by Jess Petosa
“Somehow, you are becoming an Exceptional. I don’t know how, but you are.” He stepped back and took a seat on his bed.
Ally sat down as well. “What I did back at the Warehouse. Is that normal?”
“I’m not sure Ally. Our abilities develop when we are young and slowly grow as we grow. What you did to Tighe… that is a strong ability, especially for someone your age. But it could just be that all of the energy has been harnessed somewhere deep within you and was finally unleashed. It isn’t completely abnormal for an Exceptional’s first display of power to be a big one.”
She nodded her head. “But how? I’ve always been an Ordinary. My mom is an Ordinary; my dad was an Ordinary, and Stosh… oh. Stosh is my twin, Luke. Do you think he is experiencing these changes too?”
“If he does, the Guards will find him and bring him in. He won’t be able to hide his abilities for long. He’ll need to learn to control them, especially if he is spilling over with power like you were.”
He didn’t mention that he had seen Stosh just a day prior, and Stosh had looked Ordinary enough, displaying no signs of Exceptional abilities. He had been angry enough with Luke that if he had abilities, he would have used them then.
“What happens now?” She asked, leaning her head against his shoulder.
“You’ll need to be trained at the Institute. It won’t be long until word of what happened in the Warehouse gets back to my father, and he’ll make sure you attend.”
Ally cringed. “I really don’t want to deal with Aden again.”
“You won’t have a choice, but at least now you’ll have more rights. You can get your own home and all. You’ll never have to go back to the ORC, or be controlled. If Tighe had left with you this evening—” He stopped talking, unable to finish his thought.
“What if I want to stay here with you?”
“I’d be okay with that,” he smiled. “Can you control it, do you know? Could you use your ability again if I asked you to, right now?”
Ally flexed her hands into fists and then straightened her fingers out again. “I don’t think so. Just before I, whatever it is that I did, I felt a vibrating sensation inside. I actually felt the en ergy move through my body, down my arms, and out through my fingers. I don’t feel any of that now.”
Luke knew exactly what she was talking about. It was the same feeling he— and all other Exceptionals— felt right before he used his abilities. For some, it was described as a soft tingling, where others said it felt like their insides were on fire.
Ally continued, “I think it was because I was so angry. I was mad at myself for putting myself in that situation, and mad at Tighe for trying to drag me out of the Arena. I felt the buzzing sensation before the fight even began, and I think the adrenaline emanating from the other Exceptionals in the Warehouse helped fuel the energy inside me.”
Luke was worried about Ally. Worried about what this meant for her to become an Exceptional this late in her life. Had the virus come back and infected her? If so, all the Ordinarys in the City would be Exceptionals soon, as well as in the settlements. That would be a large amount of uncontrolled abilities. Otherwise, she could be an isolated case, which made less sense. On top of it all, her ability had shown it self as a strong one. And where there was an Exceptional with a strong ability, his father was also.
Ally placed her hand on his arm. “Luke, I know this is a random thing to ask, but have you found anything out about Willow?”
Luke wasn’t sure what had caused this to slip into her mind but he was pleased that he could at least give her an answer she would be glad to hear.
“Yes. I found out while I was at the Warehouse today, before you arrived. She isn’t far from here, actually. She is assigned to a male Exceptional just a year older than me. His name is Coarse.”
“Coarse,” she let his name roll slowly off her tongue. “We need to go get her.”
“Let me talk to him at the Institute tomorrow. He is training in the medical program there. I might have a better chance of talking him into handing her over to me, rather than if we just showed up on his doorstep tonight.”
“Do you think he’ll listen?” Ally lay back on the bed slowly.
“It is worth a try.”
Luke stood and went to his dresser, getting clean clothes out. As much as he wanted to collapse into bed and sleep, he needed a hot shower more. Ally seemed perfectly content to stare at the ceiling, absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair. He went into his bathroom and turned on the shower, setting the temperature almost as hot as it would go. The heat didn’t bother his Exceptional skin.
As he pulled his shirt over his head he could feel the soreness in his muscles. The left side of his body, the side that had been hit by the flames, was still pink but the skin felt fine when he touched it. He undressed completely and climbed into the shower, letting the hot water engulf him. The injured area of his body tingled under the heat, but not enough to make him turn the temperature down. He made his shower quick, drying off and putting on a fresh pair of sleep clothes.
He leaned on the counter, staring at his reflection in the mirror. His hair had grown out enough that the ends hung over his hairline, small beads of water forming on the ends. Tomorrow he would have to explain the events of today to his friends, and most likely his father. He had always revolted against the system, forcing himself to be unaffected by all the conditions his father put into place. He didn’t want to be a City leader, mainly; he didn’t want to be anything like his father. But now, doing just that might be the very thing that could keep Ally safe. Not only could he make her happy by shutting down the ORC and changing the way the Exceptionals viewed Ordinarys, but he could also ensure that no one ever brought harm to her again. He didn’t know if the Exceptional part of her they saw today would stay, and if it didn’t, he was going to be prepared to fight for her.
By the time he stepped back into his bedroom, he found Ally curled up on her side, fast asleep. She looked vulnerable lying there, her facial features softer than usual. The corner of her mouth curved down slightly, reminding Luke of the emotional pain she had been holding inside since he brought her here. She might seem happy on the outside, but deep down she missed her family and the life she once had. He thought about settling down on the couch but decided the only place he wanted to be right now was close to Ally. He carefully repositioned her so that she was under the covers, and slid in quietly beside her. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. He knew one thing for sure; he never wanted to let her go again.
Chapter Eighteen
Ally was back in the settlement, returning home after a long day of gathering. She had met her food quota by almost twice the amount, and felt at the top of her game. Tomorrow she would have a free day, and perhaps she and Stosh could go for a run like old times.
When she stepped through the front door of her house, she could already smell her mother’s cooking. She was making a rabbit stew tonight, probably accompanied by fresh made bread from their monthly wheat ration. Stosh was out back cleaning up after a long day of wood chopping, and the family they lived with was already gathered in the dining room, setting the table for dinner.
Ally stepped into the kitchen and helped her mother prepare the last of the meal, carrying a pot of stew to the table. But when they sat down to eat, it wasn’t stew that she had been carrying, but a large platter of cooked ham. Stosh hopped into the house and took a seat, dishing himself up a big portion of glazed carrots. There were even mash potatoes on the table, with a big slab of butter on top. It wasn’t a meal that Ally had never eaten in the settlement before, but somehow she knew she had tried these foods before tonight.
No one spoke. Rather, everyone at the table smiled at each other stupidly and stuffed their faces. Even Ally found that she couldn’t speak, even though she really wanted to. After they had eaten all the food, she and Stosh did the dishes and cleaned up the dining room. Stosh wandered off to his own room, and the family they lived with had disappeared. Ally ca
rried a small bucket of water in from the well out back, wanting to clean up before she headed to bed as well. She pulled her hair back from her face and splashed cool water over her skin, letting it wash away the dirt and grime. She dried her face on a towel and slowly looked up into a mirror.
She jumped at what she saw. A female Exceptional was staring back her, her violet eyes shimmering in the dim light. Ally raised her hand toward the mirror, and the Exceptional did the same. Ally touched her face and watched as the Exceptional copied her movements. Ally was annoyed at first, but as she looked at the female Exceptional closer, she came to a frightening realization.
The Exceptional in the mirror was her.
Ally’s eyes popped open and she found that she was breathing heavily. That was the first time she had dreamt so vividly of home, and she hoped it would be the last.
THE BLINDS had been left open last night and as a result, sunlight bathed across the bed and warmed Ally’s skin. She turned her head slightly, catching a glimpse of Luke lying next to her. He was on his stomach, with one arm thrown over her stomach and the other up under his pillow. His head was facing the opposite direction but his deep breathing told her that he was still asleep. She settled her head back on the soft pillow and looked up at the white ceiling.
The events of yesterday rushed back into her mind. She was still having trouble sorting through her feelings and deciding exactly how to process this. How much bad news could a person handle in such a short period of time? She had handled coming into the City with some dignity since she had grown up knowing that she might one day volunteer to go. The ORC had thrown her for a loop, but despite her emotional time there, she was able to come back to Luke and find a way to move on. But becoming an Exceptional? This was something she never could have prepared for, because it had never been heard of. Also, being in Luke’s bed with Luke was doing funny things to her insides.
She tried to shake the image of kissing Luke from her mind. Today she needed to focus on her new abilities, and what they meant for her future. She planned on asking Luke to take her to the Institute with him this morning. He had said that Aden would force her to go in for testing and training anyway, so she might as well start now.
Luke stirred beside her, turning his head and opening his eyes. He smiled at her and the sight sent warmth running through her body.
“Good morning,” he said in a scratchy voice.
Ally couldn’t help but grin. “Morning.”
Luke leaned forward and pressed his mouth to hers, gently kissing her. Rather than pulling away, like he normally did, he intensified the kiss, pressing into her. She wound her arms up around his back and dug her fingers into his hair, pulling him closer. He was propped up on his elbows now, hovering over her, but she could tell he didn’t plan to get any closer. This felt dangerous enough, and it wasn’t helping her keep focus like she had planned to just moments ago.
A knock on the door forced them to jump apart. Ally smoothed her hair down while Luke stood and walked over to the door, unlocking it. She watched him stiffen as he opened the door, and when he stepped backward his expression held none of the joy it did just a minute earlier.
“Father,” he said as he stepped backward, allowing Aden to enter the room.
Aden peered around the room and gave a small chuckle when he found Ally in Luke’s bed. “I hear you’ve been busy, Allona.”
Sure, now that she was an Exceptional she was worthy of a real name.
“I’m not sure what you are talking about,” she said with a shrug, acting as though nothing worth talking about had happened to her lately.
“It’s very curious, that you were able to delay your Exceptional powers all these years. Also curious is how you were able to look and act like an Ordinary as well.”
“You think I did this on purpose?” Her tone was sour.
Aden’s expression didn’t change. “I didn’t say any such thing, but the mere fact that you are mentioning it doesn’t look very good, Allona.”
“Stop calling me that,” she yelled at him. She rarely lost control, but he managed to bring out the worst in her with a mere minute of conversation.
“I am not here to accuse you of anything, Ally, but I am going to need you to come with me. You’ll be taken to the Institute immediately, where we’ll be running some tests.”
“I can take her there today when I go for lessons.” Luke stepped forward.
“Not necessary.” Aden waved his hand. “I’m headed there right now and would be pleased to escort her.”
Ally hopped out of bed, thinking that the faster she showed she was willing to work with him, the faster he would go away. “I’ll shower, get dressed, and meet you in the foyer in twenty minutes.”
“I like this new air of cooperation from you, Ally.” Aden smirked and left the room.
“He’s up to something.” Luke’s brows were furrowed together as he spoke.
“Like you’ve said before, there isn’t much we can do. I’m going to get ready and go with him. At least maybe we’ll get some answers.” She stretched her arms above her head and made a move for Luke’s bathroom.
“Oh, I guess I can go back to my own room now.” She laughed, stepping toward the door. Each morning she would rise and leave the room before Luke woke, changing in her own room. Using his bathroom and changing in his space felt more intimate than they were already being, which wasn’t very intimate at all compared to what the ORC contract said they should be doing.
Luke caught her around the waist and pulled her in for another kiss. “Nonsense. Go start your shower and I’ll have Sabine bring fresh clothes to you. You’ve spent the past week sleeping in my room, even if I slept across the room, and I consider this space as much yours as it is mine. Although, I’d like it if we shared the space more like we did last night.”
Ally felt her cheeks reddened at his words. Luke held back a laugh. “It doesn’t have to mean anything more that two people sleeping next to each other in the same bed, Ally.”
She sighed and took his hand in hers. “I know.”
But something told Ally that it was about to mean a lot more than it had, and she wasn’t sure exactly how she felt about that. She could see the possibilities shining in Luke’s violet eyes as he took her in. She was an Exceptional, and no matter how scary it seemed, she was a true part of the City now. She could be his with out a contract, and with out scrutiny. It also meant that she was that much further from her family in the settlement. She no longer belonged there and now, she could definitely never return.
EXACTLY NINETEEN MINUTES later Ally was dressed and standing in the foyer. Exactly one minute after that Aden appeared from the kitchen, dressed in a freshly pressed, white suit. As he walked toward her she found it hard not to notice the similarities between Luke and his father. Aden’s hair was much longer, since adult Exceptionals weren’t required to shave their heads, but she could see the dark shade of it hidden underneath a soft blanket of gray. She could even picture Luke wearing a suit just like the one Aden was wearing. But she stopped her thoughts before they traveled further, for trying to compare Luke to his father felt wrong.
“There is a transport waiting at the end of the street,” Aden said as he motioned for her to follow him out of the house.
Ally had heard of transports before. They were not used often, except for Guards traveling a far distance or in case Aden needed to be taken out of the City quickly. She had even been able to catch a glimpse of one or two in the air in her lifetime. Both times she had been up in a tree back in the settlement, and had been perplexed as the giant object passed overhead. Transports were odd shaped machines with long spindles on top that spun very fast. Somehow those spindles were able to carry the machine through the air, with the help of another set of spindles on the tail. Ally thought it made an odd sound in the sky, but as they approached the end of the street, she was shocked by how loud it sounded on the ground. Even more shocking was the wind that smacked her in the face.
; The transport sat in the middle of a circular part of the street, and several Exceptionals stood outside their homes, watching. From their expressions, Ally could tell this was nothing special to them, but it must be more interesting than whatever else they had planned for their day. Aden took a hold of her arm and led her through the strong wind, helping her up into the main area of the transport. Once inside Aden handed her an odd shaped piece of equipment. She watched as he placed it on his head and over his ears, and she did the same. She almost sighed the relief was so great. She could barely hear the sound of the transport with these things covering her ears.
“They are called headphones.” He pointed at the object on his head. “We’ll be taking off now, it will be a little bumpy to start.”
Aden’s voice filled her ears and her hands flew up to the object he had called headphones. She watched as he spoke into a small object near his mouth, and realized it was sending the words through the headphones. A similar object sat near her mouth so she decided to test it out.
“I’ve never seen transports at the Institute before. Couldn’t we have walked?” As interesting as this was becoming, she didn’t like the idea of trusting a machine to carry her through the air.
“We won’t be going to the Institute.” He sat back in his seat and peered out the window as the transport lifted off the ground.
Ally grabbed a hold of a handle near her head and looked out the opposite window. Luke had been right; Aden was definitely up to something.
THE RIDE didn’t take long, and Ally spent most of it staring at the people and buildings below. The tallest building in the City Center, which stood at twelve stories tall, loomed up in front of them and the transport lifted above it. She took hold of the handle again as it lowered onto the roof with a bump. Aden popped the door open and motioned for her to leave the headphones behind. The Exceptional who had been flying the transport did something to power the machine down, and the loud chopping sound slowly disappeared.
