Long before the introduction

dunno what this has to do with the story. i think i'll work it in later

-Part 1

     Damian peered over the pages of his novel at his mother.  Jessica Michaels stood in the door way of his room, glaring at him.  He winced.  She caught him reading another one.  Sighing, he closed the book, waiting for the storm to break.  It didn't take long.
     "Damian!  What have are you doing?"  She didn't wait for an answer.  "I told you that you couldn't read another novel from that list until you finish Jacob's Ladder and A Portrait of a Lady!"  She shook her finger at him, her face turning beet red.
     "Dai got in trouble!"  Gina peeked around the doorframe.  "Dai got in trouble!"  She grinned wickedly.
     "Shut up," he snapped.  Instantly he reggretted it.
     "Apologize to your sister now!  What have I told you about saying that?"
     She waited while he tried to grit it out through his clenched teeth.  "Sorry, Gina," he managed to grate out.
     "Good."  His mother held out her hand.  "Give me the book."
     "But..."
     "No buts.  Give me the book, now."
     Damian held out the book to his mother.  She stalked out of his room, carrying the book under her arm.  I hope i get that back.  That's a library book.  His sister skipped around his room.  Seeing the murderous look in his eyes only enticed Gina to aggitate him more.
     "If you hit me, I'll tell mom!" she hissed.
     Damian was tempted to kick and say "I didn't hit you.", but he figured he get in just as much trouble anyway.  He settled with, "Get out of my room, Gina, or you'll never see Mr. Puff Puff again."  She scammpered out as fast as she could.  A threat against her favorite stuffed horse would give him a few hours of peace.  He looked at the clock.  It wasn't even time for lunch yet.
     Damian sighed.  "This sucks."