Learning Me (Lightworker Trilogy #1)

by Jamie White

  ****

  Courtney walked out of her Chemistry class with her head swimming from all the formulas. She’d never been good at it, but today was even worse. The more she tried to focus, the more she got things wrong. At this rate, she was sure she’d end up failing the semester.

  To take her mind off of her problems, she spent her lunch period getting lost in her script. Even though she knew all the lines, she felt the need to escape and made the most of the opportunity. She ended up hiding out under the bleachers beside the track where she knew no one would be. Reading a Greek tragedy oddly made her feel better. After all, at least she wasn’t dealing with dire prophecies and war.

  As far as you know…

  The thought brought a shiver that shook her head-to-toe. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to return to the page in front of her. She’d never had to do that before, and the idea of not being able to focus on the written word made her gnash her teeth.

  “You have to get it together, or people are going to start thinking you’re mental,” she chastised herself.

  The image of her real parents intruded in her thoughts, making her slam the book shut. How was she going to get through the rest of the day if she couldn’t even get through one lunch period without thinking about her family and how she’d been lied to?

  Before she could try again, the bell rang and Courtney jumped in surprise. Had she really just spent the last forty minutes staring mindlessly into space while she obsessed about this? Courtney stuffed the script in her bag and made her way back to the building, her gaze focused. She knew exactly what she needed to do now, and there was nothing that could stop her. As soon as she got home, she was going to find out whatever else they knew and find her real family.

  ****

  Once she made the decision to try finding her real parents, Courtney’s entire mood changed. The tension that had plagued her all day subsided and she was able to focus enough to get through class and her meeting that day. It was as if nothing had changed at all, and she welcomed the return to familiarity, even if it was a temporary thing. Sooner or later, she’d have to start her search and she had no idea where that would lead.

  As promised, Sam met her outside after the meeting so they could go to the game together. For once, Courtney was only partly excited for the evening. While they hadn’t made definite plans, there was a real chance that Matthew and Lauren would be there. She had yet to decide if she was going to tell them about her discovery, and her stomach twisted at the idea of having to keep it quiet — especially from Lauren. There were times Courtney suspected her cousin could read her mind. Would her cousin pick up on the change in her? Would Matthew?

  “Are you sure you want to go tonight?” Sam asked as they approached his car. “If you’re not into it, I’ll understand.”

  “Of course I am,” she promised. “I could use a little fun right now. I just have to decide if I’m going to tell them about everything.”

  “It could help,” he said. “I don’t know how you’d be able to keep something like that quiet forever, especially from Lauren. What was that nickname people gave her?”

  “Loose Lips Lauren. She’s really not that bad, though.”

  Sam laughed. “Didn’t she get in trouble before for somehow knowing things only the Principal and some of the teachers knew?”

  “True, but she’ll keep a secret if she’s asked,” Courtney responded in her cousin’s defense. He was right, though. Lauren would know something was going on, so there was no getting around telling her. “Don’t worry about any of that right now, though. Just think about the game so I don’t get chased out of school.”

  “If you say so,” he said with a laugh. “I wouldn’t want to get you in any trouble.”

  They spent the rest of the trip to the ice arena in silence, Sam focused on the road while Courtney allowed her mind to wander. This time, she managed to keep a tight rein on it and wouldn’t allow herself to think of anything but the scenery before her or the play. By the time they got to their destination, Courtney felt better than she had since the day she’d opened that trunk.

  The pair got out of the car, saying a quick goodbye before going their separate ways. He hurried toward the locker room while Courtney got in line outside. A few minutes later, she jumped and nearly screamed when someone came up from behind and touched her shoulder.

  “Geez, Matt, you scared the crap out of me! What was that all about?”

  “Sorry,” he apologized. “I said your name a few times, but you didn’t answer.”

  “Oh,” Courtney said, her cheeks heating. “I guess I was daydreaming again or something. It’s been a long day and there’s another show tomorrow.”

  “Right. How’d the last one go?”

  “Okay, if you don’t count me missing a cue once. Hopefully, I do better tomorrow night.” Courtney cringed as she thought of the oversight she’d made. She couldn’t remember the last time that had happened.

  “If not, I’ll be there to videotape it for posterity,” Matthew teased.

  “Thanks a lot. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Where’s Lauren?”

  “I don’t know. She said she’d meet us here, right?” He turned toward the parking lot, putting a hand over his eyes to block the setting sun as he searched the lot.

  ‘Yeah.” Courtney checked her phone. “She’d better hurry if she doesn’t want to spend most of the game waiting at the concession stand.”

  “You know her, she always manages to pull it out.”

  As if on cue, Courtney spotted Lauren in the parking lot, making her way through a crowd that wasn’t exactly cooperative. Lauren managed to fight her way through after a few minutes and ran up to them. “Hey, sorry I’m late. Did I miss anything good?”

  “No, unless you count wondering where you are. What happened?” Matthew moved to allow Lauren to get into line with them.

  “It took me forever to get out of your house,” she said. “Your parents are mental today. What did you do?”

  “Wait a minute… what were you doing there?” Courtney raised an eyebrow at her cousin’s words. She rarely stopped over there except to see her.

  “My parents wanted me to drop some old stuff off at your house, and they were asking me all kinds of questions about you and what you’ve been up to lately. What’s the deal?”

  “It’s a long story…. I’ll tell you guys about it later.” Courtney tried to sound as casual as possible to avoid getting anyone’s attention and to discourage them talking about this anymore in front of a ton of people. They might be hyped up for a game, but they were still a bunch of teenagers who usually clung to gossip like a life preserver. Who needed everyone at school talking about the freak with the fake parents?

  “If you say so,” the pair said in unison.

  Courtney changed the topic fast, and before she knew it, they were inside looking for seats. They managed to find some right in front of the boards. Matthew was practically jumping with excitement, but Courtney was a little unnerved. She hated being that close to the ice during a game. The hits were way too loud that close. Still, it did give a great view of everything.

  “Let’s go, Lions!” the crowd cheered as the team skated onto the ice. Most of them were on their feet, clapping wildly while the team skated some drills. They didn’t even seem to notice all the chaos surrounding them, and Courtney couldn’t help but admire their focus. She wondered if the team ever got as nervous as she did before a show. She’d asked Sam once, but he was casual about the whole thing, acting like it was no big deal to perform in front of a ton of people.

  Courtney watched Sam run through his drills, holding her breath every time a puck came near him. He let a few in, but most were stopped with no apparent effort on his part, something that never ceased to amaze her.

  Once the game started, the crowd got louder and more aggressive. They stood, stomping their feet and clapping while throwing an occasional insult out at the other team. Tha
t was one part of the game that made Courtney want to leave the building. She still didn’t get the appeal of hurling insults at the competition, even if the team and fans insisted it gave them a boost.

  Courtney cheered until her voice got hoarse. Once the buzzer rang to signal the first intermission, Courtney turned to her friends and said, “I’m going for some hot chocolate. Anyone want one?”

  “Sure,” Lauren said. “I’ll come with. Matthew?”

  “Sure, why not? I’ll wait here.”

  Courtney tried not to laugh at the suspicious tone in his voice at the idea of leaving their seats. He was always convinced someone would take them over while they were waiting in line. They waved at him as they walked away, suppressing the urge to tease him over it.

  “Great game, huh? We’re killing it.”

  “Yeah, although it doesn’t seem like fair fight. This other team is a mess. I’ve never seen anyone skate as slow as they do.”

  Lauren shrugged. “Must be new players or something. I think I heard a lot of their team was hurt. So, how are you doing?”

  “Okay… why?”

  Lauren tilted her head said with a knowing tone, “Come on. I know there is something that you’re not telling us. What gives? You know I always find out the dirt, so you might as well tell me.”

  “We’ll talk about it later, okay? After the game.”

  “You promise?”

  “I promise.”

  By the time they returned to their seats, the second period was well underway and a bunch of players were advancing on the opposing team’s goal. They stopped in the aisle to watch as one of their players shot the puck. The explosion from the crowd as the puck flew over the goalie’s shoulder and into the goal nearly deafened Courtney. She had to remind herself she had a drink in her hand to keep from clapping as wildly as she’d been during the first period. Now that the teams were lining up for another faceoff, they took the opportunity to join Matthew back at their seats.

  Courtney handed him his drink, asking, “So, what’d we miss?”

  “Not much,” he said. “Just a massive struggle at the opening faceoff. No one could get control of the puck.”

  “We struggled against them? Seriously?” Lauren’s face held a barely disguised contempt for the competition. “Oh, well. At least we scored on ‘em.”

  Once the game was over, Courtney and the others went outside to meet Sam. Lauren tried to ask about Courtney’s parents again, but she refused to answer anything while people could overhear. Lauren sighed and leaned against a wall.

  “The suspense is killing me here. You are planning to tell me when we leave right?”

  “I promise, I’ll tell you as soon as we get out of here… as long as you promise to keep it to yourself. That goes for you too,” she said, nodding to Matthew.

  Matthew held up his right hand. “I solemnly swear.”

  Courtney rolled her eyes at the sight, unable to control the giggles that came with his theatrics. She causally surveyed the area, pleased to see no one appeared to have noticed their conversation. “So, what do you think of our chances at the next game?” she asked them.

  “We’re going to kill ‘em as usual,” Matthew declared confidently.

  “I don’t know… those other players were working out here last week and they looked awesome,” admitted Lauren. “I think they’re going to be a lot tougher than the clowns we played tonight.”

  “You think so?” asked Sam.

  The group turned around, clearly startled by his sudden appearance. “How long have you been there?” Courtney asked.

  “Just a few seconds. Lauren’s probably right, by the way. Those bastards are tough. I know a few people who go to that school, and they haven’t been beaten yet this year.” He moved next to Courtney and put an arm around her. “So what’s the plan?”

  “They’re going to come with us. Lauren stopped by my house earlier and she’s full of questions. How about we park at that old drive-in place to talk?”

  “If you all want, let’s go.” Sam stepped aside and walked to his car with the others following close behind.

  “I’ve got my car, so I’m going to have to meet you guys there, okay?” Lauren said apologetically.

  “That’s fine. We’ll see you in a little bit,” Courtney said.

  Courtney, Sam, and Matthew waved goodbye to Lauren and got into the car. Once Lauren closed her door, Sam started the engine and pulled out. Courtney kept up a steady stream of idle chatter to keep Matthew from asking any questions now that Lauren had opened the floodgates. She didn’t feel like explaining everything twice.

  ****

  The space where the Elkswood drive-in used to be had been empty for over a decade. Courtney had no idea why something else hadn’t taken its place, but she was glad for the oversight. The large screens still littered the landscape alongside poles that once held speakers. The empty concession stands added to the desolate atmosphere, but somehow Courtney couldn’t help but enjoy it. There was something appealing about being in a place so full of history that the rest of time seemed to have forgotten.

  The group settled onto the hood of Sam’s car, forming a square. Courtney, sensing her cousin’s patience was nearing empty, spoke first. “Okay, before I say anything, I need you both to promise that you won’t tell anyone what I’m about to tell you. I’m serious.”

  “I promised, didn’t I?” Lauren said, putting a reassuring hand on Courtney’s shoulder. “You know you can trust me. What’s going on?”

  “Ditto,” added Matthew.

  “Okay… you guys are going to think I’m completely insane, but here’s the deal.”

  Courtney told them everything she’d learned so far on her own, along with what her parents had said. The story took forever to get out, but when she did, they were both staring at her as if she’d spontaneously combusted.

  After a couple of minutes, Lauren recovered enough to say, “You’re joking, right?”

  “Not even a little. Sam was there and he heard everything they said.”

  “She’s right,” he affirmed. “They looked like they were being serious. I don’t know how true all this really is, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they believe it.”

  “So what are you going to do?” Matthew asked.

  “I’m not sure.” Courtney absentmindedly played with the zipper of her jacket as she continued, “I think I want to try and find my real parents.”

  Lauren shook her head, throwing her hands up in the air. “This whole thing is insane. Seriously… you really think there’s some other family out there with some weird powers or something? Even if there was, what makes you think they’d want to see you? If, and that’s a big if, they are out there, they obviously thought it was better for you to keep your distance. Do you really want to go digging around where it might be dangerous?”

  Courtney couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She’d expected Lauren to be at least somewhat supportive of her. If she couldn’t count on the person she thought of as a sister to back her up on all of this, who could she turn to?

  “I don’t know! There’s just so much stuff out there I still have to figure out, and it’s driving me crazy. If there is another family, though, don’t you think I have the right to know more about them? Where I came from?”

  Sam reached over and gently touched her thigh. “Look, why don’t we all chill a minute. Court is obviously upset about this and arguing over everything isn’t going to help. What we have to do is figure out how to help.”

  “I think she should go for it,” Matthew chimed in. “Her parents could be making all this up, or they might not be. If they are, you have to wonder what they’re really hiding. Either way, at least she’ll know the truth.”

  “Thanks,” Courtney said. She glanced over at her cousin, annoyance settling in for the first time at the sight of her. They’d never really disagreed over much, but when they did it was something minor. Courtney resented her attitude. This was possibly the biggest thing to h
appen to her in a long time and this was the way Lauren reacted to it? “The question is, how can I prove any of this? I’ve been all over the house and there is nothing but that note and picture I mentioned.”

  “That’s a tough one,” Matthew agreed. After several minutes of thought, Matthew snapped his fingers. “Yes!”

  “What?” Sam asked.

  “Well, you said your parents told you these people have weird talents and all, right?”

  “Right,” Courtney confirmed.

  “So, there are tons of books out there about Telekinesis, ESP, and other paranormal stuff. Why don’t you try studying some and see if you can actually do any of it?” He smiled, looking proud of himself for having suggested she study.

  Courtney raised an eyebrow at him, wondering who this alien creature was. He’d never cracked a book in his life, even though he managed to get nothing less than a ‘B’ in school. “You want me to try moving things with my mind? Are you kidding? I’ve never tried anything like that before.”

  “So?” he countered. “There’s no history of something until it happens, right? Give it a try. At the very least, it’ll prove part of their story.”

  “I don’t like this,” Lauren interjected. “You’re talking about a lot of mumbo jumbo here, but if any of it has any basis in reality, should she really be playing around with it? It doesn’t sound natural to me.”

  “Thanks a lot,” Courtney said with a glare. “You’re sure being helpful tonight. I don’t know why I even told you any of this.”

  Lauren held her hands in a gesture of surrender, her voice softening as she furrowed her brow in concern. “Hey, calm down a minute. This is a lot for me to deal with too. I mean, you’re telling me you’re not really my cousin. All I’m saying is, assuming this stuff is true, couldn’t it be dangerous? It sounds like your real parents thought so… assuming this isn’t a huge joke.”