by Amber Garza
Today we’re running the mile, and I work hard at keeping a steady, even pace. If I wanted to, I could lap all these kids. In fact, if I went at full speed I would have finished several minutes ago. I certainly wouldn’t still be on my second lap. When I feel my legs pump faster, I bite my lip and force them to slow. My muscles practically pulsate under my skin, itching to be used. I stay a safe distance behind Chad Nelson. He’s the fastest runner in my class and, therefore, I always use him as my benchmark. If I pass him, it will draw attention to me. Something I can’t afford to do right now.
As my feet thud on the dirt track, I think about when Delaney and I were in elementary school and my gift first manifested. Delaney had just started getting her weird visions, and I teased her about it all the time. The truth is that I was really jealous. My parents peppered my childhood with stories about how one day I would be a real superhero. It wasn’t supposed to be Delaney. It was supposed to be me. Besides, she didn’t even want her gift. She kept whining about it like it was some kind of curse.
So one day while Delaney and I played on the monkey bars at school I decided to show off. I jumped up and grabbed the first rung, determined to get across faster than her. I swung for a moment and then propelled my body forward. Only I propelled it too far and went flying though the air, landing clear on the other side of the bars. I landed with a thud so hard that dirt kicked up like a wall in Delaney’s face. She coughed and sputtered.
Kids whooped and hollered all around me. The yard duty ran in my direction. Delaney’s eyes widened. I wasn’t hurt, but it was the first time I realized my strength far exceeded others. From then on, I could always run faster, jump higher, and break things with my bare hands. Until I learned how to control myself, my parents had to replace doorknobs and faucet handles in our home as often as we went grocery shopping.
A couple of girls jog past, their long hair fanning around their faces. They both stop talking and throw me smiles. I immediately stare at my feet. I know everyone thinks I’m an arrogant jerk, but it’s the way it has to be. I can’t encourage interaction with anyone but Delaney. She’s the only safe person for me.
Ariel’s face surfaces in my mind, and a smile breaks out on my face. Until now, that is.
Amber Garza lives in California with her amazing husband, and two hilarious children who provide her with enough material to keep her writing for years!
To find out more information visit: http://www.ambergarza.wordpress.com
If you enjoyed this short story I would be so honored if you would review it and share it! If you are interested in continuing on with Delaney’s story please pick up a copy of Dazzle:Book One in the Delaney’s Gift Series.
Thank you and happy reading!
Other titles by Amber Garza
YA Christian Thrillers:
The Prowl Trilogy
Prowl
Entice
Unveil
Single Title Suspense:
Engraved
Delaney’s Gift Series:
Dazzle
To connect with Amber Garza online:
http://www.ambergarza.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Garza-author
To find out more information about the Delaney’s Gift Series or to participate in polls and games, visit the official website of the Delaney’s Gift Series: http://www.delaneysgiftseries.com