“What I do Layla is very complicated to explain, but well, I will try for your sake. I guess it would sort of be a shield, but I found when I get attacked by someone who has another ability, my shield reflects it back to them, or if I dont want to hurt them I can deflect or neutralize it. And I've recently found that my shield can contain somebody. For example, it's like putting a really light blue, almost transparent invisible box around someone. If they try to get past those walls, well they can't, that's the thing. The energies around them prohibit it.
“Oh, and I have sort of developed a sixth sense where I can detect the most powerful of emotions, that's how I found you on Friday. Even before, I could feel you wanted to jump in and help, but you were frightened at the same time. So, all in all I guess you could call it Supernatural.” Hunter looked like he was about to start laughing, but they were both looking at me waiting to see what I was going to do next, whether it was running out the door screaming my head off, and in that case they would catch me, or dealing with it calmly and composed.
“Can you two show me what you can do?” I asked quietly.
“Only if you don't freak out,” Fredric finally spoke. “We know it's a lot to deal with.”
“I wont, Im just trying hard to understand.”
“So you're not scared of us?” Hunter asked cautiously.
“No.”
“Alright then,” he said, standing up with Fredric while rubbing his hands together.
They both got up and I stood with them.
“Okay Lays, hold still. I'm only going to slightly zap, as I call it, lightly zap you okay. Just so you know it's for real,” Fredric explained, smiling.
“Okay,” I said in a small voice, nodding, not sure whether to be scared or excited.
“Dont worry, I won't hurt you, I never would.” His eyes had fully turned a midnight black colour like James and Sams had, and suddenly I could see a blue light coming from his hands.
At that moment something strange happened. I felt a warm ripple of electricity make it's way through my body and I shuddered. It didnt hurt but I could feel it, it was like static running inside every inch of my body, making my hairs stand on edge because it felt unnatural.
“Did you feel that?” Fredric asked, his eyes had returned to their warm brown and his hands no longer projected light.
I nodded stiffly, feeling my Goosebumps settle.
“Now, I'm going to do that again, but this time Hunter will shield you.”
I cringed a little, waiting for the ripple of warm power but I didnt feel anything, nothing at all while both of the boys had black eyes and blue light projecting hands.
“How about now?”
I smiled relieved. “No, not a thing.”
“Well I hope that's enough proof because I'm done scaring you.” He smiled teasingly.
I honestly thought that their eyes turning black, and magical looking light coming from the palm of their hands was enough proof for me, but I didn't see Hunters shield.
“Yeah, we better get going,” Hunter said.
“Oh okay, do your parents want you home?” I asked.
“Ah, no. Our parents are dead,” Hunter said bleakly.
I blinked in shock. “Oh, ah... guys I'm sorry really I-”
Fredric cut me off.
“Don't worry about it Layla,” he said, he was half smiling now.
“Really, I am sorry.”
“We know, no big,” Hunter said, shrugging.
“Okay well, I guess I'll see you both around,” I said, walking with them to the door.
Hunter turned the alarm for the Mustang off with the push of a button from the porch.
“See ya Lays,” Fredric said, he wrapped me in his arms for a moment.
“Bye.”
He let go with a small smile and started walking towards the car. Hunter was still standing in front of me looking at the ground, and it looked like something was disturbing him.
“What's wrong?” I asked in a gentle voice.
He looked up and he had the saddest expression on his face. I felt really bad so I put one hand on his shoulder. I didn't know how I could do this but I trusted them easily, which is odd for me, but I knew they were good people, I could sense it.
“Hey, you can tell me.”
“It's just…” he trailed off.
“What is it?” I asked softly. “You can tell me anything.”
I waited and while I did, I remembered those were the exact words I use to say to Adam. Every time he was troubled I could tell.
Hunter took a deep breath, breaking my trance and I let my hand slip from his shoulder. “I didn't want you to have to get mixed up in this kind of stuff, and now that you know, it's more risky.”
I looked at him softly, mussing his hair.
“I trust you. I don't know why that is, but I do. There's something different about you and Fredric, and I can sense that,” I said reassuringly, finding it hard to say the right words.
“Thanks,” he said with a small smile.
“Can I ask you something?” I said after a minute.
“Anything.”
“Why now?” I whispered.
“I don't understand,” he said, confused.
“Why now do you decide to talk to me? I've seen you two around for more than a year and I was just wondering, why now?”
He sighed. “You really don't know, do you?”
“Yeah of course I know, Im just being stupid,” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes. “No, I don't know.”
He laughed a little, but turning back to his serious self. “Layla, I know that you have a… gift like Fredric and myself. I may not know what it is but I know you have one, I can feel it. When I realised that, I knew I had to help you somehow. So by Fredric and I being here for you, it will be easier to understand and we could help you control it too. Well once we find out what it is.”
I stared at him like an idiot, eyes wide in shock. “That's not possible,” I whispered.
“Yeah, it is. And once we find out what it is we will help you.”
“Why?”
“Because, nobody was there for us and we only just made it by with each other.” He smiled a little, but all his words were directed at his brother with kindness and love.
I understood what they meant and at that moment, I thought of Adam again.
“What about... Adam? Did he you know... have an ability?” I asked quietly, figuring it was a plausible theory.
“Yeah, I think that's why he… uh, left. To protect you from this, but we kinda came and ruined that for him now.”
“How do you know?” I asked warily, folding my arms over my chest to keep from breaking down by the painful memory.
This was so over whelming, why didnt he just tell me?
“What about? Ruining the protecting thing or him having an ability?”
“Adam having an ability,” I clarified for him.
“He came to us and told us this. He knew we were the same, so he asked us to keep an eye on you as well, and that's what were doing,” he said, pain in his expression. “He did no good leaving, did he?”
I smiled half heartedly and shook my head.
The horn sounded from behind us and we both laughed.
“Catch ya later.” He smiled.
“Yeah, I know you will.”
He laughed. “Yeah, probably.” He bent down to give me another hug, then he sprinted to the car, and before I knew it they were gone. They gave me a lot to think about and a lot of pieces to try to put together.
****
Sunday flew by, all I did was watch movies. I considered going over to the Archers but I ought to give Sam some time to cool off.
I woke early Monday morning. I felt like crap because I couldnt get to sleep last night. I did finally fall asleep from exhaustion but it wasnt until early in the morning.
I looked at the alarm and groaned. “7:34am, I so tired,” I said, half asleep.
Better get up, I don't want to be
home all day, I thought to myself.
I rolled over and fell off the bed, hitting the hard floor. “Ouch,” I said slowly; it sounded like a moan.
I crawled my way to my bathroom and turned only the cold water on in the bath. I listened to the running water hit the bath as I began to fall back asleep. When it was halfway full I let my head fall in, as soon as my head was in the cold water, all my senses revived and I pulled my head out, gasping from the lack of air and the shock of the cold water.
I sluggishly got ready for school in no hurry, had a bowl of cereal and locked the door behind me. I looked up at the sky once again and it seemed to me like the weather was never going to change, but it was the start of autumn and soon to be winter, hopefully in the spring it will heat up though.
I walked down the driveway and started down the street. I didnt get very far before a yellow Mercedes SUV pulled up behind me. I turned around and stared at the bright car while Elane got out and walked towards me.
“Hello Layla,” she said, sounding all cheery.
How could anybody be cheery when it was freezing in autumn?
“Hi,” I answered dully.
“Do you want a lift to school?”
“Thanks, but no thanks,” I answered, sort of feeling lifeless.
“Come on,” she whined. “Is this because of what happened on the weekend? I am really sorry.” She made the saddest face that I almost couldnt resist.
“No it's not about that, I just… just-” she cut me off.
“Just nothing. Please, if you truly are my friend you will take the ride I am offering to you,” she said again with the pouting face.
“Fine,” I grumbled.
I was always a pushover when I was feeling guilty.
“Wait, what about… um, you know...” I asked, gesturing my chin toward the car.
“Not to worry, he wont bother you. Come on,” she said, pulling me towards the back door.
She opened the door and I jumped in next to James, who was next to Sam. Elane jumped back into the passenger seat and we were off, heading towards Forest high.
“Hey Layla,” James said, giving me a one arm hug.
“Hi James,” I answered with a tiny smile, glancing over at him.
“Second day of school, I'm excited,” he said, enthusiastically.
“Yay,” I said dully.
“Don't worry, things will get better,” he said with a laugh, trying to cheer me up.
And so, I was stuck in a car with someone who could probably kill me just by looking at me. Sam. I was too scared to look over at him, but occasionally my eyes did wonder to my disgrace. I noticed he was wearing our stupid green uniform and a thick green jacket overtop, and even in that he looked incredible. I couldn't see his facial expression which was kind of a relief, but I was disappointed with myself for thinking things like this about him. This would be reasonable to feel about someone who didn't want to kill me on sight, but there was something that kept drawing me to him. He made me feel better inside, now that I knew he could stand me. Even now he was distracting me from my life, and I was feeling normal when I was around him.
My eyes accidentally slid to his face once again, and this time he was looking at me too, his light green eyes boring into mine, his expression was undecipherable.
I looked away out the window, embarrassed. His intensity was too much to handle and its embarrassing to be caught looking at someone who made your heart feel better, even as stupid as it sounds.
The rest of the way to school I kept my eyes firmly out the window, careful not to look at Sam again, I couldn't afford to spark anything bad between us. I reassured myself that if I could keep my eyes away from his now, then I hoped Biology wouldnt be so bad.
We finally made it to the school parking lot and I got out straight away, nearly jumping out the door as soon as the car pulled up. I briefly considered walking off straight away, but I thought that might be a bit rude, after all they did just give me a ride to school and I should be more thankful.
I went over to Elane and Jane who were leaning against the front of the SUV, probably waiting for the bell to ring.
“Thanks for the ride, I guess it did save me time,” I said, thankful I didnt have to walk in this cold.
“It was not a problem,” Jane said with a little smile on her angelic face.
I looked around and Sam and James were missing, I couldnt help but frown.
“He doesn't like me, does he?” I guessed.
“No, that is not exactly true,” Elane said thoughtfully.
They both knew exactly who I was talking about so they didnt have to ask.
“Oh well. I guess I'll see you guys around,” I said sadly, trying to hide my hurt.
“Okay, bye Layla,” Jane said softly. “We really are sorry.”
“Bye Layla, I'll see you in Spanish,” Elane said.
I couldnt quite figure out what her tone was, but she sounded puzzled.
I walked away from the parking lot and made my way through the school, walking into the cafeteria and finding Rosetta and Megan at our group table. I noticed that there were two new girls there as well, but I didn't mind.
“Hey guys,” I said as I walked over to them.
“Hey, Layla,” Megan said.
“Hi Lays,” Rosetta mumbled.
I sat down next to Rosetta and saw she looked different, not her appearance but her face and expression, she usually was always happy.
I started scrutinizing her face and she looked away; she knew I could read her well.
I could always read people well, its what made me a good judge of character.
“Layla, this is Annie Henderson and Ria Kliner. They're both new,” Megan introduced us.
“Hello,” I said politely.
The one on the left was very short and had dark hair and skin, maybe Indian background. She looked like one of those girls who were all about the looks as people would say, but maybe I would get to know her and she would be different.
“Hi, I'm Ria,” she said, very confident, yet I could tell she was shy.
I smiled back kindly. “Hi.”
The one on the right, who I presumed was Annie looked very shy, her shoulder length black hair was covering her face slightly but I could sympathize with her. I hated moving schools, especially if you didnt know anyone.
“Hi, I'm Annie,” she mumbled.
“Hey. It's nice to meet you both.” I smiled as friendly as I could, but I was still staring at Rosetta out of the corner of my eye.
What was up with her today? Something wasn't right and I wanted to find out why, maybe in Math, I thought.
We chatted for a while and I got to know both Ria and Annie quite well. They were actually very interesting and we had some things in common. I found Ria was very nice and not as self-obsessive as I thought, and Annie, who was shy, joined in once in a while when she felt comfortable. She was lovely as well, but Rosetta stayed quiet the entire time. Now I was highly concerned.
Luke, Eddie and Jason called out our names and started walking over to the table. I saw Megans face light up as Luke went and sat next to her, kissing her on the cheek tenderly and adoringly. I smiled. I really was happy for them, they looked perfect for each other.
I watched as Eddie and Jason went and sat down next to Luke. It was kind of funny the way they stuck to him like glue, they even sort of looked alike. Eddie and Jason were cousins so they are technically related, but Luke looks like their brother, even though he has an older brother; Mike in grade 11, who looks nothing like Luke. All three of them have short pale blond hair, tan skin and theyre nearly the same height. Lukes face is a bit more squared and manly-ish than the other two, and Jason and Eddie have Hazel eyes, while Luke has deep blue eyes. But you could probably pass them off as triplets.
I smiled imagining this but Rosetta shook me out of my revere, finally talking to me. “Layla, can I talk to you alone?” she whispered to me, suddenly urgent.
“Okay,” I said, a bit nervous, bu
t I wanted to see what she had to say.
We both got up and grabbed our bags.
“Uh, we have to go guys, well see you later,” Rosetta said to everybody.
“Bye guys,” they all said.
We started walking away, but Rosetta didnt say anything so I just walked along by her side silently, waiting for her to talk when she felt comfortable.
We finally came to a dead end behind the Math building with nobody in sight. She slowed and sat down on a bench nearby but didn't speak a word yet.
“So?” I asked hesitantly, sitting down next to her.
“Layla, what's really been going on with you? You can tell me, were best friends” she said quietly, staring into my eyes.
Probably to make sure I didnt lie to her.
“It's too…” I struggled to find the right words. “Complicated,” I finally settled for.
She narrowed her gaze at me.
Pain...
I suddenly got a sharp pain in the upper left side of my brain and I flinched slightly, raising my fingers to my temple.
I looked back at her oddly darker eyes and then she snapped her head up. I followed her stare. I saw James emerge from around the corner, he was walking towards us slowly, and my headache stopped. “Layla, you need to get away from her, shes dangerous,” he said slowly, keeping his eyes on Rosetta.
She glared at him and stood in front of me. “Get away from us,” she hissed at him.
It was a side of her I had never seen before.
“Layla quickly, come to me,” he said, suddenly strained.
I was too dumbfounded to do anything but sit and watch, I wasnt sure what to do. Why were they acting like this, why did I always have to start the fights between people?
“I'm warning you,” Rosetta said icily. “Go away!” she yelled, nearly shrieking.
“Layla?” James said calmly.
But suddenly, in that instant he was on the ground, his face withered in agony as his arms sheltered his head. I heard no cries of help come from his mouth, but groans of pain. I couldnt stand this, it was like I could feel his pain as I looked at him curled up on the ground. It didnt make sense, how could someone as small as Rosetta drop someone as big as James without even touching him?
Realisation overcame me. She had an ability. No... not her too! I thought to myself, doom struck.
The Hidden Revelations: First Light Page 9