Discoveries

by K Swanson

  * * *

  In physics, I barely made it to my seat before Jayden dropped down in front of me, setting his thermos on my desk and startling me.

  I gave him a quizzical look. “What?”

  “It might not have the best taste, but you can’t deny it works.”

  I stared at him. Yeah, I’d had a little more energy during history class, but I suspected the sip I’d taken had worn off before I even made it out of class.

  He shrugged, shifting uncomfortably. “You just look like you could use it more than me. I’m used to the feeling.”

  I watched him for a second. A little more probably wouldn’t hurt. I wasn’t going to drink the entire thing though. As Mr. Brewin called attention to the class, Jayden turned to the front of the room, and I took a large sip, making a face as I swallowed. My stomach flipped as I realized we were sharing a drink. Hopefully, it would kick in soon so my brain would focus on the class instead of Jayden.

  I took another drink then held the thermos over his shoulder. He grabbed it, his fingers brushing against mine and making my stomach clench again. There was something seriously wrong with me.

  * * *

  Friday finally came, and I couldn’t wait to see Nick play. I finished my homework then grabbed a quick shower before pulling on jeans and a flowy shirt. The evening was supposed to be cool, so I grabbed a sweater as well. Min and Phil were popping popcorn, and while I was gone, they planned to have a movie date night. I smiled. If I ever had a romantic relationship, I wanted it to be full of quiet nights like that.

  CJ came to the door, and as soon as I answered it, he smiled. “Hey, sexy. Ready to go?”

  I nodded, my cheeks heating. I slid on my sweater. “Where are we going to eat?”

  Earlier, we’d talked about going to get food before the game, and my stomach growled as he draped an arm around my shoulders and led me to his green car. “Mexican. You like tacos, right?” At my nod, he smiled. “Good.”

  “Are we picking up anyone else?” It felt weird that the others weren’t with us, but I enjoyed hanging out with them one-on-one as well.

  “Jayden.”

  That piqued my interest. I was curious about Jayden, but I didn’t want to ask too many questions.

  Soon, we were on our way, and I watched the passing scenery. The houses got closer together, and we passed a few local businesses until we got to a rundown area. It didn’t look horrible, but yards were cluttered, and we drove past a couple warehouses. We finally stopped in front of a small house. Jayden stood on the porch and jogged toward us before CJ even put the car in park.

  A black messenger bag was slung over Jayden’s shoulder, and not for the first time, I wondered what he kept in it. Unless he carried his drawing stuff with him everywhere. I’d seen him pull a pad of paper and a pencil from it on quite a few occasions, so it made sense that he always kept that stuff on him.

  “In a hurry?” CJ asked as Jayden climbed in the back.

  There was silence for a moment, then Jayden said, “Not sure where she got the idea, but my grandma thought I was going on a date.” His seat belt clicked into place. “She was giving me the safe sex talk.”

  I glanced back to see he was blushing. CJ fought a losing battle, trying not to laugh. I simply shook my head.

  The drive to the Mexican place took us to the center of town. A familiar SUV with the back door open was parked near the entrance. Lex and Sam sat inside, their feet swaying against the back bumper.

  CJ parked nearby, and we all hopped out. Part of me expected Jayden to leave his bag in the car, but when we headed across the parking lot, the strap still hung across his body.

  Lex and Sam hopped out of the SUV and closed the hatch.

  “Hey.” Lex gave a nod in greeting before turning to me. “What are you in the mood for?”

  I didn’t have much experience with Mexican, aside from tacos and burritos. “I’m not really sure what my options are.”

  He walked next to me, and in the background, I listened to CJ and Sam talking in low voices. I was surprised that Sam barely seemed to stutter. His fingers kept straying to the silver chain around his neck, his thumb and forefinger rubbing against some sort of charm. Perhaps doing that helped him ground his thoughts. I’d read about people with stutters who had things that helped in that way.

  Within ten minutes, we were seated in a large circular booth. Somehow I ended up between Lex and Jayden. Sam sat at the other end of the table, a tablet on the table in front of him.

  “What are you looking at, Sam?” I used his name to get his attention.

  He made a face. “I h-have a p-p-paper due s-soon, and I’m t-t-trying to figure out wh-what it’ll b-b-be ab-bout.” His fingers didn’t play with the metal around his neck. Maybe he didn’t realize it helped?

  CJ shook his head, chuckling. “Soon by his standards is probably two or three weeks away.”

  Sam frowned, using a finger on his tablet to hold his place before glancing up. “Th-three and a h-half.”

  With a smile, I peered around Lex. “Better to get a head start than to realize it’s due tomorrow and you haven’t started it yet.”

  Surprise lit Sam’s hazel eyes. “Exactly.”

  On my other side, Jayden leaned against the back of the booth, eyes closed. I nudged him. “What are you having?”

  He didn’t bother to look at me. “Burrito.”

  My stomach rumbled as I imagined a burrito. “That sounds good.”

  He gave a small smile, eyes still closed.

  I was surprised by how quickly we got our food after giving our orders to the waitress. My burrito was huge, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to eat it all, but I’d definitely try.

  In the end, I was right. I ate half of my dinner before pushing it away. When my gaze slid to Jayden, his food was gone, and he kept glancing at mine. With a giggle, I slid my plate toward him.

  “You sure?” His dark eyes searched my face.

  “Yep. I’m stuffed.” I turned my attention back to my iced tea.

  “Haylie?”

  I glanced at Lex as he nudged me.

  “Yeah?”

  “Do you know that guy?” He used his eyes to gesture toward a man sitting at a nearby table. A chill went down my spine.

  “No.” My face burned despite the blood draining from it. I swayed, feeling lightheaded. I regretted eating so much as my stomach churned.

  “You might not know him, but you’re familiar with him, aren’t you?”

  I looked at Lex. His blue eyes were trained on me, taking in my reaction.

  I hesitated before nodding. My heart raced. Sam’s head came up with interest to see who we were discussing.

  Jayden took a drink of his water. “Why does he look familiar?”

  The low growl in Jayden’s voice made me look at him. He scowled toward the man. Oh God, please don’t tell me I’d made things worse.

  Lex nudged me, gesturing that he wanted me to slide out of the booth. “We’ll talk about it at the game.”

  We made our way to the front counter, and Lex pulled his wallet from his front pocket. When Jayden and I attempted to pay for our food, Lex shook his head, paying for it himself. I frowned. He’d never get that car he was saving up for if he paid for everything.

  As we were headed to the parking lot, Jayden bumped into me. I glanced at him. Had he done that on purpose? When he met my gaze, he held out a hand.

  I narrowed my eyes at it. What did he want?

  When he gave a gentle tug on the cash I still held, I frowned. “What?”

  He leaned down, closing the gap between our heights. “You want him to get the money, right?” At my nod, he gave a slight smile. “Then hand it to me. I’ll make sure he gets it.”

  Did I trust him with my money? I wasn’t sure, but I was curious to see how he intended to make sure Lex got it.

  With a smirk, he pocketed the cash, and we both got into Lex’s SUV. Sam and CJ took the hybrid, and we made it to the high school with plenty of
time to spare.

  Once we’d paid and made it up the metal bleachers, Lex led the way to the end of a row toward the middle. He pulled me in after him so I sat between him and Jayden. CJ and Sam sat in the row above us.

  Lex nudged me. “Spill. How do you know that guy?”

  I flinched. I’d rather not, but seeing the look on his face, I knew I wouldn’t be getting out of it. “I’m sure it’s nothing… I saw him at the in—” I fidgeted and dropped my eyes. “Boarding school.”

  “What else?” Lex asked, his voice not giving away any of his emotions.

  “Um…” I licked my lips before continuing. “I’ve seen him since I moved here.” I hesitated to mention that I’d seen him at the grocery store.

  “W-where?” Sam spoke up, his phone in his hands.

  I bit my lip, wishing I could say I didn’t remember. I hated the feeling I got whenever I lied to them though. “When I went shopping with Nick. He stared at me until we went around a corner.”

  CJ frowned. “Seriously? He was that close to you?” With a curse, he stood and stomped down the bleachers.

  Was he upset with me?

  I got to my feet, glancing at Sam, who smiled shyly. “D-don’t worry about h-him.”

  Lex tugged on my fingers, pulling me down to the metal bench. Cold seeped through my jeans, making me shiver. “Sam’s right. CJ’s only upset that we didn’t realize there was a threat.”

  I shivered again, wanting to change the subject. I didn’t want to think about what that man wanted.

  “Are you cold?” Lex’s voice startled me, and I glanced at him.

  “It’s not too bad,” I replied. Except that the cold bench had numbed my butt.

  He handed me a dark green hoodie. “Put this on.”

  “I don’t want you to get cold.”

  “I won’t.” The way he slid his gaze to mine before looking away made me feel as though he was keeping something from me. He wore a dark blue, long-sleeve button-up with only one button done over a white undershirt.

  “Are you sure?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

  “Yep.”

  I watched him for another moment before pulling on the hoodie. If he wasn’t telling the truth, that was his fault. I couldn’t keep trying to read between the lines. It was a helpful skill in the institute, but I’d known the handlers better than I knew these guys.

  The hoodie felt warm, as though he’d been wearing it and it still retained his body heat… except he hadn’t been wearing it. Perhaps the heat was just because he’d held it close to his body for a while.

  Even after telling myself not to second-guess what he’d said, I watched him for some sign that he was cold.

  CJ seemed to appear out of nowhere as he sat down next to Sam. He held a large tray of nachos in our direction. “Want some?”

  “How can you still be hungry?” I asked as Jayden took a chip. We’d just finished dinner.

  Taking another chip, Jayden shrugged. “Fastish metabolism?”

  CJ chuckled. “We’re guys, baby. We’re always hungry, in one form or another.” His gaze raked over me, sending my stomach fluttering.

  My gaze jumped to Sam and Lex. Was that true? Were they still hungry as well?

  Lex shook his head, indicating he didn’t want any, but Sam ate a couple chips and smiled when he noticed my attention.

  The bleachers were filling up, and minutes later, Lex scooted closer. I slid toward Jayden, shivering as I mourned the loss of the section of bench I’d already warmed with my body heat. I didn’t want to get into Jayden’s personal bubble or make him uncomfortable.

  As an announcer spoke, Lex leaned closer to me. “Still cold?”

  I shook my head, not completely lying. “My backside is.”

  His eyebrows flew up, as if he hadn’t been expecting that answer, and when he coughed a moment later, I suspected it was to cover a laugh. The bench under me warmed considerably as he winced, rubbing the silver studs in his ears.

  I tilted my head, studying him. What if he did have power? Silver reacted to power use. It wouldn’t stop him from using his power, but using power wouldn’t feel comfortable with silver touching his skin.

  Was it too much of a coincidence, ending up with foster parents who lived near others from the project? If Lex had power, did the others possess them as well? I hadn’t noticed any sign of them, but that didn’t mean anything.

  With a sigh, I turned my attention back to the field. Lex nudged me, leaning closer to be heard over the crowd. I still couldn’t make out what he said, but it was easy enough to figure out he was pointing at Nick.

  Nick turned in our direction. It was almost as if he knew where we were seated. And maybe he did, if the guys usually sat here for his games.

  Lex raised his voice as he explained what was happening on the field. I might not know much about football, but I enjoyed myself as I listened to Lex. For now, that was enough. Later, I’d try to figure out the puzzles today had presented.

  At the Mall

  Sunday morning, I received a text from CJ. Let’s head to the mall!

  Almost immediately, Sam replied. What’s at the mall?

  Nick: There’s lots of stuff at the mall. All sorts of stores as well, including that computer store you spend so much time in. I could almost picture him smirking as he typed that.

  Sam: Thank you. You’re so helpful.

  CJ: My mom’s birthday is next week. I don’t want Maman giving me that look if she finds out I waited until the last minute to get a gift.

  Nick: I’m game! And we’re kidnapping my best buddy and Jayden, as well.

  Jayden: Fine. What time?

  Lex: I suppose that means we’re using the SUV.

  Nick: Yes! Good thing I just put gas in it yesterday.

  CJ: I’ll wait at Haylie’s.

  Lex: See you in 20.

  After checking in with Phil and Min, I waited on the front porch. CJ walked over and almost twenty minutes later, the guys pulled up. Lex and Nick sat in the front. Sam hopped out and slid the seat forward for me. Jayden leaned against the opposite window, eyes closed, fingers clasped around the thermos he always seemed to carry. His black messenger bag was at his feet. CJ slid into the seat next to me, twisting his lower body to give his legs more room.

  After everyone was in, we took off, making small talk until we reached the mall.

  * * *

  I followed the guys, once again in awe of how many stores managed to fit into one building.

  Nick draped an arm across my shoulders. “Anywhere you want to go?”

  I smiled and shook my head. I was content to follow their lead. “What exactly are you getting for your mom, CJ?”

  He stepped back, shooing Nick away. “She’s mine now.” After wiggling his eyebrows at me, CJ continued. “They have one of those As Seen on TV stores here. I’m hoping I can find what I’m looking for, then we can grab some lunch.”

  Lex glanced back at us. “If he’s bothering you, let me know.” I bit my lip and looked up at CJ. Why would he bother me?

  CJ childishly stuck his tongue out at Lex, and I sank my teeth into my lip even harder to keep from laughing. CJ’s eyes lit up, but he changed the subject. “What’s everyone going to want for food?”

  I stopped to think of all the restaurants I’d seen when I was here with Min. What sounded good? “Chinese.”

  Jayden, who stood right next to us, blushed as his stomach growled loudly enough to be heard over the crowds.

  CJ chuckled. “I promise I’ll be fast. I know exactly what I want.”

  When we got to the store CJ wanted, he went in. Nick, Jayden, and I waited outside, while the other two disappeared into a large bookstore.

  Nick leaned against the wall, one foot propped up against it. “Wanna share dessert with me?”

  “We haven’t even had lunch yet though.” Dessert would taste good after Chinese.

  He sighed. “After lunch then.” His tone implied that he’d rather not wait.

 
“What sort of dessert do you want?” My gaze slid to Jayden as he sat on a bench, stretching his legs out in front of him.

  “Cinnamon rolls topped with vanilla ice cream.” He licked his lips.

  Without looking at us, Jayden grumbled, “Would you quit talking about food?”

  Laughing, Nick replied, “Sorry. I’m hungry.”

  “Me too,” Jayden said.

  CJ exited the store, a large bag in his hands. “Sam and Lex book shopping?” When Nick and I nodded, CJ rolled his eyes. “So what are we talking about out here?”

  Before I could stop myself, I said, “Nick wants a cinnamon roll and ice cream.”

  “Don’t you think you should consider lunch first?” CJ crossed his arms as he raised a brow, studying Nick.

  Nick’s eyes rolled skyward as he smirked. “Cinnamon rolls can be lunch.”

  Winking at me, CJ shrugged. “When you’re hungry in another twenty minutes because all you ate was sugar, don’t come whining to me.”

  Before Nick could respond, Jayden murmured, “I don’t see a problem with cinnamon rolls for lunch. And the more icing, the better.” He inspected his nails, appearing uninterested in the conversation, but a small smile played on his lips.

  Nick nudged CJ. “See? He gets it!” I probably shouldn’t encourage them, but when I giggled, Nick spun toward me. “Even Haylie gets it!”

  That just made me laugh harder. Just because I wasn’t arguing, didn’t mean I actually wanted something so sugary for a meal.

  Sam and Lex headed toward us, both carrying small shopping bags.

  “Ready for food?” Lex asked.

  Jayden launched to his feet. “God, yes.”

  We headed for the food court, my mouth watering when we got close enough to smell everything. The restaurants were positioned in a semi-circle. On the far wall was a large movie theater, with glass doors leading out to the parking lot on one side and fancy bathrooms, complete with a lounge area, on the other.

  Over his shoulder, Nick asked, “Did everyone decide what they want? I think I’m in the mood for Chinese.”