by W. J. May
Dean Carter pulled up his sleeve and showed his tatù. On his skin lay a triangle with an eye in the center.
“I’ve a very unique ability.” He stared down his nose at her. “By touching someone, I’m able to see their past. Flashes of it, and usually it’s the secrets people prefer to keep hidden. My father had the same ink and did wonders with the police in interrogation rooms, and later in the military with captured enemies. He taught me firsthand how the ink worked.”
As he spoke, Headmaster Lanford walked into the room, whistling. “Good morning! How’s our birthday student doing?”
Dean Carter stepped away from Rae and turned, a fake smile plastered on his face and his entire demeanor changed from raging to polite.
“She’s fine. Her tatù is some new, original ink.” Dean Carter tried to put the camera away, but Lanford stopped him, taking the camera from his hands to look at the picture. Dean Carter stayed very still, eyes focused intently on Lanford. “Not like her father’s or her mother’s ink.”
“Interesting…very different.” Lanford continued to study the picture as a large, toothy smile split his face. Headmaster Lanford walked over to Rae, ignoring Carter, and sat down beside her on the bed, patting her knee in a friendly, fatherly manner. “Able to try anything?”
“Dean Carter tried about a hundred different tests on me, but I’m afraid I haven’t been able to do much so far.” She wanted to hug him. She was so happy he’d come. “I figured since my ink has wings, I might be able to fly. However, no go. Something feels different. I just don’t know exactly what.”
“Hmm…well it’s good to see you’re trying.” He slapped his leg and stood. “When I learned to raise myself up, I had to focus on something outside of what I was actually trying to do. I’d stand in the center of the room and focus on a lift or elevator, something that could rise up but needed assistance.” He offered her his hand. “Would you like to try?”
“Sure, why not?” Rae got off the bed. She glanced over toward the dean. He stood with his arms crossed in front of his chest in the corner of the room by the broken chair. He had a scowl on his face, but he didn’t say anything.
Rae faced Headmaster Lanford. He held his arms out to her, palms up, so she stretched out her arms with her palms down. She closed her eyes and focused on his steady voice. She knew it’d work. She’d felt the power of his ink run through her veins when he offered her his hand. Within seconds, the two of them were three feet above the floor. When Rae opened her eyes to glance down, she felt herself begin to fall.
“Focus, Rae! Be the cable that keeps you suspended.”
She regained control of her balance and gingerly brought her body back up to his level.
“Well done.” His steady voice helped make the rest of the room disappear. “Focus on the feeling of letting go of gravity. Think back to the day in the Oratory when I lifted you. This is the same feeling, but now you’re the one controlling your own movement.” He made large circles with his arms. “Concentrate on the air. See how it appears thicker than you think? It’s thick enough to stand on and step up higher. Focus, stay focused.”
This is SO FRIGGIN’ COOL! Having walked on air for ten minutes, the headmaster decided it was time to “come back to earth”. Slowly, they sank back to the ground, with Lanford’s combover now a mess. They landed in front of Dean Carter. The dean’s scowl erased Rae’s high-spirited mood from a second ago.
“Finally.” Dean Carter threw his hands up in the air. “Women! They don’t understand anything.” He shook his head and turned to the headmaster. “I wish you’d come by at seven this morning. Would have saved us all that time of useless experimenting.” He tapped his finger against his lips. “I think this ink has more. If it was just a gravity-thing, the stamp would be similar to yours. Neither of her folks had that ability.”
“Andrew, the ink is unique,” Lanford said. “We, Rae included, won’t figure it out in the course of a day. Give her time. Everything’ll be fine.”
“Possibly.” Carter glared down his nose at Rae. “However, I think we should continue to closely monitor – sorry, teach Ms. Kerrigan how she can best use her ability or abilities, for the good of the school and her future well-being, of course.”
“I’ve already seen to it.” Lanford waved a hand. “Rae’s in my afternoon class, and there’s a very bright student mentoring her two evenings a week.” He turned his attention back to her. “Rae, it’s your birthday. Go. Enjoy your day before it’s over.”
“Thanks, sir.” She was so grateful for his presence and his pronouncement she wanted to reach over and fix his messy hair. Instead, she turned, grabbed her backpack and rushed to the bathroom to change her clothes before the dean could change Lanford’s mind.
Taking the quickest shower of her life, she dried off in record time with a crappy, stiff hospital towel. She threw on jeans and a sweatshirt, running out of the Infirmary without glancing back.
The fresh air hit her like feathers from heaven. Rae inhaled deeply, enjoying the breeze and slowed to a walk. A lovely warm wind blew and the sun shone from a cloudless sky. She headed toward the dorms, pausing when a familiar voice called out to her.
“Happy birthday!” Andy caught up to her. “I was just going to come see what was taking you so long.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever escape. The dean’s a royal pain in the arse.”
He laughed. “How’d everything go?” He grabbed her hand and squeezed it.
“All right.” Rae tried to free her hand from the sweaty one holding it. “Carter’s a pain in the rear. My tatù’s some kind of fairy. Lanford came by and was totally cool. He figured my ink has something to do with gravity.” She grinned, wiggling her hand loose. “Looks like I might be able to do some flying.”
“Trying to make me jealous?” Andy laughed, reaching for her hand again and missing. “You should tell Rob. I’m sure he’d love to fly without having to turn into a bird.”
“It’s an eagle. His gift’s super cool. I wouldn’t change that ability at all.” Rae thought back to Friday afternoon and then realized what she’d said. “I-I mean, it s-seems pretty cool. Shape-shifting. You guys are so lucky.” She forced a laugh. “I definitely won’t be turning into some fairy and sprouting wings.” Maybe…I wonder if that’s a possibility.
Andy winked and grinned. “You’d make one helluva hot fairy.” He looked her up and down. “When do I get to see this ink-art?”
Rae blushed and pulled the back of her shirt down, paranoid he might lean back and try to check it out. “Uh… I’m not much for being flashy.”
Andy grinned. “I like that about you. Anyways, you’re still coming tonight, right?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. Sort of like a pretend birthday party for all of us sixteen year olds.” She started toward Aumbry House and then turned around to ask Andy another question. “Is Devon back? I, um, was wondering how his mom’s doing.”
“He got back about half an hour ago. He said everything’s all right. She broke both bones in her lower leg, just above her ankle.” His face puckered up like it hurt him to think of it.
“Ouch! Glad to hear she’s going to be all right.” Awesome! I get to see Devon today! She started up the concrete steps of Aumbry House. “See you later.”
Rae headed inside and met Molly on the marble staircase. Molly screamed with excitement when she saw Rae. She grabbed her hand and dragged Rae up to their room.
As soon as she shut the door, Molly lifted Rae’s top. “Oh my goodness, you’re tatù’s totally awesome! By far the best ink art I’ve ever seen.” She lightly touched Rae’s back. “It almost like you painted glitter sparkles on the wings. That Celtic design’s going to look awesome when you wear jeans. You have to make sure your tatù shows off just above them.” She headed for Rae’s closet. “Wear low riders so guys can catch a good glimpse.”
Rae couldn’t stop laughing. Molly was completely and utterly nuts. Molly tossed a pair of Rae’s dark blue jeans on her bed, alon
g with a bunch of Rae’s tops. “Start trying these on. I’ll help you find something hot to wear tonight.” She ran to her closet and threw a handful of clothes on Rae’s bed. Then she ran into the hall, calling the other girls into the room to see Rae’s tatù.
Rae had her head stuffed inside one of Molly’s long sleeve shirts when she heard her roommate in the hallway, talking to Maria and Haley.
“It’s about time a GIRL has unique ink instead of a guy. And she’s my roommate.”
The girls filed into the room.
One of the twins dropped onto Rae’s bed. She turned to Molly. “Awesome clothes. I love designer brands. How do you keep your side of the room so neat.”
Rae didn’t bother to mention it was actually her side.
“Riley and another senior boy are bringing alcohol.” Molly looked like she’d been dying to tell the secret for days.
“There’s no drinking on school property.” Aiden was the twin on Rae’s bed.
“Riley said where the forest ends, and the open field begins, is the end of Guilder’s property. So even if we get caught, we technically can’t get into too much trouble.”
I’m not touching the stuff, either way. Rae grinned. After dealing with Dean Carter, she’d take Molly’s verbal diarrhea any day.
“Rae Kerrigan,” Molly shouted. “I know exactly what you are thinking and you’re wrong! You are going to have one drink.” She pointed her finger at Rae. “You don’t have to get drunk, but you’re going to have a celebratory drink.”
Rae chuckled. “Whatever, Molls.” However, the idea of alcohol made her nervous. What if she started blabbing about knowing her ability or about her birthday date mix-up? Or worse, she said something about crushing on Devon? Too risky.
“Let’s order pizza,” Haley interrupted. “I’m hungry. I’ll call Julian and get him to pick it up. He’s a sucker.”
“Julian’s super nice and you shouldn’t use or talk about him that way!” Maria’s quiet voice came out strong and irritated.
“Sorry,” Haley said softly. It wasn’t loud, but it made Rae smile. Maria might be quiet, but she stood up for what she believed in and even Haley didn’t tread on her. Go Maria!
Chapter 17
C-O-P
“It may be November, but tonight’s really warm,” Molly told Rae as they headed up to their dorm after dinner in the games room. “Julian told me the guys are going to set torches in the ground…give it a Survivor kinda feel.” She gave Rae a once over. “I’ve the perfect top to show off your tatù…” She paused and sighed when she saw Rae’s face. “Without making it obvious you’re trying! Give me some credit here! Have I ever steered you wrong? Let me go through our stuff one more time and see what’ll match.”
“Um…Okay.” Part of her felt excited Molly wanted to help, the other part, nervous. Rae had never been flashy, but Molly had the perfect magazine look, like she’d just stepped onto the runway. They were so different. And yet, Molly had a point. She’d never steered her wrong before, fashion-wise. She seemed to have a knack for knowing what worked for Rae without making her look like something she wasn’t.
Molly rapped her fingers against the closet door as she stared at Rae’s wardrobe. “You know, besides those dark jeans I picked before, you don’t really have many clothes. Your American style is, like, a season behind ours. I really need to teach you to shop properly. If you want, why don’t you come to my place over the holidays? We can hit all the Boxing Day sales, and redo your entire wardrobe.”
Rae couldn’t believe it. “Are you asking me to spend Christmas with you?” She hadn’t planned on flying home until the summer so she was free, but she hadn’t yet considered the Christmas break and what she would do during it. And while she and Molly had gotten close since they’d met, she’d always thought maybe Molly would treat her like everyone else did when it came down to it. Yet here she was, inviting Rae-the-evil-freak to her house. Plus, staying at school by herself while everyone else went home to be with family, certainly didn’t sound fun.
“Sure, but only if you’re willing to get a new wardrobe.” Molly smiled. “You know what, I’m really glad we’re roommates. Hanging out with you is going to be a very good thing now.
Rae’s heart swelled even as she rolled her eyes. “Glad one of us thinks my tatù’s a good attention getter.” I am so lucky to have you as a roomy, Molls.
Molly bent down and disappeared into Rae’s closet. “You have those cool Converse Pink sparkly runners. Wear them.” She tossed them at Rae and disappeared into her own closet. “I have this awesome white top with a Celtic design on the side which runs over the shoulder then down a bit of the back. It’ll look perfect with your ink.” Molly chewed on her fingernail while she gave Rae the once-over. “We’re going to have to do something with your hair. It’s braided right now, but I bet if we let the braid out and add a little mousse, it’ll be fine.”
Molly dressed in a pair of black dress pants with a very expensive-looking (and chest-flattering) top. She’d done hers and Rae’s makeup perfectly. Nothing was missed. Haley tapped on their door and whispered, “Time to go.”
Sixteen girls tiptoed down the stairs, sneaking toward the back door. The twins stood by Madame Elpis’ door, giggling as Nadia concentrated on sending Madame Elpis wonderful, happy dreams. Aidan had wanted to send the dreams, but everyone had agreed that’d be a mistake.
Outside, the group relaxed and ran toward the trees.
Gale, the senior with excellent hearing, touched Rae’s shoulder. “Can you see anything?” she whispered.
Rae pointed to the dancing dots on the east side of the forest. “I think those are torches.” She absorbed Gale’s ink, loving the feeling the hum gave as it coursed through her veins. Rae’s hearing picked up instantly, as if her other senses were put on a slight dimmer and the volume was turned up so she could hear everything more clearly.
When they were free from the forest, the girls quickly dispersed among the boys who were already hanging out in the field. Rae held back among the shadows, suddenly shy.
Riley walked over and handed her a can of cider, smiling sweetly. “If you’re going to drink anything, stick to cider and take it easy.” He held his beer can up. “Cheers, an’ happy birthday!”
Rae touched cans with Riley’s and reluctantly took a small sip, surprised the bubbly cider actually didn’t taste too bad.
Nicholas sauntered over to wish her a happy birthday. He bugged her until she took a sip of his beer. The grimace on her face made him laugh and spill his tall can.
Rae chatted with him, her eyes roaming the field for Devon. Halfway through her cider, she began to relax. So, it seemed, did the other girls. Before long, they were tying the fronts of their shirts up to show off the ink art on their backs.
Rae slipped back toward the outer circle. No way I’m doing that. She heard some of the boys talking about her father and comparing her to him. No one knew her ability and she needed to remember to constantly think before saying or doing something stupid.
“Hiding out in the dark?” A voice drifted quietly toward her.
“Devon!” Rae swung around and hugged him. She pulled back awkwardly, surprised at her exuberance. She took a sip of her cider.
“Happy birthday.”
“How’s your mom?”
They both spoke at the same time.
“You first,” Rae said.
“Happy birthday. I got back late this afternoon and didn’t see you at dinner.”
“We ordered pizza.”
“Yeah, Julian informed us of his dinner with all of you.” Rae could hear the smile in his voice.
“How’s your mom? Andy told me she broke her leg.”
“She’s pretty sore, but happy that I came to see her.”
“I’m sure.” Who wouldn’t love to have a perfect boy like you?
He coughed. “I, uh, picked you out a little gift. It isn’t really anything, but when I saw it, I thought of you.” Devon pulled out a small box
from his pocket and hesitantly gave it to Rae.
Her heart skipped a beat or two as she tore the sparkly wrapping paper and lifted the lid off the box. Inside was a silver cuff bracelet. She lifted it out of the box to read the line inscribed: “Follow your dreams…” She went to put it on her wrist. “Thanks. That’s really sweet of you.”
Devon reached over and held her wrist. “Wait. Don’t put it on yet. You have to read the inscription on the inside.”
Rae paused, enjoying the tingling burn his fingers created against her skin. Devon’s ability coursed through her. The night suddenly became brighter, her vision spectacular as she turned the bracelet over to read it. “… But watch your back.”
Devon laughed. “With all the crap and cool stuff you’re dealing with this year, it just seemed… kinda fitting.”
“It’s awesome. I really like it.” She meant it. What were the chances he’d find something like that for her? It was perfect.
He grinned, giving Rae a quick glimpse of his dimple. “What’re friends for if you can’t celebrate an important day like today?”
A pang of guilt surged through her and she couldn’t take it anymore. She didn’t do well with lying to begin with, and having kept her own secret for so long she needed to tell someone. “I have to tell you something.” Rae wasn’t sure if it was remorse or cider talking. She decided to let the words out before she lost her courage. “My birthday was actually on Friday.” She sneaked a peek at his face. The surprised look made her babble an explanation. “My birth certificate’s wrong. My mom had me at home and when they took me to the hospital to register my birth, the doctor put the wrong date down. My mom never bothered to get it corrected. It’s not really a big deal.” She shrugged. “With this whole tatù thingie being blown out of proportion for me…I just wanted to tell you.” She swirled her empty can of cider, now wishing she had a full one in her hand.
“Your secret, not mine.” His face turned sympathetic. “I won’t tell a soul. I do think, though, if you wanted the experience on your own, Lanford wouldn’t have cared.” He motioned with his hands. “How’d it go today?”