[center][IMG]http://i65.tinypic.com/2eozoyp.gif[/IMG][/center]

[color=00aeef][center][h1]7 A.M[/h1][/center][/color]

It was hard to count the amount of alarm clocks crushed beneath Casper's hand every morning before he got a hold over his powers. In truth a lot of things broke beneath his strength and it was a chore to deal with, though as the years passed so did his ability to control and restrain himself. In truth, the boy was scared for his life every time he lay a hand on his little sister or offered the girl a hug. What if he slipped up? She was fragile enough as it was and if Casper made a mistake, it could be the last one he ever made. It was safe to say that he'd never be able to handle the grief of such an event. A certain form of confidence had however sprung up through the journey called life and the boy hadn't slipped up more than once or twice a month. 

Placing his feet on the floor as he did every morning, a soft yawn escaped his lips before Casper carefully raised his body to a standing position. It still hurt quite majorly but did he want to miss the first day of school? Part of him was eager to see his new school but another part simply wanted to remain in bed until midday. He was told that the choice was his, that he could very well stay home if he wanted to but in truth, he wanted to return to school. It would make things feel normal again, and normality was exactly what he needed. Slipping into a new pair of jeans, this time the right size, and a t-shirt, Casper decided to wear something quite unfamiliar. Carefully extending his wounded arm through the dress shirt, he continued with the next and folded up the sleeves. This wasn't so bad, was it? The large mirror in his closet certainly didn't hide anything from the boy curiously gazing upon an uncommon reflection. This was it, wasn't it? His future, the new Casper. None of the things he found himself doing lately was considered normal for him. He was a lot more respectful towards others, he didn't jump down peoples' throats as a first reaction and most of all, he risked his life for others. Was this a better Casper? Was this a person who actually took the place of the rebellious kid he saw himself as just a few days prior or was this person a fake? 

The loss of his biological mother lead to more than one realisation, and one could say that it helped him grow quite drastically. Giving him the responsibility to care for a younger person would further his development and a more stable environment allowed his mind to soak everything without constant disturbances. True, James was naught but a needle in Casper's side but one couldn't have everything. Truthfully, the boy didn't care much for what his newly acquired older brother said to him. 

"Good morning, Casper. Did you sleep well?" Donna raised her head from the newspaper in her hands, shifting her attention to the coffee cup on the kitchen table.

[color=00aeef]"Yeah, thanks..."[/color] Casper returned, seeing how Miles was frying eggs and bacon. [color=00aeef]"I'm goin' to school today..."[/color]

"That explains why you're up so early." Miles chuckled, turning his attention to Casper for a brief moment.

"Are you well enough?" Donna continued.

[color=00aeef]"Yeah, it'd be nice with somthin' normal again..."[/color]

"I understand. These past few days have been rather hectic." Donna returned, sipping from her coffee. Were these the same people Casper met that day in the police station? The same people who decided to cut his hair before they even let him into their house? Now they seemed so...perfect, in a good way. At first their perfections were almost sickening, as if a commercial add clouded with deceit. None of that was visible anymore, none of it. What changed? Perhaps nothing changed, nothing but Casper that is. True, he'd never agree to their first choice of action after picking him up but not everyone on the planet had the same thought process that he did. "How are you getting along with James, dear?" Donna changed the subject, shifting it towards social matters. 

[color=00aeef]"Well, he's only threatened me once..."[/color] Casper managed a soft chuckle, sitting down by the kitchen table. 

"James has always had difficulties with change. He'll warm up to you eventually." Miles added, plating the egg and bacon. 

It didn't take long for the subject of interest to enter the room, James setting foot into the kitchen as he rubbed his groggy eyes. "Good morning." He spoke, looking to the three already there, though his gaze lingered on Casper with a frown.

"Are you ready for your exams today, James?" Miles sat down with the rest, placing a plate in front of each person. 

"Yeah." He spoke, shifting his attention to the plate as to not look at the others. Ever since Casper joined the family, he felt like things were falling apart. His perfect little rich family stood outside the conflicts taking place in the world. No freaks were part of his family, but now that Casper had been added, everything was ruined. If he could erase the boy, James would. It wasn't too far fetched to say that he had thought about it, about getting rid of the new addition somehow. 

Sadly, Freya was still sleeping when Casper had to leave for school. He had hoped to say goodbye to her but he didn't want to wake the girl from her slumber. Breakfast didn't take very long and due to the incredibly tense atmosphere, he didn't want to linger. "Need help putting your shoes on, Casper?" Donna slipped into her coat, grabbing her car keys. 

[color=00aeef]"No, thanks..."[/color] It was a chore but with enough determination, Casper was able to cover his feet and placed his bag over his shoulder. He had never been driven to school before, it was going to be an experience. James was taken to college before it was Casper's turn to get dropped off, though despite his suggestion that he could walk to school, Donna insisted on taking him. Was that how actual, functional families did it? Seemed like Casper had much to learn.

"Now remember, don't get into any fights." Donna looked behind her at the backseat after arriving at the school's parking lot. 

[color=00aeef]"Promise..."[/color] The boy managed a soft smile, opening the door and taking his seat belt off.

"I'll be back to pick you up after school, so don't run off anywhere, dear. Now, have a pleasant day Casper." She finished, reaching over to carefully rub the boy's shoulder. After Casper stepped out and saw his new mother drive off, he continued towards the entrance. Already, several people had turned their attention to him. Had they seen the video? Heard about it on the news? Read about it on the internet? Hopefully none of what happened yesterday would affect his time at school but with a bandaged arm, people were going to ask what happened. Well, it was time to deal with it. Casper wanted normality and this was it.