so hard she fell down.

"You did this jerk. I have to play this game cause I did not help you out when you needed me to." Liz then kicked Anne hard. Liz is fighting dirty now. She knows Anne new body is high athletically inclined and that Jonathan had played volleyball a lot in the past. As Jonathan she was pretty good but could have been great if it was not for his love of beer and pizza. Now as Anne she might practically be the best on the island. "Now get up we have a match to play."

Anne crawled back up. She had wondered why Liz kicked her. As she walked to the court she knew why. She was in pain at the area Liz had kicked her. There was no major damage from the kick but Anne will sport a major bruise in the area of her side where she been kicked. Anne knew this will affect her game and she knew Liz planned it that way. Damn that girl is fighting dirty.

Off to the side Daniel also knew why Liz kicked Anne in the side. One side of him is proud of Liz for fighting so unfairly but another part of him the parent part was disappointed in her as well. He had tried to install a sense of fair play in her. Daniel was about to step in to discuss the situation with Kathy but when Liz kicked Anne he decided to remain silent.

As the game started it became clear to everyone what Liz thought silently was true. Anne was playing fabulously and flawlessly. Anne's hard playing earned her team a fifteen point lead early in the game.

There was only one problem with her playing. She was playing like a one person team. Her own team mates noticed this early in the game. Liz noticed this so when it came her term to serve she would always check to see where Anne was playing fore they were play with a rotation of position rule. Finally she started to serve with Anne playing in the rear middle perfect. She was far enough away from the net that she could not spike the ball over. Liz aimed perfectly and launched the ball directly to Anne.

Anne tried to spike the ball as Liz knew she would. The ball went out of bounds quickly-too quickly for anyone to do anything about it. Liz kept launching the ball to Anne who kept up trying to spike it. Anne's other them members knew exactly what Liz was doing so they sat down on the ground. When Anne had lost the lead for her team she had to take a short break. The pain in her side was starting to burn. As she drank some water during the break she examined the situation.

(Damn what is going on?)

(You are acting like a one person team Anne-that is what is going on.)

(What do you mean Jo?)

(Did you not notice what the other players were doing during the last five serves?)

(Yeah, they were just sitting on the ground…0.)

Anne walked back to the volleyball court and took her position when Kathy said the break was over. Silently she looked at each one of her fellow teammates and they got the message. She was sorry and to prepare themselves. Liz was about to serve again when the other players got off the ground. Anne then looked at Liz with a look daring her to do it again. Something had changed during the break but no one was over by Anne to explain to her what she was doing wrong.

Anne looked over at Liz again with a cocky look on her face. Furiously Liz served the ball over to Anne again. This time instead of trying to spike the ball Anne brought her arms up for an underhand bounce off her forearms launching the ball upwards where her other teammates could take over. Anne had finally started acting as a team player.

The score became tied quickly twenty to twenty. The next point will win it and it was Anne's team's second serve. Anne was playing forward opposite ironically Liz. The serve was good. The opposing team set up Liz to spike the ball which she did. Immediately Anne jumped as well and not only deflected Liz's spike but spiked it as well. Anne used the arm on the side Liz had kicked. Anne had spiked the ball to hard that no one could move fast enough to deflect it and it landed inbounds. Anne's team had won.

But no one was cheering for when Anne came down she did not land on her feet but on her side. Liz immediately jumped to her side. Instantly she realized Anne was burning with pain every breath she took because of the kick she delivered her. Liz immediately started yelling for her father. Daniel was there instantly and scooped Anne into his arms and headed back to their tents.

It was a good thing that Bobby had just finished filling Anne's air mattress for she needed it as Daniel laid here on it. Liz quietly told Bobby what had happened. Daniel then ordered Bobby to go prepare Anne's boat for departure. They were going to take Anne to Jacksonville Inner Costal Medical Clinic that had a dock hooked to their ER room. Nurses and Orderlies would meet any boat that docks there.

Bobby however did not head to Anne's boat. Instead he headed to the far side of a beach towards a huge houseboat he had seen pull up not five minutes ago. Daniel noticed Bobby was not doing as he instructed and was about to chew him out when he noticed the houseboat he was running toward. Good boy he thought. Bobby knew that houseboat belonged to Dr. Jeffrey Killian. His specialty was in sports medicine. He learned over the year to come prepared for anything when he comes to the island.

Moments later he appeared in Anne's tent and starting to examine her. Liz started to tell him what happened but Jeffrey silenced her saying he knew from what others had told him on the way to the tent what went down. He knew about the vicious kick Liz gave her in order to have a fighting chance at winning a volleyball game with some very vicious conditions. He knew that Anne played like a demon and he knew the poor girl collapsed after securing the winning point and had to be carried from the court to her tent.

After Jeffrey finished examining Anne he went out to talk to Daniel. While nothing was broken she had to bruised ribs. It was miraculously that she was able to stand to begin with nevertheless play. She was supposed to rest the rest of the day. Jeffrey gave Daniel some pain killer samples for Anne to take while on the island and a prescription for Anne's mother to fill later.

Daniel took Jeffrey aside and told him he had planed to take Anne riding on his Jet Skis. Jeffrey asked him if he was out of his mind considering Anne's current condition. Daniel looked Jeffery in the eyes and asked back when he has ever known him to take foolish risks unless they were absolutely necessary. Jeffrey looked at him and said okay but only for fifteen minutes tomorrow morning and he is to examine Anne one more time in the morning to make sure it was okay. Daniel said that was fine.

Thru out the day, Liz felt so bad that she fussed over Anne. She got her any she wanted. Anne tried to convey to her that she forgave her. Later she did ask Liz to get Kathy so she could have a private talk with her. Liz really did not wish to but she did comply.

A few minute later Kathy walked up. "You wanted to see me."

"Yes. Before the volleyball game I felt you knew a secret of mine. Even though I think you confirmed it I wish to hear it out loud."

Kathy looked around to make sure they would not be overheard. "You, Anne, is my old friend Jonathan Harris."

Anne was not surprised by what she said. Looking at her as if she was the only person there Anne had to ask "How did you figure it out?"

"Like Liz I too am sensitive to the world around us. I knew you were loaded even if you chose not to display it. I even knew it was you who bought this island and made Dr. Jeffrey, Daniel, and me governors to this island. These choices all makes since when you add the variable that your former self owns this island. Jeffrey always made Jonathan's favorite dish for everyone-Barbequed baby back ribs and Daniel took the time to teach how to operate your boat safely when bought your first boat at the age of thirty-six." Anne did not like where this was leading. Could she know how she felt about her when she was Jonathan? Kathy looked at Anne and knew what she was thinking. "Of course I knew Jonathan liked me special. In time you will be able to recognize when a man likes you special and not just lust after you. That is the reason we each got a governing letter-so we come to the island all the time. If we had a say so on what went down here we will feel safe here." Kathy looked at Anne questionably.

"What?"

"I have a confession to make but wonder if you be able to handle hearing it."

At this point Anne would believe just about anything. "What is it?" she asked somberly.

Kathy leaned down to whisper in Anne's ear. "I liked Jonathan too." She got up and looked at Anne who sported a scolding expression now. "He was kind, considerate, and loyal. He just did not lust after me like so many others he wanted to know me. I even liked when he bought the island just so it remained just like it is now. Then when he noticed the wrong crowd stated to appear on the island he appointed the three governing people. I liked that too. I'll even tell you us three governors got together and put two and two together and figured out Jonathan bought the island and made us the governors. The fact that even Jonathan obeyed our rulings when he did not have to further had made me like him more. Even today I miss him."

"You don't have to Kathy. I am right here."

"It's not the same Anne. Even if you do not realize it yet you are different than when you were Jonathan. I still care for you but you are not my Jonathan."

With that Kathy walked off. Anne thought about going after her but knew better. Even if she could catch up to her in her condition what could she say that will things alright in this situation. Nothing she knew. In the end all she could do was watch a chapter of her life walks away.

Liz came back and sat on a straw matt next to Anne. She had a sense on how the conversation with Kathy went. Liz looked at Anne sympathetically. Anne caught that look. "So you knew that Kathy liked Jonathan back."

Liz nodded her head. "Every woman on the island knew."

"Why was I so blind?"

"You did not come to the island often back then. When you weren't here Kathy would always ask Dad how you were. When you were here she always acted cold to you because she was mad you did not come up more often. You never seem to notice she was only cold with you."

"I did notice but I figured she was repulsed by my obesity."

"She was never happy with it but she decided to look past it with you. What really got her goat was your absence. She knew you had those feelings and she had them too but you seemed to regard yours lightly."

Anne struggled to her feet. "Where are you going Anne?" asked Liz in shock.

"Where do you think?" replied Anne as she stepped in the direction Kathy had left. Liz tried to stop her but Anne was stubborn. Each step Anne took caused her pain but she had to talk to Kathy one last time. Finally she found her. Kathy noticed Anne walking in a struggle towards her.

"Shouldn't you be lying down little one?"

"In a minute. I wanted to tell I was sorry for never telling you how I felt. I never took my feelings for you lightly. I was scared by them. I thought if I made my feelings for you known you would do what all the other women I liked did-ask me never to speak to them again. I just could not handle you rejecting me like that. I thought I was protecting our relationship but I ended up hurting it like I did all the others. Even though we cannot have what we could have had I hope we can be friends."

Both Anne and Kathy looked at each other then started to laugh. Both realized that Anne had used a worn out line when couples breakup. This situation was so funny because the circumstances for the line were completely abnormal. Anne laughed so hard she winced in pain.

Anne almost collapsed but Kathy rushed to her side and supported her. "You did overdo it. Jeffrey said you needed to rest the entire day."

Daniel walked up after Liz talked to him. "Is everything okay here?"

"Daniel, Good. Anne here came to me to try talk me out of the volleyball game conditions. While discussing them she collapsed."

Daniel knew that was a lie. He always knew when a person had lied to him. Suddenly his he jerked his head towards Anne. When Anne told him she was Jonathan he did not detect him lying to him. Pushing that thought back he scooped Anne in his arms. "She has always been caring of others before herself. That is what I liked best about her."

Anne blushed as she wrapped her small arms around Daniels neck. Daniel always had knack of cutting through al the garbage. He was being sarcastic. Up until recently all her decisions was totally selfish including the compromise with Joshua. She did not want a fight with Joshua and she wanted access to her money again. This island trip had changed her a little. That is the reason she risked injuring herself more to talk to Kathy again when it would have been easier to let things lie.

Daniel deposited Anne back on her folding lounger where Jeffrey was waiting to reexamine her. Luckily all she did was tire herself out more. Jeffrey, Daniel, Elizabeth, and Kathy then all started to read her the riot act at the same time. Onlookers felt sorry for Anne but knew better than to try to help her for she brought this upon herself. In the end Anne promised that no matter what she would not get up again until they said she could.

That is what she did. Jeffrey, Daniel, and Kathy checked up on her from time to time. At one point she was able to tell Kathy how this happened. But her main companion for that had been Liz for which she was grateful. She and Liz hit of great. She told Liz about the trust fund and the conditions on it. Liz was flabbergasted when she heard about the boarding school stipulation.

When Anne told her about the cheerleading situation she wished to help her out but knew in Anne's condition that was impossible. Liz was a cheerleader. She could have helped Anne learn some of the basic and complex moves. But again Anne was in no shape to try to learn those moves.

Later that day the island smelled of the baby-backs that Jeffrey was preparing. These smells were driving Anne crazy. It seems no matter what body she was in baby-back ribs would always be her favorite. What made it even worse is that she could not move off her lounger. In the past Jonathan would be either be right there in the thick of the action or take his boat out until the ribs were ready just to get away from the smell. Just when Anne could not take anymore Jeffrey showed up with a tray which he deposited on Anne's lap. On the tray was a half rack of the first batch of ribs that was ready along with coleslaw and beans. Anne looked up at the smiling Jeffrey with a blush. "Thanks but how did you know?"

"The smells that permit the island would always drive Jonathan crazy. I had to make sure he always gets part of the first batch as well." Jeffrey began to walk away.

It took Anne a second before it registered what he was getting at. "Wait. You know don't you?"

"Kathy told me but I did not believe her until I saw you squirming there just from the smells of the barbeque. Be careful though, Daniel still has trouble fully believing."

Then she looked down at the ribs knowing it was from the first batch caused her to have another epiphany. "You also know that he owned…"

"…this island. Kathy told me she told you that the three of us got together and figured it out. Why do you think I always let you have part of the first batch of ribs? It was to thank you for protecting this island from developers and unwanted people. Now eat up. Afterwards I want you take a nap."

Anne realized that the three 'governors' she appointed were acting like her guardians. Daniel showed up after she finished eating to take Anne to her tent for her nap. Liz took the tray and headed back toward the Jeffrey's houseboat. Anne had to ask "Why are the governors of the island acting as my personal guardians?"

Daniel answered as he carried her to the tent. "Shortly after Jeffrey examined you this morning we used Jonathan's phone to call your mom. She had a fit. Rachel demanded we return you to the house but Liz then started to have a fit. She snatched the phone out of my hands and pleaded with her to let you stay. Liz then gave the phone to Kathy per Rachel's request. Kathy walked of to have a woman to woman chat as she put it. In the end the only you stay according to Kathy is if she, Jeffrey, and me agree to act as your guardians."

"Wait, you used my…err…Jonathan's cell without my permission!! How could you?"

Daniel ignored her until after he carefully placed her on the air mattress in her tent. "You mother needed to know of your injury young lady. She told me that if we hadn't called her they would've rented a boat and come get you themselves today. Now get some sleep." Daniel then left.

Dan's last statement got Anne curious. (Jo are you there.)

(Yes Anne.)

(How long?)

(You instantly dropped your mental guards when Liz kicked you and had not bothered to raise any since.)

(Then you've seen and heard what I been doing the entire day!)

(Yes. I must say that I am proud that you did not back down after Liz's kick. I am also pleased you managed to win the game being hurt as you were.)

(Thanks. About Kathy…)

(I heard all that too and the fact you own the island plus two of the three governors know who you are inside. We also know that all three managed to figure out you were loaded. Anne, do you realize that Daniel must have known you were loaded for a very long time?) Anne blushed at the thought.

Anne fell asleep shortly afterward. Apparently the pain killers Jeffrey gave her were very potent. She did not regain consciousness until just before dawn the next morning. To her amazement she was no longer in any pain. She checked the area were she been kicked and there was not even a mark.

Without waking the sleeping form next to her Anne carefully made her way out of the tent. She went over the east side of the island and waited for the Sun to come up. When the Sun first began to peak over the horizon Anne started doing her kata.

Unknown to Anne she did arouse Liz when she left the tent. Liz figured that she needed to use the bathroom so she left it that until she failed to return twenty minutes later. She had to go find the still injured girl. She found Anne right a daybreak and was about to make her presence known when Anne started her kata. Liz immediately hid herself in way that she could see Anne and not vise versa. Liz had to admit Anne looked hot doing the kata with the sun highlighting her like it was. Anne's hair shimmered gold in the sunlight. Her form to the untrained eye was flawless.

Hold on thought Liz. Her form was too flawless for an injury she had suffered just yesterday. Quietly Liz mad her way to Jeffrey's houseboat. She did wake him up and he was angry. But as soon as Liz told him what she just saw Jeffery got a shirt and quickly went to the spot where Liz told Jeffrey Anne was. Sure enough there she was doing some kind of martial arts kata.

Jeffrey was a second degree black belt in Tai Kwan Do. He was familiar enough with other styles of karate and kung fu to be able to recognize them on the spot. Try as he might he could not place the style Anne was practicing. He further noted that she was excellent that very few known martial artist in the world was this skilled. He saw all this just from this one kata. Anne had to be practicing one of the underground forms that were only practiced only by those of a particular family unit. That Anne could learn this form, whatever it was, was inconceivable. What baffled him more was that she did not seem hurt in the slightest. "That's enough, young lady."

"Dr. Jeffrey, you're awake!" Anne stated the obvious.

"Liz woke me. Follow me please."

Anne blushed. She obviously underestimated both her sneaking skills and Liz's level of sleep. She obediently followed Jeffrey back to his houseboat where he examined her again. When they left the cabin of the houseboat Anne was surprised to see both Daniel and Kathy standing there.

"Well?" asked Daniel of Jeffrey.

"I can't understand it. She is completely healed. That injury should have taken at least a month to heal yet there in not a mark on her."

"You are certain those injuries were as severe as you said they were?" asked Kathy in a rather angry tone. Anne was surprised by her tone.

"I stake my reputation on it. Anyway I say she can do anything she wants today."

Just then the cell that Daniel was holding started to ring. "Hello…Good morning Rachel…Very well." Daniel passed the phone to Jeffrey. Anne realized that her mental guards were still down. She reestablished them instantly.

"Good morning …Yes she is still right here." Jeffrey handed Anne the phone. "Your mother wishes to speak to you."

Anne carefully placed the phone to her ear. "Good Morning Mom."

"Morning. Drop your mental shields or go pack the boat up for an immediate trip back home." Anne sighed as she dropped her mental shields. "Now keep them dropped until you come home tomorrow. Now please pass the phone back to Dr. Killian." Anne very enthusiastically passed the phone back to Jeffrey. Everyone there knew this meant she could stay. As Jeffrey talked to her mom Anne turned to Daniel "May I continue my morning workout?"

"Sure. From now on tell us before you disappear."

Late on in the morning after breakfast Daniel asked Anne if she wanted to go Jet Ski riding with him. Her eyes beamed with excitement. Daniel quickly went over the safety regulations and how to operate the Ski. Once he was sure Anne is competent they were off.

He allowed this for one reason only. He had seen Jonathan operate a rental Ski before and knew his style of riding. Each rider to the trained eye has their own style of riding a Ski. It's true some things are done similarly despite who is riding. What he was looking for was small things. By the time the half hour was up he was sure of it. Anne was Jonathan. There was no mistaking his style of riding.

Hell even Anne figured out what Daniel was up to twenty minutes into the ride. Daniel asked Jonathan never to ride a Jet Ski again for his style was too dangerous. This time was no different as Daniel ordered Anne off the Jet Ski and climb onto the back of his. Daniel took Anne back to shore and took Liz out to retrieve the Jet Ski. Once both Jet Skis was safely secured back on the beach Daniel went over and sat down next to Anne.

"Jonathan, your riding style has not changed a bit."

"No it ha…" Anne stopped in mid-sentence as she realized Daniel is finally recognizing the truth. Anne gave the lug a huge hug.

"Alright already. Anne you do realize that this changes a lot of things. Even though I believe you, you are still a young girl now."

"You don't have to tell me 'Kemo'."

"I suspected as much."

"Now that you finally admitted you know who I am, may I speak to you, Kathy, and Jeffrey in the privacy of Jeffrey's houseboat?"

A short time later the four individuals gathered inside Jeffrey's house boat. In there Anne laid down all the cards. She told all them that they all knew he was Jonathan including Mr. Skeptical. All of them knew Jonathan was rich and owned the island. Anne went further into Jonathan's portfolio giving them a clear picture of his wealth. She then told them of her compromise with Joshua and of her trust fund. Daniel had to ask what the point to this discussion was. Anne then went on to tell them all her property was placed in her trust fund as well and she needed to appoint a trustee to oversee the affairs of her property until she could take control of it.

"I need someone I can trust even with my life. Now the three of you fit into that category but only one of your have been careful and caring enough for me to even consider it. I had this person in mind before I came to the island but his actions on the island this go around solidified it for me. Daniel, would you please think about taking on the responsibility?"

Even before he could answer Anne mentioned her idea for trust fund for his children and the clause he would have to agree to. "You always like to go overboard don't you? Forget the trust funds for Liz and Bobby lose the no sale clause and I'll do it."

(Hear that Jo?)

(Yep, mom is calling Bart right now to delete those clauses.)

"Daniel, you have a deal. Can you come by the house after work Tuesday to sign some papers?"

"Sure can."

The adults decided to take a trip up into one the canals near the island. Houseboats and Jet Skis are not allowed up there. As a consequence only three boats at the beach could go. Anne brought one of the three boats. Anne let Daniel borrow it after checking with Daddy Joshua if it was okay. Anne and Liz elected to stay behind because Liz wanted to help Anne learn about cheerleading. Also staying was three children ranging from six to nine. Liz was asked by the parents to watch them. Everyone else piled into the three boats and set out.

Liz was a grueling taskmaster to Anne when she helped her with the cheers. It seemed like Anne was doing all the work with Liz correcting her only a little. When Anne complained to Liz she reminded Anne she had worked much harder at yesterday's volleyball game. Anne knew that Liz was paying her back for the defeat she suffered even though Anne paid for that personally all day yesterday.

After an hour of this Anne was worn out. Liz took pity on her and told her to sleep it off while sunning in her lounger. Anne's lounger was at one end of the beach but the kids were at the other end. Liz went over to the other side to watch the kids.

Anne stirred awake about ten minutes later when she heard some low volume growling. Without turning around she knew what was making those sounds but it was impossible. She knew there were three mountain lions poised to pounce on her. That was impossible. Cats would not swim to an island like this besides these cats were territorial. For these three cats to be acting together was unthinkable. Anne concluded that something else was responsible.

(The Entity.)

(What Jo?)

(These cats are being controlled by the entity. Remember the entity already tried to come at us but could not for it had no physical form here.)

(So it is using the cats to attac…)

The cats pounced. Anne scrambled to her feet and jumped into a Jet Ski. The key was in it and Anne's life vest was drying on it. Anne moved very quickly in getting it off the beach before the lions reached her. She jumped on it, donned he vest, and cranked it up very quickly.

She was about to speed away when one roared softly out to her. Anne turned around and noticed the cat was turning its head to look in a new direction. It was looking toward Anne and the kids as one of the cats took a crouching position in some bushes near them. This was unexpected. The implication was clear. If Anne left the cats would kill them. They seemed only interested in killing her. Resigned to her fate she started to turn the Ski back to the beach.

Then an Idea struck her. She motioned to the cats to meet her on the other side of the island. The cats understood and agreed since it meant she had to leave the Ski in the water. Anne was hoping to be able to beat the cats to the other side using full throttle.

Liz had watched Anne take the Ski. She would have to talk to her about it later. Right know she had to watch the kids. Elizabeth was so far ignorant of the danger she was in.

Anne indeed beat the cats to the other side of the island. Desperate for time she crashed the Ski into the rocks then jumped up onto the ridge on the other side. Years ago Jonathan discovered a secret cache of weapons on the island. That is the real reason the woods was declared off limits. She hopes they were still there.

Just as she heard the cats coming she found them. As the first cat tried to jump on her Anne grabbed what looked like to be a Bowie and thrust it into chest of the beast. The cat's momentum knocked Anne over but she used it to flip the no dead critter off her. She recovered quickly as she dove to the stash. The second cat pounces as she pulled yet another two Bowies out. At the last second the cat changed direction sensing a losing battle. Anne knew it was going for the kids.

Anne had to reach it before it got there. She placed one Bowie in her small mouth, dropped the other one then took off. Just like the other day, Anne used her martial arts to travel the distance very quickly. Anne leaped from tree to tree. In a second she pounced on the poor creature using the momentum of her pounce to shove the knife into it quickly.

At that moment the returning boats were coming up the back end of the island. Daniel saw the wrecked Jet Ski and knew it to be Anne's handy work. Then his eyes spotted the dead lion. Without waiting for everyone to be ready he pushed the boat into full throttle. He then motioned another to check under his seat and bingo the gun Jonathan placed there was still there and loaded. A quick check showed it to be still functional. He hoped he would not need it. He hoped he would get there in time.

Anne lifted off the dead cat. She noticed that she was covered in the cat's blood now. That was just great. She killed the first cat by surprise alone. She used the trees to help kill the second one but the third would smell her before she got close plus there were no trees near it. If only she could get the kids to come to here. (Jo, are you there?)

(Yes. We notified the Coast Guard. They are on there way.)

(Thanks. But the kids will be killed long before that.)

(You have something in mind don't you.)

(Liz is sensitive. You may be able to send a message to her about the cat.)

(I don't thi…)

(You have proven to have superior mental abilities than I ever had.)

(And you proved to be a better athlete than I ever was.)

(Thanks but you might be able to use your mental abilities to contact her. Please try.)

Jo emptied his mind then concentrated on Liz. Liz suddenly saw flashes of a cat in her mind and where it was. Then she had flashes of where Anne was and what she did. She only got flashes of pictures in her mind but she knew that someone sent them to her. If the pictures were correct there was a deadly mountain lion perched in the bushes behind her and that two others had attacked Anne. The flashes showed that Anne managed to kill them.

Carefully Liz reached into her purse and retrieved her compact. Opening it she used the mirror to look behind her to the bushes. Sure enough she saw the eyes of the Lion waiting to kill them. Liz replaced the compact in her purse.

"Kids, why don't we use this time to explore the woods?"

The kids had wanted to explore these woods for a long time so they did not need to be asked twice. As the kids neared the tree line however the wind changed and the lion got a good whiff of the blood soaked Anne. It knew the kids were running for safety. Liz started to run as well. The cat immediately launched itself.

Anne sprang into action. She ran past the kids who stopped and looked back. When they saw the huge cat they continued running out of pure terror. Liz thought she done for as the cat was in mid-air about to tackle her. Then she saw a blood soaked Anne shoot past her to tackle the cat instead.

Surprised Liz stopped and noticed the two fierce combatants face off against each other. In Anne's peripheral vision she noticed Liz just standing there. "What are you waiting for? Get out of her. Those kids need you." With those words from Anne Liz ran into the wood to protect the kids.

Anne suddenly realized she had left the knife stuck in the head of the second cat. She must face this creature empty handed as she knew her Kung Fu was based on the ways tigers fight. If she ran the cat will go for the kids. The only chose she had was to fight the cat and try to kill it with her bare hands.

Ten minutes into the fight Anne knew she could only hold off the Lion with her skills. They were only meant for human opponents. This creature was too powerful. And Anne was tiring. She knew it would only be a matter of time before the cat would have upper hand.

Daniel came around the bend and saw the deadly duel taking place on the bank. He knew Anne's only hope was the gun in his hands. However he did not trust his shooting abilities. He might hit Anne. He therefore gave the gun to a person on the boat he knew was an expert marksman. The shooter took aim then realized he clearer shot. Desperately Daniel totted the boats horn.

Not taking her eyes of the cat Anne realized a boat was just off shore. She hoped they had a gunman onboard and that horn was meant to tell her they needed a clear shot. There was only one way to give them that shot. If she was wrong in any way she would be dead. She dropped her guard and instinctively the big lion pounced. While the beast was in mid-air Anne fell backwards and used both her legs to kick the beast undercarriage hard sending it flying upward where three bullets hit it straight in its heart.

Anne crawled into a fetal position as the dead cat landed right next to her. Daniel found her like that and tried to comfort her. This scared Anne more. When Kathy reached them she replaced Daniel. Anne latched onto the woman then began to cry. Kathy soothed the little one while asking her where Liz and the kids were. Finally Anne pointed towards the woods. Everyone went into the woods as Kathy brought Anne to water and started to wash the blood off her. All the kids were found safe and somewhat sound. Liz had corralled them together and told them they would be safe.

The Coast Guard showed up and asked who was in charge. Daniel stepped forward and told him he was the trustee of the person who owned the island. They took his story and said they had to interview Anne as well. Daniel refused saying the girl was traumatized. He then requested their help in getting her home. The Cutter placed Anne's boat in tow as well as Daniel's last remaining Jet Ski and made tracks to Jonathan's. Kathy had to come along as well for Anne would not let go of her.

At the house the crew of the cutter helped tie up the boat and the Ski they were towing to the dock then they docked there as well. Rachel was waiting for Anne when she and Kathy stepped of the cutter. Anne dislodged herself from Kathy and latched herself onto her mother. Joshua and Jonathan was on hand to answer any questions the Coast Guard had.

After the coast guard left Joshua, Jonathan, and Daniel unloaded the gear out of the boat. Joshua was impressed by how Daniel handled both himself and his charges. He thanked Daniel for looking after Anne on the island. Daniel wished he could have been there sooner when she had to face the lions.

"I know she told you the story of how this happened," Jonathan said. "Those lions were being controlled by an evil entity from the spiritual plane. There was nothing you could have done past what you have already done."

Just then an expensive forty footer speed boat pulled up to the pier. "Whose boat this?" asked Joshua.

"My Brother's. He came to pick me up," replied Kathy. Anne never knew she had the brother. She gazed toward and froze. The pilot was a Chinese American in his thirties but what chilled Anne was his Aura. It looked exactly the entity.

"What's his name?" inquired Anne. Kathy looked at the young girl with an evil gaze.

"His name is Lee Shang-La my dear." Kathy went over to Elizabeth. "Are you coming Elizabeth?"

An angry Daniel stood behind his daughter. "That was not the agreement. I was to have her till tomorrow."

"That was while you stayed on the island. Now that is out so she now comes with us."

Anne had taken a interest in the exchange so much that she had dislodged herself from her Mother and walked down the pier. "Daniel, what is going on?" asked Anne angrily.

"Kathy is Elizabeth's mother, Anne."

An idea hit Anne. "Kathy, I was hoping to have a slumber party with Anne." Anne gave a face like a puppy dog. Anne got nervous when she notice Lee turned to look straight at her. He then projected that Aura at her but this time Anne stood firm.

Not wishing a fight in front of the coast guard Kathy smiled wickedly at Anne. "You won this round Anne. She can stay. I will pick her tomorrow morning."

"I'll pick here up tomorrow afternoon and take her to Lee's place," Daniel said evenly.

Lee started laugh. "Always playing the hard ass aren't you Daniel?" Kathy jumped on the boat as he started to pull away. "Careful, one day that attitude may come and bite you in the ass." Daniel and Anne knew that was direct threat

After the Lee and Kathy were gone Daniel turned to Anne. He saw then a very fierce looking young lady who now frightened him. "Thank you Anne."

"Leave Daniel," ordered Anne with piercing eyes. Not wishing to anger the girl Daniel and Bobby left on the Jet Ski. Anne walked to the edge of the pier to watch the Ski speed off into the sunset followed by the Coast Guard Cutter.

A very nervous Elizabeth walked up to Anne. "Anne," said Liz sheepishly.

(continued)

  

  

  

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