R. Stine - Red Rain

They agreed that Ruth-Ann looked like the older sister, because she was at least four inches taller than Elena, and already had the beginnings of a woman’s body, meaning she had breasts, and wore her hair in a more sophisticated, layered look, which she acquired during one of her many trips with her parents to L.A.

They were both pretty and smart and popular. They both had an easy way of getting along with other kids, and of not getting in their own way when it came to success at school. They were both spoiled but not in an obnoxious way. They knew how to get whatever they wanted from their parents and still allow their parents to think they were the ones in charge.

Elena was a miniature fourteen-year-old version of Lea, her mother. Creamy-white skin framed by straight, black hair, serious dark eyes, a delicate face and a wiry body, perfect for the gymnastics classes that she was becoming more serious about.

They tapped on their phones for a few minutes without speaking. Elena’s phone bleeped. She squinted at the screen. “Ethan.”

Ruth-Ann lowered her phone. “Ira’s friend Ethan? What’s he want?”

Elena shrugged. “Nothing. Just said ’sup.” She thumbed the keys rapidly.

Another bleep. “He wants to come over. His PlayStation broke.”

“Tell him no way. Tell him your brother Ira isn’t here. He’s at your house. Ethan pretends he wants to hang with Ira. Then he just stares at you. Like a sad puppy dog.”

Elena laughed. “He does look like a puppy dog.” The light from her phone gave her face a pale tint. “Hey, I’m not kidding about Malibu. Your parents would let me come with you, right? Just for the summer, I mean.”

Ruth-Ann studied her friend. “You’re joking. You’re getting two new brothers, and you want to come live with me?”

Elena scrunched up her face. “Why do I want two new brothers?”

“Because they’re hot? Show me that photo again.” She grabbed Elena’s phone and began shuffling through photo screens. She stopped at the twins’ photo and brought it close to her face.

Elena grabbed it away from her. “You think they’re cute? I think they’re blond freaks.”

“You’re messed up, Elena. They are totally hot. I mean, for twelve-year-olds. Check out those smiles. Those dimples on this one’s cheeks. What’s his name? Danny? Adorable. They could be on TV. Really.”

Elena stuck her finger down her throat and made a gagging sound.

She squinted at the photo. Daniel and Samuel. Wavy blond hair, almost white. And those big blue eyes. Wearing red T-shirts way too big for them. And those sick, sweet smiles.

“Like they’re posing as angels,” Elena said. Where did that thought come from? Weird!

“Where are they going to stay?” Ruth-Ann studied the photo. “Are you changing rooms? They’re not moving into the playroom downstairs, are they?”

“No way. Dad fixed up the attic. He made it really awesome. He bought them a laptop and a TV, and he got them a Wii. He said they’ve had a tough life. He wants to make things nice for them.”

“Tough life? No kidding. They lost both their parents, didn’t they? And their house? And all their stuff?”

Elena nodded. “I think Dad wants to write a book about them.”

Ruth-Ann handed the phone back to Elena. “For real? You know, my parents were talking about your dad’s book. Did you read it?”

“Not really. Just kinda looked at it.”

“Mom said the book says parents should let kids do whatever they want. Just let them be free. My parents made jokes about it. They said it would make a great sitcom.”

“Is that all your parents think about? Sitcoms?”

“Well, yeah. Their show was picked up for another year. All they talk about are jokes and scripts and stuff.”

“Ruth-Ann, do you watch it?”

“Of course not. No way.”

They both laughed.

Elena twisted the phone in her hand. “My dad’s book isn’t true. He is stricter than your parents. I mean, he doesn’t let Ira and me do what we want. I always have to trick Mom into letting me go places. Or Roz. Roz is the easiest because she’s busy worrying about Axl.”

“I forgot about Axl. It’s gonna be crowded in your house, Elena. I mean, a mob.”

“That’s why I want to come to Malibu with you guys.”

“How is Ira taking the new brothers thing? Is he freaking?”

“Of course he’s freaking. Ira freaks when his shoelace comes untied.”

“Now you sound like my parents. They’d like that joke. They’d type it into their BlackBerries right away.”

“It’s no joke. The poor kid is totally stressed already. I mean, he thinks sixth grade is really hard.”

Ruth-Ann snickered. “Wait till he gets to eighth.”

“He hates his teacher. Miss Montgomery. Did you have Montgomery?”

“No. I had Price, remember?”

“Montgomery acts real nice. She’s real pretty and she’s very sweet, but she gives hours and hours of homework every night. And then she doesn’t even collect it or go over it or anything. Ira says she just makes you do it.”

Ruth-Ann snickered. “Tell Ira to suck it up.”

Elena sighed. “I think he really misses Mom and Dad when they’re both away. Roz is great. But. . you know.”

Elena’s phone rang, startling her. She stared at the screen, but she didn’t have to. She recognized her dad’s ringtone.

“Hi, Dad. Oh. Okay. Okay. I’m coming. Bye.”

She clicked the phone shut. “It’s my new brothers. They’re here. I gotta go.” She jumped to her feet and strode out of the room. She was making her way down the stairs when she heard Ruth-Ann’s shout.

“Hey, Elena-good luck.”

At LaGuardia Airport, Mark hugged Lea and held her close, wrapped her up like a prize that had almost been lost. He wanted to plant a hundred kisses on her face. The strong emotion welled in him, taking him by surprise. He was usually so level, no tidal waves of feeling rocking his calm.

But he let her go when he saw the two blond creatures gazing at him. My new sons?

Yes, they were beautiful boys. Their deep blue eyes were almost unreal. And Lea’s description-angels-came pretty close to describing the sweetness, the innocence on their pale faces.

So why didn’t he feel some kind of immediate connection with them? The wave of emotion seemed to pull back, leaving him with an empty feeling as he stared at the boys over Lea’s shoulder.

He didn’t want them here. He had argued with Lea almost until their plane had taken off. But he hoped that when he saw them. . when he actually saw the two angels, he would fall for them the way Lea had, and his doubts and objections would fade away.

What a disappointment that their hopeful blue-eyed stares only aroused a feeling of dread.

And now, after the long drive to Sag Harbor, here they were in his house. About to meet his kids. About to join his family.

Just like that. Two strangers to take care of and worry about. And love.

The boys seem really happy to be here, Mark thought. They haven’t stopped smiling .

Guiding them to the living room, Lea stood behind them, as if backing them up, or maybe blocking any retreat. Her expression was tense. Mark noticed her eyes were bloodshot. She had one hand lightly on Samuel’s slender shoulder.

Ira stood halfway up the stairs, his chin on the wooden banister. He stared down warily at the two boys, gripping the banister tightly with both hands as if holding on for dear life.

He’s staring at them like they were circus freaks. I told Ira to give them a friendly welcome. Did he forget?

“Ira, come down and say hi to your new brothers.” Mark motioned him down.