“You little bitch,” Sandra snapped as Jenna and Dylan came up for air. “Enjoy it now, because I guarantee it won’t last.”
Jenna let go of Dylan and glared at Sandra. She was really starting to push her luck. All her life she had backed down from girls like her, and that was going to stop. She shook her hands as they began to tingle. I can control this, she thought to herself as she took a deep breath and thought of the bonfire with Dylan.
“If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll make your life miserable here.” Sandra narrowed her eyes with promised retribution.
The tingling intensified as Sandra refused to back down. “Other girls may be afraid of you. But, I’m not.” Jenna couldn’t help it; she wasn’t going to let Sandra win. She took a deep breath to try to control the burning sensation that was starting to radiate up her arms.
“Okay, that’s enough girls,” Dylan said as he put his hands on Jenna’s shoulders and pulled her back. “Sandra, I’ve made my choice. Now, deal with it and leave us alone.”
The burning sensation began to subside the moment Dylan touched Jenna. She breathed a sigh of relief as her body returned to normal.
“Whatever. I have better things to do anyway.” Sandra pivoted on her heels and stomped away.
Jenna was surprised the glass in the front door didn’t break the way Sandra flung in open. She was glad she was gone and hoped she had gotten the point that she wasn’t going to allow her to push her around like she did other girls.
“Oh my God!” Jasmine exclaimed rushing toward her. “I can’t believe you just did that.”
“You should have seen her face when you kissed Dylan,” Carla said coming up beside her. “It was priceless. I thought she was going to spit venom.”
“I’m not going to let her push me around. I’m tired of hearing I stole Dylan when I didn’t,” Jenna replied.
“Good for you,” both girls said in unison.
“Alright, now that the drama is over for the night, I thought I’d challenge my girlfriend to a game of pool,” Dylan said taking Jenna by the hand and leading her over an empty pool table. “I never knew I was dating such a tough girl,” he laughed.
“Is that a problem?” Jenna asked pulling her hand out of his. “I know we just met, and don’t know much about each other, but you get what you see.”
“Jenna, I didn’t mean it like that. You’re right we don’t know each other very well, but the fun part is getting to know each other. I’d never ask you to change who you are.”
Jenna smiled and hugged Dylan. She didn’t want to lose him, but she wasn’t going to change for anyone.
“Okay, okay,” Dean said interrupting. “Do you think I could steal my best friend for a game of pool?”
“Do you mind?” Dylan asked.
“You don’t need my permission,” Jenna told Dylan. “Go ahead; I’ll be with the girls.”
“Jenna, wait up,” Alex said as she was heading towards Jasmine and Carla.
Jenna turned and waited for Alex to catch up. He took her by the elbow and led her to an empty corner.
“Why did you let Sandra attack you like that?” Alex whispered.
“What do you mean? I took care of it?”
“What do I mean? You could have totally embarrassed her. But instead you kiss Dylan to prove your point. What was that?”
Jenna glanced around Alex to make sure no one was listening to them. “So, what would you prefer; that I use my abilities on her? That’s not going to happen. I’m a big girl and can take care of myself… without using my abilities.”
“I can see that. All I’m saying is that with people like Sandra it feels really good to give them a double dose of what they dish out.”
“Maybe for you, but not for me.” Jenna couldn’t believe what she was hearing. After his lecture last week about not using their abilities in public, here he was telling her she should. “I thought you said not to do that. That it was too risky.”
“I know, but we have all these amazing capabilities. We need to be ready to use them in any situation. Even if that means practicing on bitches like Sandra.”
Jenna shook her head. “I’m not talking about this now. We’ll discuss it tomorrow at home.” She sidestepped around Alex and walked away. This was not a conversation she was going to have here. She could feel Alex’s dark brown eyes boring into her back as she walked over to Dylan and hugged him.
“Everything okay?” he asked hugging her back.
“Yeah, it was just a disagreement. Nothing I can’t handle.”
“We’ll head out after this game. It’s starting to get late and I have to get the tractor fixed tomorrow so, I need to be at work early.”
“Okay. I’ll say goodbye to the girls.” Jenna headed over and said goodbye to Jasmine and Carla, promising to hang out again soon. Dylan was done soon after and they headed out.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Dylan asked as they drove home. “You’re very quiet. Is it that argument you had with Alex.
Jenna sighed. “It’s just that one moment he wants me to do something one way, then the next he wants something else. I just can’t win.”
“I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but I think you have a right to know.”
Jenna twisted in her seat to face Dylan. “Tell me what?”
“Remember when we saw him out front of Charlie’s and he said he was arguing with a friend of Sandra’s. Well, he was lying. I don’t know who he was talking too, but it wasn’t one of her friends.”
“How do you know that?”
“Dean told me. He said that before we got there a girl came in looking for Alex. He got really pissed that she was there and took her outside to talk. I told him we knew and that Alex said it was one of Sandra’s friends. He knows the girl and she hates Sandra. She would never do anything like that for her.
Jenna sat back in the seat. “I’ll ask him later about it. I’m not going to let him ruin the last few minutes of our night.” Jenna rested her head on his shoulder as he turned into her driveway.
“Good, I’d rather leave tonight knowing you’re in a good mood rather than a bad one because I ratted Alex out.” Dylan pulled up in front of the house and turned the engine off.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have told you,” he said taking her hand and helping her out of the truck.
“No, I’m glad you did. I just can’t imagine why he lied about it.”
“I don’t know, maybe Sandra did put the girl up to it. You never know with her.”
“Yeah, maybe, but enough about Alex,” Jenna turned and faced Dylan. “How about we end this night on a good note?” She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“So, what do you have in mind?” Dylan put his hands around her waist and pulled her closer.
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a handshake goodnight,” Jenna joked.
Dylan laughed. “I have a better idea.” He leaned down and gently kissed her.
“I like that idea better,” Jenna said as the porch light came on.
“I guess that’s my clue it’s time you went inside,” Dylan said as he took her hand and walked her over to the porch.
“How about you come to the house tomorrow for lunch? I’ll make us some sandwiches,” Jenna asked.
“Sounds good. I’ll see you around noon.”
Dylan kissed her one last time then turned and headed for the truck. He waved as he drove away and Jenna headed up the steps to wait for Alex. She wanted to know why he’d lied to her, and she was going to find out the truth about who this girl really was.
ARLENE looked up from her book as Jenna came into the house. “How was your date?” she asked as she closed the book.
“It was good. We had a great time,” Jenna replied leaning against the doorway in the living room.
“I’m glad you two hit it off. Dylan really is a good guy. And, he seems to care for you.”
Jenna pushed herself off the wall and entered the living room. “I really like him too. But, do you
mind if I ask you something?”
“You can ask me anything,” Arlene replied.
Jenna sat down in the armchair next to the couch. “It’s just that I’ve never felt like this about a boy before. I mean I’ve had boyfriends, so I know how it feels to date someone. But, it’s different with Dylan. I can’t really describe it. After everything that’s happened recently, when I’m with him, things seem… better. Like its okay to be happy when I shouldn’t be. Does that make sense to you?”
Arlene smiled. “Jenna, you feel this way because you found someone you can fall in love with. Don’t let the things in your past get in the way of a happy future. I can guarantee your mom would want you and Dylan to be happy.”
“It’s just that sometimes…” Jenna looked down and studied her hands. “Sometimes I feel guilty about being happy.”
“Jenna, honey.” Arlene leaned forward and touched Jenna’s knee. “Never feel guilty about that. It’s what your mom and dad would want. Allowing yourself to love will help you through some tough times.”
Jenna looked up. “Thanks Arlene,” she said, and then paused for a moment. “Can I ask you one more question?”
“Sure.”
“How long did Dylan and Sandra date?”
Arlene thought for a second. “I’d say about two months. Why? What did he tell you?”
“He told me they dated for a couple of months, and then one day he decided he wanted a break with her. It’s just that Sandra seems so obsessed with him so I thought maybe something happened.”
“Jenna, I wouldn’t worry about it. I see Dylan almost every day and for the last few weeks of their relationship, he seemed annoyed with her. I know she was constantly calling him and would get mad when he didn’t answer. So, I’m going to guess that one day he woke up and decided enough was enough.”
“That’s what he said. I just want to make sure I’m not a rebound girl for him. I don’t think I could handle it if I was.”
Arlene smiled. “I can honestly tell you, you’re not. Dylan has worked here for a few years now and although he’s dated a lot of girls he’s never really shown as much interest in one as he has you. I know for a fact that you’re the first he has ever taken to the meadow. And, that says a lot right there.”
Arlene was about to say something else when Alex came through the front door.
“Hey, Alex, how was your night?” Arlene asked him.
“It was okay,” Alex answered as he came into the living room.
“Well, it’s good to hear both of you are settling in and making friends. But, it’s getting late and I only stayed up to wait for the two of you. I have to be up early, so I’ll see you guys in the morning.” Arlene stood up and headed upstairs to her room.
“Hold on, Alex,” Jenna said as he turned to follow Arlene up the stairs. “We need to talk.”
Alex stopped and turned around. “What?” he mumbled.
“I want to know what’s up with you,” Jenna asked standing up and walking towards him.
“I don’t know what you mean,” Alex said with a smug gaze. “Nothing’s up with me.”
“You know damn well what I’m talking about. First you tell me not to use my abilities in public, and then tonight you practically scold me for not using them.”
“Jeez, Jenna, you don’t have to be so dramatic. I was just saying that some people deserve to get an extra dose of bad karma. You should have double dosed Sandra. We both know she deserves it.”
Jenna flashed Alex a look of disdain. “Maybe she does, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to do it. That’s not how I’m choosing to use my abilities.”
Alex took a step toward Jenna. “How you’re choosing to use your abilities? You had no problem with it that night on the beach. Heck, you were all for it. So, don’t stand there and act like you’ve never done it before, because you have. And, you liked it!”
“Maybe I did, but I don’t want to do that anymore.”
“So, let me get this straight,” Alex replied waving his hand in a gesture of dismissal. “In order for us to prepare ourselves for what may come in the future we have to practice, but since you started dating Dylan all of a sudden you’re too good to use your abilities. Well, if that’s the case then you’d better break up with him. Because let me tell you something. The day will come when you will need to defend yourself against our enemies, and you better be ready.”
Jenna’s eyes blazed with anger as she clenched her fists. “Don’t you dare bring Dylan into this?
“Why not? Dylan’s a bad influence and you need to break up with him, NOW!”
Jenna’s pulse raced as she raised her hand and sent Alex flying backwards into the staircase railing. He gasped as the air escaped his lungs. She held her energy on him so he couldn’t move.
“Let’s get one thing straight, right here and now,” Jenna said, her voice heavy with anger. “You will never tell me who I can and cannot date. It’s none of your business. You seem to have it in your head that I’m some weak little girl who needs protecting, but we both know my abilities are much more powerful than yours. So, don’t ever talk to me like that again. Do you understand?”
Alex nodded his head and Jenna released him. He started to raise his hand, but Jenna was quicker and had him pinned to the railing again before he could get it up. Alex started laughing as he tried to move his body.
“What’s so funny?” she asked; annoyed that her reaction seemed to amuse him.
“Arlene is going to have a fit when she sees this railing in the morning. She may regret letting us stay if this is how we are going to handle our disagreements,” he joked.
Jenna let Alex go and he slid from the railing. “I don’t see how this is funny.”
A grin appeared on Alex’s face. “I don’t see how you don’t?” he replied as he got up from the floor. “I mean, come on. Other teenagers our age yell at each other when they fight, maybe throw a few things. But, us, we throw each other.”
Seeing the amusement in Alex’s eyes, Jenna couldn’t help but laugh. “Arlene is going to kill us when she see’s this,” she said as she inspected the railing.
“We better come up with a good excuse. If she finds out you used your abilities on me, she won’t be happy.”
“Well then, maybe you should remember that you’re not my real brother and you have no say in who I date. And by the way, I want to know why you lied to me about who that girl was you were arguing with tonight.”
“I told you Sandra sent her. Sandra knew I wouldn’t talk to any of her real friends so she paid the girl to get me alone and deliver the message.”
Jenna wondered if Alex was lying to her, but she was in no mood to keep arguing about it. “Just tell Arlene that you tripped and tried to grab the railing to steady yourself and it broke.”
Alex looked at the broken railing, then back at Jenna. “Do you think she’ll believe it?” he asked.
“If we both stick to the same story I think she will.” Jenna headed up the stairs without giving Alex a chance to answer. “I’m tired; I’ll see you in the morning,” she told him.
Jenna couldn’t believe she had used her abilities on Alex. That was exactly what she was trying to avoid doing. She knew she should trust him, after all her mother had trusted him enough to bring him into their family. So, why was she beginning to get the feeling that maybe her mom had been wrong.
She closed her bedroom door behind her and quickly changed into her pajamas, then climbed into bed. She rolled over and grabbed her journal out from under her mattress.
Dear Mom,
Dylan and I are now an official couple. He is so sweet. Tonight he took me to a meadow for a picnic under the stars. It was perfect. I now understand why you chose to stay with Dad after he told you the truth. I know it’s only been a few days since we met, but I can’t imagine being with anyone else. I think I may be falling in love with him.
After the picnic we went to the local teenage hangout, Charlie’s, where we met up with his friends.
The girls are really nice and I know we’ll all be good friends. We hung out there for a while and were having a good time until the girl Dylan used to date showed up. Mom, I swear this girl needs help. She thinks Dylan belongs to her and swears I broke them up. You’d be proud that I’m finally standing up for myself and told her off. Alex was there too. He said I should have used my abilities to teach her a lesson, but I refused. I don’t know what’s up with him. One minute he’s telling me not to use my abilities in public, then the next he’s telling me I should be practicing on kids like Sandra. We got into a huge fight about it when we got home and I used my abilities on him. I’m sorry Mom, I know it was wrong, but it just happened. I know you trusted him enough to let him stay with us and help me, but I think it’s time I started making my own decisions.
Love and miss you,
Jenna
Jenna put the journal back under her mattress and laid her head on her pillow. She was serious when she said she needed to start making her own decisions, and that meant living her own life the way she wanted to, not the way Alex thought she should. Starting tomorrow, she would begin to follow her instincts instead of what others told her she should be doing. She knew Alex wasn’t going to be happy about it, but he was going to have to accept it whether he liked it or not.
JENNA cringed the next morning as she headed down the stairs and saw the broken railing. She’d forgotten about it until she got to the top of the steps. She hoped Arlene wouldn’t be too mad about it, although if it had been her mother she would have been grounded for at least a month.
“Have you seen Arlene yet this morning?” Alex asked as he joined her on the stairs.
Jenna scrunched her nose. “No, have you?” she asked as they started down the stairs together.
Alex shook his head. “Not yet. And, I’m hoping she left already.”
Hearing the sink running, they both took a deep breath, released it slowly then entered the kitchen.
“Good morning, kids,” Arlene said as they walked in.
“Good morning,” Jenna and Alex said in unison.
Revelations (The Revelations Series Book 1) Page 17