by Robyn Steele
Chapter 10
The birthday surprise was only for one week. Momma insisted I get back to school. Mr. DaMonico and Cruz were coming back with us to protect me. Mrs. DaMonico and Lissandra were staying in Italy, so we said our goodbyes. I was going to miss Lissandra a lot but we would keep in touch. I wanted to stay there and search for my father. Momma said I would have to wait until after graduation. That was only a couple months away but seemed like forever. However, with Cruz at my house he could help me develop my abilities and get me ready to find my dad. Momma said as long as it didn’t interfere with school and my grades. No chance of that since school was so easy lately I didn’t ever have homework.
As soon as we got back to the states Cruz and I went to work on developing my abilities. We ran at least 10 miles every day after school. My time kept getting faster. Cruz and I raced each other until I began to outrun him by a long shot. He just kept pushing me to go farther and faster until I did. Although I don’t think he was expecting me to be faster than him. Grams said that’s what happens when the Teletrian blood is mixed with hers. The abilities are magnified.
Next we practiced moving objects without touching them. I tried and tried but just couldn’t seem to do anything. This was an ability that Cruz didn’t have so it was difficult for him to teach me. He decided to bring in someone who could move objects with her mind. We drove to the airport one Saturday and picked them up. Cruz introduced me to Tietro, a tall, dark man that looked to be in his 30’s, and Bianca, a tall, slender woman that looked about the same age. Bianca was the one that could move objects with her mind. That was her only ability but she did it well.
Bianca opened and shut the door without moving a muscle. She pulled flowers out of the ground and knocked Tietro on his back while she just sat in a chair. She could move anything under 50 pounds across the room. She could knock anything over that was under 200 pounds. She was ready to teach me the art of moving objects with my mind.
Bianca had me start by trying to flip a light switch. She said the switch had natural energy already and it would be easier to manipulate that energy. I concentrated hard on that switch, willing it to move. It was so frustrating! I couldn’t seem to make any progress. I tried for hours and I just wanted to give up. “It’s no use! I probably don’t have the ability.” I complained. I was tired of trying and just wanted to give up. This was wasting my time.
Then Bianca gave me an exercise to do. She threw a softball at me and I caught it. Then I threw it back and she caught it. Well that was silly. What does that do? “Just be patient.” Bianca said. “We’ll get there.” We threw the ball back and forth a few times and then she had me use my mind to throw the ball when it was already in motion. I would throw the ball with my hand and then after it left my hand I would concentrate my mind to send more energy to help it move. After a couple of times the ball suddenly jerked forward and moved extra fast. I could tell I was moving it with my mind as well as throwing it! It was exciting to feel the power. I kept practicing and then I tried to move it with just my mind. The ball sped forward with ease without me touching it!
“I did it! I can move it with my mind!’ I applauded myself.
“You did! You were great! Now try something bigger.” Cruz encouraged. “How ‘bout this chair?” I concentrated on the heavy, mission-style arm chair. It slowly lifted off the floor and then suddenly flew across the room, nearly landing on Bianca.
“I am so sorry, Bianca! I really didn’t mean for that to go that far! Are you okay?” I ran over to her to see if it hit her. Luckily it didn’t.
“You’re fine. Don’t worry about it. This is how you learn.” Bianca assured me, but it didn’t make me feel any better.
“Come on. Let’s work on control now. Then we’ll move on to bigger stuff.” Cruz said as he consoled me with an embrace.
I spent all afternoon practicing control. Just like the first time I rode a bike. I was shaky and unsure of myself at first. However, the more I practiced, the better I got. Soon I felt like a pro. I gained a new confidence in myself. This newfound ability was changing my self-identity. I was moving things all over the place. I felt unstoppable and powerful.
“With this ability comes responsibility. You must remain humble and not proud. This ability is a gift. If you abuse this power it will be the destruction of you and all you love.” Cruz admonished me.
I thought about what he said, not absolutely sure of his implications. This is my ability, not his or anyone else. What does it matter if I’m proud of myself? Didn’t I earn that? I looked into Cruz’ eyes. They were soft and loving and melted my soul. Maybe he did know what he was talking about. Maybe I could learn from him.
“Okay. Let’s continue.” I said. “I need to find my dad. I’m going to need all the ability I can get.” We continued to work on perfecting my ability, controlling the speed and direction and amount I moved things. I also practiced moving bigger items. By the end of the day I was exhausted from working so hard.
The next day we took Tietro and Bianca back to the airport, thanking them for their help, then they went back to Italy. Cruz and I just took a day off from working and decided to have some fun while we were in the big city. We decided to go roller skating.
We were just skating around the rink, holding hands when I realized we were whizzing past everyone else. Soon everyone just stopped and stared at us. Oh no. Cruz, we need to stop. I told him in his mind. We both stopped.
“Let’s go get a drink.” Cruz said as he pulled me over to the concessions. People slowly began to return to skating but most of them were whispering and pointing at us. We sat down at a table with our drinks and I burst out laughing. Cruz couldn’t help but laugh too. “We need to be more careful. We just don’t know our own strength when it’s combined.”
“Ya we do need to be more careful. People are staring.” I added.
“They’ll get over it. They will all think to themselves that they really didn’t see what they thought they seen. Then they won’t even remember.” Cruz said.
“Maybe if we go back and skate some more but don’t hold hands and keep a normal pace that will help.”
“It won’t be as much fun, though.” Cruz teased. We skated back into the rink. This time we didn’t hold hands. However, now we were able to free style. Cruz was showing off turning and jumping and doing figure eights. I showed him I could do the same but better. We competed for a while and then decided to head home. People were still whispering and pointing when we left.
We got home just in time to help grams with dinner. She was trying out some more Italian recipes she had got from Lissandra. While I was helping grams the doorbell rang. I heard grandpa holler that he would get it. Soon after that Nate walked into the kitchen. “Hey Nate.” I greeted him.
“Hey Talli. Can we talk?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
“A…well….”
“Oh, let’s go out on the porch.” Nate and I walked outside and sat on the steps. He was staring down at his hands. I took his hand in mine. “Nate, you are my best friend. You can talk to me about anything.”
“Well, I was just wondering about prom. You know, we were going at one time. Is that still on or are you going with the Italian?”
“Well, Nate, you asked me and I said yes. You’re still my friend so I would hope that we could still go as friends. Unless you found someone else to go with.”
“I was hoping you’d say that!” Nate looked hopeful now. I hoped this wasn’t leading him on but I did say ‘friends’ so I guess it’s not. “So can we get together with Brielle and Pason and make plans?”
“Sure. Whenever you want to we will. Maybe before school tomorrow.” I suggested.
“Okay. Well, I better get home. I’ll see ya tomorrow.” Nate gave me a hug and left.
I went back in to the house where Cruz was wa
iting patiently for me. “Boyfriend issues?” He asked.
“No, he just wanted to know if I was still going to prom with him.”
“And what did you tell him?”
“I told him yes.” This was a bit awkward. I bit my lower lip waiting for a response.
“I guess I should be jealous. Actually, I am jealous. But the reasonable side of me understands that you need to keep your word to a friend.” Cruz put his arms around me which was my favorite place to be. I loved that he was so mature and understanding.
“Thanks.” Was all I said. I didn’t want to put too much significance on the subject by talking about it anymore.
Friday Brielle and Pason and Nate and I went water skiing on the lake for our pre-prom date. We had lots of fun, just like old times. These were my good friends and I loved being with them. The only difference was I kept wondering what Cruz was doing. I would text him every once in a while and then he would text me. Then the others began to wonder what I was doing so I quit. I didn’t want to be rude. I just missed Cruz. I need to chill out. I really can’t be that attached to him. Not this independent chick!
I spent all day Saturday getting ready for prom. “You look stunning.” Cruz told me as I walked down the stairs. “I hope you dress up for me sometime. This is very different for you.”
“I know. I’m a jeans and a t shirt kinda girl. But once in a while I like dressing up. So, ya, we’ll do it sometime.” I assured him that he was important to me. Cruz gave me a quick kiss and watched me walk into the living room. He didn’t follow me in there. He chose to stay out of there while Nate picked me up. That could be awkward for me and for him. Actually for Nate, as well.
Nate showed up wearing a black tux and a pink shirt with a black tie. I loved that he was so accommodating to my choices. I was wearing a pink ruffled dress. The front was just above my knees and the back dramatically dropped to the floor. The top was held up by one strap on the right side. My hair pulled up off my shoulders was dramatically rolled into a series of messy buns. A single ringlet hung down the side.
We went and had pictures taken with Brielle, Pason and some other friends. Then we went to dinner and then to the prom. Nate and I danced a couple of dances but mostly we just hung out with our friends. Brielle had been nominated for prom queen and Nate and Pason had been nominated for prom king, so we had to stay there until they announced the outcome.
“And your junior prom queen for 2013 is…..Gabrielle Monroe!” The MC announced. I congratulated Brielle and hugged her and she walked up to the MC. A crown was place on her head as everyone applauded her. Then we all paused to hear who the king would be. We expected Pason to be king since everyone would have voted the two together. Then the MC announced “your junior prom king for 2013 is…….Nathan Broadwell!” I hugged him and congratulated him but had to push him up to the MC to receive his crown.
Then the MC announced that the couple would now dance as queen and king. Nate was a little hesitant and looked over at me like I was going to save him from having to do the dance. I smiled and nodded to him. Brielle grabbed him and began dancing. Then I turned around to talk to Pason. After a while Pason pulled me out to dance as couples began to join the royalty couple.
I was dancing with Pason and he was chatting away about graduation and his plans. I looked over at Nate and Brielle. I may be crazy but it sure looked like they were pretty cozy. Then Pason asked me about my plans after graduation and it brought my attention back to him. Then the song was over and we walked back over to our friends.
“Brielle, you wanna go to the little girl’s room with me?” I asked.
“Okay.” Brielle answered. When we were in there I asked her if she had a thing for Nate. She just laughed it off and told me she was with Pason. I wasn’t sure what to think. Maybe I just imagined that, but it had seemed like there was something more than just a couple of friends dancing. Like some kind of chemistry going on.
We left the dance and went to Nate’s house to watch movies. The guys had picked the movies and were really in to them. The girls were mostly just talking. When it got late everyone left and Nate took me home.
Things were sort of awkward when we got to my house. We stood on the porch in front of the door. “I really had a good time, Nate.” I told him honestly.
“But you still just want to be friends, right?”
“I don’t want to lose your friendship.” I just didn’t know what to say.
“Well, can I kiss you?”
“I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
“That’s what I thought. Can’t blame a guy for trying. Well, thanks and we’ll see ya around.” Nate gave me a hug and then awkwardly backed away and left.
I felt horrible for hurting him like that. Was I doing the right thing? I just didn’t want to lead him on to think we were going to be together. But I really didn’t want to hurt him. This was so hard! I went into the house where Cruz was waiting in the living room with momma and grams. Holy waiting committee!
“So how was your night?” Momma asked.
“It was a lot of fun.” I told them, honestly.
“Then why do you look and sound so sad?” Grams asked.
“I really did have fun tonight. I just hate hurting Nate is all. I like being friends. He’s one of my best friends. But he wants to be more than friends. I just can’t give him that and it hurts.” I replied.
“Well, honey, this happens to almost everyone at one time or another. It’s part of life and part of growing up. These things help us to be stronger so that we can handle the ‘adult’ things to come. You both will eventually get through this and come out a more mature, stronger, well-rounded person. The trick is to take from this experience and see what you can learn from it.” Momma had her arm around me, stroking my hair. There was something soothing about her touch and voice that made me feel just a little bit better. Not completely, but time would do that.
“That is probably an advantage humans have over Teletrians. They have more opportunities to have broken hearts and to heal. We are betrothed to one person at birth and never experience all of that. I can see the wisdom in that.” Cruz was reflecting.
“Yes, we have seen that also since we have lived in this country away from our people. We always told Talli it would be best to not get serious with anyone in school and to date many different guys. We realized it was a break from tradition. However, we could see the wisdom in it.” Grams added.
“Well I hope she has had enough experience now that she will not have the need to date any more guys. I mean I hope she just dates me now. I guess that’s kind of selfish of me, huh?” Cruz said.
“Maybe.” I agreed. “But I might just be selfish too. Just sayin’.”
Momma and grams went to bed and Cruz and I stayed up for just a few minutes. Then he gave me a lingering kiss goodnight that melted my heart and sent that familiar zing through my body. I floated upstairs and into my bed for the most glorious night sleep I had had in a long time, maybe ever! The kiss lingered in my mind all through my dreams. I wanted the memory to last and last. Our first kiss would be burned in mind forever.
The following month just whizzed by so fast. I spent a lot of time getting ready for graduation. School was still a breeze, luckily. I didn’t have to spend much time studying for finals and cramming to get all my assignments in. That was one of the best things of my new abilities. However, I did spend a lot of time practicing my abilities and searching for new ones. I was also getting ready to go to Italy after graduation. We were all heading back there because we thought that is where my dad would be and we would be able to search better there.
Graduation was bitter sweet. We had worked for twelve years preparing to complete and leave our childhood education. We had anticipated it with yearning and desire. We planned and prepped for this moment. We counted down the years, the months and the days with
excitement. As the day got closer, so did the reality. Some of these friends we may never see again. Some people were going to schools far away. Some were joining the military. We would all embark on our personal journeys now. There was a lot to miss and a lot to happily be done with. Bitter sweet.
The day after graduation momma, grams, grandpa, Cruz and his dad and I boarded a plane to Italy. After the long flight I was happy to see Lissandra and Paolo meet us at the airport. I couldn’t wait to stretch my legs and settle into a nice hot bath. The four of us went in Paolo’s car and Momma and my grandparents and Cruz’ dad went with Clariee, who had also come to meet us. We were all going to stay at a luxury hotel in Venice and then head to the DaMonicos house the next day.
Being the beautiful city Venice is, made staying there a pleasant surprise. Even though we would be spending most of the time relaxing or sleeping, there were still breathtaking views from our windows. The next morning we did a little sight-seeing before leaving.
On our way to the DaMonicos home, Cruz looked behind us frequently. He took a quick turn to the left and headed down another road. “Someone following us?” Asked Lissandra. “You wouldn’t be going the wrong way otherwise.” Cruz just nodded slightly and honed in on his driving skills. We sped along the village streets, taking sharp turns until the car following us was no longer in sight.
“Change of plans.” Stated Cruz. “Call our parents and have them meet us at “plan B.” He told his sister.
“What’s plan B?” I asked.
“They’ll know. The less we say it the better chance of it remaining secret.” Cruz answered. We drove to a Port and boarded a luxury house boat. It was more like a cruise ship because it was so big but it was a private boat. I had no idea where we were but didn’t ask so we could keep it out of our thoughts. We spent the night on the houseboat in very nice accommodations. However, sleep evaded me. My mind was hectic with a multitude of thoughts about my father, my mother, my grandparents, where we were going and what was going to happen to us. Who was following us and what did they want. Cruz said I needed to perfect my abilities before meeting these people.
I must have fallen asleep eventually. I woke up to a beautiful sunrise and a serene beach. I just looked around from the confines of our boat. I didn’t want to venture onto land yet. I wandered around the boat and my nose led me to the kitchen where a cook was preparing a full breakfast for us. It smelled wonderful! I was famished and the bacon was calling to me.
“Hello. Is this for us?” I asked the cook. I sat down at the counter and watched him busily preparing a feast.
This is for Signor Cruz and all his guests, so yes this is for you. Where would you like to eat Signorina?” The cook addressed me.
“I think I will go see if anyone else is up yet.” I said as I snatched a piece of bacon and left the kitchen.
I went back up to the deck where Cruz was leaning over the railing sipping a cup of deliciously smelling raspberry tea. His face lit up and dimples emerged as he straightened his posture and wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close. “Good morning sunshine. I hope you slept well.”
“Good enough.” I lied. “I’m starving. Are we leaving the boat eventually?”
“After breakfast we can.”
We had our breakfast on deck enjoying the scenery. Where ever we were it was beautiful. There was no sight of civilization but there was a rugged rocky beach where we had docked. After we ate we took a few supplies that had been pre-packed in a backpack and headed inland. We walked through a thickly wooded area that was embellished with many different flowers. This was definitely a paradise.
We walked about a half hour and a huge stucco home with a tile roof, Mediterranean-style, emerged in front of us. The home sat atop a black rocky hill. Concealed by thick, lush woods. There were steep steps leading to the entrance of the home. We climbed the steps, which Cruz pointed out numbered 132 in all. It should have been a good workout that would normally have had anyone catching their breath or breathing hard. Not us. We were all Teletrian and could handle the exertion with ease. Cruz opened the large ornate door with a key card which he held up to a metal device hidden by a sunburst decoration.
Inside, the high ceilings were painted with murals. The floors were polished marble with tapestry rugs finishing each room. This home was truly majestic but showed no signs of being lived in. Cruz pushed a button on the wall which rang chimes. A full staff appeared before us. “Good to see you, Signor Cruz, Signorina Lissandra. We are all here for your service.” Spoke the man who appeared to be in charge. “And your guests as well.” He added.
“Cruz took my hand and led me up the stairs. Lissandra followed. “This is Lissie’s room.” He pointed to the first door. Then entering the second door he said, “This is your room. You will find clean clothes in the closets and drawers. If you need anything else just call the domestico through the service intercom. He will alert whichever staff member you require.” He pointed everything out. “My room is down the hall. You can press this intercom button to call me in a hurry.” He pointed to another button. “I’ll leave you here for a while to freshen up or whatever and then we’ll meet in the game room. The butler will escort you there.” Then he and Lissandra left.
I curiously explored my room. It met every expectation I could possibly have. The miniature refrigerator contained soda so I grabbed me a cola. I needed some major caffeine. I enjoyed a long hot bubble bath in my own private bathroom connected to my room. The room-size walk-in closet contained many clothes in many sizes. I picked out some comfy Silver jeans and a Hollister t-shirt. Funny, they have American clothes in here. We import Italian clothes and they import American clothes. I put a denim jacket over the top, then I pulled my hair up into a messy bun. I found a pair of running shoes my size and threw them on. I flopped onto the large, overstuffed, four-poster bed and relaxed. I could get used to this.
I called for the butler and he led me to the game room. I could easily see why it was called the game room. There were two beautiful pool tables, an air hockey table, a tennis table, and several T.V. screens with gaming device, and there was still a big wide open space in the middle of the room. Cruz was waiting for me there. “Would you like to challenge me in a game of pool while we wait for my sister?”
“Only if you’re prepared to be slaughtered.” I teased. “I play to win.”
“Me too.” He grinned.
We played two games of pool, I won one and Cruz one won, before Lissandra joined us. She was such a gorgeous creature, I felt plain next to her. Although everyone always told me I was beautiful, I never felt extraordinary. People would tell me they would kill to have my naturally blonde, curly hair, which they could only obtain through a bottle or salon. I got that and my big blue eyes from my mother. I was a little self-conscious of the little freckles that dotted my nose. Grams called them sun kisses. Momma called them angel kisses. I called them annoying. I know I am attractive to others, but I just think of myself as normal.
Lissandra bounced down the stairs wearing jeggings with a pumpkin colored sweater that accentuated her “Barbie doll” figure. Her 5’9” height accentuated by her 3 inch stiletto boots. Her long silky black hair flowing down her back was complimented by her emerald eyes. She looked as though she was ready for her vogue cover shoot. Even though her looks were stunning, her personality was her best asset. Her confidence was never outshone by conceit. I always felt comfortable around her. She was genuine and open and we were fast becoming good friends.
Even though there was an Olympic-sized pool behind the house, Cruz insisted we go to the beach. Maybe he just wanted some sun. Or maybe he thought I needed some sun. So we headed to the beach.