But he didn't answer. Out of the corner of my eye, all of a sudden everything around us was slowly rising off the ground but his eyes didn't leave mine and mine didnt leave his.
My heart picked up its pace but I didn't move, I stayed where I was, enduring what was unbelievably happening.
“Are you afraid?” he murmured velvety, his eyes already a midnight black.
I thought carefully, making sure I maintained his gaze. He was so… appealing, I wanted to reach forward and see how rough or smooth his face would feel, how burly his arms felt, how gentle or rough his touch would be. But I had to control myself, it was irrational to think this way and I knew it, and to distract myself I answered.
“No,” I breathed after a minute, knowing the words were true.
Looking into his eyes, as crazy as it sounded, I felt safe with him, even after Im pretty sure he tried to kill me, and me being deathly afraid of him, I couldn't help it. He was enchanting me with his every word, pulling me more and more closer to him. Now, instead of wanting to run I wanted to feel his strong arms around me, holding me tight to him.
The recliner I was sitting on started moving towards him and my heart stepped up its pace, it stopped when his face was inches from mine.
“How about now?” he purred, his breath blowing into my face.
It smelled like soft mint. I wanted to lean forward towards the smell but I reframed, it could trigger a bad reaction from him.
I was still looking at him and he was still looking at me, neither of us had so much as blinked. But my heart was still beating twice as fast and his green eyes were smothering my thoughts. I wasnt so sure anymore of what I should answer.
“I… I'm not sure,” I answered, slightly incoherent.
I had another urge to reach out and touch his face but I thought better of it.
“Hmm,” he said low, thoughtful. “You should be, you do not know what you are getting yourself into,” he whispered.
There was silence and we just stared at each other, it felt like we could have stayed that way all day.
“Do you know what you are?” he started questioning again.
“No,” I simply answered.
“You are very strong.”
“I am?” I asked in disbelief, but still whispering.
“Yes.”
I couldn't quite comprehend that I was strong, he must be under some other impression, one that I couldn't imagine.
“Why are you asking me these questions?” I asked him, my voice low.
We were so close now, just one inch apart, I could feel the heat radiating off of him. Then abruptly the recliner was sliding away and everything was lowering back onto the floor with gentle thuds.
I wanted to ask him my question again but I feared I might provoke him again, so I held back.
Jane walked up the hallway looking frustrated and angry.
“Sam, Peter and Summer want to see you.”
She was flicking back and fourth between the two of us. Sam looked at me, his eyes now the beautiful light colour theyre supposed to be, and then he stood up, keeping my gaze.
“Now, Sam,” she said sternly.
He walked towards Jane and broke eye contact with me, he stopped next to her in the hallway, but he did not face her when he spoke.
“Don't you dare say a word to her,” he mumbled so softly, it was threatening.
Then he was gone.
Jane mumbled something unintelligible, but it sounded like a string of swears.
“Are you okay?” Jane asked, looking at me concerned now.
“Yeah… yeah, I'm fine.” I kind of felt dizzy and incoherent, it wasnt a feeling you are suppose to get after talking to people, but there was something about Sam, something inside me that caused me to pull towards him, that made me curious about him even more.
“Do you want to go home? Just so we can get things settled down here.”
“Yeah, I think that would be for the best,” I said to her, more relieved than shocked.
4. Brothers
James walked me home, but he didn't say anything to me except goodbye, and then he was off.
In my little time that I spent with the Archers I felt more comfortable around all of them except for one. Sam, he was… different, he made me feel terrified but yet, something else that I really didn't recognize. I don't know, maybe I am crazy, after all I'm pretty sure he did try to kill me today. There is just something about him that compels me to him. He fascinates me in so many ways, his whole family does but something attracts me mainly to him. He was different, very different.
I walked up to my room trying to think things through, maybe what Sam done was a trick. No, that doesn't make sense, maybe he has a superpower or something. Who am I kidding! I sound insane, nobody will believe me, all they ever say is Poor Atkins kids, lost their mother a couple of years back.
“Stupid morons,” I muttered, lugging my feet up the stairs.
I looked around my room and eyed the computer, maybe he did email, like he said he would, or he could have called.
I rushed over to the desk, turned the computer on and grabbed my mobile phone.
No missed calls.
I put the phone down, disappointed, and went through my emails, desperately searching for one from him.
I found there was one from Rosetta, it read;
Layla, where were you at lunch Friday? Luke said you were in Spanish but you left with the new girl? Then Megan told me you came to Biology late. Whats going on with you Lays, Im really worried.
Right me back.
-Rosetta
I sighed and thought of something believable to write back, I couldnt let her know about things like this, especially because I didn't even know what was going on myself. It's not like I was going to write 'Yeah I'm fine Rosetta, Adam left and I'm kind of close to committing suicide, but then I found the new kids in school are my only neighbours and two of them happen to have superpowers and one of them tried killing me, but it's okay now because I think I like him. But besides all of that I'm wonderful, absolutely fantastic even though I'm hurting like hell inside!' Get realistic, I wouldn't write that even if I was forced to, they'd put me in a mental institution faster than you can say I was just joking.
Calm down. I was feeling sick, so I went to
the office. The new girl offered to walk me to the office, and I didnt want to be rude, so I let her. I started feeling better when the bell rung so I decided to go to class. I am fine okay, dont worry, Im just having problems with dad. Again. No need to freak.
See you at school.
-Layla
That was the only email I had disappointingly. I hate lying to Rosetta but Im not so sure if I want to get her mixed up in my personal hell. I know shell always be there for me, but it doesnt change a thing.
I turned the computer off and decided that maybe I should tidy my room. It wasnt very neat, but at least it wasnt a pig sty. There were just clothes lying around and the bed needed to be made, so I went to work.
After I finished that, I moved to clean the rest of the house because I had nothing else to do. I went into the bookshelf and started to dust it out. Along the way I found a tape, it didnt have a label on it but it looked old and I was bored enough to watch TV.
I dug up the VCR, hooked it all up and popped the tape in.
I started crying, it was a tape of my 10th birthday party. Mum was filming the barbecue we had in the backyard with our neighbours. I saw a 12yr old Adam and myself, he was trying to beat me in a breath holding contest.
I remember that day; mum called it off because we were both turning red and we are both naturally very competitive so we weren't giving in to each other.
I was laughing and crying at the same time, I wasn't sure if I was happy to see this video or upset because it stirred so many emotions up inside of me. Adam was the best big brother any girl could have asked for, he would look after me when I was scared or hurt even before mum died. And after she did, we became even closer and he acted more
grown up, always watching out for me, being protective over me and being there when I needed him most. He was my best friend.
“I'm an idiot,” I said to myself, wondering why I let him walk out that door.
I could have done more to stop him.
I turned the video off and sat in silence for a minute. I could feel the tare inside of me getting bigger, it wasnt fair. As the tears slid silently down my cheeks, memories of him ran through my head over and over.
I jumped. There was a knock at the door, well more like a bang, and at once I had a bad gut feeling.
I got up and walked over slowly to the door, thinking of who it might be.
Deep breaths, I told myself. Stay calm.
I opened the door and I was shocked to see it was Alex.
Wait... oh crap!
“Hey, Layla,” he said to me, smirking.
I couldn't move or speak, it felt like I was suffocating.
“Okay, here's the thing, Im gonna need you to come with me so we can sort things out.”
He grabbed my arm and started pulling me towards his car down at the end of the drive with Logan and Brett inside.
I found my voice and my arms just in time before he pulled me half way down the drive.
“Let me go!” I shouted, struggling to break free of his hold.
He wasn't letting go, so I decided to take things to the next level. If he wasnt going to let go, I was going to make him.
I pulled my right arm back, curling my hand into a fist and flung it forward, hitting him in the nose with as much force as possible. He let go instantly to cup his nose, which was bleeding profusely within seconds of the bone cracking impact. I took what opportunity I had and bolted for the house, and luckily the front door was still open. I could hear Logan and Brett getting out of the car laughing, but I knew better than to look back.
“Dude, you just got nailed by a girl!” one of them laughed.
I shut the door behind me and locked the dead bolt. I was franticly running around the house closing and locking up all the doors and windows.
Who would I call? Nobody could help me now, not even the Archer family because nobody was home, they went out to speak to Sam. Damn it! I was rushing back and fourth frantically, thinking of what I could do. I could call the cops but I didnt want to have to deal with them if Alex and his friends drove off before they got here. Wait, I thought to myself, stopping my pacing.
I ran up to my room to find the piece of paper with Hunter and Fredrics number. I looked out the window and Alex was banging on the door with Logan and Brett beside him. He was holding a tissue or a hanky to his nose to stop the bleeding and I couldn't help but know he'd want revenge for that.
I tried to dial as fast as I could on my mobile phone, my hands were shaky but I finally got it.
They picked up on the first ring. “Hello,” said a dull voice.
It was Hunter.
“Hunter, I need you to come over to my place, please.”
“Layla, what's wrong?” he said, sounding instantly concerned and alert.
I looked out the window and Brett was missing.
I shivered. “Alex and his mates are trying to break into my house and I think he might be trying to hurt me,” I said in a rush.
I heard a car engine reeve on the other end. “We'll be there in a sec, stay in the house.”
The phone went dead and I put my mobile in my pocket and ran downstairs to peer out the front window. All three of them were there now, but they were doing something like congregating.
I felt a sharp twinge of fear. They were going to break through the window, and if that were to happen then I would be screwed.
I heard a car fly around the corner no more than three minutes later. To my relief I saw the black familiar Mustang drive up the driveway in a matter of seconds, halting abruptly. Hunter and Fredric flung themselves out of the car without hesitation and walked towards Alex and his friends. They stopped just a few feet away from them. I saw the looks they were giving each other and it wasn't a pretty sight. If that saying looks could kill were true, theyd all be dead.
I ran downstairs and opened the front door, taking a step towards them.
“Layla, stay there,” Fredric cautioned me, keeping his eyes on Alex, Brett and Logan.
I stopped.
“What do you two want?” Alex spat.
“We want you to leave,” Hunter said calmly, his tone somehow still threatening.
“Wouldn't you like that?”
“Yeah, we would. If you leave now, nobody gets hurt and it makes our day a whole lot easier,” Fredric warned, clenching his fists.
I was staring wide-eyed, wanting to help so badly. Fear was running through me, I didnt want Hunter or Fredric to get hurt for me. Now that I thought about it they felt like brothers to me, thats probably why I feared for them. I know I haven't known them for very long or very well, but there was something about them that made me feel safe and comfortable around the both of them.
“Bring it on then Bale,” Brett challenged cockily.
“You asked for it.” Fredric smiled a cruel smile at them.
It all happened so fast that I wasnt even sure how it happened, but if I had have blinked I would have missed it.
Logan and Brett charged for Fredric and Hunter, while Alex turned for me. It was unbelievable, Fredric and Hunter didnt even move back, they just walked forward. Brett was on the ground before anybody even touched him, then Logan charged towards Fredric, he took a swing at him and Fredric ducked, only to come up and swing back at him fiercely, and with so much force it winded him. He definitely delivered one hard striking blow to the chest which made him fall over instantly in pain.
While I stared at everything in disbelief, Alex had stopped in his tracks and was facing them now, watching like me.
I think he shuddered.
“We're warning you, leave now or…” Fredric trailed off, he had a smile on his face, a smile of pure enjoyment.
Alex walked towards them slowly, re-thinking his plans of coming here. He stopped when he was facing the Bale brothers and started glaring.
Hunter flinched towards him and Alex flinched away in fear. Fredric burst into laughter and Hunter was smiling, knowing Alex was scared of them both. Hunter could probably smell the scaredy-cat on him.
Alex started walking again, this time faster towards Logan and Brett.
“Hey!” Fredric yelled.
Alex turned.
“If you come within even 5 yards of her, I will kill you myself.” Fredric was still grinning but Alex turned away and kicked Brett and Logan.
“Get up you fools,” he hissed at them.
They both moaned from the pain and got up slowly, following Alex to his car.
“You'll pay for this, you... you freaks!” Alex threatened from down the driveway.
They got in his flash Honda and sped off, the tires squealing loudly in protest. When they were far away from my house I ran over to Hunter and Fredric who were already walking my way. I hugged Fredric as tight as I could and then Hunter.
“Thank you again,” I said for the third time.
“We're here for you Layla,” Hunter said, grabbing me in a hug.
Then he whispered. “It's the least we can do.”
He let go of me and then Fredric grabbed me up in a hug too and spoke to me. “Anytime okay, you're like a sister we hoped for, and if you were our sister we would do exactly this because you're just so loveable.” He was joking about the loveable thing I think.
I pulled back and stared at him, he was trying to reframe from smiling. “Well if you were my brothers you would explain to me what you guys just did,” I suggested with a serious look on my face.
They exchanged guarded looking glances, all traces of humour in their eyes gone.
Hunter sighed and then spoke. “Would you mind if we talk about this inside?” he asked. “It's just a bit open out here.”
I nodded and Hunter turned and locked the Mustang with th
e press of a button on his keys. I turned and led them into the house and we walked into the living room and sat down.
“Shoot,” I said, since neither of them had spoken yet.
“Well, we honestly don't know where to start from,” Hunter said very carefully.
“Why don't you tell me what you guys just did?” I hinted, curiosity burning in my voice.
I had seen unbelievable things in the past few days and I wanted to know at least something reasonable to explain them. I didn't know why I was vastly trusting people this fast but it was like a gut feeling, and I trust my stomach... most of the time.
“Okay well, you have to be open minded about this, and before we tell you anything, promise us you wont tell anybody?” Hunter said.
“I promise guys, just tell me what happened? Everythings sort of been freaking me out lately.” I looked at them and they were looking at each other, silently speaking with their eyes.
I wasn't feeling scared of what I had just seen them do, but I did want to find out the truth. I think I should have been scared out of my wits, but oddly enough, I felt as comfortable around them as I did on Friday, as I always have.
Hunter faced me. “We have some sort of special… ability as we put it, and when we choose to use it… it can have dangerous affects on people.” He seemed like he was having a hard time finding the right words, but I was eager to listen, I needed to know.
“What you saw then was pretty much all Fredric because that's what he can do, besides fist fighting. He has a sort of electric current that can run through him. If he chooses to aim that current at you then you are the poor sucker who hits the ground without him even touching you, and you don't know how you got there. But on the other hand, if you did touch him and if he wanted to, he could fry your brain in an instant.
“He has complete control over it because we have tested this stuff over and over so you don't need to worry about us loosing control and hurting you,” he explained.
I was trying to process this but I couldnt, they would have to show me this first, it was just too unbelievable.
“And you Hunter, what can you do?” I really thought there was something familiar about this, so I had to pry to be sure.
The Hidden Revelations: First Light Page 8