Private Finished it comes back

Marian had just returned straight from school that day, while reluctant, she wasn't left any options. Her brother had sent her a message that only red 'come straight back home after class. no excuses'. So of course, knowing Eleazar and his work schedule, he probably wasn't kidding around nor was he inviting her for anything. Besides, as much as she loved surprises, it's too early for either of their birthdays for that. In any case, Marian came and opened the door to their home. It was dark compared to the sun outside, but what else does she expect? Her brother was naturally more sensitive to the light and since they were at home, of course he would opt for comfortable. "Lea?" she called out, knocking lightly on the front door before closing it behind her. "Ah, you're home," her brother greeted, putting on his glasses as he stepped into the living room from another. "A package came in for you earlier. There's no sender." His voice was serious, earning him a pair of narrowed eyes from Marian. She was trying to gauge his expression, but it was hard to read. She couldn't tell if he was angry or what. Marian's eyes followed Eleazar towards the kitchen side, and sitting on top of the island counter was a cheap cooler. From where she stood, it seemed like it was perforated all over. Her brother didn't seem to mind it as much, so Marian decided it was okay to check it out. It was in fact addressed to her, as Eleazar said, and there was no indication of a sender anywhere. She turned the box around and as she did she heard a shuffle, and afterwards, soft peeps from inside. Marian squinted. Throwing a side glance, she checked on her brother who didn't seem interested in her unboxing moment, before pulling out a Swiss knife from her hidden pocket and cutting out the tape and rope around the box with the blade. She bit her lip as she lifted the cover and as she expected, there was a small creature inside -- a familiar black chick, but this time with a ribbon around its neck. In that moment, Marian felt her feet go cold. She swallowed slowly, carefully setting down the cover on the counter top, giving her a full view of the inside. It was decorated enough for the comfort of the little bird, but that wasn't what Marian was concerned about. This chick found its way to her address surely, from that person she had been stalking. But how, she wondered. It couldn't have found her address that easily. The last time she saw them was that chase they had -- the one where this bird probably came from. Further inspecting at the inside of the box, Marian found her answer. Tucked on the side of the box was a piece of paper. Marian, with great concern, gingerly picked it out, only to realize, it wasn't just a piece of paper. Realization dawned on her and she froze. It was a photo. Of her. Not in her shadow form, but her human form. Marian stood there, staring at the photo long enough that it took a hand on her shoulder to snap her back into reality. "Who's it from?" Eleazar's voice came in, low and if Marian didn't miss it, vaguely threatening. Marian, not knowing how to respond only laughed. "Ahh... it's a prank from someone at school," she exclaimed, putting the photo down on the counter top away from view. She looked at her brother hoping he'd buy it, but after a short stare battle, Eleazar swiped the photo from under the palm of her hand. Marian tried to take it from him, but failed with the older Shade simply moving away, keeping the photo out of her reach. Marian could only watch as her brother's shadow kept her in place while he took a casual sip from his coffee mug. "Friend of yours?" he asked, eyes not leaving the photo. She could tell he was trying to decrypt the photo. "Uhh... Yeah? Who else would know our address?" Marian bluffed. She noticed Eleazar glance towards her, and she could tell disbelief when she saw it. But Marian wasn't going to let her brother in on this. Not that she cared if it bothered him, but it was frankly none of his business. After a moment of silence, he put down his mug on the counter. "Alright," he said, handing her back the photo. "I'm not going to press you for questions, Mari." Eleazar patted her on the shoulder lightly. "I'm letting this slide, for now, just because I'll trust that you'll handle it maturely," For a moment Marian thought she got him to buy into her bluff but, oh, she couldn't escape her brother. "I know you know your 'friends' aren't the only ones who can know your address." Drat. "I don't know what sending live animals mean, but Marian, if you're dealing with something unpleasant, I would rather not have you interacting further with them." Marian noted a tone of finality in his words that was hard to miss. She stood there, picking at the edges of the photo in her hand. "Marian," Eleazar's voice called, making her slightly jump from the tone of it, though to her surprise he didn't look angry. He turned to her, hands on either her shoulders. "You have to let me know if you're getting into bad waters. Otherwise, I won't be able to help you." Marian stood there, looking at his brother with awe. Was... was he concerned for her? A beat passed them in silence and all she could respond was a quiet "Okay." Eleazar seemed satisfied with just that, giving her a pat on the shoulder before turning to take his mug to the sink. Marian looked at the cooler, watching the bird skitter around the floor of the box. It seemed happy. Though she doubted an ice box is an appropriate living space for any live animal. She took the box off the counter, taking it with her to the living area where she mulled over the photo for a while, trying to work out where it came from based on the background. This was only from yesterday, when she went out for coffee after class. It knew who she was, and where she lived. The thought concerned her. It was fun stalking people and giving them a spook now and again, but when it was turned to her, she never liked it. Especially when she knew Eleazar would easily figure it out. She didn't know how he would react, and it actually surprised her he didn't get mad at her just now. But now, she was going to have to figure out this thing with that shadow person. While she was busy with that, Eleazar shuffled about the room. "Hey, Lea?" she called, raising her head up towards her brother who was on his way out of the house. "Can I keep the bird?" she asked, almost innocently. Eleazar looked at her, giving her a raised eyebrow while his hand was on the doorknob -- with concern or otherwise, she didn't care to know. "It's not cursed, right?" he asked. Marian shook her head. "Sure, but I'm not taking care of it." Marian laughed, seeing his brother seemed back to normal. "Take care at work," she humming in her usual singy-song vibe. "Stay indoors and try not to cause any trouble." Well. I guess that's normal too.