Mindspeak

by Sunseri, Heather

  I paused, while several students laughed. Jack made a circular motion with his hand that said, “Wrap it up.”

  I leaned closer to the mike. “For all you gals out there, I’m sorry to say, Jack’s already spoken for. He left his girlfriend of two years back at his last school. So he gave me permission to tell you, hands off the goods.”

  A low rumble of chuckles erupted as I stepped down from the stage. Bree stared at her plate of half-eaten spaghetti, her face the color of her remaining peas. I wove in and around tables to join Jack in the back. When I reached him, he handed me my bag and my phone and gestured toward the door.

  His hand pushed into the small of my back as we walked. He leaned in, his mouth close to my ear. “FYI, I was homeschooled until now.” When I stiffened, he said, “There are no other girls. Only you.”

  ~~~~

  “Where are we going?”

  “Somewhere we can talk uninterrupted.”

  The lit windows from the dining hall got smaller and smaller the further away from the main school buildings we got. I had to take three steps for every two of Jack’s just to keep up. We approached Wellington’s horse stables, on the very back of the property.

  “You don’t think the horses will interrupt us?” I flashed an uneasy smile as Jack led me away from the main campus buildings.

  His words echoed in my ears. Only you. What did that mean? I was the only girl he was currently stalking. The only girl who might find the journals that proved we were freaks.

  The stables were typically off-limits unless you boarded a horse there. I did not own a horse, so I rarely ventured into the barns. It wasn’t that I disliked them. However, they did smell at times. Like now. I breathed in the stench of hay and horse manure.

  Darkness settled into the shadows of the barn the closer we got. An autumn breeze sent goose bumps down my arm. Leaves swirled in a tornado pattern in front of us.

  Gravel crunched beneath my feet with each step. At the same time, my heart sped up at the uneasy silence that churned in the air, void of students hustling about this far away from the main campus. I could hear my breaths as I marched into a situation I couldn’t control. “Jack, please wait.” I stopped and placed a hand on the side of the large black barn and pressed the other into my queasy stomach. I bent over at the waist and sucked in several quick breaths.

  “Are you hyperventilating?

  I flipped my hair out of my face. “Probably.” I dug my palm into my chest. “I need you to just tell me. What am I? Did my dad do something to us?”

  He took a step closer. “Lexi, I don’t know exactly. I’m still trying to figure all this out, too. Why do you think your dad hasn’t called you back?”

  “I don’t know.” I studied Jack’s face. “But I’m scared, Jack. Something frightened him the night of the dinner. And now…” my voice cracked. “…I’m getting threatening emails.” My eyes pleaded with his. “Just tell me. Is it what this email says? Was I altered as an embryo? Did our fathers figure out how to play with human genes? To change them? Are my eyes freakin’ green because Dad wanted green eyes?” That sounded ridiculous when I said it out loud. I was losing it.

  “Not exactly. At least that’s not how I think it happened.” Jack reached out a hand to me.

  I studied it with a raised eyebrow.

  “What? You scared of my hand, now?” he asked.

  “Terrified.”

  “Grab my hand. I’ve got something to show you.”

  I slid my hand into his. His grasp was firm, but warm and comforting in a way. I followed him around the sidewalk to the barn entrance.

  “Hey, Barry.” Jack nodded at a man in jeans and a baseball cap. “Everything okay?”

  The man looked up from the pile of leather bridles and the like at his feet. “Oh, hi, Jack. Come to see your pony?”

  “Yeah. How’s she doing?”

  “Oh, she’s good. Settlin’ in real nice.” The man lifted the bridles and began hanging them on hooks. “You guys can’t stay too long, okay? I’m headed out. The night watchman will make his rounds later.”

  Jack’s hand tightened around mine and tugged gently. The heat of his touch reached all the way to my core. He led me through the barn to the last stall where a sliding door with a cut out window hung. Inside, a large chestnut horse stood, munching on straw and a bucket of feed. When she heard us, she stepped in our direction.

  “She’s beautiful.” I let go of Jack’s hand and reached to rub her nose. She bobbed her head up and down, and I laughed.

  It felt good to laugh. Release a little of the stress, even if only for a moment.

  I turned my head toward Jack. His smile sent a flush across my face.

  “Meet Cherriana. Arrived today,” he said while reaching a hand to her nose the same way I had and touching his pinky finger to my thumb. “The first-ever cloned quarter horse.”

  I pulled my hand away. My head spun in Jack’s direction. “Cloned?” Again with the rapidly pumping heart. I looked back. Barry was exiting the barn at the other end. Did he know? Was this even a secret?

  He nodded. “Exact replica of another horse and born twenty-six years after the original.”

  “How old is she?”

  “She’s twenty.”

  “They did it,” I whispered as I stroked her mane. “They cloned a mammal that lived. Why was this never reported?”

  “Father’s story is that the labs couldn’t handle any more bad publicity after the goat. When they did decide to go public, the fire destroyed all of their records, and… I don’t know. I think something spooked them. He doesn’t talk much about it anymore.”

  “And our fathers don’t talk to each other,” I whispered.

  “Exactly. Why do you think that is?”

  “I don’t know. What does your dad say about… your ability?” I dared a sideways glance at him.

  “Not much.”

  At that, I faced him. “What? Jack, you mend bones by a simple touch. You and your parents don’t discuss this?”

  He shook his head. His face was serious. “There’s nothing simple about it.”

  “No, I guess not. But it would seem you would question your parents more.”

  “It’s something I’ve always done, since I was little. Besides, my relationship with my parents is complicated. They’ve always had these really high expectations for me. Pushed me to do and learn so much more than normal teens.”

  “But Jack,” I sucked in a breath, “you can heal bones. You have any idea how huge that is? People would—” Darkness settled in over my thoughts.

  “Pay good money to have that ability? Or knowledge that someone else did?” Jack rested his arm on the stall door, his hand rubbing the underside of Cherriana’s head like he would a Golden Retriever’s. “Did you ever tell anyone? That you could put thoughts into people’s minds?”

  “Are you kidding? I barely have friends now.”

  “What about your dad?”

  “No.” Occasionally though, I wondered if he somehow knew. I studied Jack’s profile and the way he looked at his horse. I continued. “By the time I realized I was actually mindspeaking, I was smart enough to know that I would be perceived as crazy if anyone knew. Besides, it’s not like I can do it very often. Sometimes the nosebleeds are pretty bad. And the headaches…”

  “Tell me about it.” He smiled. “Mending a bird’s damaged wing when I was five was nothing. I threw up for a full twenty-four hours after I fixed your arm the other day.” Jack brushed a hand down the front of Cherriana’s nose.

  “Sorry I made you sick.”

  He shrugged like it was nothing. Bending down, he grabbed a cup of grain and poured it into the horse’s feeding bin. Her reddish-brown mane and ears twitched while she ate.

  I lowered my hands to my side. I wished Jack didn’t make me nervous. It was like watching someone play with the pin of a grenade. I never knew when he might explode with more information I couldn’t handle. “These things we can do aren’t normal,�
� I said.

  “What is normal?” He stared at me now, testing me. I backed away a step. “Landing men on the moon? Creating a nuclear bomb that could take out an entire country? Giving someone an artificial heart? Scientific experiments and advancements are just that—making the abnormal… normal.

  “And what about living a life of secrets? Is normal having your name changed and being hidden away in a school in the middle of nowhere, Kentucky? Why did you change your name?” Jack’s rant was razor-sharp.

  “My dad thought it was necessary. I do what he tells me.” Most of the time anyway. I backed away from Jack a little more. “Why did you come to Wellington? Why now?”

  “Would you believe I needed the advanced classes they offer here?”

  I gave my head a little shake. “I know what classes are required to be accepted to The Program. You’ve already taken everything you need to graduate high school, be enrolled into The Program and be accepted to college.”

  Jack draped both arms over the stall door and appeared to ponder my words. Or maybe analyze what to tell me next.

  “Did your parents make you come here for the year?” I asked, because that would totally make sense. I get parents who micromanage the lives of their children like puppets.

  “No. My father offered it as an option, and after my mom strongly opposed the idea, I knew I had to come.”

  Interesting. So, he respects his dad, but not his mom? “What did you expect to find here?”

  “Other than you? I don’t know. I didn’t think really. I just hoped you might have some answers to questions I don’t even know how to ask.”

  I heard the frustration in his voice. I stayed silent, hoping he would continue.

  “And I know Father thinks your dad kept journals,” Jack continued. “He wants them. And part of me wants to find them before anyone else does.”

  “Did he ask my dad for them?” Just as I started to relax around Jack, my danger radar vibrated again. Why was everyone interested in these journals?

  “Yes, your dad denied having them.”

  I took another step back. “What makes you think I know anything more?”

  “I know you do, Lexi.” He shuffled closer. “You told me your father mentioned the journals the night of the dinner. And I read that email. Someone else knows your father is hiding these journals. They obviously have some important information if this many people are after them.”

  “Why would I give them to you?” I stared at Jack, searched the darkness of his eyes for a sign. A sign that would tell me to run from the mysterious guy in front of me, or a sign to trust him. Even if only a little.

  “I just want information, Lexi. Don’t you? Don’t you find it strange to meet me? Someone who shares a past that was hidden from you? And some sort of unnatural ability?”

  I didn’t know what I wanted. I needed to think. I needed to breathe. I needed to get away from Jack.

  The thumping started slow and began to build inside my chest like an earthquake—pressure of an impending volcanic eruption. My stomach churned like water inside a hot spring.

  I moved past him and walked out the rear of the barn. “I can’t breathe,” I whispered mostly to myself. I knew what was happening, and there was no way to stop it. I hated that Jack would witness it. My hand covered my mouth, and I ran. Away from Jack. Away from the situation.

  Where I was going, I had no idea. But I had to get away from Jack. I didn’t feel safe, and I couldn’t get in a breath.

  My thoughts raced. My father had tucked me away. To hide me? Or to protect me? I’d always thought it was the latter. Now, I had no idea, because suddenly all my walls of safety crumbled around me with each revelation Jack spoke.

  Things I’d never questioned before poked at my brain.

  Nothing made sense.

  I ran along the path behind the barn until it led into a treed area along the rear of the property. The sounds of Jack’s footsteps were close behind me.

  I, of course, ran out of breath and had to stop. The leaves of the trees that now towered above me rustled in the wind. My chest ached from breathing in the cool night air.

  “Damn, you can run fast.” Jack bent over at the waist, catching his breath. “Do you have panic attacks often?”

  I ignored his stupid question. “We’re lab rats,” I breathed. My eyes blurred, staring at the dirt in front of me. “That’s what the person said in the email. He called me a lab rat.” My voice took on an uncontrollable edge.

  “Lexi, don’t panic. Look at me.”

  I lifted my eyes. My chest rose and fell; my breath labored in heavy gasps. “That’s what we would be.” I shook my head. “If someone finds out we’re here… That we have these talents.” I locked eyes with Jack. “You knew I was here before the dinner. If you found me, who’s to say someone else couldn’t? Someone already discovered my email address. Now, more people know about these journals. And Dad seems to be missing.”

  “Calm down. Please. I promise I’m here to help.”

  I raised my chest and went at him. “Why did you come? Are you leading them to me?” Whoever “them” was. I pushed at his chest, but without much effort. I was too tired from running. He stumbled backwards, his brows scrunched up, and caught my hand in his when I made contact.

  I jerked it away and leaned against a tree. Tears stung my cheeks.

  He stepped closer to me. With a gentle touch, he wiped my tears away with his thumb. “I’m not leading anyone to you. I didn’t come to Wellington to scare you. Or hurt you in any way.”

  “Why did you come, then?” My voice was barely audible. I was naked, exposed. Danger lurked behind every falling leaf.

  “I think you know there is so much more to this story. Your dad’s journals would be a good start toward helping us learn exactly who we are.”

  “I don’t have the journals.” Although, if they were in the storage unit, I’d find them. I ducked away from Jack and walked a few steps.

  “We also need to figure out who emailed you. And why.”

  “I told you. I don’t have any idea who could have sent that email. I didn’t think anyone even knew who I was.” Or cared, until Jack arrived.

  My eyes darted from tree to tree. My mind raced, filing and categorizing the fears and dangers swirling around me. None of which were present before Jack arrived.

  I’d always thought I’d been hidden at Wellington for my protection because of who Dad was. Now? I was starting to wonder if I was hidden because of what I was.

  With my back turned, I sucked in a deep breath. I’d find the journals. And I’d find them without Jack.

  Chapter Seven

  “Please, Dani.” I pleaded with Danielle outside the yoga room. I sounded whiny, which I hated.

  Her yoga mat hung on her back. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “Can’t we go after yoga? I really need to de-stress from that stupid European History test.”

  “There won’t be time.” I closed my eyes and squeezed the bridge of my nose. “Look, something really strange is going on. I need your help.”

  “You need me to drive you.”

  I batted my eyelashes. “I want your company.”

  “This is about Mr. Hot Abs, isn’t it? Does he really have a girlfriend?”

  I had forgotten that tidbit I had made up and told the school when I introduced Jack the previous night.

  Danielle chewed on her cuticle as if nothing was urgent. When I didn’t answer her question, she said, “I bet it’s not serious. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. It’s kind of creepy, and hot, actually.”

  “Danielle! Focus.”

  She craned her head to see into the yoga room. Soft music played. The smell of incense wafted all the way out to the hallway. The class was starting. She turned back around. “Oh, alright. But you owe me.”

  “Awesome. I’ll even carry your yoga mat.” I lifted her carrying case off her shoulder.

  I pushed the door open, held it for her, then twirled around and ran sm
ack dab into Jack. Why was he always everywhere I was?

  “Hello, ladies.” He had already changed from the school uniform into an old gray shirt and sweat shorts. And by old gray shirt, I meant shirt that did nothing to hide the rock-hard curve of his pectoral muscles.

  I shifted under his probing stare.

  Danielle sidled up beside me and threw an arm around my shoulders, an eyebrow raised in my direction. “Hi, Jack. What ya doin’? Come to see Lexi, did ya?

  I glared at her so hard she withdrew her arm and formed her lips into an O. Her eyes widened as she tried to hide her smile.

  “Where’re you girls off to?” His finger grazed the mat on my back. “Doing a little yoga, Lexi?” A sly grin pulled on his lips.

  Before I could answer, Danielle said, “Lexi here, has talked me into taking her to the…”

  “Store... Supplies…” I closed my eyes and took a breath. “We need supplies for a… project.”

  “Yes. The store.” Danielle agreed.

  “Yeah. And we better hurry.” I linked my arm with Danielle’s and pushed her forward.

  “That’s right. Need to get those supplies.” Danielle waved to Jack over her shoulder. Under her breath, she said to me, “You’re such a pathetic liar.”

  ~~~~

  The U-Store was deserted. The sun hung low in the sky, casting deep shadows on the buildings and making it appear darker than it really was. A late summer breeze stirred up dust from the gravel.

  I directed Danielle to drive past the office to the third row and make a left. “Right here. Unit 391.” We climbed out of Danielle’s vintage 1990 BMW that was in major need of a paint job. Danielle coughed dramatically from the stirring of gravel as she shuffled around the car. Her coughs echoed off the sides of the identical buildings all in a row.