Sisters II: Retribution (Part I)(Eric L. Johnson) This is the story of three extraordinary sisters who by accident obtained supernatural abilities when they were young girls. Raised by their Grandparents after their own parents were killed in an accident, they were taught to use their powers only as a last resort or if their lives were in danger.
Julianne Cartwright, the eldest sister: She loves her younger sisters so much that she would do anything to protect them from harm. Her powers are usually triggered by strong emotion.
Justine is the second oldest: A rebel. She uses her powers often to her advantage without any thought of its consequences. She is currently a junior in college.
Jessica, the youngest: A naïve 17 year old high school student. Advanced intelligence is just one of her given abilities.
How did they obtain these powers? We’ll get into that story another time. As for now, this story begins at the home of Julianne where these young women are relaxing after a long day.

It’s evening around 7:30pm at Julianne’s home. A usual evening for the girls. Justine is on her cell phone talking to her boyfriend and Jessica is studying. Julianne is in the kitchen preparing dinner when the door bell suddenly rings. “I’ll get it.” Julianne says walking from the kitchen. She opens the door. It’s her new neighbor Mark. “Hi again, how are you?” “I’m fine thanks.” Says Julianne. There is an awkward moment between them. “Umm, may I come in?” Mark says. “Yeah, sure; sorry about that.” Julianne says. He enters the home but stands near the door and looks around. “You have a beautiful home.” “Thank you so much.” Julianne says. They experience another awkward moment. “So, is that dinner invite still open, or should I….” Mark says. “No, no it’s still open if you’re interested.” Says Julianne. “Great then, I’m looking forward to it.” Mark replies. “So then I have two questions for you. Is this Saturday good for you? Also, do you like chicken?” says Julianne. “This Saturday is great and I love chicken.” Mark replies smiling. “We’ll have dinner here and I’m sure you’ll like it.” Julianne says. “I’m sure I’ll love it. So until then, have a great evening.” Mark says as he’s stepping out the door. “Have a terrific evening yourself.” Julianne closes the door smiling as she shuts it.

Justine and Jessica appear behind their sister and Jessica breaks out into a song. “Juli has a boyfriend, Juli has a boyfriend.” Justine laughs. “I don’t, leave me alone! Shut up!” Julianne uses her telekinesis ability to fling a pillow from the couch at Jessica. The pillow comes within a foot of Jessica’s face, she then teleports herself to the couch still singing.

The next day at Jessica’s high school, she and her best friend Christine are walking down the hall between periods. “Jess, how did you do on the calculus exam? I gotta B minus.” Jessica hesitates for a moment. “I got an A plus.” “What!!! Again!! I hate you!! You know I study so hard just to get a B, it just seems to come so easy for you.” Christine says. “It’s not always this easy for me.” Jessica replies. They both look at each other, neither one believing what was just said. “Sorry, you’re so right; it’s a gift I guess.” Says Jessica. “Don’t get me wrong girl, I love you and I am so proud of what you’ve accomplished. The best universities in the land are knocking at your door. You have so many choices and have the support from your sisters and Grandparents. Besides that, I’m ninety percent sure that Nick is one hundred percent in love with you.” Christine says. “Yeah, my family….wait, what? I thought Nick liked you.” Jessica replies. “Oh how can you be so smart and yet so dumb? When you’re not around, he goes on and on about you! It’s so annoying sometimes!” Christine says. “Really?” Jessica asks. Christine nods. “Really.”

They both make walk to their lockers and as Jessica is trying to open the lock using her combination, she is pushed violently into her locker from behind. It’s Lucy. “I’m done talking freak!” After hitting the locker, Jessica falls to the ground and Lucy jumps on top of her. “What are you doing!!? Get off…of me.” Jessica says struggling. Students immediately gather, forming a circle around Jessica and Lucy. “Yeah? I’ll get off you when I’m done smashing your face in.” Before Lucy can throw her first punch, Jessica thrusts Lucy off of her and stumbles to her feet ready to fight for her life. By this time, more students surround them. Some of them cheering on Lucy. Christine at this point is being restrained by two of Lucy’s friends. “Let me go! Jess! Kick her butt! Lucy and Jessica square off. “Lucy, you don’t wanna do this!” Jessica says. “Really? We’ll see about that.” Lucy replies. Lucy immediately lunges at Jessica and as she does, Jessica ducks and runs into a maintenance closet then slams the door behind her. Running behind Jessica, Lucy slams into the door hitting her head.

Lucy recovers from the door and immediately opens it. “What the… where is she?” There’s instant confusion and murmurs from the crowd. “I knew she was a freak and a coward!” Says one student. Suddenly from behind the crowd of students, Jessica bursts her way through and tackles Lucy from behind. They begin to wrestle on the floor. A whistle blows; security and faculty run to break up the fight. Male student: “Hey, didn’t she run into the closet? How did she….?” “Who cares, this is hot!” Says another male student. “All right, all right break it up now!” Says one of the security guards. One guard restrains Jessica and the other restrains Lucy. “Show’s over, everyone get back to their classes now!” Says the other security guard.

Principal Harris arrives on the scene with additional security. “That’s enough! This fight is over. Everyone go on to their class! Now! Charlie, take Jessica to my office! Thomas, escort Lucy to the security office until I call for her. As for everyone else, this fight is over! Move along.” The crowd slowly disperses. In Principal Harris’ office, Jessica is pacing the floor. With adrenaline still pumping through her body, Harris walks in. “Jessica, sit down.” “Sir, she started it! She attacked me! I was just defending myself!” “Jessica, take a seat! Please… I believe you. Faculty here have been hearing rumors that Lucy would pick a fight with you. Clearly, I think in a weird way she’s trying to cope with the loss of her friend.” “Well, she has a heck of a way of showing it.” Jess replies. “Ok, I want you to go home and cool off, Lucy will be suspended for two days and if she starts another fight; she will be expelled from this school.” “Principal Harris, I have a science exam 6th period. I can’t miss…” “I will send a note to Miss Stein excusing you for today. You can make it up tomorrow. As for right now, I want you to go home.” Harris says. “Thank you sir.” Says Jessica.

Jessica exits the Principal’s office. Nick and Christine are waiting for her just outside the door. “What happened, what did Harris say?” Christine asks. “I’m fine, but I’m being sent home for the day to calm down.” “What about Lucy?” Nick asks. “She got suspended…listen, I gotta go. I’ll see you guys tomorrow ok?” Still visibly upset, Jessica leaves her two best friends standing there. “She really needs us right now Nick.” Christine pauses. “Are your feelings still the same for her?” “It’s not the right time Chris, what if she doesn’t feel the same? That’s not a good feeling.” Nick says. “You have to take a chance sometime dude, man up. Besides, she may feel the same way.” Christine states. “I don’t know, let me think about it. Hold on one second, did you just tell me to man up?” Nick asks. Stroking his shoulder, Christine laughs. “I did buddy.”

The next day in school, Nick is standing by his locker waiting for Jessica looking very nervous. Even sweating a little. Jess emerges from the bathroom. “Hey Jess, you gotta minute?” “Sure, what’s up?” Jess says. Nick pauses for second. “Nick, have to get to my next class. What’s going on? Is everything ok?” Jess asks. “No, no everything is fine.” Nick takes a breath. “Um, we’ve been friends now for while right?” “I don’t know, four years now I think.” Jessica replies. “Well, there’s this girl I like.” Jessica interrupts him. “Really? You dog! Who is she? Do I know her? Wait.. I thought you liked Christine! “Christine? Um, no. She and I will always be friends but I’m kinda into her best friend.” “Nick, I’m her best….” Jessica realizes Nick is talking about her. “Nick, I didn’t know. Why didn’t you tell me before? Why now?” “Only because I thought you wouldn’t feel the same way and I didn’t want to be embarrassed. I spoke to Christine, please don’t be mad at her.” Nick says. “I’m not mad at her. Listen Nick, you are one of my closest and best friends.”

“Oh, here we go, the I wanna just be friends speech.” Nick says. “Wait Nick…” Jessica places her hand on his cheek and then kisses him on that same cheek. She whispers in his ear. “I have a few things on my plate right now, but I’ve learned to never say never. Let’s take it slow and see what happens. Fair enough?” “Fair enough, that’s all I ask.” Nick says. Jessica walks away to her next class. Nick stands there in disbelief. I huge load has just been taken off his shoulders.

At Julianne’s house that evening. Julianne comes in from work, visibly tired. Jessica is sitting on the couch, thinking about the fight and her conversation with Nick. Julianne drops on the couch and kicks off her shoes. “Hey, I’m so tired. We almost lost another client today. How are you Jess?” “I got into a fight with Lucy yesterday.” Jessica admits. “What! Jess, what happened are you ok and why I’m I finding out now?” Julianne asks. “No, I’m fine sis. I was just too upset to tell you yesterday. She started it, I was just defending myself. Mr. Harris told me that she’s just grieving over the loss of her friend.” Jessica says. “You mean Michelle? I knew this would happen. Did you get in any trouble?” Julianne asks. “I didn’t, but Lucy got a two day suspension.” Jessica says. “So you know what my next question is right?” Julianne asks. Jessica does not respond. “Jess! What did I tell you? You cannot use….” “I had no choice Juli, in all the confusion no one saw me teleport.”Jess states. “That’s not the point! What if someone saw you? You, we all have to be very careful.” Julianne says. “Please don’t give me the speech.” Jessica adds. Justine comes down the stairs and says. “I told her sis. I would’ve made her run right into the wall or off the roof, or something but that’s just me.” “Don’t encourage her Justine.” Julianne says and turns to Jessica. “Don’t use ok.” Then turns back to Julianne. “Satisfied?”

“I’m too tired to even deal with you right now. I’m going to take a shower. Tonight, you two are making dinner, the meat is already seasoned. Jessica are you good?” Julianne asks. “I’m fine sis. Go and take your shower.” Julianne goes upstairs. Jess and Justine look at each other and both say at the same time. “Chinese!”

The following Saturday around 8pm. Mark walks up to Julianne’s house for their dinner date. He’s dressed casually. Slacks, button down shirt and blazer. He has a bottle of white wine. Mark rings the doorbell. Julianne opens the door. She is clearly not ready. “You’re early.” Julianne states. “Am I? So sorry. I can come back in 30 if you want.” Mark says. “No worries, you’re fine. Come in and make yourself at home. I’ll be another ten minutes.” Julianne says. She leads him to the living room. “Here have a seat, I won’t be too long.” Julianne states. “Please, take your time. No rush here.” Mark says. Julianne hurries upstairs to her room to finish getting dressed. She sits in front of the mirror, continuing to apply makeup and fixing her hair. Justine enters her room and sits directly behind Julianne. “Justine, he checked out right?” Justine does not respond. Julianne stops what she’s doing and glares at Justine through her mirror. “What do you mean?” Justine asked knowing what Julianne meant. “Did you scan his mind?” Julianne asks. Justine annoyingly says. “Calm down, he checks out fine. Go and enjoy your date. I sincerely hope he kisses you tonight. You can use a good kiss! Justine says sarcastically. Julianne turns around and glares at her sister. “Out, now please!” “Fine! We’re going to a movie anyway! Justine says. Downstairs Mark notices a group of portraits on the mantle. He leaves the couch and begins to look at the pictures and suddenly as he is examining all the portraits, he has a feeling he is being watched. Mark turns around and is startled by Justine and Jessica standing right behind him.

“Sorry, I was just looking at your family pictures. Um, how long were you two watching me?” “Not long at all. We were just leaving.” Justine says. “Yeah, we’re just going to a movie.” Jessica states. “So you two love birds have fun.” Justine says. Mark slightly embarrassed says. “Ok, we’ll try.” Mark says. Julianne walks down the stairs looking very nice. “You look beautiful tonight.” Mark says. “Thank you. You look rather handsome yourself.” Julianne states. Justine and Jessica make their way out the door for a night at the movies. Now it’s just the two of them alone. “Would you like a drink before dinner sir?” Julianne walks over to the mini bar to see what she has to offer Mark. “Sure, do you have scotch?” Mark asks. “I do. On the rocks?” Julianne asks. “Yes, with a dash of coke please if you have.” Mark says. “I think that can be arranged.” Julianne says. Thirty seconds later, Julianne hands Mark his drink and sits next to him on the couch both smiling at each other.

An hour later after dinner the couple is clearly enjoying each other’s company. “So Mark, do you have family around here?” “No, not around here. I do have two younger brothers who live in Seattle and an older sister in Florida. Our parents died when we were young, so our sister took care of us for a long time after. Despite losing our parents, we had a great childhood.” Mark states as he seemed to drift off into childhood memories for a moment.

While on their way to the movies, Justine asks Jessica about the accident a few months back. “Jess, how are you doing with all that happened a few months ago? You know; the accident.” Jessica takes a breath. “I’m much better thanks; for obvious reasons I cannot sit in the back seat of a two door vehicle. It’s too confining and I have no control. Why are you asking about this now?” asks Jessica. “Out of concern for you, but to also tell you that something positive came out of that mess.” Justine says. “What was that?” Jessica asks. “Well, that your teleporting abilities stretch far beyond a few hundred feet. It was amazing what you did. The accident happened over a mile from home and you were able to teleport there in a second. Amazing.” Says Justine. “Can we not talk about this sis?” Jessica asks. “Sure, let’s just go to the movies and enjoy ourselves.” Justine says.

What neither of them realized was that immediately after the accident a secret black ops unit called division 6 headed by a General Maurice White was meticulously tracking the sisters. The same General who was in charge of the experiments conducted by their father all those years ago. If his suspicions were correct, the General wanted to perform tests on the sisters to find out if he could replicate their abilities for the military.
Back at Julianne’s home, there is after dinner conversation. “So what about you? I know there’s Jessica and Justine. What about your parents?” Mark asks. “Our parents died years ago, my father was a scientist who did some contract work for the government.” Julianne says. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to but how did they die? Again, I hope that’s not too much of a personal question.” Mark says. “No, no worries it’s perfectly ok. My parents were killed in my father’s lab performing dangerous experiments for the government.” Julianne says. “So sorry for your loss.” Mark says. “No, it’s ok. We were raised by our Grandparents and I’m so thankful for them.” Julianne says. “You seem to really take pretty good care of your sisters, that’s a good thing right?” Mark asks. “Yeah, they’re great but can be a handful sometimes, but I love them to death and don’t know what I’d do without them.” Julianne says.
Mark pours some more wine in both glasses and says. “So a toast then?” “Sure! What are we toasting too?” asks Julianne. Mark pauses for a moment and says. “To family, nothing’s more important.” “To family.” Julianne says. Their glasses clink. They both take a sip.
Mark then asks. “What kind of work did your father do for the government?” “I believe it was classified stuff. I was too young to remember any of that. Why do you ask?” Julianne asks. “No reason, just curious that’s all. I would like to get to know you better as well as your family.” Mark says. “No, I get it, I understand. My mom was also a scientist working under my father. Wow that was such a long time ago.” Julianne says. “So what about your sisters? Jess is in high school right?” Mark asks. “Right and Justine’s in her junior year at college. That girl has so much potential.” Julianne says. “Justine?” Mark asks. “Yes, she’s a smart girl but wastes too much time messing around with that idiotic boyfriend of hers.” Julianne states. “Yeah, I know what you mean.” Mark says. They both smile at each other and share a laugh. At the end their dinner date, Julianne is standing just inside her doorway and Mark is standing just outside of it. They say their last words of the evening to each other. Julianne speaks first. “So, how was dinner? I’m a great cook right? Admit it.” “Dinner was great and so was the conversation. I just hope I was interesting enough.” Mark says. “You were fine and you know what? I’ll let you take me out for dinner next time. Deal?” asks Julianne. “Deal.” Says Mark. There is a pleasant awkward moment between them. Julianne breaks the moment. “Well have a good night.” Julianne moves closer to Mark and gives him a short kiss on the lips. “Night.” Mark says. He walks to his house next door. Julianne closes the door and goes to the kitchen to start cleaning up. The front door opens. It’s Justine and Jessica returning from the movies.

“Sis?” Jessica calls out. “I’m in the kitchen. You girls are just in time to help me clean up. So get in here.” Julianne says. They both enter kitchen supposedly to help clean, but are more interested in how the date went. “So big sister, how was your date? Justine asks. “It went well, we had dinner talked about work, family and other things.” Julianne says. “Yeah? What other things?” Jessica asks. “Other things that are none of your business miss and when we’re done here you can go take a shower and go to bed. “Julianne says. “Um, excuse me I’m 17 years old, I’m not a baby.” Jessica exclaims. Kissing Jessica on the cheek, Justine says. “No but you’re our baby!” “Ewww, now I have to take a shower.” “Anyway, I’m out!” Justine says. “Wait, where you going this time of night?” Julianne asks. Justine replies sarcastically in a little girl’s voice. “Mom, I’m going to spend the night with Courtney, if that’s ok with you.” “Whatever. Just be careful.” “Yeah, yeah.” Justine says going to her room to change into her motorcycle outfit. Ten minutes later Justine is on her bike and speeds away.

Ten minutes later, Justine pulls up to an apartment building. She secures her bike to a light post and goes to apartment 2B. She knocks. Her boyfriend Adrian answers the door wearing only his boxers. “Hello beautiful, what can I do for you?” “You know what you can do for me.” Justine replies seductively at the same time unzipping the front of her biker outfit exposing her lace bra. Adrian opens the door wider and Justine walks in.


Back at Julianne’s home about 2:30am. Julianne and Jessica are in their bedrooms sleeping. The division 6 black ops strike team of seven approach the house in the cover of night. The strike team has no problem disabling the house alarm. Their target; Jessica Cartwright. They enter her room without making a sound. Immediately, her hands and feet are bound with black zip ties. Her mouth is covered with tape. A circular device that looks similar to a dog collar is placed around her neck. She tries to teleport with no success. Whatever this device is, it prevents her from using her powers. Jessica’s screams are muffled by the tape on her mouth. A member of the strike team pulls out a tranquilizer gun and uses it on Jessica. She’s rendered unconscious in seconds. She’s carried out to a waiting black van with tinted windows.

The sun rises at 6:30am. At Adrian’s apartment, Justine is in the bathroom taking a shower. Adrian’s cell rings. Justine hears it and turns off the shower so she could hear. Adrian speaking in a hushed voice. “What do you want? I told you to leave me alone! I have a girlfriend!” Adrian listens to the voice on the other end for a few seconds. “Lose my number Connie!” He listens for a few more seconds. “Well screw you too!! Adrian disconnects the call. Justine exits the bathroom and asks. “Who was that Ade?” “No one.” Adrian replies. “You’re lying! Was that her? Was that Connie? Tell me the truth. I’ll know if you’re lying to me Adrian!” Justine says. Adrian pauses for a moment then says. “It was Connie, I keep telling her not to call and that I’m with you now. She doesn’t listen.” “Would you like me to speak to her? Because I can you know.” Justine replies. “No, I can handle it!” Adrian says. “I can be very persuasive you know…” replies Justine. “I said I’d handle it and I will!” he screams. “Wait, why are you yelling at me? She’s your crazy ex! You know what, I’m out!” Justine screams. “Wait, honey I’m sorry for yelling.” Adrian grabs her arm. “Let me go!” He lets her go. Justine gets dressed and storms out of the apartment.

Justine jumps on her bike and takes off. About a mile away Justine comes to a stop light. Two teenage boys cross in front of her, they stare but she ignores the looks. Suddenly one of the teenagers turn back to approach her. Teen#1: “Hey, what up girl? You lookin’ mighty fine on that bike. Can you give me a ride? What’s your name?” “Get lost kid! I’m not in the mood!” Justine says in a stern voice. Teen#2: “Dude! Let’s go, we’re going to be late!” Teen#1: Hold up, I coming! So, can you at least tell me your name before I go?” “Really kid?” Justine says. She sits up on her bike and uses her telekinetic power on the stop light. It flashes from green back to red in a moment. She uses her mind controlling ability on the poor kid. “My name is Justine.” The kid suddenly has a blank stare on his face. Justine takes off and the teen is left standing in the middle of the street. A car approaches and screeches to a halt. The second teen runs to pull his friend from the moving vehicle. Teen#2: “Dude! What happened? Are you ok?” “Teen#2: Wha…? What happened?” Teen #1: Idiot! Let’s go!”

This story continues: Sisters II: Retribution (part 2)

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