New Orleans.
~~~
"Grandmother, it's my birthday, so you don't have to feed me as much as usual." Astrid Parker gazed up to her grandmother with a happy smile. Chase's mother sat next to Astrid, dropping the plate she was holding on the table.
She let out a sigh. "Today is your fourteenth birthday. Are you sure you don't want your parents to know you're here?" She tenderly brushed her hand through Astrid's hair. "They have no idea we both departed New York. No one else at home does, and I remembered you calling me the day before I left California. You had requested assistance and told me about some men. You said that you saw the future and that they will come to your house looking for you and take you away. Am I correct?" Astrid nodded and continued to eat. "However, you haven't informed
