Gifted
Page 8
The clock read four in the morning, but I couldn't think about the time. All I knew was the sun wasn't up and that most of the world was sleeping. And even more than that, I knew Nicholas was gone.
He left, just as I feared he would. Why was he upset, and what did he have to 'work through' for us to be together? There was nothing I could think of that would keep us apart. All I knew was that he wasn't sure when he was going to be back. I craved his company, his touch. But I had to push through it. He promised he'd be back and that we'd be together. I held onto those last words, clutching them close to me as though they were the pieces that held me together.
And the only thing that could momentarily distract me from that reality was to face another that I only recently found out I was ready for.
I threw the covers off my body and turned on my bedroom light. I removed my camisole and placed myself directly in front on the tall mirror that hung on my wall. I noticed my eyes were red and puffy from crying — but I brought my attention to the body of the girl that stood in the reflection.
Even in the dim yellow light from my ceiling fan, I could see that my skin was illuminated. My complexion and the luminance of my face brought out the brown and green hues in my hazel eyes, and my long brown hair completed the package.
My eyes followed down my figure, passing my black bra and focused on my stomach.
Oh, my stomach.
I had a six-pack. I had to touch it just to make sure it was real. I pivoted my legs to get a better view of them. My boxer shorts were short enough that I could see most of my legs. My quad muscles had precise definition — I could see the lip that pointed down toward my knee and discovered curves that could make a personal trainer jealous. My calves had just the right amount of bulk in them — they weren't too small, but not overly large.
I shifted my eyes back up to my arms and studied my biceps, my triceps. I completed the assessment by taking a step back and drank in this new me that stood in the mirror. I nodded to myself more in acceptance than shock.
I couldn't deny it. I was pretty hot.
I was lost in thought from studying myself in the mirror when something hit me. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it before.
"Miles!" I remembered back to that awkward conversation we had a couple weeks ago.
"I want you to promise you'll come to me if things start getting… weird. And I promise I won't make fun of you, no matter what you have to say."
That's it. That's what he was trying to tell me — without telling me. But how did he know? Well, that's what I was about to find out.
I cracked open my door and peeked out. I didn't expect my mother to be up this early, but when I proved my awesome ninja skills last night by sneaking in undetected, I was sure my luck wasn't going to last. I assumed that when she realized I had come home and fallen asleep, she would be waiting to release her fury on me when I woke up in the morning.
I crept quietly down the squeaky stairs — which is quite impressive since they're old and creaky from aged wood — and I dashed into the kitchen. I picked up the phone receiver and dialed Miles’ number. I didn't care if I woke him up. As I waited for his answer, I was spacing out thinking of how nice it would be to have valuable luxuries… like a cell phone.
No answer.
I suppressed a sigh and tried to push the rising devastation of Nicholas’ absence back down. I had so much pent-up emotion and energy that I had to do something — anything. I needed a distraction — and a good one, at that.
Then the idea came to me. And it was something I'd never done before.
I snuck back up to my room and put on a pair of stretchy work out pants. I usually wear them as pajamas since they're so comfy. But today, I was going to use them for what they were made for. I put on a long sleeved thermal shirt over my camisole and then threw on a hooded sweatshirt. I slipped my tennis shoes on and then tested my ninja skills again by creeping back downstairs and out the front door.
And I started running.
It was exhilarating. It was the best release I could ask for after everything that had happened. With Nicholas and the strange mental things that I couldn't explain — I realized I should have been doing this a long time ago. It felt as if my body was about to burst with joy when my heart started pumping harder from the increased activity. I wasn't aware of my surroundings — the only thing that held my attention was how my body reacted with each pounding step on the pavement.
My deep breaths felt like pure oxygen to my lungs. The oxygen and blood rushing through my veins surged my adrenaline even higher. The chill from the wind didn't faze me — it felt natural, like it was part of the fuel that fed my adrenaline.
I suppressed a giggle and kicked it up a notch, picking up my pace and focusing on how energized my body felt.
By the time I made my way back to the house, I realized the sun was up high enough that it had to have been at least eight o'clock. I rounded the corner and took a breathless step onto the front porch. I removed my sweatshirt and thermal, threw them on the porch swing and noticed how my camisole clung to my body, drenched in sweat.
I walked into the kitchen with nonchalance. My mother was sitting at the kitchen table, drumming her nails and looking as if she'd been crying.
"What's up, mom?" I asked lightly as I walked over to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.
"Do you — do you have any idea… Where were you?"
"I went for a run," I said as if it was something I did every morning.
"You don't run. And you don't sneak boys over when I'm gone. What has gotten into you — are you feeling well?" She stood abruptly from her chair and brought her hand up to check the temperature on my forehead.
I dodged her hand and stepped away. I knew she was concerned, but a sudden fury had risen up inside me. "I'm fine. I just — I don't know! I'm just going through some things right now and I'm trying to figure it out," I snapped and released a frustrated breath. "And no, I don't want to talk about it."
There was a sudden knock at the door and my heart skipped a beat. When I cracked it open and realized who was standing on the other side — my hope faltered a little, but only a little bit.
"Miles! Thank heavens — I need to talk to you. "
"You're not going anywhere or talking to anyone until I'm finished talking to you, young lady!" My mother interrupted from behind me. She stood in the doorway of the kitchen with her arms crossed. "Who's Nicholas? I didn't recognize him from school… and he looks older. Is he a college student?"
"Mom! We have company now — drop it, and we'll talk later," I snapped.
"I always thought it was going to be Miles, you know. Always thought he was going to be the one you'd invite over when I was gone."
My stomach cringed — the fury inside me rose further. "Quit acting like Miles isn't standing right here — he can hear you! Leave me alone for five seconds, you're being ridiculous!" My hands were shaking and I felt my face flush.
A big hand gently touched my shoulder. I turned back toward Miles to snap at him for touching me, but the way he was looking at me made me forget what I was going to say.
He was assessing me, studying me from head to toe — but not in a creepy way, more like I was a test he was analyzing.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, as I pulled away from him. I remembered that I was still wearing my drenched camisole and work out pants — I wondered what I looked like to him.
His face became featureless and he met my mother's eyes with a humbled expression. "Excuse me, Ms. Everett, I didn't mean to interrupt anything. We got back from our vacation early and my mother was making breakfast — she wanted me to come and invite Abby. If it's a problem I can come back later…"
"Miles," my mother interrupted, "At this point, I don't want to be anywhere near her. Please, take her." She waved me off, stepping out of the kitchen doorway and into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. I think I saw a tear roll down her cheek before she turned away.
"I did call you," I replied, dumbfounded.
"Not soon enough." He released my shoulders and took a step back.
"Get dressed. We need to talk." His tone was serious and intimidated me. I immediately obeyed — but halfway up the stairs I turned around.
"Umm… I need a shower. Care to wait a few minutes?"
He let out a frustrated sigh and sat down on the couch — so I took that as my answer.
****
"So, Captain Jack — what's for breakfast?" I prodded after I was all cleaned up and had made my way down the stairs.
He turned toward me with the same expressionless face from before and shook his head. He stood up from the couch and walked toward the door. I assumed I was supposed to follow.
We didn't say another word to each other until we were in the car and heading toward his parents' house.
"What happened while I was gone?" He forced the words through his teeth, refusing to look at me.
"What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean. You exercised this morning, didn't you? What else — and who's Nicholas?"
"You expect me to explain what I've been doing? Let's start at the part where you knew what would happen and didn't tell me!" I snapped.
"I couldn't tell you… I wasn't even sure it would happen. I told my parents you had the signs, and that morning when my grandmother saw —" He released a frustrated breath— "Look. You promised me you'd come to me, and you didn't. You knew I was here for you. But instead, you decided to stay quiet and drive yourself crazy. I didn't make that choice for you."
"But you still knew, Miles!" I was on the verge of crying and it hinted in my voice.
Miles must have heard it because he didn't speak again.
The silence started to grow louder the longer we were in the car. I couldn't deny it — Miles was right. I promised him I'd come to him when I was ready. I didn't have to go through this alone — he was there for me this whole time. And I was so distracted with Nicholas that Miles didn't even cross my mind.
Nicholas.
I started swallowing repeatedly, attempting to push down the dull ache that rose in my chest. I couldn't think of him now — not yet. I couldn't let the memories of him distract me.
****
"What am I?" I whispered when I was finally able to pull myself together. I hadn't realized we were already in his parents' driveway.
"Come. There's much you need to know."
As we stepped outside of the car, I noticed that the sun was shining. My mind automatically shifted to bathing suits and tanning lotion. During my jog this morning, I hadn't noticed the change in weather with my attention being… elsewhere.
Miles silently opened the house door for me. As I stepped in, it occurred to me that it had been a while since I was last in his house. Everything still looked the same but I forgot how homey it felt here.
His mother had exquisite taste in furniture and décor. She had large family portraits and paintings that hung elaborately on the walls. I'd normally feel uncomfortable being in such an immaculate home, but his family had always made me feel welcome here — like I was a part of their family.
I could smell bacon, French toast and syrup throughout the room and I felt my stomach rumble. Running sure increases the appetite.
I followed Miles into the kitchen and stopped in the entry. It appeared his entire family was expecting my arrival. No one was talking — they simply stared at me with wide eyes.
"Lady Everett… you've turned," his grandmother said coolly, breaking the silence. It startled me because I'd never spoken to her before — I'd normally see her knitting something and keeping to herself. She walked up to me slowly, reaching for both of my hands. Her wiry white hair was pulled back in a taut bun and she smiled slightly, waiting for my response.
"Excuse me?" I squeaked.
"Abby doesn't know anything," Miles explained to everyone in the room.
"Oh, honey— " Miles’ mother threw her arms around me in a secure embrace.
Dara always had a way of making everybody feel content — as long as I had known her she'd been very understanding and supportive of Miles, and I admired her for that.
"You must be so confused, but I'll have you know that everything will be okay. We'll continue to keep you safe." She released her embrace and looked directly into my eyes, reading into them as if they were a book. Her brilliant green eyes were comforting and familiar to me — Miles’ eyes.
"Thanks…" I wasn't sure what else to say. I was trying to understand what she meant about keeping me safe. And I was tired of everyone talking about how confused I must be.
"Okay, we better get to eating before breakfast gets cold. I didn't slave all morning to have it go to waste," Dara ordered, waving for everyone to turn their attention from me.
I gave her a knowing smile.
I didn't eat as much breakfast as I thought I would. My ravenous appetite decreased when Miles’ entire family continued to stare at me, all of them having the same curious expressions. I decided I was going to keep my eyes on my plate — I could avoid all awkwardness that way.
I was picking at my bacon when a sudden slap on my back brought me out of my self-induced solitude.
"Welcome to the mind wars," Miles’ younger brother, Damian, stated dryly. He was a sophomore in high school and a spitting image of Miles — except for his brown eyes.
"Um… thanks," I answered quietly. I didn't understand what that meant, but I knew it was only a matter of time until I did.
A few moments later, a cold aged hand rested on my arm. I glanced up to see Miles’ grandmother peering down at me with her kind green eyes, piercing through mine. I'd never paid much attention to her before, but I realized that her green eyes must be dominant since Dara and Miles had the exact same shade of brilliant green.
"Come with me, dear."
I nodded and stood from my seat. I wasn't sure I could feel anything anymore — all my senses seemed to be numb.
"Don't look so glum, Abbs — you look like you're about to walk the plank," Miles teased.
"Listen here — this is all your fault. Ever since you gave me that stupid diary my life's been wreaking havoc," I said, surprised by my outburst. It wasn't until that moment that I realized all my experiences started happening immediately after he gave me the notebook. I noted that he must've been paying close attention to me for quite some time and I wondered what 'signs' I had been showing that caught his attention.
"Aww — don't blame me, Abbs. For once in your life you became stubborn and kept to yourself. I expected you to call me over the same night I gave you that thing," he grinned.
"Huh. Guess you don't know me as well as you thought." I bobbed my head. He chuckled and followed us outside onto the back porch. I always liked that Miles could handle my smart remarks. Most got offended.
His grandmother sat down in a cushioned rocking chair. Miles and I found a seat at a glass table that had an umbrella placed in the middle. The sun felt soothing on my skin.
"I'm afraid we haven't been properly introduced. My name is Navi." She smiled kindly as she rocked slowly in her chair.
"Nice to meet you, Navi."
She cleared her throat and clasped her hands excitedly together. "There's much you need to know dear — and there's much you're going to find out that you're going to wish you never knew, after all. But I'm here to advise you. I've seen great power. I've seen what our blessed gifts can truly do. And it is up to you how you choose to use yours. Just like any other circumstance where there's power, there are two parties. And that's the unfortunate history people like us have dealt with for too many years to count. We are at war Lady Everett, and we're fighting each other." Her eyes lightened pleasantly as she continued to rock in her chair.
"We are called Valens, dear. P
eople with extraordinary mind powers — gifts, as we call them. You, Lady Everett, come from a Royal and Elite bloodline. Your Great Grandfather Liam was a great leader in his day and Valens from all over the world looked to him for guidance and direction. He became a King, dear." She grew quiet for a few moments.
Probably because she could see the abrupt change in my expression.
"Wait — what does that make me?" I asked, thinking through everything I had just learned.
She smiled. "Remember in the kitchen when Dara assured you we'd continue to keep you safe?"
I nodded.
"That's what we've been doing since you and your sister Olivia were born. Your father wanted to… live another lifestyle," she expressed the last phrase in a disappointed tone.
"But I am no one to judge." She took a deep breath and continued, her kind expression never changing. "Your father wanted to protect you and your sister from all knowledge of Valens. Which I assume is why he never told you of our world, otherwise you'd have been more prepared." She gave me an accusing look, raising an eyebrow.
Something occurred to me just then.
"If I inherited this from my dad, then Olivia will start experiencing things too. I need to call her! I need to warn her — she doesn't have to go through what I did alone…" I started to stand up, but Miles caught my hand and pulled me back down in my chair. I almost forgot he was there.
"That's not necessary, dear." Navi smiled, shaking her head. "You see, only first born Valens inherit gifts. And you, my dear, are the firstborn. Your sister can remain without the knowledge of our world."
I scowled. I didn't like the fact that she said I couldn't tell Liv what I knew. I shook it off — for now.
"But you still didn't answer my question. What does my Great Grandfather's leadership make me?" I pressed.
She leaned her head back against her rocking chair, never once removing her eyes from mine. "That makes you a very well-kept secret, my dear. You need to practice your gift — master it even, before any Valens are aware of your turning. Miles here" —she pointed next to me with her aged fingers— "can help you with that, since you're so comfortable around him." She suppressed a smile as if there was a hidden meaning behind the statement.