Chosen

by Lauren Chow

  “Clara!” a voice sang.

  I turned and saw Maggie looking like she was jumping up and down with excitement.

  “I got you some new clothes! Let’s get you changed, young lady!”

  Maggie grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the training room. I looked at the guys for help, but I only received laughter. I cringed as I imagined the type of clothing Maggie might have bought for me. Judging from her wardrobe, I thought I might be stuck wearing floral dresses.

  ***

  I looked in the mirror one last time. I was wearing a nice black V-neck with shorts. I didn’t know how Maggie knew my size, but I was grateful for it. I was just glad I didn’t have any dresses in my new closet.

  I put my hair into a ponytail because it wouldn’t cooperate with me. Stupid hair.

  I put on my worn-out Converse and sighed. I turned and opened the bathroom door to see Maggie waiting for me on the bed. I walked over and gave Maggie a hug.

  “Thank you,” I said timidly and pulled back. “This is way better than the clothes I was wearing.”

  Maggie smiled and nodded.

  “You’re welcome dear. I’m glad you like them. I didn’t see you as a high brand type of girl. Come on, everybody’s downstairs,” she said with a wide smile.

  Together we walked out of the room.

  “This house is huge,” I muttered as we moved through the halls.

  “You’ll get used to it.” Maggie laughed and nudged me to the living room. I stumbled in, bringing attention to me. The only people in there were Jay, Adam, Drake, and Luke.

  The guys were giving me weird looks. Did I have something on my face?

  I heard a wolf whistle and blushed at a smirking Adam.

  “Girl, aren’t you fine. I could just kiss you right now.” Adam smoldered, and I tried not to gag.

  “Yeah yeah,” I said and went to sit on the couch with Adam. “Thanks for the compliment because it means so much to me.”

  Luke and Drake snickered while Jay stayed silent. I looked at him and we locked eyes. Everything began to disappear and I felt my heart begin to race. It felt like I could barely breathe.

  With all my willpower, I snapped my eyes away from him and looked at the wall. My feelings were going haywire with this boy. First I was scared and now I’m swooning? I needed to get it together.

  Eventually my breathing and heart rate went back to normal.

  “Who wants to watch some TV?” Luke asked as we all sat there in silence.

  The guys nodded their heads and debated what they wanted to watch. I just snuggled on my side of the couch and curled into a ball. How comfy.

  I was in my own little world until I felt a nudge on my side. I turned and saw Jay sitting next to me with a smile. The butterflies in my stomach started to flutter rapidly.

  “Are you going to watch the movie or doze off the whole time, Shortie?” Jay asked.

  I whacked his arm because of the nickname. He winced and rubbed his arm like it hurt, but I had a feeling it didn’t.

  “You know I hate short jokes—and sure. What is it?” I asked.

  Jay pointed at the screen and I paled.

  “Uncle Eric! The Purge is on! Come join us!” Drake shouted up the stairs.

  I heard a door slam and heavy footsteps running. A blur landed on the couch next to me and I saw an eager Eric.

  “Let’s play it!” Eric cried excitedly, and Luke hit play.

  Who knew the forty-year-old man could be so childlike?

  The guys laughed before getting comfortable as the screen started the opening scene.

  I didn’t know why these demented boys were laughing. It was terrible. I couldn’t make it past the first half hour. I used Jay as a shield while I took off my bracelet and dangled the charms to distract me. I cringed while I heard screams and horrifying noises. The guys were laughing and commenting the whole time. I shook like a leaf, waiting for the movie to end. I realized all the noise had stopped and I looked up to see the credits on the screen. I sighed in relief.

  “You okay there, Clara?” Luke asked teasingly.

  I glared at him and the rest of the guys.

  “Shut up. Keller, you’re supposed to defend me.” I pouted and stood up, a little upset Jay’s warmth had been replaced by the cold.

  Adam just laughed even harder at my expense.

  “Sorry Girl Scout. You’re on your own this time.” He waved them off.

  Before I could argue, a ringing came through my ears. It felt like a knife cutting out my eardrums. I gasped and covered my ears, wishing the noise to stop, but to no avail. I shut my eyes and groaned. I felt my knees grow weak, and I almost crumbled to the ground before someone caught me.

  Clara!

  Is she alright?

  Where’s Luke?!

  Where’s the bracelet? Grab it!

  I gripped my head harder, overwhelmed by everyone’s thoughts. I felt someone pick me up and lay me gently on the couch. Everything sounded like it was underwater until I heard one voice.

  I know who you are, Clara. I will find you. Let this show you how much pain you’ll go through once I do.

  I knew that voice, and my distress increased as I recognized the voice as Dexter.

  The ringing became more intense as I felt myself begin to slip away. The noises came back; I could hear everyone yelling my name.

  I felt something on my bracelet before everything turned black.

  ***

  I opened my eyes and covered them to block the sunlight. I sat up and looked around to see that I was on the field again.

  “Look who’s returned. Now the distress signal made sense.”

  I heard a deep familiar voice. I looked and saw Jared sitting next to me on the field, checking stuff off his clipboard.

  “When are you going to make sense? We’re not going to get attacked again, are we?” I tried to say jokingly with a hint of seriousness.

  Jared shook his head. “No. We’re safe here. Speaking of which, how did you get here?” he asked as he looked through his clipboard. I rolled my eyes as he scanned the paper.

  “No clue. Now start answering my questions. Do you protect me from nightmares? Because if you do, you stink at your job. You and your clipboard can get fired. It’s not like I’m doing anything in here. I’m lying on grass—not murdering anyone—which is wrong! Well, actually there had been a lot of talk.”

  “I’m sorry, what?” Jared asked with a really confused expression.

  “I have a question,” I said, brushing aside my momentary problem for now.

  Jared looked at me with a both bewildered and amused expression. He nodded his head for me to continue.

  “Who are you?”

  Jared stared at me silently as he saw my confusion. He pushed a piece of hair that was lying across my face behind my ear and smiled softly.

  “Just someone who wants to keep you safe. Sleep well. I hope we can meet again one day.”

  As we heard ringing, he stilled, reached into his pocket, and pulled a phone out. There was a contact on it but I couldn’t get close enough to read it.

  “I got to take this. Go to sleep,” Jared said quietly with a wave.

  Before I could protest, my eyes closed and I fell into darkness.

  14 - Jealous Much?

  JAY WOODS

  I watched Clara as she was laughing with Adam on the other side of the living room. The rest of the guys and I were keeping an eye on her, looking for any signs of pain. If she even so much a frowned, I would have made Luke examine her head to toe.

  Clara gave us all a scare but she woke up with no injuries or symptoms the next morning. It had all happened so fast—one minute she was fine and the next she was holding her head in agony. We knew it had to be Dexter who had contacted her through her mind. We had to be more careful now than ever.

  “Dude, you need to stop staring at her like that. You look like a creep.” Luke laughed with the other g
uys.

  I glared at him.

  “Why are you still here when you could just suck it up and go over there? You’re acting like a wimp. Talk to her!” Drake shouted.

  I shushed him, making sure she didn’t overhear us.

  “You make it sound like I have feelings for her. I don’t have a thing for Clara,” I scoffed. “She’s the Chosen and we’re here to train and protect her,” I recited.

  Luke and Drake winced.

  “Now that’s just cold. What if Clara heard you? Someone’s in denial though. There’s nothing wrong being friends with Clara. And don’t you give me that bull! You were trying to stab me with a sword. And you’re telling me your anger had nothing to do with that girl?” Drake asked innocently.

  “No. You were just being extra annoying, big brother.”

  “So, you wouldn’t mind if I just walked up to her and smooched her on the lips? And if Luke and Adam did?” he challenged.

  “First of all, Adam is gay. Second, Clara will kick your ass for that. I don’t need to help,” I said a little too quickly.

  Luke and Drake snickered at each other.

  “I can just ask Adam. He can sense your emotions anyway with his ability.” He pointed at Adam, who gave me a wink before turning back to Clara.

  Great...

  Before I could argue, Eric walked into the room.

  “Alright guys, get ready. Clara’s first training session is in a half hour. I expect everyone to be ready by then,” Eric yelled before leaving again.

  Clara jumped up excitedly and ran out of the room. I chuckled under my breath. Someone was excited.

  I walked up to my room and grabbed some training clothes. I put on some shorts and debated with wearing a shirt. I decided not to wear one in the end and made my way to the training room.

  Since I was the first one there, I decided to get everything set up for today. As I started pulling out the mats, I heard the door open. I snapped my head up and my eyes stayed glued to the spot.

  In front of me was Clara shyly waving at me. She changed into some yoga pants and a grey baggy shirt. She looked adorable with the shirt swamped over her small body.

  I didn’t realize how hard I was staring until I saw Clara squirm.

  “Why are you staring at me like that?” Clara asked, uncomfortably playing with the hem of the shirt.

  I stopped my gawking and tried to look at her in a more casual manner.

  “I was just thinking about something. You look great Clara,” I told her honestly.

  I saw her face flush and I couldn’t help but smile. Her blush looked adorable on her. I looked down and felt relieved when I saw she was wearing her bracelet.

  Another thing we had to worry about. She wasn’t wearing her bracelet when the attack happened. We had all been reminding her to wear it since she always took it off.

  “You there Jay?” I saw tiny hands waving in my face.

  I looked down at Clara trying to jump so her hands could reach my face. I didn’t notice how tiny she was compared to me. She had to be around five foot two while I was six foot four.

  I grabbed her wrists and she froze. I looked into her penetrating blue eyes. There was something about them that made me want to do something. I couldn’t describe it. It felt... good? I felt my pulse skyrocket with an overwhelming urge to pull her closer. I could see her chest begin to rise faster as well.

  “Good, you guys are here! Let’s get started, Clara. Today, you’re learning simple defense moves.”

  I quickly shook myself out of my trance and pulled away. We turned around to see Eric walking toward us. After shaking off the weird vibes I was having, I pulled away my hands and walked over to the rest of the group that must have walked in during our exchange.

  “What was that about?” Adam asked teasingly and began to squeal. “Are you falling for my Girl Scout?” He started to jump up and down in excitement.

  What the heck? As much as I hated to admit it, I was glad he was back to his usual quirky self. Didn’t mean I had to like it though. I tried not to punch him in the face for his nickname for Clara. They’re best friends, I chanted in my head.

  “Come on, we have training to do,” I muttered and walked over to Clara, who was being shown the proper stances by Drake.

  “You can’t hide from me!” Adam said.

  I resisted the urge to flip him off.

  ***

  CLARA EVANS

  I landed with a thud again. I hated this.

  I slowly got up and rubbed my arm where a bruise was starting to form.

  My first battle scar—huzzah.

  “I thought we were only doing stances and not actually attacking,” I whined. I knew it was just a bruise but still.

  “Expect the unexpected. The enemies aren’t going to be gentle with you like I am. Luke, can you heal Clara’s bruise please?” Drake asked.

  Luke sighed and crouched in front of me. He put his hand on my bruise and closed his eyes. I felt warmth surge through my arm and felt the pain dissipate. Luke opened his eyes and moved his hand. I looked down in shock. It was gone!

  “Thank you. How did you do that again?” I asked in awe. This was way better than eating a banana to help heal the bruise.

  Luke smiled down at me. Even when he crouched he was still a huge mountain.

  “Every person has their own special ability. You, for example, can read minds. Mine, however, is healing. You aren’t able to get your abilities until you at least reach eighteen years of age. Sometimes your abilities don’t appear until you’re older. Luckily, I got mine when I was nineteen. My mom cut her finger with a knife, and I went to help until the cut disappeared. Scared the crap out of both of us.” Luke laughed, and I joined in.

  I looked at the rest of the guys who were taking a water break. “Do you guys have your super secret powers yet?” I asked in a mystical voice.

  Adam smiled at me. “I already told you mine. I can read everyone’s emotions in this room. I can figure out if you’re sad, mad, glad, or sad.”

  “You said sad twice,” I pointed out.

  “I know. Just making sure you were paying attention. Care for me to show you?” Adam asked, and I nodded eagerly. This was way better than Drake shoving me on the mat repeatedly.

  Adam surveyed the room and stopped at Jay. He gave him a mischievous grin, and I could see Jay looking at him in warning.

  “Well,” Adam dragged on while I impatiently waited. “Everyone in the room is content with a hint of amusement. I can tell they’re amused by your curiosity. One emotion is sticking out, however. I can feel a sense of annoyance and nervousness in the room.”

  Adam dragged off and I watched him in fascination as he kept his gaze on Jay.

  “Can you tell where the nervousness is coming from?” I asked excitedly while everyone else snickered. I look around in confusion until Adam pointed at Jay.

  “Jay is nervous right now because he thinks I’m going to tell you that—”

  “Alright Adam. I think we made Jay sweat enough,” Drake teased as Adam raised his hands in mock surrender.

  “Clara was the one who asked,” Adam said innocently.

  I turned to look at Jay and saw him looking relieved as he leaned against the wall. I tilted my head curiously, but I had a feeling I wouldn’t get an answer if I asked.

  I pushed it to the side and turned to everyone else. “Anyone else?” I asked in excitement.

  Drake shrugged.

  “No clue. Still waiting, unfortunately. My life has been wasted the last four years!” he cried out dramatically.

  “I can agree to that—minus three years and two months,” Jay confirmed.

  “So, the Wood Brothers have nothing to show?” I pouted dramatically.

  All the boys howled in laughter, apart from Drake and Jay who were scowling. I looked at them all in confusion. Adam wiped his eyes.

  “I guess you can say that, Girl Scout,” he said, trying to
calm down.

  Before I could ask what was so funny, Eric walked in.

  “That’s enough for today. Clara, Maggie and I want to talk to you once you get cleaned up.”

  I nodded and jumped up, stretching my aching muscles. I’d never worked out so hard in my life. I skipped to my room to take a shower.

  15 - Goats

  I slowly knocked on Eric’s office door and he called me in. I opened the door and saw Maggie and Eric sitting on his desk looking at a stack of papers. They saw that it was me and started to organize their things into a folder.

  “Come and have a seat Clara. How was your first training session?” Eric asked and gestured to the chair in front of them.

  I skipped my way to the chair, only to trip and fall into it.

  Of course this would happen.

  I ignored their chuckles as I adjusted my position. I leaned back and crossed my arms.

  “It was fine. Besides Drake throwing me on the mat multiple times and leaving bruises, it was great,” I said sarcastically.

  “It’s hard at first, but your body will adjust,” Eric said with a smile.

  I sure hoped so.

  “So, what did you guys want to talk about?” I looked between the both of them.

  “We wanted to talk to you about your situation. We don’t think you fully understand what is happening,” Maggie said softly.

  “I do though,” I reassured. “I am the girl who somehow gained supernatural powers and has to lead a group of people I didn’t even know existed until a week ago,” I tried to say nonchalantly, but I felt my voice start to waver.

  “My school doesn’t remember me—I was practically nonexistent due to something I did when Bryce attacked me on my birthday. I was chased through the woods, lost my foster parents, and found refuge here at your home. Then a bunch of strangers says they are going to train me to defeat some evil, and I have a feeling that the only solution is murder,” I rambled, feeling everything close in.

  Oh gosh, I thought I was about to have a panic attack. I took deep breaths to calm myself and push the tears back. I wasn’t a crier, but ever since everything changed, I’d been bawling like a baby.