2013

Deja Vu strikes William as he enters Peter's office. Peter, sitting at his desk, head in his hands. A young, but tall, black hair girl scrunched up in the chair in front of him. William's knuckles tighten on the doorknob, walking in silently.

"Ah, Judge Jones," Peter says, his eyes lighting up with relief. "I'm so glad you could make it." The room is a mess, files scattered everywhere, a testament to Peter's frantic search for a solution.

William nods solemnly, his eyes flicking to the young girl huddled in the chair. She's grown, he notes, but the pain in her eyes remains a stark reminder of her past. He takes a deep breath and sits down opposite her, his chair squeaking slightly under his weight. The air in the room is thick with unshed tears and the scent of a summer evening, hinting at the warmth outside that feels so far away from their current reality. Raven's fingers are a blur as they work the cords of her hoodie into tight knots, a silent testament to her internal turmoil. He waits, giving her the space she needs before speaking. "Raven," he says gently, "I know this is hard. But Peter and I are here for you. We won't let you face this alone."

: Raven's shoulders heave as she lifts her tear-stained face, her eyes meeting William's with a desperate plea. "It's not real," she whispers, her voice cracking like a dam about to burst. "It can't be. He was... possessed.*" Her words tumble out in a rush, the tremor in her voice growing stronger. "Clark was always so gentle, so kind. He would never hurt anyone, not like that. Not his own sister, not me. His own sister..." The mention of her foster siblings' names sends her spiraling again, and she buries her face into her knees, her body shaking with sobs. The cords of her hoodie are tight around her fists now, the fabric pulled taut with the force of her grip.

William's heart sinks as he hears Raven's words. He knew there was more to the story than what was in the initial report. He reaches out and gently pries the cords from her clenched fists, placing his hand over hers. "Raven," he says, his voice a mix of firmness and compassion, "it's okay. We're going to get to the bottom of this." He glances at Peter, his gaze unspoken but filled with determination.

Raven's sobs subside slightly as William's warm hand covers hers. She looks up, her eyes red and swollen. "They said he didn't know what he was doing. That it was the drugs," she whispers, her voice trembling. "He was sleepwalking, they said. But I saw his eyes, Mr. Jones. He knew. He knew what he was doing to Rachel." Her voice is barely audible, the horror of her confession hanging heavy in the air.

William's jaw clenches as he processes Raven's revelation. He's heard of cases like this before, but the thought of it happening under his watch is a knife twisting in his gut. He squeezes her hand reassuringly. "We'll get through this together, Raven." He turns to Peter, his eyes steely. "We need to find out who's been supplying him with those drugs."

Raven's gaze flits from William to Peter, the fear in her eyes replaced by a flicker of hope. She sniffs and wipes her nose with the back of her hand. "It was Timmy and Jake, the kids from school," she says, her voice still shaky. "They said it would make him cool, that everyone does it. But they didn't know what it was doing to him." She fidgets with the cords of her hoodie, twisting them around her fingers as she speaks, a silent plea for comfort.

William's eyes narrow as he listens to Raven's words, his mind racing. The mention of drugs and schoolmates sends a chill down his spine. "Do you know where they got these drugs from?" he asks, his voice a low rumble of anger and concern.

Raven's grip on her hoodie's cords tightens as she shakes her head, the orange fabric a stark contrast to the gloom that has settled over her. "No, they just said it was something they found." Her voice is so soft it's almost lost in the hum of the air conditioner. She bites her lip, her eyes searching William's for some semblance of understanding.

William's gaze remains steadfast on Raven's, his hand still gently holding hers. The mention of Timmy and Jake sets his mind racing with questions and concerns. He nods slowly, processing her words. "We'll look into it, Raven. I promise you, we'll find out who's been supplying the drugs and make sure they can't hurt anyone else." He glances out the window, the bright summer sun a stark contrast to the shadows that have crept into the room. He turns to Peter, his expression a blend of determination and sadness. "We'll need to conduct a thorough investigation. And we need to ensure Raven's safety above all else." He squeezes her hand once more before releasing it, the warmth of his touch lingering briefly. "In the meantime, Peter and I will work on finding you a safe place to stay while we sort this out."

Raven's eyes well up with tears as she whispers, "Why am I always the one who ends up alone?" She pulls her hoodie tightly around herself, as if the fabric could protect her from the world's cruelty. Her voice shakes as she speaks, the words barely audible. "Why does the world keep taking everyone I love?" She looks down at her hands, fidgeting with the cords of her orange hoodie, which has become a tapestry of comfort and sorrow. The room feels stifling, despite the cool summer evening outside. She bites her lip, her eyes flickering between William and Peter, searching for an answer she knows they don't have. The silence stretches taut, filled only with the distant sounds of laughter from a nearby ice cream truck, a cruel reminder of the happiness she's been denied. "Every time I start to feel safe, something happens," she says, her voice breaking. "I don't know if I can do this again."

Peter's gaze drops to his desk, his shoulders slumping at the pain in Raven's words. He clears his throat before speaking. "Raven," he says softly, his eyes filled with pity and a hint of something else - hope? "There was a file... I found it when I was going through some of the old cases." He pauses, looking at William for support before continuing. "It's about your mother's side of the family. Your aunt June and uncle Rob. They... they were looking for you before." His words hang in the air like a lifeline thrown to a drowning soul.

Raven's head snaps up, her eyes widening in shock. "Aunt June?" she whispers, her voice hoarse. The name echoes through her mind like a ghost from the past. She hadn't seen or heard from them since she was a little girl, before the system took her away. Her fingers tighten around the cords of her hoodie, her knuckles white with tension. "They're married?" she asks, her voice barely audible. The room seems to tilt slightly as the weight of this revelation hits her.

Peter's eyes are filled with a mix of hope and apprehension as he nods. "Yes, Raven. They've been looking for you for years. They've even offered to take you in." He tries to keep his tone light, but the gravity of the situation weighs down on him. The air in the room feels thick with anticipation and fear as the words hang in the air.

Raven's initial spark of hope fades as quickly as it had appeared. She looks down at her scuffed sneakers, her shoulders slumping. "They're probably just in it for the money," she murmurs, her voice barely audible. She wraps the cords of her orange hoodie tighter around her fingers, a silent mantra of protection against the world's harshness.

William's expression remains neutral, but the pain in Raven's voice resonates within him. He knows she's been through enough to question the purity of anyone's intentions. He leans forward in his chair, his elbows on the desk. "Raven, let's not jump to conclusions," he says, his tone measured. "We'll need to investigate and understand the situation before we make any decisions. But I want you to remember, you're not alone. We're here for you, no matter what." His eyes, usually stern, soften slightly, the warmth of a thousand forgotten summers reflected in their depths.

William Jones: The room remains silent as Raven processes the information, her green eyes glazed with a sheen of unshed tears. The gentle hum of the air conditioner fills the void, a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions swirling within her. William notices her fidgeting with the cords of her orange hoodie, a silent plea for comfort that she's unconsciously offered herself countless times before. He knows that she's been let down by the system, by those who were supposed to care for her. And yet, here she is, still clinging to hope like a drowning person to a life preserver.

Peter's heart breaks as he watches Raven's hope crumble. He's seen too many kids in her shoes, jaded by a world that's dealt them a bad hand. He clears his throat, trying to keep his voice steady. "Raven, I know it's a lot to take in, but we're here to help. Your aunt and uncle... they've had some troubles, sure, but they're family. And we'll make sure everything's on the up and up, okay?" He glances at William, silently pleading for guidance. The sun has set outside, casting a warm glow through the blinds that does little to dispel the coldness that has seeped into the room.

***

Three days later, the air is thick with the promise of a hot summer as William, Peter, and Raven pull up to the sprawling estate of Aunt June and Uncle Rob. The house looms over them, a stark reminder of the wealth and comfort Raven's been denied. Her hand tightens around the cords of her hoodie, the orange fabric a beacon of hope in the shadow of uncertainty. Peter parks the car and gets out, stretching his legs and offering a forced smile. "Ready?" he asks, his eyes searching hers for any sign of assurance she's not ready to give. William opens the door for Raven, his hand on her shoulder, a silent promise of support.

Raven nods, her eyes never leaving the house. She swipes at a stray tear with the back of her hand, her voice a whisper. "I guess so." The cords of her hoodie are a tangled mess around her fingers as she takes a deep breath, bracing herself for what's to come.

Raven nods numbly, her eyes still fixed on the house. She takes a tentative step out of the car, clutching the door handle for a moment longer than necessary. The scent of freshly cut grass fills the air, a stark contrast to the stale fear that clings to her like a second skin. "I'll be okay," she says, her voice barely audible.

William's hand is still on Raven's shoulder, offering a silent promise of strength. His eyes are fixed on the house, the same sternness in his gaze that's been there since he first heard her story. As he sees June and Rob approaching, their fake smiles as forced as the blooms in their meticulously manicured garden, his grip tightens almost imperceptibly.

: Raven's gaze flickers to the approaching couple, the smiles on their faces as genuine as the plastic fruit adorning their dining room table. She can't help but feel like a trophy to be displayed, a doll to be dressed and posed. June's hand hovers over her shoulder, but retreats as if burned by the sight of Raven's tattered hoodie. The orange fabric, once a symbol of comfort, now feels like a scarlet letter.

William's eyes follow June's retreating hand, noticing the quick judgment and the shallowness of her smile. He can't help but feel a surge of protectiveness for Raven, a reminder of the uphill battle she's faced all her life. As they lead her inside, he leans in, his voice a gentle rumble. "Raven, remember, we're here for you. If things aren't right, you tell us, okay?" She nods, her eyes still cast downward, and whispers a shaky "Okay." Before she walks away, she reaches up to tug on the cords of her hoodie, a silent goodbye and a plea for understanding.

Standing by the car, Peter watches Raven disappear into the house with a heavy heart. He turns to William, his expression a mirror of the sadness he feels. "Do you think they're good for her?"

William's eyes follow Raven until she's out of sight, then he sighs and looks at Peter, his gaze serious. "I'm not sure, Peter. But we have to trust the system." He runs a hand through his hair, a rare show of frustration. "But we'll keep a close eye on her. If anything seems off, we'll bring her back to the CSRD. She's been through too much already."

: Peter nods solemnly, his eyes reflecting the fading daylight. "I know, William," he says, his voice heavy with the weight of his words. "It just breaks my heart, seeing her go through this again." He glances at the house, his smile forced. "But let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe they've changed."

William's eyes linger on the house, his mind racing with doubt. He turns to Peter, his expression a blend of skepticism and hope. "We've seen enough to know better than to take appearances at face value," he says, his voice low and gruff. "But we'll give them a chance, for Raven's sake. She deserves some stability." He glances down at her hoodie, the orange fabric a stark reminder of her tumultuous past. "But if they're not what she needs..." He doesn't finish the sentence, but the implication hangs in the air. They stand in silence for a moment, the distant laughter of children playing a haunting reminder of the happiness Raven has been denied.

: As they climb into the car, William's eyes catch a glimpse of Raven's orange-hoodied figure in the upstairs window. She's huddled in the corner, her hands tightly gripping the cords of her hoodie. He offers a tentative wave, his heart heavy with the weight of his own uncertainties. When she doesn't respond, he feels a twinge of guilt, fearing he's sent her into another dangerous situation. Peter starts the engine, and as they pull away from the curb, the house seems to shrink in the rearview mirror, swallowed by the encroaching dusk. Just as the house is about to vanish from view, Raven's hood falls away, revealing her tear-stained cheeks and a small, hopeful smile. She waves shyly before retreating into the shadows of the room. William's chest tightens as he watches her disappear, the orange fabric fluttering like a solitary flame in the night.

***

William's office is unusually cozy, with the scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air. He's seated behind his desk, a plate of freshly baked cookies steaming gently in the center. The room feels like a sanctuary, a stark contrast to the cold, sterile halls of the CSRD. As he sifts through the paperwork, a knock on the door breaks his concentration.

The door creaks open, and in walks Raven, her eyes red-rimmed and her shoulders slumped. She looks paler than usual, and the orange hoodie that once seemed so vibrant now hangs limply around her. She makes her way to the chair across from William's desk and collapses into it, her movements devoid of their usual energy. The plate of cookies, a gesture of warmth and comfort, sits untouched between them. Without waiting for an invitation, she says, "They already told me," her voice a monotone that belies the turmoil within.

William looks up from his papers, his expression a mix of disappointment and determination. He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "Raven," he starts, his voice firm yet gentle, "I know this isn't ideal, but we had to find a temporary solution. June and Rob have agreed to let you stay with a man named Stan Pines in Gravity Falls, Oregon for the summer. It's a beautiful place, surrounded by nature. It'll be a chance for you to get away from all of this." He slides a postcard across the desk, the words "Welcome to Gravity Falls" emblazoned across a serene scene of waterfalls and lush forests. His eyes hold hers, willing her to find some comfort in his words.

Raven's eyes flicker to the postcard, taking in the image of a place so different from the concrete jungle she's always known. She pulls her sleeve down over her hands, hiding the red marks William had just caught sight of. "What if they don't want me there either?" she whispers, her voice trembling. She picks at the frayed edge of her orange hoodie, a nervous habit that's become more pronounced in the last few weeks. "What if I make them cursed too?" The words hang in the air, a hint of the anger and frustration that has been festering within her.

William's face contorts into a frown, his eyes reflecting the sadness he feels for the girl in front of him. "Raven," he says, his voice a gentle reprimand, "You're not a curse. Sometimes, people just aren't equipped to handle the situations they're in." He reaches across the desk and covers her fidgeting hand with his own, the warmth a stark contrast to the coldness of the room. "Stan Pines is a... he's different. He's agreed to look after you for the summer. It'll give us time to sort out your situation here and find you a more permanent solution." His eyes dart to the untouched cookies, understanding that she's not in the mood for sweets. "You can write to me, and I'll come visit you as soon as I can. You won't be alone, I promise."

: Raven looks down at their joined hands, the weight of his assurance pressing down on her. She swallows hard, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Okay," she whispers, her eyes still glued to the postcard. Gravity Falls. A place she's never heard of, a place that feels like a world away from the sterile halls of the CSRD and the coldness of her aunt and uncle's home. She takes a deep breath and pulls her hand away to pick up the postcard, studying the image of waterfalls and greenery with a flicker of curiosity. "What's it like there?" she asks, her voice a little stronger now.

William's expression remains serious as he watches Raven study the postcard. "Gravity Falls is... unique," he says, choosing his words carefully. "It's a small town, surrounded by forests and mountains. It's got its quirks, but it's a beautiful place. Stan Pines, the man you'll be staying with, is quite the character. He runs a place called the Mystery Shack. It's a tourist spot, full of oddities and wonder." His voice holds a hint of amusement, hoping to pique her interest. "You'll have plenty to explore and keep you busy. And remember, it's just for the summer. We're working on finding you a more permanent solution here." He clears his throat, his hand hovering over the phone, ready to make the call. "But if you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you call us immediately. Understood?"

Raven nods, her gaze never leaving the postcard. The words "just for the summer" echo in her mind, offering a semblance of comfort amidst the uncertainty. She looks up at William, her eyes glistening. "What time do I leave tomorrow?" she asks, her voice a little stronger than before. She shifts her weight, her duffel bag at her feet, a symbol of the life she's had to carry with her from place to place. The thought of leaving in the morning fills her with a strange mix of excitement and dread. The orange hoodie she's wearing seems to pulse with the beat of her heart, a silent companion through her tumultuous journey.

William's gaze holds hers for a moment, the gravity of the situation etched on his stern face. "The bus to Gravity Falls leaves at dawn," he says, his voice steady. He slides the postcard closer to her, his hand lingering briefly before retreating to his lap. "You'll be with Stan Pines by lunchtime tomorrow. I know this isn't ideal, but it's the best we could do for now." He leans back in his chair, the leather groaning beneath his weight. His eyes are filled with an unspoken promise that he'll do everything in his power to find her a home where she truly belongs. "Your aunt and uncle thought it was for the best," he adds, his voice tinged with a hint of disdain for their cowardice.

Raven nods again, her eyes never leaving William's. She knows the unspoken truth - June and Rob had found a way to rid themselves of her without incurring the wrath of the system. The mention of a mysterious "Stan Pines" and "Gravity Falls" fills her with a mix of excitement and dread. The postcard in her hand feels heavier than it should, the image of serene waterfalls and forests a stark contrast to the concrete and glass she's used to. "Thank you, Judge Jones," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. She clutches the postcard tightly, her knuckles whitening. "Thank you."

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[Alice Reiht]

yes there was a two-year skip