BEING JAMIE BAKER

by Kelly Oram

Published by Bluefields at Smashwords Copyright 2010 by Kelly Oram

All rights reserved !ithout limiti"g the rights u"der #opyright reserved above$ "o part of this publi#atio" may be reprodu#ed$ stored i" or i"trodu#ed i"to a retrieval system$ or tra"smitted$ i" a"y form$ or by a"y mea"s %ele#tro"i#$ me#ha"i#al$ photo#opyi"g$ re#ordi"g$ or otherwise& without the prior writte" permissio" of both the #opyright ow"er a"d the above publisher of this boo' (he #hara#ters a"d eve"ts portrayed i" this boo' are fi#titious A"y similarity to real perso"s$ livi"g or dead$ is #oi"#ide"tal a"d "ot i"te"ded by the author Smashwords Edition License Notes (his eboo' is li#e"sed for your perso"al e")oyme"t o"ly (his eboo' may "ot be re*sold or give" away to other people +f you would li'e to share this boo' with a"other perso"$ please pur#hase a" additio"al #opy for ea#h perso" you share it with +f you,re readi"g this boo' a"d did "ot pur#hase it$ or it was "ot pur#hased for your use o"ly$ the" you should retur" to Smashwords #om a"d pur#hase your ow" #opy (ha"' you for respe#ti"g the author,s wor' ----A#'"owledgme"ts .y deepest gratitude goes to everyo"e at Bluefields for ta'i"g a #ha"#e o" me (ha"' you for all of your faith$ hard wor'$ a"d espe#ially for the ama/i"g boo' trailer0 %see it at www Bei"g1amieBa'er #om& (ha"' you always to my best frie"d2biggest fa"2muse$ Christy A"" 3or way too ma"y reaso"s to me"tio" them all A"d fi"ally$ tha"' you to 4a'$ 1ulia$ Sarah$ .are$ 5ee$ 6ose$ .eg a"d all of my ma"y other 7absolutely #haoti#8 writi"g buddies 3or so ma"y years of advi#e$ e"#ourageme"t$ i"spiratio"$ a"d #riti#ism +

"ever #ould have made it this far without you

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BEING JAMIE BAKER

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C9AP(:6 1 .ost superhero stories start with a meteor shower or a "asty i"se#t bite$ but mi"e a#tually starts with a 'iss !hether it was a 'iss of life or a 'iss of death + still have";t de#ided$ but it was$ surprisi"gly$ a really good 'iss <ot that +;d ever tell him that (he 'iss did";t a#tually give me my powers (hose #ame earlier$ i" a frea' a##ide"t i"volvi"g to=i# waste a"d somethi"g li'e >0$000 volts of ele#tri#ity But it was that 'iss that for#ed me out of hidi"g a"d #ha"ged my life$ eve"tually ma'i"g me who + am today$ a"d blah$ blah$ blah? @ou '"ow the drill .i'e 5ris#oll a#tually started it$ three wee's before our se"ior home#omi"g$ whe" he got i" a" argume"t with 6ya" .iller over who to as' to the da"#e .i'e a"d 6ya" were basi#ally the two most popular guys i" s#hool$ a"d Be#'y :astma" held that title by a la"dslide amo"g the female populatio" 7+ thi"' +;m go""a ta'e Be#'y to home#omi"g$8 .i'e said #asually o"e day over his #old #hi#'e" patty o" a bu" a"d #oleslaw 75ude$ you too' her to )u"ior prom$8 6ya" immediately protested 7@eah$ soA8 7So it;s my tur" +;m ta'i"g her to home#omi"g 8 7Over my dead body She;s the hottest girl i" s#hool As #aptai" of the football team it;s my right to have first pi#' 8 7Says whoA8 6ya" laughed 7+;m the Buarterba#' :veryo"e '"ows +;m the real star Besides$ +;m better loo'i"g tha" you + bet if we as'ed her at the same time$ she;d pi#' me 8 7!ould "ot 8 7!ould too 8 7So would "ot 8 +;m "ot sure e=a#tly how lo"g they fought about that$ but it was lo"g e"ough for me to wa"t to rip my hair out Superheari"g #a" #ome i" ha"dy every "ow a"d the"$ but most of the time it royally su#'s :spe#ially whe" you;re stu#' i" a #rowded s#hool #afeteria$ surrou"ded by a bu"#h of spoiled suburba" tee"agers$ most of whom are havi"g #o"versatio"s every bit as ridi#ulous as the o"e 6ya" a"d .i'e

were e"grossed i" + try to drow" out the "oise$ a"d it wor's to a" e=te"t$ but the a""oyi"g #hatter is the reaso" + always sit i" the far #or"er$ all by myself !ell$ it;s o"e of the reaso"s +;d ma"aged to blo#' most of the "o"se"se from my mi"d by fo#usi"g o" the sou"d of my ow" #hewi"g$ but +;m 'i"d of li'e o"e of those gover"me"t #omputer programs that you see i" spy movies$ where they pi#' up 'ey words a"d the" home i" o" the #o"versatio" (ra"slatio"C +;m se"sitive to my ow" "ame$ a"d whe" it es#aped 6ya" .iller;s mouth$ + was immediately payi"g #lose atte"tio" 7(e#h"i#ally$8 he said$ 71amie Ba'er is hotter tha" Be#'y +f you wa"t to ta'e the hottest girl i" s#hool$ the" you have to ta'e her 8 .i'e burst i"to ob"o=ious laughter 7@eah$ she;s hot all right$ for a" i#e Buee" Be#'y is the hottest normal girl i" s#hool 1amie would "ever go to the da"#e with a"yo"e 8 7<ot eve" the great .i'e 5ris#ollA8 6ya" laughed 7@ou always say you #ould get any girl i" this s#hool 8 71amie does";t #ou"t (he #hi#';s a total lo"er 8 7.aybe she;s )ust misu"derstood$8 6ya" teased 7.aybe she;s )ust a #old*hearted frea' 8 + smir'ed$ Buite happy with .i'e;s opi"io" of me !he" + first arrived here at 6o#'li" 9igh$ .i'e 5ris#oll hit o" me before + got to the fro"t steps 9e a"d his buddies were all ha"gi"g out at the ba#' of his tru#' li'e they were havi"g some sort of tailgate party before s#hool + '"ew e=a#tly what was #omi"g whe" he straighte"ed his letter )a#'et a"d smiled at me with that #lassi# #roo'ed smile that every ma)or woma"i/er has perfe#ted .aybe laughi"g i" his fa#e i" fro"t of the e"tire varsity football team was a bit harsh$ but it did the tri#' 9e has";t bothered me si"#e <o"e of them has A"yway$ +;m glad he hates me 9avi"g him spread all those rumors ma'es it a lot easier for me to 'eep my preferred 7lo"er8 status 7+ bet + #ould get her to go with me$8 6ya" mused$ brea'i"g both .i'e a"d me from our thoughts Dwhi#h +;d bet were the same right the"$ though + #a";t be sure .i"d readi"g is "ot #he#'ed off o" my list of superhuma" abilities (his time + "early )oi"ed .i'e i" his wild laughter + do";t '"ow why 6ya" thought he was so spe#ial$ a"d appare"tly$ "either did .i'e 7Jamie BakerA +;ll bet you #ould";t eve" get her to tal' to you 8 7@eah$ + #ould$8 6ya" said 7+ bet + #ould go over there$ stri'e up a #o"versatio"$ a"d get her "umber by the e"d of lu"#h 8 7@ou thi"' you #ould get 1amie;s pho"e "umberA8 7+ )ust said + #ould$ did";t +A8 7<o way$8 .i'e said 7O'ay$ how about this +f + #a" get 1amie;s "umber by the e"d of lu"#h$ the" + get to ta'e Be#'y to home#omi"g +f "ot$ the" you get to ta'e her i"stead 8 7.a'e it a 'iss$ a"d you;re o" 8 7+ 'iss 1amie Ba'er$ a"d + get to ta'e Be#'y to home#omi"gA8 7<ot e=a#tlyDa"ybody #a" )ust 'iss someo"e$8 .i'e said 7@ou have to get her to 'iss you$ or the deal;s off 8 + #ould feel 6ya" loo'i"g at me agai"$ probably tryi"g to figure out if he #ould really do it$ a"d the" after a mome"t he said$ 7Before lu"#h is overA8 7@up 8 .i'e slapped his ha"d loudly o" 6ya";s ba#' 7@ou;ve o"ly got te" mi"utes$ Casa"ova Better go ma'e your move 8 + heard 6ya" s#oot his #hair out from the table a"d smiled to myself (he guy did";t sta"d a #ha"#e$ but + had to admit$ the bet was highly amusi"g$ a"d + almost #ould";t wait for him to try !he"

he approa#hed me$ + waited for him to Buote somethi"g +;m sure you #ould fi"d i" a"y boo' of #heesy pi#'up li"es$ but mu#h to my disappoi"tme"t all + got was a 79ey$ 1amie .i"d if + sit for a mi"uteA8 + had "o #omeba#' +t;s hard to i"sult 6ya" if he;s "ot ma'i"g a" idiot of himself So$ si"#e + #ould";t ma'e a s#e"e worth a"y gossip$ + de#ided "ot to ma'e a s#e"e at all + did";t eve" a#'"owledge his prese"#e +t did";t stop him from sitti"g dow"$ though 6ya" pulled out the #hair to my right a"d tur"ed it so that he was fa#i"g me +;m "ot sure if he sat li'e that$ thi"'i"g it would ma'e me loo' at him$ or if he )ust wa"ted to have his ba#' to the other ge"ius behi"d this master pla"$ so that he #ould";t see .i'e laughi"g 9e sat there for a mi"ute$ "o doubt still tryi"g to figure out his strategy$ a"d whe" + smiled at the way he was bou"#i"g his '"ee "ervously$ he immediately lea"ed forward$ resti"g his elbows o" his legs 79ere;s the thi"g$8 6ya" fi"ally bega" 7+f + #a";t 'iss you by the e"d of lu"#h$ the" + have to let .i'e ta'e Be#'y :astma" to home#omi"g$ a"d + already made di""er reservatio"s at her favorite restaura"t 8 Of all the thi"gs i" the world$ + "ever for o"e se#o"d e=pe#ted him to tell me the truth + was ho"estly ama/ed <o$ + was impressed (his guy was o" a whole differe"t playi"g field tha" li'e EE EE per#e"t of all huma"s #ursed with @ #hromosomes !hat he said was ridi#ulous$ but surely it deserved$ at the very least$ a respo"se 7(hat;s o"e +;ve "ever heard before$8 + said dryly$ still "ot botheri"g to loo' his dire#tio" 7A girl as hot as you #a";t be a stra"ger to the game$ so + figured ho"esty might be my o"ly shot 8 7+;ll admit$ it was probably the #losest thi"g you had to a shot 8 7O'ay$ what about briberyA8 7Sorry 8 7Aw$ #ome o"$ 1amie +t wo";t mea" a"ythi"g + wo";t eve" use to"gue @ou do";t really wa"t .i'e to wi"$ do youA8 +t was trueD6ya" was defi"itely the lesser of two evils + sighed$ obviously softe"ed by the surprise truth ta#ti#$ a"d fi"ally loo'ed at him 7+;ll owe you$8 he said hopefully + studied him for a mi"ute 9e defi"itely was";t bad*loo'i"g 9o"ey*blo"d hair$ blue eyes a"d a tall$ lea" build O'ay$ fi"e$ he was hot +f you li'e the All*Ameri#a"*boy*"e=t*door type !hi#h$ u"fortu"ately$ + do Plus$ the pout 6ya" was givi"g me was 'i"d of #harmi"g$ i" a patheti# sort of way$ so + #o"sidered my optio"s After reali/i"g that all givi"g i" to his reBuest would do was ma'e people thi"' +;m a frea' Dwhi#h they already thi"' a"ywayDa"d give them somethi"g to tal' about for a few days$ + figured$ why "otA At least this way + #ould ta'e a little pleasure i" .i'e;s disappoi"tme"t a"d save Be#'y from a "ight of dru"'e" gropi"g 73i"e$8 + said with a sigh 7K"o#' yourself out 8 + sat ba#' a"d waited for 6ya";s sho#'ed loo' to fade + smiled whe" it fi"ally tur"ed to a frow" 7A#tually$8 he said$ #ri"gi"g$ 7you have to 'iss me or it does";t #ou"t 8 + already '"ew that$ but + still raised a" eyebrow at him .ay as well ma'e him sweat a little 7@ou do";t have to prete"d to li'e it$8 he said$ sou"di"g a little desperate for the first time 7PleaseA8 + did";t say a"ythi"g 1ust gla"#ed over 6ya";s head at .i'e$ who was a"aly/i"g my every move$ the" lea"ed over a"d pressed my lips to 6ya";s +t was )ust over a year si"#e my a##ide"t$ the o"e that made me )oi" the #omi# boo' persuasio"$ a"d + hated to admit it$ but + had";t 'issed a guy si"#e +;d #ha"ged A"d + '"ow + have a little e=tra ele#tri#ity ru""i"g through me "owD+ #a" )ump*start a #ar with my ha"ds if + wa"t toDbut + "ever imagi"ed it would affe#t somethi"g li'e 'issi"g a guy (here were";t a#tual physi#al spar's$ but somethi"g pulsed through me a"d pulled me to 6ya" +;d

mea"t to )ust tou#h my lips lightly agai"st his$ but the i"sta"t we #o""e#ted + lost all self*#o"trol + threw my mouth o" his so for#efully that he "early fell out of his #hairD"ot that he seemed to mi"d a"y :"ergy passed right through me$ a"d + #ould feel the warmth of my ele#tri#ity #omi"g from his ha"ds as they fou"d their way to my fa#e (he "e=t thi"g + '"ew$ + was straddli"g his lap with my arms wrapped tightly arou"d his "e#' :veryo"e i" the #afeteria we"t sile"t$ or at least to me the sou"d faded away$ a"d that;s whe" + reali/ed what was happe"i"g + '"ew it was "ot a "ormal 'iss by a"y mea"s$ a"d if + a#ted as frea'ed out as + felt$ + ris'ed 6ya" reali/i"g that there was somethi"g differe"t about me + )ust 'ept 'issi"g him u"til + had my emotio"s i" #he#'$ a"d whe" + fi"ally pulled away we were both pretty breathless 7@ou #a" 'eep the gum$8 + said$ tryi"g to 'eep up my "o"#hala"t reputatio"$ a"d slowly #limbed off him 79ave fu" at the da"#e 8 !he" + left$ 6ya" was still sitti"g i" his #hair$ 'i"d of spee#hless + wo"dered if maybe +;d ele#tro#uted him or paraly/ed him or somethi"g$ but by the time + tur"ed arou"d he was stumbli"g ba#' to .i'e 9e was i" a bit of a da/e$ but he appeared to be o'ay$ so + 'ept wal'i"g + headed straight for the girls; bathroom$ where + #ould have a mi"ute to #ompletely frea' out i" private before + had to get to my "e=t #lass + was pretty useless the rest of the day si"#e the o"ly thi"g + #ould thi"' about was that 'iss Of #ourse + li'ed it$ a"d +;m pretty sure he did too$ but it was weird +t was";t a "ormal 'iss$ a huma" 'iss +t was some 'i"d of super'iss Ki"d of frea'ish$ li'e me +t was )ust o"e more thi"g to remi"d me that + would "ever be able to live a fully "ormal life "ow$ a"d aside from depressi"g me it s#ared me !hat if +;d hurt himA !hat if somethi"g bad had happe"edA !hat if this mea"t + #ould "ever have a physi#al relatio"ship ever agai"A !hat if someo"e fi"ds out the truth about meA Or$ what if$ be#ause of the super'issi"g abilities + appare"tly possess$ 6ya" already '"owsA +t was that last Buestio" that s#ared me the most$ a"d the o"e that had my mi"d so preo##upied duri"g last period that + did";t hear the bell ri"g <or did + reali/e that 6ya" was there u"til he plopped dow" at the des' right i" fro"t of mi"e a"d spu" arou"d 9e a#tually startled me$ a"d that a""oyed me very mu#h$ but "ot as mu#h as the fa#t that he laughed at me for it + gave him a" evil glare$ but he )ust as'ed$ 75o you wa"t to go to the da"#e with meA8 as if we were best frie"ds a"d the a"swer was a give" + #ould";t stop the #o"fusio" i" my mi"d from spreadi"g to my fa#e$ a"d he laughed at me agai" + gla"#ed a#ross the room$ si"#e :"glish was the o"e #lass that 6ya"$ Be#'y$ a"d + all had i" #ommo"$ a"d frow"ed at the girl who;d bee" the reaso" for our stra"ge e"#ou"ter i" the first pla#e 7All that effort a"d she tur"ed you dow"A Su#'s to be you 8 6ya" shrugged 7+ did";t as' her 8 79ey$ + did my part i" this idioti# little s#heme @ou;d better go do yours "ow +;d hate to thi"' + made myself the star of the s#hool;s gossip #olum" for "othi"g 8 7+t does";t have to be "othi"g 8 6ya" shrugged agai" 7@ou wa"t to goA8 + did";t get this guy at all <ot that +;m li'e this big s#ary mo"ster or a"ythi"g$ but tal'i"g to 1amie Ba'er is 'i"d of taboo arou"d my s#hool People usually avoid eye #o"ta#t with me$ "ot as' me out 7Sorry$8 + said 7(hat 'iss was a o"e*time deal$ a"d it was";t a" i"vitatio" for a"ythi"g else (rust me$ you;ve got a mu#h better #ha"#e of getti"g some a#tio" if you go with Be#'y 8 + would";t say + sou"ded hostile )ust the"$ but + defi"itely was";t bei"g frie"dly$ a"d whe" 6ya" )ust laughed at my #omme"t my a""oya"#e tur"ed i"to real a"ger 7+t;s "ot li'e that$8 he said 76ight 8

7<o$ really + )ust thi"' it #ould be i"teresti"g 8 + gave him the dirtiest loo' + #ould$ but he shrugged it off li'e it was "othi"g 9e loo'ed over at Be#'y )ust as she left the room$ a"d the" loo'ed ba#' at me as #asual as ever 7+ thi"' it;d be more fu" to go with you 8 O'ay$ "ow + was #urious + mea" Be#'y a"d 6ya" are basi#ally atta#hed at the hip Best frie"ds si"#e 'i"dergarte" or somethi"g ridi#ulous li'e that 6ya" worships her as mu#h as every other boy i" this s#hool$ if "ot more$ so + #ould";t for the life of me u"dersta"d why he;d as' me whe" he #ould ta'e her 7+ '"ow Be#'y$8 6ya" e=plai"ed whe" he saw my frow" 7But you;re a mystery to me + li'e mysteries 8 7!ell the"$ Sherlo#'$ it;s i" your best i"terest to sti#' with the origi"al pla" +f we we"t to the da"#e a"d you a##ide"tally got to '"ow me or somethi"g$ the" + would";t be a mystery a"ymore 8 + grabbed my bag a"d stood up 7+;m "ot goi"g !ith you or a"yo"e 8 + wal'ed out of the room without loo'i"g ba#'$ but + heard him sigh as + left +t was the stra"gest day +;d had si"#e + moved here a"d the most so#ial i"tera#tio" +;d had with a"y o"e #lassmate +t had";t bee" bad$ but + prayed it was over "ow a"d that whe" + we"t ba#' to s#hool the "e=t day thi"gs would be ba#' to their "ormal$ u"eve"tful selves ----C9AP(:6 2 + wo"dered if 6ya" would 'eep botheri"g me$ but he did";t Aside from Paul !arre"$ 6o#'li" 9igh;s reside"t :mi"em wa""abe$ givi"g me what he thought passed for 7the "od8 every time he saw me$ everythi"g was ba#' to "ormal withi" a #ouple of days At least it was u"til the followi"g (hursday$ whe" + ra" i"to 6ya" at the movies a"d he a#tually had the "erve to tal' to my pare"ts 6ya" wor's at the theater$ a"d + '"ew there was a #ha"#e he would be there$ but + "ever imagi"ed he would do a"ythi"g with my mom a"d dad sta"di"g there + also #ould";t "ot go be#ause (hursdays are too big a deal See$ my a##ide"t happe"ed o" a !ed"esday$ a"d the "e=t day$ whe" my pare"ts should have bee" pla""i"g my fu"eral$ + was released from the hospital$ a"d we all we"t out to #elebrate the fa#t that + was alive :very (hursday si"#e the" has 'i"d of be#ome our day Fi'e a family day Sure$ my pare"ts are #ompletely #or"y a"d li'e to get all mushy o" me sometimes$ but + still love (hursdays .aybe it;s lame to ha"g with your pare"ts$ but + would";t give up (hursdays for the world .y pare"ts are all +;ve got (hey;re the o"ly two people i" the world that + #a" #ompletely be myself arou"d So despite their Buir's$ whe" we go out a"d have a good time together$ it;s the o"ly time + ever feel li'e a "ormal 'id (hat;s why my pare"ts would have '"ow" somethi"g was up if +;d sudde"ly opted to stay home i" order to avoid seei"g 6ya" +;ve see" 6ya" at the movie theater lots of times$ a"d he always loo's at me weird a"d the" ta'es our ti#'ets without showi"g a"y other hi"t that he a#tually '"ows who + am$ so + figured it would be o'ay But + '"ew + was i" trouble this time be#ause his fa#e lit up as we wal'ed through the door + guess ma'i"g out with him #ha"ged the rules somehow a"d made it a##eptable for him to say hi to me$ be#ause he gave me su#h a #heerful 79ey$ 1amie08 that it a#tually startled my pare"ts 9e flashed me that stupid$ #harmi"g$ boyish gri" of his$ a"d + glared ba#'$ but my mother

pra#ti#ally swoo"ed Before she #ould as'$ 6ya" held out his ha"d a"d said$ 79i$ .r a"d .rs Ba'er +;m 1amie;s frie"d 6ya" +t;s really "i#e to meet you 8 So we;re frie"ds "owA O"e ra"dom 'iss a"d a re)e#ted date ma'e us frie"dsA + wa"ted to argue the poi"t$ but he did";t appear to be sar#asti# at all$ a"d the sad fa#t is$ + do";t have a"y frie"ds (he fa#t that he eve" tal'ed to me made him the #losest thi"g to it$ so + guess there was "o harm i" letti"g my pare"ts believe it At least the" they might get off my #ase a little 6ya" shoo' my pare"ts; ha"ds$ a"d my mother all but pulled him i" for a big$ tight hug + '"ow she;s a little desperate for me to ma'e frie"ds a"d have a "ormal life$ but if + had bee" tryi"g to do that$ she defi"itely would";t have bee" helpi"g a"y @ou have to u"dersta"d my mom$ though She a"d my dad are a "ormal tee"ager;s worst "ightmare Seriously$ they;re straight out of o"e of those after*s#hool spe#ials about tee"age preg"a"#y or a"ore=ia or whatever @ou '"ow$ always tryi"g to help me be stro"g by telli"g me how proud of me they are a"d how mu#h they love me a"d stuff +" today;s world of divor#e a"d family dysfu"#tio"$ my pare"ts are basi#ally frea's (hey;ve always bee" #heesy a"d way overprote#tiveD+ suppose that;s )ust what happe"s whe" you;re raised i" a little farmi"g tow" i" +lli"oisDbut it;s gotte" mu#h worse si"#e my a##ide"t Sometimes + thi"' they a#t li'e that be#ause they;re afraid +;m tiptoei"g o" the edge of sa"ity$ a"d if my home life is";t perfe#t +;ll #ra#' But the truth is$ my a##ide"t has affe#ted them as mu#h as me$ a"d with everythi"g we;ve bee" through i" the last year$ we;re all probably borderli"e lu"ati#s +;m sure they "eed the image of perfe#tio" as mu#h as + do !hile + should have bee" mortified whe" my mom greeted 6ya" with a hug$ + #ould";t really blame her +"stead$ + )ust wa"ted to 'ill him Butteri"g up my pare"ts a"d getti"g their hopes up li'e that was a pretty low blow But the boy really '"ows how to play the game$ +;ll give him that mu#h 7+;m surprised 1amie;s "ever me"tio"ed su#h a good*loo'i"g boy to us before$8 my mother gushed 7@ou;re )ust the type she usually blabs my ear off about 8 6ya" smiled proudly for my mom;s sa'e$ but the gla"#e he shot me seemed to say$ 7So +;m your type$ huhA Good to '"ow 8 + #ould be mista'e"$ but he seemed a little disappoi"ted whe" + was u"fa/ed by his tau"ti"g 9e tur"ed his atte"tio" ba#' to my mom a"d as'ed$ 7She;s never me"tio"ed meA <ot eve" after what happe"ed last wee'A8 + groa"ed at 6ya";s pout$ a"d espe#ially at his feig"ed surprise$ but my mother ate it up .y father$ o" the other ha"d$ was "ow wat#hi"g both 6ya" a"d me meti#ulously$ a"d very #autiously as'ed$ 7!hyA !hat happe"ed last wee'A8 7<othi"g$8 + grumbled 7+t defi"itely was";t "othi"g08 6ya" argued + felt the #hu"'s rise i" my stoma#h at the thought of 6ya" telli"g my pare"ts that +;d 'issed him As + vowed i"wardly to murder him if he gave up the se#ret$ the )er' wi"'ed at me$ happy to see he;d fi"ally gotte" to me (ha"'fully$ he divulged o"ly a ti"y pie#e of the story 7+ fi"ally got up the #ourage to as' her out$8 he e=plai"ed As mu#h as + wa"ted to believe that +;m "ot the o"ly superpowered frea' i" the world$ a"d that 6ya" did";t me"tio" our 'iss be#ause he had some 'i"d of mi"d*readi"g ability$ + '"ew that was";t the #ase + was bei"g pretty obvious that + was #o"templati"g murder$ a"d + '"ow 6ya" pi#'ed up o" it .y father saw it too$ a"d eve" though + #ould tell he fou"d 6ya";s harassi"g me fu""y$ he tried his best to hide his amuseme"t .y mother$ however$ did";t "oti#e me at all She was too busy glari"g at a group of girls flirti"g with 6ya" as he tore their ti#'ets She raised her voi#e above their giggli"g to say$ 76ya"$ 1amie did";t

tell me you two have a date08 7(hat;s be#ause we do";t$8 + said Bui#'ly @ou should have see" the loo' my mother gave me right the" She was so utterly disappoi"ted i" me But 6ya" laughed a"d muttered$ 7+;m still wor'i"g o" it$ .rs Ba'er$8 ma'i"g her frow" va"ish i"sta"tly (he two of them bei"g all #hummy together was ma'i"g me ill 7+s";t there a movie we;re supposed to be wat#hi"g right "ow or somethi"gA8 6ya" is the last perso" to "eed a"y help with the dati"g game$ but my mother was";t about to miss out o" a" opportu"ity to play mat#hma'er 7(here;s at least te" mi"utes of previews before the show starts +f you wa"t to tal' for a few mi"utes$ we;ll get out of your hair a"d #all you whe" the movie starts 8 @eah$ li'e that was goi"g to happe" 7A"d miss out o" te" mi"utes of (hursday time to tal' to himA + would";t dream of it 8 .y mother started to protest$ a"d my dad we"t to stop her before she #ould start a fight with me$ but 6ya" beat him to the pu"#h 7+t;s all right$ .rs Ba'er .y boss would be o" my #ase for so#iali/i"g a"yway$ a"d +;d hate to i"terrupt you guys + thi"' it;s #ool that you spe"d so mu#h time together + would";t wa"t to impose o" that 8 Surprisi"gly e"ough$ + #ould";t tell if 6ya" was )ust 'issi"g up to my pare"ts or if he was a#tually serious +t;s that stupid gri" of his +t;s too "atural .y mother was a go"er for it$ that was obvious$ but my dad was a little s'epti#al$ li'e me 7A"d do you spe"d lots of time with your pare"tsA8 he as'ed .y dad was defi"itely tryi"g to use his +*have*a*gu"*a"d*+*doubt*a"yo"e*would*miss*you voi#e$ but 6ya" did";t seem to mi"d 7!ell$ my stepdad is away o" busi"ess Buite a bit$ but he;s a" all right guy$ a"d + a#tually spe"d a lot of time with my mom whe" he;s away so she wo";t get lo"ely 8 6ya" shrugged a"d + #ould";t believe it$ but there was a hi"t of red"ess i" his #hee's$ so he Bui#'ly added$ 7She ma'es me 8 <ot that it helped a"y + thi"' it was the blushi"g that fi"ally #o"vi"#ed my dad that 6ya" was bei"g si"#ere 9e "odded slowly a"d said$ 7Good 'id 8 7(ha"' you$ sir + )ust hope you remember you said that whe" 1amie fi"ally agrees to go o" a date with me 8 .y dad laughed$ fi"ally su##umbi"g to the #harm of 6ya" .iller$ a"d +;d had )ust about as mu#h of this as + #ould ta'e 7(he movie;s probably starti"g "ow$8 + s"apped$ a"d the" stal'ed off to the theater + heard my mother sigh$ a"d after she apologi/ed for her rude daughter$ both she a"d my dad said good*bye$ but 6ya" stopped them before they #ould follow me 7+s there a tri#' to getti"g o" her good sideA8 he as'ed .y dad )ust laughed$ but my mother too' pity o" him a"d said$ 75o";t push her too hard (hat o"ly ma'es it worse 8 7+;ll remember that (ha"' you$ .rs Ba'er 8 + tried to figure out if there was a"y dis#ourageme"t i" 6ya";s voi#e$ but without seei"g his fa#e + #ould";t tell + wish my mom had used the words 7do";t bother8 or 7"ever goi"g to happe"$8 but still$ at least she did";t )ust tell him to go for it a"d give him some spiel about me "eedi"g frie"ds$ li'e she does at home all the time Getti"g my pare"ts to stop botheri"g me about goi"g out with 6ya" was easy$ but getti"g 6ya" to stop botheri"g me about goi"g out with 6ya" was a differe"t story + was so "ervous to go to s#hool the "e=t day be#ause if 6ya" had the guts to approa#h me whe" + was with my pare"ts$ the" he would have absolutely "o problem #o"ti"ui"g the harassme"t at s#hool

3riday a#tually #ame a"d we"t without a"y real trouble$ though + was 'i"d of surprised but really relieved at the same time + figured 6ya";s reservatio"s had somethi"g to do with my mom telli"g him "ot to push me$ be#ause every time he saw me he smiled li'e he was bu#'ets of frie"dly$ but he did";t a#tually tal' to me After that$ + figured the #risis was averted a"d hoped that 6ya" )ust thought + was some lo"er who happe"ed to be a really good 'isser$ but the" thi"gs #ha"ged drasti#ally the wee' of home#omi"g +t was .o"day$ a"d :"glish started off the same as a"y other dayDwith me sitti"g i" the far ba#' #or"er$ a"d Be#'y a"d 6ya" somewhere up fro"t with the ma)ority of the rest of the #lass gathered arou"d them li'e a flo#' of sheep 6ya" gla"#ed my dire#tio" every "ow a"d the"$ )ust as he;d do"e ever si"#e our 'iss$ but it still too' me by surprise whe" he de#ided to e"d our sile"t strea' (e" mi"utes before the bell ra"g$ setti"g us free for the day$ .r :dwards told us to pi#' a part"er$ si"#e for our "e=t assig"me"t we would be writi"g biographies of a #lassmate Hsually$ pi#'i"g part"ers mea"t + sat there doodli"g i" my "oteboo' u"til everyo"e else pi#'ed a part"er (he"$ whe" .r :dwards tried to group me with two other people$ +;d tell him + #ould do the pro)e#t by myself !ith most tea#hers$ +;d "ever get away with that$ but this is .r :;s first year of tea#hi"g$ so he has";t figured out yet that you should";t let your stude"ts push you arou"d$ a"d he always gives i" (oday$ however$ it did";t go dow" that way$ a"d + was totally #aught off guard 7(a'e the last te" mi"utes$8 .r :dwards said$ 7to pi#' a part"er$ e=#ha"ge "umbers$ pla" a date$ or do whatever you have to do$ be#ause these papers are due i" two wee's 8 Be#'y$ of #ourse$ automati#ally tur"ed to 6ya" with a big smile 7(his will be easy$8 she said 7+ already '"ow everythi"g about you 8 But the"$ mu#h to everyo"e;s surprise$ a"d "ot )ust mi"e$ 6ya" replied$ 7!hy do";t you part"er with Paige o" this o"eA + thi"' +;m goi"g to do my paper with 1amie 8 + did";t have a"y time to protest be#ause + thi"' Be#'y was a#tually a"grier about it tha" + was 7!hatA8 she yelled$ a"d the" glared my dire#tio" 75id + miss somethi"gA (he frea' )umps you li'e a dog i" heat a"d sudde"ly you;re best frie"dsA8 7+s there a problem$ .s :astma"A8 .r :dwards as'ed 6ya" was Bui#' to step i" 7!e;re fi"e$ .r : +t;s )ust that this is o"e assig"me"t 1amie #a";t do by herself$ a"d + '"ow "o o"e else is goi"g to be her part"er 8 7Got that right$8 Be#'y s#offed with a" Os#ar*worthy pout + thi"' she would have gouged my eyes out right the"$ if she #ould .r :dwards gla"#ed from me to 6ya"$ tryi"g to #over his loo' of sho#'$ a"d the" whispered to 6ya" as if the whole #lass #ould";t hear him a"yway$ 7Are you sureA8 7+;m "ot s#ared of her$8 6ya" said$ flashi"g me a big gri" .r :dwards shoo' off his surprise a"d started to write dow" our "ames 7Hh$ .r : A8 + s"apped 7+;m "ot wor'i"g with him 8 + glared at .r :dwards a"d waited for him to ba#' dow" as usual$ but this time whe" he sighed$ he did";t say 7fi"e$8 the way he "ormally did +"stead he said$ 7+;m afraid 6ya";s right$ 1amie (his is a" assig"me"t you #a";t do by yourself 8 7.r : $ +;m "ot telli"g some stra"ger all the i"timate details of my life so he #a" spread it arou"d the whole s#hool08 (he e"tire #lass was "ow wat#hi"g the #o"fro"tatio" with great i"trigue$ still tryi"g to get over the sho#' of 6ya" offeri"g to be my part"er @ou;d thi"' we were o" American Idol a"d Simo" Cowell had )ust #omplime"ted someo"e .r :dwards studied me for a mome"t$ deliberati"g$ a"d whe" he smiled$ + thought +;d wo" him over$ but he shoo' his head 7+f you;re that u"#omfortable with your #lassmates$ + suppose you #a"

i"terview me 8 7@ouA8 .y )aw dropped to the floor$ a"d + heard gasps a"d giggles all arou"d the room 7@ou wa"t me to part"er with youA8 7+;m "ot so bad$8 .r : said lightly +t;s true$ for a tea#her he;s "ot that bad 9e;s fu""y$ plays the bass guitar i" a ba"d$ a"d lets us eat i" #lass 9e;s eve" 'i"d of #ute @ou '"ow$ for a tea#her But still0 + #ould";t believe .r :dwards did";t grasp the horror behi"d that idea + may be a #omplete so#ial out#ast$ but eve" + have my limits 7Ca";t + )ust write a" autobiographyA8 7+t;s "ot the same thi"g @ou;re goi"g to be graded o" how well you #a" e=tra#t i"formatio" duri"g the i"terview pro#ess @ou #a";t do that with yourself 8 + )ust sat there gapi"g at .r :dwards 9e;s always give" me my way !here was this #omi"g fromA +t;s )ust a stupid paper A"d it;s "ot eve" about a"ythi"g importa"t0 (he sile"#e was bro'e" by 6ya";s #heerful voi#e 7Come o"$ 1amie @ou have to admit that +;m a better alter"ative tha" part"eri"g with your teacher <o offe"se$ .r : 8 !hat other #hoi#e did + haveA .r :dwards is o"e of those tea#hers who still #ares about his stude"ts 9e;s a#tually 'ept a #lose eye o" me si"#e his first wee' here$ whe" he pegged me as o"e of those 7troubled8 tee"s they have semi"ars about i" #ollege 9e;s always tryi"g to give me pep tal's a"d stuff + did not "eed to give him e=tra opportu"ities to as' me if +;m o'ay a"d try to get me to see a s#hool #ou"selor K"owi"g about my powers or "ot$ 6ya" really was the better optio" + glowered at him$ but he seemed to already '"ow that he;d gotte" his way 9e wi"'ed at me$ a"d the" .r :dwards sighed agai" as he s#ribbled dow" our "ames 7O'ay$ 6ya" a"d 1amie are part"ers$8 he said$ a"d the" muttered$ 7Good lu#'$8 to 6ya" u"der his breath (he smile 6ya" gave me as he plopped dow" i" the des' i" fro"t of mi"e was almost a vi#torious o"e 7!ell$ this is #o"ve"ie"t$8 he said #heerfully 7+ #a" fi"ally as' you for your "umber 8 7@ou wo";t get it 8 7:ve" better$ )ust give me your address$ a"d +;ll #ome over this wee' 8 7<i#e try 8 7!e;re goi"g to have to get together sometime 8 71ust ma'e somethi"g up <o o"e will '"ow it;s "ot true 8 7!o";t wor' 8 6ya" laughed 7:ve" if + did$ everyo"e '"ows me (hey would '"ow if you made up yours 8 7+ )ust wo";t tur" o"e i" 8 6ya" sighed$ but + #ould tell by the loo' o" his fa#e that he was";t dis#ouraged at all +t;s 'i"d of a""oyi"g how peppy a"d #ool u"der pressure he seems all the time 7!ould it really 'ill you to go out with meA8 7Oh$ so we;re tal'i"g about a date "ow a"d "ot )ust a paperA8 7+t #ould be )ust about the paper$ if you;d rather 8 + #a" be a patie"t perso" if + have to be$ but the truth is$ his little puppy*dog a#t was almost #ute$ so + had to get rid of him before + e"ded up givi"g i" li'e last time Getti"g to '"ow people #a" be ha/ardous to my health$ espe#ially whe" it i"volves telli"g him about my past 7+;d rather it be "either$8 + Buipped$ a"d the" promptly headed out of the room 9e did";t follow me$ whi#h + was happy about$ but the" (uesday at lu"#h he was ba#'$ as dilige"t as ever a"d bei"g really #ute i" a way that a""oyed me "o e"d 79ey$ 1amie08 6ya" greeted me as he plopped his lu"#h dow" "e=t to mi"e

7!hat will it ta'e to get you to go awayA8 7A" i"terview 8 + rolled my eyes$ but 6ya" pulled out a "otepad a"d pe" as if he '"ew + would give i" 76ight here$ i" the middle of the #afeteria so it;s "ot a date i" a"y way$8 he said 7<o fu""y busi"ess$ )ust the basi#s$ a"d the" +;ll leave you alo"e + promise 8 (hat was almost worth it + glared up at him$ but he smiled$ somehow '"owi"g he;d )ust gotte" his way 73i"e$ what do you wa"t to '"owA8 7:verythi"g 8 7O'ay$ + li'e rai"bows$ puppies$ a"d lo"g wal's o" the bea#h .y disli'es i"#lude rap musi#$ sauer'raut$ a"d people .ostly you 8 7Perfe#t 8 6ya" s#ribbled my words dow" o" his "otepad$ '"owi"g full well + was feedi"g him #rap 7!hat elseA8 7(here is "othi"g else 8 7(his is";t helpi"g$ 1amie +;m supposed to be writi"g a biography$ "ot a Playboy arti#le 8 7!hat else do you wa"t to '"owA8 7+ wa"t to '"ow a lot + have lots of Buestio"s about you 8 7Fi'eA8 + as'ed sar#asti#ally 7Fi'e$ the other day + was wo"deri"g why you dye your hair 8 O'ay$ + e=pe#ted him to as' where + was bor" or what my birthday was$ but why do + dye my hairA !here did that #ome fromA 7!hatA8 + as'ed$ tryi"g "ot to laugh be#ause + did";t wa"t him to thi"' he was wi""i"g me over 9e smiled as though he e")oyed my #o"fusio" 7!ell$ you;re "ot Asia"$ a"d you;re "ot really tryi"g for the Goth loo' <ot that your hair does";t loo' great with those bright gree" eyes$ but it;s #learly "ot your "atural #olor$ so why the )et bla#'A8 + thought about it for a mome"t 5odgi"g the Buestio" would have raised more suspi#io"s tha" a"sweri"g it$ but + #ould";t thi"' of a"ythi"g to say$ so + figured if he #ould tell the truth$ the" so #ould + 7!ell$ it;s "aturally gree"$8 + admitted dryly$ 7a"d the bla#' wor's better tha" blea#h 8 9e frow"ed for a se#o"d$ almost dari"g to believe me$ but the" laughed 7Gree"A8 7A"d the eyes are";t "atural either$ they;re blue #o"ta#ts 8 7But if you;re weari"g blue #o"ta#ts$ to get your eyes that shade of gree" they;d have to beD8 7@ellow 8 7So your hair is gree"$ a"d your eyes are yellowA8 7@up Are we do"e yetA8 + hoped that my a"swers$ while true$ would give 6ya" the hi"t that he was";t goi"g to get a real i"terview out of me a"d he would stop 9e was Buiet for a se#o"d$ stari"g at me with pure #uriosity$ a"d + #ould tell he was debati"g as'i"g me somethi"g else + glared at him$ brea'i"g his stare$ a"d whe" he shoo' himself from his da/e$ he smiled 71ust o"e more$8 he said$ a"d did";t pause Buite lo"g e"ough for me to say "o 7!here;d you lear" to 'iss li'e thatA8 Agai"$ 6ya" was full of surprises + was "ot e=pe#ti"g that At the mere me"tio" of our 'iss$ my heart "early stopped + tried to hide my rea#tio"$ but he "oti#ed me fli"#h a"d lea"ed a little #loser to me with a #o#'y gri" 75id + hit a "erveA8 7+"terview;s over$8 + s"apped + probably should have tried to stumble through some 'i"d of fa'e e=pla"atio" be#ause it was obvious that + was upset$ but + pa"i#'ed Bei"g i" my positio";s "ot easy$ though + mea" how ma"y times has Clar' Ke"t bee" #aught a"d had to fumble through some stupid e=pla"atio"A A"d he;s bee"

deali"g with it his whole life +;ve o"ly bee" differe"t for a year A"d a#tually$ si"#e we moved here$ + have";t had to try to #over a"ythi"g up yet !he" + grabbed my bag a"d wal'ed out of the #afeteria$ + prayed that 6ya" would";t follow me$ )ust li'e all the other times +;d wal'ed out o" him$ but "o su#h lu#' today 9e was";t e=a#tly i"#o"spi#uous about it either 71amie$ wait08 + Bui#'e"ed my pa#e$ hopi"g + #ould at least get out of earshot of the #urious spe#tators of the #afeteria$ but 6ya" grabbed my arm )ust as + got out the door 7!ill you stopA8 he pleaded 7+;ve bee" goi"g #ra/y si"#e you 'issed me 8 7+t was )ust a 'iss$ 6ya"$ that;s it0 +t did";t mea" a"ythi"g + might have gotte" a little #arried away$ but it had to loo' good if it was goi"g to be i" fro"t of the whole s#hool 8 + gla"#ed arou"d "ervously$ a"d he fi"ally reali/ed that + did";t wa"t a"yo"e to hear this #o"versatio" be#ause he lowered his voi#e a"d bega" wal'i"g me away from a"y people 71ust a 'issA8 he as'ed i"#redulously 7+;ve "ever felt a"ythi"g li'e it 8 + tried to #ompose myself a"d smir'ed as best + #ould 7Are you tryi"g to say you thought there were spar'sA8 7Oh$ there were defi"itely spar's0 (hat 'iss was hot But that;s "ot what +;m tal'i"g about +t;s li'e + was #harged up li'e a battery or somethi"g + we"t home$ ra" five miles o" the treadmill$ a"d still #ould";t sleep u"til four i" the mor"i"g 8 7So you got a little e=#ited 8 7@ou had to have felt it too .aybe that;s what they mea" by #hemistry 8 7!e do";t have #hemistry$ 6ya" 8 7!ell$ + say we do 8 7!ell$ + say you;re wro"g 8 + tried to wal' away agai" but he stopped me 7(he" prove it Kiss me agai" a"d tell me you feel "othi"g 8 7<o 8 7Are";t you eve" a little #uriousA8 .a"$ that must have bee" Buite the super'iss for him too be#ause the poor guy was tryi"g so hard + a#tually really wa"ted to do it + was probably more #urious tha" he was$ but + simply #ould";t get i"volved with someo"e :ver +;d thought about that every day si"#e + reali/ed + was differe"t$ a"d the superpowered life is a lo"ely o"e i"deed + totally u"dersta"d "ow why the heroes i" the #omi#s are always so grumpy a"d depressed (hey #a";t live their lives + #a";t get i"volved with 6ya" "o matter how mu#h + might wa"t to + have too big a se#ret$ whi#h he #a";t fi"d out :ve" ba#' whe" the a##ide"t first happe"ed$ before + reali/ed + had powers$ the do#tors ra" all these tests tryi"g to figure out how + had survived$ a"d withi" hours there were reporters a"d s#ie"tists '"o#'i"g o" my door (here was eve" this o"e tabloid )our"alist that be#ame obsessed a"d started stal'i"g me 9e did";t eve" '"ow about my powers$ a"d + had to move #lear a#ross the #ou"try to get away from him +magi"e if someo"e fou"d out that + #ould ru" the rou"d trip from Sa#rame"to to <ew @or' i" te" mi"utes (he stal'era//i would be the least of my worries (he gover"me"t would be here with ma#hi"e gu"s a"d gia"t plasti# bubbles + do";t e=a#tly wa"t to be e=perime"ted o" li'e +;m from .ars 7@ou seeA8 6ya" a##used$ brea'i"g me from my obsessive thoughts whe" + did";t a"swer him 7@ou are #urious08 6ya" rea#hed his ha"d out to my #hee' li'e he was goi"g to 'iss me agai"$ a"d + immediately

)umped ba#' + should have bee" #old to him$ the way + was to .i'e$ but .i'e made it easy$ a"d + was fi"di"g 6ya" e=tremely hard to resist 7+ #a";t$8 + gasped$ a"d the" reali/ed that + would "ever #o"vi"#e him to stop tryi"g if + #ould";t sou"d li'e + mea"t it 7+ wo";t08 9e gave me this loo'$ a"d it was so sad that for the first time si"#e this whole 6ya" thi"g started$ + wished he still had that a""oyi"g happy*go*lu#'y attitude 7!hy do you do this to yourselfA8 he as'ed 9is to"e was ge"ui"ely o"e of utter #o"fusio"$ but it was";t his voi#e that upset me$ or the sad e=pressio" o" his fa#e #learly showi"g that he pitied me$ it was the Buestio" itself +t mea"t that + was doi"g somethi"g to myself$ a"d whatever it was$ was a bad thi"g A"d he said it li'e + have some 'i"d of choice (hat was the worst part + did";t as' for this to happe" to me +t;s "ot li'e + wa"t to do this to myself 9is Buestio" made me so bitter that my body started trembli"g with a"ger + #ould barely #ho'e out a reply 7(hat;s "ot your problem 8 7O'ay$ +;m sorry 8 9e ba#'ed off$ startled by my sudde" mood swi"g 7But this paper is my problem$ a"d + do";t feel #omfortable #heati"g$ so will you at least help me out a"d give me a little to wor' withA8 + felt terrible + mea"$ deep dow"$ he a#tually was";t a bad guy 9e deserved a little more respe#t tha" + was givi"g him$ a"d mostly + )ust hated to thi"' that +;d i" some way #rushed those impossibly happy spirits of his + was already depressed$ #o"fused$ s#ared$ a"d a"gry at the world + did";t "eed to feel guilty o" top of it 73i"e$8 + said$ a"d the" too' a mi"ute to #ompose myself as + s#ribbled my address o" a pie#e of paper a"d pla#ed it i" his ha"d 7+f you really wa"t to get to '"ow me$ be there 3riday "ight$ right arou"d "i"e 8 73riday "ightA But that;s the home#omi"g da"#e 8 7:=a#tly 8 7ButDbut$8 he stammered$ 7it;s our se"ior home#omi"g$ a"d +;m supposed to be there +;m "omi"ated for 'i"g +f you;re "ot busy$ why do";t you )ust go to the da"#e with meA @ou should be there as mu#h as + should 8 7+ '"ow it;s a big "ight for you$ but that;s why it has to be the" 8 + was fi"ally able to for#e a small smile 7+f you have";t "oti#ed$ + do";t e=a#tly let people i" +t;s 'i"d of a trust issue +f you e=pe#t me to brea' the rules for you$ the" + have to '"ow how bad you wa"t it 8 6ya" e=ami"ed the paper i" his ha"d with my address o" it + was";t sure if + had )ust made a really stupid de#isio" or "ot$ but as mu#h as + hoped he would";t show$ a part of me really wa"ted him to #ome 7+ do";t e=pe#t you to be there$8 + said$ 7but +;m "ot li'ely to give se#o"d #ha"#es either$ so thi"' about it a"d +;ll see you 3riday .aybe 8 ----C9AP(:6 I +t was a" impulsive de#isio"$ a"d o"e that + #ould";t ta'e ba#' +;m "ot sure how 6ya" got me to i"vite him over$ but whe" he was sta"di"g right there$ tal'i"g about #hemistry a"d wa"ti"g to 'iss me agai"$ it;s li'e he was the o"e with superpowers a"d he 1edi mi"d*tri#'ed me i"to ha"di"g over my address + eve" started to believe it was a good idea u"til + #aught him stari"g at me at lu"#h the "e=t day

a"d reali/ed that he might a#tually ta'e me up o" my offer 9e was sort of smili"g$ but he mostly )ust loo'ed li'e he was tryi"g to figure me out + felt li'e + was goi"g to be si#'$ a"d + must have loo'ed it too$ be#ause he stopped stari"g a"d a#tually patted the table as if he was offeri"g me the empty seat "e=t to him + loo'ed at him li'e he was out of his mi"d a"d "ot )ust for show +t was ho"estly a #ra/y suggestio"$ a"d + was";t the o"ly o"e who thought so Be#'y was the first to gla"#e my way$ a"d whe" she gasped$ she #aught Paige Shult/;s atte"tio" !he" Paige reali/ed what 6ya" had do"e$ she a##ide"tally sprayed the soda i" her mouth all over (ami'a Farso" Paige a"d (ami'a are sort of Be#'y;s ladies*i"*waiti"g (hey;re best frie"ds a"d #o"sta"tly tal' about Be#'y behi"d her ba#'$ but they put up with her be#ause of how #lose she is with 6ya" %<o o"e is more i" love with 6ya" tha" Paige (he way she rattles o" about him to a"yo"e that will liste" is "auseati"g & 7!hat the frea'A8 (ami'a grumbled as she tried to wipe the sti#'y beverage off her arms 7+t;s a good thi"g this is your shirt$ Paige 8 71amie Ba'erDare you #ra/yA8 Paige hissed at 6ya"$ i"stead of apologi/i"g to$ or eve" a"sweri"g (ami'a 7!hat if she #omes over hereA8 9a0 :ve" with the pout 6ya" was givi"g me there was "o way + was ever goi"g to )oi" them 7!ell$ #o"sideri"g that;s 'i"d of the poi"t of the i"vitatio"$8 6ya" said$ 7+ hope she does 8 + sudde"ly had all of the most popular 'ids i" s#hool stari"g at me +t was the o"ly time i" my life + was glad + am the o"ly frea' with deathly powers$ be#ause +;m sure a"y o"e of those girls would have loved to go supervillai" o" me )ust the"$ espe#ially whe" .i'e laughed a"d told them all to ta'e pity o" his poor hor"y frie"d 7Aw$ #ut the ma" some sla#' 5id you see what Ba'er did to himA +;m )o"esi"; for her myself after that 'iss 8 All the guys at the table roared with laughter$ a"d 6ya" draped his arm arou"d .i'e 7Ame"$ .i'ey$8 he said 7!ho '"ew the +#e Juee" #ould be so i"#redibly hotA8 + guess +;m "ot the o"ly perso" with superpowers after all .i'e appare"tly has the ability to lower 6ya";s +J .oro"s A"yway$ + '"ew Paige$ bei"g s#ary i" love with 6ya"$ would";t li'e that a"swer$ a"d + was sure (ami'a was goi"g to have to #at#h her whe" the poor thi"g passed out from heartbrea' But Paige had a little more attitude tha" + gave her #redit for +"stead of goi"g i"to sho#' whe" 6ya" waved at me agai" to #ome over$ she a#tually gave me a loo' three times more evil tha" the glare Be#'y was bur"i"g i"to me (hat;s whe" + tur"ed my atte"tio" ba#' to my lu"#h Or at least + tur"ed my eyes away + #ould";t really tu"e them out #ompletely$ a"d eve" if + #ould$ it was 'i"d of hard to ig"ore Paige;s "e=t #omme"t 7@ou #a";t possibly wa"t to hoo' up with that slutA8 + fou"d it iro"i# that Paige was #alli"g me the promis#uous o"e$ whe" everyo"e '"ew she;d bee" with pretty mu#h the e"tire football team at o"e poi"t or a"other + did";t have time to get mad$ though$ be#ause )ust as soo" as the word es#aped her lips 6ya" defe"ded me 71amie;s "ot a slut +t was )ust o"e 'iss$ a"d she o"ly did it be#ause + as'ed her to 8 7!as mou"ti"g you i" fro"t of the whole s#hool part of the pla"A8 Paige as'ed 7(he frea' pra#ti#ally ripped your #lothes off08 O'ay$ + '"ew that was goi"g to hau"t me A"d whe" Paul !arre" said$ 7+;d let her mou"t me a"y day$8 ma'i"g all )o#'s prese"t laugh a"d high*five o"e a"other$ + #ri"ged i"wardly + did";t really #are if every girl i" the s#hool thought + was easy$ but the last thi"g + "eeded was more guys tryi"g to hoo' up with me Agai"$ though$ + did";t have a"y time to worry about it$ tha"'s to 6ya" 79ey$ that was";t really

her fault$8 he said 7She did";t '"ow how irresistible + was whe" she agreed to 'iss me 8 + #ould";t believe he;d said that$ but + thi"' he o"ly did it to bug Paige be#ause he smir'ed at her a"d said$ 7Besides$ if o"e little 'iss ma'es her a slut$ +;d hate to '"ow what that ma'es you 8 + guess + was";t the o"ly o"e who thought the pot was #alli"g the 'ettle bla#' 6ya";s #omme"t shut Paige right up$ a"d +;d have 'issed him agai" for that o"e had + bee" sta"di"g there$ but Be#'y a"d (ami'a did";t appre#iate it the way + did (hey pulled Paige to her feet a"d #alled 6ya" a "ot*so*"i#e "ame before ma'i"g a very dramati# e=it from the #afeteria !he" + fi"ally gla"#ed over at 6ya"$ my heart )ust about stopped be#ause he was stari"g right at me 9e was #o"fused but i"trigued$ a"d + reali/ed that + was laughi"g alo"g with 6ya";s dumb )o#' buddies 9e;d )ust #aught me followi"g a #o"versatio" + te#h"i#ally should";t have bee" able to hear + i"sta"tly wiped the smile from my fa#e a"d we"t ba#' to eati"g my lu"#h$ #ursi"g myself for bei"g su#h a" idiot + was so upset that + did";t "oti#e whe" 6ya" got up a"d made his way a#ross the #afeteria to me + a#tually was";t pulled from my pa"i# atta#' u"til his voi#e was right behi"d me 71amie$ if you heard that ba#' there$ +;m really sorry !hy do";t you #ome over a"d eat lu"#h with meA +;ll i"trodu#e you to everybody a"d give them a #ha"#e to redeem themselves (he guys are all )ust as #urious about you as + am$ you '"ow 8 9e did";t seem to wo"der how + heard him$ he )ust felt bad that + did$ so + started to #alm dow" a little 7Of #ourse they;re #urious (hey all thi"' they #a" get i"to my pa"ts "ow 8 (he loo' o" 6ya";s fa#e made me feel bad for sayi"g that$ so + added$ 7+ really do";t #are if everyo"e thi"'s +;m a slut 8 7!ell$ + do + as'ed you to 'iss me +t;s my fault Paige said that about you$ a"d + do";t wa"t the whole s#hool thi"'i"g it 8 (hat surprised me$ a"d it was 'i"d of sweet$ so + #ould";t stop my fa#e from softe"i"g a little$ "o matter how mu#h + wa"ted to stay mad Oddly e"ough$ the #o#'y smile 6ya" gave me whe" he reali/ed that he was getti"g to me made it a lot easier to 'eep fo#used whe" he tried to get #harmi"g o" me agai" 9e was sta"di"g there with this #ute little hopeful pout a"d said$ 7!hether you;re upset or "ot$ + feel bad$ so how #a" + ma'e it up to youA8 7@ou really wa"t to ma'e it up to meA8 7Of #ourse + do 8 7(he" stop tal'i"g to me before other people start to thi"' it;s o'ay Please + do";t wa"t to have to get mea" 8 + grabbed my thi"gs a"d wal'ed out the door before he #ould argue with me + did";t eve" wait to see him frow" + #ould";tD+ was too wea' arou"d him + did";t wa"t to have to live up to my reputatio" this time be#ause sho#'i"gly e"ough$ 6ya" a#tually seemed to be a pretty de#e"t guy 9e should";t really have to be pu"ished for wa"ti"g to get to '"ow me A"d to be ho"est$ had our 'iss bee" a "ormal o"e$ + might have #o"sidered letti"g him tal' to me o##asio"ally But the fa#t that he was #harmi"g a"d + was mildly attra#ted to him o"ly made us a hopeless #ase !e #ould";t have a relatio"ship$ a"d + #ould";t have him as'i"g why that was$ so + did";t see how a"y 'i"d of frie"dship was goi"g to wor' 6ya" did";t spea' to me the rest of the wee' !e made eye #o"ta#t Buite a bit$ but +;m "ot sure if + #aught him loo'i"g at me$ or if maybe it was the other way arou"d this time :ither way$ + was pretty sure he was";t goi"g to show up at my house$ a"d + was surprised that + felt almost as mu#h disappoi"tme"t about that as + did relief + thi"' that;s why$ #ome the day of home#omi"g$ + de#ided to go to my first s#hool sporti"g eve"t si"#e + moved here + did";t a#tually go to the game + wat#hed from a hilltop )ust about a mile away$ but that may as

well be a seat o" the sideli"es for me + do";t have eyesight Buite li'e Superma" be#ause + #a";t see through thi"gs$ but it;s defi"itely more tha" your average twe"ty*twe"ty visio" + thi"' of it as havi"g built*i" bi"o#ulars with super /oom #o"trol :ve" at a mile away + #ould see the #ute little e=#ited smile 6ya" got o" his fa#e every time he threw a good pass Our team wo" the game$ a"d eve" though + was happy for 6ya"$ it proved to be )ust as u"e=#iti"g for me as + thought it would be Pretty mu#h the o"ly good thi"g + got from goi"g was heari"g a" i"teresti"g #o"versatio" betwee" Be#'y$ 6ya"$ a"d .i'e + was about to go home whe" Be#'y as'ed 6ya" about the da"#e$ a"d + #ould";t help but liste" 7Are you ridi"g i" the limo with us to"ightA8 she as'ed 7+;m "ot sure yet$8 6ya" replied 7!ho are you goi"g with$ a"ywayA8 7+;m a#tually dateless to"ight 8 7@ou;re goi"g stagA !hyA8 7!ell$ + '"ew how mu#h .i'e wa"ted to go with you$ so + too' o"e for the team 8 (he flirty little 7Aw8 he got from Be#'y made me wa"t to pu'e$ but it was worth it to see the loo' o" her fa#e whe" .i'e said$ 7Plus$ he wa"ted to ta'e 1amie$ but she tur"ed him dow" 8 + #ould";t tell if Be#'y loo'ed disgusted or i"sulted$ but she did";t try to hide her horror as she gasped$ 7@ou as'ed Jamie Baker to home#omi"gA8 + waited for 6ya" to de"y it or defe"d himself with some BS e=#use about feeli"g bad for me or somethi"g$ but he did";t 9e )ust smiled as he slumped his shoulders i" a guilty shrug a"d said$ 7(wi#e a#tually But do";t worry$ she told me to get lost 8 7@eah$ re)e#ted him li'e he was a fat guy i" a Speedo$8 .i'e added$ laughi"g hysteri#ally as he elbowed 6ya" Be#'y was far too #o"#er"ed for her frie"d to share .i'e;s laughter 7@ou;re "ot seriously tryi"g to hoo' up with that girl$ are youA8 7+ do";t '"ow$ maybe + thi"' +;m still tryi"g to de#ide if she would be worth the hassle 8 + a"swered 7<o8 every bit as for#efully as Be#'y did$ a"d$ sadly$ our depi#tio"s of me were";t that differe"t Basi#ally$ she said + was a frea' with issues$ but i" "ot su#h "i#e words She was right$ though$ a"d .i'e seemed to agree$ but 6ya" defe"ded me !ell$ sort of 7+;m sure there;s a de#e"t huma" bei"g buried u"der all that hostility somewhere$8 he said 7Are you 'iddi"gA8 Be#'y as'ed 7<ope$8 he replied #heerfully 7+ thi"' she may have a bit of a soft spot for me too !hy else would she have 'issed me li'e thatA + bet + #ould brea' her dow" eve"tually 8 (hat #o#'y little? + thought about sma#'i"g him upside the head for thatD+;m fast e"ough that he;d "ever '"ow what hit him But o" se#o"d thought$ the boy did get me to 'iss him$ i"vite him home$ a"d go to my first football game i" more tha" a year$ without eve" brea'i"g a sweat Appare"tly + had Buite the little #rush$ a"d as + stood there as'i"g myself what was with me a"d Buarterba#'s$ Be#'y we"t all soap opera with a big #heesy sigh 7Oh$ 6ya"$8 she said$ sha'i"g her head as if she were so mu#h older a"d wiser tha" him 7@ou wa"t my advi#eA Stay far$ far away <ot o"ly would she 'ill your reputatio"$ but you #ould do so mu#h better 8 7+ do";t '"ow$ ma"$8 .i'e disagreed 7+ say go for it 1amie Ba'er;s hot a"d basi#ally impossible to #ra#' +f you #ould get with her$ you;d be a lege"d arou"d this pla#e 8 (hat was the poi"t i" the #o"versatio" where + started to get mad +t was";t the fa#t that .i'e was telli"g 6ya" he should "ail me for braggi"g rights$ but 6ya" laughed with him about it$ whi#h mea"t he either li'ed the idea of "aili"g me$ or the idea of bei"g revered as some sort of high s#hool god for it

K"owi"g himA Both !hatever the reaso"$ +;d lear"ed my lesso" 6ya" .iller might be #harmi"g$ but he #ertai"ly would "ot be 7brea'i"g me dow"8 a"ytime soo" + did";t sti#' arou"d to hear the rest of that #o"versatio" + was a"gry$ so + we"t somewhere + #ould thi"' i" pea#e (here are a lot of spots i" the #ou"try that wor' well for that$ a"d this time + we"t with the Gra"d Ca"yo" + li'e it there be#ause eve" though it gets a lot of foot traffi#$ it;s big e"ough that + #a" still fi"d a spot far e"ough off the beate" path that + do";t have to hear tourists the whole time Plus$ the beauty of the Gra"d Ca"yo" at su"set ma'es it hard for me to stay i" a bad mood$ a"d + was espe#ially grumpy "ow + do";t '"ow what made me thi"' 6ya" was differe"t + should have '"ow" by the sheer fa#t that he was #harmi"g e"ough to brea' me 9e was )ust li'e a"y other hormo"al high s#hool boy o" the pla"et$ o"ly he was better at playi"g the game$ whi#h made him da"gerous + should";t have gotte" my hopes up i" the first pla#e +t;s "ot li'e + #ould ever tell him the truth about myself$ a"d + #a";t e=a#tly be his girlfrie"d whe" + have to #o"sta"tly lie to him about myself Appare"tly$ + #a";t eve" 'iss him$ so it;s "ot li'e he would sti#' arou"d lo"g eve" if + #ould be ho"est + sat there thi"'i"g for a lo"g time$ lo"g after the su" we"t dow" !he" + fi"ally de#ided to go home$ + told myself there would be "o more wasti"g a"y e"ergy o" 6ya" .iller Of #ourse$ it too' me almost as lo"g to tell myself + would";t thi"' about him a"ymore as it did to get home$ a"d the stupid boy was at my house whe" + got there$ so + 'ept my promise to myself for o"ly li'e half a se#o"d + heard his laugh from dow" the street a"d stopped dead i" my tra#'s +t was )ust after "i"e thirty "ow$ so theoreti#ally he #ould have bee" there for half a" hour already$ a"d )udgi"g from the #o"versatio" he was havi"g with my pare"ts$ he probably had bee" (he pi#ture he was laughi"g at was the last o"e ta'e" of me before my a##ide"t$ a"d '"owi"g my mother$ she started with the baby pi#tures 7She;s a beauty Buee" tooA8 6ya" as'ed$ full of surprise$ a"d the" giggled as he read the title 7.iss Sweet Cor"A8 7@ou laugh$ you"g ma"$8 + heard my mother say$ 7but that;s a big deal i" +lli"ois People #ome from all over the .idwest to go to that festival$ a"d 1amie wor'ed very hard to wi" that #row" 8 7A"d she loo'ed every bit as beautiful as her mother did whe" she wo" the #row" i" high s#hool$8 my father added + did";t "eed supersight to see the proud loo' o" his fa#eK he was always loo'i"g at my mom that way +t got Buiet for a se#o"d$ a"d + thought about i"terrupti"g the party$ but the" 6ya" said somethi"g that made me stop 7She loo'ed so happy$8 he said i" this really pe"sive voi#e 7!hat happe"ed to herA 9ow #ome she;s "ot li'e this a"ymoreA8 + wa"ted to ru" i"side a"d put a stop to this i"vasio" of priva#y$ but my mom a"swered his Buestio" before + #ould ma'e myself ope" the door 71amie was i" a #ar a##ide"t 8 Car a##ide"t is";t e=a#tly the right term for what happe"ed$ but it still #ut through my heart Pai"ful memories flooded my mi"d as my mom #o"ti"ued her very watered*dow" e=pla"atio" 79er boyfrie"d was 'illed$8 she said hesita"tly +f 6ya" rea#ted to the "ews at all$ he did";t do it vo#ally 9e did";t ma'e a si"gle sou"d + wish + #ould have see" the loo' o" his fa#e or '"ow" what assumptio"s he was ma'i"g as he tried to )ustify the way + a#t$ but + #ould hardly breathe$ mu#h less 'eep myself #omposed 71amie wo";t tal' about it mu#h$8 my father said 7(he a##ide"t #ha"ged her$ a"d she;s had a really hard time deali"g with it She blames herself 8 + #ould";t believe what + was heari"g (hey may as well have told him + was "ow a superpowered frea' 9ow #ould they be so #avalier about itA !hat if he started as'i"g Buestio"s they did";t have a"swers forA

7!e moved here$ hopi"g that a fresh start might help$8 my mom e=plai"ed$ brea'i"g the awful sile"#e that was "ow i" the house 7But she;s )ust "ot the same girl a"ymore She wo";t get #lose to a"yo"e +" fa#t$ +;m really surprised she i"vited you over @ou must be pretty spe#ial 8 As a"gry as + was$ + was 'i"d of relieved to hear the hi"t of a laugh i" 6ya";s respo"se 7<ot spe#ial$ )ust stubbor"$8 he said 7+ thi"' she o"ly #aved be#ause she thought + would";t #ome (o"ight;s the home#omi"g da"#e 8 + #ri"ged whe" + heard my mother gasp + '"ew the former prom Buee" was "ot goi"g to li'e that + fi"ally pulled myself together a"d pushed ope" the door + tried my hardest "ot to glare at my pare"ts too mu#h be#ause for all 6ya" '"ew + had "o #lue what they were tal'i"g about .y pare"ts '"ew +;d heard them$ though$ a"d whe" + wal'ed i"to the room they both )umped to their feet$ loo'i"g every bit as guilty as + '"ew they felt .y father started the #o"versatio" with$ 7!here have you bee"A @ou;ve 'ept this poor boy waiti"g for "early forty mi"utes 8 7+ was";t really e=pe#ti"g him 8 7A"d you made him miss the home#omi"g da"#eA8 my mother whi"ed 71amiely"" Ba'er$ how #ould youA8 7+ did";t make him do a"ythi"g 8 7+t;s all right$ .rs Ba'er 8 6ya" laughed as he shot me that same #arefree smile that either ma'es me melt or boilDto"ight the a"swer was boil 7+;m pretty sure .i'e is goi"g to be 'i"g a"yway$ a"d + #a" always ta'e 1amie to the prom 8 + gave 6ya" a" a""oyed gla"#e as my mother;s eyes bulged from her head 7@ou;re "omi"ated to be the home#omi"g 'i"gA8 she gasped$ a"d the" immediately gave me a desperate loo' 73or heave";s sa'e$ 1amie$ go put o" a dress a"d ta'e this poor boy to the da"#e 8 !he" 6ya" spouted "o"se"se about what a" e=#elle"t idea that was$ + #ould";t ta'e it a"ymore a"d ushered my pare"ts i"to the 'it#he" 7!hat are you doi"gA8 + hissed as soo" as the door was safely shut behi"d us + was surprised whe" my father spo'e up first a"d said e=a#tly what + thought + was goi"g to hear from my mother 79e seems li'e a "i#e 'id 8 7Cute too$8 my mother added e=#itedly + felt my head starti"g to hurt a"d barely tried to #o"trol my temper 7@eah$ .om$ he;s really #ute 9e;s also #harmi"g a"d sweet a"d fu""y But that;s what they say about the devil$ a"d you do";t wa"t me ha"gi"g out with him 8 .y pare"ts were both frow"i"g their disapproval "ow$ but + did";t #are 79e;s pra#ti#ally a stra"ger 9ow #ould you tell him about the a##ide"tA About 5ere'08 7!hat were we supposed to say to him$ ho"eyA8 7<othi"g0 +t;s "o"e of his busi"ess08 !he" tears dropped from my eyes$ + reali/ed how wor'ed up + was a"d stopped yelli"g .y mother started #ryi"g too$ a"d whe" my dad held out his arms + pra#ti#ally #ollapsed i"to them + '"ow how mu#h my pare"ts worry about me$ a"d whe" my father sBuee/e me$ + #ould";t stay mad 7!e did";t tell him a"ythi"g the people i" +lli"ois do";t '"ow$8 he whispered 7!e had to tell him somethi"g$ though 9e;s writi"g a paper +f we did";t a"swer a"y of his Buestio"s he would o"ly get suspi#ious 8 Sometimes + forget that my pare"ts are struggli"g with this )ust as mu#h as + am (hey do";t always '"ow what to do either$ but this time my dad was right 7+;m sorry$ 5addy 8 7+ '"ow$ ho"ey 8 .y mom pulled me from my father;s arms for a hug of her ow" She motio"ed with her eyes

toward the door that separated us from 6ya" 7+ '"ow this is hard for you$ 1amie$ but you did";t die that "ight a"d you #a";t 'eep livi"g li'e you did + thi"' 6ya" #ould be good for you +;m "ot sayi"g + thi"' he should repla#e 5ere'$ butD8 7(here will "ever be a"other 5ere'0 :ver08 (he lights i" the house fli#'ered$ i"sta"tly putti"g me i" #he#' + did";t mea" to lose #o"trol$ but + still have a hard time 'eepi"g my emotio"s i" li"e whe" it #omes to the late Buarterba#' of .e"dota 9igh S#hool 5ere' is by far my most se"sitive sub)e#t + wat#hed my mom gulp a"d the" for#e a smile through her fear 7+ '"ow you;re s#ared$8 she said$ a"d the" i" a whisper added$ 7we all are 8 Seei"g your pare"ts afraid of you is probably the worst feeli"g a huma" is #apable of e=perie"#i"g$ but at least it ma'es me feel a little better about bei"g s#ared of myself A"d +;m grateful that they try to be stro"g$ eve" if they #a";t always ma"age it 7@ou "eed to go out there a"d tal' to that boy$8 my mother #o"ti"ued 7A"d if + were you$ + would try to be "i#e @ou #ould use a good frie"d$ 1amie 8 .y mom said that i" her +*love*you*but*+*mea"*busi"ess voi#e$ so + '"ew the dis#ussio" was over !ithout sayi"g a"ythi"g else$ + we"t ba#' i"to the livi"g room$ se#retly hopi"g 6ya" had de#ided to go to the da"#e after all$ but + had "o su#h lu#' 9e was still loo'i"g through our family photo album$ but he stood up whe" + e"tered the room 9e smiled at me$ but it was";t that #lassi# i""o#e"t 6ya" smileDit was mu#h more serious 7She;s right$ you '"ow$8 he said 7@ou should really thi"' about letti"g me be your frie"d be#ause +;d really li'e that$ a"d + do";t thi"' there;s a"yo"e else at s#hool brave e"ough for the )ob 8 + swear$ 6ya" is the most #o"fide"t perso" o" the pla"et$ a"d it is so a""oyi"g + stood there glari"g at him$ so a"gry that he;d overheard us$ a"d he )ust smiled ba#' #ompletely rela=ed K"owi"g him$ he was probably waiti"g for me to tell him he was right$ a"d give i" to his reBuest for frie"dship !ell$ + was";t goi"g to give i" a"ymore$ rememberA <o more givi"g i" to 6ya" .iller0 + too' the photo album from the #offee table$ gla"#i"g at the pi#ture of me wi""i"g the pagea"t as + put the boo' ba#' i" its pla#e o" the shelf 7@ou;ve got more tha" e"ough to write a full biography o" the life of 1amie Ba'er already$ so + guess the i"terview;s over @ou #a" go "ow 8 7Oh$ "o08 6ya" said 7@ou;re pare"ts are pretty #ool$ but + did";t miss my home#omi"g for a #ha"#e to loo' at pi#tures all "ight + #ame to see the real thi"g$ a"d you had me u"der the impressio" that you would be here if + showed up$ so + thi"' it;s o"ly fair that you give me a little 1amie time before you 'i#' me out 8 + gru"ted be#ause + was so frustrated )ust the" 6ya";s serious smile had tur"ed ba#' i"to his #o#'y little you;re*about*to*give*me*e=a#tly*what*+*wa"t smile$ a"d it is )ust so hard to stay a"gry whe" he;s loo'i"g at me li'e that So mu#h for "ot givi"g i" to 6ya" .iller 7Hgh$ fi"e$ but + do";t promise to be "i#e08 ----C9AP(:6 > 6ya" a#tually had the "erve to laugh at me as + stormed i"to my room a"d slammed the door i" his fa#e + was";t surprised whe" he let himself i" behi"d me Somehow + '"ew my overly dramati# ta"trum

was";t goi"g to wor' with him + flopped dow" o" my bed with a boo'$ prepari"g to ig"ore him as best as + #ould +;d agreed to let him spe"d time with me$ but + had";t promised to e"tertai" him A"d + was";t about to do a"ythi"g that #ould give him the impressio" that + e")oyed his #ompa"y$ eve" if part of me did (he guy had a big e"ough ego as it was 9e did";t "eed to add me to his list of vi#tories 9e stayed Buiet for a mi"ute as he loo'ed arou"d my room$ a"d the" de#ided to )ust ma'e himself right at home 9e #limbed up "e=t to me o" my bed$ leavi"g a whole three i"#hes of spa#e betwee" us 75o you mi"dA8 + s"apped 7@eah$ a little8D6ya" #hu#'ledD7but +;m deali"g with it$ so you #a" too 8 7!ell$ if it bothers you so mu#hD8 7+ did";t say it bothered me +;d )ust rather be #loser$ is all 8 7CloserA Ca" you eve" get #loser tha" you already areA8 + '"ew +;d put my foot i" my mouth the i"sta"t the words es#aped it$ a"d 6ya" did";t miss a beat i" putti"g his arm arou"d me a"d pulli"g me tightly agai"st him 7<ever as' a guy if he #a" get #loser$8 he said$ refusi"g to let me go 7(he a"swer is always yes 8 (he way he #lamped his ha"ds together so that + #ould";t push him away was playful$ but + did";t thi"' he was teasi"g whe" he shuddered (hat;s probably be#ause + have";t bee" held by a"yo"e i" a really$ really lo"g time$ a"d + rea#ted the same way + did whe" + 'issed him + guess it;s "ot so mu#h a super'issi"g ability as it is a #ase of superhormo"es :ver si"#e + got )ui#ed up by some '"o#'ed*over power li"es$ +;m more amped tha" a power ge"erator (he fa#t that there was fri#tio" whe" 6ya" tou#hed me mea"t that it does";t )ust seep to the surfa#e whe" + get a"gry + guess it;s every time + lose #o"trol of myself i" a"y way Obviously$ that;s "ot good$ so whe" he shivered$ + pa"i#'ed$ elbowed him hard e"ough to leave a bruise$ a"d made my way a#ross the room to the mu#h safer si"gle*perso" #hair that sat at my des' 7@ou should have stu#' with the #ompromise$8 + grumbled 7+ probably would";t have moved if you;d 'ept your ha"ds to yourself 8 7+t was worth it 8 9e was laughi"g at me agai" 7!hy are you so a""oyi"gA8 7!hy are you so #ompelli"gA8 +t was useless + was "ever goi"g to wi" 9e was mu#h better at the witty #omeba#'s tha" + was a"d a lot less easy to get flustered$ so + gave up the argume"t + was pretty sure getti"g o" my "erves was what he was aimi"g for at the mome"t$ so + figured "ot fighti"g with him would be a better ta#ti# + dropped the attitude a"d probably sou"ded a little bit desperate as + as'ed$ 7!hy are you doi"g thisA !hat e=a#tly do you wa"t from meA8 7+s it really so bad to have to tal' to someo"e other tha" your pare"tsA8 he as'ed i" all serious"ess 7+ do";t wa"t a"ythi"g from you O'ay$ "o$ that;s a lie + would love to ma'e out with you agai"$ but that;s "ot why +;m here to"ight 8 7(he" why are you hereA8 7+ )ust wa"ted to u"dersta"d you + #ould";t imagi"e why a"ybody would e=ile themselves the way you do 8 7@eah$ well$ "ow you '"ow + 'illed my boyfrie"d$ a"d my frie"ds hated me for it (he whole tow" did$ a#tually People #a" tur" o" you a"d hurt you$ eve" the o"es who say they love you + do";t wa"t to go through that agai" +t;s that simple 8 6ya" did";t say a"ythi"g after + stopped tal'i"g 9e )ust wat#hed me$ a"d + have";t felt that i"se#ure i" a lo"g time (he sile"#e made my heart ra#e li'e a millio" miles a" hour$ a"d if + #ould";t #alm myself dow" + was li'ely to trip a #ir#uit brea'er i" the house

+t was";t e=a#tly mature$ but + #hose hostility to #over up how vul"erable + felt 7.ystery solved$8 + said #oldly 7A"d +;d appre#iate it if you did";t put a"y of that i" your paper .r :dwards li'es to read thi"gs out loud$ a"d +;d rather the stude"t body 'ept #alli"g me the i#e Buee" i"stead of boyfrie"d 'iller 8 7Of #ourse "ot 8 + was surprised by the amou"t of si"#erity 6ya" displayed$ but the" he smir'ed agai" 7+ wo";t say a"ythi"g$8 he teased 7But it would";t really matter eve" if + did$ be#ause everyo"e will be i" so mu#h sho#' over the beauty pagea"t thi"g that they wo";t eve" hear the e"d of my paper 8 + #ould";t stop myself from #ra#'i"g a smile at that$ a"d the way 6ya";s fa#e lit up whe" + did a#tually made me blush 7+ do";t suppose you;ll #o"sider leavi"g that part out tooA8 7<ot a #ha"#e 8 6ya" laughed 7+ am goi"g to have to figure out somethi"g to tell .r :dwards$ though$ be#ause he;s "ever goi"g to believe + did";t )ust ma'e it all up + saw the pi#tures$ a"d + #a" hardly believe it 8 71ust tell him + would";t tell you what happe"ed 9e;ll have "o trouble believi"g that +t;s the truth a"yway + did";t tell you A"d + would";t have .y pare"ts are the o"es with the big fat mouths 8 7!ell$ +;m really glad you stood me up the" be#ause it;s a relief to have the real story 8 7(he real storyA8 6ya" shrugged with a bit of a guilty smile 7+;ve bee" ma'i"g my ow" up for wee's + had myself #o"vi"#ed that you were i" wit"ess prote#tio"$ a"d that you were hidi"g u"til you #ould testify agai"st the i""er wor'i"gs of some vi#ious mob 8 7(he wit"ess prote#tio" programA8 + was smili"g agai" + #ould";t help myself 7+ guess that #ould e=plai" the hair dye$ but why was + #o""e#ted to the mobA8 7A girl as hot as youA @ou were dati"g the boss;s "ephew$ of #ourse @ou wit"essed a viole"t #rime$ a"d whe" you got s#ared they threate"ed you But you;re tough$ a"d your boyfrie"d was a big$ murderous )er'$ so you we"t to the #ops a"yway A"d "ow here you are with your )et*bla#' hair$ hostile attitude$ a"d distrust of basi#ally the e"tire huma" ra#e 8 + did";t thi"' he was 'iddi"g O" the bright side$ + guess it was good to '"ow that it was";t )ust me that #ould";t stop thi"'i"g about him these last few wee's 7Sou"ds to me li'e you;ve already writte" the e"d of your paper$8 + said$ a"d the" sighed 7+ li'e your versio" better 8 7.e too$8 6ya" admitted shyly !ell$ shy for him 7+t i"volves a lot less of you getti"g hurt + really am sorry you had to go through all of that 8 + tried to smile appre#iatively$ but + do";t thi"' + a##omplished it$ a"d thi"gs got really Buiet Aw'wardly Buiet this time (ha"' good"ess 6ya";s u"usually per'y be#ause he su##essfully #ha"ged the sub)e#t a"d ma"aged to bri"g ba#' the light mood as well 7So$ tell me what it feels li'e to be #row"ed si"#e "ow$ tha"'s to you$ +;ll "ever '"ow 8 (wo se#o"ds ago + was wallowi"g i" the memory of the si"gle worst mome"t of my life$ a"d here$ with o"e little #omme"t$ 6ya" had me smili"g agai" 9ow does he do thatA + did";t e=a#tly '"ow how to a"swer his Buestio"$ so + we"t to my #loset$ pulled the stupid tiara from the old shoebo= + 'ept it i"$ a"d )oi"ed him o" the bed agai" 7+t feels 'i"d of li'e this$8 + said$ a"d pla#ed the #row" o" his head 6ya" feig"ed a loo' of surprise a"d wiped away fa'e tears as he spouted tha"'*yous to a" imagi"ary audie"#e !he" he tried to wave$ though$ + absolutely had to step i" 7<o$ "o$ "o$ "o0 A beauty Buee" is all about poise a"d gra#e 8 + sat up very straight as + pro#eeded to show him the trademar' .iss Ameri#a wave 7All + "eed is the dress$8 6ya" said as he dilige"tly tried to #opy my perfe#t wave 9e loo'ed so ridi#ulous that + a#tually burst out laughi"g +t was the first time + had laughed a"

ho"est*to*good"ess laugh si"#e the a##ide"t$ a"d it felt surprisi"gly good 7(hat #a" be arra"ged$8 + said 7@ou still have the dressA8 7+t;s a gown$ a"d yes$ it;s ha"gi"g i" the #loset 8 7!ell$ what are you waiti"g forA Go put it o" + wa"t to see .iss Sweet Cor" i" all her glory 8 +t was the stra"gest thi"g$ but + was a#tually havi"g fu" for the first time i" + do";t '"ow how lo"g$ a"d whe" 6ya" as'ed me to put my dress o"$ + did";t eve" thi"' twi#e about it + grabbed the dress$ dashed i"to my bathroom$ a"d #ame ba#' a few mi"utes later i" the baby blue sil' that wo" me my #row" over a year ago + pulled the sash over my #hest a"d too' a spi" 7!hat do you thi"'A8 7+ thi"' + feel sorry for a"y girl that had to #ompete agai"st you 8 6ya" pulled the tiara off his head a"d ge"tly pla#ed it o" mi"e 7+t loo's mu#h better o" you$8 he said$ a"d the" stepped ba#' to get a good loo' at me + was surprised by all the butterflies + had i" my stoma#h as 6ya" loo'ed me over 9e was obviously a little e"amored$ a"d + blushed u"der his ga/e + thi"' he was glad to see it be#ause he gri""ed a"d the" rather boldly pulled me i"to his arms 7!hat do you '"owA8 he whispered i" a to"e that i"sta"tly tur"ed the playful atmosphere to somethi"g mu#h more i"te"se 7+t loo's li'e +;m goi"g to get my da"#e after all 8 + may be the poster #hild for Marvel Comics$ but at that mome"t as he bega" to da"#e with me$ + was #ompletely powerless to stop him + wo"dered for a brief se#o"d if maybe my pare"ts were right !hat if 6ya" really was good for meA 6ight the" + felt "ormal + felt better tha" "ormal + felt a##epted$ wa"ted +t felt so right to be i" his arms + did";t say a"ythi"g$ )ust stood there feeli"g a little overwhelmed$ a"d the "e=t thi"g + '"ew$ his lips were almost tou#hi"g mi"e +;d be lyi"g if + said + did";t wa"t to 'iss him agai"$ a"d both of us '"ew it + was s#ared out of my mi"d be#ause + did";t thi"' +;d be able to stop him if he tried :spe#ially "ot whe" my brai" 'ept telli"g me that the first 'iss did";t seem to hurt him a"y But whe" he rea#hed up to brush a loose stra"d of hair from my fa#e he felt a sho#' +t was e"ough of a sho#' to ma'e him fli"#h$ a"d + wat#hed$ horrified$ as he stu#' his fi"ger i" his mouth as though it hurt 6ya" )ust laughed a"d made some #heesy #omme"t about the spar's betwee" us$ but + '"ew the truth$ a"d my stoma#h literally did a few leaps up i"to my #hest + ma"aged to )ump ba#' before he #ould 'iss me a"d gla"#ed his dire#tio" o"ly lo"g e"ough to see him roll his eyes 79ow lo"g are you goi"g to play hard to getA8 he whi"ed$ immediately attempti"g to get the mome"t ba#' (he poor guy had "o idea that he would "ever have a"other mome"t li'e that (his time he o"ly re#eived a sho#'$ but what if "e=t time it felt more li'e sti#'i"g a metal for' i" a" ele#tri#al so#'etA + felt 'i"d of bad be#ause + #ould";t e=plai" all the mi=ed sig"als$ but "ow that my worst fears were bei"g #o"firmed$ there would";t be a"y more mi=*ups$ a"d he was";t goi"g to li'e the out#ome 73orever$8 + whispered as soo" as + #ould fi"d my voi#e + ripped the tiara off my head to put it away .y ha"ds were sha'i"g as + rea#hed to put the old shoebo= ba#' o" the #loset shelf$ a"d 6ya" startled the life out of me whe" he wal'ed up right behi"d me 73orever does";t really wor' for me$8 he said$ a"d + )umped so high + dropped the bo= a"d spilled a mess of old pi#tures all over the floor 7Somebody;s te"se$8 6ya" teased as he be"t dow" to help me pi#' the pi#tures up 7+;m "ot ma'i"g you "ervous$ am +A Be#ause you '"ow$ if + am$ it;s probably be#ause you li'e me a"d you do";t wa"t to admit it 8 (here were so ma"y ways + #ould have a"swered that if +;d bee" payi"g atte"tio" to him eve" the least little bit$ but + was";t + was "ow sitti"g o" the floor stari"g at a" old pi#ture of 5ere' a"d me at a football game + do";t '"ow how lo"g + sat there$ a"d + did";t "oti#e whe" 6ya" sat dow" "e=t to me +;d forgotte" he was eve" there u"til he poi"ted at the pi#ture 7+s that himA8

+ shoo' myself from my da/e a"d ha"ded over the pi#ture with a "od$ glad for the #ha"ge of sub)e#t$ eve" if it was about my dead boyfrie"d 7(his was at the begi""i"g of sophomore year 6ight after + met him$8 + e=plai"ed 7!e grew up i" the same tow"$ but he was older tha" me so we "ever really tal'ed u"til the" + was the o"ly sophomore to ma'e the varsity #heerleadi"g sBuad$ a"d whe" the #utest boy i" s#hoolDa se"ior$ a"d the star Buarterba#'Das'ed me out$ + was 'i"d of star stru#' + thi"' + was i" love before the e"d of our first #o"versatio" 8 6ya";s eyes spar'led$ a"d + '"ew what he was thi"'i"g before he said it 7So you have a wea'"ess for good*loo'i"g Buarterba#'s$ huhA8 7+t was )ust a phase$8 + grumbled$ s"at#hi"g the pi#ture ba#' a"d shovi"g it i"to the bo= 7+ am so do"e with your 'i"d 8 7!e;ll see about that 8 !e;d offi#ially #ome full #ir#le "ow$ a"d the almost si"#ere #o"versatio" was ba#' to him a""oyi"g me 7@ou are so ego#e"tri#$8 + groa"ed as + got to my feet 7A"d you are so i" de"ial08 6ya" a"swered 7@ou may have everyo"e else i" the s#hool fooled$ but you are "ot as mea" as you thi"' you are !hy do";t you )ust admit that you;re tired of all the self* e=ile #rapA Stop tryi"g to be the i#e Buee"$ a"d start bei"g 1amie Ba'er agai" 8 71ust start bei"g 1amie Ba'er agai"A Be#ause it;s )ust that simpleA8 + fi"ally lost it$ a"d "ot )ust a little As tears filled my eyes$ rage filled my heart$ a"d the ele#tri#ity i" the house immediately respo"ded 6ya" loo'ed up at the light$ #o"fused$ a"d that o"ly made me all the more upset 7<ot everythi"g;s bla#' a"d white$ 6ya"0 5o";t thi"' spe"di"g the eve"i"g here mea"s that you '"ow me + #a";t ever be that 1amie Ba'er agai" @ou have "o idea how bad + wish + #ould$ but + #a";t (hat 1amie Ba'er is dead0 O'ayA She does";t e=ist a"ymore08 (he lights fli#'ered agai"$ a"d + tried to #alm myself dow" 7+ wa"t you to leave "ow 8 6ya" did";t have a witty #omeba#' this time 9e loo'ed really upset$ a"d + hate that + hurt him$ but +;m o"ly huma" !ell$ whe" it #omes to my emotio"s a"yway + was so a"gry that + #ould";t thi"' #learly a"ymore$ a"d + )ust let the tears flow 71amie$ +;m sorry + did";t mea" to ma'e it sou"d li'e +D8 71ust go08 + was so upset that whe" + s#reamed$ the lights got really bright$ a"d the" all the ele#tri#ity i" the house we"t out .y pare"ts were '"o#'i"g o" my bedroom door withi" se#o"ds .y mother sou"ded worried as she e"tered the room with a flashlight 71amieA 6ya"A + thi"' we;re havi"g a little trouble with the #ir#uit brea'ers$ is everythi"g o'ay i" hereA8 (rouble with the #ir#uit brea'ersA 6ight$ be#ause + )ust blew them up0 7.rs Ba'er$ +;m so sorry$8 6ya" stammered 7+ have "o idea what happe"ed O"e se#o"d we were laughi"g$ a"d the" she )ust? + did";t mea" to upset her 8 7+t;s "ot your fault$ ho"ey$8 my mother i"sisted as she ushered 6ya" out of my room +t felt li'e his fault +t felt li'e it was all his stupid fault + wa"ted to drow" out the voi#es as soo" as my bedroom door was shut$ but "o matter how hard + tried$ + still had to liste" to my mother try to e=plai" my u"stable behavior a"d assure 6ya" that he did "othi"g wro"g +t was awful be#ause + wa"ted to be a"gry + wa"ted to hate him$ but deep dow" + '"ew my mother was right 6ya" really did";t do a"ythi"g wro"g$ a"d the o"ly perso" + really hated was myself -----

C9AP(:6 L Some "ights there;s )ust "o sleepi"g After 6ya" left + had o"e of those "ights + li'ed him$ a"d + hated that + li'ed him + we"t to bed wo"deri"g how + #ould ma'e myself stop li'i"g him$ but the o"ly flaw +;d fou"d i" him so far was a" abu"da"#e of #o"fide"#e that + was";t sure was";t #ompletely )ustified (here was "o way to hate him + #ould o"ly hate myself be#ause + #ould";t have him$ a"d it was that wo"derful thought that 'ept me tossi"g a"d tur"i"g all "ight + thi"' + fi"ally do/ed off sometime after su"rise$ a"d whe" my mother #ame #reepi"g i"to my bedroom$ it felt a lot earlier tha" the "oo" she #laimed it was 76ise a"d shi"e$ 1amie$ before there;s "ot a"y shi"e left to rise to 8 7.om$ + really do";t feel good + thi"' +;m )ust goi"g to stay i" bed today 8 7@ou;re "ot si#'$ 1amie$ you;re wallowi"g .opi"g arou"d your room all wee'e"d is "ot goi"g to ma'e you feel a"y better Come o"Dup$ up$ up0 + heard somewhere that .a#y;s is havi"g a sale Fet;s go pi#' out #ute "ew outfits a"d get our "ails do"e the way we used to 8 + have to admit that eve" though + '"ew e=a#tly what she was up to$ the offer was still tempti"g + missed those spo"ta"eous day trips + used to ta'e i"to Chi#ago with my mom whe"ever o"e of us had a really bad day But the thought of a #ute "ew outfit brought o" a whole "ew wave of depressio"$ a"d + pulled the #overs over my head 7@ou go ahead$ .om + do";t have a"y "eed for a #ute "ew outfit$ a"yway 8 7!e also "eed to hit the beauty supply store @ou;re ru""i"g low o" hair dye$ a"d your roots "eed a tou#h*up 8 7A"d you do";t '"ow what bra"d a"d #olor + use by "owA8 7All right$ fi"e$8 my mom said$ refusi"g to let my fa#e stay buried be"eath my #overs 7+;ll get some "ew #lothes$ a"d you #a" go #ra/y i" Borders 8 (hat offer was eve" better + love readi"g + did";t always$ but "ow + fou"d it su#h a Buiet$ pea#eful$ rela=i"g hobby +t gave me the #ha"#e to read about people li'e me$ eve" if they were )ust prete"d .y mom$ however$ o"ly saw it as a" easy way to be a"tiso#ial a"d did";t li'e the fa#t that + did it so mu#h So her bribi"g me with boo's mea"t she was truly #o"#er"ed this time +t was #lear that she was "ever goi"g to let me lie i" bed all day$ so + grudgi"gly got up (he "e=t thi"g + '"ew$ + was su#'i"g dow" a" Ora"ge 1ulius i" a" over#rowded food #ourt$ tryi"g "ot to let my mother see how mu#h the "oise was ma'i"g my head hurt She already felt bad e"ough to spri"g for eight "ew boo's$ so she did";t "eed to feel a"y worse + had";t really tou#hed my lu"#h After last "ight + was";t all that hu"gry .y mom "oti#ed$ but she had";t )umped o" my #ase for it + #ould tell she was still tryi"g to figure out a way to #heer me up$ a"d + '"ew she was dyi"g to as' me about what happe"ed with 6ya"$ but so far it was all )ust #o"versatio" that #ould easily avoid the sub)e#t 7!hat if you got a )obA8 she as'ed ra"domly whe" it got Buiet + )ust loo'ed at her s'epti#ally 7<o$ +;m serious$ 1amie @ou go to s#hool$ a"d that seems to wor' )ust fi"e A"d eve"tually you;re goi"g to grow up a"d have to get a )ob a"yway !hat;s wro"g with you getti"g o"e "owA +t would give you somethi"g to do besides read 8 7+ li'e readi"g$ .om 8 7@eah$ but you "eed to get out a"d be so#ial more ofte" A"d besides$ how else are we goi"g to 'eep payi"g for all these boo'sA8

7(hat;s what the library is for 8 7Come o"$ 1amie 9avi"g a )ob is a "ormal tee"age a#tivity @ou;re always sayi"g you wish you #ould be "ormal$ but you wo";t do a"ythi"g about it @ou do";t have to ma'e frie"ds at a )ob if you do";t wa"t to$ but it might be a good stru#tured a#tivity for you 8 7@eah$ be#ause hours of s#hool every dayDplus all the homewor'Dis";t e"ough 8 7+ '"ow you;re havi"g a bad day$ but do";t you get a" attitude with me$8 my mother said ster"ly$ sudde"ly ma'i"g me feel li'e a )er' 7@ou are "ot as ha"di#apped as you thi"' you are +f your life is miserable$ it;s be#ause you let it be 8 7Sorry$8 + muttered out of guilt eve" though + did";t a#tually believe what she;d said .y life was miserable a"d it was out of my #o"trol$ "o matter what she thought + did";t wa"t her to feel bad$ though$ so + tried to 'eep the #o"versatio" goi"g 7A )ob might "ot be so bad$8 + admitted 7+t;s )ust that after hours of bei"g at s#hool with all the "oise$ my head usually hurts li'e #ra/y$ a"d + "eed some pea#e a"d Buiet +t;s hard to be arou"d so ma"y people all the time 8 .y mom;s sour e=pressio" tur"ed i"to #o"#er" as she loo'ed arou"d the #rowded mall 7Are you feeli"g all right "owA 5o we "eed to go homeA8 7<o$ .om 8 + sighed eve" though + wa"ted "othi"g more tha" to be ba#' home$ lyi"g i" bed 7+;m fi"e right "ow +;m )ust sayi"g it might ma'e it diffi#ult to have a )ob while +;m i" s#hool 8 She sighed a"d thi"gs got Buiet agai" + gla"#ed at her before + rea#hed up to rub my head$ but she did";t "oti#e my dis#omfort be#ause she was too busy frow"i"g at o"e of the boo's +;d )ust pur#hased 7!hy always with the alie"s or superheroesA8 she #omplai"ed 73rea's with powers$ tryi"g to #o"#eal their true ide"titiesA8 + laughed bitterly 7+ wo"der 8 7A"d thisA8 .y mom held up a biography of Stephe" Ki"g with a disapprovi"g loo' 79ey$8 + said defe"sively 7(hat;s "ot fi#tio" +t;s "i#e to '"ow that there;re bigger frea's out there tha" me 8 7Sweetheart$ that;s "ot goi"g to ma'e you feel more "ormal A"d there;s a whole lot more to you tha" )ust havi"g powers$ you '"ow !hy do";t you fi"d a good dramaA +;ll bet you #ould relate to that really well 8 + love my mom She was bei"g dead serious$ a"d yet she still made me smile 7Youre #alli"g me the drama Buee"A8 + laughed (here was "o Buestio"i"g where + get my theatri#s 7<o tha"'s + have e"ough drama i" my life already A"d besides8D+ too' the biography from my mother;s ha"dsD7+ have to read this o"e for #lass 8 7(his is a" assig"me"tA8 .y mom was a little more tha" s'epti#al + shrugged 7!e;re all about biographies i" :"glish right "ow 8 7A"d you #hose Stephe" Ki"gA8 7.r : "ever spe#ified who$ a"d you have to admit$ Stephe" Ki"g is way more i"teresti"g tha" Preside"t Obama or (aylor Swift or whoever 8 .y mother sighed dramati#ally a"d the" frow"ed at a"other boo' 7All right$ fi"e But you #ould still try other boo's too @ou "ever '"ow$ you might really e")oy a "i#e? romance 8 A"d there it was Clever but "ot Buite s"ea'y e"ough to fool me 75id";t you say there was a sale arou"d here somewhereA8 + as'ed$ pulli"g myself from our table .y mom sighed a"d followed me dow" the mall u"til + stopped i" fro"t of a store wi"dow with a really "i#e dress i" it 7@ou should buy somethi"g li'e that$ a"d the" ma'e 5ad ta'e you somepla#e "i#e 8 .y mom paused a mi"ute$ a"d + smir'ed be#ause she was fi"ally goi"g to say it Sure e"ough$ she blurted$ 7+ li'e 6ya"$8 faili"g at her attempt to be subtle

+ wa"dered i"to the store prete"di"g to be #lueless !he" she gave me a" e=pe#ta"t loo'$ + muttered$ 7<ot go""a happe" 8 71amie$ what o" earth happe"ed last "ightA8 7<othi"g 8 + '"ew she would "ever buy it$ but + still had to try @up$ + was right (he loo' she gave me was defi"itely a do";t*ma'e*me*a"gry loo' 7@ou had me worried si#'$ a"d you s#ared that poor boy half to death 8 7Good .aybe he;ll leave me alo"e "ow$8 + grumbled .y mother shot me a"other death loo' so + shrugged 7+ #a";t help it + do";t "eed him telli"g me how to live my life too @ou a"d 5ad do that e"ough already$ a"d it;s "ot as easy as everyo"e thi"'s it is08 + "oti#ed that my to"e of voi#e was all of a sudde" really harsh whe" my mom;s eyes glossed over with moisture$ a"d + felt li'e #rap 7+ tried$ o'ayA8 + said$ #almi"g myself 7+ tried to tal' to 6ya" a"d it did";t wor' + "early blew up the house0 3a#e it$ .om As mu#h as + wish + #ould be "ormal$ +;m )ust "ot 8 .y mom loo'ed upset$ a"d + #ould tell she wa"ted to disagree$ but she did";t '"ow what to say She #ould";t argue that + fried the #ir#uit brea'ers last "ight$ a"d + was sure she '"ew it #ould have bee" a lot worse + felt bad$ but what #ould + doA Sometimes there;s )ust "ot a"ythi"g to say$ so to brea' the aw'ward sile"#e + pulled a little bla#' #o#'tail dress off the ra#' a"d ha"ded it to my mom 7@ou should try this o" 8 +t too' her a se#o"d$ but my mom eve"tually gave up a"d too' the dress !he" she disappeared i"to a #ha"gi"g room + started flippi"g through some of the "earby ra#'s O"#e she was";t sta"di"g there distra#ti"g me$ + started to "oti#e all the #hatter goi"g o" arou"d me (wo voi#es stu#' out right away + #ould";t see them$ but it was defi"itely Paige a"d (ami'a$ a"d they were happily dis#ussi"g their favorite topi# 7She;s still "ot a"sweri"g her pho"e + hope she;s all right$8 (ami'a said 7+t;s Be#'y$8 Paige grumbled 7She blows us off all the time 8 7@eah$ but she usually #alls 8 7+;ll bet she;s still with .i'e 5id you see the way he was all over her last "ightA !hy do you thi"' they did";t #ome to the after partyA + wo"der what they were doi"g 8 7+ do";t thi"' so Be#'y told me they were goi"g to 6ya";s house to figure out why he did";t #ome to the da"#e$ but that;s the last + heard from her +;m telli"g you$ Paige$ + thi"' somethi"g might be wro"g She always a"swers her pho"e$ a"d she "ever misses a good sale 8 + smir'ed whe" (ami'a me"tio"ed 6ya" be#ause + '"ew Paige had to be a little sore about him bei"g a "o*show at the da"#e She;d a#tually tur"ed dow" three differe"t guys$ thi"'i"g that 6ya" was goi"g to as' her whe" .i'e as'ed Be#'y$ a"d she e"ded up without a date to home#omi"g Served her right (hat;s whe" the two girls #ame i"to my view (hey wal'ed i"to the store + was i"$ loo'i"g li'e the suburba" versio" of Paris a"d <i#ole with their e=tremely short s'irts a"d shoppi"g bags galore 7!ho #ares about Be#'y$8 Paige said right o" #ue 7+;m worried about 6ya" (he guy was a""ou"#ed home#omi"g 'i"g a"d did";t eve" show up to the da"#e 9e has";t really bee" the same lately <ot si"#e the i#e Buee" brai"washed him 8 + had to laugh at that Although$ a brai"washi"g ability might be "i#e 7!ho does she thi"' she is$ a"ywayA8 Paige #o"ti"ued to ra"t 7+ do";t #are how hot everyo"e thi"'s she is She does";t deserve a guy as "i#e as 6ya" 8 @eah$ a"d li'e Paige was a"y better a perso" tha" + wasA 6ya" deserved way better tha" both of us put together 7+t;s so patheti# the way she;s obviously tryi"g to use his popularity to pull herself out of Foserville 8

7Psh$ li'e that #ould ever happe" 8 (ami'a laughed 76ya" may be hot$ but he;s "ot a mira#le wor'er <o o"e #a" help that poor frea' 8 O'ay$ what good are powers if you #a";t use them for the greater good o"#e i" a whileA + #ould";t liste" to a"y more of this$ so )ust for 'i#'s + #asually strolled over to the other side of the #lothi"g ra#' where Paige a"d (ami'a were sifti"g through a #olle#tio" of s'irts that were o" sale be#ause it was getti"g too #ool to wear themD"o doubt they;d both be sporti"g o"e tomorrow "o matter what the weather fore#aster said the temperature would be (hey were so e"grossed i" their #o"versatio" that they did";t reali/e + was sta"di"g three feet from them As + ra" my ha"d alo"g the ra#' i" fro"t of me$ the #lothes bega" to #li"g to o"e a"other + wat#hed as the stati# wor'ed its way over to Paige a"d (ami'a$ ma'i"g their hair sta"d up + de#ided to 'i#' up the power )ust a "ot#h$ a"d soo" they both loo'ed li'e they;d bee" rubbi"g balloo"s o" their heads 7+;m sorry$8 + said$ 7but did you )ust #all me a frea'A8 (hey both )umped a"d attempted to #over their sho#'ed fa#es by s#owli"g at me 7+f the shoe fits$8 (ami'a muttered 7@ou loo'ed i" a mirror latelyA8 (hey gla"#ed at ea#h other a"d gasped i" u"iso" (he loo's o" their fa#es almost made havi"g superpowers worth it + wa"ted to laugh so badly$ but + ma"aged to resist$ a"d it;s a good thi"g too be#ause my mother wal'ed up right behi"d me 7.ore frie"ds of yours$ ho"eyA8 7<ot e=a#tly$ .om$8 + said #asually 75id the dress fitA8 .y mom is too easy 9er fa#e lit up at the me"tio" of the dress$ a"d she forgot all about Paige a"d (ami'a 7@ou;re right$ 1amie +t;s gorgeous + thi"' + am goi"g to have to ma'e your father ta'e me somewhere "i#e "ow 8 (ami'a was still tryi"g to get her hair u"der #o"trol$ but Paige s#offed rather loudly$ 7@ou #ame here with your motherA8 She said it li'e ha"gi"g out with my mom was some horribly embarrassi"g thi"g$ a"d it would";t have bothered me at all e=#ept that + #ould tell that it made my mom feel bad +"sulti"g me is o"e thi"g$ but i"sulti"g my pare"ts is "ot o'ay 7+t;s a lot more fu" tha" #omi"g alo"e$8 + said$ a"d the" plastered a big fa'e smile o" my fa#e 7Spea'i"g of goi"g pla#es alo"e$ how was the da"#e last "ightA 5o you '"ow who wo" for 'i"gA + did";t a#tually ma'e it 6ya" a"d + sort of lost tra#' of time$ but +;ll bet he;d li'e to '"ow who wo" 8 .y mother did";t '"ow e=a#tly what had )ust happe"ed$ but she shot me a loo' whe" she saw how upset Paige was + ig"ored it +f Paige a"d (ami'a were goi"g to #all me the i#e Buee"$ the" + should at least get to live up to my reputatio" sometimes A"d Paige was beyo"d mad this time She loo'ed li'e she was goi"g to either vomit or e=plode +;m "ot 'iddi"g you She was so mad that o"e eye was sort of twit#hi"g Of #ourse + 'ept up my si#'ly sweet a#t a"d smiled as big as + #ould ma"age as + as'ed$ 7So did 6ya" wi"A8 7Stay away from 6ya"$ you freak08 + was really surprised she had the guts to #all me that i" fro"t of my mom$ but +;ve "ever see" a"yo"e so a"gry + was afraid my mom was goi"g to be upset by that$ but she was";t mad at Paige !ell$ "ot o"#e she saw the satisfied loo' o" my fa#e She waited u"til Paige a"d (ami'a stormed out of the store to #hew me out$ but + got a le#ture all the way home 7!hatA8 + s"apped whe" she dema"ded some 'i"d of e=pla"atio" 7She;s awful She;s )ust mad be#ause she li'es 6ya" a"d he pays more atte"tio" to me Plus$ they started it (hey #alled me a frea' 8

7+ do";t #are who started it$ 1amie + did";t raise my o"ly daughter to a#t li'e su#h a spoiled little brat (he self*pity thi"g is goi"g to stop right "ow !e;re havi"g a tal' with your father whe" we get home$ a"d you are goi"g to have to start ma'i"g some serious #ha"ges$ or there will be some serious pu"ishme"t 8 Sure$ +;m a tee"ager$ whi#h mea"s +;ve fought with my pare"ts same as everyo"e else$ but this was the first time +;ve ever see" my mother really a"gry with me whe" the issue of my powers was i"volved + was really surprised by it$ a"d + was eve" more surprised at how bad she made me feel + did";t say a"other word u"til we got home$ a"d + barely held it together through the le#ture my father gave me o"#e he was fully briefed o" the situatio" +f you #a" believe it$ + got grou"ded from my #omputer$ the library$ a"d all of my boo's u"til + got a )ob$ )oi"ed some 'i"d of s#hool #lub$ or we"t out o" a date <ot e=a#tly a "ormal pu"ishme"t for tee"agers$ but it was every bit as #ruel !orse tha" the le#ture a"d worse tha" the grou"di"g was liste"i"g to the tal' my pare"ts had after + we"t upstairs (hey we"t for a wal' dow" the street$ but + have pretty good ra"ge (hey would have had to drive a#ross the #ity if they did";t wa"t me liste"i"g i" .ostly there were a lot of stateme"ts li'e 7+;m worried about her8 a"d 7she;s getti"g worse$8 a"d there was a lot of tal' about possible therapy But the most disturbi"g part was whe" they somehow tur"ed to the sub)e#t of 6ya" .y mom said she thought + was havi"g all this trouble right "ow be#ause + li'ed 6ya" a"d + was stressed about it O'ay$ maybe she was a little right$ but it still made me mad that she '"ew that 3rom there the #o"versatio" a#tually tur"ed i"to a 6ya" love fest 7Su#h a sweet boy$8 my mother gushed$ 7a"d so polite A"d he seems to have ta'e" Buite the shi"e to her 8 7A"d helpful too$8 my father added 79e helped me reset the #ir#uit brea'ers before he we"t home the other "ight 9e seems to have a de#e"t head o" his shoulders$ for a seve"tee"*year*old 8 After that they #ame home a"d spe"t the rest of the wee'e"d tryi"g to #o"vi"#e me that goi"g out with 6ya" would ma'e me feel better ----C9AP(:6 M + '"ew my pare"ts wa"ted me to try to live a "ormal life si"#e we moved to Sa#rame"to$ but they were beyo"d rele"tless with the 6ya" #hatter the rest of the wee'e"d (hey seemed to thi"' almost as highly of him as he did of himself + was so si#' of them harassi"g me about him that whe" .o"day #ame arou"d a"d + had to see 6ya" at s#hool$ the very sight of him made me wa"t to pu"#h somethi"g 9e was sta"di"g out fro"t with all of his football buddies whe" + got to s#hool$ a"d + #ould tell he wa"ted to tal' to me$ but + was "ot i" the mood 9e started to approa#h me as + wal'ed past him$ but + gave him the most evil glare + was #apable of After that$ he did";t try to stop me$ a"d .i'e was";t dis#rete with his teasi"g 7Oh0 +#ed by the Buee" of #old08 he said$ slappi"g 6ya" o" the ba#' 7+ ta'e it you did";t get lu#'y this wee'e"d !hat;s the matter$ ma"Dlost your mo)oA + thought you were totally i" after the way she was all over you before 8 + #ould feel them wat#hi"g me as + wal'ed away$ but + did";t loo' ba#' +t made me a"gry that

6ya" did";t seem upset by the laughter a"d the tau"ti"g of his frie"ds A"d eve" worse$ + hated his respo"se 9e a#tually laughed with them a"d the" said$ 7+t;s 1amie Ba'er$ dude +t;s goi"g to ta'e me some time to brea' the i#e 8 76y$8 .i'e said 7+ '"ow you;re the ma" a"d all$ but eve" you #a";t brea' Ba'er She;s impossible 8 7!at#h me 8 9a0 +f he thought + was mad at him 3riday "ight? 7!at#h me8A Someo"e should tell him it;s "ot wise to ma'e me a"gry$ a"d after that #o"versatio"$ a"gry would be a" u"derstateme"t + do";t get him0 + mea"$ he;ll sta"d up to Paige i" fro"t of the e"tire s#hool a"d say +;m "ot a slut$ a"d the" he;ll tur" arou"d a"d brag to his buddies about breaking meA <ews flash$ 6ya"D.i'e;s right <ever Go""a 9appe" + was so mad that + was afraid )ust loo'i"g at him would ma'e me lose #o"trol of my powers$ so + opted to avoid the #afeteria at lu"#h$ but :"glish had me worried + thought about s'ippi"g$ but + did";t wa"t to loo' li'e + was hidi"g from him after he saw me #ry this wee'e"d Fu#'ily$ 6ya" did";t say a"ythi"g to me duri"g #lass$ but he #aught up to me li'e two se#o"ds after + wal'ed out the door 9e;d flashed me a small smile as he wal'ed out of the #lassroom$ whi#h he #ould tell + was";t happy about$ so + thought + was safe + thought for sure he;d )ust leave + too' my time getti"g out of the room )ust to be sure :"ough time that .r :dwards as'ed me if + had dete"tio" he did";t '"ow about 7Sorry$ .r : + was )ust 'i"d of #aught up i" my boo'$8 + lied !he" .r :dwards got up from his des' a"d wal'ed my dire#tio" + started gatheri"g up my thi"gs + was";t Buite fast e"ough 7+"teresti"g #hoi#e$8 he said as he pi#'ed up the biography of Stephe" Ki"g 79ey$ you said a"yo"e 8 7+;m "ot sayi"g it was a bad #hoi#e 8 .r :dwards #hu#'led at my defe"sive"ess 7Stephe" Ki"g is o"e of the greatest writers of our time 8 (hat surprised me 7@ou li'e Stephe" Ki"gA8 7Ameri#a" literature is";t )ust .ar' (wai"$ .s Ba'er$8 .r : said with a wi"' 7+ )ust fi"d it i"teresti"g that you would #hoose the 'i"g of horror as the sub)e#t of your boo' report Ge"erally$ people #hoose someo"e they #a" relate to o" a perso"al level 8 hich is e!actly why I chose him$ + wa"ted to say But + did";t wa"t a le#ture a"d a referral to my guida"#e #ou"selor;s offi#e$ so i"stead + grumbled$ 79e;s a lot more i"teresti"g tha" 6ya" .iller$8 as + s"at#hed the boo' ba#' from .r :dwards + was still a little sore about bei"g for#ed to have a part"er .r :dwards laughed at me a"d the" stepped out of my way so + #ould leave the room 7See you tomorrow$ .s Ba'er$8 he #alled after me .r :dwards had su##essfully distra#ted me e"ough that +;d forgotte" all about 6ya" u"til + wal'ed out of the room a"d fou"d him waiti"g for me + groa"ed as he peeled himself away from the wall a"d bega" 'eepi"g pa#e at my side 9e did";t say a"ythi"g at first$ whi#h + thought was weird$ a"d he was a little #autious whe" he fi"ally spo'e + was surprised be#ause it was the first time +;d ever heard him sou"d eve" remotely "ervous 79ow are youA8 he as'ed 7Pea#hy$8 + grumbled$ refusi"g to loo' his dire#tio" 7Oh$ #ome o"$ 1amie @ou;re "ot still mad at me$ are youA8 + did";t a"swer that + was still furious$ )ust "ot for the reaso" he thought + we"t ba#' to ig"ori"g him$ but he o"ly waited for a se#o"d before tryi"g agai" 7+ fi"ished my paper already 5o you wa"t to read itA8 7!hat$ "o partiesA <o hot datesA8 7@eah 8 9e laughed$ a little embarrassed 7+;m "ot usually su#h a" overa#hiever$ but + was so

worried about you after what happe"ed that + did";t really feel li'e goi"g out A"d si"#e + #ould";t stop thi"'i"g about you$ + figured$ why "otA8 6ya" was really starti"g to irritate me + #ould";t tell if he really li'ed me or if he was )ust tryi"g to s#ore + mea"$ 3riday "ight i" my room he was this i"#redible guy 9e liste"ed$ he #heered me up$ he promised "ot to tell a"y of my se#retsDa"d so far he;d 'ept that promiseDbut the" what was all that about earlier$ with .i'eA 7+;m really sorry for upsetti"g you the other "ight 8 9e sighed whe" + did";t respo"d 7+ was";t tryi"g to brush off your past +t;s )ust that you seem li'e a" awesome perso" whe" you let your guard dow" + wish everyo"e #ould see you the way + saw you the other "ight 8 + was so tou#hed by his apology that + fi"ally loo'ed at him a"d regretted it immediately be#ause it tur"ed me all gooey o" the i"side Seriously$ how does he do thatA Sudde"ly + was";t mad a"ymore$ but that was a#tually a bad thi"g + slapped my ha"ds over my fa#e$ rubbi"g at my eyes as + attempted to #o"trol my frustratio" +t was obvious + was softe"ed a little by his #o"fessio"$ a"d + e=pe#ted him to #all me o" it$ but he did";t +"stead he de#ided to move o" to the "e=t ta#ti# he;d obviously thought of before ha"d 7Are you busy right "owA8 @eah$ li'e + really "eeded to spe"d a"y more time with him right "ow so that he #ould brea' me dow" #ompletelyA 75o + eve" wa"t to '"ow why you;re as'i"g me thatA8 7!ell$ +;ve got about twe"ty mi"utes before pra#ti#e$ a"d + thought it might be a good time for a" i"terview 8 7!hat do you mea"A8 73or your paper +;m do"e$ but you still do";t '"ow a"ythi"g about me 8 7+ told you + was";t goi"g to write o"e 8 7@ou;re )ust goi"g to blow off the assig"me"tA8 7+ have a" A i" the #lass O"e paper wo";t ma'e that mu#h differe"#e 8 +t too' him a mi"ute to respo"d$ but fi"ally he gri""ed 79ow #ome you do";t wa"t to write your paperA8 7!hy do";t you )ust tell me why + do";t$8 + said dryly$ 7si"#e you seem to thi"' you already '"owA8 7@ou;re afraid to fi"d out that +;m "ot su#h a bad guy Be#ause if you were to reali/e how mu#h you a#tually li'e me$ that would ma'e it very hard for you to 'eep blowi"g me off 8 + ig"ored the fa#t that he was e=a#tly o"e hu"dred per#e"t o" the mo"ey$ a"d sighed as + burst through the fro"t doors of the s#hool 7@ou are ama/i"gly self*assured 8 9e )ust gri""ed at me a"d said$ 7@up SoA8 7So + hate to be the o"e to burst your bubble$ if i" fa#t that;s eve" possible$ but + am always goi"g to 'eep blowi"g you off +;m "ot )ust playi"g hard to get$ 6ya" @ou a"d + will "ever happe" 8 6ya" loo'ed arou"d a"d lowered his voi#e eve" though$ si"#e most of the stude"ts were i" their #ars already$ the o"ly people "ear us were a #ouple of garde"ers$ a"d they #ould";t hear us over the sou"d of the ridi"g law" mower 7Foo'$8 he said$ 7what happe"ed to you was a "ightmare + get that But you;re "ever goi"g to get over it if you 'eep pushi"g people away all the time !hy do";t you )ust give me a #ha"#eA + '"ow part of you wa"ts to 8 9e was almost pleadi"g with me at this poi"t$ a"d + was surprised by his i"te"sity$ but after a se#o"d his mouth tur"ed up i"to a #roo'ed smile$ a"d he said$ 79ave";t met a girl yet that does";t 8 + '"ew he was 'iddi"g this time$ but + was also pretty sure he thought it was true +;m Buite #o"vi"#ed that 6ya" really does thi"' every girl o" the pla"et would be"efit to be i" his prese"#e +t was really$ really hard "ot to smile at him$ though$ so + had to a#tually glare )ust to 'eep from doi"g it

+t;s "ot that + hated 6ya"$ be#ause + did";t 3ar from it$ if the truth be told But the fa#t that + li'ed him$ ragi"g ego a"d all$ made thi"gs that mu#h more impossible$ a"d it o"ly made me that mu#h a"grier about the situatio" 7+ do";t "eed a #ha"#e to fi"d out how awesome you are + already '"ow @ou tell me all the time 8 7But that;s "ot "early as good as '"owi"g for yourself 8 7@ou do";t get it0 + do";t wa"t to '"ow you be#ause + ho"estly do";t wa"t people botheri"g me A"d hard as it may be to believe$ that i"#ludes the o"e a"d o"ly .r Perfe#t$ 6ya" .iller08 9e a#tually seemed surprised$ a"d + daresay a little hurt by what +;d said 9e did";t loo' destroyed or a"ythi"g$ he )ust loo'ed upset$ but +;d "ever see" 6ya" upset before <ot really + #ould";t loo' away from his frow"$ a"d he stood there #halle"gi"g me with his eyes u"til$ sudde"ly$ we heard the sou"d of tires sBueali"g (he "oise startled us$ a"d we both whirled arou"d to see what was goi"g o" +t was )ust Paul !arre" showi"g off his "ew #herried*out 1eep by peeli"g out of the s#hool par'i"g lot H"fortu"ately for Paul$ the 1eep;s ridi#ulously oversi/e tires were more tha" he '"ew how to ha"dle 9e lost #o"trol of the tru#'$ )umped the #urb$ a"d rammed right i"to the s#hool;s marBuee !hi#h was a big*time bummer for him be#ause that "ew ele#tro"i# sig" #ost the s#hool a fortu"e a"d was Pri"#ipal 9ua"g;s pride a"d )oy <ot that + #are about a moro" li'e Paul$ but #o"trary to popular belief my heart is "ot made e"tirely of i#e So whe" that big bul'y sig" started to fall off its pole$ headi"g straight for the poor guy o" the ridi"g law" mower$ + too' off ru""i"g .y refle=es are )ust a ti"y bit faster tha" your average huma"$ a"d whe" + move as fast as + #a"$ thi"gs appear to me as if i" slow motio" +" o"ly a fra#tio" of a se#o"d$ a"d before a"yo"e eve" '"ew what was goi"g o"$ + rammed the guy o" the law" mower out of the way Should have bee" a" easy first attempt at heroism$ rightA Pie#e of #a'eA @eah$ + thought so too u"til + slammed i"to the biggest guy +;ve ever see" +;m "ot 'iddi"g you$ the dude had to be four hu"dred$ five hu"dred pou"ds easy + ma"aged to '"o#' him off his seat a"d to safety$ but + was";t prepared for so mu#h resista"#e (he impa#t was so for#eful that it '"o#'ed me to the grou"d$ a"d that split se#o"d of bei"g #ompletely disorie"ted was )ust e"ough time to bri"g the marBuee #rashi"g dow" o" me (he blow '"o#'ed me out #old for a se#o"d$ a"d whe" + #ame to + u"derstood how the Coyote felt every time the 6oadru""er dropped a" a"vil o" him Pai" Fots of pai" A"d here + thought superheroes were";t supposed to get hurt Fife is so u"fair O'ay$ so + was "ew to this whole savi"g people gig$ but it;s "ot li'e + we"t to a"y 'i"d of superhero trai"i"g a#ademy + got the #rap 'i#'ed out of me$ but +;m pretty sure that if + had";t i"terve"ed$ law" mower ma" would be dead right "ow i"stead of tryi"g to get to his feet to see if + was all right (hat;s whe" it daw"ed o" me that a"y "ormal perso" i" my positio" would be dead right "ow + had to do somethi"g$ so + ig"ored the bur"i"g se"satio" i" my mus#les a"d used all the stre"gth + had left to raise the sig" off me a"d lea"ed it agai"st the side of the law" mower (he" + s#rambled i"to the ti"y spa#e be"eath it a"d waited for .r !a""abe Sumo !restler to #at#h up !ithi" a few se#o"ds three garde"ers were stari"g dow" at me$ sho#'ed that + was still breathi"g 7(ry "ot to move$8 o"e of them i"stru#ted me 7+ #alled a" ambula"#e 8 !hat #ould + doA + #ould";t )ust get up a"d wal' away$ but + #ould";t sti#' arou"d to be e=ami"ed by the paramedi#s either After givi"g myself a mome"t to #alm my pa"i#$ + de#ided to go with the whole prete"d*it*did";t*happe" ta#ti# Superheroes do it all the time i" the #omi# boo's +t all happe"ed i" a matter of se#o"ds$ a"d si"#e + was behi"d the law" mower$ "o o"e had a good view + #rossed my

fi"gers that they were all sha'e" up e"ough to believe me 7+;m o'ay$8 + said$ slowly #limbi"g out from u"der my ma'eshift lea"*to 7+mpossible$8 sumo law" mower guy whee/ed 7(hat thi"g fell right o" you 8 7<o$8 + said$ ig"ori"g the a#hes i" my body as + pulled myself to my feet 7@es it did +t smashed you li'e a pa"#a'e 8 7+f it had do"e that +;d be dead right "ow$8 + said$ tryi"g to hide the fear i" my voi#e 7+ du#'ed (he sig" hit the law" mower$ "ot me 8 + brushed the dirt off me a"d held out my ha"ds$ half tempted to do a little tap da"#e or somethi"g 7+;m fi"e$ seeA8 + #ould see them all me"tally #o"vi"#i"g themselves that they;d o"ly imagi"ed it be#ause the out#ome was impossible otherwise (he" + rela=ed be#ause they were all buyi"g it$ whether they wa"ted to or "ot .y relief lasted o"ly a se#o"d$ though$ be#ause the 'ids that had bee" li"geri"g i" the par'i"g lot were starti"g to ma'e their way over to us$ a"d they were already debati"g whether or "ot it was me i" the middle of the #haos + "eeded to get out of there$ a"d whe" the sire"s of the ambula"#e #ould fi"ally be heard$ all eyes tur"ed their dire#tio" + was go"e before they loo'ed ba#' + wa"ted to ru" 9ome$ <ew @or' City$ the 9imalayasDit did";t really matter + was )ust s#ared a"d wa"ted to be a"ywhere e=#ept where + was$ but + '"ew that was";t a" optio" + had to go ba#' to 6ya" Otherwise$ +;d "ever be able to e=plai" my little disappeari"g a#t or the fa#t that half the s#hool thought they had )ust see" me get #rushed + we"t ba#' to the s#hool$ but + #ould";t )ust pop ba#' at 6ya";s side all of a sudde"$ a"d si"#e my e"tire body felt li'e a tru#' )ust hit it$ + too' a seat o" the fro"t steps +;d bee" sitti"g there for o"ly a few se#o"ds whe" + saw 6ya" do a double ta'e a"d wal' over to me 7(here you are$8 he said$ still frow"i"g i" #o"fusio" 7+ did";t see you wal' away + thought you;d disappeared o" me or somethi"g 8 9e laughed$ but + was";t feeli"g very playful +" fa#t$ + was";t feeli"g well at all + thought people with superpowers were";t supposed to get hurt$ but my head was pou"di"g$ so + buried my fa#e i" my arms to blo#' out the light that seemed to be ma'i"g it worse 71amieA @ou;re sha'i"g !hat;s the matterA8 6ya" as'ed whe" he fi"ally reali/ed that + was";t Buite right + thi"' + was allowed to be a little sha'y after somethi"g li'e that$ but + #ould";t e=a#tly e=plai" that to him 7+;m fi"e$8 + mumbled i"stead from be"eath my arms 7+ )ust do";t li'e a##ide"ts 8 (hat was the truth + really hate a##ide"ts$ a"d + probably still would have bee" upset eve" if + had";t )ust bee" part of it +t might have a little somethi"g to do with o"e wre#' i" parti#ular$ + do";t '"ow$ but +;m pretty sure 6ya" was "ow thi"'i"g about the same a##ide"t$ be#ause he #rou#hed dow" i" fro"t of me a"d ra" his fi"gers through my hair very prote#tively 7+ did";t eve" thi"' about that +;m so sorry Are you o'ayA8 9is voi#e was so soothi"g$ a"d the way he was stro'i"g my head felt so ama/i"g that my eyes glossed over with tears + #ould";t help it really + had";t bee" #ared about by a"yo"e e=#ept my pare"ts i" over a year$ a"d 6ya" was tryi"g to #omfort me be#ause he was ge"ui"ely #o"#er"ed 7+s there somethi"g + #a" doA8 he whispered 7Go away$8 + muttered + did";t really thi"' that was goi"g to wor'$ but + also did";t e=pe#t him to pull my #hi" up a"d dry my tears$ either +t was a" overwhelmi"g feeli"g$ a"d + was so sho#'ed that + #ould";t do a"ythi"g but gaw' at him 71amieD8 9e stopped a"d )ust stared at me i" wo"der

!e must have sat there for a full thirty se#o"ds )ust loo'i"g i"to ea#h other;s eyes$ but the lo"ger he stared$ the more #o"fused + got 7@our eyes08 he fi"ally gasped 7O"e of your #o"ta#ts must have falle" out (hey really are?8 6ya" tried to say 7yellow$8 but he #ould";t form the word + #ursed u"der my breath a"d immediately tur"ed my fa#e away from him 7+;m sorry$8 he said as + s#rambled to my feet 7+ did";t mea" to stare li'e that$ +;ve )ust "ever see" a"ythi"g li'e it + thought you were 'iddi"g 8 + tried to wal' away$ but his voi#e sou"ded so desperate that + o"ly got two steps 7Please do";t ru" away from me this time$8 he pleaded + ope"ed my mouth to say somethi"g$ but someo"e #alled 6ya";s "ame from the par'i"g lot$ a"d whe" + saw .i'e a"d his frie"d 1usti" )ust a few feet away$ my heart stopped + fro/e$ but 6ya" smiled at me a"d the" pulled his su"glasses off his fa#e a"d pla#ed them o" mi"e before tur"i"g arou"d to greet his frie"ds 75ude08 .i'e yelled 7+ thi"' your wa""abe girlfrie"d )ust got #rushed by the marBuee 8 75o you mea" 1amieA8 6ya" as'ed$ #ompletely #o"fused 7@eah$8 1usti" replied$ 7a"d the frea' )ust got up a"d wal'ed away 8 6ya" tur"ed ba#' arou"d to give me a #o"fused loo'$ a"d whe" .i'e a"d 1usti" reali/ed + was sta"di"g there they stopped dead i" their tra#'s 7But were";t you )ust?A8 .i'e said$ u"able to #omplete his Buestio" 7Sorry to disappoi"t you$8 + s"eered 7But as you #a" see$ + obviously was";t hit by a"y falli"g marBuees today + guess you;ll )ust have to 'eep wishi"g$ huhA8 7@ou must have a" evil twi" the"$8 1usti" said$ 7be#ause it loo'ed )ust li'e you 8 71amie is the evil twi"$8 .i'e grumbled 7Ba#' off$ .i'e$8 6ya" said <ot that + was offe"ded by .i'e;s i"sult$ but it was still 'i"d of "i#e to see 6ya" defe"d me .i'e )ust rolled his eyes a"d the" mumbled somethi"g about headi"g to pra#ti#e 7+;ll #at#h up$8 6ya" said + #ri"ged be#ause + '"ew he was goi"g to try to ma'e me e=plai" myself$ a"d + had "o #lue what + was goi"g to say O"#e .i'e a"d 1usti" were go"e$ 6ya";s fa#e was immediately full of #o"#er" agai" 7Fet me ta'e you home 8 7+ have a #ar 8 7@eah$ but you seemed pretty sha'e" up a se#o"d ago 8 7!ell$ +;m fi"e "ow 8 7(he" #a" + #ome see you after pra#ti#eA8 O'ay$ this was worse tha" )ust as'i"g me why my eyes were yellow (his mea"t that he wa"ted time for me to e=plai" it properly !ell$ that was";t goi"g to happe" +t #ould";t 7Give it a rest already08 + s"apped 7<o0 @ou #a";t #ome over after pra#ti#e + was";t 'iddi"g whe" + said + do";t wa"t you botheri"g me a"ymore 8 7@ou do";t have to be s#ared of me$ 1amie 8 7+;m "ot s#ared of you$8 + lied 7(he self*e=ile thi"g is";t a #ry for help (his is";t some i#e Buee" outrea#h program here$ o'ayA Poor little messed*up 1amie does";t "eed you to save her +;m "ot your pity pro)e#t08 + wat#hed 6ya";s fa#e drop as he bega" to reali/e how serious + was this time$ a"d he loo'ed so disappoi"ted that + wa"ted to ta'e it all ba#' (oo bad + #ould";t 7+;m "ot doi"g this be#ause + feel sorry for you$8 6ya" said i" almost a whisper + was surprised by his to"e + did";t '"ow he was #apable of somethi"g li'e humility

(ears threate"ed to give away my true feeli"gs whe" he rea#hed for my ha"d + pulled away from him before he #ould tou#h me$ a"d out of sheer desperatio" allowed the e"ergy pulsi"g through my body to spi" out of #o"trol <othi"g ma'es me a"gry li'e feeli"g what ma'es me differe"t from the rest of the world$ a"d + "eeded to be a"gry right the"$ so + let myself simmer for a se#o"d + probably would have )ui#ed him if he;d tou#hed me agai"$ so + guess it;s a good thi"g he did";t$ but + was tired of fighti"g him$ a"d + was tired of fighti"g myself whe" + was arou"d him 7+;m "ot goi"g to be your #o"Buest either$8 + fi"ally said whe" + was good a"d mad 7:=#use meA8 +;d offe"ded him this time$ li'e really$ truly offe"ded him$ a"d it stu"g$ but + had to (he lo"ger + e"#ouraged him$ the worse + would hurt him$ a"d hurti"g him was i"evitable + #le"#hed my fists tightly$ prayi"g he would";t see right through me$ a"d said$ 7(he first time you tal'ed to me was be#ause you bet someo"e you #ould get me to 'iss you$ a"d you;ve tried to put the moves o" me every time you;ve tal'ed to me si"#e 8 7@eah$ be#ause + li'e you +s that su#h a bad thi"gA8 7Oh please$ 6ya" 1ust be#ause + do";t tal' to people$ does";t mea" + do";t '"ow what they;re sayi"g 1amie Ba'er$ the frea' i#e Buee"$ is impossible to #ra#'A So the guy who fi"ds a way to brea' the i#e a"d "ail the Buee" would be a lege"d arou"d here$ am + rightA8 !e stood there for a mi"ute$ a"d 6ya" was the o"e to fi"ally brea' the sile"#e$ but his voi#e sou"ded a"gry 7A"d that;s what you thi"' +;m doi"gA8 <o <ot e=a#tly 9e may have bee" )o'i"g about me with .i'e$ but + #ould tell "ow that this was";t )ust about a hoo'*up (hat;s why + hated myself so mu#h for sayi"g what + said 7+ '"ow you;re Nthe ma"; a"d all$ but eve" you #a";t brea' Ba'erA8 + said$ Buoti"g his a"d .i'e;s #o"versatio" from this mor"i"g + '"ew he;d re#og"i/e it 7 N!at#h me;A8 79ow did you?A8 6ya";s fa#e we"t pale as he did i"deed re#og"i/e his ow" words bei"g throw" at him 79a"g o"$ "ow$ that;s "ot what + mea"t0 + was";t )ust tal'i"g aboutD8 7!hat;s the pool up to "owA8 + i"terrupted$ purposefully "ot wa"ti"g to give him the #ha"#e to e=plai" 7Put me dow" for twe"tyD+;m good for it @ou;re "ever getti"g i"to my pa"ts 8 + did";t wa"t to hurt him$ but + did";t see a"y other #hoi#e 9e was "ever goi"g to leave me alo"e if + did";t +;ve do"e some pretty mea" thi"gs i" my life$ but blowi"g off 6ya" .iller the way + did right the" is somethi"g that + still feel bad about$ eve" to this day 73i"e08 he s"apped$ a"d the" swallowed ba#' his a"ger 7@ou wi" + surre"der 8 7(ha"' you 8 9e wat#hed me wal' away from him u"til + got i" my #ar$ but he did let me go$ a"d + was pretty sure he would";t bother me a"ymore "ow + '"ew +;d made the right de#isio" +t )ust did";t feel li'e it ----C9AP(:6 O + #ried all the way home from s#hool that day +;m "ot proud of that$ but +;m "ot ashamed of it either + mea"$ how ma"y people have to worry "ot about bei"g who they are$ but )ust being i" ge"eral Bei"g 1amie Ba'er is a lot of respo"sibility that + "ever as'ed for +t;s also respo"sibility that + was";t

prepared for$ do";t wa"t$ a"d should";t have to deal with :spe#ially "ot alo"e + #ried be#ause it was";t fair that + had to re)e#t 6ya" (ur"i"g him dow" was the respo"sible thi"g to do +t )ust su#'ed + did";t wa"t to$ a"d + should";t have to whe" all the other 'ids my age are busy hoo'i"g up But at the same time$ a "o"e=iste"t so#ial life is";t the e"d of the world + was defi"itely bei"g a little dramati#$ but + thi"' + #hose to dwell o" 6ya" more tha" + "eeded to i" order to forget about all the other reaso"s + was #ryi"g + pulled it together whe" + got home$ though$ be#ause + did";t wa"t to have to e=plai" everythi"g to my mom +;d ma"aged to #alm myself a"d stop the tears$ but the mi"ute + wal'ed i" the door$ my mom '"ew somethi"g was up She too' o"e loo' at me a"d rushed over li'e a good mom should She wrapped her arms arou"d me$ a"d + yelped whe" she sBuee/ed me be#ause eve" though +;d wal'ed away from the a##ide"t$ + thi"' + may have )ammed my shoulder a"d bruised myself from head to toe 7!hat;s the matterA Are you o'ayA8 7(here was a" a##ide"t$8 + mumbled$ u"able to 'eep it from her$ 7a"d + tried to stop it 8 + #ould";t tell if she was upset with me or "ot$ but she was defi"itely overwhelmed by the "ews + hoped she was";t a"gry with me$ but + was";t too #o"#er"ed about her 5ad would be worse She simply started with the sta"dard 7Are you hurtA8 75epe"ds o" your defi"itio" of the word 8 7!as a"yo"e else hurtA8 7<o$ but they would have bee" 8 After + filled her i" o" the details$ my mom sat Buietly for a mome"t$ the" for#ed a smile 7!ell +;m very proud of you$ ho"ey 8 7@eah but$ .om$ + was smashed by a gia"t marBuee$ o"ly I left the de"ts i" it08 .y mom hugged me agai"$ a "ew wave of fear ta'i"g her over 71amie$ your father a"d + have tal'ed with you about this 8 7+ '"ow 8 7Sweetheart$ you are a" e=traordi"ary you"g woma"$ but you;re "ot Superwoma" !e do";t really '"ow how your powers wor' !hat if you;d gotte" hurtA8 7But what was + supposed to doA (hat ma" would have died !as + )ust supposed to wat#h it happe"$ '"owi"g + #ould have helpedA8 7+t;s "ot your respo"sibility to save people +f God wa"ts them he;ll ta'e them 8 7(he" why did";t he ta'e meA8 + e=ploded + )umped ba#'$ putti"g some dista"#e betwee" us before + #ould hurt her + felt bad for losi"g #o"trol$ but + was";t yelli"g at her$ + was )ust yelli"g$ a"d + thi"' she '"ew that Aside from 5ere'$ if there;s a"y other sub)e#t that #ould #ause a #itywide power outage$ it;s God Co"sideri"g +;d already fried the #ir#uits o"#e this wee'$ + too' a deep breath$ but + #ould";t help as'i"g$ 75id";t he wa"t meA8 + '"ow that sou"ds li'e a really )uve"ile Buestio"$ but you try bei"g i" my shoes for a while a"d see how mu#h you really '"ow the a"swer 7Of #ourse he does 8 7(he" how #ome i"stead of letti"g me go to heave" li'e everyo"e else$ he left me behi"d a"d tur"ed me i"to some 'i"d of frea'A8 7@ou;re "ot a frea'$ 1amie @ou;re )ust differe"t @ou #a" still have a "oD8 7+ #a";t have a "ormal life$ .om0 + #a";t go to thi"gs li'e da"#es a"d football games li'e everyo"e else$ be#ause +;m too busy tryi"g "ot to liste" to every #o"versatio" arou"d me + #a";t have #lose frie"ds be#ause +;m too worried about what lie +;ll have to tell them if they as' me a Buestio" + #a";t a"swer A"d dati"g is out of the Buestio"0 + #a";t eve" 'iss a boy without tur"i"g him i"to the :"ergi/er

bu""y08 O'ay$ so maybe + was a little more upset about the 6ya" issue tha" the whole +;m*"ot*a*1amie* pa"#a'e*right*"ow issue$ be#ause the lights fli#'ered agai" after me"tio"i"g the 'iss that started all my trouble .y mom;s "ot a fool either She did";t waste a se#o"d figuri"g it out 7+s that what all of this really aboutA 6ya"A8 7+ 'issed him 8 Oops$ that o"e got away from me + do";t '"ow what bothered me more$ the fa#t that my mom was so sho#'ed + 'issed a boy that she "early fell off the #ou#h$ or that she was so e=#ited about it she sBuea'ed$ 7@ou didA8 <ot wa"ti"g to have to go i"to a"y details about the relatio"ship 6ya" a"d + did";t have$ + de#ided to get right to the poi"t 7+t did somethi"g to him 8 7!hat do you mea" it did somethi"gA !hat happe"edA8 7+ do";t '"ow$ .om !hat happe"s to the lights whe" + get madA !hy do the fish get pulled a#ross the ta"' whe" + wal' past themA8 + '"ew my mom hated it whe" she did";t have all the a"swers$ a"d + did";t e=pe#t her to$ but + still wished she had more tha" )ust a sigh for me right the" 9er sigh was a" e=asperated o"e$ a"d + felt bad for upsetti"g her$ so + dialed ba#' the sar#asm a"d tried to e=plai" as best + #ould 7+ 'issed 6ya"$ a"d it #harged him up li'e a frea'i"g 5ura#ell 8 7!as he all rightA8 !as 6ya" all rightA + a#tually ma"aged to smir' at that o"e 7+f + hurt him at all$ he did";t seem to mi"d 8 7(ha"' heave"s08 + wished + #ould feel as relieved about that as my mom did 7+ got lu#'y$8 + said grimly$ 7but the other "ight + was so "ervous that + /apped him pretty good whe" he tried to tou#h me 8 1ust thi"'i"g about that wo"derful mome"t brought my tears ba#' 79e 'eeps as'i"g me out$8 + said$ s"iffli"g$ 7a"d the last thi"g + wa"t to do is hurt him$ but how else do + ma'e him stopA + said some awful thi"gs to him today +;m always goi"g to have to be alo"e 8 7<o you wo";t$8 my mom i"sisted 7!e;ll tal' to your dad whe" he gets home +;m sure he;ll have some ideas to get this all wor'ed out 8 Oh$ he did all right .y father was full of a"swers whe" + told him the story that eve"i"g 9e;s always bee" the more pra#ti#al of my pare"ts$ leavi"g the roma"ti# "otio"s of happy e"di"gs a"d trustworthy people to my mom After drilli"g me for every si"gle detail about the a##ide"t$ a"d as'i"g over a"d over agai" if + thought 6ya" '"ew + was really i"volved$ he #ame to the #o"#lusio" that + was "ever to i"terfere li'e that agai" 9e was";t a"gry with me a"y more tha" + was mad at 6ya"$ but he was most defi"itely putti"g his foot dow" whe" it #ame to prete"di"g +;m !o"der !oma"$ a"d ho"estly$ that was more tha" fi"e with me (his a##ide"t was my first$ a"d + would happily ma'e it my last attempt to save the day (he o"ly thi"g + did";t li'e about our #o"versatio" was )ust how mu#h my dad agreed with me about 6ya" + '"ow it was";t perso"al be#ause he;d spe"t the wee'e"d tryi"g to #o"vi"#e me how bei"g frie"ds with 6ya" #ould be a good thi"g$ but "ow 6ya" '"ew too mu#h <ow he was a threat 7+t may "ot seem li'e it$8 he said$ 7but you did the right thi"g by pushi"g 6ya" away 8 + '"ew +;d said those same e=a#t words )ust a #ouple of hours ago$ but whe" they #ame out of my dad;s mouth they really made me mad (he"$ to ma'e matters worse$ he basi#ally forbade me to tal' to 6ya" a"ymore 9e did it i" a "i#e way$ but still$ the irratio"al tee"ager i" me wa"ted to go to s#hool tomorrow a"d tell 6ya" everythi"g$ )ust be#ause 7+t;s best if you )ust leave thi"gs the way they are$8 my dad said whe" + told him it did";t matter

be#ause 6ya" hated me "ow a"yway 7!hat happe"ed to Nbe a "ormal tee"ager$ go out$ a"d have frie"ds;A8 79e;s a good 'id$ but we )ust do";t '"ow what he would do if he fou"d out about you 8 + wa"ted to argue$ but + '"ew there was "o poi"t 71amie$ you hate havi"g this se#ret +t;s "ot fair to ma'e him share that respo"sibility A"d it;s "ot safe either$ for you or him 8 Guilt trip a"d a half <ot that + was #o"sideri"g the possibility before$ but "ow + was really "ever goi"g to tal' to 6ya" agai" Of #ourse$ it is "yan$ so + #a";t be held respo"sible if he tal's to me first a"d + give i" to whatever he wa"ts 5eep$ deep dow" + hoped that would be the #ase$ but it was";t + guess + should say it was lu#'y for me that 6ya" 'ept his promise to surre"der$ be#ause + wo'e up i" so mu#h pai" the "e=t day that if he eve" tried to say hello he would have '"ow" somethi"g was up @ou '"ow how if you forget to stret#h before a wor'out a"d the" you go to sleep$ you wa'e up stiff as a boardA !ell$ appare"tly$ getti"g sBuashed by a to" of steel has the same effe#t$ a"d + guess with supermus#les #omes superstiff"ess !hat + "eeded were some superpai"'illers But how #a" you go to a do#tor for medi#i"e to treat i")uries from a" a##ide"t that you were";t i"A + wo'e up so sore + #ould hardly move a"d #ould have easily as'ed my pare"ts for a 7get out of )ail free8 pass$ e=#ept that it might loo' suspi#ious if + did";t go to s#hool the day after half my #lassmates wat#hed me get flatte"ed$ so + ig"ored the pai" a"d we"t @up$ su#'ed to be me + did";t tal' to or eve" loo' at a"yo"e that day$ but + liste"ed to everyo"e (hey were all sayi"g the same thi"gs Someo"e would say the sig" fell o" me$ a"d the" someo"e else would dispute it$ sayi"g + was with 6ya" whe" it happe"ed (he" of #ourse the first perso" would as' if 6ya" a"d + were together (he rumors of 6ya";s a"d my se#ret love affair spread li'e wildfire$ a"d by lu"#h it was all everyo"e was tal'i"g aboutDeveryo"e e=#ept 6ya" 9e had";t so mu#h as said my "ame all day <ot eve" whe" Amy 1o"es had the guts to as' him to his fa#e if the rumors about us were true 9e simply said$ 7<ope 8 (he" i" true 6ya" fashio"$ he smiled at her a"d said$ 7!hyA @ou were";t worried that + was off the mar'et$ were youA8 Poor Amy blushed a"d 6ya" laughed 7+;m afraid +;m still si"gle +" fa#t$ +;m dateless for 3riday "ight @ou wa"t to go see a movie or somethi"gA8 + had to laugh at the way Amy;s eyes lit up at the spo"ta"eous offer She was literally tryi"g "ot to sBueal as she a##epted the date (he way she swoo"ed was almost patheti#$ a"d if + were";t too busy bei"g a "ormal$ )ealous$ emotio"al tee"age girl$ + would have give" him a little #redit (he boy truly does have a gift with the ladies +"stead$ + )ust wa"ted to /ap them both (he way 6ya" was a#ti"g made me so a"gry .aybe + really was )ust a #halle"ge for him +t made se"se$ + suppose$ but he was a#ti"g as if yesterday "ever happe"ed a"d we did";t fight at allDalmost li'e + "ever eve" e=isted + 'ept telli"g myself that;s what + as'ed him to do a"d that he was )ust faithfully 'eepi"g a promise$ but it did";t help (hat day was lousy for me$ a"d the worst of it had";t happe"ed yet + was o" my way to :"glish a"d dreadi"g havi"g to spe"d the "e=t hour i" the same room as 6ya"$ but whe" + got to my #lassroom Pri"#ipal 9ua"g a"d two poli#e offi#ers were sta"di"g there with .r :dwards As wo"derful as this day had bee" so far$ + was sure they were there to tal' to me + did";t eve" get i"side before .r :dwards motio"ed for me to )oi" them Pri"#ipal 9ua"g poi"ted at me 7(hat;s her 8 71amiely"" Ba'erA8 o"e of the #ops as'ed 7+ prefer 1amie$ a#tually 8 7.s Ba'er$ there was a" a##ide"t i" fro"t of the s#hool yesterday after"oo"$ a"d everyo"e i"volved spo'e of a girl mat#hi"g your physi#al des#riptio" 8 7(hat;s "i#e 8

+ did";t thi"' either of the #ops appre#iated my respo"se$ but + #ould";t help givi"g them a little attitude :ver si"#e my a##ide"tDwith the #ops a"d the do#tors a"d the papara//i all hou"di"g me for i"formatio"D+ do";t really respo"d well to a"y form of i"terrogatio" 7!e also have several eyewit"esses that ide"tified you spe#ifi#ally 8 7!ell$ +;m sorry to sBuash the lead$ but it was";t me 8 (he older of the two #ops$ the o"e who;d as'ed all the Buestio"s up to this poi"t$ huffed i" a""oya"#e$ a"d the se#o"d guy too' over 7@ou;re "ot i" trouble or a"ythi"g$ we;re )ust hopi"g for a stateme"t to shed some light o" a few u"a"swered Buestio"s 8 7@es$ we "eed a"swers08 Pri"#ipal 9ua"g i"terrupted$ already o" the #ops; last "erves 7.r !arre" #learly ra" i"to my marBuee$ but the i"sura"#e is threate"i"g "ot to pay be#ause they say the damage does";t mat#h the des#riptio" of what happe"ed Ca" you believe that08 A#tually$ + #ould believe that +;m sure the i"sura"#e #ompa"y was very #urious about the "i#e little de"t +;d put i" his pre#ious sig" + did";t e=a#tly feel bad about damagi"g the stupid thi"g After all$ it totally atta#'ed me 7A"d of #ourse we wa"t to ma'e sure that you;re o'ay$8 the you"ger #op added$ still tryi"g to butter me up H"fortu"ately for him$ + hate 'iss*ups almost as mu#h as + hate #ops + gla"#ed from him ba#' to the first #op$ who was still frow"i"g at me$ a"d smir'ed 7Good #op$ bad #op$ huhA + thought that o"ly happe"ed i" the movies 8 +;m "ot always a lot of trouble$ but + was really "ervous$ a"d + was afraid that if they saw that at all$ they might figure out + really was i"volved + figured bei"g a rebellious tee"ager would 'eep them frustrated e"ough "ot to see how s#ared + was +t seemed to be wor'i"g with Pri"#ipal 9ua"g 7(his s#hool does";t have thousa"ds of dollars to repla#e that marBuee$8 he said$ 7so if you '"ow somethi"g about it$ you have to tell us 8 7Sorry$ .r 9ua"g 5o";t '"ow what to tell you .aybe you should thi"' about a woode" o"e "e=t time 8 .r Bad Cop was starti"g to lose his patie"#e 7.s Ba'er$8 he said$ "early yelli"g "ow$ 7if you;re "ot willi"g to #ooperate$ +;m afraid we;ll have to arrest you a"d #o"ti"ue this dis#ussio" at the statio" 8 7Arrest meA8 + repeated i"#redulously H"fortu"ately$ + said that a little loudly$ a"d we i"sta"tly started to gather a #rowd + did";t mea" to lose my temper$ but they were goi"g o" some pretty thi" evide"#e$ a"d tryi"g to stro"g*arm a 'id i" fro"t of her #lassmates was pretty low 7Arrest me for whatA8 7@ou are aware that it;s agai"st the law to wal' away from the s#e"e of a" a##ide"t$ rightA8 7Oh$ +;m so sorry + did";t reali/e that seei"g a" a##ide"t from a#ross a par'i"g lot ma'es me a material wit"ess 8 7@ou"g lady$ several of your #lassmates said they saw you get hit by the sig" that fell 8 7!ell$ that would be 'i"d of impossible$ #o"sideri"g + had";t eve" rea#hed the par'i"g lot whe" it happe"ed As' .r :dwardsD+ was late getti"g out of #lass yesterday 8 Both me" gla"#ed to my tea#her$ a"d he shrugged 7+t;s true She stayed almost te" mi"utes after the bell yesterday 8 (he #ops frow"ed$ a"d whe" the grumpy o"e bega" s#ribbli"g o" his "otepad$ .r :dwards bro'e the sile"#e agai"$ addressi"g the group of stude"ts wat#hi"g us 7A"d spea'i"g of the bell$ everyo"e get to your #lasses before + start ha"di"g out dete"tio" 8 (he stude"ts started to s#atter$ but .r :dwards did";t follow his ow" advi#e As he wat#hed o" #uriously$ the you"ger #opD.r Good CopDtoo' me by surprise whe" he as'ed me if + would ta'e off my su"glasses + '"ew e=a#tly where he was goi"g with this$ a"d + was";t worried about that i" the least$ so + too' off the glasses without hesitatio" a"d showed him my eyes 7.aybe she;s telli"g the truth$

Pi#$8 he said to his part"er 7Both eyes are the same #olor$ a"d "ot gree" or yellow (hey;re brow" 8 + had";t reali/ed that 6ya" was also still wat#hi"g my i"terrogatio" u"til he wal'ed up "e=t to the #op with wide eyes !he" + saw him$ my heart )umped i"to overdrive 7Gree" a"d yellowA8 6ya" said$ ga/i"g at me with wo"der (he offi#er mistoo' the asto"ishme"t i" 6ya";s voi#e for #o"fusio" 7All three of the la"ds#apers prese"t at the a##ide"t des#ribed the girl i"volved as havi"g had o"e gree" eye a"d o"e yellow$8 he e=plai"ed 7(hey were Buite #ertai" 8 6ya" loo'ed at me agai"$ a"d + #ould see it i" his eyes 9e '"ew A"d he '"ew that + '"ew he '"ew !e stared ea#h other dow"Dor rather$ he stared me dow" while + pa"i#'ed li'e a deer #aught i" his headlightsDu"til the #op Buestio"ed the two of us 6ya" was mu#h better at sha'i"g it off tha" + was 9e flashed the #op that boyish smile of his a"d #overed for me li'e a pro 7+ was with 1amie yesterday after #lass !e had )ust wal'ed out the fro"t door whe" the a##ide"t happe"ed +;d be happy to give you a stateme"t too$ but + doubt it;d be mu#h help !e #ould";t really see a"ythi"g 8 7So you were with her at the time of the a##ide"tA8 7@es$ sir 8 7Fyi"g to the #ops is a #rimi"al a#t$ you"g ma"$8 .r Bad Cop i"terrupted 7@ou;re "ot )ust #overi"g for this you"g lady$ are youA8 6ya" gave me a"other '"owi"g gla"#e 7<o$ sir + swear she was with me the e"tire time 8 (he older #op loo'ed 6ya" up a"d dow" s'epti#ally a"d sighed as he bega" s#ribbli"g agai" 7@our "ameA8 7(hat would be 6ya" .iller$8 Pri"#ipal 9ua"g said$ steali"g the words out of 6ya";s mouth 7A"d + suppose you;re her boyfrie"d or somethi"gA8 the #op as'ed 7Hm$ "o sir$ we;re )ust doi"g a pro)e#t together She was i"terviewi"g me before football pra#ti#e for her paper 8 (he grumpy #op seemed disappoi"ted by that a"swer$ a"d sadly$ he was";t the o"ly o"e +t remi"ded me of blowi"g 6ya" off the day before + felt bad that 6ya" had to help me li'e this after +;d told him to stay out of my life$ but + was grateful he did$ eve" if + '"ew my problem with him was o"ly goi"g to be worse "ow 7!as a"yo"e else with youA8 7@eah$ .i'e 5ris#oll a"d 1usti" 6eader tal'ed to us right after it happe"ed (hey #a" tell you it was";t 1amie (hat;s what they;ve bee" telli"g the whole s#hool all day +t had to be )ust somebody that loo'ed li'e 1amie 8 7All right$8 the #op said with o"e last dramati# sigh$ 7but if these boys; stories do";t mat#h up$ we;ll be i" tou#h$ .s Ba'er 8 7Ca";t wait 8 O"#e the #ops wal'ed away$ ta'i"g a highly a""oyed Pri"#ipal 9ua"g with them$ + made a mad dash for the #lassroom + was safely i"side before 6ya" #ould #at#h me$ but + '"ew he was";t goi"g to drop the issue this time + doubt 6ya" heard a si"gle word that a"yo"e said i" #lass that day either$ be#ause he stared at me from the time we too' our seats to the time the bell ra"g + was out the door as Bui#'ly as possible$ but 6ya" a#tually followed me all the way home By the time we got out of our #ars$ +;d #o"vi"#ed myself that + was mad at him 75o";t you have a pra#ti#e to be atA8 7@up$8 6ya" replied with every bit the amou"t of a"ger + had )ust show" 7Coa#h is go""a ride me pretty hard for missi"g it too$ but +;m "ot goi"g a"ywhere u"til you tell me what is goi"g o"08 + did";t thi"' playi"g dumb would wor'$ but + had to give it a try 7!hatA + lost o"e of my blue

#o"ta#ts a"d have";t had a #ha"#e to get more$ so + wore my brow" o"es !hy do you thi"' +;ve bee" weari"g your su"glasses all dayA8 + ha"ded 6ya" the glasses 79ere$ you #a" have them ba#' "ow$ tha"'s 8 6ya" too' his glasses a"d + started to wal' away agai"$ but he pulled me ba#' 7@ou were i" that a##ide"t08 75o";t be stupid$ that;s impossible 8 7A"d yet half the s#hool saw you$ a"d the #ops are loo'i"g for a girl with o"e gree" eye a"d o"e yellow eye 8 + did";t '"ow what to say + stood there$ slowly letti"g my emotio"s spi" out of #o"trol$ a"d 6ya" fi"ally #ra#'ed 7@ou have to e=plai" it to me$ 1amie +;m goi"g out of my mi"d right "ow0 + )ust lied to the #ops for you$ a"d + do";t eve" u"dersta"d what + lied about @ou owe me08 9e loo'ed absolutely desperate$ a"d he basi#ally '"ew somethi"g weird was up a"yway !e were past the poi"t of prete"di"g$ so + figured at this poi"t it was probably better )ust to tell him everythi"g rather tha" let him try to figure it out o" his ow" + gla"#ed ba#' at my house a"d liste"ed for my mother !he" + heard her i"side$ doi"g what sou"ded li'e aerobi#s$ + figured she had";t heard us$ a"d + loo'ed ba#' at 6ya" 7PleaseA8 he begged 73i"e$8 + said as + pushed him ba#' toward his #ar$ 7but "ot here 8 A"d o"#e agai" + gave i" to 6ya" .iller ----C9AP(:6 Q + used to wish o" stars that o"e day +;d be able to es#ape the ti"y hi#' tow" + grew up i" But + guess + was";t spe#ifi# e"ough$ be#ause Sa#rame"to suburbiaA Big step dow" 5rivi"g through its dull brow" "eighborhoods is a lot li'e passi"g through all those #or"fields + used to hate so mu#h i" +lli"ois$ o"ly "ot so glamorous @up$ there;s "othi"g li'e a" e"dless row of tra#t homes rolli"g past your wi"dow to ma'e a lo"g stret#h of aw'ward sile"#e seem eve" lo"ger !he" we fi"ally rea#hed the e"d of my "eighborhood 6ya" bro'e the Buiet with a measly 7!here toA8 (he sou"d of his voi#e startled me so badly that + a##ide"tally let out a burst of e"ergy that "ot o"ly blit/ed the radio a"d the lights o" his dashboard$ but a#tually revved the e"gi"e of the tru#' 6ya" tapped the gauges o" the dash with a frow" a"d started to say somethi"g$ but + s#reamed before he #ould get a"y words out 7Stop the #ar08 6ya" loo'ed at me$ a little stu""ed$ but pulled the tru#' to a stop + immediately )umped out before + fried the #ar a"d him alo"g with it As + started wal'i"g away + felt ele#tri#ity pulsi"g through my body$ a"d + was too upset to stop it 7Stop08 + s#reamed whe" 6ya" #ame ru""i"g after me 75o";t tou#h me08 9e stopped o"ly for a se#o"d be#ause +;d startled him$ but the" he slowly rea#hed out for me 7+ mea" it$ 6ya"0 5o";t #ome a"y #loser08 + ba#'ed away from him agai" 7+ do";t wa"t to hurt you08

6ya" did";t )ust loo' #o"fusedK he loo'ed s#ared Sadly$ he was right to be afraid + was da"gerous 7!hat do you mea"$ Nhurt; meA8 7+ #a";t #o"trol it08 7Co"trol whatA8 (he more upset 6ya" got$ the more fra"ti# + be#ame + #le"#hed my ha"ds i"to tight fists whe" + felt them start to heat up$ a"d sudde"ly the streetlight + was sta"di"g u"der lit up a"d e=ploded After 6ya" du#'ed the shower of glass$ + wat#hed him ma'e the #o""e#tio" betwee" his tru#'$ the bro'e" lamp$ a"d me (he way his mouth dropped ope" made me feel si#' +t was probably o"e of the most awful mome"ts of my life$ a"d + wa"ted to ru" After all$ what did it matter at this poi"t if + )ust disappearedA 6ya" #learly '"ew + was differe"t But for some reaso"$ + #ould";t ma'e myself move + #ould";t thi"' straight + #ould";t eve" breathe +" fa#t$ 6ya" was the first to #ome to his se"ses 9e held his ha"ds out a"d slowly stepped ba#' 7O'ay$ +;m ba#'i"g up "ow 8 9is voi#e was low a"d for#eful but very soothi"g$ a"d the dista"#e he put betwee" us helped a great deal 7(a'e a deep breath$8 he i"stru#ted$ 7a"d let;s try to stay #alm 8 6ya" i"haled deeply as if he was #oa#hi"g himself to breathe a"d "ot a#tually tal'i"g to me at all$ but + obeyed his orders a"yway + #ould feel my mus#les start to rela= whe" + fo#used o" the sou"d of his breathi"g As + #almed dow"$ the low hum of the streetlamp faded$ a"d eve"tually + was able to ta'e that deep breath + desperately "eeded +t felt good to breathe +t was also easier to settle dow" "ow that + #ould see that 6ya" was";t pa"i#'i"g or a"ythi"g + #losed my eyes a"d too' several more deep breaths 7Are you ready to tal' to meA8 6ya" as'ed whe" he was sure that spea'i"g would";t set me off agai" + was as ready as + would ever be$ so + shrugged my defeat + headed ba#' to his tru#' i" a bit of a da/e$ but whe" + started to #limb ba#' i"to the passe"ger seat + reali/ed that 6ya" was still sta"di"g a good te" feet away 9e swallowed u"easily$ li'e he did";t wa"t to have to as' me his "e=t Buestio" but had "o #hoi#e 7+s it safeA8 + was too out of it at the time to get upset about the fa#t that he was s#ared of me$ so + simply "odded 9e got i" the tru#' very slowly$ a"d + "oti#ed him hesitate before he started the #ar +;m "ot sure why + felt the "eed to apologi/e$ but + whispered a wea' 7+;m sorry$8 to whi#h he did";t respo"d +"stead$ he gla"#ed up at the fried lamppost o"#e more$ a"d the" drove us ba#' to his house without sayi"g a"other word 7+t;s )ust us$8 he eve"tually promised whe" + hesitated to follow him i"side 9e #ould";t ta'e his eyes off me as + wal'ed i"$ but + #ould";t meet his ga/e + loo'ed everywhere but his fa#e be#ause + did";t wa"t to see the e=pressio" o" it + did";t wa"t to see him wat#hi"g me li'e he was afraid of me$ or li'e he thought + was some 'i"d of frea' that belo"ged i" a #age A lot of people loo' at me that way$ but +;d gotte" used to 6ya" loo'i"g at me li'e +;m a perso" 9e usually wat#hes me as if +;m someo"e he li'es$ or someo"e he really #ares about (o see all of that ta'e" away be#ause he;d lear"ed the truth would hurt too mu#h + stood i" the e"tryway$ loo'i"g arou"d$ surprised by the earthy de#or of the house :ve" though the pla#e had su#h a pea#eful feeli"g to it$ + somehow felt li'e + was mar#hi"g to my death whe" + heard the door shut behi"d me (he rope was arou"d my "e#'$ a"d the #rowd was )ust waiti"g for the floor to drop from be"eath my feet + reali/e that;s 'i"d of a morbid a"alogy$ but havi"g to tell 6ya" the truth about me really felt li'e the e"d of life as + '"ew it + wat#hed the s#e"e play out i" my mi"d$ u"til + fi"ally had the guts to loo' at 6ya" +"stead of as'i"g me if + had a"y last words$ he Buietly as'ed$ 75oes stuff li'e that happe" to you all the timeA8

@eah$ the situatio" su#'ed for me$ but 6ya";s voi#e sou"ded so wea' that + reali/ed + was "ot the o"ly o"e struggli"g at the mome"t 6ya" was frea'ed out 9e was tryi"g his very best to hide it from me$ but that #lassi#$ #o#'y 6ya" smile was "owhere to be fou"d + thought that seei"g him afraid would hurt somehow$ but it a#tually made him seem vul"erable$ li'e me +t felt good to "ot be the o"ly wea' o"e$ a"d + was able to a"swer his Buestio" without getti"g distraught agai" 7O"ly whe" + get upset 8 7So what happe"ed to my tru#'A A"d the other "ight at your house$ whe" the lights we"t outA8 6ya" swallowed hard$ li'e he did";t wa"t to believe what he was thi"'i"g$ but somehow '"ew it was true 7(hat was youA8 + shrugged 7People are right to #all me a frea' 8 6ya" fli"#hed whe" + used the word 7frea'$8 givi"g me a ti"y glimmer of hope that he did";t agree But he did";t tur" i"to my mother a"d tell me +;m "ot o"e$ he )ust stared at me for a se#o"d a"d the" as'ed$ 7@ou;re "ot go""a$ li'e$ blow up my house$ are youA8 9e was ho"estly a little #o"#er"ed$ a"d + #ould";t blame him for worryi"g 7(he whole houseA8 + shoo' my head a"d failed at a" attempt to smile 7<o But + #a";t promise + wo";t fry the #ir#uit brea'er if + get too upset 8 7So it o"ly happe"s whe" you;re a"gryA8 7A"gry$ "ervous$ s#ared$ e=#ited? +t;s there all the time +t;s )ust harder to #o"trol whe" + get emotio"al 8 (here was sile"#e agai"$ a"d + was terrified as + wat#hed him stare at me 9e was";t mea"i"g to be rude$ he was )ust tryi"g to absorb everythi"g + was sayi"g !he" he fi"ally s"apped out of his tra"#e he spo'e i" a slightly more rela=ed to"e 7Fet;s try to 'eep #alm the"$ huhA8 (he #or"er of his mouth twit#hed li'e he was tryi"g really hard to smile$ eve" though he was totally overwhelmed +t was";t mu#h$ but it was e"ough to 'eep the ele#tri#al storms at bay for the time bei"g + "odded but #ould ma"age o"ly a wea' 7+;ll try 8 79ere 8 6ya" dropped his ba#'pa#' to the floor 7+;ve got somethi"g that might help 8 + followed him i"to the 'it#he" a"d wat#hed$ i"trigued$ as he put a tea'ettle o" the stove to boil + did";t say a"ythi"g as he pulled some homemade #o"#o#tio" of leaves from the #upboard$ but whe" he set out two pretty little tea#ups o" ti"y sau#ers$ + fi"ally #ra#'ed a smile 7@ou should have war"ed me we were havi"g a tea party$8 + teased 7+ would have brought my Barbies 8 + was really surprised whe" the always*#o"fide"t 6ya" .iller tur"ed a deep shade of red$ but he was so #ute that + #ould "o lo"ger give him a hard time 7.y pare"ts are o" this all*"atural 'i#' lately$8 he e=plai"ed "ervously 7Fi'e herbal remedies a"d stuff (his o"e is supposed to be stress relievi"g 8 75oes it really wor'A8 7+ hope so$8 6ya" said with a laugh as he poured steami"g water over the dried leaves 7.y mom uses those e#o*frie"dly lightbulbs (hey;re e=pe"sive$ a"d +;ll have to wor' for a mo"th i" order to pay her ba#' if you blow them all up 8 + gave him a stra"ge loo' but fi"ally laughed$ a"d for a se#o"d we were )ust two "ormal 'ids e")oyi"g ea#h other;s #ompa"y$ )ust li'e the other "ight whe" he tried o" my #row" + #ould";t believe we were )o'i"g about my powers$ but it was su#h a relief to have the te"sio" bro'e" + thi"' for him as mu#h as me be#ause o"#e we fi"ally laughed$ he be#ame that rela=ed$ happy 6ya" that +;ve se#retly #ome to #rave As + stood there wat#hi"g .r Star Juarterba#' happily slurpi"g tea from a ti"y #up with flowers o" it$ as if dri"'i"g tea was somethi"g he did all the time$ + fi"ally reali/ed that$ aside from the football thi"g$ + really '"ew "othi"g about him + was sudde"ly #urious to '"ow every detail

7So your pare"ts are hippiesA8 + loved the way he #ri"ged + '"ow it;s probably mea" to ta'e pleasure i" ma'i"g 6ya" blush$ but + #ould";t help smili"g at his obvious embarrassme"t +t was "i#e to have the upper ha"d o" him for o"#e 7<ot e=a#tly hippies (hey;re more li'e super "ew age health "uts .y mom;s a yoga i"stru#tor$ a"d my stepdad is a motivatio"al spea'er So i"stead of tree hugger meeti"gs a"d protest rallies$ it;s self*help semi"ars a"d meditatio" 8 7A"d rela=i"g herbal remedies$8 + teased$ holdi"g up my tea#up 7So the tea;s wor'i"gA8 6ya";s voi#e sou"ded very hopeful 7@ou;re feeli"g betterA8 7.aybe a little 8 7:"ough to tell me what;s goi"g o" without blowi"g me upA8 .y heart )umped i" my #hest at his reBuest$ but he already '"ew + was differe"t a"d was willi"g to )o'e about it$ so + do";t '"ow why it was so hard for me to e=plai" it .aybe be#ause +;ve "ever said it out loud to a"yo"e other tha" my pare"ts before Plus$ he did";t '"ow the full e=te"t of what we were tal'i"g about either 7+;m wor'i"g up to it$8 + fi"ally replied$ sippi"g the last of my tea 6ya" stared me dow" for a mome"t$ debati"g whether or "ot to let my a"swer slide$ the" shrugged a"d led me through his house to the ba#'yard At first + thought he figured + would do less damage if + were outdoors$ but whe" we wal'ed i"to his ba#'yard it was li'e steppi"g i"to a whole differe"t world +;ve "ever see" a yard more beautiful (here were so ma"y flowers a"d trees$ a"d eve" a 'oi po"d with a "i#e little fou"tai" i" the middle + was so surprised by my surrou"di"gs that + )ust stood there gaw'i"g u"til 6ya" grabbed my ha"d a"d led me through the garde" to a ti"y ga/ebo 7Sorry there;s "ot really a pla#e to sit$8 he said as + too' a seat o" a thi" mat 7(his is where my mom does her yoga 8 7+ #a" see why +t;s beautiful out here 8 7.y stepdad #alls it a 4e" garde" + was";t 'iddi"g about the meditatio" thi"g 8 + was a little ama/ed whe" 6ya" lit some i"#e"seDagai"$ as if he did that 'i"d of thi"g ofte" 7@our stepdad sou"ds li'e a" i"teresti"g guy 8 + '"ew + was i" trouble whe" 6ya";s #o"fide"#e retur"ed$ but + was";t sure yet why 7@eah$ he is 'i"d of differe"t$8 he said$ ploppi"g dow" right "e=t to me 7But the"$ + always seem to li'e people who are a little out of the ordi"ary 8 So mu#h for havi"g the upper ha"d 6ya" a#tually wi"'ed at me$ a"d )ust li'e that$ he was ba#' o" top 9e "ot o"ly ma"aged to bri"g the #o"versatio" ba#' to my powers$ he was able to hit o" me while doi"g it (he worst part about it was$ the way he said it sou"ded so sweet that it made me blush0 !hat was it with himA +f + was";t #areful$ +;d be 'issi"g him withi" five mi"utes$ a"d he;d be dead i" si= + was";t ever goi"g to go through the whole 'illi"g someo"e thi"g agai"$ so + shoo' myself from his spell a"d whispered$ 7+ should";t be here 8 + tried to get up to leave$ but 6ya" immediately pulled me ba#' dow" 7O'ay$ o'ay +;m sorry$ all rightA <o more flirti"g + promise Please do";t leave 8 6ya" gave me this loo' that was so sad a"d desperate?a"d #ute 9ow a"yo"e #ould ever resist su#h a pout is beyo"d me <o$ really$ + #a";t say "o to the guy 7+;m "ot a bad guy$ you '"ow$8 he said whe" + made myself #omfortable agai" 7@ou do";t have to be afraid of me 8 + '"ew + would "ever get out of there without e=plai"i"g everythi"g to him + also '"ew it was time to Buit stalli"g$ but + had "o idea where to start + let go a deep sigh a"d loo'ed dow" at my feet$ be#ause there;s "o way +;d be able to get through it while stari"g i"to his eyes 7+ have to be afraid of everyo"e$8 + whispered 7:ve" myself 8

+ ma"aged to gla"#e up briefly$ a"d + #ould see that 6ya" wa"ted to argue$ but he did";t dare i"terrupt me "ow that + was fi"ally tal'i"g 7+t;s "ot safe for people to '"ow about me A"d u"til + figure out how to #o"trol it all the time$ it;s "ot eve" safe for people to be arou"d me @ou saw it yourself +t;s da"gerous 8 7!hat e=a#tly is?itA8 7+ do";t really '"ow for sure + emit some 'i"d of weird e"ergy A"d as you;ve "oti#ed$ sometimes + have a hard time holdi"g it i" 8 7So you;re blowi"g stuff up with some 'i"d of psy#hi# mi"d powersA8 9e was o"e hu"dred per#e"t serious A"d + '"ow + am the last perso" who should be tal'i"g$ but psy#hi# mi"d powersA Come o"$ it was fu""y 7<o$ it does";t wor' li'e that$8 + said$ ma"agi"g o"e ti"y laugh 7+t;s li'e ele#tri#ity 8 7:le#tri#ityA8 So far so good 6ya" did";t seem frea'ed out at all a"ymore +f a"ythi"g he loo'ed really i"trigued$ so + too' a #ha"#e a"d held my ha"d above his head 7@eah 8 + smiled agai" whe" all of his hair bega" to sta"d up 7:le#tri#ity 8 !he" + pulled my ha"d away 6ya" rea#hed up to feel the stati# i" his hair 9e played with it for a mi"ute before smoothi"g it ba#' dow"$ a"d the" loo'ed at me i" #omplete awe 7(hat;s 'i"d of #ool$8 he whispered 9is admiratio" was so i"te"se that it made me forget about everythi"g arou"d me .y heart started to flutter$ a"d + wa"ted him to 'iss me so badly it hurt Of #ourse$ whe" he lea"ed toward me li'e he might a#tually do that$ + #lammed up agai" a"d said whatever + #ould that would 'eep me from throwi"g myself at him 7!he" + lose #o"trol$ some 'i"d of power surge e=plodes from me$ a"d a"ythi"g ele#tri#al i" my vi#i"ity gets #oo'ed (hat;s whe" it gets s#ary 8 6ya" lea"ed ba#' a little$ disappoi"ted$ whe" it was #lear that the mome"t was go"e 7.a'es se"se$8 he said 7But why are you so afraid of hurti"g meA +t;s "ot li'e + ru" o" batteries 8 7@ou;re 'iddi"g$ rightA8 6ya" )ust gave me a bla"' loo' 7@eah$ + #a";t /ap you from a#ross the room li'e the lights$ but that does";t mea" + #a";t hurt you if you tou#h me whe" +;m all #harged up 5id";t you pay a"y atte"tio" i" s#ie"#e #lassA8 7+ may have falle" asleep o"#e or twi#e 8 6ya" pouted as if my #omme"t had offe"ded him$ but + '"ew better$ a"d he gri""ed right o" #ue 79ey$ + #a";t be good*loo'i"g and a ge"ius !ould";t wa"t all the girls i" s#hool to fight over me or a"ythi"g 8 7Oh please0 (hey all do that already$ a"d you '"ow you love it 8 7O'ay$ fi"e$ maybe + do 8 6ya" #hu#'led But the" his fa#e be#ame #ompletely serious 7But it;s really frustrati"g that the o"e girl i" s#hool who does";t "eed to fight for me wo";t eve" get i" the ri"g 8 O'ay$ he did not )ust ma'e me blush with a lame sports metaphor !hat is wro"g with meA Sweet*tal'i"g )er' 76ya" 8 + sighed 7@ou o"ly say that be#ause +;m the first girl who;s ever said "o 8 7+ '"ow you thi"' that 8 6ya" shoo' his head for#efully 7But it;s )ust "ot true 8 7@ou mea" you;ve a#tually bee" re)e#ted beforeA8 + did";t hold ba#' a"y of my doubt 7!ell$ "o$8 6ya" admitted$ that #o#'y gri" #reepi"g i"to the #or"ers of his mouth 7But you '"ow that;s "ot what + mea"t 8 7:ither way it;s "ever goi"g to happe"$ so you "eed to stop tryi"g Please08 7But whyA + already '"ow about you "ow$ so what;s stoppi"g youA8 75id you ever #o"sider the possibility that +;m "ot i"terestedA (hat maybe + )ust do";t li'e you that wayA8

6ya" loo'ed at me li'e +;d )ust said the impossible 7!hat;s "ot to li'eA8 + gave him a less tha" e"thusiasti# loo'$ but he "ever o"#e #o"sidered ba#'i"g dow" 79ow about + ma'e you a deal$8 he said$ a"d + had to admit$ this had me #urious 7+;ll ta'e you out this wee'e"d o" a proper date$ a"ywhere you wa"t But you have to go with a" ope" mi"d a"d give me a" ho"est shot +f + #a";t ma'e you fall madly i" love with me by the e"d of the "ight$ +;ll "ever as' you out agai" 8 A"d there he we"t agai"$ brea'i"g me dow" Fi'e he would "eed till the e"d of the "ightA 9e did";t eve" "eed till the e"d of this #o"versatio" + #ould feel my head starti"g to bob up a"d dow"$ a##epti"g the offer without my approval 7<o08 + shouted$ tryi"g to stay stro"g 7!e are "ever goi"g to go out o" a date !e #a";t0 6emember that part about me bei"g da"gerousA8 7So you fry small ele#tro"i#s$ big deal + )ust wo";t sta"d "e=t to a"ythi"g that #a" e=plode 8 7@ou still #o"du#t ele#tri#ity08 + did";t mea" to yell$ but + was )ust so desperate to ma'e him see how serious + was 7All it would ta'e is o"e tou#h +f you rea#h out to me whe" +;m really upset$ or ta'e me by surprise a"d startle me$ + #ould roast you (rust me$ a##ide"ts happe"$ a"d if o"e ever did$ + would";t eve" be able to stop myself +;d frea' out$ a"d it would o"ly 'ill you Bui#'er +;m sorry$ 6ya"$ but + )ust #a";t ris' it 8 (hat seemed to do the tri#' 6ya" released a huge frustrated sigh 7!ell$ if we #a";t ever be frie"ds or a"ythi"g else$ the" what are you doi"g hereA !hy did you #ome with meA !hy are you telli"g me all thisA8 7+ did";t wa"t to$ but + did";t have a #hoi#e 8 (he #o"fusio" i" his eyes made me wa"t to #ry + lowered my voi#e so that he would";t "oti#e how u"steady it was 7@ou '"ew + was i" that a##ide"t + was afraid that if + did";t #ome$ you;d get mad a"d tell everyo"e about me 8 7!ell$ that;s o"e thi"g you do";t have to worry about +;m "ot goi"g to tell a"yo"e + promise 8 + was surprised by how hurt he loo'ed Agai"0 +t seems li'e every time + tal' to him + hurt his feeli"gs i" o"e way or a"other + felt really bad about that$ but + also felt )ust as deflated as he did at the mome"t + barely ma"aged a" audible 7(ha"'s 8 9e "odded$ + shrugged$ a"d the" we )ust sat there + loo'ed at the garde" arou"d me agai"$ a"d it really is true what they say about fi"di"g tra"Buility i" beautiful pla#es (he garde" was so beautiful$ a"d + had so mu#h o" my mi"d$ that it was hard "ot to )ust let my thoughts ru" away with me + do";t '"ow how lo"g 6ya" let me sit there a"d thi"'$ but it felt li'e it had bee" a" eter"ity whe" he fi"ally spo'e 71amieA8 + pulled my eyes up to meet his 79ow e=a#tly were you i" that a##ide"tA +t does";t ma'e a"y se"se :le#tri#ity #a";t put you i" two pla#es at o"#e A"d how #ome you did";t get hurtA .i'e said that marBuee la"ded o" you 8 + '"ew this was #omi"g +" fa#t$ + was surprised it too' him so lo"g to as' But eve" though 6ya" already '"ew + was differe"t$ a"d mira#ulously seemed to be o'ay with it$ + was still s#ared of havi"g to tell him everything 7#urt is a relative term 8 + felt the butterflies retur" to my stoma#h$ so + too' a deep breath before + shyly pulled my shirtsleeve as far off my shoulder as it would go$ givi"g 6ya" more tha" e"ough of a view of the bruises that #overed it 7+ should probably be dead right "ow$ so + guess i" a se"se + did";t get hurt$ but + )ammed my shoulder pretty good$ a"d my head still feels li'e it;s bei"g smashed agai"st paveme"t repeatedly 8 6ya";s mouth was gapi"g ope" at this poi"t 9e #ould";t seem to tear his eyes from my bla#'*a"d* blue shoulder$ so + 'ept tal'i"g i" order to avoid a"y more aw'ward sile"#e 7!hatever this power i"side me is$ it ma'es me differe"t + was";t i" two pla#es at o"#e + )ust got from o"e to the other very fast 8

7@ou ra"A8 + "odded$ a"d he got Buiet agai" (he"$ though he was already stu""ed$ somethi"g else o##urred to him$ somethi"g that had "othi"g to do with how fast + #ould move 7@ou ra" u"der"eath a gia"t falli"g sig"A8 he gasped + "odded agai" 7!hyA8 (his time + shrugged + ho"estly did";t '"ow why + did it At the time + did";t eve" thi"'$ + )ust rea#ted 7(he guy o" the law" mower was about to be toast + guess + #ould";t wat#h him die + would have bee" sta"di"g safely ba#' at your side by the time the thi"g hit the grou"d if that guy had";t weighed more tha" Shamu 8 7So you;re li'e Superma"A8 + smiled$ but + do";t thi"' 6ya" was tryi"g to be fu""y + thi"' he was still tryi"g to grasp the #o"#ept + #a";t blame him +t is a lot to absorb$ a"d + gotta tell ya$ he ha"dled it a lot better tha" + did !he" + figured it out$ + had a total brea'dow" that lasted for wee's +;m glad 6ya" is a lot more easygoi"g tha" me 7+;m pretty sure Superma" does";t bruise$8 + )o'ed$ wa"ti"g to 'eep the situatio" light$ 7a"d he probably would";t have biffed it$ but$ yeah$ + guess that;s o"e way of loo'i"g at it 8 6ya" was Buiet for a mi"ute$ but he eve"tually loo'ed at me with those big #urious eyes 79ow did this happe" to youA8 (hat was the dreaded Buestio" of the hour + did";t wa"t to have to e=plai" this part + did";t eve" wa"t to have to thi"' about it$ but + fou"d myself telli"g the story a"yway 7+t was my a##ide"t 8 .y voi#e tur"ed to a whisper$ a"d the" + fell i"to the story as if + were relivi"g the "ightmare all over agai" 7+t was the "ight of the pagea"t + was so tired of all the #o"gratulatio"s$ so 5ere' a"d + we"t for a drive somepla#e Buiet (he #ar was par'ed o" the side of the road$ a"d this big ta"'er tru#' full of ha/ardous waste #ame barreli"g up the highway (he driver hit his bra'es whe" he saw us$ but he was movi"g too fast (he tru#' )a#''"ifed a"d slid right off the road 7(he side of the ta"' slammed i"to my #ar a"d pushed it "early fifty feet$ i"to a" ele#tri#al tower +t was a "i#e "ight so we had the top dow"$ a"d whe" everythi"g smashed together the #ar ripped a hole i" the side of the tru#' (his smelly gree" liBuid started sprayi"g all over the pla#e +t bur"ed$ but + was pretty ba"ged up a"d + #ould";t really move (he last thi"g + remember was the ele#tri#al tower falli"g o" top of the #ar$ fryi"g everythi"g$ a"d the tru#' e=plodi"g 8 6ya";s gasp brought me ba#' to the prese"t$ but he really startled me whe" he pi#'ed up my ha"d a"d sBuee/ed it + gave him a ti"y sho#'$ but he refused to let that stop him + let him hold my ha"d for o"ly a se#o"d before pulli"g away to wipe away the tears that were es#api"g dow" my fa#e 6ya" gave me a mome"t to pull myself together a"d the" as'ed the o"ly logi#al Buestio" 79ow did you surviveA8 H"fortu"ately$ there was "o logi#al a"swer + shrugged my shoulders a"d pulled my '"ees tightly agai"st my #hest 7+ should be dead$8 + #roa'ed 71ust li'e the tru#' driver 1ust li'e 5ere' 8 Sayi"g 5ere';s "ame ope"ed a floodgate for my tears$ a"d + buried my fa#e i" my '"ees as + #ried !ithi" se#o"ds + felt 6ya";s arms arou"d me Bei"g pulled tightly agai"st him was probably the best feeli"g i" the whole world$ so + sa"' heavily i"to his embra#e$ forgetti"g all about the possible #o"seBue"#es of su#h a" a#tio" 6ight the" + was";t a frea' + was";t a" i#e Buee" + did";t have powers !hat + had was a frie"d #omforti"g me whe" + "eeded it most 6ight the" + was )ust a "ormal girl$ a"d 6ya" was the superhero + buried my fa#e deep i" his #hest a"d wrapped my arms arou"d him 9e sBuee/ed me tighter i" retur"$ a"d my tears #ame more for#efully$ but the reaso" for their bei"g there had "ow #ha"ged @ou

have "o idea what a good feeli"g "ormal is u"til it;s ta'e" away + was Buite prepared to stay right where + was forever$ but it did";t e=a#tly wor' out li'e that .y bliss was i"terrupted by a fai"t "oise 71amieA8 +t sou"ded li'e 6ya"$ but the voi#e was u"steady 71amieA8 he said agai"$ a little louder + ope"ed my eyes to see 6ya";s arms trembli"g arou"d me 9e was #overed i" goose bumps a"d every hair he had was sti#'i"g straight out from his body + would have shrie'ed$ but + was so terrified that my voi#e failed me + s#rambled a safe dista"#e from him$ my "erves #ompletely shot$ a"d e"ergy bega" to pulse through my e"tire body agai" 76ya"08 + #ho'ed as soo" as my throat allowed 6ya" loo'ed disorie"ted the same way he had after + 'issed him 7+t;s o'ay$ 1amie? +;m fi"e? + promise?8 9e stumbled over his words as he spo'e them 7!hatever you did$ it did";t hurt me +;m )ust a little?um?overwhelmedA + thi"' + "eed a mi"ute 8 + felt si#' to my stoma#h$ thi"'i"g about what #ould have )ust happe"ed + '"ew better$ a"d + let it go too far But more tha" that$ + was horrified that + had do"e somethi"g to him 9e said 7overwhelmed$8 but )udgi"g from the way he loo'ed$ he mea"t #ompletely frea'ed out 7+ am so sorry08 + pleaded while the tears retur"ed with full for#e 7+t;s o'ay$8 he promised agai" But it was";t o'ay +t was far from it +;d do"e it +;d offi#ially s#ared him A"d + )ust #ould";t fa#e him a"y lo"ger 7+ should go8 was the last thi"g + said before + disappeared from his sight ----C9AP(:6 E :very time + #losed my eyes that "ight$ 6ya" was there$ holdi"g me so te"derly that + felt as though +;d died a"d go"e to heave" (he" + would pull away$ a"d i"stead of his #arefree smile + would see "othi"g but #harred bla#' flesh (hat;s whe" he would #rumple i"to a pile of ashes arou"d me + used to have "ightmares all the time$ right after my a##ide"t But + had";t had o"e i" so lo"g "ow that my pare"ts a#tually #ame to #he#' o" me whe" + wo'e up s#reami"g this time + told them to forget about it a"d go ba#' to bed$ but sleep was a lu=ury + #ould";t give myself <ot after that As if my "ightmare were";t e"ough to ma'e me feel si#'$ 6ya" was "ot at s#hool the "e=t day Aside from my obvious worry about the timi"g of his abse"#e$ + was filled with disappoi"tme"t +t had bee" wee's si"#e + had";t #ome i"to the #afeteria a"d met his #urious eyes + #ould";t believe how a##ustomed + was to bei"g greeted by his smile$ a"d eve" worse$ how mu#h + "eeded it to get through the rest of my day + wa"ted to 'i#' myself for feeli"g so addi#ted to his prese"#e$ but oddly e"ough$ + was";t the o"ly o"e sufferi"g from his si#' day O"ly 6ya" .iller #ould have su#h a" effe#t o" a" e"tire s#hool 9e was the su"shi"e i" this #rappy priso"$ a"d without him a dar'$ dreary for#e loomed over the e"tire #afeteria Or at least the popular 'ids; table O" the bright side$ it was "i#e to '"ow that + was";t the o"ly o"e he had #ast u"der his spell .i'e would grumble somethi"g to 1usti" every time he loo'ed at the empty seat "e=t to himDwhi#h "obody dared fill i" 6ya";s abse"#eDa"d Paige sat a#ross from them$ sul'i"g rather pitifully (he stra"gest differe"#e$ however$ was the empty seat "e=t to Paige Of #ourse (ami'a was sitti"g o" her right$ ha"gi"g o" her every word as usual$ but the seat o" her left$ Be#'y;s seat$ was as empty as 6ya";s

79e;d better be dyi"g$8 .i'e was grumbli"g whe" + fi"ally de#ided to see if they '"ew a"ythi"g more tha" + did 7Coa#h was pissed whe" he dit#hed pra#ti#e yesterday 8 7+s that why you guys had to ru" so ma"y laps yesterdayA8 (ami'a as'ed (he s#owl o" .i'e;s fa#e was a" obvious yes 79e must be really si#'$8 Paige said 7.aybe we should go over to his house after s#hool a"d #he#' o" him 8 As mu#h as + hate to agree with Paige o" a"ythi"g$ +;d also thought about ru""i"g over to 6ya";s house betwee" #lasses + )ust wa"ted to see if he was there a"d ma'e sure he was o'ay$ but + #hi#'e"ed out +f + did";t '"ow why he was";t at s#hool$ + #ould prete"d that his pare"ts )ust dragged him to some Buddha #o"ve"tio" or somethi"g$ i"stead of the more li'ely a"swerDthat he was ha"gi"g out at home be#ause he was too s#ared of me to #ome to s#hool +f that were the #ase$ it would";t help a"y if he #aught me superstal'i"g him 7+ do";t '"ow$ Paige$8 (ami'a argued 7+f Be#'y;s go"e too$ maybe it;s #o"tagious !e have our first #heer #ompetitio" "e=t wee'e"d !e #a";t all get si#' 8 7Be#'y;s "ot si#' 8 Paige had so mu#h edge i" her voi#e it startled everyo"e prese"t$ myself i"#luded 7She sat "e=t to me i" #al#ulus this mor"i"g + do";t '"ow why she bothered$ though She barely eve" said hi 8 7(he" where is sheA8 7Avoidi"g us$ obviously She has bee" all wee' 8 7@ou '"owA8 (ami'a loo'ed as if she were )ust "ow reali/i"g the truth i" Paige;s stateme"t 7She has bee" a#ti"g really weird ever si"#e the da"#e 8 She giggled flirtatiously at .i'e a"d added$ 7!hat;d you do to herA8 7+ did";t do a"ythi"g 8 + was surprised by the defe"sive"ess i" .i'e;s voi#e 7+ do";t '"ow what her problem is !e had a great time at the da"#e 8 7A"d a" eve" better time after the da"#e$ from what + hear 8 1usti" laughed 7!hatA So$ .i'e$ are you two$ li'e$ a thi"g "owA8 Paige as'ed Paige seemed pretty e=#ited by the idea of .i'e a"d Be#'y She was obviously hopi"g she did";t have to worry about Be#'y as #ompetitio" for 6ya" a"ymore si"#e everyo"e '"ows that 76ya" a"d Be#'y8 is o"ly a matter of time$ but .i'e burst her bubble pretty Bui#'ly 7She wishes$8 he said 7Hgh$ so it was you (ha"'s a lot 8 7!hat was meA8 7@ou;re the reaso" Be#'y;s bee" pouti"g all wee' She;s mad that you tur"ed her dow" 8 7!hat #a" + sayA + as'ed her to go to the da"#e with me$ "ot marry me + #a";t be tied dow" li'e that (here are way too ma"y beautiful ladies at this s#hool 8 .i'e wi"'ed at (ami'a as he bumped his fist agai"st 1usti";s (ami'a;s ba#' was to me$ so + #ould";t be sure$ but )udgi"g from her sile"#e$ +;m sure she swoo"ed +$ o" the other ha"d$ threw up i" my mouth a little (he guy ma'es me si#' + #a";t believe + used to thi"' he a"d 6ya" were o" the same level + #ould";t liste" to a"y more$ so + left the #afeteria a"d spe"t the rest of my day tryi"g to blo#' out everyo"e Hsually the best way to do that is to get lost i" my ow" thoughts$ whi#h was";t hard today !ith 6ya" "ot i" s#hool + was #ra/y with worry !orried that +;d s#ared him so mu#h he tra"sferred s#hools$ or that whatever +;d do"e to him somehow made him si#' e"ough that he was i" a hospital somewhere 5yi"g 6ight "ow Be#ause of me As + wal'ed to :"glish my worry e=pa"ded beyo"d )ust 6ya";s well*bei"g + started to fear that maybe he;d told his pare"ts (hat maybe they;d go"e to the poli#e A"d maybe$ )ust maybe$ the gover"me"t was pla""i"g a se#ret operatio" right "ow to ta'e me away to Area L1 or some se#ret pla#e

li'e that .y para"oia was disrupted whe" + rea#hed the #lassroom a"d Be#'y was already there$ with her head dow" o" her des' 3or the first time si"#e + #ame to this s#hool$ + felt a hi"t of sympathy for her !hat .i'e did to her was pretty lousy + #ould";t believe + was thi"'i"g this$ but whe" it was )ust the two of us i" the room$ + #o"sidered tal'i"g to her + '"ew + should";t get myself i"volved i" the messD+ already had more tha" e"ough trouble o" my ha"ds with 6ya"$ a"d + did";t "eed a"yo"e else #urious about meDbut for reaso"s + simply #a";t e=plai"$ whe" she felt me stari"g a"d loo'ed up$ + a#tually smiled at her a"d said$ 79i 8 Be#'y loo'ed #o"fused for a se#o"d$ but she Bui#'ly tur"ed her surprise i"to a brutal glare (he loo' stu"g <ot that she had a"y reaso" to be frie"dly to me or trust me$ but it was the first time +;d made a"y attempt at all to rea#h out to someo"e si"#e my a##ide"t + was sho#'ed that +;d do"e it$ but + was way more surprised that her rea#tio" to me hurt 7(here you are0 +;ve bee" loo'i"g all over for you 8 Paige;s i"terruptio" startled us both Paige gla"#ed ba#' a"d forth betwee" the two of us a"d started to Buestio" what was goi"g o"$ but the" de#ided Be#'y was more importa"t 79ow #ome you did";t tell us what happe"edA8 she dema"ded with bla"d sympathy 7.i'e told us about 3riday "ight 8 7!hat do you mea"A8 Be#'y gasped 7!hat did he tell youA8 79e;s telli"g everyo"e that you guys hoo'ed up after the da"#e$ a"d you frea'ed out whe" he said he did";t wa"t to have a girlfrie"d 8 (here was somethi"g eerily familiar about Be#'y;s e=pressio"less eyes$ a"d the hollow to"e i" her voi#e$ as she replied to Paige 7.i'e;s a liar 8 7@ou mea" you guys did";t do itA8 :ve" if Be#'y;s sile"#e had";t give" away the truth$ the tears i" her eyes would have She put her head ba#' dow" o" her des'$ a"d Paige put her ha"d o" her shoulder 7@ou got played$ Be#'y$ but you #a";t let him beat you :verybody i" s#hool '"ows what happe"ed @ou;ve got to su#' it up a"d "ot let them see that he hurt you Otherwise you;re goi"g to?8 Paige gla"#ed at me a"d lowered her voi#e <ot that it mattered 7Otherwise you;re go""a e"d up li'e her 8 Be#'y;s eyes "aturally drifted ba#' to me$ a"d for the first time i" my life$ + loo'ed away$ feeli"g s#ared a"d ashamed S#ared of what Be#'y thought of me a"d ashamed of what +;d let myself be#ome (he feeli"g almost brought tears to my eyes$ a"d + was horrified that + might a#tually #ry i" fro"t of them$ but lu#'ily$ stude"ts bega" drifti"g i"to #lass$ brea'i"g the te"sio" !he" the bell ra"g$ Paige fi"ally sat dow" i" her seat 7!hy do";t you a"d (ami'a #ome over to my house after pra#ti#e today$ a"d we;ll thi"' up a great smear #ampaig" for the )er' @ou '"ow$ S#ott Cole is si"gle a"d #ompletely gorgeous +f you go out with him$ it will ma'e .i'e so )ealous he;ll be beggi"g your forgive"ess withi" a wee' 8 7Ca" we please "ot tal' about this a"ymoreA8 Be#'y s"apped 7+;m "ot goi"g out with S#ott$ a"d +;m defi"itely "ot goi"g to forgive .i'e0 Foo'$ it;s "i#e of you a"d (ami'a to wa"t to help$ but please )ust let me deal with this o" my ow" O'ayA8 73i"e 5ig your ow" grave 8 Paige was #learly i"sulted$ a"d as mu#h as + wa"ted to ta'e pleasure i" her misery$ + #ould";t + was still stu#' o" the "asty loo' Be#'y had give" me + do";t '"ow why$ but it rattled me i"side a"d out + did";t thi"' it was possible a"ymore$ but Be#'y :astma" had a#tually hurt my feeli"gs + tried "ot to thi"' about it through the rest of #lass be#ause + should";t have let her get to me$ but + )ust #ould";t stop +t was";t u"til o" the way home from s#hool that + ma"aged to thi"' about 6ya" i"stead of Be#'y$ but that did";t ma'e me feel a"y better 7+ 9A(: 9+.08

+ slammed my bedroom door so hard that it blew through the door)amb a"d straight i"to the wall a#ross the hallway (he" of #ourse + flu"g myself dow" o" my bed as if the world was #omi"g to a" e"d 7+ hate him0 + hate him0 + hate him08 + heard the sou"d of debris #ru"#hi"g be"eath my mother;s feet as she #rossed the "ow*doorless threshold i"to my room 71amieA !hat;s wro"gA8 7+ hate him08 79ate whoA8 7!hy did he have to do thatA + was doi"g )ust fi"e o" my ow"0 + was fi"ally starti"g to forget all the thi"gs + was missi"g out o" Getti"g used to bei"g a lo"er A##epti"g my fate0 <ow$ o"e little dirty loo' from Be#'y$ a"d +;m spilli"g more water tha" <iagara 3alls + 9A(: 9+.08 7Sweetheart$ you;ve got to get a grip o" yourself (he "eighbors do";t '"ow to trip their #ir#uit brea'ers whe" you;re upset$ a"d + do";t wa"t to be the o"ly house o" the street with power to"ight 8 7+ do";t #are about the "eighbors a"ymore08 + s#reamed$ ig"ori"g my mother;s war"i"g + '"ew she had a very valid poi"t as mu#h as + '"ew why the sou"d of her voi#e #ame from a#ross the room$ i"stead of right beside me But + did";t wa"t to be #alm this time 7+;m seve"tee" years oldD+;m su$$osed to get irratio"al0 + wa"t to be a "ormal$ hormo"al tee"age girl0 + wa"t to be able to love O6 9A(: whoever + wa"t$ as much as + wa"t08 !he" + s#reamed$ the e"tire house shoo' arou"d me$ for#i"g my mother a"d me both to free/e She;d #ut the power to the house the mi"ute she heard the door slamDa useful tri#' we;d pi#'ed up over the last yearDso +;m "ot sure how + was havi"g a" effe#t o" the walls (he power i"side me was stro"ger tha" it ever had bee" +t was so terrifyi"g that my rage va"ished i" a" i"sta"t 7+ should leave for a while$ u"til it;s safe +;ll be ba#' by di""er 8 .y mom )ust "odded her blood*drai"ed fa#e$ a"d + too' off before she #ould war" me to be #areful !here was 6ya";s 4e" garde" whe" + "eeded itA + was o" top of .ou"t 6ushmore$ o"e of the most beautiful pla#es Ameri#a has to offer$ a"d yet + did";t feel eve" a te"th of the sere"ity +;d felt i" 6ya";s ba#'yard 7(hat;s be#ause it was";t the flowers that made you feel better$ idiot08 + sighed i" defeat 7But + #a";t help it08 (he tal'i"g out loud seemed to help 7+ love every si"gle thi"g about him :ve" the thi"gs + hate 9is #o"fide"#e 9is persiste"#e (hat stupid gri" that;s plastered o" his fa#e twe"ty*four$ seve" 8 + #ould feel the smile brea'i"g out o" my lips as + spo'e 7+ love his stupid witty #omeba#'s$ eve" if he is way better at them tha" me + love his ridi#ulous "o"#hala"t attitude$ eve" if it always ma'es me wa"t to s#ream 8 + #losed my eyes$ a"d + #ould see 6ya";s fa#e so #learly that + #ould pra#ti#ally feel him there .y smile faded$ a"d + did";t have the heart to say the last o"e out loud$ but + #ould";t "ot thi"' it I love the way he held me% even though Id &ust warned him that doing so was e!tremely bad for his health + tried to push the memory from my mi"d$ but o"e poi"t 'ept resurfa#i"g 9e;d held me after he '"ew the truth +;d s#ared him$ sure$ a"d rightfully so But he did";t ru" away s#reami"g <o$ that was me After #omi"g to the #o"#lusio" that there was simply "o way for me to get over 6ya"$ + de#ided that if he #ould ris' ele#tro#utio" to try to ma'e me feel better$ the" he deserved that same 'i"d of #ourage from me +f he wa"ted a relatio"ship$ the" he was goi"g to get o"e +t was time to give i" to 6ya" .iller !ell$ "ot e"tirely + still #ould";t 'iss him After all$ + #ould";t tur" my o"ly frie"d i"to a pile of ashes But + was sure that if + e=plai"ed the "e#essity of a stri#tly plato"i# relatio"ship$ he would u"dersta"d 9opefully$ he #ould be happy with the #ompromise

Bei"g able to let go of my fear a"d admit that + #ould be frie"dsD)ust frie"dsDwith 6ya" was the stress brea'er + had bee" prayi"g for + felt so mu#h better that + pra#ti#ally s'ipped all the way home$ a"d the" + burst through the door with a gia"t smile o" my fa#e .y mom gasped whe" + appeared behi"d her i" the 'it#he" a"d hugged her as tight as + #ould without brea'i"g her i" half 73eeli"g betterA8 she as'ed$ eyes spar'li"g with happy relief 7.u#h08 7+;m glad (hat mea"s at least o"e of you is i" a good mood 8 .y mom "odded her head toward the livi"g room$ where my dad was absorbed i" somethi"g o" :SP<$ a"d sudde"ly my great mood was right ba#' to s#ared a"d grumpy .y mom seemed e"#ouragi"g as + debated fa#i"g my father$ but + #ould";t help feeli"g li'e + was mar#hi"g to my doom as + stole his atte"tio" from the game 75adA8 71amiely"" Ba'er$ where o" God;s gree" earth have you bee" for the last four hours08 9e literally roared Fi'e a bear A"d whe" he )umped out of his seat$ + #ould see the vei"s i" his "e#' poppi"g + '"ew he would";t e=a#tly be thrilled about the #o"ditio" of the upstairs hallway$ but + had";t e=pe#ted him to fly off the ha"dle li'e that + mea" it really was";t my fault !ell$ it was but "ot #ompletely +t;s "ot li'e + ripped the door from its hi"ges o" purpose 75o";t worry$ 5ad 8 + #ould";t help but get defe"sive 7+ was";t at the library Or o" a #omputer or readi"g a boo' +;m grou"ded$ o'ay$ + get it 8 7Grou"ded or "ot$ you #a";t )ust ta'e off li'e that0 <ot without telli"g us where you;re goi"g 8 O'ay$ +;ll admit it + was bei"g a little fa#etious as + pulled my #ell pho"e from my po#'et a"d waved it at him Sue me 7.ore bars i" more pla#esA8 + spat 7(hat;s why you got me the stupid thi"g$ rememberA .ou"t 6ushmore has surprisi"gly good re#eptio" <ot that you bothered to #all to see how + was doi"g 3orgive me if + was afraid + was goi"g to blow up .om 8 + was aimi"g for guilt$ but + was surprised whe" + re#eived #ompassio" .y dad sighed a"d pulled me i"to a grip that resembled a bear more tha" his yelli"g had (here;s "othi"g better tha" o"e of my dad;s bear hugs$ e=#ept for maybe o"e of 6ya";s hugs + was putty i" his arms$ a"d + sighed deeply 7+;m really sorry about the door$ 5ad +;ll help you fi= it + swear + really did";t mea" toD8 + #ut myself off whe" my dad #hu#'led 7@ou;re? "ot madA8 .y dad;s embra#e tighte"ed 7<ot at you$ ho"ey @ou;re my baby girlDhow #ould + beA But wait till + get my ha"ds o" the boy who has you so upset you;re throwi"g doors through my bathroom wall 8 9e was";t 'iddi"g 7Oh "o$ 5ad0 +t;s o'ay 6ya";s a#tually a super "i#e guy +t;s "ot eve" him + was really mad at O'ay$ it was$ but it was";t his fault See$ there;s this girl at s#hool a"dD8 7So it was the .iller boy the"A8 9is #ompassio" was slowly tur"i"g to frustratio" 71amie$ we tal'ed about this 8 7+ '"ow$ but$ 5adD8 7<o buts 9e '"ows too mu#h +t;s too da"gerous @ou have got to stop tal'i"g to him 8 9a0 +f he o"ly '"ew 7@eah but$ 5ad$ + was thi"'i"g about that 5o";t you thi"' it might be better if + )ust e=plai"ed thi"gs to himA8 .y father;s eyes bulged from their so#'ets$ but + too' a deep breath a"d #o"ti"ued with my theory 7+ mea"$ he obviously '"ows somethi"g;s up 9e;s "ot )ust goi"g to let it go 9e li'es me$ 5ad$ a"d + trust him 9e #ould 'eep this se#ret 8 + hope? 7Absolutely "ot08 So mu#h for frustratio" !e were offi#ially ba#' to a"ger 7+ do";t get it @ou say you wa"t me to ma'e frie"ds$ a"d the" you ba" me from the o"ly o"e +;ve

got + li'e 6ya"$ 5ad + li'e him a lot + thi"' he #ould ha"dle it (hi"' how mu#h easier it #ould be if + )ust told him the truth 8 7<o o"e #a" ever fi"d out about you0 <o o"e0 5o";t you u"dersta"d what would happe" if people lear"ed about the thi"gs you #a" doA8 7@eah$8 + grumbled bitterly .y dad was";t the o"ly o"e who;d #ome full #ir#le with the emotio"s 7+;d e"d up i" some se#ret gover"me"t lab somewhere But aside from the possible "eedles$ + do";t see how +;d be a"y worse off tha" + already am +t;s "ot li'e + do";t basi#ally live i" a #age "ow a"yway$ with o"ly my boo's to 'eep me #ompa"y A"d + do";t eve" have those a"ymore08 (hat was a low blow 5ad was hurt$ + #ould tell But he 'ept his #omposure 7+;m putti"g my foot dow"$8 he said i" a voi#e so #old + figured out who + get my i#e Buee" te"de"#ies from 7@ou are "ot to tal' to that boy ever agai" <o o"e is goi"g to ta'e my daughter away <ot "ow$ "ot ever 8 7!hat;s it matter if + #a";t have a life either wayA8 7Promise me$ 1amie 8 9e was pleadi"g with me "ow 75o";t throw your life away over a boy .a'e frie"ds$ go out$ have a life @ou '"ow that;s all +;ve ever wa"ted for you 1ust promise me you wo";t ever tell a"yo"e @ou may "ot #are$ but + #a";t lose my baby girl 8 .y dad;s vei"s were poppi"g out agai"$ but his eyes misted over with tears (hey were "othi"g #ompared to the flood streami"g dow" my mother;s #hee's$ but still$ if he was goi"g for guilt$ it defi"itely wor'ed (oo bad he was as'i"g for a promise + #ould";t ma'e A promise +;d already bro'e" 75ad 8 + refused to #ry$ but + #ould";t disguise the hurt i" my voi#e 7+ promise + will 'eep my se#ret safe 8 (hat was the best + #ould do A"d it was the truth 6ya" told me that he would "ever tell a"yo"e about me$ a"d + believed him 6ya" may '"ow the truth$ but my se#ret was still safe$ a"d + was";t about to do a"ythi"g that #ould )eopardi/e that ----C9AP(:6 10 + had my usual fro"t row seat o" the Gra"d Ca"yo";s edge$ waiti"g for a"other spe#ta#ular su"set + sighed whe" the su" hit the hori/o"$ pai"ti"g a" array of vivid #olors throughout the #a"yo";s depths below me$ a"d a brillia"t ora"ge a"d purple s'y above 7+t;s almost perfe#t$8 + breathed$ still ta'e" aba#' by the earth;s "atural beauty eve" though +;d see" ma"y desert su"sets before this o"e 7AlmostA8 whispered a voi#e behi"d me .y heart pou"ded i" my #hest as + tur"ed to fa#e my surprise #ompa"y .y first i"sti"#t was to as' him how he got here$ but + was immediately distra#ted by the perfe#t smile o" his fa#e a"d the #lump of wildflowers he was holdi"g out to me 6ya" pressed the flowers i"to my ha"d a"d #hu#'led whe" + #ould";t stop stari"g i" disbelief 7@ou;re goi"g to miss the best part$8 he said$ a"d the" ge"tly tur"ed me ba#' arou"d to fa#e the s#e"ery 9is ha"ds #aused a bur"i"g se"satio" i"side me as they slid arou"d my waist a"d pulled me se#urely agai"st his perfe#tly s#ulpted body + #ould";t believe how "aturally + seemed to fit there +t was as if my body had bee" made spe#ifi#ally for the purpose of bei"g #lose to his + shuddered from the #hills that ra" through me as he buried his fa#e i" my hair to i"hale my s#e"t (he" he pressed his lips softly agai"st the side of my "e#' right behi"d my ear 7!hat would + have to

do to ma'e it absolutely perfe#tA8 A"other rou"d of shivers made me go #ompletely wea' i" the '"ees$ a"d + barely fou"d e"ough breath to reply 7<othi"g #ould ma'e this more perfe#t "ow 8 !e were sile"t u"til the su" dipped #ompletely from view$ a"d the" 6ya" whirled me arou"d so fast it made my head spi" Or maybe it had already bee" spi""i"g (o be ho"est$ + was";t really sure of a"ythi"g e=#ept how #lose 6ya";s fa#e was to mi"e 7@ou do '"ow it;s agai"st the law to pi#' wildflowers i" a "atio"al par'$ do";t youA8 + mumbled "ervously$ gulpi"g whe" his fa#e bega" slowly si"'i"g toward mi"e 6ya" did";t respo"d e=#ept to pull the #or"ers of his mouth up i"to my favorite #o#'y little smir' + gasped whe" he threw his lips o" mi"e so passio"ately (he feeli"g was so i"#redible that + was u"able to ba#' away from him li'e + '"ew + should + waited for him to pull away + waited for him to s#ream out i" pai" + waited for that image of the bla#'$ #rispy fa#e twisted i" ago"y But "o"e of that #ame +"stead his passio" i"te"sified + forgot all about waiti"g for my "ightmare$ a"d my arms lo#'ed arou"d his "e#' as if they pla""ed o" "ever letti"g him es#ape +t was the most perfe#t$ passio"ate 'iss of my e"tire life A"d the" + wo'e up + '"ew there would be "o more sleep that "ight (his dream had bee" every bit as real a"d i"te"se as my "ightmares !hile it lasted$ 'issi"g 6ya" was a mu#h better way to spe"d my sleep tha" roasti"g him alive$ but whe" the dream was over + #ould";t de#ide whi#h was worse +t was after this dream$ while + was waiti"g i" bed for the su" to rise$ that + fi"ally mulled over my father;s reBuestDdema"d$ reallyDto "ever spea' to 6ya" agai" After thi"'i"g about it lo"g a"d hard$ + #ame to the #o"#lusio" that my father was probably right Bei"g frie"ds with 6ya" a"d shari"g my se#ret with him was probably a huge mista'e + also de#ided that + absolutely$ positively did "ot #are (his was";t my father;s se#ret to 'eep$ it was mi"e$ a"d + #ould de#ide who to trust with it + '"ew +;d feel a little guilty for defyi"g my dad;s wishes$ but it surely would";t 'ill me + was";t really doi"g a"ythi"g wro"g$ a"d 6ya";s frie"dship defi"itely would";t be the o"ly se#ret +;d 'ept from my pare"ts Or the worst So$ with that attitude$ + got ready for s#hool$ feeli"g a little a"ti#ipatio" + got out of bed a full hour early$ ta'i"g e=tra #are as + tou#hed up my ever*a""oyi"g gree" roots a"d eyebrows + eve" fussed over my outfit a"d ma'eup for o"#e + #ould";t help bei"g a little e=#ited H"til this poi"t$ +;d o"ly ever bee" stressed out over what to do about 6ya"$ but "ow$ today$ seei"g him was somethi"g to loo' forward to + was still a little worried that +;d really frea'ed him out the other day$ but +;d #ome up with so ma"y differe"t thi"gs + #ould say to him to help him through it + was sure he;d have more Buestio"s$ but "ow + was ready to a"swer them all + was prepared for every possible thi"g he #ould say to me (he o"ly thi"g + was";t prepared for was him sayi"g "othi"g at all !hi#h was e=a#tly what he did all day lo"g +;d #ome up the fro"t steps$ relieved to see that his tru#' was i" the par'i"g lot + did";t thi"' + #ould ha"dle him bei"g go"e two days i" a row + saw him gathered with his usual posse i" the Buad as + headed toward my first*hour #lass .y heart fluttered a ti"y bit whe" + saw him$ a"d + waited for that big goofy gri" But it was";t u"til .i'e saw me a"d said$ 73or someo"e made of i#e$ Ba'er;s loo'i"g parti#ularly hot this mor"i"g$8 that 6ya";s eyes fli#'ed to mi"e for the briefest mome"t (here was "o smile$ "o wave <o i"ter"al struggle as he debated whether or "ot to approa#h me 9e loo'ed away as Bui#'ly as he;d loo'ed up (hey were all wat#hi"g meD.i'e$ 1usti"$ S#ott$ the e"tire varsity starti"g li"eupDall of them e=#ept 6ya" 6ya" grabbed the ba#'pa#' at his feet a"d wal'ed off i" the opposite dire#tio" .i'e was #o"fused by the rea#tio"$ but + was dow"right startled .y eyes stu"g as my

disappoi"tme"t threate"ed to #ause a brea'dow"$ but the" .i'e loo'ed at me agai" with a loo' of utter disgust$ a"d it was easy to forget my disappoi"tme"t a"d retur" the gesture A mome"t later$ .i'e we"t #at#hi"g up to 6ya" + did";t wa"t to hear what he possibly had to say$ but + #ould";t stop myself from liste"i"g 7Sha'e it off$ buddy$8 .i'e said to 6ya" 7:veryo"e gets bur"ed by the i#e Buee" eve"tually +f + were you$ +;d be more worried about Coa#h Pelto" rippi"g your head off today 8 6ya" was Buiet for a mome"t$ but whe" he started tal'i"g his voi#e sou"ded )ust as #heerful as ever 7<ah$ Coa#h is fi"e .y mom tal'ed to him yesterday But if + were you$ +;d be worried about Paige She #alled a"d gave me a" earful last "ight about you !hat;s up with that$ a"ywayA + thought you were i"to Be#'y 8 7(oo mu#h drama 8 7@ou wa"t to tradeA8 6ya" laughed 7@ou thi"' Be#'y;s dramaA (ry havi"g Paige i" love with you for five mi"utes 8 !he" 6ya" a"d .i'e burst i"to happy laughter together + got so a"gry + had to s'ip first period i" order to avoid a s#hool bla#'out + )ust did";t u"dersta"d how everythi"g #ould be ba#' to "ormal Pre* 'iss "ormal + had go"e agai"st every i"sti"#t + had$ made a life*alteri"g de#isio" to tell him the world;s #ra/iest se#ret$ a"d he was a#ti"g as if "o"e of what we we"t through the other day had ever happe"ed + did";t u"dersta"d it$ but more tha" that$ + was #ompletely #rushed +;d thought lu"#h was bad whe" 6ya" was";t there$ but it was way worse "ow that he was ba#' a"d was i"te"tio"ally avoidi"g me 9e "early threw the e"tire 6o#'li" 9igh u"iverse out of wha#' whe" he did";t sit i" his usual seat$ but rather shoved betwee" Paige a"d Be#'y$ #o"ve"ie"tly putti"g his ba#' to me 9e threw his arms arou"d Be#'y <ot Buite the same way he did to me i" his ba#'yard$ but it was still li'e rubbi"g salt i" a" ope" wou"d 9e fi"ally fou"d out that + really am a frea' a"d we"t straight to her + should have '"ow"$ + guess$ but + had really believed that 6ya" was differe"t 7Paige told me what happe"ed$8 he said to Be#'y 7Of #ourse she didDshe told everyo"e$8 Be#'y mumbled u"der her breath 7Come o"$ Be#' !e all '"ow .i'e;s desti"ed for ba#helorhood$8 6ya" #o"ti"ued 7Ame"$ brother 8 .i'e laughed 7<ot helpi"g$ dude$8 6ya" said$ a"d the" tur"ed ba#' to Be#'y 7+f he says he;s sorry$ you thi"' you #ould forgive a"d forgetA8 + was almost glad + #ould";t see the loo' o" Be#'y;s fa#e$ be#ause + bet it was a lot li'e the o"e she gave me the other day 7!a"t me to pu"#h himA8 6ya" as'ed$ rolli"g off her glare )ust as easily as he always did mi"e 7Ave"ge your ho"or a"d all thatA8 7@ou #a" try$8 .i'e said$ 7but you '"ow +;d whoop you 8 7!ould "ot 8 7!ould too 8 7So would "ot 8 7:veryo"e '"ows a Buarterba#' #a";t ta'e a hit 8 7Bri"g it o" 8 6ya" laughed 7Oh$ it;s o"$8 .i'e said with eBual e"thusiasm 7(oday duri"g pra#ti#e + owe you a"yway for all those laps Coa#h made us ru" whe" you dit#hed 8 7(here you go$8 6ya" said$ givi"g Be#'y a"other hug 7+;m goi"g to smear .i'e i"to the grou"d for you at pra#ti#e (he" you;ll have to feel better @ou '"ow$ you should eve" #ome out with us o" 3riday after the game !e #ould get a group together a"d all go bowli"g or somethi"g 8

+ waited for the swoo"i"g that usually o##urred whe" 6ya" u"leashed his magi# o" someo"e$ but "o su#h respo"se followed 7Save the '"ight i" shi"i"g armor #rap for 1amie$8 Be#'y s"apped$ shruggi"g 6ya";s arm off her 7+;m "ot buyi"g it 8 .y eyes s"apped immediately ba#' to the food i" fro"t of me$ but + do";t thi"' a"yo"e loo'ed my dire#tio" (hey were all too busy wat#hi"g Be#'y leave the room 71ust let her go$8 + heard Paige grumble A few mi"utes later + felt a pair of eyes o" me (he mi"ute + loo'ed up 6ya" tur"ed ba#' arou"d$ but "ot before Paige "oti#ed the brief i"tera#tio" 7!hat e=a#tly is goi"g o" with you a"d 1amie a"ywayA8 she hissed 7<othi"g$8 6ya" said 7Same as 1amie a"d everyo"e else i" this s#hool 8 7(rust me$ dude +t really is better that way$8 .i'e i"terrupted 7She said you were with her duri"g the home#omi"g da"#e$8 Paige #o"ti"ued to a##use 7@ou tal'ed to herA8 After the way 6ya" had )ust brushed me off so #asually$ + did";t u"dersta"d the #o"#er" i" his voi#e at all$ but it was defi"itely there 7!e had a" u"fortu"ate ru"*i" with her at the mall$8 (ami'a e=plai"ed 7She was way harsh to Paige$ for "o reaso" (here is somethi"g really weird about that girl$ 6ya" Seriously$ + do";t '"ow why you bother @ou #a";t help her She;s a total frea' 8 7+;m "ot tryi"g to help a"yo"e 1amie a"d + are";t dati"g !e;re "ot eve" frie"ds !e had a paper to do +t was the o"ly time she had free (hat;s it .y paper;s do"e "ow 8 7!hy;d you 'iss her i" the first pla#eA8 7+t was "othi"g .i'e bet me + #ould";t get her to do it + '"ew he was wro"g 8 +t was nothingA 9e knew .i'e was wro"gA !hat a )er'0 7A"d +;ll "ever doubt your s'ills agai"$ play*uh$8 .i'e said solem"ly (he lights i" the #afeteria fli#'ered 1ust o"#e 6ya";s ba#' stiffe"ed$ a"d that was my #ue to leave the #afeteria :"glish we"t by i" mu#h the same fashio" + had a feeli"g every "ow a"d the" that 6ya" was loo'i"g at me$ but + did";t dare fi"d out + was havi"g a hard e"ough time #o"trolli"g myself as it was +f + loo'ed at him eve" o"#e$ they;d be #alli"g the fire departme"t to put out the flames whe" + spo"ta"eously #ombusted i" my #hair + was out of there as soo" as the bell ra"g a"d e"ded up doi"g my homewor' at Fa'e (ahoe for a few hours before goi"g home %+ had to fi"d a "ew spot si"#e "ow the Gra"d Ca"yo" was tai"ted for me & (he wee'e"d was e"dless$ a"d by .o"day +;d #ome to the #o"#lusio" that eve" though 6ya" had #learly 'ept his promise "ot to tell a"yo"e about meDeasy e"ough whe" + did";t really e=ist$ rightADhe was still the world;s biggest )er'$ a"d + was goi"g to hate him for all eter"ity O" the bright side$ + did";t have to disobey my dad;s reBuest$ a"d most of the te"sio" at home was fi"ally go"e + was ba#' to bei"g the i#e Buee"$ a"d +;d 'i#'ed 1amie Ba'er u"der the rug agai" ----C9AP(:6 11 (here were adva"tages to bei"g i" i#e Buee" mode agai" 3or i"sta"#e$ Be#'y;s "asty loo's "o

lo"ger i"vo'ed door*destroyi"g emotio"al outbursts (he pai"fully deli#ious ma'e*out dreams about 6ya" fi"ally stopped hau"ti"g my sleep A"d whe" the ob"o=ious reporter that used to stal' me i" +lli"ois showed up i" the par'i"g lot after s#hool 3riday$ + ma"aged "ot to have a #omplete me"tal brea'dow" i" fro"t of everyo"e Barely$ but + ma"aged +;d )ust #ome dow" the fro"t steps of the s#hool$ headed for the par'i"g lot$ a"d + stopped dead i" my tra#'s whe" he spo'e 71amiely""$8 he #alled i" a low$ urge"t to"e (he voi#e #ame from behi"d me$ but + '"ew without loo'i"g that it was 5ave Carter$ tabloid )our"alist e=traordi"aire a"d the ma)ority of the reaso" my family had had to flee #ross*#ou"try to Califor"ia .y blood immediately boiled$ a"d + whirled arou"d to fa#e him$ half tempted to /ap him a##ide"tally o" purpose !he" + te"sed up$ about to e=plode$ he held his ha"ds up defe"sively 7<ow$ hold o"0 5o";t go overrea#ti"g$ 1amiely"" (his is "ot what you thi"' !e "eed to tal' 8 7(he o"ly thi"g we need is a restrai"i"g order 8 71amie$ about the a##ide"t you were re#e"tly i"volved i"$ youD8 7Che#' the poli#e reports + was";t i"volved 8 7+ have #he#'ed the poli#e reports$ a"d your "ame #omes up Buite a bit 8 7+f you;re loo'i"g for a story$ you should as' the people that were involved 8 7+;m "ot here for a story this time 8 79a08 + wal'ed away$ "ot about to give this #reep the time of day$ but as + tur"ed my ba#' o" him he said$ 7+ '"ow the truth$ 1amiely"" + '"ow the to=i# waste #ha"ged you 8 .y blood fro/e i" my vei"s$ ma'i"g it impossible for me to ta'e a"other step <ever i" all those #ou"tless arti#les he wrote ba#' i" +lli"ois had he ever o"#e #ome eve" #lose to the truth Oh$ he '"ew every i"timate detail of my life$ dow" to the bra"d of toothpaste + preferred a"d my wea'"ess for reality (P But he;d "ever eve" hi"ted at the idea of my powers !he" + stopped wal'i"g$ Carter immediately started i" agai" 7(he garde"er i" .o"day;s a##ide"t #laims he wat#hed that sig" smash you$ a"d that you )ust pushed it off two se#o"ds later (here was also some u"e=plai"ed damage to the marBuee A mysterious de"t )ust about the si/e of$ well$ you +t does";t ta'e a ge"ius to figure it out 8 + tur"ed ba#' arou"d a"d glared at him 7+ do";t '"ow what you;re tal'i"g about$8 + said +;d mea"t to sou"d fier#e$ but my stateme"t #ame out i" a whisper 7+f you wa"t people to believe you;re )ust a "ormal 'id$ you really should stop mira#ulously wal'i"g away from a##ide"ts @ou should";t be so sloppy 8 O'ay$ he was totally right about that +t was sloppy A"d he was spot*o" about my powers too But #learly he had "o solid proof 9e would";t be here hou"di"g me if he did So + too' the route that every superhero ta'es + #alled him #ra/y A"d why "otA (o a"yo"e but me$ what he was sayi"g was #ra/y 7@ou;re i"sa"e$8 + said with a hard laugh 7@ou followed me all the way here )ust to a##use me of whatA 9avi"g su$er$owersA !as homi#idal e=*girlfrie"d "ot e"oughA Am + the +"#redible 9ul' "owA 7@ou #a" de"y it all you wa"t But that does";t ma'e the evide"#e a"y less true 8 7@ou #all that evidenceA A ma"gled sig" a"d o"e eyewit"ess who was i" sho#' from "early bei"g a sumo pa"#a'eA (hat;s pretty thi"$ eve" for you Go ahead a"d pri"t your stupid theory +t;s "ot li'e a"yo"e will believe it a"yway$ si"#e it will be smushed i" betwee" a story about a" alie" abdu#tio" a"d a baby bor" with three heads 8 + must have hit a se"sitive spot be#ause Carter sudde"ly loo'ed as a"gry as me 7+ told you it;s "ot about a story this time08 he yelled$ frustrated + was";t sure what his a"gle was$ but + '"ew o"e thi"g was #ertai" 7:verythi"g is always a story

with you$ Carter08 + was sudde"ly remi"ded of my fi"al mo"ths i" +lli"ois + #ould have eve"tually moved o" from 5ere';s death if it had";t bee" for all the rumors All the pi#tures a"d the stories (his ma" had si"gle* ha"dedly destroyed me 9e tur"ed everyo"e + loved agai"st me a"d for#ed me to leave the home + grew up i" A"gry tears spra"g up i" my eyes 7@OH 6H+<:5 .@ F+3:08 +;d bee" so preo##upied with Carter;s bei"g here that + had forgotte" we were i" publi# u"til .i'e 5ris#oll$ of all people$ stepped i"to the middle of the argume"t + furiously batted at my eyes$ horrified that .i'e would "oti#e the tears i" them$ but his atte"tio" was #ompletely fo#used o" the stra"ger 7!hat;s the problem hereA8 he dema"ded$ his voi#e hard 7<o problem that #o"#er"s you$ 1oh""y 3ootball$8 Carter said$ brushi"g him off (o me he said$ 7Ca" we go somewhere more privateA8 Before + #ould tell Carter where e=a#tly + thought he should go a voi#e sa"g out$ 7Bow #hi#'a wow wow08 (he #omme"t startled me + loo'ed over my shoulder to see Paul !arre" gri""i"g li'e a moro" 7Creepy old dude;s diggi"; o" the Ba'e*ster08 9e "odded at Carter a"d said$ 7(a'e a "umber$ bro 8 H"able to fi"d a"y words$ + )ust wat#hed as S#ott Cole #alled Paul a tool a"d 'i#'ed his '"ees out from u"der him !he" Paul dropped to the grou"d$ Paige was sudde"ly dire#tly i" my li"e of visio" (he e=pressio" o" her fa#e "ot o"ly made me forget about Paul$ it #aused my adre"ali"e to spi'e +t too' me a mome"t to re#og"i/e my fear + Bui#'ly loo'ed from Paige;s fa#e to Be#'y;s$ "e=t to her$ a"d the" to the e"tire #ir#le of people who surrou"ded me 9alf the s#hool was "ow wat#hi"g$ a"d all of them were wo"deri"g who Carter was a"d what he wa"ted with me + #ould see it i" their eyes Curiosity Suspi#io" 6ight "ow they would all believe a"ythi"g Carter told them A"d there was a lot that he #ould tell them + loo'ed ba#' at Carter$ my eyes pleadi"g rather tha" a"gry as pa"i# bega" to set i" 7+;m "ot goi"g a"ywhere with you$8 + said H"fortu"ately my voi#e faltered$ so + added$ 7Feave "ow$ before + #all the #ops a"d e=plai" to them that you;re stal'i"g me from #lear a#ross the #ou"try 8 As + pulled out my #ell pho"e Carter rolled his eyes at me a"d said$ 7@ou #a";t afford to a#t li'e a tee"ager right "ow$ 1amiely"" @ou will be sorry if you do";t hear me out$ + promise you that 8 Carter;s threat #aused a"other surge through my body$ as did the way he rea#hed toward me li'e he was pla""i"g to pull me by for#e from the par'i"g lot But this time the surge + felt was "ot adre"ali"e$ it was ele#tri#ity$ a"d it was pulsi"g rather viole"tly through me 75o";t tou#h me08 + shrie'ed$ imagi"i"g what would happe" to him if he did (he horror i" my voi#e made Carter draw ba#' his ha"d #uriously$ a"d .i'e stepped betwee" us 7All right$ dude$8 he said$ getti"g i" Carter;s fa#e 7(ime to leave 8 Carter;s fa#e flushed with a"ger 7Or whatA @ou;re go""a give me a wedgieA8 he s"apped$ ta'i"g a" aggressive step toward .i'e .i'e met his adva"#e$ a"d the two started argui"g ba#' a"d forth li'e a #ouple of si=th*graders +mmediately all the guys from the football team li"ed up$ ready to pou"#e o" .i'e;s #omma"d$ a"d Paul !arre" started #ha"ti"g$ 73ight0 3ight0 3ight08 + was goi"g to use the distra#tio" to ma'e a ru" for it$ but a si"gle word brought everythi"g to a halt 6ya" .iller had spo'e" my "ame (hat;s all 1ust my "ame But that was e"ough + whirled arou"d a"d he was right there 9is eyes li"gered o" me for a" ago"i/ed mome"t$ a"d the" his e=pressio" tur"ed murderous 7!hat$8 he as'ed i"

a #o"trolled but da"gerous voi#e$ 7is goi"g o" hereA8 :ve" .i'e gulped before he spo'e up 7(his dude was harassi"g your woma"$8 he e=plai"ed (he" he tur"ed ba#' to Carter a"d added$ 79e;s about to get a beat*dow" if he does";t ta'e off 6ight "ow 8 6ya" flashed a glare at Carter but #ould";t 'eep his eyes from retur"i"g to me 71amieA8 he as'ed agai" .y heart spu" out of #o"trol as 6ya" loo'ed at me for the first time i" a wee' (he overwhelmi"g se"se of relief was )ust o"e too ma"y emotio"s for my poor body to ha"dle at the mome"t + shut my eyes before tears #ould spill from them a"d did";t ope" them agai" u"til + heard Carter sigh +;d had e"ough$ so + loo'ed helplessly i"to 6ya";s eyes 7Get me out of hereA8 + whispered 6ya" did";t eve" hesitate$ but as we started to leave Carter grumbled$ 7+ hope you '"ow what you;re doi"g$ 1amiely"" Be#ause these accidents seem to follow you arou"d$ a"d if somethi"g happe"s to your "ew 5ere' !itters$ here8Dhe motio"ed to 6ya"D7+;ll be the least of your worries 8 .y '"ees bu#'led u"der the weight of his stateme"t 6ya" was too stu""ed by the refere"#e to my dead boyfrie"d to #at#h me before + fell$ but "ot too stu""ed to ball up his fist a"d throw it so hard at Carter;s fa#e that it '"o#'ed Carter o" his butt Carter;s "ose started bleedi"g everywhereDdefi"itely bro'e" 7!hoa$ 6ya"0 !hat is goi"g o" hereA8 Of all the tea#hers to wit"ess 6ya" bloodyi"g the )er'$ + was glad it was .r :dwards 9e;s #ool 9e 'i"d of gets me Or at least does";t bug me 9e;s also the o"ly tea#her that would";t ta'e 6ya" dire#tly to the pri"#ipal;s offi#e 3ighti"g$ eve" if it is with a slea/y reporter a"d "ot a"other stude"t$ gets you suspe"ded at 6o#'li" 9igh$ a"d + did";t wa"t 6ya" to get suspe"ded Sure$ he was reig"i"g #hamp of the )er's for ig"ori"g me all wee'$ but he was defe"di"g my ho"or Plus$ it;s Carter +;ve wa"ted to pou"d that ma" more times tha" + #a" #ou"t O'ay$ maybe 6ya" was forgive" 71amieA8 + shoo' myself from my thoughts a"d blushed a deep red be#ause )udgi"g from the bemused loo' o" 6ya";s fa#e$ + had bee" stari"g$ probably dreamily$ at him while de#idi"g + did";t hate him a"ymore + s#rambled to my feet )ust about the same time .r : rea#hed Carter 7+s someo"e goi"g to tell me what;s goi"g o" hereA8 .r : seemed u""e#essarily a"gry with Carter 9e must have see" more of the spe#ta#le tha" + thought 71ust a misu"dersta"di"g$8 Carter told .r : abse"tly$ the" tur"ed his atte"tio" ba#' to me As he wiped at the blood starti"g to dry o" his fa#e he said$ 7!e;ll tal' later$ 1amiely"" 8 7<ot if you '"ow what;s good for you$8 + war"ed 9e be#ame irritated agai"$ a"d his eyes deliberately fli#'ered to 6ya" 7+;m "ot the o"e you should be worryi"g about 8 + do";t '"ow why + got so a"gry O'ay$ + do Be#ause his subtle war"i"g that + should be #o"#er"ed about 6ya" hit a little too #lose to home But eve" still$ + should";t have lost it the way + did :"ergy blit/ed from my body li'e a" i"visible sho#' wave$ a"d sudde"ly the lights throughout the stude"t par'i"g lot fli#'ed o" +t was o"ly for a se#o"d$ a"d most people did";t eve" see it$ but + "oti#ed$ 6ya" "oti#ed$ a"d eve" .r :dwards "oti#ed 9e was stari"g up at the lights #ompletely pu//led But more importa"tly$ Carter "oti#ed 9is eyes grew really wide for a mi"ute as he was u"able to mas' his sho#'$ but he re#overed Bui#'ly a"d gave me a '"owi"g gla"#e before he wal'ed off 7See you arou"d$ 1amiely"" 8 (here was "o mista'i"g the threat i" his to"e O"#e he was go"e a"d the sho#' of everythi"g that had )ust happe"ed wore off$ .r :dwards was

the first to spea' 7:verythi"g all right$ 1amieA8 9e was goi"g to as' somethi"g else$ but + #ut him off 75o";t worry about it$ .r : +;ll ta'e #are of him 8 + fi"ally loo'ed up to see half the s#hool "ow stari"g at me + too' a deep breath a"d the" met .i'e;s ga/e 7(ha"' you 8 75o";t me"tio" it$8 he muttered$ #learly surprised by my si"#erity 7!ho was that guyA !hat was he tal'i"g aboutA !ho;s 5ere' !ittersA8 7Foo'$ + appre#iate what you did$ but it;s really "o"e of your busi"ess 8 7!hatever$8 .i'e gru"ted$ a"d the" immediately headed for the par'i"g lot 7Are you sure$ 1amieA8 .r :dwards pressed agai" 7+ thi"' maybe we should #all the poli#e (hat ma" should "ot be harassi"g you 8 71ust forget itD+;m fi"e 9is harassme"t is se#o"d "ature to me by "ow 8 7!ho is heA8 7<obody$ all right08 + was begi""i"g to lose my patie"#e Carter )ust has that effe#t o" me 7O'ay +f you;re sure 8 .y e=pressio" was i#e #old agai" 7+;m sure 8 7+" that #ase$8 .r :dwards said with a sigh$ 7.r .iller$ +;m goi"g to prete"d + did";t see you brea' a"yo"e;s "ose 8 !ith that$ .r :dwards headed ba#' i"side$ a"d the rest of the #rowd slowly bega" to disperse Soo" e"ough the o"ly perso" still there was 6ya" 7Are you all rightA8 he as'ed whe" we were fi"ally alo"e 7+s there a"ythi"g + #a" doA8 + we"t agai"st my better )udgme"t a"d met 6ya";s ga/e$ i"sta"tly getti"g lost i" it (here was o"e thi"g he #ould do 9e #ould pull me i"to his arms agai" a"d magi#ally ma'e me forget everythi"g bad i" my life the way he had i" his ba#'yard 6ememberi"g the magi# of that mome"t remi"ded me of how abruptly it e"ded a"d how 6ya" had";t so mu#h as loo'ed my dire#tio" si"#e it happe"ed Sudde"ly the magi# was go"e 76ya"$ you do";t have to do this 8 75o whatA8 7Prete"d li'e you #are 8 + tried "ot to s"ap$ but 6ya" was still startled by my sudde" hostility 7@ou were rightDyour paper;s do"e "ow$ a"d you solved your mystery + told you the truth about me$ so there;s "o "eed to 'eep up the #harade 8 7@ou heard all of thatA8 + tapped my ear with my fi"ger 7Fi'e Superma"$ rememberA8 7+;m sorry$ 1amie + did";t reali/e you #ould hear well too 8 7So you;re o"ly sorry be#ause you got #aughtA +s this a )o'e to youA 5o you have a"y idea how big a deal all of this is for meA + did";t )ust dis#lose i"timate details of my life to you last wee' + put my e"tire family;s lives i" your ha"ds by telli"g you the truth +t;s bad e"ough that you ig"ore me so that your reputatio" wo";t be tar"ished by asso#iatio"$ but to trust you li'e that a"d the" a#tually hear you say that it mea"t nothingA (hat we;re "ot eve" friendsA8 7But + did";t mea" what + said08 7!hi#h partA8 7A"y of it08 + i"sta"tly regretted everythi"g +;d said the se#o"d + saw his fa#e 9e loo'ed so desperate for me to forgive him$ so + rela=ed as mu#h as + #ould 7+ was )ust tryi"g to get them off my #ase be#ause + was s#ared$8 he fi"ally e=plai"ed 7S#aredA Of whatA Afraid they were goi"g to get mad if you admitted we were frie"dsA8

6ya" blushed guiltily but shoo' his head 7+t;s more tha" that After you left my house$ whatever you did to me$ it was )ust li'e whe" you 'issed me + was bou"#i"g off the walls with all this #ra/y e"ergy that + )ust #ould";t e=plai" .y mom started as'i"g me all these Buestio"s$ a"d + did";t '"ow how to a"swer a"y of them She wa"ted to ta'e me to the do#tor$ but + frea'ed out a"d would";t go + was";t hurt or si#' or a"ythi"g +t a#tually felt ama/i"g But + did";t '"ow how all this stuff wor's + was afraid a do#tor might fi"d somethi"g weird$ a"d + did";t wa"t it to be able to #ome ba#' to you 8 .y a"ger was temporarily repla#ed with horror over the idea that +;d hurt him$ a"d + gasped 7Are you sure you;re o'ayA8 7Oh yeah$ +;m great0 + mea"$ o"#e it wore off + 'i"d of #rashed a"d slept for li'e eightee" hours$ but other tha" that everythi"g;s fi"e 8 + do";t thi"' +;ve ever bee" more relieved i" my life tha" + was to hear that + had";t really hurt him + was ho"estly #o"vi"#ed +;d 'illed him whe" he did";t show up to s#hool that "e=t day 7A"yway$ 1amie$ + reali/ed that you were right All those times you told me it was better if + did";t tal' to youD+ get it "ow So as hard as it was for me$ + stayed away from you all wee' be#ause +;m s#ared of people figuri"g it out + see why you do";t put yourself out there +t;s too big a se#ret +t would be too easy to ma'e a mista'e 8 All +;d wa"ted was for 6ya" to u"dersta"d @et havi"g him agree with me somehow vapori/ed a"y hope + had of a "ormal life 6ya" had bee" the o"e thi"g that ever made me thi"' my life might still be worth livi"g$ but "ow that was go"e Surprise tears filled my eyes 6ya" rea#hed out to wipe them away but o"#e agai" de#ided "ot to tou#h me 7@our safety;s what;s importa"t$8 he whispered 7+f that mea"s stayi"g away from you$ the" that;s what +;ll do + give up @ou really do wi" this o"e 8 9e gave me a smile that did";t Buite rea#h his eyes 73eel ho"ored @ou;re the first girl to ever su##essfully re)e#t me + did";t thi"' that was possible u"til "ow 8 9e stared at me for a"other lo"g mome"t with a lot of regret i" his eyes$ a"d the" sighed 7See you arou"d$ 1amie Ba'er 8 Fetti"g him wal' away from me was the right thi"g to do +t was the out +;d bee" loo'i"g for$ a"d it was what my dad wa"ted +t was the safe thi"g for sure$ the smart thi"g But i" #ase you have";t "oti#ed yet$ + sometimes la#' some serious #ommo" se"se (hat$ a"d 6ya" .iller seems to be my Krypto"ite 9e got o"ly about te" steps 76ya"$ wait 8 9e whirled arou"d a lot faster tha" + e=pe#ted$ a"d his hopeful e=pressio" made me "early forget why + was stoppi"g him 7@esA8 he prompted whe" + forgot to spea' 7+ do";t deserve that ho"or + have";t really ear"ed it 8 7!hat ho"orA8 76e)e#ti"g you 8 7!hat are you sayi"gA8 7+ was";t right +t is too big a se#ret +t;s too big to try to 'eep it alo"e +t;s da"gerous a"d #ompletely u"fair of me to push this respo"sibility o"to you +t;s a lot to as'$ a"d + '"ow + do";t deserve it$ but if you;re "ot too frea'ed out by me$ is it too late to a##ept your offer to be frie"dsA8 +;ve "ever see" a"yo"e loo' more stu""ed tha" 6ya" did right the" +t was as though fi"di"g out that #omi# boo' #hara#ters #a" a#tually e=ist was "othi"g #ompared to the possibility of me wa"ti"g to be his frie"d <i#e 6eal "i#e + must have bee" more of a" i#e Buee" tha" + reali/ed O" the bright side$ it was a good 'i"d of surprised 9e was defi"itely happy with my #o"fessio" O"#e he gai"ed his #omposure$ his smile tur"ed i"to that i"famous smir' of his 73rie"dsA8 he as'ed s'epti#ally$ ta'i"g a step #loser to me 73rie"ds$8 + war"ed seriously

9is fa#e was o"ly i"#hes from mi"e "ow$ a"d he was smili"g dow" at me as if he ow"ed the e"tire world 7+ '"ew you se#retly wa"ted me 8 !ay to 'ill the mome"t 7Oh$ would you get over yourself alreadyA8 7+ #a";t 8 9is gri" grew eve" wider 7+ )ust wo" the heart of the world;s o"ly superhero +;m the ma"08 7Hgh O'ay +;m goi"g home "ow$ before + get si#' 8 7All right$ all right$ +;m sorry +;m )ust 'iddi"g Ki"d of But seriously$ you li'e me + #a" tell +;m ma" e"ough to say it + wa"t you$ 1amie So bad +;m goi"g #ra/y over it !hy wo";t you )ust admit that you wa"t me tooA8 7+ wa"t to 'eep you aliveDthat;s what + wa"t 8 7(hat;s itA8 7(hat;s a pretty big thi"g$ do";t you thi"'A8 7!ell$ yeah$ "ot 'illi"g me is a pretty good goal to have$ but + mea"t$ is that all that;s 'eepi"g us apartA8 75uh 8 O"#e agai" 6ya" was so #lose to me that all +;d have had to do was pu#'er a"d our lips would meet + felt my heart speed up$ a"d the" sudde"ly he was lea"i"g i" 7@ou;re "ot really tryi"g to 'iss me$ are youA8 + breathed )ust before his lips tou#hed mi"e 7@ou;re "ot really tryi"g to stop me$ are youA8 @ou '"owA +" the e"dA + swear it;s goi"g to be 6ya";s #o#'i"ess that saves him +t;s a lot easier to say "o whe" he;s so sure he;s getti"g his way + sighed a"d the" lightly tapped my i"de= fi"ger to his stoma#h (he )olt did";t hurt him$ but it defi"itely did";t feel good 7Ow08 he gru"ted$ a"d the" frow"ed at me (he pout did";t ma'e me feel sorry for him 75id you )ust do that o" purposeA8 he whi"ed 75id";t have a"y #hoi#e !hat you were about to do to yourself would have hurt a lot worse 8 7But you 'issed me before 8 7@eah$ a"d + was #ompletely$ o"e hu"dred per#e"t #alm the" be#ause %a& + had "o idea that it #ould hurt you$ a"d %b& that 'iss was )ust a bet +t mea"t absolutely "othi"g 8 6ya";s frow" disappeared 7So you admit that 'issi"g me would mea" somethi"g to you "owA8 7<o 8 +;m stubbor"$ what #a" + sayA 7@ou;re 'illi"g me$ 1amie Killi"g me08 7Foo'$ 6ya"$ if you #a";t ha"dle bei"g )ust frie"ds$ we #a" always go ba#' to the me*re)e#ti"g*you optio" 8 (he a"gry glare 6ya" gave me was pri#eless 73i"e$8 he grumbled$ 7)ust frie"ds But )ust for "ow 8 71ust for always 8 71ust u"til you lear" to #o"trol it 8 6ya" raised his ha"d to my fa#e agai" + started to ba#' away$ but he refused to let me$ so + too' a deep breath before he ra" the ba#' of his ha"d slowly dow" my #hee' +t felt so good that my eyes fluttered shut 7All it will ta'e is some pra#ti#e$8 he whispered @ou have "o idea how mu#h + hoped he was right -----

C9AP(:6 12 :ight o;#lo#' Saturday mor"i"g + was up i" my roomDyes$ wat#hi"g #artoo"s if you must '"ow Dwhe" 6ya";s voi#e sudde"ly #aught my atte"tio" !herever it was #omi"g from$ it was";t that far from my house 7(hat;s great$ .om$8 he was sayi"g + tur"ed off my (P a"d tried to #o"#e"trate o" his #o"versatio" +"vasio" of priva#yA .aybe .y moral #ompass usually poi"ts pretty "orth$ but + do have my mome"ts of wea'"ess$ a"d let;s fa#e it$ a tee"age girl spyi"g o" her #rush is "ot e=a#tly fro"t*page "ews + #a";t help it if +;m better at it tha" most Besides$ + was #urious as to why he was i" my "eighborhood + #ould hear his mother;s voi#e #omi"g through the re#eiver of his #ell pho"e 7!ell$ we wa"ted to #ome home a"d ta'e you to lu"#h to #elebrate$ but we;re goi"g to be a little lo"ger tha" we thought +;m sorry$ 6y$ but it loo's li'e you;ll be o" your ow" today 8 7(hat;s o'ay + a#tually have pla"s for the rest of the day !ell$ hopefully + have";t as'ed her yet$ but + too' the day off wor' 8 7Somethi"g + should be worried aboutA8 his mother teased 7O"ly if + get #aught$ i" whi#h #ase the poli#e will fill you i"$ +;m sure 8 6ya" laughi"g with his mom had to be the #utest thi"g +;d ever heard !hat a momma;s boy +t;s "o wo"der he got alo"g so well with my pare"ts 7A#tually$ .om$8 he said$ be#omi"g e=#ited$ 7remember that girl + was telli"g you about$ 1amieA8 !ait$ whatA + was at my wi"dow "ow$ tryi"g to see if + #ould spot him drivi"g dow" my street + #ould";t 7Oh$ ho"ey08 his mom gushed with sudde" e=#iteme"t 7She;s fi"ally letti"g you ta'e her outA 6y$ +;m so proud of you0 @ou seeA + told you "o girl #ould resist you 8 7Oh sure08 + laughed out loud to myself 7(hrow gas o" the flames$ why do";t youA8 +t;s "o wo"der he has su#h a gia"t ego 7!ell$ a#tually$8 6ya" said$ 7she has";t agreed to a date yet$ but +;ve got a pla" that + thi"' will wor' +;m headed over to her house right "ow 8 7Good for you$ ho"ey Good lu#' 8 7(ha"'s$ .om 9ave fu" with Ge"e$ a"d tell him #o"gratulatio"s for me 8 6ya" was o" his way to my houseA <ot good +f he showed up$ a#ti"g li'e we were frie"ds "ow$ my father would have a #o""iptio" :spe#ially if he reali/ed that 6ya" '"ows about me + had to #ut 6ya" off before he #ould rea#h the fro"t door + ra" dow"stairs$ but the" + saw my refle#tio" i" the #hi"a #abi"et a"d headed ba#' to my room + '"ow + #ould brea' a lot of world re#ords if + wa"ted to$ but eve" for movi"g at superspeed$ + too' the world;s fastest shower$ brushed my teeth$ a"d threw o" the first thi"g + #ould fi"d + #ame flyi"g dow" the stairs$ but my pare"ts are all too familiar with that fai"t bree/e rushi"g past them 71amiely""$ you get ba#' here right "ow a"d tell me where you;re goi"g$ you"g lady08 my mom #alled out to the thi" air$ '"owi"g + #ould still hear her 7Sorry$ .om 8 + was out of breath be#ause + was slightly pa"i#'ed$ "ot be#ause + was tired 7+ was )ust goi"g to go for a ru" +;ve bee" #ooped up too mu#h$ a"d + "eed to get some of this e"ergy out @ou wa"t me to bri"g ba#' a souve"ir from somewhereA8 @ou should see our refrigerator +;m "ot sure if havi"g so ma"y mag"ets is really healthy$ but + #a";t help pi#'i"g them up from the ra"dom pla#es + stop at whe" +;m bored + li'e the loo' my mom always gives me whe" + #ome home with o"e a"d she reali/es that + was )ust i" <ebras'a or wherever 71amie$ sweetheart 8 Oh great She was i" o"e of those le#turi"g moods <ot e=a#tly the best time

whe" 6ya" was goi"g to show up a"y se#o"d 7+ do";t thi"' goi"g for a ru" is what you "eed !hy do";t you try to fi"d where all the 'ids are ha"gi"g outA +s";t there a s#hool football game to wat#h or somethi"gA8 7(he football games are o" 3riday "ights here$8 + a"swered dryly 7Oh !ell$ there has to be somethi"g goi"g o" 1amie$ whe" your father a"d + said you "eeded to get out more$ we did";t mea" ru""i"g arou"d the #ou"try all by yourself @ou should use all this e"ergy to be with 'ids your age @ou "eed to be so#ial 8 7O'ay$ fi"e +;ll go see what 6ya";s up to 8 71amie 8 + #ould tell my mom wa"ted to say yes$ but + suppose + #ould";t blame her for worryi"g 1ust the" + heard 6ya";s tru#' pull up to the #urb of my house$ a"d + "early had a heart atta#' 7All right$ fi"e$8 + said$ "ot havi"g a"y more time to argue 7+;ll go out a"d loo' for a )ob !ill that ma'e you happyA8 .y mother;s fa#e lit up with a glimpse of hope that a#tually made me feel very guilty all the sudde" 7Pery08 she e=#laimed$ #lappi"g her ha"ds together 7But you #a";t get a )ob weari"g that Go put o" somethi"g "i#e 8 + frow"ed dow" at the )ea"s a"d (*shirt +;d pulled off my floor i" my haste to stop 6ya" + disappeared so fast that + was sta"di"g i" fro"t of my mom agai" i" a busi"essli'e s'irt a"d )a#'et before she #ould eve" sha'e her head 7BetterA8 7Beautiful$8 my mom said 7Good lu#'$ ho"ey @ou wo";t regret this$ + promise08 She was #alli"g out to the air agai" be#ause + was already go"e + tugged o" 6ya";s arm )ust before he had the #ha"#e to '"o#' o" the door +f + were";t so para"oid about my pare"ts seei"g him there$ + would have e")oyed the #o"fused loo' o" his fa#e as he reali/ed +;d )ust appeared out of thi" air a"d was draggi"g him off my por#h (he o"ly words he seemed #apable of spitti"g out were 7!hat theD8 7+;ll e=plai" i" a mi"ute$8 + grumbled 71ust get us out of here before my pare"ts see you 8 6ya" frow"ed but obeyed$ obviously happy that eve" though + was ma'i"g him leave$ at least + was goi"g with him 7Good mor"i"gA8 he fi"ally said$ very u"sure of himself for o"#e i" his life as he rou"ded the #or"er$ putti"g my house out of sight behi"d us 7+;m sorry 8 + sighed 7+t;s )ust that + heard you pull up$ a"d + did";t wa"t my dad to have a" a"eurism if you me"tio"ed somethi"g about '"owi"g my se#ret 8 7(hey do";t '"ow about your powersA8 7Oh$ "o (hey '"ow about me (hey do";t '"ow that you '"ow + would have told them$ e=#ept my father sort of ba""ed me from ever spea'i"g to you agai" 8 7!hatA But + thought your pare"ts li'ed me 8 + do";t '"ow what was #uter$ the surprise i" his voi#e$ or the wou"ded loo' o" his fa#e 7@our dad told me to #ome ba#' a"ytime @ou;re mom a#tually hugged me 8 (hat #o"fessio" made me #ri"ge 7@eah$ she gets a little e=#ited sometimesDsorry about that But it;s "ot you (hey )ust frea'ed after + me"tio"ed the a##ide"t a"d you helpi"g me out with the #ops (hey;re afraid you;re goi"g to figure me out a"d e=pose me to the world .y dad we"t i"to his usual se#ret*gover"me"t*lab*testi"g ra"t 8 7But + do";t wa"t a"yo"e to ta'e you away a"y more tha" he does 8 79e;s a great dad +t;s his )ob to be overprote#tive 8 6ya";s fa#e slowly straighte"ed out of its frow" 7+ guess if you were mi"e$ +;d be #ra/y overprote#tive too 8 9e sighed a"d the" smiled at me 7+;d probably be worse$ )udgi"g by how + felt

whe" that reporter showed up 8 + #ould";t believe my heart was flutteri"g over that$ but it was$ a"d eve" worse$ + li'ed the feeli"g 7(hat was Buite a pu"#h you threw 8 + laughed$ tryi"g "ot to let myself blush 7@eah$ + was Buite impressed myself 8 7+;m "ot surprisedDyou;re always impressed with yourself 8 6ya" laughed but did";t de"y the a##usatio" 7+;ve "ever really bee" a fighter$ but +;ll admit + wa"ted to 'ill that guy 8 6ya" was";t the o"ly o"e + wa"ted to put Carter si= feet u"der too (he o"ly differe"#e betwee" me a"d 6ya" is that + #ould have All too easily .y power s#ares me$ but sometimes the feeli"gs that #ome with that power are a lot s#arier + #a" almost u"dersta"d how supervillai"s get the way they are$ be#ause it;s so hard "ot to wa"t to use your power to hurt someo"e whe" they;re hurti"g you first Of #ourse my #o"s#ie"#e always gets the better of me$ but if + had to deal with guys li'e Carter all the time$ forever a"d ever$ eve"tually +;d #ra#' + shuddered at my trai" of thought$ a"d whe" 6ya" Buestio"ed it$ + Bui#'ly #ha"ged the sub)e#t 7!here are we goi"gA8 6ya" gri""ed$ su##essfully distra#ted 7+ hope you did";t have a"y pla"s today 8 7<o$ but you obviously do !ould you mi"d filli"g me i"A8 7Pra#ti#e 8 7<o offe"se$ 6ya"$ but +;m "ot e=a#tly e=#ited by the idea of wat#hi"g you a"d .i'e smear ea#h other i"to the grou"d for hours 8 7<ot meDyou @ou;re goi"g to lear" how to #o"trol your power 8 7A"d how do you suggest + do thatA8 7Pra#ti#e$8 he said agai" 79ave";t you see" 'mallvilleA8 7:veryo"e;s see" 'mallville$8 + said$ "ot amused that he was "ow #ompari"g my life to a (P series about a fi#tio"al tow" full of frea's 7:very time Clar' gets a "ew ability$ he pra#ti#es +t "ever ta'es him very lo"g$ so if you;re as mu#h li'e Superma" as you #laim$ the" + bet we #ould be ma'i"g out by "e=t wee' 8 + gave him a sideways gla"#e$ but he )ust laughed 7@ou '"ow you wa"t to 8 7(his pla" is right up there with your pla" for getti"g to ta'e Be#'y to home#omi"g 8 79ey0 (e#h"i#ally$ that pla" wor'ed 8 + was a""oyed to high heave" that he was right about that 7O'ay$ :i"stei"$ the" do you have a strategy for this game pla"A8 7+"teresti"g #hoi#e of words$8 6ya" said$ a"d the" i"te"tio"ally #ha"ged the sub)e#t 7@ou loo' so hot$ by the way Pery Fois Fa"e 8 7Oh$ shut up08 7Sorry$ it;s )ust a little iro"i#$ #o"sideri"g what we;re about to do 8 7A"d that would beA8 7A surprise 8 6ya" would";t tell me his pla" a"y more tha" he would tell me where we were goi"g Of #ourse it was";t really a mystery whe" he tur"ed off +*Q0 toward (ahoe City + wo"dered why he was ta'i"g me to Fa'e (ahoe$ but + have to admit$ after that dream + had about the Gra"d Ca"yo"$ + was";t e=a#tly opposed to bei"g alo"e with him i" the wilder"ess !e wou"d through the mou"tai"s$ a"d there was "othi"g but forest to see out the wi"dows u"til sudde"ly we were pulli"g up to a big log house with a huge vera"da that wrapped all the way arou"d the side + #ould";t help but stare at the beautiful stru#ture +t seemed to be hidde" so perfe#tly from the world that + felt li'e 6ya" a"d + were the last two people o" earth Agai"$ "ot #omplai"i"g

7@ou li'e itA8 6ya" as'ed$ seei"g the smile o" my fa#e 7+t;s hard to believe that somethi"g so beautiful #a" be so #lose to Sa#rame"to +t loo's li'e a )igsaw pu//le 8 7Close +t was featured i" a wall #ale"dar o"#e 8 6ya" #hu#'led 7+t;s my stepdad;s #abi" 8 7@ou #all this a #abi"A8 7Ge"e does !he" he married my mom$ he moved i"to our house so that we would feel more #omfortable be#ause the house he used to ow" was a good three times bigger tha" this 8 + bli"'ed + #ould";t help it .y dad ma"ages a sawmill i" !est Sa#rame"to 9e ma'es e"ough to afford our "i#e little #oo'ie*#utter pie#e of suburba" heave"$ but he;d have to wi" the lottery to ow" a house li'e this 7A lot of s#rewed*up people i" this world "eed motivati"g$8 6ya" )o'ed 7Come o"$ the view from the ba#' is better 8 9e was rightK the view from the ba#' was mu#h better (he de#' hu"g over the side of the mou"tai"$ gra"ti"g a view of the e"tire la'e + a#tually re#og"i/ed the ba#' of the house +;d see" it from a#ross the la'e o" the ma"y trips +;ve made here to do my homewor' i" a little pea#e a"d Buiet +t was o"e of the "i#est houses visible from the la'eshore$ a"d +;d ofte" wo"dered what 'i"ds of people ow" a pla#e li'e this +t felt stra"ge to be sta"di"g there "ow 7(ha"' you for bri"gi"g me here$ it;s absolutely beautiful$ but what e=a#tly are we doi"g hereA8 7!ell$ if we;re goi"g to u"leash these powers of yours$ the" we "eed to be somepla#e where "o o"e is goi"g to see us (his was the most private pla#e + #ould thi"' of 8 7@ou wa"t me to Nu"leash; my powersA8 7@eah$ show me what#ha got 8 7!hat do you wa"t$ a fro"t*row seat to the frea' showA +;m "ot goi"g to sta"d here a"d do tri#'s for a ha"dful of doggie bis#uits 8 71amie 8 6ya" rolled his eyes at me li'e + was the o"e bei"g ridi#ulous 7+ get that you;re self* #o"s#ious about bei"g differe"t$ but you;re really "ot goi"g to s#are me away$ so stop worryi"g so mu#h +;m "ot loo'i"g for #heap e"tertai"me"t +;m )ust tryi"g to help you +f we;re goi"g to pra#ti#e$ the" + "eed to '"ow what you;re #apable of first Fi'e tryouts 8 7(ryoutsA8 7@eah 8 6ya" rea#hed i"to a duffel bag he;d brought with him a"d retrieved a lightbulb 7(he"$ after + '"ow what you #a" do$ we start with the fu"dame"tals 8 6ya" gri""ed really big + hate it whe" he does that +t;s so "ot fair0 9e was bei"g too #ute$ a"d + was eati"g it up + #ould";t stop myself from humori"g him 7!hat is that forA8 7Ca" you light it upA8 + glared at him$ but he waited for me to do as he as'ed$ so + grabbed the lightbulb out of his ha"d a"d pumped the thi"g so full of power that it e=ploded 7(hat;s what + thought 8 6ya" laughed$ pulli"g a se#o"d light bulb from his bag 7<ow$ #a" you hold this o"e without lighti"g it upA8 + was still "ot amused 7!ell$ #a" youA8 + too' the bulb a"d #losed my fist arou"d the bottom 7SatisfiedA8 + as'ed whe" the light stayed dar' 6ya" smiled bigger tha" +;d ever see" him smile before 7Completely$8 he admitted$ a"d the" stepped #loser to me 7@ou seeA @ou do have some authority over it @ou )ust have to figure out what that feels li'e$ a"d the" try doi"g it whe" you start to lose #o"trol 8 6ya" slowly too' my free ha"d i" his$ a"d the mi"ute his fi"gers tou#hed my s'i" + #ould feel butterflies i" my stoma#h 7Fi'e right "ow$ for i"sta"#e$8 6ya" said$ loo'i"g at the dim glow "ow shi"i"g from the light i"

my ha"d 7@ou;re starti"g to lose #o"trol See if you #a" tur" it off 8 + was dyi"g of embarrassme"t$ but + was also #urious to see if + #ould do it$ so + played alo"g + 'ept my eyes fo#used o" the lightbulb be#ause loo'i"g at 6ya";s fa#e as #lose as it was to mi"e "ow was sure to be a guara"teed repeat lightbulb e=plosio" After a mome"t the light slowly started to fade + felt a ti"ge of e=#iteme"t$ a"d it started to glow agai"$ so + #o"#e"trated eve" harder Agai" the light faded 6ya" dropped my ha"d with a proud smile o" his fa#e that s#reamed$ 7+ told you so$8 but + was too ama/ed to #are :ve" though it was o" a ti"y s#ale$ + was a#tually #o"trolli"g myself + smiled at the dar' lightbulb$ but the"$ without war"i"g$ 6ya" put his ha"d to my #hee' a"d started to bri"g his lips to mi"e 9e too' me by surprise a"d + )umped ba#'$ sho#'i"g 6ya";s fi"gers whe" + pulled away from them (he lightbulb lit up so bright it was "early bli"di"g 6ya" laughed 7O'ay$ o'ay +;m sorry + wo";t do that agai" But you #a";t blame me for wa"ti"g to ma'e sure 8 + did";t thi"' it was so fu""y .y ha"d tighte"ed o" the light u"til the bright"ess was sBuel#hed$ a"d the bulb lay i" ti"y pie#es o" the de#' 7+;m sorry$8 6ya" said agai"$ more seriously this time 7+ promise$ "o more surprises But did you see thatA @ou #o"trolled it +f we 'eep wor'i"g o" it$ you;re o"ly goi"g to get better a"d better A"d we #ould do that with all of your powers 8 73i"e 8 + sighed 7@ou wa"t to see what + #a" doA8 7+;m dyi"g to see everythi"g you #a" do 8 7Be #areful what you wish for$8 + grumbled$ a"d the" too' off ru""i"g + was go"e for probably about te" se#o"ds !he" + got ba#'$ 6ya" still loo'ed da/ed from seei"g me disappear 79ere 8 + dumped a fistful of sa"d i"to his ha"d 6ya" loo'ed dow" with wide eyes 7+s that?8 9e #ast his ga/e dow" the mou"tai" behi"d us at the la'e 75id you )ust goD8 + loo'ed over his shoulder at the la'e below a"d shoo' my head 7<ope (hat would be Pa#ifi# O#ea" sa"d Carmel Bea#h$ a#tually$ i" .o"terey 8 + shrugged whe" his mouth fell ope" 7<othi"g but the best 8 + waited for 6ya" to do or say somethi"g +t too' him a mi"ute$ but as he;d promised earlier$ he did";t frea' out 7@ou )ust we"t all the way to .o"tereyA (hat;s li'e a five*hour drive from here 8 + shrugged agai" 7+;m fast Of all my powers$ speed is the stro"gest$ the" probably the heari"g (hose are the o"es + use the most All the others + #a";t do Buite as well 8 6ya" was still tryi"g to 'eep his game fa#e o"$ but he had that overwhelmed loo' i" his eyes agai" 9e #ould";t stop stari"g at me$ so + lea"ed agai"st the por#h raili"g a"d loo'ed out over the water to avoid his ga/e After a mi"ute he )oi"ed me O"#e he was loo'i"g at the la'e a"d "ot me$ he was able to spea' a lot easier 7So$ you;re fast$ you #a" hear$ a"d you #ould murder me with a si"gle tou#h A"d you;re sayi"g there;s more you #a" doA8 7<ot mu#h Aside from the wal'i"g battery part$ everythi"g seems to be stri#tly physi#al .y dad has a theory about that 8 7+ love theories08 After + gave him a pe#uliar loo' 6ya" e=plai"ed himself 76emember the o"e about you a"d the mafiaA8 9e shrugged$ guilty 7(hat was";t my first 8 + do";t '"ow how 6ya" ma"aged to 'eep a straight fa#e be#ause + sure #ould";t + #ra#'ed up$ but that made it a lot easier to tell the story 7(he tru#' that was #arryi"g the waste + was doused i" had #ome from a fertili/er pla"t .y dad thi"'s that the ele#tri#ity from the power li"es #oo'ed all that fertili/er stuff i"to my body li'e some sort of super .ira#le*Gro #o#'tail !e thi"' it;s e"ha"#ed me

physi#ally$ )ust li'e it would grass or whatever 8 7So is that why your hair grows i" gree" "owA8 he as'ed with a devilish gri" 79a$ ha$8 + said 7+s it a grassy gree"A Or more of a "eo" gree"A8 + ig"ored him 7Sorry$8 he said$ laughi"g at himself 7+ )ust #a";t pi#ture you with gree" hair @ou;ll have to show me sometime 8 7@eah$8 + said$ s"orti"g 76ight 8 7!hy "otA8 7Hh$ maybe be#ause +;d have to let it grow out for you to see it$ a"d +;d loo' li'e a ma)or frea' + might be able to get away with it i" Fos A"geles$ but Sa#rame"toA8 6ya" frow"ed a"d the" tried to "egotiate 7O'ay$ fi"e But the eyes @ou have to let me see the eyes 8 + #ut my ga/e ba#' to the water H"li'e with the hair$ + did";t really have a good e=#use "ot to show 6ya" my eyes But +;m "ot )ust self*#o"s#ious about my post*a##ide"t loo'sD+;m su$erself* #o"s#ious .y eyes were the most frea'ish thi"g about me$ a"d "o way was + goi"g to let 6ya" wi" this o"e 7@ou;ve see" them$8 + said$ my mi"d made up 7+ barely saw the o"e$ a"d o"ly for a few se#o"ds (hat does";t #ou"t 8 75oes too 8 7So does "ot08 !hatever loo' + gave 6ya" )ust the" was e"ough to ma'e him throw his ha"ds up i" defeat 7O'ay$ o'ay$ fi"e$8 he said 7!e;re tal'i"g about the a##ide"t @our dad;s theory about you bei"g .ira#le*Gro Girl?8 + glared at him agai"$ but de#ided to let the stupid "i#'"ame slide (his time 7(he #hemi#als + was doused i" somehow amped up all my physi#al se"ses Speed a"d agility$ sou"d$ sight$ stre"gth$ smell$ taste 8 7@ou have supertasteA8 6ya" as'ed 7+t;s "ot my favorite superpower Basi#ally my taste buds are superse"sitive )ust li'e everythi"g else .ostly it )ust ma'es me superpi#'y 5rives my mom i"sa"e 8 7(he world;s first superhero food #riti# !at#h out$ !olfga"g Pu#' 8 6ya" laughed agai"$ a"d + felt myself bei"g i"to=i#ated by his laughter +;ve "ever )o'ed arou"d about my powers before (he o"ly people +;ve ever tal'ed about them with are my pare"ts$ a"d the" we;re always so serious +;ve "ever thought about the possibility of them bei"g fu" before$ but sta"di"g there with 6ya"$ laughi"g a"d )o'i"g arou"d$ + was starti"g to see how he #ould be optimisti# Optimism obviously is";t o"e of my stro"ger Bualities$ but it seemed to be a superpower for 6ya" 79ow #ome you are the way you areA8 + as'ed whe" the laughter died dow" 6ya" was surprised by the Buestio" 9e smiled a little warily a"d the" as'ed$ 7!hat way am +A8 7+;ve "ever met a"yo"e li'e you before @ou;re so laid*ba#' all the time$ a"d you #a" fi"d the bright side of everythi"g @ou "ever let people upset you @ou;re )ust so? happy All the time A"d it;s #o"tagious <o o"e #a" light up a room the way you #a" 8 7<o o"e #a" light up a room the way you #a" either$8 he )o'ed 7+;m serious0 <o o"e #a" be as rela=ed as you are all the time 9ow do you do itA +f + #ould be half as #alm as you are$ + would";t "eed to go through your superpower boot #amp 8 7+" that #ase$ +;ll "ever give up my se#ret 8 7Seriously$ though$ 6ya"$ tell me somethi"g about yourself @ou '"ow everythi"g about me$ but you;re as mu#h of a mystery to me as + am to a"ybody else 8 + felt my "e#' heat up a"d loo'ed away$

hopi"g he would";t "oti#e the blush 7PleaseA8 + whispered shyly 7+ wa"t to u"dersta"d you too 8 + gla"#ed ba#' at 6ya" whe" he did";t say a"ythi"g$ a"d he seemed to be a millio" miles from where + was all of a sudde"$ lost i" his ow" world 1ust whe" + thought he would";t ope" up to me$ he said$ 7+t;s be#ause of my dad 8 9is eyes stayed glossy$ a"d they "ever left the water 7+ should have figured Self*help guru a"d all 8 7<ot Ge"eDmy real dad 8 6ya" fi"ally bro'e his stare to smile at me 7Ge"e;s a great guy$ a"d + guess he has helped me a lot (hat;s probably where + get my #o"fide"#e But the mild temperame"t #omes from my father 8 + sudde"ly reali/ed + did";t '"ow what had happe"ed to his dad + did";t '"ow if his pare"ts were divor#ed or if he had died + did";t eve" '"ow how lo"g ago 6ya";s mom got remarried + was afraid + was bri"gi"g up really pai"ful memories$ but + was so #urious + #ould";t tell him to stop 7.y dad is";t a bad guy "e#essarily$ but he was so miserable whe" he lived with us :verythi"g was su#h a big deal to him$ a"d he would pi#' a fight over the ti"iest thi"gs +f my mom somehow loo'ed at him fu""y$ if she a"swered the pho"e while they were tal'i"g$ if + spilled my )ui#e o" the table or dropped a pass whe" we were playi"g #at#h? 9e was always yelli"g a"d ma'i"g my mom upset over the most ridi#ulous thi"gs By the time my pare"ts got divor#ed they were fighti"g with ea#h other "i"ety*"i"e per#e"t of the time + spe"t most of my time hidi"g out at frie"ds; houses or i" my room 7.om )oi"ed a yoga #lass after my dad left$ as a way to deal with everythi"g$ a"d this woma" i" her #lass dragged her to o"e of Ge"e;s semi"ars Ge"e #ha"ged my mom;s life$ but it;s the memories of my dad that ma'e me the way + am +t;s )ust "ot worth it to be so stressed a"d a"gry about everythi"g Fife;s ge"erally "ot so badDmost people )ust #hoose to see the "egative 8 6ya" stopped for a mi"ute$ smiled "ervously at me$ a"d the" said$ 7+t;s 'i"d of li'e you @ou;ve bee" through a lot a"d have legitimate problems to worry about$ but do you eve" try to see the good thi"gsA @ou were give" a se#o"d #ha"#e at life$ 1amie :verythi"g about you is a wal'i"g$ tal'i"g mira#le$ but you;re wasti"g it 8 A"d + thought my pare"ts were good with the guilt trips? + started to #ry$ a"d to be ho"est + do";t thi"' 6ya" was surprised at all 7@ou;re right$8 + said 7+ am wasti"g it + hate my life :very si"gle day a part of me wishes + did";t survive that a##ide"t 8 7+t does";t have to be that way 8 7@eah but$ 6ya"$ +;m "ot li'e you + do";t '"ow how to )ust sha'e thi"gs off li'e they do";t matter !hat if + #a";t #ha"geA8 6ya" grabbed a"other lightbulb from his bag 7@ou;ve already started the pro#ess 8 (ears were falli"g fier#ely dow" my fa#e$ but + smiled through them a"d eve" let go this half sob$ half laugh + wa"ted to throw my arms arou"d him$ but the last time + did that he missed a day of s#hool$ so i"stead + wiped the tears from my #hee's 79ow ma"y of those did you bri"gA8 + as'ed$ poi"ti"g to the lightbulb 6ya" smiled$ grateful to see my good mood retur" 7Fet;s )ust say + #ame prepared 8 ----C9AP(:6 1I

9avi"g to fi"d e=#uses for all the time + spe"t with 6ya" over the "e=t few wee's was";t really mu#h of a problemDsi"#e my a##ide"t +;d #o"sta"tly bee" ta'i"g off for hours at a time$ #laimi"g + "eeded a little pea#e a"d BuietDbut my pare"ts; fridge was be#omi"g eve" more #rowded :very time + had 7pra#ti#e$8 as 6ya" #alled it$ + made sure to ta'e a mi"ute to #olle#t a"other mag"et + do";t '"ow if + was tryi"g to produ#e a stable alibi$ or if + was )ust hopi"g to ease some of the guilt + felt for lyi"g to my pare"ts + felt bad$ but + hu"g out with 6ya" a"yway Aside from the fa#t that + was sort of addi#ted to him$ he really was helpi"g me$ a"d that was too importa"t to ig"ore (he more we tested my powers$ the more aware my body be#ame of them + physi#ally felt li'e + had a better u"dersta"di"g of how they wor'ed a"d what my limitatio"s were Still$ "o matter what + did$ + #ould";t seem to separate the power from all my stupid emotio"s !ith every little mood swi"g all #o"trol would fly out the wi"dow +f 6ya" loo'ed at me the wro"g way$ + lost it +f 6ya" loo'ed at me the right way$ + lost it A"d whe"ever he tried to 'iss me$ somethi"g usually blew up Someo"e ought to tea#h him a little #o"trol So we gave the powers a rest$ a"d i"stead 6ya" taught me some of his stepdad;s theories o" stress ma"ageme"t a"d herbal suppleme"ts 9e also showed me proper meditatio" te#h"iBues !e did yoga together$ a"d eve" though + felt ridi#ulous$ + #ould";t de"y the positive effe#ts livi"g a healthier lifestyle were havi"g o" me .y dad "oti#ed the #ha"ges too$ a"d #ompletely floored me o"e Saturday eve"i"g with a hefty gift #ertifi#ate to Bar"es R <oble$ of all pla#es 7!hat;s this forA8 + as'ed$ u"able to fathom his reaso"s for givi"g it to me 7!ell$ + '"ow te#h"i#ally you still have";t made a"y frie"ds or gotte" a )ob$ but you;ve bee" a differe"t girl these last few wee's$ so +;m letti"g you off the hoo' 8 7!hat;s the #at#hA8 @eah$ + was suspi#ious .y dad does";t )ust ba#' dow" from stuff + totally get my stubbor""ess from him 7<o #at#h$8 he i"sisted 7!e o"ly wa"ted you to do those thi"gs be#ause you seemed so miserable$ but you;ve bee" so mu#h happier lately that eve" though you did";t do it my way$ you still ear"ed your freedom 8 7So +;m "ot grou"ded a"ymoreA8 + was still waiti"g for the pu"#h li"e 7<ot grou"ded a"ymore 8 7A"d what about 6ya"A8 7!hat do you mea"A8 7Am + still forbidde" to tal' to himA8 71amie$ + was";t grou"di"g you from 6ya" as pu"ishme"t$ it;s )ust that it;s tooD8 75ad$8 + i"terrupted$ "ot "eedi"g to hear what + '"ew he was goi"g to say 7@ou;ve got to see that there are goi"g to be ris's "o matter who + #hoose to tal' to !hether it;s 6ya" "ow or someo"e else who gets to '"ow me i" the future :ither + stay lo#'ed up i" this house forever a"d ma'e sure that "o o"e ever lear"s the truth$ or + ma'e frie"ds a"d ris' someo"e fi"di"g out + #a";t have it both ways But believe me$ if there;s a"ybody that does";t wa"t the world to figure out +;m a frea'$ it;s me 8 .y pare"ts both frow"ed at my use of the word 7frea'$8 but + "ever bro'e my #o"#e"tratio" + gave my dad the most ear"est smile + had i" me 7+;m the o"e this happe"ed to +t;s my se#ret$ my life @ou;ve got to give me a little more trust that + '"ow what +;m doi"g 8 (his seemed to ma'e my dad thi"' about it$ but he was still #learly "ot #o"vi"#ed + '"ew + #ould";t )ust drop it a"d hoped + #ould get through this spee#h without blushi"g 7@ou said you wa"ted me to be happy 8 + shrugged sheepishly whe" + had both my pare"ts loo'i"g at me i"te"tly 76ya" ma'es me happy +t;s "ot eve" his fault (he 'id )ust has a gift 9e ma'es everyo"e happy 9e;s my best

frie"d$ my only frie"d$ a"d + "eed him 8 So mu#h for "ot blushi"g + felt my fa#e heat up$ a"d my shy"ess o" the sub)e#t fi"ally u"lo#'ed the tears of )oy my mother had bee" tryi"g so hard to hold ba#' (al' about embarrassi"g 7Oh$ for heave";s sa'e$ Sta"08 she whi"ed .y dad was Buiet for a mi"ute$ a"d the" fi"ally sighed 79o"ey$ if he;s respo"sible for the #ha"ges i" you$8 he said$ givi"g me a wary smile$ 7the" +;m grateful to him + guess if it;s really what you "eed$ the" + trust you 1ust promise me that you;ll be #areful about this 8 + ma"aged "ot to sBueal i" my mome"t of bliss$ but + bou"ded i"to his arms a"d pra#ti#ally '"o#'ed him off his feet 7(ha"'s$ 5addy08 + sBuea'ed as + 'issed his #hee' 7+ promise my se#ret will stay as safe as it;s always bee" 8 + 'issed him o" the #hee' agai" + #ould";t help it + was )ust so relieved to have my dad;s approval (his time he #hu#'led lightly a"d hugged me ba#' 7So$ #a" + go over to 6ya";s for a little whileA8 + as'ed whe" + pulled away from him 7(ell him the good "ewsA8 After a"other lo"g sigh$ my dad;s smile fi"ally faded 73i"e$ go$8 he said 71ust be #areful08 (his time + rolled my eyes at the war"i"g 76ya";s a really$ really good perso"$ 5ad @ou;ll see (here;s "othi"g to be worried about$ + promise 8 7(hat;s "ot what + mea"$8 he said$ putti"g o" his best dad fa#e 79e;s still a seve"tee"*year*old boy 8 + laughed whe" + reali/ed what he was tal'i"g about 75o";t worry$ 5ad +f he does";t 'eep his ha"ds to himself$ +;ll )ust /ap him 8 + wi"'ed$ a"d the" + blew out the door before he #ould #ha"ge his mi"d + was so giddy that + did";t bother drivi"g to 6ya";s house + had "o "eed to 'eep up appeara"#es with him$ a"d a #ar )ust was";t fast e"ough A"d si"#e this was the first time +;d made the effort to see him without him pra#ti#ally for#i"g me to$ he was pleasa"tly stu""ed whe" he fou"d me o" his doorstep 71amie0 !hat are you doi"g hereA8 7+ have good "ews 8 6ya" respo"ded immediately$ with a" e=#ited puppyli'e Buality 7@ou;re fi"ally ready to promote me to boyfrie"d statusA8 7Of #ourse "ot 8 + laughed 75o";t be ridi#ulous 8 7@ou;re goi"g to show me your eyesA8 7<i#e try 8 9e pouted for o"ly a se#o"d$ but the" his fa#e lit up agai" 7@ou lear"ed how to flyA8 (hat o"e was so u"e=pe#ted it stopped my trai" of thought 7!hatA8 7Come o"Dthat would be awesome a"d you '"ow it 8 7!ell$ + am pretty ama/i"g$8 + teased$ 7but + doubt eve" + #ould ever defy gravity 8 6ya" laughed as he pulled me i"to his house 9e the" immediately lo#'ed the door behi"d us li'e he was tryi"g to 'eep me from es#api"g 7O'ay$ the"$8 he said #autiously + thi"' he was";t Buite #o"vi"#ed yet that + was a#tually there 7So what is this really good "ewsA8 7+ #ame to let you '"ow that you are "o lo"ger off limits 8 76eally08 6ya";s eyebrows flew up with e=#ited #uriosity$ a"d the "e=t thi"g + '"ew$ his arms were se#ure arou"d my waist 75o";t get a"y bright ideas$ 6omeo !e;re still star*#rossed lovers 8 + peeled his ha"ds off my hips a"d laughed whe" he frow"ed at the dista"#e + put betwee" us 7I am still #ompletely off limits to you + )ust mea"t that my dad has lifted the 6ya" ba"$ a"d +;m "ow te#h"i#ally allowed to ha"g out with you 8 7Oh 8

+ do";t thi"' my "ews was as good for him as it was for me 9e was pouti"g rather patheti#ally 7+ do";t have to lie a"ymore$8 + said$ tryi"g to get the e=#iteme"t ba#' 7+ have to admit$ though$ pra#ti#e probably wo";t be "early as fu" "ow (he s"ea'i"g arou"d was 'i"d of hot 8 6ya" had "o witty #omeba#' this time 9e )ust gave me o"e of those loo's (he da"gerous 'i"d that tur"s my brai" to mush a"d ma'es me agree to whatever he wa"ts 7!hatever this mood you;re i" is$8 he said$ ta'i"g a step #loser to me$ 7+ really li'e it 8 + would "ever have admitted it to him$ but + really did too + was i" a great mood$ but + surprised eve" myself with my reply 7!ell the"$ you;re goi"g to love this$8 + said$ #losi"g the dista"#e betwee" us for o"#e 7Fet;s go out 8 7!hatA8 6ya" was so sure he;d heard me wro"g that the loo' of sho#' did";t #ome u"til after +;d repeated myself 7Fet;s go out$8 + said agai" 7All we ever do together is pra#ti#e !e "ever )ust ha"g out Fet;s forget my powers for o"#e$ a"d go see a movie or play mi"igolf or somethi"g 8 6ya" a#tually staggered ba#'ward +f it were";t for the fa#t that he was #ompletely spee#hless a"d #ould";t #lose his gapi"g mouth$ + would have thought he was tryi"g to be fu""y (he fa#t that he was serious made it "ot )ust fu""y but hilarious + #ould";t help my laughter 7+f you;re "ot i" the mood$8 + teased$ 7maybe a"other time 8 + rea#hed for the ha"dle o" the fro"t door$ a"d 6ya";s fi"gers fell o" top of mi"e before + #ould twist it 7Are you as'i"g me to ta'e you o" a dateA8 he as'ed$ still stari"g very wide*eyed at me 7+f you #all spe"di"g the eve"i"g with me havi"g fu" i" a very plato"i#$ stri#tly ha"ds*off$ absolutely*"o*'issi"g*at*the*e"d*of*the*"ight 'i"d of way a date$ the" yes + believe that;s what +;m as'i"g you to do (hat is$ if you do";t have a"ythi"g better to do to"ight + do reali/e that this is Saturday "ight$ a"d you are 6ya" .iller 8 6ya" pulled my ha"d away from the door a"d said$ 7A#tually$ there;s this big party to"ight a"d it would be a great #ha"#e for you toD8 + put my fi"ger to 6ya";s lips 9e was so surprised by my #asual tou#hDu""e#essary #o"ta#t was usually his )obDthat his words #aught i" his throat 7<ot a #ha"#e$8 + said 7+ '"ow all about .i'e 5ris#oll;s party$ a"d + am not goi"g 8 + removed my fi"ger from his lips a"d he immediately started to argue$ so + #lamped my whole ha"d over his mouth 7<o way$8 + war"ed 7+ u"dersta"d if you "eed to be thereDhe;s your best frie"d a"d all 8 6ya" "odded his head vigorously be"eath my fi"gers 7But$ pra#ti#e or "o pra#ti#e$ if + had to spe"d a" e"tire eve"i"g with .i'e$ Be#'y a"d Paige$ +;d probably 'ill someo"e O" purpose 8 6ya";s fa#e fell at my stateme"t a"d + felt myself starti"g to melt So + too' a page out of the 6ya" .iller ha"dboo' a"d pouted Patheti#ally + released a sigh that would have made eve" my father give me what + wa"ted 7+t;s o'ay$8 + said 7!e #a" go out some other time 8 + relu#ta"tly pulled my ha"d away from 6ya"$ a"d he rea#hed outDas +;d hoped he wouldDto stop me from leavi"g 7.i'e does throw parties all the time$8 he said hesita"tly 7+;m sure he;ll u"dersta"d if + miss )ust o"e 8 + smiled at my vi#tory But whe" 6ya" mat#hed my smile a"d brought my fi"gers ba#' to his lips to 'iss them$ + blushed (hat was the last time + blushed that whole "ight$ though 6ya" was the perfe#t 7stri#tly plato"i#8 ge"tlema" + admit he ha"dled himself way better tha" + thought he #ould 9e ope"ed every door$ refused to let me pay for a"ythi"g$ a"d did";t lay a si"gle fi"ger o" me all "ight Absolutely "o physi#al #o"ta#t whatsoever$ whi#h is defi"itely "ot the "orm for him 9e was so well behaved that it was almost disappoi"ti"g But the"$ the Califor"ia State 6ailroad

.useum is";t e=a#tly the most roma"ti# pla#e i" the world (hat;s right$ for our first date 6ya" too' me to Old Sa#rame"to$ where we pulled taffy$ pa""ed for fools gold$ a"d$ you guessed it$ toured the railroad museum Ah$ Sa#rame"toDthe #ity of love? All right$ the horse draw" #arriage ride past the #apitol was pretty roma"ti# But eve" the" 6ya" made "o attempt to tou#h me$ mu#h less 'iss me + thi"' he loo'ed at this date as some sort of test or maybe some 'i"d of barrier he;d fi"ally gotte" over$ a"d he did";t wa"t to lose a"y grou"d + did";t mi"d havi"g to settle for o"ly 'issi"g 6ya" i" my dreams afterward be#ause that o"e "ight of "ormal#y was more tha" + #ould have as'ed for + had su#h a great timeDo"ly 6ya" .iller #ould ma'e ha"gi"g at the trai" museum o" a Saturday "ight #oolDthat + was sure my awesome$ #arefree mood was goi"g to last forever + was wro"g .y bubble burst the mi"ute + got to s#hool o" .o"day 6ya" was already there$ a"d he was tal'i"g to .i'e a"d Paige i" the Buad + heard them from the par'i"g lot$ a"d yeah$ + have superheari"g$ but after a few mi"utes a"yo"e #ould have heard them from the par'i"g lot !ell$ heard Paige a"yway +t started out simple e"ough$ with Paige i" her si#'e"i"gly i""o#e"tDwhi#h "ever fools a"yo"eD voi#e$ as'i"g 6ya" how his wee'e"d was 7.issed you Saturday "ight 8 7(ha"'s +t;s always "i#e to be missed 8 9a0 (hat respo"se was so 6ya" + do";t thi"' Paige appre#iated it li'e + did$ though$ a"d .i'e #learly was";t happy with it 7+ #a";t believe you bailed o" my party$8 he grumbled 7Sorry$ dude$ somethi"g importa"t #ame up$8 6ya" said$ seemi"g u"fa/ed by .i'e;s a"ger 7+;ll ma'e it up to you$ though +;ll see if + #a" tal' Ge"e i"to letti"g us ta'e the boat out to the la'e this wee'e"d 8 7+ #alled you li'e fifty times !hat was so importa"t that you had to dit#h your best frie"dA8 .i'e dema"ded 7+ was out with 1amie 8 + was surprised to hear 6ya" get defe"sive$ a"d + thi"' .i'e was too$ be#ause he Buit pushi"g Paige$ o" the other ha"d? 7@ou were";t home o" Su"day either$8 she said poi"tedly 7+ was goi"g to see if you wa"ted to do somethi"g 8 6ya";s voi#e was almost too polite whe" he said$ 7Sorry + missed you + was at my stepdad;s #abi" all day Su"day A"other time though$ + promise 8 (hat;s whe" Paige s"apped her #ap +t was Buite sho#'i"g a#tually @ears of tryi"g so desperately$ a"d faili"g so miserably$ #aught up with her$ a"d she simply #ould";t ta'e it a"ymore 7@eah$ right$8 she grumbled bitterly 7!hatA8 + #ould hear the #o"fusio" i" 6ya";s voi#e as well as the hurt 7+ said$ yeah$ right08 she yelled 7(hat;s )ust your way of blowi"g me off agai" 6ya"$ if you do";t wa"t to go out with me$ the" )ust say so 8 (here was sile"#e for a mome"t a"d the" 6ya" said$ 7+;m sorry$ Paige 8 9e was bei"g si"#ere$ but that was";t goi"g to help him a"y <ot with Paige 7@ou;re a great frie"d$ but +;m "ot really loo'i"g for a"ythi"g else 8 7@ou mea" )ust "ot from me0 @ou;re "ot loo'i"g for a"ythi"g else from me 8 + #ould hear 6ya" swallow a lump i" his throat (he poor guy was probably sweati"g 7@es$8 he said #almly 7(hat;s what + mea" 8 +"dividually$ every gasp that followed 6ya";s #o"fessio" was relatively Buiet$ but there were appare"tly e"ough people wat#hi"g the spe#ta#le that #olle#tively the sou"d pra#ti#ally shoo' the walls

!ell$ that a"d Paul !arre" yelli"g$ 7Oh$ s"ap08 loud e"ough to rattle my fo#used ears Paige was obviously too upset to spea'$ but .i'e #ame to her defe"se 7(hat was harsh$ dude !hat;s your problemA8 6ya" sighed 7She as'ed for the truth 8 + #old hear Paige s"iffli"g$ a"d the" 6ya" tur"ed his voi#e to almost a whisper 7+;m sorry$ Paige + )ust do";t see a"ythi"g ever wor'i"g out betwee" us 8 7@ou;ve "ever give" us a #ha"#e08 Paige sobbed 7!hat do you wa"t from me$ PaigeA @ou;re )ust "ot the right girl for me 8 6ya" said$ tryi"g to ma'e his voi#e sou"d stro"g agai" 7A"d the frea' isA8 Paige s#reamed She sou"ded li'e she;d stopped #ryi"g "ow$ a"d her voi#e was so full of a"ger that eve" + would have bee" afraid of her 7Oh$ do";t de"y it$ 6ya"0 +t;s so obvious it ma'es me si#'0 @ou li'e 1amie0 (he girl;s a frea'0 A" i#e Buee"0 She;s "ot #apable of havi"g feeli"gs0 She;s )ust usi"g you to hurt me a"d tryi"g to ma'e herself popular !as that o"e 'iss really worth givi"g up all your frie"ds to try to hoo' up with some slut who will "ever #are about you a"ywayA8 71amie;s "ot a frea'Dstop #alli"g her that A"d you;re "ot losi"g me as a frie"d$ Paige +;ve always bee" your frie"d +;m still your frie"d !hy #a";t + be 1amie;s frie"d tooA8 7+ do";t '"ow$ ma" Paige has a poi"t 8 +;d almost forgotte" .i'e was i"volved i" this fight$ but "ow$ eve" though he was";t yelli"g$ he seemed eve" a"grier tha" before 7!hatA !hat have + do"e that;s so badA8 6ya" fi"ally sou"ded e=asperated 7+ said + was sorry + missed your party o" Saturday 8 7(he party o" SaturdayA (ry everythi"g for the last two or three wee's0 Fo"er #hi#' is rubbi"g off o" you @ou;re losi"g ma)or poi"ts$ bro 8 7Oh$ Im losi"g poi"tsA Be#'y wo";t eve" loo' at you "ow 8 7At least + gave her a shot 8 7@ou did";t give her a shot @ou used her to get a little a#tio"$ the" dumped her the "e=t day 8 7+f Be#'y did";t wa"t a hoo'*up$ the" she should";t have go"e to the da"#e with me 8 Paige sudde"ly e=ploded ba#' i"to the #o"versatio" 7!ho #ares about Be#'yA (his is";t about Be#'y0 +t;s about you$ 6ya" @ou;re #ha"gi"g$ a"d it;s all be#ause of that frea'$ 1amie Ba'er08 7Ca" you blame meA8 6ya" yelled 7All + ever get from you guys a"ymore is this #rap08 (here was a pause$ a"d the" 6ya" let out a" a"gry breath 73orget this 8 +;d "ever see" 6ya" lose his temper before O'ay$ heard 6ya" lose his temper + still had";t see" this be#ause + was hidi"g i" my #ar <ot that +;m a #oward$ but + seriously doubt my showi"g up )ust the" would have made thi"gs better for a"yo"e Sudde"ly .i'e;s voi#e ra"g out 79ey$ .iller08 (here was a loud sma#' (he sou"d of fist hitti"g bo"e se"t a #hill through my heart$ a"d + immediately got out of my #ar 7@ou have "o idea how lo"g +;ve wa"ted to do that +t;s good to fi"ally have a reaso"$8 .i'e said$ #o"firmi"g my fears that 6ya" had )ust bee" pu"#hed 7+t;s a good thi"g you did$8 6ya" spat i" the most me"a#i"g voi#e +;d ever heard 7+t;s "i#e to '"ow who my real frie"ds are 1amie may be a"tiso#ial$ but at least she does";t prete"d to be your frie"d to your fa#e a"d the" trash you whe" you leave the room 8 75o";t worry + wo";t bother to wait till you;re go"e a"ymore 9ave fu" i" Foserville with Ba'er !e;re do"e08 (he #ommotio" e"ded + #ould hear the #rowd dispersi"g$ a"d as people made their way to their

#lasses$ they were murmuri"g about the s#e"e they;d )ust wit"essed$ all tryi"g to de#ide who was right +t sou"ded li'e the s#hool was about to be split i"to two opposi"g for#es + already '"ew whi#h side + was o"$ but as + made my way through the par'i"g lot + was tor" up i"side + was happy that 6ya" had fi"ally reali/ed what .i'e a"d Paige were really li'e$ but + '"ew he was hurt$ a"d + hated that + loved that he;d defe"ded me$ a"d eve" #hose" me over them$ but + hated that + was the #ause of his fight 9e;d do"e so mu#h for me$ a"d here + was teari"g his happy little world dow" <o"e of my happi"ess was worth 6ya";s pai" a"d sufferi"g + was )ust li'e Paige + #ould be every bit as mea" as she was$ a"d + was";t worthy of 6ya" + did";t '"ow what to do about it$ but + '"ew that 6ya" should";t be alo"e right "ow$ so + headed straight for the Buad a"d prayed that Paige a"d .i'e would be lo"g go"e before + got there (hey were$ a"d so was most of the s#hool be#ause first period was about to start$ but 6ya" was "ot alo"e Be#'y beat me to him + fro/e whe" + saw them together (hey made su#h a beautiful pi#ture that + "early #ried (hey were";t sayi"g a"ythi"g$ )ust huggi"g ea#h other i" a" embra#e so i"timate it #ould have bee" a 9allmar' #ard 6ya" was trembli"gDwith a"ger or hurt$ + #ould";t tellDa"d there were tears streami"g dow" Be#'y;s fa#e + wa"ted to be )ealous$ a"d + was$ but "ot for the reaso" most girls would be (heir hug was o"e of old frie"ds$ #omforti"g ea#h other be#ause they were hurti"g eBually + was";t )ealous that Be#'y was huggi"g 6ya"$ + was )ealous that she could + #ould";t hold 6ya" li'e that + #ould";t be #lose to him 6ya" was dyi"g for a relatio"ship$ but + #ould";t give that to him 6ya" a"d Be#'y stood there for what seemed li'e forever A"d for as lo"g as they held ea#h other$ + stood there$ wat#hi"g + felt li'e + should give them their priva#y$ but + was u"able to ma'e myself loo' away Be#'y was the first to move 7Are you o'ayA8 she as'ed$ pulli"g ba#' from 6ya";s arms to assess his eye +t was already tur"i"g purple 7+;m fi"e 8 6ya" sighed 7Shi"ers are se=y$ rightA8 Be#'y laughed o"#e through her tears a"d shoo' her head$ for#i"g 6ya" to sigh agai" 7At least he did";t brea' my "ose + #a";t believe he hit me 8 79e;s a )er'$8 Be#'y argued 7+ guess + deserved it + should";t have go"e off li'e that 8 7@ou did";t say a"ythi"g that was";t true 8 7But they;ve bee" my frie"ds for so lo"g 8 73orget them$ 6ya"$8 Be#'y whispered$ huggi"g her arms tightly arou"d his waist agai" 7(hey deserve ea#h other A"d you deserve better frie"ds 8 7@ou;re still my frie"d$ rightA8 7O"ly the best si"#e se#o"d grade 8 Be#'y pulled ba#' a"d smiled up at 6ya" 7(hat;s "ever goi"g to #ha"ge 8 (hey laughed as they hugged ea#h other agai"$ but Be#'y;s smile Bui#'ly faded 7(ha"'s for sti#'i"g up for me 8 7.i'e;s a" idiot + should have 'i#'ed his butt wee's ago But + thought it would all )ust blow over$ you '"owA8 7@eah 8 7Sorry 8 7<o 8 Be#'y sighed 7+;m sorry + did";t mea" to #ause a fight 8 75o";t worry about it (hat fight was really about 1amie a"yway 8 A sharp pai" ripped through me as + wat#hed 6ya" drag Be#'y off i" the dire#tio" of her first #lass +t was o"e thi"g for me to thi"' + was rui"i"g his life$ but it was e"tirely a"other to hear him

#o"firm it + had to get out of there + tur"ed arou"d a"d headed right ba#' to the par'i"g lot + #ould still hear 6ya" a"d Be#'y tal'i"g as + wal'ed 76ya"$ about 1amie$8 Be#'y started to say +t was #lear from her to"e that she was";t e=a#tly thrilled with our frie"dship either 7Fet;s "ot tal' about 1amie right "ow$8 6ya" i"terrupted her 7+;ve already had e"ough argume"ts for o"e day 8 7But she;s?8 + do";t '"ow what made her stop her se"te"#e$ but i"stead of repeati"g all the thi"gs Paige #alled me earlier$ all she said was$ 7+;m )ust worried about you 8 75o";t be8 was the last thi"g + heard before + started my #ar a"d sped away from s#hool + we"t home$ a"d my fa#e was so pale it was easy to #o"vi"#e my pare"ts that + did";t feel well + might as well have had a legitimate ill"ess be#ause + was miserable all day Sure$ it was self*i"fli#ted sufferi"g$ but + doubt eve" the "astiest virus #ould have made me feel worse + fell asleep after lu"#h a"d did";t wa'e up agai" u"til there was a soft '"o#' at the door + said$ 7Come i"$8 assumi"g it was my mother #he#'i"g o" me for the millio"th time$ a"d did";t ope" my eyes u"til + reali/ed that the ha"d pushi"g my hair ba#' was mu#h too big to be my mother;s 79ow are you feeli"gA8 6ya" as'ed softly whe" my eyes flew ope" 7@our mom said you;re si#' 8 + had too ma"y Buestio"s to figure out whi#h to as' first$ so i"stead + )ust rea#ted o" i"sti"#t a"d gasped at the awful bruise #overi"g the right side of his fa#e 7@our eye08 9e gave me a lopsided gri" 7Se=y$ rightA8 + #ould";t eve" laughDit loo'ed that awful 7+t loo's pai"ful 8 7+t;s "ot so bad 8 6ya" did";t elaborate at all$ a"d + did";t '"ow what else to say$ so + started as'i"g my Buestio"s 7!hat are you doi"g hereA8 7@ou were";t at s#hool + was worried 8 After everythi"g he;d bee" through today$ he was worried about meA +t was so sweet$ a"d yet it made me feel that mu#h worse 9ow #ould he still be givi"g me that #arefree smileA 9e had to be hurti"g + wa"ted to as'$ but + did";t wa"t to be the first to bri"g it up 7Should";t you be at pra#ti#e right "owA8 6ya";s smile tur"ed sheepish$ a"d he poi"ted to the bruise o" his fa#e 75ris#oll a"d + got suspe"ded for the rest of the wee' (hat i"#ludes all s#hool*related a#tivities Coa#h was so mad he burst a #apillary i" his eye 8 + #ould";t believe he was laughi"g + did";t thi"' it was fu""y 7!hy did you get suspe"dedA .i'e was the o"ly o"e who pu"#hed a"ybody 8 79ow do you '"ow + did";t beat his butt to the grou"d for itA @ou were";t at s#hool today 8 Oops 7+ was u"til your best frie"d pu"#hed you o" a##ou"t of me After that + was pretty sure "obody wa"ted to see me there 8 7+ did 8 7@ou do";t #ou"t 8 +"stead of a pout$ 6ya" gave me a"other smir' 7+ thought + was the o"ly o"e who did #ou"t 8 + sighed 76ya" 8 + was upset$ a"d it too' me a mi"ute to steady my voi#e 7.i'e was right <ot about you bei"g a )er'$ but you have bee" spe"di"g a lot of time with me lately @ou;re losi"g your frie"ds over me$ a"d + #a";t ha"dle that .aybe we should stop ha"gi"g out 8 6ya" gave me a very "o*"o"se"se loo'$ but he was";t a"gry with me 7@ou;ll have to 'ill me first 8 Agai"$ + did";t thi"' it was fu""y$ but this time he was";t )o'i"g 7<obody is losi"g a"ythi"g

Paige is )ust )ealous$ a"d .i'e;s always loo'i"g for a fight (hey;ll get over it as soo" as they get to '"ow you :verythi"g will be fi"e$ you;ll see 8 7!hat do you mea"$ whe" they get to '"ow meA <obody;s getti"g to '"ow me 8 7+ thought that was the reaso" for all the pra#ti#e$ so you #ould have e"ough #o"trol to be safe arou"d people @ou;re doi"g so mu#h better "ow that + )ust assumed you;d wa"t to start meeti"g other people 8 7!ro"g 8 7But whyA + thought you wa"ted to have frie"ds Five a "ormal life 8 7+f that mea"s ha"gi"g out with .i'e a"d Paige$ the" tha"'s but "o tha"'s 8 71amie 8 +t was his tur" to sigh 7@ou;ve got to get over yourself @ou #a";t )ust hate everyo"e all the time @ou;re )ust s#ared$ but there;s really "othi"g for you to be afraid of 8 7:asy for you to say @ou;re 6ya" .iller0 @ou;re perfe#t0 +;m a frea'$ rememberA8 7+ wish you would Buit sayi"g that 8 7!hy de"y what + amA8 7@ou;re "ot a frea'$ but + mea"t + wish you would stop #alli"g me perfe#t +;ve got ple"ty of issues 8 7Fi'eA8 7Fi'e my "eed to be perfe#tA + ma'e people li'e me be#ause + #are so mu#h what they thi"' about me that + do whatever it ta'es + put up with Paige eve" though she drives me #ra/y be#ause +;d rather go "uts tha" have her "ot li'e me + do";t eve" really li'e football all that mu#h$ but + play be#ause + '"ow it;s what my dad li'es best about me$ a"d eve" though he left$ + still "eed his approval 8 + #ould";t believe what + was heari"g 6ya"A Self*#o"s#iousA +t #ould";t be 7+t;s si#' the thi"gs + do )ust to ma'e other people happy +;ve always admired you$ 1amie$ si"#e your first day of s#hool here + was sta"di"g "e=t to .i'e whe" he as'ed you out$ a"d you laughed at him li'e he was #ra/y + did";t u"dersta"d how a"ybody #ould do that$ but you really did";t #are what he thought of you @ou did";t #are what a"ybody thought @ou have "o idea how mu#h + wish + #ould be more li'e you 8 + was stu""ed spee#hless Fiterally !ithout spee#h 7@ou must be rubbi"g off o" me$8 6ya" teased after it was #lear + was";t goi"g to respo"d$ 7be#ause +;m "ot givi"g you up for a"ythi"g$ "o matter how ma"y people + ma'e u"happy over it 8 9e smiled playfully$ but the loo' faded Bui#'ly 7+ really wish you;d ma'e a" attempt to get to '"ow my frie"ds + '"ow it;s hard to believe$ but they really are";t bad people 8 9e smiled at me a"d the" Bui#'ly pressed his lips to my forehead before sta"di"g up from my bed 7(hi"' about it$ please Besides the fa#t that it would be good for you$ they mea" a lot to me$ a"d + would love for you to '"ow them 8 !he" he said that$ all + #ould see was him a"d Be#'y i" ea#h other;s arms (hey did";t mea" a lot to him$ she mea"t a lot to him .aybe she should 6ya" had #ome over to see if + was feeli"g a"y better$ but all his visit did was ma'e me feel worse 7Get some rest$8 he said$ #o"#er"ed by the "ew loo' of despair sudde"ly promi"e"t o" my fa#e 9e waited for a mome"t before steppi"g out of my room$ hopi"g + might tell him what + was thi"'i"g$ but whe" + did";t$ he for#ed o"e last smile 75o";t forget we said pra#ti#e o" Su"day +;ll pi#' you up at te" 8 -----

C9AP(:6 1> (ha"'s to .i'e a"d his it#hy pu"#hi"g fist$ + had";t see" 6ya" all wee'$ a"d + was stu#' with "othi"g but my thoughts to e"tertai" me at s#hool <ot good All + #ould thi"' about was his fight a"d how it was my fault A"d the"$ of #ourse$ there was Be#'y She was still )ust as withdraw" as she;d bee" for wee's "ow$ but she seemed more #o"te"t to be that way + '"ew the #ha"ge #ould o"ly be be#ause of what happe"ed with 6ya"$ a"d that got me thi"'i"g eve" more By the time 6ya" showed up Su"day mor"i"g$ )ust as he;d promised$ + was #ompletely out of it Seei"g him should have #heered me up$ "ot depressed me eve" more$ espe#ially whe" he dema"ded we wor' out together @ou see$ there;s 6ya" .iller$ a"d the" there;s 6ya" .iller wor'i"g out Shirtless$ sweat gliste"i"g o" his hard s'i"$ slow fo#used breathi"g for#i"g his #hest to e=pa"d )ust as his abdome" tighte"s arou"d ea#h i"dividual mus#le i" it? +t should have bee" e"ough to s#or#h my eyes a"d re"der me useless$ but + did";t eve" "oti#e the perfe#tio" i" fro"t of me + did";t reali/e )ust how somber + was u"til 6ya" pulled me from my thoughts with a #hu#'le 7@ou '"ow$8 he said$ "ow merely usi"g his be"#h press as a fro"t*row seat to wit"ess my wor'out 7+ thi"' you were right .a'i"g you wor' out was a really bad idea 8 7!hyA8 + frow"ed at the tru#' + was be"#h*pressi"g 6ya" had spe"t the last three wee's tryi"g to #o"vi"#e me that + "eeded to wor' o" my super*stre"gth 9e said that for a superhero + was 7superwimpy 8 7Aside from the fa#t that the 3*2L0 you;re pumpi"g is ma'i"g me feel e=tremely i"adeBuate$8 6ya" said$ 7+;m afraid that if you do";t stop doi"g that$ you;re goi"g to e"d up throwi"g it at me 8 7!hy would + throw a tru#' at youA8 7Be#ause you usually get really #ra"'y whe" + try to 'iss you$ a"d if you do";t stop loo'i"g so dow"right se=y$ +;m goi"g to have to do )ust that 8 + too' a slow breath$ lowered the tru#'$ a"d pushed it high above me agai" As + did$ + #ould feel my po"ytail sti#'i"g to the ba#' of my "e#' + was sure + loo'ed a"ythi"g but se=y$ a"d 6ya" seemed to be able to read my thoughts 7+;ve "ever see" you brea' a sweat before$8 he #o"fessed 7+t;s got my mi"d i" the gutter big*time 8 (he heat + felt i" my "e#' "ow was from embarrassme"t i"stead of a raised heartbeat + s"ea'ed a Bui#' gla"#e at 6ya";s fa#e a"d sudde"ly felt li'e the sports bra a"d wor'out shorts + had o" were "ot "early e"ough #lothes O" the bright side$ + forgot about sul'i"g 7Juit ob)e#tifyi"g me right "ow$ or + will throw this tru#' at you0 Go ta'e a #old shower or somethi"g while + fi"ish 8 7+;ve got a better idea !hy do";t you #all it Buits a"d #ome i" the hot tub with me 8 7Oh yeah$ that;s a brillia"t idea !hy do";t you )ust ta'e a soa' with a blow dryerA8 6ya" gave me a" a""oyed glare$ but dropped the sub)e#t a"d gulped dow" a bottle of water before throwi"g himself dow" o" the patio swi"g a"d #losi"g his eyes + #o"ti"ued my wor'out i" sile"#e for a few mi"utes +t was so pea#eful at 6ya";s #abi" that + "ever mi"ded whe" thi"gs got Buiet betwee" us$ but as + liste"ed to the "ature arou"d me + "oti#ed a stra"ge "oise that did";t seem to fit i" with the sou"ds of the woods 75o you hear thatA8 + as'ed before reali/i"g what a dumb Buestio" that was Of #ourse he #ould";t hear itK + #ould barely hear it 79ear whatA8 7A really Buiet hummi"g "oise + #a";t e=a#tly pla#e it$ but +;ve "ever heard it out here before 8 + set the tru#' #arefully ba#' o" the grou"d a"d liste"ed agai"

7+t;s probably )ust a boat dow" o" the la'e$8 6ya" offered +t did";t sou"d li'e a motor to me +t almost sou"ded ele#tro"i# But as soo" as +;d put the tru#' dow" it stopped 7(he la'e is behi"d the houseDthis "oise was #omi"g from out there 8 + poi"ted to the forest i" fro"t of the house a"d s#a""ed the trees agai"$ but + did";t see a"ythi"g !hatever it was$ it was go"e "ow$ so + )oi"ed 6ya" o" the fro"t por#h with a heavy sigh 7.aybe my mi"d is )ust playi"g tri#'s o" me + te"d to get a little para"oid whe" +;m doi"g thi"gs li'e lifti"g tru#'s out i" the ope" 8 6ya" sat up$ ma'i"g room for me "e=t to him o" the swi"g !he" + sat dow" he put his arm arou"d me$ a"d + did";t fight him !e;d bee" pra#ti#i"g so mu#h lately that + was less of a sti#'ler about him tou#hi"g me$ a"d + '"ew + was o'ay at the mome"t 7All right$ the"$8 he said$ obviously happy that + had";t shrugged him off$ 7why do";t we wor' o" somethi"g a little more subtle if you;re worriedA 9ow about your heari"gA +;ll start si"gi"g$ a"d you go for a )og Call me whe" you #a";t hear me a"ymore (hat;s "ot so obvious as be"#h*pressi"g my tru#' 8 6ya" gave me a sBuee/e$ a"d havi"g his arm arou"d me remi"ded me of the mood +;d bee" i" all wee' A flash of him wrapped up i" Be#'y;s arms i"sta"tly made my heart drop i"to my stoma#h 7+ do";t feel li'e pra#ti#i"g a"ymore today$8 + said 6ya" heard the disappoi"tme"t i" my to"e 7All right +t;s lu"#h time a"yway$ a"d +;ve offi#ially wor'ed up a" appetite 8 + #ould tell by his #areful to"e$ that 6ya" was resisti"g the urge to as' me what was wro"g$ but he;s good at that for o"ly so lo"g + did";t wa"t to e=plai" it to him$ so + de#ided to try to distra#t him 7@ou li'e <ew @or'Sstyle pi//aA8 6ya" i"sta"tly per'ed up .issio" a##omplished 7+;m a guy + love all forms of pi//a 8 7!ell$ + happe" to '"ow where to fi"d the best pi//a i" the #ou"try$ so why do";t you poi"t me i" the dire#tio" of a bathroom$ a"d o"#e +;m #lea"ed up +;ll ru" get us lu"#h 8 7Aw$ #ome o"$ Ba'er +;m diggi"g that post*wor'out loo' 8 7.ore li'e post*wor'out stink 5o";t forget + have a heighte"ed se"se of smell 8 + laughed whe" 6ya" wri"'led his "ose Obviously he had";t thought of it li'e that 7Gross 8 7+ '"ow$ so ma'e sure you shower up while +;m out getti"g the pi//a 8 7@es ma;am 8 6ya" saluted a"d mar#hed me i"side to the bathroom 3orty*five mi"utes later + retur"ed to the #abi" with a hot pie from 6i##i;s + plopped it dow" o" the patio table$ where 6ya" had barely sat dow" to wait for me$ a"d his eyes grew really big whe" + lifted the lid 7+;m telli"g you$ best pi//a i" the #ou"try 8 + said 7(his loo's ama/i"g0 !here did you get this fromA8 7(his little tow" i" +lli"ois 8 7@ou mea" that state #lear o" the :ast CoastA8 6ya" as'ed i"#redulously 7!ell$ te#h"i#ally it;s the .idwest 5id you sleep through geography tooA8 7!hatever + )ust mea"t that it;s "ot e=a#tly arou"d the #or"er 8 6ya" stared at the sli#e of pi//a i" his ha"ds for a mome"t as if it were magi#al$ but whe" the smell rea#hed his "ose$ he s"apped out of it O"#e he was o" his third or fourth pie#e$ he fi"ally slowed dow" e"ough to #arry o" a #o"versatio" politely 7+ #a";t believe you )ust we"t all the way to +lli"ois 8 7+t is 'i"d of surreal sometimes whe" + thi"' about what + #a" do$8 + admitted 7+ wish + had powers too 9ow mu#h fu" would it be if + #ould )ust go trompi"g arou"d the #ou"try o" a whim a"d still be ba#' i" time for di""erA +;d be at .iami Bea#h all the time Or <ew @or' 8 + '"ew what he mea"t$ but + #ould";t stop his #omme"t from rippi"g at my stoma#h + would "ever wish for somethi"g so awful to be pla#ed o" a"yo"e$ espe#ially "ot 6ya" But the"$ my powers had";t

seemed li'e "early as mu#h of a burde" si"#e +;d told 6ya" about them$ a"d part of me agreed that it would be ama/i"g to be able to drag 6ya" off to my favorite spot with me 7(he Gra"d Ca"yo"$8 + whispered 7!hatA8 + blushed as + remembered the first dream of mi"e 6ya" ever starred i" 7+f + #ould ta'e you a"ywhere with me$ +;d ta'e you to the Gra"d Ca"yo"$ "ot <ew @or' Best su"sets o" the pla"et 8 6ya" #o"sidered this for a mi"ute a"d the" smiled 7!e;ll pla" a trip sometime @ou;ll )ust have to go by pla"e li'e us mere mortals 8 7Fi'e you mortalsA8 + groa"ed 7Oh please0 Shut up a"d eat that last pie#e 8 6ya" laughed but did as he was told$ a"d was Buiet as he polished off the last of the pi//a !he" he was fi"ished he fi"ally bro'e the sile"#e 7Ca" + as' you a Buestio"A8 7Sure 8 7But you have to promise "ot to frea' out 8 (hat made me a little "ervous$ but my #uriosity got the better of me 7O'ay$8 + agreed slowly 7+ was )ust wo"deri"g?8 7@eahA8 7!ell$ + was )ust thi"'i"g about how you got your powers 8 + felt butterflies i" my stoma#h as + remembered the a##ide"t 7A"dA8 6ya" gulped "ervously$ but he loo'ed determi"ed to spit out whatever was o" his mi"d 7+ was )ust wo"deri"g why?5ere'8Dhe stumbled over the "ameD7did";t e"d up li'e you 8 + #ould";t hide my sho#'$ a"d 6ya";s fa#e paled whe" he reali/ed he might have upset me 7+ do";t mea" to pry$8 he said shyly 7+t;s )ust that$ well$ if it was the waste from the tru#' #ombi"ed with the ele#tri#ity that gave you your powers$ the" should";t 5ere' have gotte" them too$ i"stead of?you '"ow?8 + felt li'e + was goi"g to be si#' +t was a logi#al e"ough Buestio" Obvious eve"$ if you really thought about it$ but + still "ever e=pe#ted 6ya" to ma'e that #o""e#tio" +t was part of a se#ret +;d swor" to ta'e with me to the grave But + had to a"swer him somehow + wat#hed 6ya";s fa#e #arefully as + spo'e$ u"sure of what + was sear#hi"g for e=a#tly but terrified all the same 75ere' was";t i" the #ar whe" the tru#' hit me 9e was";t sprayed with the #hemi#als$ )ust ele#tro#uted 8 6ya" was Buiet for a mi"ute$ a"d + wo"dered if he #ould see me trembli"g 7!hat was he doi"g if he was";t i" the #ar with youA !here was heA8 7!e were #omi"g ba#' from this pla#e we li'ed to go to sometimes A" old bridge over a big irrigatio" #a"al hidde" i" the middle of a #or"field +t;s a "i#e Buiet pla#e for starga/i"g + beat him ba#' to the #ar$ a"d right after + got i"$ that;s whe" the tru#' appeared 8 (his a"swer seemed to suffi#e for the time bei"g$ a"d whe" he hesitated + be#ame desperate to #ha"ge the sub)e#t (here were still Buestio"s he #ould as' Juestio"s that + '"ew he would as' if he had time to thi"' about them Juestio"s that + '"ew + was";t prepared to give a"swers to <ot eve" to 6ya" 7Ca" + as' you a Buestio"A8 + as'ed Bui#'ly whe" he started to ope" his mouth$ a"other Buestio" drippi"g from his lips 9e #ho'ed o" his words$ surprised by my reBuest$ a"d the" "odded 7Sure$ a"ythi"g 8 7!hat;s the story with you a"d Be#'yA !hy have";t you guys ever go"e outA8 (hat o"e floored him A"d rightfully so +t was way more out of the blue tha" the o"e he;d as'ed me + had";t bee" pla""i"g to pry i"to this sub)e#t$ but + was #urious$ a"d my Buestio" a##omplished its purpose 6ya" forgot all about my a##ide"t a"d my dead boyfrie"d 7Hm?8 he stuttered$ still a little startled 7!ell$ a#tually we did for a while Ki"d of +f si=th grade #ou"ts 8 (he smile that sub#o"s#iously spread a#ross his fa#e was tragi#ally beautiful 7She was my first

'iss 8 7Oh 8 7@ou;re "ot worried about Be#'y$ are youA8 6ya" as'ed$ loo'i"g up at me with a" a"=ious e=pressio" + guess my disappoi"tme"t was poorly disguised Of #ourse + had "o reaso" to be )ealous$ "o right to be$ but + was 7(here;s "othi"g li'e that goi"g o" betwee" us a"ymore (here has";t bee" for years a"d years + promise you$ 1amie$ you have "othi"g to worry about 8 6ya";s promise tore my heart i"to pie#es !hy was he de#lari"g his faithful"ess to me whe" we were";t eve" i" a relatio"shipA !he" we #ould "ever be i" a relatio"shipA 6ya" deserved so mu#h more tha" to waste himself o" a" impossible #rush$ a"d + #ould";t ta'e adva"tage of him li'e that +;d as'ed the Buestio" #asually$ but this #o"versatio" seemed a"ythi"g but #asual all of a sudde" 7(hat;s e=a#tly what has me worried though$ 6ya"Dthe fa#t that there;s "othi"g goi"g o" Be#'y is so pretty$ a"d aside from how she feels about me$ she seems really "i#e @ou obviously #are a great deal for her She #ould be the perfe#t girlfrie"d for you (hat;s somethi"g that + #ould "ever be @ou deserve the thi"gs she #ould give you$ all the thi"gs + #a";t 8 + was horrified whe" my eyes betrayed me a"d filled with tears + batted them away Bui#'ly$ but the damage had bee" do"e 6ya" was already o" his feet a"d s#oopi"g me out of my #hair$ i"to his arms 7But she #a";t be you$8 he i"sisted 75o";t you u"dersta"d that you;re the o"e + wa"tA @ou <ot Be#'y or Paige or a"y other girl that may or may "ot be able to ma'e out with me 1ust you 8 6ya" was doi"g his very best to wi" me over$ a"d + was so #lose to givi"g i" (oo #lose + #ould";t remember why + was supposed to resist him a"ymore + )ust '"ew that + should + bega" to #ha"t )o* )o* )o* over a"d over i" my head u"til + gai"ed some of my stre"gth ba#' 7<o$8 + fi"ally ma"aged to say out loud$ o"ly it #ame out as a fai"t whisper 7@ou should";t wa"t me$ 6ya" 8 + pulled myself out of 6ya";s grip a"d started to ru" + do";t '"ow why + did";t ta'e off at superspeed Still feeli"g the fu//y effe#ts of his 7)ust me8 spee#h$ maybe + o"ly got as far as the fro"t steps 6ya" grabbed me by the wrist$ whirled me arou"d$ a"d pulled me dow" o"to the por#h swi"g we;d bee" sitti"g o" earlier 7Oh "o you do";t @ou are "ot ru""i"g away from me this time 8 76ya"$ please08 7<o08 9e #lamped his arms arou"d me a"d held me dow" beside him o" the swi"g <ot i" a s#ary aggressive way$ )ust so that + #ould";t get away without goi"g super*1amie o" him 7+f you do";t wa"t to be with me be#ause you;re "ot ready for a"other relatio"ship or you do";t li'e me that way$ the" that;s fi"e + #a" respe#t that + #ould eve" deal with the e=#use that you;re )ust too s#ared (hat;s a lame e=#use$ but it;s o"e + #ould live with !hat + #a";t live with is you playi"g the martyr be#ause you do";t thi"' you;re good e"ough for me$ u"dersta"dA8 + too' that as a rhetori#al Buestio"$ but + stopped strai"i"g agai"st his grip 9e felt me rela= a"d "arrowed his eyes at me as he let me go + slumped ba#' i" my seat a"d did";t fight him whe" he slid his arm arou"d me a"d tu#'ed me se#urely i"to his side 9e let out what sou"ded li'e a sigh of relief a"d the" rested his head o" top of mi"e + wo"dered what he was thi"'i"g about as we sat there$ but + did";t as' + had a feeli"g + was better off "ot '"owi"g this time$ be#ause he buried his "ose i" my hair a"d i"haled really deeply before pla"ti"g a 'iss o" the side of my head (he" the arm he had arou"d my shoulder dropped dow" my ba#' a"d slid arou"d my waist i" order to pull me eve" tighter to him 3or a split se#o"d his fi"gers slid a#ross the bit of my s'i" that was e=posed betwee" the bottom of my (*shirt a"d the top of my low*rise )ea"s + was";t sure if he;d "oti#ed the #o"ta#t$ but + sure did$ a"d the brief tou#h se"t a sho#' wave through me 6ya" did "oti#e 9is fi"gers Bui#'ly fou"d their way ba#' to my s'i"$ a"d the" he slid his free ha"d firmly a#ross my stoma#h$ ma'i"g sure to #at#h as mu#h of my bare s'i" as he #ould before la#i"g

his fi"gers together$ lo#'i"g me i" his arms (he a#tio" raised goose bumps o" my s'i" 76ya" 8 + sighed relu#ta"tly +t was mea"t as a war"i"g 9e #ut me off with ge"tle authority 7Shh !e;re )ust goi"g to sit here for a mi"ute 8 9e did";t say a"ythi"g more be#ause he '"ew he;d wo" the argume"t <ot that +;d put up mu#h of a fight this time 6ya" was begi""i"g to lear" where my wea'"esses were a"d was artfully figuri"g out how far he #ould push me before + hit the pa"i# butto" o" him 9e waited a few mi"utes u"til + was #ompletely rela=ed agai"$ a"d the" he u"lo#'ed his ha"ds a"d bega" gra/i"g my s'i" with his fi"gertips 9is tou#h #aused a bur"i"g se"satio" that left a trail everywhere his fi"gers roamed .y whole body shuddered As + gasped$ tryi"g to fi"d e"ough breath to tell him to stop$ he #ut me off with a whisper 71amieA8 + #ould barely thi"' straight a"ymore 79mmA8 + breathed i" a voi#e so small + was";t sure if he;d heard me 7Kiss me 8 + shuddered agai" at his reBuest 7<o 8 + a"swered his Buestio" but did";t have the stre"gth to tell him to stop the torture his fi"gers were i"fli#ti"g + shuddered agai"$ for#efully e"ough that 6ya" stopped what he was doi"g a"d lo#'ed his ha"ds ba#' together 7@ou;re ready$8 he i"sisted 7+f you #a" ha"dle this$ the" you #a" ha"dle )ust o"e 'iss 8 Sudde"ly + felt his "ose brush agai"st my )aw 9is lips fluttered a#ross my ear as he whispered a fai"t$ 7PleaseA8 .y pulse was ra#i"g a"d + felt almost fai"t$ but + #o"#e"trated o" my breathi"g$ willi"g myself to stay #alm + was";t stro"g e"ough to resist him$ so + had to try my hardest "ot to hurt him A"d the" his ha"d was u"der my #hi" tilti"g my head up to his Our lips met before + eve" reali/ed what was happe"i"g$ a"d that was the e"d of it :very logi#al thought + had slipped right from my mi"d 1ust li'e the first time we 'issed$ my body pulled me to him li'e a mag"et to iro"$ a"d my arms wrapped themselves arou"d his "e#' + felt the flow of e"ergy pass through us$ a"d 6ya" respo"ded by pulli"g me #loser to deepe" his 'iss + felt the hairs begi" to rise o" the ba#' of his "e#' a"d started to pull away 7<o$8 6ya" gasped$ refusi"g to let me go 7<o$ it;s o'ay 8 6ya";s a persuasive guy$ a"d a" eve" better 'isser$ so whe" his lips #rashed dow" o" mi"e agai"$ + 'issed him ba#' with full for#e !he" + lost #omplete #o"trol of myself$ the flowi"g power be#ame more i"te"se tha" ever$ a"d + reali/ed + was "ot givi"g off e"ergy$ but rather pulli"g it to me + #ould feel my body su#'i"g power right out of the atmosphere arou"d me (he ele#tri#ity from the house$ a"d the power li"es that fed it$ #ame rushi"g at me i" all dire#tio"s :verythi"g felt so warm$ a"d a whirlwi"d of e"ergy bega" to #ir#le arou"d us whippi"g my hair about i" a wild fre"/y !he" 6ya";s e"tire body fi"ally bega" trembli"g agai"st me$ my passio" was Bui#'ly repla#ed with pa"i# + mea"t to simply push him ba#' e"ough to separate us$ but all of the e"ergy +;d #ha""eled had made me mu#h stro"ger tha" "ormal !he" my ha"ds pressed agai"st his #hest$ + a##ide"tally '"o#'ed him ba#' a good twe"ty yards 9e we"t flyi"g off the swi"g a"d over the por#h raili"g$ where he la"ded o" the dirt driveway +;d throw" him so far that + was sure +;d hurt him$ a"d + started to rush to his side But as + bou"ded dow" the steps$ + #ould feel that somethi"g was really$ really off with me <ot wro"g "e#essarily but defi"itely "ot good either + felt s#ary powerful All of the e"ergy +;d su#'ed i" was bou"#i"g arou"d i"side me li'e atoms i" a "u#lear bomb + stopped$ afraid that if + moved a mus#le + would lose #o"trol of all the wild power i"side me 9oldi"g still did";t seem to help (he e"ergy flowed through my body #ausi"g my arms a"d legs to sha'e with fury .y hair bega" flowi"g away from my head as if the e"ergy was tryi"g to es#ape

through ea#h i"dividual stra"d 9eat bega" to rise to the surfa#e of my s'i"$ a"d my palms felt li'e they were o" fire + was mome"tarily distra#ted from my situatio" whe" + heard a groa" 6ya" had regai"ed #o"s#ious"ess a"d sat up holdi"g a ha"d to his head + was #o"fused be#ause as far as he;d flow" there should have bee" some damage do"e$ but he loo'ed merely sha'e" up$ "ot really hurt 9e loo'ed arou"d i" a da/e for a mome"t u"til his eyes fell o" me 71amie08 (he way he s#reamed$ as if he feared for my life$ startled me from my tra"#e$ a"d the fire be"eath my palms sudde"ly e=ploded from me li'e bolts of light"i"g (he blasts shot straight out from my ha"ds$ whi//i"g over 6ya";s head by o"ly a #ouple of feet$ a"d /apped a giga"ti# pi"e tree behi"d him !ith a bli"di"g light a"d a deafe"i"g #ra#' of thu"der$ the base of the tree e=ploded out from u"der itself 6ya" hollered my "ame agai"$ but "ot as loudly as + s#reamed his$ be#ause the tree behi"d him was starti"g to fall H"able to ma'e myself move$ all + #ould do was s#ream$ 7Foo' out08 a"d poi"t at the three*foot*thi#' tru"' falli"g dire#tly toward him !ith "o time to pi#' himself up a"d ru"$ 6ya" threw his ha"ds above his head i" a" i"sti"#tive move to shield himself .y heart stopped beati"g as the tree #rashed dow"$ but to my asto"ishme"t$ 6ya" #aught the massive tru"' a"d held it steady above his head !e stared at ea#h other i" disbelief for a mome"t +t should have bee" impossible 9ow had it happe"edA hat had happe"edA + was worried$ but + wat#hed that i"famous beautiful gri" spread widely a#ross 6ya";s fa#e$ a"d he threw the tree behi"d him i" mu#h the same ma""er as +;d tossed him )ust mome"ts before 7(hat was frea'i"g awesome08 6ya" laughed as he rose to his feet$ but + #ould";t follow his lead 6elief$ sho#'$ a"d fatigue all #aught up with me i" that mome"t$ a"d + reali/ed that the e=plosio" had left me feeli"g #ompletely wea' .y mus#les were li'e 1ell*O$ a"d my '"ees bu#'led !he" 6ya" #ame rushi"g to my aid$ + s#reamed$ 7<o0 !ait08 But it was too late 6ya" grabbed me a"d ele#tri#ity surged through his body (he )olt 'i#'ed him hard$ '"o#'i"g him o" his ba#' 9is mus#les #o"tra#ted i" wild spasms for a se#o"d$ a"d the" he fell lifelessly agai"st the dirt ----C9AP(:6 1L +t #ould have bee" worse$ + guess (hough at the time + #ould";t see how But at the time + thought he was dead 9e sure looked dead$ whi#h mea"t +;d 'illed yet a"other boyfrie"d <ot that 6ya" was my boyfrie"d$ you '"ow$ te#h"i#ally$ but he was #lose e"ough + s#reamed at firstDso loud that +;m surprised the "eighbors did";t #ome to i"vestigate eve" if they did live "early two miles awayDbut the s#reams morphed i"to sobs whe" + "oti#ed him breathi"g A wave of relief washed over me$ but it was";t "early e"ough 9e was still u"#o"s#ious$ his hair was sta"di"g o" e"d$ a"d his s'i" loo'ed grossly pale + had to do somethi"g +f + had";t bee" sure +;d fry him all over agai"$ +;d have #arried him to a hospital already$ but as it was$ + #ould";t tou#h him + hated feeli"g so helpless + tried to #alm myself dow"$ but it was useless (he #ra/y emotio"s were rebuildi"g the e"ergy +;d e=erted with the blast of light"i"g + was already starti"g to feel stro"g

agai"$ a"d that made me da"gerous All + #ould do was sit there with him a"d wait + #ried$ beggi"g 6ya" to wa'e up$ u"til my ears #aught the sou"d of the fai"t hummi"g +;d heard )ust before lu"#h + su#'ed i" my sobs a"d tur"ed my eyes to the forest$ fo#usi"g all my atte"tio" o" the sou"d +t was defi"itely ele#tro"i# A video #amera maybeA A"d it was #omi"g from way off i" the dista"#e$ up the side of the mou"tai"$ deep i" the trees (he harder + liste"ed$ the more thi"gs #ame i"to fo#us !i"d pushi"g its way through the pi"e "eedles (i"y feet s#amperi"g i" the bra"#hes A "o"des#ript rustli"g i" the bushes Breathi"g A"d a heartbeat + was";t sure + was heari"g a huma"Da deer would breathe a"d have a heartbeat too At first + saw "othi"g$ but the ti"iest gli"t of su"light refle#ted off somethi"g up the hill$ a"d as + strai"ed my eyes everythi"g #ame i"to fo#us (he bush loo'ed "ormal e"ough$ but withi" its bra"#hes the #olors blurred together a few shades dar'er (here was defi"itely a figure hidi"g there 7Carter$8 + breathed + was fro/e" i" fear at the possibility that someo"e was wat#hi"g me + #ould";t tell for sure$ but what else #ould it beA (he sou"dA (he refle#ted lightA As + fra"ti#ally tried to figure out what to do$ + was startled by a horrible #oughi"g fit +t was the most beautiful sou"d +;d ever heard 7Are you o'ayA8 + as'ed$ tears retur"i"g to my eyes 7Oh$ 6ya"$ +;m so sorry08 6ya" pulled himself up As soo" as he had his wits about him his eyes fo#used o" me + was so sure +;d fi"ally pushed him over the edge$ frea'ed him out beyo"d repair + was #o"vi"#ed that he;d ru" away s#reami"g a"d "ever spea' to me agai" + was also #o"vi"#ed that that was";t su#h a bad idea$ but 6ya" surprised me (he #or"ers of his mouth slowly #rept upward a"d he said$ 7(hat !as Awesome08 9is voi#e was a little gruff$ but + #ould still hear the u"mista'able e=#iteme"t (he )olt had #learly fried his brai" 7!hatA8 7Fet;s do it agai"08 +f my fa#e was pale before$ "ow it was white as a ghost$ a"d 6ya" laughed at my e=pressio" 7+ do";t mea" the whole getti"g /apped part$8 he said 7(hough + always wo"dered what it would feel li'e to get (asered 3@+A +t su#'s But you are seriously the best 'isser i" the e"tire world So worth it A"d did you see thatA 3or a mi"ute + was stro"g li'e you08 6ya" gru"ted as he got to his feet After stret#hi"g all his stiff mus#les$ he stepped toward me with ope" arms 7Are you sui#idalA8 + s#reamed$ putti"g a good twe"ty feet betwee" us i"sta"tly 6ya" bli"'ed 7@ou;re "ot #alm yetA8 he as'ed 7CalmA8 + s#ree#hed 7CalmA 6ya"$ + "early 'illed you0 9ow #ould + possibly be #almA8 6ya" studied my fa#e for a mi"ute a"d the" rolled his eyes 9is smile tur"ed to a frow" 7@ou;re "ot goi"g to let me 'iss you ever agai"$ are youA8 +t was";t really a Buestio" 7A"d you say you;re "ot that smart 8 7Aw$ #ome o"$ 1amie Getti"g /apped was my ow" fault + should";t have tou#hed youD+ figured you did";t have a"y )ui#e left i" you whe" you #ollapsed .aybe we "eed to figure out a way for me to '"ow whe" you;re #harged up$ but the 'issi"g did";t hurt a"ythi"g @ou #a";t go i#e Buee" o" me over that 8 79elloA 5id you see the part where + shot light"i"g out of my ha"dsA8 7@eah$ #oolest thi"g +;ve ever see" 8 7Fight"i"g that missed your head by mere i"#hes a"d the" e=ploded a treeA8 7But it missed me$ a"d + #aught the tree whe" it fell <o harm do"e 8 + ope"ed my mouth to spea'$ but it too' a mi"ute before a"y words #ould es#ape it 7@ou are sui#idal 8 7!hat are you doi"gA8 6ya" as'ed whe" + headed arou"d to the ba#' de#' a"d gathered up my

thi"gs 7+;m leavi"g Playtime is over <o more pra#ti#e 8 71amie$ you #a";t )ust Buit 8 7!at#h me 8 + ig"ored his pleadi"g a"d /ipped up my ba#'pa#' 9e #hased after me as + bou"ded dow" the fro"t steps 71amie$ wait0 At least drive ba#' with me be#ause we should really tal' about this 8 7(here;s "othi"g to tal' about 8 7O'ay$ fi"e$ the" )ust humor me @ou may be able to get home i" a few se#o"ds$ but + have a" hour*a"d*a*half drive PleaseA8 6ya" gave me a ridi#ulous puppy*dog fa#e$ but his eyes seemed ge"ui"ely desperate + wa"ted to ta'e off$ but si"#e whe" have + bee" able to really wal' away from himA !e were sile"t all the way ba#' i"to tow" A #ouple of times 6ya" ope"ed his mouth to say somethi"g but the" thought better of it !e both '"ew that what he wa"ted to say would o"ly #ause a" argume"t :ve"tually he fou"d a way to bri"g up the sub)e#t without raisi"g my blood pressure 7@ou '"ow$ right before you did the thi"g with the light"i"g you loo'ed 'i"d of frea'y @ou;re hair was flyi"g all over the pla#e$ e=#ept there was";t a"y wi"d$ a"d your eyes were glowi"g 8 7Glowi"gA8 + gasped Somethi"g about that image was very disturbi"g 6ya" "odded a"d the" #autiously as'ed$ 7!hat do you thi"' happe"ed out there$ e=a#tlyA <ot )ust the glowi"g a"d the light"i"g$ but the thi"g with me a"d the tree 9ave you ever do"e that beforeA Fi'e a##ide"tally give" your pare"ts your powers or somethi"gA8 + wa"ted to 'eep Buiet$ but + #ould";t help the smir' that appeared o" my fa#e 7+;ve "ever e=a#tly made out with my pare"ts$ 6ya"$ so$ "o (he light"i"g a"d the glowi"g a"d the you thi"g? all firsts for me 8 7O'ay$8 6ya" said$ laughi"g 7But that is what happe"ed$ rightA !he" we 'issed$ you gave me your powers 8 7+t would appear so 8 79ow is that possibleA8 + shrugged$ but the" + really thought about it for a mi"ute a"d said$ 7+t must be the e"ergy 6emember how + told you that the e"ergy ma'es me feel differe"tA +;m obviously tra"sferri"g a little of that e"ergy to you$ a"d it must have the same effe#t o" you as it does o" me (hat;s got to be why you were so wired after we 'issed that first time$ a"d that day after + told you about me + bet you probably had powers the" too$ at least o" a small s#ale @ou )ust "ever thought to use them 8 75o you thi"' + had all your powers a"d "ot )ust the stre"gthA8 + shrugged 7Probably 8 7Cool 8 + was about to e=plai" to 6ya" )ust how not #ool that was$ whe" he distra#ted me with a"other thought 7+ wo"der why it wore off so fast this time .aybe the sho#' #a"#eled it out 8 7Sho#'A8 + repeated dryly 7+ thi"' you mea" ele#tro#utio" + guess it #ould be Or maybe it;s be#ause you used it up Bui#'er +t too' superstre"gth to #at#h that tree a"d toss it the way you did (hat probably ta'es a little more e"ergy tha" ru""i"g o" a treadmill 8 7.aybe +t;d be easy to test the theory$ though +;ll bet we #ould go to the Gra"d Ca"yo" after all !e should try it agai" "e=t Su"day a"d see if + #ould 'eep up with you 8 7<o0 <o way0 !e;re "ever doi"g it agai" + mea" itD"o more pra#ti#i"g08 7But you have to 'eep tryi"g 8 7Oh "o + do";t0 (his is";t football pra#ti#e$ o'ayA !e;re messi"g with somethi"g "either of us

u"dersta"ds$ a"d if + s#rew up you die @ou may "ot #are$ but + really do";t wa"t to 'ill you$ so we;re do"e :"d of story 8 + was do"e havi"g the dis#ussio" so + #le"#hed my )aw a"d #rossed my arms over my #hest 6ya"$ however$ was far from fi"ished argui"g with me 7So you;re )ust goi"g to give upA8 7(hat;s e=a#tly what +;m goi"g to do 8 7@ou;re goi"g to give up o" havi"g a "ormal lifeA Give up o" your ow" happi"essA8 6ya" paused a mome"t a"d the" added i" a surprisi"gly soft voi#e$ 7Give up o" usA Am + really the o"ly o"e who #ares about thatA8 9is voi#e #ut through my heart li'e a '"ife + was hurti"g him agai" + really hated doi"g that$ but + did";t have a #hoi#e$ a"d he refused to u"dersta"d that + was doi"g it for his ow" good 7Of #ourse you;re "ot the o"ly o"e who #ares about us$8 + admitted i" as ge"tle a to"e as + #ould 7+ wish we #ould be together too Probably more tha" you do But we )ust #a";t 5o";t you see thatA8 7@ou really wa"t to be with meA 6eallyA Fi'e the way + doA Fi'e boyfrie"d a"d girlfrie"dA8 Sudde"ly all of my #o"#er" for his feeli"gs va"ished 75o";t a#t so surprised$8 + groa"ed 7@ou;ve bee" sayi"g all alo"g that you '"ew + li'ed you 8 7!ell$ sure$ + hoped$ but + did";t know @ou;re very good at that whole a#ti"g deta#hed thi"g 8 7@eah$ well$ +;m "ot deta#hed <ot i" your #ase$ a"yway 9appyA8 6ya" still loo'ed li'e he did";t Buite believe me$ so + sighed 76ya"$ + li'e you a lot more tha" + #are to admit + was a lost #ause from the mi"ute you told me the truth about your bet with .i'e + heard your #o"versatio" before you #ame up to me$ you '"ow + '"ew what you were up to + was ready to #hew you up a"d spit you out$ but somehow you #ompletely wor'ed me over +;m still surprised that you ma"aged it 8 9e was truly sho#'ed "ow 7@ou;ve li'ed me si"#e the first time + tal'ed to youA8 + rolled my eyes$ but + still tur"ed red i" the #hee's 7+ would "ever have 'issed you if + did";t 8 7(he" why are you always so?8 6ya" did";t fi"ish his se"te"#e$ but he did";t "eed to + '"ew what he was as'i"g 7+ did";t wa"t you to '"ow how + felt + figured if you '"ew$ you would o"ly get more?6ya"*ish 8 76ya"*ishA8 6ya" li'ed the sou"d of that A"d worse$ he li'ed how a""oyed + sudde"ly was 7@es$8 + grumbled 7A"d whe" you start a#ti"g all 6ya"*ish + #a";t seem to say "o to you +t gets worse every day0 @ou get harder a"d harder to resist every time + see you 8 6ya";s #o"fide"#e retur"ed$ a"d he had that stupid #o#'y smile o" his fa#e +t was very 6ya"*ish$ a#tually 7!ell$ if it;s so hard$8 he said smugly$ 7the" )ust stop resisti"g 8 7Aghhh0 @ou do";t get it0 + have to resist0 <o 'iss$ "o matter how good it is$ is worth 'illi"g you for +;ve already lost o"e boyfrie"d + am not goi"g to lose a"other o"e0 5o you u"dersta"d meA8 6ya" did";t a"swer my Buestio"$ but he was positively glowi"g 7@ou )ust #alled me your boyfrie"d08 he a##used 7+D8 .y mouth dropped all the way to my lap 7+ did "ot08 7@es you did0 @ou said you were";t goi"g to lose a"other boyfrie"d$ a"d that would be meDthe other boyfrie"d you do";t wa"t to lose 8 7But?+?+?8 79a0 @ou said it$ a"d you #a";t ta'e it ba#'0 @ou are so my girlfrie"d "ow08 7+ am "ot08 7Are too0 7Am "ot08 7So are too08 7Aghhh08 + s#reamed agai" 7@ou are so impossible08

!he" + s#reamed$ + lost #o"trol for a se#o"d a"d let out a burst of e"ergy that stalled the tru#' 6ya" )ust gri""ed at me 9e was lu#'y the #ar stopped right the"$ be#ause + was #o"templati"g '"o#'i"g the stupid #o#'y smir' right off his fa#e +"stead$ + flu"g the door ope" 7Bye$ ho"ey08 6ya" #alled playfully as + )umped out of the tru#' 7+;ll see you at s#hool tomorrow08 ----C9AP(:6 1M + was slammi"g the fro"t door to my house shut "ot two se#o"ds later 71amieA8 .y mother #alled "ervously 7!hy are boys always so pigheadedA8 .y mother;s worry was repla#ed with a laugh 7+t;s )ust ge"eti#$ ho" !hat happe"edA8 .y mom was ma'i"g #oo'ies$ a"d whe" + spied the ope" bag of #ho#olate #hips o" the #ou"ter + grabbed a spoo"ful of pea"ut butter 7<othi"g 6ya";s )ust delusio"al$8 + e=plai"ed$ my a""oya"#e Bui#'ly drai"i"gDpea"ut butter dipped i" #ho#olate #hips always ma'es me feel better 79e;s got this #ra/y idea i" his head that he;s my boyfrie"d a"d wo";t let me tell him otherwise 8 7OhA8 .y mother was tryi"g really hard to play it #ool$ but her voi#e #ra#'ed 7A"yway$ it does";t matter be#ause he;s "ot 8 .y mom tur"ed o" her mi=er the"$ but she;d bee" so distra#ted by the thought of me havi"g a boyfrie"d that she;d put too ma"y #ups of flour i" the #oo'ie dough$ a"d the beaters )ammed up tight i" the thi#' goo !he" they got stu#'$ the roar of the mi=er morphed i"to a low hum Somethi"g #li#'ed i" my head$ a"d + gasped (he "oise from the woods 9ow #ould + have forgotte"0 71amieA8 .y mother was "ow )ust stari"g at me$ her fa#e a mi=ture of surprise a"d #o"#er" + did";t '"ow what to say Fi'e + was goi"g to tell her about Carter +f she '"ew he was ba#'$ the first thi"g she;d do was tell my dad$ a"d the" o"e of two thi"gs would happe" 9e;d either be i" 3olsom Priso" by the e"d of the "ight for 'illi"g Carter$ or he;d be there for murderi"g me whe" he fou"d out + was havi"g super pra#ti#es with 6ya" 71amieA8 .y mom as'ed agai" She was ta'i"g her apro" off "ow 7Sorry08 + blurted out 7+ was )ustD8 + rea#hed up light"i"g fast a"d ya"'ed off o"e of my earri"gs 7+ lost o"e of my earri"gs$8 + mumbled 7(hey;re my favorite 8 .y mom too' a visible breath of relief but still gave me a sympatheti# smile 7Oh$ + )ust hate it whe" that happe"s 6emember the pearl stud + lost i" Chi#ago the last time we we"tA +;m still ir'ed about that 8 + "odded abse"tly$ telli"g myself that + was";t stupid for #ompletely forgetti"g about Carter + was )ustifiably preo##upied with havi"g fried my boyfrie"d )ot my boyfrie"d0 Hgh0 <ow he had me thi"'i"g it0 A"yway 7+ thi"' +;m goi"g to go loo' for it$8 + said Bui#'ly 7+ mea"$ if a"yo"e #a" fi"d it$ it;s me$ rightA8 .y mom smiled proudly as + ra" out the door 7!hile you;re at it$ you should do a sweep of Chi#ago a"d fi"d mi"e too08

+ a#tually got to 6ya";s house a mi"ute before he did 9e was #learly startled whe" he pulled up to the #urb a"d saw me waiti"g o" his por#h 9e )umped out of the tru#' a"d + bou"ded a#ross the law" to him at superspeed 71amieA8 6ya" as'ed whe" + stopped )ust short of his ope" arms 7!hat is itA !hat;s wro"gA Are you hurtA Are your pare"ts o'ayA8 76ya"$ that reporter that showed up hereA 9e did";t go home after you bro'e his "ose 9e '"ows my se#ret0 9e has proof08 7!hatA 9owA8 79e was at the #abi" today0 + thought + saw him$ but it was right after the light"i"g thi"g$ a"d you were lyi"g there u"#o"s#ious so + did";t go see$ a"d the" + #ompletely forgot0 A"d "ow it;s too late0 A"d he;s goi"g to e=pose me0 A"d "ow +;ve got you i"volved$ a"d he;s goi"g to rui" your life too08 (he more + spo'e$ the more upset + be#ame But "ow that 6ya" '"ew what was goi"g o"$ he #urbed his ow" a"=iety 7O'ay$8 he said ge"tly 7O'ay +t;s o'ay !e;ll figure this out But you "eed to #alm dow" before you #ompletely lose it 8 6ya" too' a deep breath$ prompti"g me to follow his lead +t too' me several tries before + was able to really fill my lu"gs a"d e=hale slowly !he" + fi"ally ma"aged it 6ya" rea#hed out a"d as'ed$ 7Am + go""a get friedA8 + shoo' my head + was by "o mea"s #alm$ but + had a grip o" the power 3or the mome"t$ a"yway 7Good 8 6ya" pulled me i"to his arms a"d sBuee/ed li'e there was "o tomorrow$ the" said$ 7+ hate "ot bei"g able to do this whe" you;re upset 8 O'ay$ + would "ever ever i" a millio" years say this out loud$ but +;m sure + hated it mu#h worse 9avi"g his arms arou"d me was li'e magi# +t wor'ed to #alm me dow" way better tha" a"y of his hippy breathi"gD"o offe"se to his pare"ts or a"ythi"g :very mus#le i" my body rela=ed$ a"d + slumped agai"st him with a sigh 7(his does";t mea" that +;m your girlfrie"d$8 + mumbled$ but u"fortu"ately + was too #omfortable to really sou"d li'e + mea"t it 7!hatever you say 8 9e #hu#'led Great Fi'e + was ever goi"g to #o"vi"#e him "ow !e stood there a mome"t lo"ger$ a"d the" 6ya" got dow" to busi"ess 7So this guy?8 75ave Carter 8 76ight$ Carter @ou saw him ta'i"g pi#turesA 3ilmi"g usA8 7!ell$ + did";t see him$ e=a#tly But + '"ow he was there 8 6ya";s #o"#er" tur"ed i"to a patro"i/i"g smile 7+;m "ot para"oid08 + yelled before he had the #ha"#e to say a"ythi"g 7@ou do";t '"ow him li'e + do (he guy is #ompletely i"sa"e0 9e used to follow me everywhere$ a"d he would ma'e up all these #ra/y stories + had to move )ust to get away from him (rust me$ he;s here 8 7All right$8 6ya" rele"ted$ though he #learly thought that a year a"d a half of 'eepi"g se#rets was #ausi"g me to suffer from para"oid delusio"s !hatever 9e;s the deluded o"e$ #o"vi"#i"g himself that we;re a #ouple 9e gri""ed at me li'e he '"ew e=a#tly what + was thi"'i"g$ a"d the" grabbed me by the ha"d 7Come o"$8 he said$ a"d the" dragged me toward the house + stopped whe" we got to the por#h 7!hat is that smellA8 6ya" s"iffed his shirt a"d with a smile said$ 7Arma"i @ou li'e itA8 7<ot you$8 + said 7+t smells li'e someo"e is fryi"g up dog vomit i" your house 8 (his too' 6ya" by surprise + guess it was pretty ra"dom 7@ou;re really si#' sometimes$ Ba'er$8 6ya" said 7@ou '"ow thatA8 9e ope"ed the fro"t door a"d i"haled deeply 7Smells li'e lasag"a to me 8 7(hat is "ot lasag"a08 + whispered

7(ofu lasag"a$8 he #larified$ shruggi"g 7+t;s good for you 8 9e laughed at the loo' o" my fa#eD whi#h was totally disgustedDa"d the" #alled out$ 79ey$ .om0 +;m home0 A"d +;ve brought you a surprise08 (he thought of meeti"g 6ya";s pare"ts had "ever o##urred to me + was so "ot i" the mood for that + glared at 6ya"$ but that o"ly ever seems to e"#ourage him 9e pulled me i"to the 'it#he" a"d said$ 7Foo' who wa"ts to )oi" us for di""er08 (hat dirty little?0 + #ould";t eve" argue$ be#ause whe" his mom loo'ed up$ she was so utterly e=#ited (he woma" was absolutely ti"y a"d had brow" hair$ but she was defi"itely 6ya";s mom She had his same #rystal blue eyes$ a"d her e"tire fa#e was lit up with the very smile that + #a" "ever say "o to +t was so u"fair0 7Smells deli#ious$8 was all + #ould say 71amie0 +;m so glad to meet you08 she said$ wipi"g her ha"ds i" order to sha'e mi"e 76ya" has bee" tal'i"g about you for so lo"g + feel as if you;re already part of the family 8 + #ould";t fi"d my voi#e to respo"d + a#tually blushed0 (here was )ust somethi"g about her 6ya" may have got his attitude from his father$ but his #harmA (hat was all his mom :ve"tually + #roa'ed out$ 7<i#e to meet you$ .rs .iller 8 7Oh$ it;s 6ose"thal "ow$ 1amie$8 she said$ wavi"g dismissively whe" + tur"ed a deep red 7But please$ 1ulie is fi"e 8 7Good "ews08 6ya" i"terrupted$ throwi"g his arm arou"d me 7!e;re boyfrie"d a"d girlfrie"d "ow 8 + whipped my head his dire#tio" so fast it may have a#tually bee" superfast + would have bee" #o"#er"ed that his mom "oti#ed$ e=#ept + was too busy willi"g myself to develop Superma";s "ifty heat visio" so + #ould blow up 6ya";s big fat head !he" it did";t wor' + tur"ed ba#' to .rs 6ose"thal a"d as #almly as possible said$ 7+;m "ot his girlfrie"d 8 7+t was her idea$8 6ya" argued 7She;s )ust havi"g a bad day a"d ta'i"g it out o" me 8 7@ou;re goi"g to be the o"e havi"g a bad day i" a mi"ute08 + s"apped + did";t #are that his mother was sta"di"g right there She did";t seem to mi"d though 7@ou poor thi"g$8 she said$ s#ooti"g me ge"tly over to a barstool 7!hy do";t you sit dow" a"d rela=A +;ll ma'e you somethi"g to help you feel better$ a"d you #a" tell me all about yourself 8 + re#og"i/ed the #o"#o#tio" she pulled from the #upboard a"d was a#tually loo'i"g forward to some of her magi# tea$ but 6ya" pulled me up )ust as soo" as + sat dow" 7!e;ll be i" my room$8 he said$ a"d the" tugged me dow" the hall 7!hat is the matter with youA8 + hissed before he eve" had the door shut 7Are you trying to #ause a power outageA8 + was surprised to see the smile go"e from his fa#e 9e loo'ed almost sad as he apologi/ed 7+;m sorry$ 1amie$8 he said 9e mea"t it too 7+t;s )ust that you seemed really upset about this Carter guy$ a"d my mom #a" smell stress li'e a dog smells fear + had to distra#t you +f she '"ew you were really upset she "ever would have left us alo"e u"til she '"ew everythi"g 8 9e shoo' his head a"d added$ 7+f you thi"' that reporter is "osy?8 @ou ever "oti#e how 6ya" always ma'es it impossible to stay mad at himA + hate that + stood there so #ompletely #hagri"ed that 6ya" fi"ally #ra#'ed a smile 9e pulled me agai"st his #hest$ whi#h of #ourse + #ould";t resist at that poi"t$ a"d whispered$ 73orgive meA8 agai"st the side of my head 7<o$8 + replied i" the most patheti# pout ever$ eve" as + was wrappi"g my arms arou"d his waist 7(ha"'s$8 6ya" said$ relieved (he" he 'issed the top of my head a"d pulled his "ow trembli"g

arms away from me 9e shoo' off a shiver$ smoothed dow" the stra"ds of hair that were starti"g to sti#' up$ a"d the" #lapped his ha"ds together 7O'ay$8 he said$ #learly getti"g ba#' to the problem at ha"d 7So$ did you #all this guyA8 7Oh$ yeah$ + 'eep his "umber i" my speed dial$ 6ya" 8 6ya" was "ot deterred by my sar#asm 9e sat dow" at his #omputer a"d #li#'ed o" the +"ter"et 7!ell$ did you loo' it upA8 he as'ed 7@ou '"ow where he wor's i" +lli"ois$ rightA 5id you #all to see if he;s ba#' there "owA8 7<o$8 + a"swered grudgi"gly 79e wor's for the Chicago "e$orter 8 6ya" typed the "ame i"to the sear#h e"gi"e a"d as'ed me$ 79ave you do"e anything to try to fi"d him yetA8 7+ have";t had time$8 + said$ e=asperated 7As soo" as + remembered$ + #ame straight here 8 6ya" tur"ed to fa#e me before #li#'i"g o" the results + did";t li'e the way he was sudde"ly loo'i"g very suspi#iously at me 7@ou were really upset?8 he prompted$ but + did";t '"ow what he wa"ted me to say 7@our poi"tA8 7.y poi"t is$ whe" you frea'ed out you #ame straight to me for help (hat is the most girlfrie"dy thi"g ever + do";t '"ow why you wo";t )ust a##ept what you are 8 7!ould you )ust fi"d me a pho"e "umber already08 6ya" fou"d me a "umber$ a"d + #alled the rag Carter writes for i" Chi#ago + mea"$ 6ya" did have a poi"t +f Carter;s bee" there$ busily writi"g stories a"d rui"i"g other people;s lives this whole time$ the" he #ould";t be here stal'i"g me 6ightA 7@es$ hi + "eed to spea' with o"e of your staff )our"alists$ 5ave Carter 8 7Oh$ +;m sorry$8 a female voi#e said 75ave Carter;s "o lo"ger here 8 .y heart sputtered i" my #hest$ a"d + Bui#'ly told myself that it was Su"day eve"i"g i" Chi#ago a"d he;d )ust go"e home for the day 7!ell$ it;s very importa"t 5o you '"ow what time he;ll be i"$ i" the mor"i"gA8 7<o$ you misu"derstood me 5ave Carter "o lo"ger wor's here 9e left wee's ago 8 !ee's ago As i" right after + tried to play superhero a"d got beat up by my s#hool;s marBuee 7Oh 8 + too' a deep breath +t would";t help a"y to pa"i# 7Hm$ well$ do you '"ow where he;s wor'i"g "owA8 7+;m sorry 9e did";t leave a"y forwardi"g #o"ta#t i"fo +t was Buite sudde" 8 7Please08 (he hysteria was starti"g to brea' through my voi#e 7@ou have to '"ow somethi"g 8 7.iss$ is everythi"g all rightA Are you i" some 'i"d of troubleA Ca" + put you i" tou#h with someo"e else hereA A"other )our"alistA8 7<o0 + )ust? + have to fi"d him 8 + heard the woma" o" the other e"d of the li"e sigh$ a"d the" she said$ 7(he last time + saw him he was sayi"g somethi"g about a #ompa"y #alled Pisti#orp + assume he got the )ob si"#e he Buit so sudde"ly 8 7Pisti#orpA8 (hat )ust did";t ma'e se"se 7!hat 'i"d of a )obA (hat does";t sou"d li'e a "ewspaper 8 7+;m sorry + do";t '"ow a"ythi"g more tha" that +f you wa"t to leave your "ame a"d "umber$ + #a" #all you if he ever #o"ta#ts us agai" 8 7<o0 <o$ that;s o'ay (ha"' you 8 + hu"g up before she #ould as' a"y more Buestio"s She;d give" me e"ough i"formatio" a"yway 7Carter is";t i" Chi#ago a"ymoreDhe Buit$8 + told 6ya" 7+ told you +;m "ot para"oid 9e;s still here 9e;s probably bee" wat#hi"g me ever si"#e + blew him off at s#hool that day + )ust do";t '"ow why he

has";t go"e to the papers about me already !e;ve bee" pra#ti#i"g for wee's 8 7!ell$ obviously he does";t have a"y proof +f he did$ he;d have released it already$ would";t heA8 + thought for a mi"ute$ a"d eve" though + '"ew Carter would "ever sit o" i"formatio" that #ould ma'e him ri#h a"d famous$ + fou"d myself disagreei"g 7+ do";t '"ow 9e was so weird that day at s#hool Prete"di"g li'e he was";t there for a storyA !ar"i"g me "ot to be sloppyA + #a";t figure out what his a"gle is 8 + thought for a mi"ute a"d the" poi"ted at 6ya";s #omputer 7.ay +A8 79ow do you '"ow he;s got a" a"gleA8 6ya" as'ed as he moved 7Be#ause he;s Carter$8 + said$ typi"g i" the "ame the woma" o" the pho"e had give" me 79e;s esse"tially the devil 9e #omes u"der the guise of #o"#er" a"d the" profits from your misery 8 A##ordi"g to Google$ the #ompa"y #alled Pisti#orp had its ow" website + #li#'ed the li"'$ a"d up popped a pi#ture of a bu"#h of guys i" lab #oats + #ho'ed o" a gasp$ a"d the spe#ial low*wattage light bulb i" 6ya";s lamp #ould";t ha"dle the surge of e"ergy that hit it 7!hat is itA8 6ya" as'ed$ startled by the sudde" pop a"d shattered glass + was already s'immi"g the 7About Hs8 se#tio" by the time 6ya" loo'ed over my shoulder 7+t;s "ot about a story$8 + breathed (hi"gs bega" to spi" out of #o"trol arou"d me + "early fell out of the #hair as + tried to rise to my feet 71amie$ breathe08 6ya" was war"i"g me But + #ould";t + was way too frea'ed out + mea" a" arti#le i" the tabloids would su#' for sure$ but s#ie"tists are way worse (hey do";t )ust e=pose (hey e=perime"t A"d a##ordi"g to my dad$ you;re "ever see" or heard from agai" 7+t;s a ge"eti#s resear#h #ompa"y i" Fas Pegas$8 + mumbled as the heat started bur"i"g through my body 79e;s goi"g to sell me out to a bu"#h of s#ie"tists 8 71amie$ fo#us0 @our eyes are doi"g the glowi"g thi"g agai" @ou have to #alm dow" @ou #a";t be shooti"g off a"y light"i"g here 8 .y body started to tremble$ a"d 6ya" ba#'ed as far away from me as he #ould 71amie$8 he said agai" +t was the fear i" his voi#e that #aught my atte"tio" 7@ou #ould really hurt yourself @ou #ould hurt me @ou do";t wa"t me to get hurt$ do youA8 <o <ot agai" + really did";t wa"t to hurt him agai" O"#e was bad e"ough 6ya" seemed to "oti#e whe" + started thi"'i"g #ohere"tly agai" be#ause he started e"#ouragi"g me 73o#us$ 1amie 5eep breaths 8 + #ould do that mu#h + pi"#hed my eyes shut a"d su#'ed i" a huge breath$ thi"'i"g that maybe if + #ould hold my breath i"side$ the" + #ould hold the ele#tri#ity i" the same way + tried to fo#us o" the power itself :verythi"g felt so mu#h #learer to me "ow be#ause whe" +;d 'issed 6ya" the power had bee" stro"ger tha" ever before$ a"d as distra#ted as + was by the a"=iety$ + #ould still feel the power separate from the emotio" (hey were defi"itely separate + )ust had to figure out how to do o"e without the other Keepi"g my eyes shut tight$ + held my ha"d out i" fro"t of me + tried to push all the e"ergy i"side me to my ha"d$ hopi"g to ma"ipulate the dire#tio" of it As + #o"#e"trated o" the flow$ + was sudde"ly very aware of my body a"d the stra"ge ele#tri#al for#e i"side it + #ould";t seem to tell it where to go$ but + #ould feel it everywhere it flowed +" that mome"t of e=treme #o"#e"tratio" + felt somethi"g +;d "ever "oti#ed before + suppose it had always bee" there$ be#ause it did";t really feel differe"t$ but +;d )ust "ever paid this mu#h atte"tio" before + #ould feel the ele#tri#ity i" the atmosphere arou"d me +t was stro"ger "ear the lamp$ a"d 6ya";s #omputer$ a"d stro"gest "ear the ele#tri#al outlets i" the wall

(he ti"gli"g se"satio" felt "atural to me$ a"d my body seemed to gravitate to it So$ 'eepi"g my eyes shut a"d my breathi"g slow$ + held out my ha"d to the pla#e where the power felt the stro"gest a"d tried to pull the warmth to me At first "othi"g happe"ed$ but after a mome"t + felt e"ergy flowi"g i"to me + was su#'i"g it right out of the wall so#'et li'e + was plugged i" or somethi"g +t was )ust li'e earlier whe" +;d pulled it from the power li"es while 'issi"g 6ya"$ e=#ept "ot "early as stro"g + was doi"g it + was really doi"g it + was #o"trolli"g the e"ergy But whe" 6ya" bro'e the sile"#e a"d as'ed how + was doi"g$ + lost my #o"#e"tratio" (he mome"t + lost #o"trol$ the flow of e"ergy seemed to reverse$ a"d it shot out from me <ot i" light"i"g form$ li'e before$ but li'e whe" + lose my temper a"d power surges through the houseDwhi#h it did right the" + ope"ed my eyes a"d reali/ed that the power i" the whole house was out 7Oops$8 + whispered as + met 6ya";s worried ga/e 7Sorry about that 8 7Are you 'iddi"gA (hat was great08 7GreatA + '"o#'ed out the ele#tri#ity 8 7But you did";t blow up my room 8 (his was true a"d$ + admit$ highly e"#ouragi"g But "ot really e"ough to ma'e me feel a"y better 76ya"$ what am + goi"g to doA8 7!hat #a" you doA + mea" u"less Carter #omes ba#'$ there;s really "o way to fi"d him A"d we do";t '"ow how mu#h he '"ows or what he has proof ofDif a"ythi"g !e do";t eve" '"ow if he;s really wor'i"g with these s#ie"#e guys !e do";t wa"t to go po'i"g arou"d prematurely (he best we #a" do is 'eep Buiet for a while a"d wait it out 8 6ya" felt it safe e"ough "ow to #ross the room to me a"d hold out his ha"d + pla#ed mi"e i" it without eve" thi"'i"g 9e sBuee/ed my ha"d ge"tly a"d the" said$ 7!e;ll )ust stop pra#ti#i"g your powers for "ow a"d wor' o" our relatio"ship i"stead + have";t bee" i" o"e i" so lo"g$ + probably "eed lots of boyfrie"d pra#ti#e 8 .a"$ 6ya";s smile is hyp"oti# + was #alm agai" despite myself 6ya" smir'ed whe" he saw me tryi"g "ot to #ra#' a smile$ so + ripped my ha"d from his 7+ am "ot your girlfrie"d08 6ya"$ though he #learly thought otherwise$ )ust smiled agai" as if to say$ 7suit yourself$8 a"d the" led me ba#' to the 'it#he" a"d his very #o"fused mother 7Sorry$ guys$ it;s the whole house$8 she said$ referri"g to power 7+ #a";t figure out what;s wro"g$ but the ove";s ele#tri#$ a"d the lasag"a;s "ot a"ywhere #lose to bei"g do"e +t loo's li'e we;ll be di"i"g out to"ight 8 7Oh$ a#tually$ it;s probably )ust theD8 6ya" was goi"g to say #ir#uit brea'ers$ but #ut himself off whe" + #rushed his ha"d 71ust the whatA8 his mother as'ed #uriously 6ya" gla"#ed at me a"d the" shrugged 7Chi"ese sou"ds good 8 SuperpowersDo"e (ofu lasag"aD/ero Sometimes life;s "ot all bad ----C9AP(:6 1O (he "e=t day the te"sio" at s#hool was thi#' +t was the first day that 6ya" a"d .i'e were ba#' from their suspe"sio"s$ a"d the e"tire stude"t body$ myself i"#luded$ was a"=ious to see what would

happe" !hile + sat i" my #ar$ tryi"g to pi#' out 6ya";s voi#e amo"g the #haoti# #hatter of the s#hool$ his tru#' slid i"to the empty par'i"g spot "e=t to me + was liste"i"g so hard that + did";t reali/e he was there u"til he tapped o" my wi"dow (he sou"d e#hoed i" my ears a"d suffi#ie"tly startled me to stop my heart for a si"gle beat 7@ou goi"g to stay i" there all dayA8 6ya" as'ed through the glass + a#tually had bee" #o"templati"g s'ippi"g s#hool$ but 6ya" would have )ust followed me a"d gotte" i" trouble !ith a sigh$ + heaved myself out of the #ar 7!hat do you wa"tA8 + as'ed as + bega" headi"g toward the s#hool 6ya" flashed me a 'iller smile 7+ wa"t to wal' my girlfrie"d to #lass +s that a #rimeA8 7Co"sideri"g +;m "ot your girlfrie"d$ so what you;re doi"g #ould be #o"sidered stal'i"gA @es As a matter of fa#t$ it is a #rime 8 6ya" smiled$ ig"ori"g my )ibe #ompletely$ a"d fell i"to step at my side !e wal'ed i" sile"#e for a mi"ute (he"$ as we headed up the fro"t steps$ + bega" to hear the whispers of the stude"ts o" #ampus + stopped wal'i"g$ stu""ed by what + was heari"g !hat people were sayi"g <ot )ust people$ but .i'e + stood there u"able to do a"ythi"g but liste" i" sho#' u"til 6ya" bro'e me from my tra"#e 71amieA !hat;s wro"gA8 7+t;s .i'e 8 .y voi#e was a fai"t whisper$ a"d + was";t able to get the full story out 75o";t worry about .i'e +;m sure he;ll be fi"e 8 7<o$ you do";t u"dersta"d 8 71amie$ + do";t #are about .i'e$8 6ya" i"terrupted firmly$ a"d sudde"ly slipped his ha"d i"to mi"e$ la#i"g our fi"gers together +f it did";t feel so good to have it there$ + would have /apped him + made a patheti# attempt to pull my ha"d free$ but 6ya" defia"tly tighte"ed his grip 7@ou;re goi"g to have to fry me if you wa"t me to let go 8 + loo'ed dow" at my ha"d i" his$ a"d really$ + did";t wa"t to let go a"y more tha" + wa"ted to hurt him$ but + did";t have mu#h of a #hoi#e 76ya"$ this8D+ pulled our i"terlo#'ed ha"ds up to "early eye levelD7really is";t a good idea <ot today <ot "ow 8 7!hat do you mea"A8 7(he gossip si"#e you a"d .i'e were suspe"ded has bee" out of #o"trol 8 7Oh yeahA8 6ya" tried to 'eep his to"e )o'i"g$ but it was impossible to hide the strai" e"tirely 7:veryo"e thi"' + we"t #ra/y or somethi"gA8 75o";t worry (hey are";t blami"g you 8 7(hey;re blami"g .i'eA8 + wish 7Oh$ "o .ost people are sidi"g with .i'e (hey;re )ust "ot blami"g you 8 7(hat does";t ma'e se"se 8 7Sure it does + mea"$ it;s "ot your fault that the i#e Buee" has brai"washed you 8 +t made perfe#t se"se to me$ but 6ya" was stu""ed by the "ews 9e stopped wal'i"g a"d ga/ed at me with a tortured e=pressio" 7People are blami"g you for my fight with .i'eA8 7<ot to my fa#e 8 + shrugged with a hi"t of a smile$ but 6ya" did";t thi"' it was fu""y + sighed agai" + did";t wa"t him to feel guilty o" my behalf 7+t;s fi"e 6eally + ho"estly do";t #are if people hate me 8 7People do";t hate you (hey;re )ust surprised (hey;ll #ome arou"d :ve" .i'e$ you;ll see 9e;s my best frie"d +;m sure he got it all out of his system whe" he pu"#hed me 8 7@ou thi"' soA8 7Of #ourse 8 + hated to be the bearer of bad "ews$ but he was goi"g to fi"d out soo" e"ough Better he heard it

from me 76ya"$ .i'e fou"d out about my a##ide"t 9e told the whole s#hool about it 8 7!hatA8 +t #ame out i" a half gasp$ half growl 79ow did he fi"d outA8 7(he whole story is )ust a Google sear#h away + guess Carter showi"g up made him #urious 9e seems to be goi"g with the leadi"g tabloid theoryDthat + #aused the a##ide"t o" purpose be#ause 5ere' dumped me Paige is pra#ti#ally stagi"g a" i"terve"tio" to get you away from me She said she was goi"g to petitio" to have me 'i#'ed out of s#hool 8 6ya";s fa#e loo'ed a little gree"$ a"d it too' him probably a good thirty se#o"ds before he was eve" able to spea' 71amie$ +;m so sorry 8 7+t;s "ot your fault$8 + said$ but that did";t ma'e him feel a"y better 7Foo'$ it does";t matter$ o'ayA @ou do";t #are about my past$ a"d that;s all that matters to me + do";t #are about the rest of them But the problem is you do$ a"d + do";t wa"t you losi"g your frie"ds be#ause of me 8 6ya" ope"ed his mouth to say somethi"g$ but the war"i"g bell we"t off before he #ould + sBuee/ed his ha"d a"d the" pulled my fi"gers from his 7Fet;s )ust get through today before you go ruffli"g a"y more feathers with this whole girlfrie"d "o"se"se 8 7ButD8 7Go to #lass$ 6ya" 8 7+;ll see you at lu"#h$8 he promised stubbor"ly$ but the" wal'ed away from me + hurried to my first #lass$ a"d eve" the tea#her fell i"to a" aw'ward hush whe" + wal'ed i" + 'ept my eyes o" my des'$ but + #ould feel the stares of everyo"e i" the room + tried to "ot let them bother me$ but + #ould";t ma"age it (ha"'s to 6ya"$ + was";t the i#e Buee" a"ymore + was )ust 1amie Ba'er agai"$ a"d 1amie Ba'er had feeli"gs 1amie Ba'er was vul"erable She was s#ared a"d wea' Bro'e" A"d everyo"e #ould tell (hat was the worst day +;d had si"#e + #ame to 6o#'li" 9igh +t rivaled the days at my old s#hool after 5ere' died (he #omme"ts made were a little harsher$ a"d the glares bur"ed a little hotter .aybe it was be#ause of my e=treme se"sitivity to the topi# bei"g dis#ussed$ or maybe it was due to my guilt be#ause this time they were right + really was da"gerous for 6ya"$ a"d + really did 'ill my last boyfrie"d (hey had a right to be worried about 6ya" + felt si#' by the time lu"#h rolled arou"d + sat i" my usual spot a"d pi#'ed at my food + had "o i"te"tio" of eati"g it$ but it gave me somethi"g to fo#us o" other tha" the fri#tio" i" the room :veryo"e seemed a little o" edge$ but whe" 6ya" fou"d his way i"to the #afeteria it we"t sile"t @ou #ould hear a pi" drop eve" if you did";t have my heari"g + was";t surprised to see Be#'y at his side She had ta'e" up the habit of eati"g lu"#h i" her #ar while 6ya" was out o" suspe"sio"$ a"d + '"ew 6ya" would";t let her get away with that a"y lo"ger$ but it seemed to be a little surprisi"g to everyo"e else :veryo"e wat#hed a"d waited to see what they were goi"g to do (hey stood there a mome"t meeti"g all the #urious ga/es$ a"d while Be#'y loo'ed terrified$ 6ya" seemed outraged Be#'y gulped$ waiti"g for 6ya" to do somethi"g first$ so he too' her ha"d a"d bega" draggi"g her i" the opposite dire#tio" of the #ool 'ids; table @ou would";t thi"' su#h a" a#tio" would #ause su#h a rea#tio" from the stude"t body$ but whe" it was #lear that 6ya" was "ot goi"g to sit with his frie"ds$ the sile"#e was immediately repla#ed with murmurs of sho#' Paige$ still bitter from re)e#tio"$ wat#hed wordlessly$ but .i'e sudde"ly )umped up from his #hair$ o"#e agai" #ausi"g sile"#e to sweep the #afeteria 7.iller08 he shouted$ ma'i"g his way to 6ya" 7Come o"$ ma"$ where are you goi"gA8 6ya" ig"ored him so he addressed Be#'y 7Be#'yA !here are you goi"gA8 75rop dead$ .i'e08 she shouted 9er outburst was so surprisi"g that eve" 6ya" was startled a"d stopped wal'i"g 9e loo'ed at her

with the same #o"#er" he;d show" me whe" he lear"ed of my past$ a"d she was every bit as defia"t as + was whe" he loo'ed at me that way 7+;m fi"e$8 she said #oolly 7Keep goi"g 8 6ya" started to wal' agai"$ but .i'e stepped i" his way 75o";t be stupid$8 .i'e war"ed 7@ou;re still the 'i"g of this s#hool 5o";t give it all up over a frea' li'e Ba'er 8 + do";t '"ow if a"yo"e else saw the way 6ya";s fa#e we"t flush with rage$ a"d how his eyes seemed otherwise lifeless whe" he loo'ed at his best frie"d$ but + saw it$ a"d + '"ow .i'e saw it 6ya" sBuee/ed Be#'y;s ha"d a"d the" bega" wal'i"g agai"$ sma#'i"g his shoulder i"to .i'e;s with for#e as he passed :veryo"e;s eyes seemed to follow .i'e ba#' to his seat :ve" Be#'y a"d + were so #aptivated by the loo' of betrayal he displayed that "either of us "oti#ed the dire#tio" 6ya" was wal'i"gDmy dire#tio" !e reali/ed this at almost e=a#tly the same mome"t a"d met ea#h other;s murderous ga/e mome"tarily 7!hat are you doi"gA8 Be#'y whispered to 6ya" as soo" as she loo'ed away from me 7+;m goi"g to go sit by 1amie 8 7!hatA8 Be#'y gasped$ pulli"g 6ya" to a halt 7@ou;re goi"g to dit#h me after you pra#ti#ally for#ed me to #ome i" hereA8 7Of #ourse "ot +;m goi"g to i"trodu#e you 8 3or o"#e$ Be#'y a"d + seemed to share the same opi"io" 7Are you #ra/yA8 she said 7+ am "ot goi"g to eat lu"#h with 1amie Ba'er 8 71ust trust me o" this @ou do";t '"ow her li'e + do 8 7+ do";t have to '"ow her0 Foo' at what she;s do"e0 She;s rui"i"g your life Steali"g you away from all your frie"ds$ getti"g you sus$ended0 She;s trouble$ 6ya" 8 +;d heard these types of thi"gs a"d worse all mor"i"g$ a"d eve" though they;d grated o" my "erves + #ould tolerate it$ but it was differe"t #omi"g from Be#'y + #ould";t #hal' her spee#h up to a love of gossip a"d trash*tal'i"g the s#hool out#ast Be#'y si"#erely #ared about 6ya" more tha" a"y other perso" i" this s#hool$ a"d she ho"estly believed what she was sayi"g She '"ew him better tha" a"yo"e too !ay better tha" me +f she said + was rui"i"g his life$ who was + to say she was wro"gA (he loo' i" her eyes was realDher #o"#er" for 6ya"$ her hatred for me +t made it impossible to hate her ba#' 6ya" had a#tually started to #o"vi"#e me that + did";t have to be i" self*e=ile (rue$ + #ould";t 'iss him$ a"d the pra#ti#i"g had to stop while he was prese"t$ but + was starti"g to thi"' he #ould still be i" my life (hat he #ould still be my frie"d Be#'y was ta'i"g that away from me a"d ma'i"g it very hard "ot to see thi"gs her way (he more + liste"ed to the two of them argue$ the more my feeli"gs spu" out of #o"trol !ithi" se#o"ds$ the lights i" the #afeteria were fli#'eri"g$ a"d + did";t eve" reali/e it u"til + heard 6ya" whisper my "ame 9e;d said it so Buietly that "ot eve" Be#'y heard it 9e started toward me$ but Be#'y tugged his ha"d 7Please do";t do this$ 6ya"$8 she pleaded with tears i" her eyes 7Please )ust trust me a"d stay away from her 8 6ya" sudde"ly we"t rigid 7!hy should + trust youA8 he s"apped 7@ou wo";t trust me0 1amie;s "ot the o"e rui"i"g my frie"dships .i'e a"d Paige are doi"g that to themselves + thought you might be differe"t$ but + guess "ot After all the times you;ve told me + "eed a girlfrie"d$ + fi"ally fi"d the perfe#t o"e$ a"d you wo";t eve" give her a #ha"#e @ou wo";t eve" say hello 8 7She;s your whatA8 Be#'y gasped 9er voi#e seemed to #ra#' li'e a whip over the bu// of the lu"#hroom 7She;s my girlfrie"d08 6ya" yelled so a"grily he #ould have give" my dad$ the gri//ly$ a ru" for his mo"ey (he #afeteria we"t sile"t as the grave agai" 3or's were dropped$ the lu"#h li"e stopped movi"g

:ve" Paul !arre"$ who;d bee" tryi"g u"su##essfully to impress a #ouple of sophomores$ fro/e mid* moo"wal' (he"$ of #ourse$ bei"g Paul$ he abruptly shattered the still"ess by yelli"g$ 75a*am"08 i" a )ot Another (een Movie 'i"d of way 6ya" pulled his atte"tio" ba#' to Be#'y$ who was still spee#hless$ a"d lowered his voi#e 7+;m "ot givi"g her up$ so either get used to it or go ba#' to .i'e a"d Paige 8 Be#'y glared at me$ a"d + glared right ba#' u"til she fi"ally tur"ed arou"d a"d stormed out the door she;d )ust wal'ed i" 6ya" loo'ed at me e=pe#ta"tly$ but + )ust #o"ti"ued to glare + mea" he;d )ust a""ou"#ed to the whole s#hool that + was his girlfrie"d0 + do";t '"ow why that made me so a"gry$ but +;d already bee" o" su#h a" emotio"al roller #oaster that day that + simply did";t have the will to try a"ymore + let myself get a"gry + let myself radiate (he" + let myself blow up ea#h a"d every stupid fluores#e"t light i" the room As the other 'ids du#'ed the rai"i"g shards of glass i" #o"fusio"$ 6ya" frow"ed + 'ept up my glare a"d the" stomped out of the #afeteria + did";t loo' ba#' to see if he was followi"g me or "ot$ but + did";t have to 7(ha"'s for the support$ 1amie$8 he grumbled$ '"owi"g full well that + #ould still hear him + felt awful whe" + reali/ed that 6ya" was a"gry with me 6ya" does";t get a"gry with people u"less he has a very good reaso" +t was very surprisi"g$ a"d it a#tually hurt + fro/e whe" + heard the #afeteria door slam behi"d me 7+t would";t have 'illed you to #ome over a"d say hi to her either$8 6ya" said whe" + did";t tur" arou"d to fa#e him 7(hey would";t all hate you so mu#h if you would )ust try 8 + heard him #lose the dista"#e betwee" us$ a"d + too' a deep breath before tur"i"g to fa#e him +t was harder to loo' him i" the eye tha" +;d e=pe#ted$ so + stared at his feet 7@ou #a";t be both people$8 he said 7:ither you;re the i#e Buee"$ or you;re 1amie Ba'er A"d they;re right$ you '"owDthe i#e Buee" is";t worth it But 1amie is$ so you de#ide what you wa"t$ a"d the" #ome tal' to me 8 A"d the" 6ya" .iller wal'ed away from me without loo'i"g ba#' <othi"g i" the e"tire world #ould ma'e me feel lousier tha" + felt for letti"g 6ya" dow" + we"t through the rest of my day li'e a /ombie + guess o" the bright side$ all the #omme"ts from the other stude"ts "o lo"ger bothered me + was "umb At least + was u"til last period$ whe" + had to see 6ya" agai" +;d bee" sort of wa"deri"g aimlessly$ but my body was o" autopilot$ so + still fou"d my way to #lass$ u"fortu"ately$ but + got there a little late 7.s Ba'er0 (ha"' you for )oi"i"g us$8 .r :dwards said as + too' my seat + do";t '"ow what 'i"d of loo' + gave him$ but his voi#e sou"ded "ervous whe" he said$ 7Si"#e it;s your first offe"se$ +;ll let it slide$ but let;s try "ot to ma'e a habit of it 8 + have "o idea what we tal'ed about i" #lass that day$ but + '"ow that there were a lot of a"gry gla"#es bei"g throw" arou"d the room a"d almost "o tal'i"g <ot eve" whe" .r :dwards as'ed us Buestio"s !ith o"ly fiftee" mi"utes left i" the day$ .r :dwards #ould";t ta'e the suspe"se a"y lo"ger 7!hat is with you guys todayA 9uhA +t;s a little #hilly i" here 8 7+ thi"' you mea" icy$8 Be#'y grumbled + loo'ed up )ust i" time to see 6ya" loo' at Be#'y 7!hatA8 she s"apped at him .r :dwards sighed a"d put dow" his dry erase mar'er si"#e "o"e of us was liste"i"g to him a"yway 9e loo'ed arou"d the room a"d the" lea"ed agai"st his des' with his arms folded a#ross his #hest 7All right$ who diedA8 +t was a" u"fortu"ate #hoi#e of words +f possible$ the room got a good te" degrees #older$ a"d the" Paige ope"ed her big fat mouth 7!hy do";t you as' 1amieA8 she spat :veryo"e loo'ed my way$ a"d )ust as .r :dwards followed their ga/es$ big wet tears started

streami"g dow" my fa#e + #ould";t help it$ + #ould";t stop it$ a"d eve" though + '"ew + would regret it later$ at the time + did";t #are (hey were all sho#'ed to see me$ #old*as*i#e 1amie Ba'er$ #ryi"g <obody said a"ythi"g$ "obody eve" breathed$ e=#ept Paige$ of #ourse 7!ell$ what do you '"owA8 she said 7(he i#e Buee" does have feeli"gs 8 7Give her a brea'Dher boyfrie"d died 8 + loo'ed up i" sho#' be#ause it was";t 6ya" who;d #ome to my defe"se +t was Amy 1o"es$ a"d she shrugged at me apologeti#ally + thi"' everyo"e i" the room was as surprised as + was$ but before + had time to rea#t her frie"d Allysa .adse" followed her lead 7@eah$ Paige$ do";t be so #ruel 8 7@eah08 (his time it was S#ott Cole$ a"d he was a#tually smili"g 7A"d you wo"der why 6ya" dogged you so hard last wee' Good show$ .iller 8 Paige was "ow beyo"d a"gry Be#'y was still stari"g i" sho#' at Allysa a"d Amy$ a"d 6ya" )ust sat there loo'i"g at me e=pe#ta"tly +;m "ot sure what he wa"ted$ but + #ould";t have do"e whatever it was he seemed to be waiti"g for me to do a"yway .y head was spi""i"g + loo'ed ba#' at Allysa a"d Amy + did";t '"ow if they were defe"di"g me$ or if it was more about putti"g Paige i" her pla#e$ but either way it was a bit overwhelmi"g :veryo"e was stari"g at me$ a"d + was still #ryi"g + was s#ared$ #o"fused$ a"d humiliated .y emotio"s were all over the #harts$ a"d + was starti"g to lose a grip o" my power$ so it;s a good thi"g .r :dwards has a heart +t was obvious + "eeded a brea'$ so he let #lass go a full te" mi"utes early 7O'ay$ people$ that;s e"ough for today :veryo"e e=#ept 1amie get out of here Paige$ you wor' o" your ma""ers or we;ll pra#ti#e them i" dete"tio" 8 <o o"e hesitated to es#ape the aw'ward situatio" e=#ept 6ya" 9e was the last to leave the room !he" he sort of li"gered by the door$ waiti"g for me$ .r :dwards #leared his throat suggestively a"d said$ 79ave a good day$ .r .iller 8 + was relieved whe" 6ya" obeyed .r : ;s subtle #omma"d a"d left me alo"e$ but whe" the door #li#'ed shut behi"d him the sile"#e i" the room be#ame suffo#ati"g .r : fi"ally said somethi"g after + was for#ed to brea' the Buiet with a loud s"iffle 79ow are you holdi"g upA8 79ow does it loo' li'e +;m holdi"g upA8 (he lights i" the room fli#'ered whe" + s"apped$ s#ari"g me #alm .r : loo'ed up #uriously for a mome"t but did";t let himself get distra#ted from his golde" opportu"ity to give me the le#ture he;d bee" dyi"g to give me si"#e his first day tea#hi"g here 9e ha"ded me a bo= of tissues a"d waited for a mi"ute lo"ger to spea' 7+t;s o'ay to #ry$ you '"ow 8 7<ot i" fro"t of them$8 + s"iffled 7<ever i" fro"t of them 8 + surprised us both with my u"i"te"tio"al ho"esty 7Afraid they;ll figure out that you;re a "ormal girl with real feeli"gsA8 + s#offed bitterly at the word 7"ormal 8 7!hat$ you do";t thi"' you;re a "ormal girlA At the very least o" the i"sideA8 7:spe#ially "ot o" the i"side$8 + grumbled$ more to myself tha" a"ythi"g .r :dwards was i"trigued by my #omme"t a"d studied me for a mi"ute <o doubt he was tryi"g to figure out how to get me to ope" up to him or agree to see' professio"al help 9e fi"ally we"t with the Buestio" 7!hy do you say thatA8 7@ou would";t u"dersta"d 8 7(ry me 8

@eah$ right 7+t;s "othi"g$ .r : 3orget about it 8 7@ou lost a loved o"e$ you have survivor;s guilt$ a"d you feel respo"sible for 5ere';s death (hat is "ot "othi"g 8 + was sho#'ed at the me"tio" of 5ere';s "ame$ as + always am whe" +;m "ot e=pe#ti"g to hear it .r :dwards raised the bo= of tissues my dire#tio" agai" whe" + was hit with a "ew wave of tears 7All of those feeli"gs$8 he #o"ti"ued$ 7are the most "ormal feeli"gs a"yo"e #ould have after bei"g i"volved i" a" a##ide"t li'e yours 8 79ow? 9ow do you '"ow about?8 + #ould";t say 5ere';s "ame out loud this time 7About my a##ide"tA8 7+t o"ly too' me te" mi"utes that first day of #lass to see that you were";t e=a#tly li'e my other stude"ts + was #o"#er"ed$ so + read your s#hool file +t;s all i" there 8 7+;ll bet 6ight alo"g with my old guida"#e #ou"selor;s assessme"t of my me"tal stability 5id you e")oy that part tooA8 71amie 8 7@ou really thi"' you;re goi"g to be able to fi= me a"y more tha" she #ouldA8 .r :dwards shrugged sheepishly but ma"aged a si"#ere smile 7+;m "ot i"terested i" fi=i"g you$ 1amie + a#tually thi"' you;re doi"g remar'ably well$ #o"sideri"g 8 <o push for #ou"seli"gA (hat was surprisi"g A"d hard to believe 7(he" what;s with all the Afters#hool Spe#ialA8 7+ )ust do";t wa"t to see you ta'e a"y steps ba#'ward 5o";t let them hurt you 8 7:asy for you to say 8 7+t should be easy for you too @ou;re spe#ial "ow$ 1amie Powerful 5o";t be afraid to use that power 8 7:=#use meA8 + did";t mea" to sou"d pa"i#'ed all of a sudde"$ but #ome o" @ou '"ow you;d frea' out a little too .r :dwards studied me agai"$ #o"sideri"g the sudde" edge i" my voi#e 9e seemed to pro#eed with #autio" 7@ou have the upper ha"d here$ 1amie @ou;re so mu#h more ahead of the game tha" Paige or a"y other 'id here at 6o#'li" 9igh @ou '"ow what it;s li'e to be them O"ly sophomore to ma'e the varsity #heer sBuad$ dati"g the prom 'i"g$ most popular girl i" your old s#hool? a beauty Buee"A8 7All that i" my file tooA8 + grumbled$ feeli"g a little embarrassed .r :dwards #hu#'led this time 7.r .iller;s biography was very e"lighte"i"g 8 + blushed$ stra"gely ready to murder 6ya"$ while .r : #o"ti"ued with his le#ture 7@ou '"ow what it;s li'e to be them$8 he repeated$ 7but they have "o idea what it;s li'e to be you @ou;ve e"dured far too mu#h real pai" to let mere words hurt you @ou;re too stro"g for that "ow 8 Oh$ o'ay .etaphori#al power + get it Oh$ the iro"y 7(hat was Buite the spee#h$ .r : 8 Oddly e"ough$ though$ it made me feel a little better 7Sorry 8 .r :dwards #hu#'led 7O"e of the dow"falls to studyi"g literature :verythi"g always has to be dramati# 8 +t;s "o wo"der + felt #omfortable with him the" .y mom does";t #all me a drama Buee" for "othi"g 7+ must be desti"ed to be a lit professor someday$8 + mumbled u"der my breath .r :dwards heard me a"d laughed + wiped away the last of my tears a"d eve" ma"aged to retur" his gri" with a small smile (he smile seemed to pla#ate him for the time bei"g$ a"d he headed ba#' to his des' with his bo= of tissues 7Good "ight$ .s Ba'er$8 he said before + left the room 7A"d remember$ you;re the o"e with all the power 8

You have no idea$ + thought as + pulled the door shut behi"d me ----C9AP(:6 1Q .r :dwards;s spee#h had a#tually give" me a lot to thi"' about$ so i"stead of goi"g home$ + headed for the hilltop that overloo's the football field + sat dow" )ust about the time the football team started tri#'li"g o"to the field i" their pra#ti#e #lothes + #ould";t ta'e my eyes off 6ya" as he ra" out o"to the field (here was "o spri"g i" his step$ "o smile o" his fa#e 9e loo'ed as miserable as + felt 9e was havi"g a really bad day too$ a"d "ot o"ly was it "ot over for him$ + seriously doubted Coa#h Pelto" was as u"dersta"di"g as .r :dwards 9e was obviously still "ot happy about two of his star players; suspe"sio"s Barely able to spea' without yelli"g$ he )ust #ho'ed out the word$ 7Faps08 a"d poi"ted his fi"ger at the tra#' 6ya" started ru""i"g$ a"d as soo" as .i'e showed up$ he was ordered to the same pu"ishme"t .i'e hit the tra#' a"d Bui#'ly #aught up to 6ya"$ but the mi"ute he tried to spea' to him$ 6ya" pi#'ed up his pa#e 7.iller08 .i'e yelled$ #at#hi"g up to 6ya" agai" 7Come o"$ dude (his is stupid 8 6ya" sudde"ly stopped ru""i"g a"d whirled arou"d to get i" .i'e;s fa#e 7Get out of my fa#e$ 5ris#oll$ before + pou"d yours08 73i"e +f that;s how it;s go""a be 8 3or the rest of pra#ti#e$ .i'e was sto"e #old to 6ya" a"d pou"ded him i"to the grou"d every #ha"#e he got .ore tha" o"#e$ the #oa#h had to pull him off 6ya" before they started a brawl + hated wat#hi"g .i'e use 6ya" as a ta#'le dummy$ but it was eve" more depressi"g to see 6ya" so upset +t was so u"li'e him to be yelli"g a"d threate"i"g to pou"d people;s fa#es + missed that happy* go*lu#'y guy who made everyo"e arou"d him smile + wa"ted him ba#'$ a"d + reali/ed that there was o"ly o"e way that was goi"g to happe" .r :dwards was absolutely right about me havi"g all the power + was the o"ly o"e who #ould fi= the rift betwee" 6ya" a"d his frie"ds + had to prove to people that he was";t bei"g brai"washed by the frea' + had to ma'e a" effort + had to be "i#e +t was true that + #ould";t be both the i#e Buee" a"d 1amie + had to #hoose 6ight here 6ight "ow A"d tha"'s to .r :dwards$ + was sure + was stro"g e"ough to ma'e the right de#isio" !ell$ pretty sure O'ay$ + was";t sure at all$ + was terrified But + had to 3or 6ya" .y eyes fell o" .i'e a"d + #ri"ged (here was )ust "o possible way + #ould ever play "i#e with him$ but the" + loo'ed a#ross the field at the small group of #heerleaders doi"g #artwheels a"d toe tou#hes + fell i"to a mome"t of "ostalgia as + wat#hed their routi"e + used to love #heeri"g so mu#h O"#e upo" a time + eve" wa"ted to #heer for the Chi#ago Bulls professio"ally .y smile faded whe" the group stopped a"d + heard Paige;s shrill voi#e 7+ swear$ Be#'y0 @ou;re a half se#o"d late o" the e"tire routi"e$ your ha"dspri"gs are sloppy$ a"d you have";t la"ded your dismou"t i" wee's +f you do";t get it together$ you;re out0 (he Bualifier for the state #hampio"ships will be here before you '"ow it$ a"d as #aptai" it;s my )ob to "ot let you rui" it for everyo"e Fet;s do it agai"0 :veryo"e$ from the top08 O'ay$ + #ould "ever tolerate Paige either$ but Be#'yA + did";t harbor a"y real rese"tme"t toward

her A"d today i" #lass$ with Amy$ Allysa$ a"d eve" S#ottA Surely it would";t 'ill me to smile at a"y of them o"#e i" a while + did";t have to be frie"ds with them "e#essarilyK + )ust had to be #ivili/ed + #ould do #ivili/ed + sat there wat#hi"g a"d liste"i"g a"d mostly thi"'i"g u"til pra#ti#e was over$ a"d + de#ided that + had to start with Be#'y She was still the most popular girl i" s#hool$ at least for "ow$ a"d she mea"t the most to 6ya" Buildi"g some 'i"d of relatio"ship with her would ma'e the most differe"#e + felt si#' to my stoma#h$ but + '"ew + had "o #hoi#e$ so + too' a deep breath a"d headed ba#' to s#hool + waited arou"d the #or"er from the lo#'er room doors$ sort of behi"d the blea#hers + figured it;d be best to #at#h her alo"e$ but + was";t the o"ly o"e with that idea Be#'y was the last to drag herself from the field$ a"d right before she rea#hed the girls; lo#'er room$ .i'e grabbed her by the arm 7!hat was all that ba#' there with 6ya"A !hat have you bee" sayi"g to himA8 he growled 7@ou mea" did + tell him what you did to me after the home#omi"g da"#eA8 she hissed$ ya"'i"g her arm free from his grip 7+ did";t do a"ythi"g to you that you did";t as' for 8 76ight 8 7+s that what you told 6ya"A +s that why he wo";t eve" tal' to meA8 .y a"ger was ragi"g i"side of me as + liste"ed to their #o"versatio" + #ould";t believe + had";t see" it before :ver si"#e the da"#e$ all of Be#'y;s odd behavior$ her #lear hatred for the guy she;d happily go"e to the da"#e with$ it sudde"ly all made se"se A"d + wa"ted to 'ill .i'e for it 7Feave me alo"e08 Be#'y s#reamed$ but .i'e stopped her agai" 75id you say a"ythi"g to 6ya" or "otA8 7<o$ all rightA8 Be#'y s#reamed agai" 7@ou thi"' + wa"t the e"tire s#hool to '"ow what you did to meA So everyo"e #a" stare at me fu""y a"d tal' about me behi"d my ba#'A <o tha"'s 8 7(hey would";t believe you a"yway 8 7@eah$ well$ + have";t told a"yo"e$ so )ust forget it0 + '"ow that;s what + wa"t to do 8 Be#'y had tears i" her eyes "ow$ a"d she )er'ed herself free from .i'e agai" 75o";t ever tou#h me agai"08 7!ell$ if you did";t say a"ythi"g$ the" what the hell is .iller;s problemA8 7Are you de"seA (he guy is head over heels for 1amie$ a"d you told the e"tire s#hool that she 'illed her boyfrie"d She a#tually cried i" :"glish today Of #ourse 6ya";s mad at you08 (his "ews seemed to amuse .i'e As if + did";t wa"t to 'ill him e"ough alreadyA 7<o way0 She #riedA8 9e laughed 7@ou are su#h a )er'$8 Be#'y said with utter disgust 7Stay away from me 8 Be#'y too' off without botheri"g to hit the lo#'er room$ a"d si"#e + was a few volts shy of a light"i"g storm$ + had to sit dow" +t was goi"g to ta'e Buddha himself to #alm me dow"$ so + we"t ba#' to my hill a"d tried to breathe + sat there for fiftee" mi"utes u"til the football players a"d the #heerleaders bega" to tri#'le out of the lo#'er rooms o"e by o"e !he" .i'e was the first perso" to #ome out$ + simply #ould";t help myself + '"ew +;d de#ided to resurre#t my i""er 1amiely"" for 6ya";s sa'e$ but + thought this parti#ular situatio" #alled for the i#e Buee" )ust o"e last time + had the emotio"s u"der #o"trol agai"$ so + flew dow" to the s#hool a"d lea"ed agai"st the e"d of the blea#hers )ust before .i'e got there 79ey$8 + said #asually as he wal'ed past .i'e was a little startled to see me$ but his #uriosity got the better of him a"d he stopped 7!hat are you doi"g hereA8 + did";t a"swer his Buestio" 7!hy did you help meA8 + as'ed i"stead .i'e loo'ed #o"fused$ so + elaborated 7(he day that reporter was harassi"g me i" the par'i"g lot$ why did you help meA8 .i'e 'ept a" e=#elle"t po'er fa#e + #ould";t read it at all 7Seemed li'e the thi"g to do$8 he said$ shruggi"g

7So why did you tell the whole s#hool about my a##ide"tA8 9e shrugged agai" 7Seemed li'e the thi"g to do 8 .i'e still seemed #ompletely #asual$ but + #ould 'eep my #ool too + "odded u"dersta"di"gly 7+s your beef with 6ya" really about meA8 + as'ed with a frie"dly smile 7@ou always seemed fi"e with the idea of him "aili"g me before @ou e"#ouraged him eve" 8 7(hat was before you tur"ed him i"to your little i#e 'i"g 8 7So it has "othi"g to do with the fa#t that he got o" your #ase about Be#'yA8 .i'e fli"#hed be"eath his perfe#t e=pressio" 7+ do";t '"ow what you;re tal'i"g about 8 Oh$ he '"ew e=a#tly what + was tal'i"g about + #ould see it i" his eyes 7.a"$8 + said 7(he guilt is really eati"g away at you$ is";t itA8 9is eyes "arrowed$ but + 'ept goi"g 7Or is it fear +;m seei"gA Are you afraid that your best frie"d is goi"g to figure out that you raped his best frie"dA8 + e")oyed wat#hi"g .i'e;s fa#e tur" white 7Fiste"$ you littleD8 he started 7<o$ you liste"08 + '"ew .r :dwards had bee" spea'i"g metaphori#ally about usi"g my power a"d all$ but + #hose to ta'e him literally right the" a"d grabbed the #ollar of .i'e;s shirt$ ya"'i"g him toward me$ lifti"g him o"to the balls of his toes Gotta love superstre"gth :ve" if it had bee" guilt i" his eyes before$ it was defi"itely fear "ow 7Killi"g my boyfrie"d may have bee" a" a##ide"t$ but if you ever tou#h Be#'y$ or a"y other girl$ ever agai"$ 'illi"g you wo";t be H"dersta"dA A"d while we;re at it$ stop tal'i"g #rap about me +t upsets 6ya" 8 + let go of .i'e with )ust e"ough of a shove for him to fall ba#'ward + slammed my foot agai"st his #hest$ flatte"i"g him o" his ba#' + may have used a little u""e#essary for#e$ but + '"ew + was";t really hurti"g him 9ey$ the guy;s a li"eba#'er Sometimes brute for#e is the o"ly way to get through to them 7Oh$ a"d if you ever tell a"yo"e about this #o"versatio"$ you;ll regret it 8 + flashed him a beautiful smile as + removed my foot a"d added a per'y 7See you tomorrow 8 !ould + have ever a#tually hurt .i'eA Of #ourse "ot !ell$ "ot o" purpose But did + feel bad about ma'i"g him believe that + wouldA <o .aybe + should have but + did";t + wal'ed away feeli"g better tha" + had all day + got almost to the par'i"g lot whe" + "oti#ed that Be#'y had";t left after her tal' with .i'e She was out o" the field doi"g ha"dspri"g after ha"dspri"g After threate"i"g .i'e + was feeli"g pretty good$ so + figured +;d better give this whole ma'i"g*a"*effort thi"g a shot before + #hi#'e"ed out !ith a sigh + #ha"ged #ourse for the football field 7@our problem;s i" your footi"g @our toes te"d to poi"t out whe" you la"d$8 + said whe" Be#'y;s tumbli"g #ame to a stop Be#'y was spee#hless$ a"d #olor me para"oid$ but it did";t seem li'e she was all that grateful for my #ritiBue 7+ used to have the same problem$8 + offered 7.y #oa#h told me to try to lift my toes i"side my shoes whe" + )umped + '"ow it sou"ds a little #ra/y$ but + started sti#'i"g my la"di"gs after that 8 Be#'y was still fro/e" i" sho#'$ so + )ust 'ept tal'i"g 7+t;s bee" a lo"g time$ so + do";t '"ow that +;d be mu#h help$ but if you ever wa"t someo"e to pra#ti#e with who is";t goi"g to #o"sta"tly bite your head off$ + would";t mi"d 8 + #ould";t believe +;d )ust told her + would";t mi"d ha"gi"g out with her A"d the #ra/iest part was$ + felt li'e it was the truth + really would";t mi"d O"#e +;d said it$ + reali/ed + was";t )ust doi"g this for 6ya" +t would be so "i#e to have a girl to tal' to agai" + tried to smile$ but that;s 'i"d of hard to do whe" you;re so "ervous you feel li'e you;re about to vomit !he" Be#'y fi"ally #aught up with the mome"t$ she did";t yell$ but her voi#e was as #old as$ well$ i#e 7Feave me alo"e 8

She was hostile e"ough that + wa"ted to gra"t her reBuest$ but + owed it to 6ya" to try a little harder 7+ '"ow what you;re goi"g through 8 7@ou do";t '"ow a"ythi"g about me$8 Be#'y said through #le"#hed teeth 7+;ll bet + '"ow what really happe"ed betwee" you a"d .i'e$8 + said softly$ a"d Be#'y;s fa#e tur"ed gree" 7@ou a"d + have a lot more i" #ommo" tha" 6ya" thi"'s A"d trust me$ if you 'eep the se#ret to yourself lo"g e"ough$ tryi"g to prete"d it did";t happe"$ you;ll e"d up e=a#tly li'e me +;m "ot tryi"g to s#are you$ a"d + wo";t tell a"yo"e +;m )ust sayi"g +;ve bee" there$ a"d if you ever wa"t to tal' about it? !ell$ + '"ow I #ould really use a frie"d who u"dersta"ds a"yway 8 Be#'y did";t say a"ythi"g for what felt li'e a lo"g time 9er eyes filled with tears$ a"d her whole body started to sha'e u"til she fi"ally e=ploded 7@ou have "o idea what you;re tal'i"g about08 she yelled 7!e do";t have a"ythi"g i" #ommo"0 + do";t "eed your frie"dship$ a"d + do";t wa"t it0 + hate you0 @ou;ve ta'e" the o"ly de#e"t perso" i" this s#hool a"d tur"ed him i"to a )er'0 @ou;re so selfish that you;re letti"g him rui" his life for you08 + did";t '"ow what to say +t hurt whe" she said she hated me$ but + #ould";t blame her A"d she was right about o"e thi"gC 6ya" was rui"i"g his life over me But she was wro"g i" thi"'i"g that + wa"ted him to +;d bee" tryi"g to push him away si"#e day o"e Before + had the #ha"#e to defe"d myself$ Paige a"d (ami'a were sudde"ly there$ a"d they were prote#tively #lampi"g their arms i" Be#'y;s 7Go away08 (ami'a shouted at me 7@eah08 Paige said 7<obody wa"ts you here$ frea'0 !hy do";t you do us all a favor a"d )ust 'ill yourself li'e you 'illed your last boyfrie"d08 + started repeati"g .r :dwards;s words i" my head Im the one with all the $ower Im the one with all the $ower But somehow + thi"' this emotio"al power must be a lot li'e my physi#al power +t was goi"g to ta'e a lot of pra#ti#e +t would";t have bee" so bad e=#ept + #ould";t help thi"'i"g how mu#h Paige was right :verythi"g that was wro"g betwee" everyo"e i" this s#hool was be#ause of me O'ay$ well maybe "ot what was wro"g betwee" .i'e a"d Be#'y$ but everyo"e elseA (hese people all used to be o"e big happy family before + #ame alo"g !hy would they let me i"to their lives whe" + was the o"e respo"sible for brea'i"g them all upA +t was the same e=a#t thi"g as my old s#hool +;d ta'e" 5ere' from them a"d they hated me for it !hy would + e=pe#t thi"gs to be differe"t hereA + was";t eve" frie"ds with these people before + too' 6ya" from them + '"ow 6ya" had faith$ but sudde"ly + was sure that a"y attempts to be frie"ds with a"yo"e i" this s#hool would be useless + did";t '"ow what was with me a"d the waterwor's lately$ but + started to #ry agai" 76ight$8 + s"iffled eve"tually + ig"ored Paige a"d (ami'a a"d loo'ed straight at Be#'y 73orget + said a"ythi"g 8 + tur"ed arou"d to leave o"ly to "early ru" i"to 6ya" 75o";t tou#h me$8 + war"ed whe" he rea#hed out to pull me i"to his arms 7!hat;s wro"gA8 he as'ed as he pulled his ha"ds ba#' 7(his is";t goi"g to wor'$ 6ya"$8 + said through my tears 7@ou a"d me$ frie"ds$ a life$ a"y of it A"d + am so tired of fighti"g about it with you @ou said + #a";t be both people$ but the truth is$ + #a";t be either +;m sorry 8 + started to leave whe" + fi"ally bro'e out i"to full*o" sobs 71amie$ wait08 7<o0 + tried$ o'ayA + really did But it;s "ot goi"g to wor'$ a"d + #a";t ta'e this a"ymore$ so )ust stop0 Please08 + wal'ed away$ a"d it was hard to 'eep myself at a "ormal huma" pa#e be#ause + #ould still hear

6ya" as + headed for my #ar 7+t;s really better this way$ 6ya"$8 Paige said with a sympathy that made me "auseous 7Better for whoA8 he as'ed her 73or 1amieA 3or meA Or maybe )ust better for you + #a";t believe you$ Paige0 @ou have "o idea what she;s bee" through0 Pai" li'e you #ould "ever imagi"e0 A"d you;re throwi"g it i" her fa#e over a"d over agai" for whatA Be#ause +;d rather go out with her tha" with youA @ou #all her the i#e Buee"$ but 1amie would "ever do somethi"g li'e that to a"yo"e 8 7But loo' at what she;s doi"g to you$8 Paige said 7She;s do"e "othi"g but ma'e me happy$ a"d she;s had to tur" her e"tire life arou"d )ust to do it @ou guys are the o"es doi"g all the damage08 7But$ 6ya"D8 75o";t start with me$ Be#'y0 + told her you were differe"t + begged her to give you a #ha"#e 5o you have a"y idea how hard that was for herA She tried to be "i#e She was terrified of you$ but she did it for me be#ause + promised you were";t li'e everyo"e else$ a"d you #rushed her08 As + rea#hed my #ar + heard 6ya" sigh 7.aybe she was right whe" she #hose "ot to be frie"ds with a"y of us$8 he said$ sou"di"g more resig"ed tha" a"gry "ow 7+ thought + was helpi"g$ but all + did was give her hope a"d the" throw her to the wolves +;ve probably hurt her more tha" a"yo"e (ha"'s a lot$ you guys 8 +t sou"ded as though someo"e was #ryi"g$ a"d + reali/ed it was Be#'y whe" she gave 6ya" a weepy apology 76ya"$ +;m sorry$8 she said 9is respo"se was 71ust forget it 8 + do";t '"ow if he said a"ythi"g else be#ause + was i" my #ar "ow$ a"d + revved the e"gi"e a"d blasted the radio so that + #ould tu"e them out (he" + we"t home a"d a##ide"tally slammed my bra"d* "ew bedroom door through the bathroom wall agai" + guess + should";t have bee" surprised whe" 6ya" showed up at my house "ot te" mi"utes after + did + mea" the guy;s pai"fully dedi#ated and #o"vi"#ed that he is my boyfrie"d +t would ma'e se"se that he would #ome to me after he fi"ished yelli"g at his frie"ds o" my behalf But for some reaso"$ whe" he showed up a"d begged my mom to let him i"$ + was still sho#'ed Sho#'ed a"d a"gry 79ello$ 6ya"$8 my mother sighed whe" she a"swered the door + may have bee" stu""ed$ but she did";t sou"d all that surprised to see him 7(ha"' you for stoppi"g by$ but + really do";t thi"' 1amie is up for a"y visitors right "ow 8 7Please$ .rs Ba'erA Please )ust let me try to tal' to her 8 (he power i" the house was already out$ but + was a"gry e"ough that the walls shoo' at the sou"d of his desperate voi#e + did";t mea" to be so upset with him be#ause + '"ew he really #ared about me a"d he;d do"e "othi"g but treat me better tha" + deserved$ but a girl #a" be told that thi"gs will be o'ay o"ly so ma"y times +;d defi"itely rea#hed my limit .y mother sou"ded s#ared as she attempted agai" to shoo him off 7+;m sorry$ 6ya"$ but "ow is )ust "ot a good time 8 7+t;s o'ay$ .rs Ba'er 8 (here was sile"#e for a mome"t while 6ya" hesitated 7+ '"ow about 1amie About her powers$ + mea"$8 he fi"ally admitted 7A"d + '"ow the rules + wo";t get too #lose$ but you have to let me see her Please0 +t;s my fault she;s so upset + owe her a" apology 8 7@ou whatA8 my mother gasped +;d li'e to prete"d that my mother was surprised be#ause 6ya" #laimed he was the reaso" + was #ryi"g$ but + '"ew that;s "ot what #aught her off guard 6ya" appare"tly '"ew it too be#ause the "e=t thi"g he said was$ 7Please do";t be mad at 1amie for telli"g me about herself + sort of did";t give her a #hoi#e A"d do";t worryD+ swear + will "ever ever tell a"yo"e 8 (here was a pause for a mi"ute$ a"d the" 6ya" spo'e agai"$ i" a mu#h smaller voi#e 7+ #are about your daughter$ .rs Ba'er A lot + wa"t

to prote#t her )ust as mu#h as you do 8 + '"ew 6ya" #ared about meDthat mu#h was obviousDbut +;d "ever heard him say it out loud before A"d for him to say it to my mother0 +t was so bittersweet +t made me feel so mu#h better a"d so mu#h worse$ all at the same time .y a"ger subsided$ but my despair i"#reased te"fold a"d + started #ryi"g eve" harder + was too e=hausted "ow to 'eep up the a"ger i"side me$ a"d the house stilled .y mother '"ew + #ould hear the #o"versatio" a"d must have figured that what he said had #almed me dow"$ be#ause she did";t say a"ythi"g$ but 6ya" let out a huge breath 7(ha"' you$ .rs Ba'er08 76ya"A8 my mother #alled with a" e=asperated sigh 7Keep your dista"#e 8 7+ will 8 6ya" did";t say a"ythi"g as he #ame dow" the hallway a"d #rossed the war /o"e of my bedroom;s threshold + guess he was";t all that surprised to see my missi"g door :ve"tually he bro'e the sile"#e with a simple 7+;m sorry 8 7Go away08 + shouted$ a"d the" my voi#e bro'e 7+;m so sorry + was wro"g about my frie"ds But )ust forget them$ o'ayA + did 8 9is fa#e was si#' with worry$ a"d + sudde"ly felt guilty all over agai" 7(hey;re your frie"ds$8 + said$ attempti"g to gai" some #o"trol of myself 7@ou #a";t )ust forget them 8 7+f they were really my frie"ds they would";t treat you li'e that 8 7But they;re right +;m a )er'$ a"d you;ve bee" differe"t @ou #a";t blame them for hati"g meD they;re )ust worried about you 8 7(hat;s bull0 (hey;re )ust )ealous$ a"d if they #a";t get over it$ the" it;s their loss 1amie$ if + have to #hoose a side$ the" + #hoose yours A"d for o"#e i" my life + do";t #are if it ma'es everyo"e i" the e"tire s#hool hate me$ )ust as lo"g as you do";t 8 75o";t be stupid @ou #a";t give up everyo"e you '"ow be#ause of me 8 7But that;s )ust itD+ should";t have to + do";t wa"t to be frie"ds with people that e=pe#t me to forget about the best thi"g that;s ever happe"ed to me$ )ust be#ause they do";t u"dersta"d you (hey wo";t eve" liste" to me lo"g e"ough to let me e=plai" 8 7.aybe that;s be#ause they;re right this time +;m "o good for you @ou may "ot wa"t to liste" to them$ but + do";t have a #hoi#e Be#'y;s right +;ve bee" selfish be#ause + li'e you$ a"d for your ow" safety it has to stop +;m sorry$ 6ya"$ but there;s "o side to #hoose +;m o" their side this time 8 + dried my tears a"d loo'ed him straight i" the eye + mea"t it this time$ a"d + had to ma'e him see that 7+t;s over 8 + do";t '"ow how lo"g he stood there )ust stari"g at me i" sile"#e$ but it felt li'e forever a"d + had to loo' away + #ould";t 'eep stari"g at the tortured e=pressio" o" his fa#e be#ause + absolutely #ould";t give i" this time 7@ou #a";t give up$8 he eve"tually whispered 7@ou were doi"g so great @ou #a";t )ust Buit be#ause of somethi"g Paige or Be#'y said 8 7@ou do";t get it08 + s#reamed 7+t;s "ot about what they said08 7So e=plai" it to me the"$ 1amie0 Be#ause + ho"estly #a";t u"dersta"d why wo";t you let me get #lose to you + '"ow you wa"t to08 !he" + did";t a"swer him$ he lowered his voi#e a"d 'ept tal'i"g 7+ do";t )ust mea" physi#ally$8 he said 7@ou;re s#ared to be i" a relatio"ship at all @ou;re s#ared to let me i" +s it be#ause of 5ere'A Be#ause you #a";t let o"e a##ide"t 'eep you from ever livi"g your life agai" 8 7+t;s "ot 5ere' 8 7(he" what is itA 5o";t you wa"t meA 5o";t you trust meA8 7Of #ourse + do 8

7(he" whatA8 76ya" 8 + sighed 7@ou '"ow what 8 7!hat$ your powersA +;m so si#' of you usi"g that as a" e=#use 8 6ya";s voi#e sou"ded so rese"tful all of a sudde" that it startled me$ a"d + be#ame defe"sive agai" 7+t;s "ot a" e=#use08 7+t is a" e=#use0 5o";t tell me you #a";t #o"trol your powers be#ause we both '"ow that you #a" .aybe "ot o"e hu"dred per#e"t but e"ough !e;ve bee" fi"e for wee's +t;s )ust that this is fi"ally tur"i"g i"to a real relatio"ship$ a"d you #a";t ha"dle it @ou;re s#ared08 + was sudde"ly e"raged$ a"d + )umped to my feet 7Of #ourse +;m s#ared0 9ave you forgotte" that + "early 'illed you yesterdayA !hat if it had bee" me lyi"g there u"#o"s#ious i" fro"t of youA !ould you be able to live with yourself if you ever hurt me li'e thatA8 (his time it was 6ya" that #ould";t meet my ga/e (ears poured dow" my a"gry fa#e$ a"d my body started to sha'e$ but + had to 'eep tal'i"g + had to ma'e him u"dersta"d$ a"d there was o"ly o"e way + #ould see to do that + had to tell him the truth + had to tell him the o"e thi"g +;d swor" +;d "ever tell a"other livi"g soul + figured he would hate me after that$ but + did";t see a"y other #hoi#e 7+ 'illed 5ere'08 + s#reamed through my tears 7.e0 <ot the tru#'$ "ot the power li"es$ me08 + too' a breath a"d lowered my voi#e 7(he a##ide"t was";t eve" my fault$8 + e=plai"ed 7+t was his 8 7!hat are you tal'i"g aboutA8 7(hat "ight 5ere' a"d + got i"to a huge fight$ a"d + bro'e up with him 8 7!hatA8 + ig"ored the sho#' i" 6ya";s voi#e 79e tried to argue but + too' off ru""i"g Fi'e + told you before$ + beat him ba#' to the #ar !he" + started the #ar$ he figured + was goi"g to drive off a"d leave him stra"ded i" the middle of "owhere 9e dashed o"to the road without loo'i"g first (he tru#' driver swerved to miss 5ere' a"d e"ded up hitti"g me i"stead (he a##ide"tDthe to=i# waste$ the power li"es$ the e=plosio"Dit was 5ere';s fault$ a"d he wat#hed it all from safely a#ross the street 8 + sudde"ly felt wea' a"d had to sit ba#' dow" 6ya" loo'ed worried about me$ but he 'ept his promise to my mom a"d stayed ba#' :ve" from a#ross the room$ though$ + #ould see the loo' i" his eyes 9e was fi"ally starti"g to get it 7!he" + wo'e up + thought + was dead be#ause "othi"g hurt the way it should$ but the" 5ere' was there$ s#reami"g my "ame + #limbed out of the #ar$ a"d of #ourse he rushed over a"d threw his arms arou"d me But + was so mad at him$ a"d + was so frighte"ed !he" + started to ele#tro#ute him + did";t eve" '"ow what was happe"i"g 9e )ust started s#reami"g a"d sha'i"g 9e #ould";t seem to let go of me$ a"d + #ould";t es#ape him + was i" sho#' (he way he loo'ed a"d the smell? A"d the" he )ust stopped s#reami"g 8 + fell sile"t for a mi"ute as + remembered the si"gle most horrifi# mome"t of my life 7+ had to pry myself out of his arms$8 + sobbed whe" + #ould spea' agai" 75ere' is dead be#ause of me I 'illed him + '"ow it was";t my faultD+ get thatDbut$ 6ya"$ you have to u"dersta"d that;s e=a#tly why we have to stop this 8 3or o"#e i" his life$ 6ya" was spee#hless$ but surprisi"gly$ that o"ly made me feel worse 7+t;s the o"ly way + #a" be sure that + wo";t hurt you li'e that$8 + whispered After that + had to get out of there + tur"ed to leave a"d fro/e whe" + fou"d my mother sta"di"g i" the doorway to my room$ #ompletely sho#'ed + too' o"e loo' at her horrified e=pressio" a"d the tears flowi"g dow" her #hee's$ a"d + frea'ed out 7+;m sorry$8 + #ried 7+ )ust "ever '"ew how to tell you 8 + did";t sti#' arou"d for a"y 'i"d of rea#tio" from either of them 9ow #ould +A + did";t wa"t to hear what they would say + #ould";t bear the loo's o" their fa#es + )ust wa"ted to be alo"e

----C9AP(:6 1E + was so me"tally e=hausted that + did";t have the e"ergy to do a"ythi"g but wal' + had "o more fight i" me <o Gra"d Ca"yo" this time <o .iami Bea#h or .ou"t 6ushmore 1ust up my street a"d dow" the "e=t :ve"tually + e"ded up i" the par' +t was deserted si"#e the su" was starti"g to set$ so + de#ided it was the perfe#t pla#e to sul'$ a"d fou"d the "earest be"#h + lay dow"$ #losed my eyes$ a"d tried to empty my mi"d But + #ould";t rid my brai" of my problems u"til + felt a fai"t surge of e"ergy pop up arou"d me +t startled me$ but it was o"ly the street lamps tur"i"g o" as it be#ame dar' + do";t '"ow what happe"ed the"$ but + )ust s"apped + #ould";t ta'e it a"ymore + hated the e"ergy + felt 9ated it0 <o matter what + did or where + we"t$ + #ould";t es#ape it .y ha"ds flew up$ a"d with a frustrated s#ream$ + pushed the e"ergy away from me$ se"di"g it ba#' to those lights with as mu#h for#e as + was #apable of +t was li'e pure rage shot out from the palms of my ha"ds i" the form of light"i"g bolts that we"t whi//i"g a#ross the par' + did";t )ust burst the bulb of the lamppost + was aimi"g atD+ blew the whole frea'i"g pole out of the grou"d 3or a split se#o"d$ the whole world #ame to a stutteri"g stop$ a"d + bli"'ed dow" at my ha"ds +;d "ot o"ly #o"trolled the light"i"g$ but it somehow felt twi#e as powerful as it had at 6ya";s #abi" A"d + felt stro"ger too + was";t fatigued li'e +;d bee" the" .y mus#les were";t wea' + did";t '"ow how +;d ma"aged it$ but + was sure + #ould do it agai" @eah$ somewhere deep dow" + was vaguely aware of what + was doi"g But it felt too good to release all that pe"t*up rage !ay too good So before + '"ew it + had blasted two more streetlights (he power was i"to=i#ati"g + mea"$ there + was i" the middle of a publi# par'$ where a"yo"e a"d their mother;s dog #ould have see" me$ or eve" bee" severely hurt by my a#tio"s$ but + had";t stopped to thi"' about it +t was li'e + was";t i" tou#h with reality a"ymore At least "ot u"til + heard my "ame bei"g #alled 71amie08 Carter s#reamed fra"ti#ally 7Stop it before you 'ill somebody08 9e startled me so badly that + i"sti"#tively whirled arou"d a"d let go a"other burst of light"i"g$ whi#h obliterated a small tree )ust to his left 7!hoa$ 1amie0 +t;s )ust me0 Cut the pyrote#h"i#s before someo"e sees you08 + loo'ed i" the dire#tio" Carter was poi"ti"g A #rowd was already gatheri"g arou"d the mess i" the street$ a"d "ow they were all sBui"ti"g at me through the dar'$ tryi"g to see what had blow" up the tree 6eality started to #at#h up to me a"d + pa"i#'ed .y i"sti"#t to prote#t myself 'i#'ed i" a"d without thi"'i"g + grabbed Carter a"d too' off Se#o"ds later + was droppi"g him o" the fro"t steps of the s#hool +t too' him a few mi"utes to re#over from traveli"g at superspeed A"d it gave me great satisfa#tio"$ twisted as it may be$ whe" he hurled all over the bushes +t was e"ough of a distra#tio" that + #ould fi"ally thi"' ratio"ally agai" !ell$ as ratio"ally as + was #apable of where 5ave Carter was #o"#er"ed 7@ou do not wa"t to mess with me right "ow$ Carter08

7+ did";t reali/e you had a"y #o"trol over the light"i"g stuff$8 he said after wipi"g his mouth o" his sleeve <ot that + would have shot a light"i"g bolt through him a"y more tha" + would through .i'e 5ris#oll$ but li'e 5ris#oll$ Carter did";t '"ow that$ so + held my palm out i" his dire#tio" 7@ou wa"t to fi"d out )ust how mu#h #o"trol + haveA8 Carter waved off my threat 7@ou;re "ot goi"g to hurt me$ 1amiely"" @ou do";t have it i" you 8 O'ay$ maybe he was a little smarter tha" .i'e$ but + was";t i" the mood to play arou"d$ a"d his #o#'i"ess was";t #ute li'e 6ya";s <ot eve" #lose + had him pi""ed to the grou"d before he #ould bli"'$ a"d he gru"ted be"eath the pressure my fists were putti"g o" his #hest 7@ou;re so sure about thatA8 7+f + was";t$8 he gru"ted$ 7+ would";t be here 8 + guess the ma" had a poi"t 9e obviously '"ew + #ould 'ill him if + wa"ted to 1ust showi"g up i" the first pla#e was a way of #alli"g my bluff Still$ + #ould";t )ust admit to my wea'"ess 7@ou have thirty se#o"ds to #o"vi"#e me "ot to prove you wro"g 8 7+;m "ot here for a story +;m tryi"g to prote#t you 8 <ow$ that was )ust fu""y :=#ept + was";t laughi"g 7By selli"g me dow" the river i" the "ame of s#ie"#eA8 Carter stopped struggli"g be"eath my weight$ a"d his eyes got huge 7(hat;s right$8 + said 7+ '"ow all about Pisti#orp 8 7@ou mea" they #o"ta#ted youA8 + did";t u"dersta"d the fear i" his voi#e 79ow mu#h are they payi"g youA8 7(hey are";t payi"g me$ 1amiely"" 8 7!hyA (hey dema"ded proof firstA +f you thi"' +;m goi"g to let you give them a"ythi"g o" me$ the" you;re more delusio"al tha" 6ya" 8 7!ill you let me go so that we #a" tal'A8 + debated his reBuest for a mi"ute + really did";t wa"t to let him go$ but + did "eed a"swers Besides$ it was";t li'e he #ould ru" from me Carter got to his feet a"d brushed himself off$ s#owli"g at me the whole time 7<i#e to see you bei"g ratio"al for o"#e$8 he grumbled 9e was";t the o"ly o"e who #ould be #ra"'y 7@ou;d better tell me what is goi"g o" right "ow$ or +;ll get really irratio"al really Bui#' 8 7+ thi"' we;re past the threats$ 1amiely""$8 Carter said dryly Sadly$ + may have bee" getti"g better at #o"trolli"g my power$ but my temperA Hm$ yeah? (hat still "eeds some wor' +;m embarrassed to say that Carter;s a""oyed attitude was all it too' for me to lose it + let out a s#ream of frustratio" a"d the" pushed him agai"st the wall of the s#hool All right$ fi"e + pi#'ed him up a"d threw him agai"st the wall But + did";t hurt him + )ust startled him 7+ am so si#' of your attitude0 @ou #ome to me$ a"d you a#t li'e Im the o"e tryi"g to rui" your lifeA8 7!ell$ you sure are";t ma'i"g it a"y better$8 Carter grumbled$ still a little breathless from his short flight 7@ou thi"' + e")oy babysitti"g a" ob"o=ious tee"ager all the timeA8 Ob"o=iousA O'ay$ maybe + had to give him that o"e + was";t e=a#tly the Buee" of pleasa"tries whe" he was arou"d But 7babysitti"g8A 7!at#hi"g out for youA Coveri"g for youA8 79ow is #o"ta#ti"g ge"eti# resear#h #ompa"ies #overi"g for meA8 71amiely""$ they #o"ta#ted me08 76ight08 7(hey did0 A"d "ot for the first time either Pisti#orp has bee" 'eepi"g tabs o" you si"#e + pri"ted

the story of your first a##ide"t (hey stopped botheri"g me whe" + #ould";t fi"d a"y evide"#e$ but the mome"t you saved that garde"er they #ame ba#' (hey;re sure of you this time$ a"d they wa"ted me to get them proof 8 + have really got to wor' o" my po'er fa#e +t probably was";t i" my best i"terest to let Carter see how s#ared + was$ but + was so stu""ed by his revelatio" that + gasped .y worst "ightmare was #omi"g true (here were people out there that '"ew (hey '"ew a"d they wa"ted to study me A"d this ma" was here to bri"g me i" + staggered ba#'ward$ a"d let the e"ergy i"side me boil u"til + #ould feel it whippi"g my hair wildly about my head agai" + #ould feel it radiati"g off my s'i"$ bur"i"g through my eyes$ ready to atta#' at my #omma"d 7+"#redible$8 Carter whispered as he s#rambled to his feet 7@ou;re "ot tur"i"g me i" to them$8 + war"ed$ a"d this time$ + was";t so sure that + would";t hurt him Carter remai"ed #alm$ though$ ig"ori"g my hostility 7+ do";t wa"t to ta'e you to them$8 he s"apped 7(he" what do you wa"tA8 7+ told you + wa"t to help 8 7@ou;ve "ever bee" i"terested i" helpi"g a"yo"e but yourself 8 7+ met these guys$ a"d they are";t the 'i"d of people you wa"t to be i"volved with <ot eve" someo"e li'e you 8 + dropped my ha"d to my side$ willi"g myself to be reaso"able a"d liste" to him + as'ed the o"ly thi"g my brai" #ould #ome up with 7!hyA8 7(hey;re ri#h$ powerful$ a"d li'e to play God @ou would";t be able to stop them by yourself 8 7But why would you help meA All you;ve ever wa"ted to do is e=pose me (hey must have offered you a lot of mo"ey !hy "ot )ust ta'e itA8 + was surprised by the e=pressio" that washed over Carter;s fa#e Guilt$ a"ger$ fear$ a"d eve" remorse All emotio"s + was sure the ma" was i"#apable of$ a"d yet they were all right there$ plai" as day i" his eyes 71ust trust me o" this 8 9is u"steady voi#e was merely a whisper 7+;m here to help 8 @eah Fi'e + was goi"g to trust himA 9e was totally hidi"g somethi"g But + still #ould";t ig"ore how sha'e" he was 7A"d how do you pla" to help me e=a#tlyA8 Carter swallowed hard a"d the" straighte"ed his posture 7(he o"ly way + #a" thi"' to stop them is for you to out yourself before they get their ow" proof a"d #ome for you 8 + started to shudder at the 7#ome for you8 part u"til + reali/ed e=a#tly what he;d said 7Out myselfA8 + too' a deep breath whe" + felt my rage #reepi"g to the surfa#e agai" 7Come #lea"A (ell the world my se#retA A"d )ust how is that supposed to help meA8 71amiely""$ + do";t thi"' you u"dersta"d how valuable you are :ve" the guys at Pisti#orp do";t '"ow the thi"gs you;re #apable of +f you #ame forward$ you;d be the most famous perso" i" the e"tire world i" a matter of mi"utes <o o"e would be able to tou#h you (he gover"me"t would have to prote#t you 8 7!hat ma'es you thi"' the gover"me"t would";t do everythi"g these Pisti#orp guys pla" o" doi"gA8 7(hey would";t be able to be#ause you;d already be a #elebrity (hey;d wa"t to #laim you as their ow" Show you off to the rest of the world 8 <o way did + ever wa"t that happe"i"g 7+ thi"' +;d rather ta'e my #ha"#es with the mad s#ie"tists 8 7+t would";t be all bad (here;s defi"itely per's 8 Carter slowly rea#hed i"side his )a#'et a"d

pulled out a video tape 7(his footage is worth so mu#h more tha" Pisti#orp offered to pay me Youre worth so mu#h more +f you let me ta'e you publi#$ + #ould tur" you i"to a star + #ould ma'e you ri#h beyo"d your wildest dreams @our pare"ts would "ever have to wor' agai" (hi"' about the possibilities 8 + was begi""i"g to feel overwhelmed by the amou"t of e"ergy pulsi"g through my body (he a"ger #reated by his lies was starti"g to push me over the edge + #lapped my ha"ds sar#asti#ally$ a"d my voi#e shoo' as + fought to 'eep #o"trol 7@ou almost had me fooled @ou reporters will say a"ythi"g for a story 8 71amie$ +;m serious +;m "ot )ustD8 7@our thirty se#o"ds are up$8 + i"terrupted + was so a"gry that + tur"ed o" the )ui#e a"d gave him )ust e"ough of a sho#' to writhe i" pai" for a mi"ute 9e "ever e=pe#ted + would a#tually hurt him$ so eve" though + did";t do a"y real damage$ the )olt bro'e his #o"fide"#e !he" + saw the fear i" his eyes$ the thought of )ust fi"ishi"g him off flashed through my mi"d After all$ he was evil 9e wa"ted to rui" my life 9e wa"ted to out me to the world for his ow" fortu"e a"d glory 9e;d tried o"#e already a"d i" a way su##eeded (his time he had the proof that #ould destroy my family a"d my e"tire life forever$ i"stead of )ust for#i"g me to relo#ate All + had to do was push a ti"y bit harder a"d my problem would be solved + doubted that a"yo"e would eve" miss him 3or o"e ti"y se#o"d$ the thought of 'illi"g him #o"sumed me$ a"d + '"ew he #ould see it i" my eyes be#ause the loo' o" his fa#e i"sta"tly tur"ed to fear 7Please08 he #oughed with what little breath he had 7@ou may have 'illed 5ere'$ but that was a" a##ide"t0 @ou do";t wa"t my blood o" your #o"s#ie"#e @ou;re "ot a murderer$ 1amie08 5ere';s "ame$ the image of him dyi"g i" my arms$ his #harred lifeless body resti"g at my feet$ s"apped me ba#' to reality a"d brought reaso" ba#' to my thoughts Sho#'ed by my a#tio"s$ a"d the feeli"gs of mali#e + was appare"tly #apable of$ + #ollapsed o" the steps right there i" fro"t of my s#hool$ letti"g my tears flow freely + hated to #ry i" fro"t of Carter + hated givi"g him the satisfa#tio" of seei"g me vul"erable$ but he was right + did";t wa"t his blood o" my ha"ds +;d "ever felt more #o"fused or s#ared i" my e"tire life (he thi"g of it was$ + was";t upset that +;d wa"ted to 'ill him + was upset that + #ould";t 9ere was a ma" who #ould destroy me$ a"d as powerful as + was$ there was "othi"g + #ould do about it :ve" with superpowers + was";t stro"g e"ough to prote#t myself K"owi"g + was a"gry for "ot bei"g able to do it made me feel awful +t made me feel li'e a mo"ster eve" though Carter was still breathi"g +t made me wo"der about 5ere' .ade me Buestio" whether or "ot + was glad he was dead A"d if + was glad he was dead$ the" + may as well have bee" a murderer$ a##ide"t or "ot !hile + sat there havi"g a legitimate me"tal brea'dow"$ Carter ma"aged to get himself ba#' o" his feet a"d put the tape ba#' i"side his )a#'et + wa"ted to swipe the tape a"d fry it right the" a"d there$ but '"owi"g Carter$ he;d made a #opy + did";t '"ow what other proof he had + had to ma'e sure that there was "othi"g else$ so + got myself u"der #o"trol a"d played his game + as'ed$ 7Ca" + thi"' about itA8 7@ou do";t have mu#h time$ 1amiely"" +f + do";t bri"g them somethi"g soo"$ they;ll se"d someo"e else 8 + hated that he sou"ded sympatheti# 7@ou;re as'i"g me to give up my whole life 1ust let me sleep o" it 8 9e loo'ed at me for a mome"t a"d the" released a deep sigh <oddi"g relu#ta"tly$ he said$ 7(omorrow Or +;ll release this tape with or without you 8 79ow do + fi"d youA8 7+;ll fi"d you 8

9a0 9e did";t '"ow who he was deali"g with + was the i#e Buee"$ rememberA A"d if he was goi"g to try to bla#'mail me$ the" + was goi"g to put him o" i#e 7(omorrow the"$8 + agreed #oldly$ a"d flew from his sight i" a flash + was arou"d the #or"er before he was do"e mutteri"g$ 7+"#redible8 agai"$ but + did";t go a"y farther + was o" a missio" "ow +t was";t hard to follow him without bei"g #aught$ a"d the stupid guy headed straight home <i#e pla#e$ by the way <ot + thought +;d try to e=ploit me for mo"ey too if + were him O" the bright side$ + did";t feel too bad about rippi"g dow" the fro"t door to get i" after he left the house agai" <ot as though a"yo"e was goi"g to try to brea' i" !ell$ besides me$ + guess +t gave me the #reeps to go i"side +;ve "ever really bee" o"e to brea' the law$ but it;s a really good thi"g + followed my i"sti"#ts this time Carter had bee" wat#hi"g 6ya" a"d me for wee's (here were surveilla"#e photos of me a"d my pare"ts$ me at s#hool$ a"d me a"d 6ya" at the #abi" Pi#tures of basi#ally everyo"e + i"tera#ted with at allDPaige$ .i'e$ Be#'y$ eve" .r :dwards (here was a whiteboard with what seemed to be a timeli"e or a s#hedule (here were all 'i"ds of arti#les about my a##ide"t$ a"d the" o"e about the a##ide"t + tried to stop <e=t to that o"e was a #opy of the poli#e report with #ertai" parts highlighted <o"e of that$ though$ was as disturbi"g as the small pile of videotapes a"d C5s piled o" his des' with my "ame o" them 3irst of all$ video tapesA + '"ow Carter is probably pushi"g fifty$ but you;d thi"' a reporter would wel#ome the digital age O" the bright side$ +;m pretty sure there were";t a ba/illio" #opies of whatever was o" those tapes hidi"g safely o" the +"ter"et + hit play o" the video #amera that was still #o""e#ted to the (P$ a"d my fa#e immediately #ame o" the s#ree" + was sitti"g o" the por#h swi"g with 6ya" at the #abi" @ou '"ow how #reepy it is whe" you wat#h a movie about a serial 'iller or whatever$ a"d there;s that s#e"e where he;s stal'i"g his "e=t vi#timA .ore spe#ifi#ally$ whe" he;s wat#hi"g them through the bushes or a wi"dow or somethi"gA !ell$ it;s five millio" times #reepier whe" you;re the o"e bei"g stal'ed + left the video playi"g$ but + '"ew what that was goi"g to show$ so + flipped through the pile of C5s (hey all had differe"t dates o" them + popped the o"e that had today;s date o" it i" the C5 player 71amieA8 + heard 6ya" as' A"d the" + shouted$ 7Go away08 Or a re#ordi"g of my voi#e did + was";t sure e=a#tly what + was liste"i"g to u"til 6ya" said$ 7+;m so sorry + was wro"g about my frie"ds But )ust forget them$ o'ayA + did 8 Sou"ds familiar$ rightA 7(he guy bugged my room0 9e bugged my frea'i"g room08 (his was goi"g too far$ eve" for a stupid tabloid )our"alist0 Comi"g i"to my house$ goi"g through my stuff Feavi"g bugs i" my room so that he #ould hear my #o"versatio"sA 5id";t Carter '"ow by "ow that it;s u"wise to ma'e me a"gryA !ell$ o"e thi"g was for sure <o"e of this stuff was ever goi"g to get out$ a"d 5ave Carter was";t goi"g to get a si"gle pe""y from me +;d had some fu" messi"g arou"d with my powers i" my day$ but thisA (his + was really goi"g to e")oy + loo'ed arou"d the room$ wo"deri"g how + was goi"g to do it$ but the" + saw myself o" the (P a"d fro/e at the sight + was sta"di"g at the bottom of the por#h steps .y hair was whirli"g arou"d my head li'e + was sta"di"g i" the wa'e of a )et e"gi"e$ a"d there was a hi"t of a glow radiati"g off my s'i" +t was 'i"d of #ool to see a#tually$ u"til + saw myself ope" my eyes (hey were glowi"g li'e a )a#'*o;*la"ter" +t was li'e my yellow eyes had tur"ed i"to flashlights a"d were shi"i"g through the gree" filter of my #o"ta#ts +t was the #ra/iest thi"g +;d ever see" u"til + shot bolts of light"i"g out of my ha"ds (he" that was the #ra/iest thi"g +;d ever see" + was stu""ed + )ust stood there wat#hi"g$ with a #ombi"atio" of sho#' a"d awe a"d utter terror$

sweepi"g through me 79ow did 6ya" "ot ru" s#reami"gA8 + whispered$ still marveli"g at the sight of what + had be#ome 7+ believe it;s be#ause he was u"#o"s#ious at the time$8 a voi#e said behi"d me + was startled badly e"ough to e=plode the des' lamp$ a"d the power i" the whole house we"t out 7@ou '"ow$ 1amiely""$8 Carter said as he retrieved a flashlight$ 7for someo"e with superheari"g$ you;re awfully easy to s"ea' up o" 8 + hated that he was so right 7+ was a little distra#ted$8 + grumbled 7But do";t worryD+;ll be a lot more para"oid from "ow o" 8 7(here wo";t be a"y "eed to be para"oid o"#e the se#ret;s out +;m glad to see that you;ve #ome to your se"ses so soo" @ou;re ma'i"g the right #hoi#e 8 7Oh$ believe me$ + '"ow A"d the right #hoi#e is "ot goi"g publi# with you +;m "ot goi"g to let you e=pose me 8 7But$ 1amie8DCarter loo'ed li'e he was starti"g to get a""oyed agai"D7)ust thi"' of how good it will feel "ot to have to hide your se#ret a"ymore @ou #a";t tell me you li'e 'eepi"g itD+ '"ow you do";t @ou hate your life 8 Carter was )ust so sure he had me figured out But as + stood there stari"g him dow"$ e"raged by his a##usatio"$ + reali/ed )ust how wro"g he was + did";t hate my life <ot at all$ a#tually + have the world;s best pare"ts a"d the world;s most u"dersta"di"g boyfrie"d Gra"ted$ that probably ma'es him a little #ra/y$ but he;s really #ute$ so$ you '"ow + also have the e"tire #o"ti"e"t at my disposal$ a"d that super'issi"g thi"gA @eah$ so worth it 7+t;s "ot so bad$8 + said with a sudde" burst of #o"fide"#e 7Sure$ + have to 'eep a se#ret$ but + get to do thi"gs li'e this?8 Carter gulped "ervously whe" + held out my ha"ds 7!hat are you doi"gA8 7@ou;ll see 8 (he power i" the house had go"e out whe" he startled me$ but there was more tha" e"ough )ui#e i" the power li"es that ra" behi"d his house + too' a deep breath a"d the" pulled so mu#h power to me that the walls of the house started to sha'e !he" my hair started flyi"g a"d my eyes started glowi"g$ Carter;s eyes grew really big 7!hat are you doi"gA8 he s#reamed agai"$ o"ly he sou"ded so "ervous that +;m sure he already had it figured out 75isposi"g of evide"#e$8 + a"swered a"yway 71amie$ wait0 !e "eed this08 Carter started to rea#h for the sta#' of tapes o" the des'$ but + was )ust too Bui#' for him Before he eve" got a si"gle step + was sta"di"g i" fro"t of him with my ha"ds poi"ted at him 7+ would";t ma'e me a"gry right "ow$8 + war"ed 7@ou;ve spied o" me e"ough to '"ow that + te"d to lose #o"trol whe" +;m emotio"al 8 7O'ay$ 1amie$8 he said$ slowly ba#'i"g up a few steps 7Juit messi"g arou"d @ou #ould 'ill someo"e 8 7(he" + suggest you get out of here 8 + poi"ted my ha"d at the video #amera$ a"d whe" + /apped it$ + a##ide"tally got the (P too$ blowi"g them both i"to a millio" pie#es 71amie08 7+;m a little busy$8 + s"apped as + aimed at the #omputer "e=t 7@ou '"ow$ this would be a lot more fu" if you had "i#er stuff 9ave";t you ever heard of (he .a# StoreA Seriously$ digital #am#ordersA FaptopsA .PI playersA8 !ith that$ + blew the #omputer i"to ti"y pie#es 71amie$ stop0 + promise + wo";t tell a"yo"e !e;ll fi"d a"other way 8 7+t really wo";t matter if you tell a"yo"e "ow O"#e + destroy all of this$ "o o"e will believe you

a"yway !ithout proof you;re )ust a"other slea/y tabloid )our"alist +" fa#t$ + doubt a"yo"e would believe you eve" with proof But +;d really rather "ot ris' it 8 + loo'ed at the wall #overed with my photos$ a"d the" smiled at the ele#tri#al outlet at the bottom 7+ hope you have fire i"sura"#e 8 73ire i"sura"#eA8 + did";t bother to e=plai" myself + shot a bolt of light"i"g i"to the so#'et a"d spar's flew everywhere 7(he problem with old #rappy houses li'e this is";t the wiri"g$8 + said as the house #aught fire 7+t;s the wallpaper 8 !ithi" se#o"ds$ the room was abla/e$ a"d the photos that had #overed it were go"e Carter had fi"ally see" e"ough$ a"d he tried to ma'e a ru" for it$ but + was";t Buite fi"ished with him yet +;m "ot really a viole"t perso" by "ature$ but throwi"g that )er' felt really good + pi#'ed him up by the ba#' of his shirt a"d flu"g him a#ross the room 9e too' a pretty good hit whe" he slammed i"to the wall$ but he;d be fi"e + stood over him with the fire bur"i"g Bui#'ly out of #o"trol arou"d us$ a"d + smiled whe" + saw his fear 7Please08 he begged + let him stew for a mi"ute$ a"d the"$ whe" the #eili"g started to #ollapse$ + pi#'ed him up a"d flew out the door 7@ou #a";t hurt me "ow$8 + said #o"fide"tly$ droppi"g him to the grou"d 7@our proof is go"e 8 7+t;s "ot me that wa"ts to hurt you !hat are you goi"g to do about Pisti#orpA8 7(hey have "o proof either 8 7(hey;ll get it 8 7+;ll "ever use my powers agai" + #a" #o"trol them "ow$ rememberA8 7@ou;ll slip up$ a"d they;ll be waiti"g 8 7(he" +;ll ta'e #are of them08 + was do"e bei"g threate"ed + borrowed a little more e"ergy from the power li"es be#ause that whole hair*o"*fire$ glowi"g*eyes loo' is 'i"d of i"timidati"g$ a"d + wa"ted the dramati# effe#t !hat #a" + sayA + am my mother;s #hild 1ust to prove + was serious$ + grabbed Carter;s ha"d a"d gave him e"ough )ui#e to drop him to the grou"d 7+f + ever #at#h you spyi"g o" me agai"$ +;ll do a lot more tha" bur" your house dow" 8 9e loo'ed suffi#ie"tly s#ared$ a"d + #ould "ow see the lights of the fire tru#'s #omi"g up the street 7(hat;s my #ue$8 + said A"d the" + was go"e ----C9AP(:6 20 + did";t #ome home for two days + did";t mea" to #ause my pare"ts a world of worry$ but + "eeded some spa#e + mea"$ + did )ust be#ome a" arso"ist (hat;s a lot to wrap your head arou"d for someo"e my age Plus$ all these eve"ts happe"i"g i" my life lately had dredged up a past +;d spe"t the last year a"d a half tryi"g to forget + had "ever really #ome to terms with what happe"ed to 5ere'K + simply buried it (elli"g 6ya" the truth$ a#tually sayi"g it out loud$ for#ed me to deal with the fa#t that + was respo"sible for ta'i"g a life +

hated to use the term murderer$ but how else do you des#ribe what + didA After "early two days of thi"'i"g about it$ though$ + fi"ally fou"d a little #larity a"d we"t home to fa#e the musi# +;ve "ever see" my pare"ts Buite li'e they were + do";t e=a#tly '"ow how to des#ribe it$ but a"gry is "ot the right word +t does";t seem li'e "early e"ough + let them yell a"d #ry a"d hug a"d 'iss me u"til they had it all out of their systems (he"$ o"#e they;d settled dow"$ the o"ly thi"g + #ould thi"' to say was 7+;m sorry 8 7@ou #ould have told us about 5ere'$8 my mom whimpered 7+ #ould";t @ou loved him too :verybody loved him0 A"d + 'illed him08 After that my mother a"d + were bawli"g i" ea#h other;s arms agai" .y father stepped i" Bui#'ly$ though$ "ot wa"ti"g to lose fo#us o" the poi"t of this dis#ussio" 71amie$8 he said$ pulli"g me away from my mother$ 7your mom a"d + thi"' it;s time you see somebody 8 9e hesitated for a mome"t out of guilt$ but the" loo'ed at me very ster"ly 7(his is getti"g out of ha"d @ou "eed help that your mom a"d + )ust #a";t give you 8 7@ou wa"t to se"d me awayA8 + gasped out of sheer horror 7@ou wa"t to let people e=perime"t o" meA8 +f + thought 6ya" was tyi"g my heart i" '"ots$ + was mista'e" +;d "ever felt pai" li'e + did right the" + '"ew that my pare"ts might be afraid after lear"i"g the truth about 5ere'$ a"d + '"ew they would worry$ but + "ever i" a millio" years thought they would betray me 7Of #ourse "ot$ 1amie0 + mea"t #ou"seli"g A psy#hiatrist <ot a s#ie"tist 9o"ey$ how #ould you thi"' we would everA8 7Be#ause +;m a murdererA + 'illed someo"e0 Are";t you s#ared of meA8 7@ou are "ot a murderer$8 my father argued After two straight days; thi"'i"g about it$ + '"ew this was true :ver si"#e my a##ide"t$ +;d "ot o"ly blamed myself for 5ere';s death$ but +;d always Buestio"ed whether or "ot + allowed it to happe" + was so mad at him that "ight + hated him that "ight Of #ourse + did";t fry him o" purpose$ but #ould + have stopped myselfA + was";t sure u"til the other "ight$ but the a"swer is "o + #ould";t have stopped what + did to 5ere' + '"ew that "ow See$ + wa"ted to 'ill Carter whe" he told me he was goi"g to e=pose me to the world$ a"d + #ould have$ so easily$ but + did";t <ot be#ause + did";t wa"t to$ or eve" thought it would be wro"g$ but be#ause + #ould";t + did";t have it i" me to 'ill him A"d + would";t have had it i" me to 'ill 5ere' either 7+ '"ow$8 + said$ for#i"g a sad smile to my mom a"d dad 75ere';s death really was a" a##ide"t + u"dersta"d that "ow + do";t "eed a psy#hiatrist 9o"est + mea"$ what am + supposed to tell o"e a"ywayA (hat +;m messed up be#ause + fried my boyfrie"d with my super*ele#tri#*girl powersA8 .y pare"ts both ope"ed their mouths to argue$ but "either #ould #ome up with a"ythi"g 7.omA 5adA <o do#tor is goi"g to be able to u"dersta"d what +;m goi"g through (he o"ly people that #a" do that are you guys !ell$ a"d 6ya" "ow But do";t worry !ith you here to help me$ +;ll be fi"e +;m already starti"g to feel better 8 7!hat do you mea" Na"d 6ya" "ow;A8 + did";t u"dersta"d why my dad was so a"gry all of a sudde" u"til + saw my mother #ri"ge 7@ou did";t tell himA8 + as'ed 7!ell$ +?8 .y mother stumbled over her e=pla"atio" be#ause she '"ew she was busted !he" she #ould";t thi"' up a good e=#use she shrugged i" defeat a"d s"apped at my father i" a""oya"#e 7+ '"ew you would overrea#t 8 + love my mom + love my dad too$ but + really$ really love my mom She;s always got my ba#' +t

would have bee" "i#e if she;d told me she;d #overed for me before + we"t a"d told my father that 6ya" '"ew about my powers$ but +;ve still got to love her for the effort A"d at least "ow we were busted together 7O'ay$ 5ad$ loo'$ do";t frea' out 8 @eah$ my dad did";t ta'e my advi#e 79ow mu#h does he '"owA8 he roared + #ri"ged 7:verythi"g 8 .y dad wa"ted to yell at me$ a"d he tried to$ but whe" he was fi"ally able to form words they were dire#ted at my mother 7@ou '"ew about thisA8 79o"ey$ it;s really "ot that big a deal 8 7<ot aD ButD +t;sD 9eD8 .y dad #ould "o lo"ger form a #omplete se"te"#e$ a"d the vei" i" his forehead was ba#' a"d poppi"g out farther tha" ever 75ad0 Could you #alm dow" a littleA + #a" hear your heart beati"g$ a"d trust me$ that #a";t be a healthy pa#e 8 76ya";s a good boy$8 .om promised 79e wo";t say a"ythi"g$8 + added 79e wa"ts me to be safe 8 7A"d a#tually8D.om wrapped her arm arou"d my dad i" a" attempt to 'eep him from physi#ally e=plodi"gD7it;s probably better this way 8 + was )ust as surprised as my dad by my mom;s stateme"t + mea"$ + thought it was better that he '"ew$ but + did";t u"dersta"d why she thought it was better 7+t will be safer$8 my mom e=plai"ed 79e '"ows he has to be #areful 8 7A"d he;s helped me so mu#h already0 9e;s the o"e who said + had to lear" to #o"trol my powers 9e;s bee" tea#hi"g me yoga a"d meditatio" so that + do";t #ause as ma"y power outages 8 7@ogaA8 my mom as'ed surprised 76eallyA8 7@eah0 +t;s great08 + said e=#itedly$ getti"g sidetra#'ed 7@ou should totally try it 8 .y mom a"d + got a little #arried away for a se#o"d about the health be"efits of yoga a"d #ompletely forgot about the topi# at ha"d u"til my father plopped dow" i" his #hair$ utterly e=asperated .y mother a"d + #ould";t help but giggle at the poor guy 9e was always out"umbered i" our house 75addy$ everythi"g will be o'ay + promise 8 .y dad still was";t happy$ but he seemed to be ta'i"g the what*#a"*+*do*about*it approa#h$ i"stead of the e"ter*the*wit"ess*prote#tio"*program route + had e=pe#ted 7+ hope you;re right$8 he fi"ally sighed$ his voi#e resig"ed + hoped + was right too$ a"d for the first time si"#e my a##ide"t$ + a#tually believed thi"gs would be o'ay + was a little "ervous about havi"g to see 6ya" agai"$ but o"ly a little$ be#ause '"owi"g him$ the fa#t that + literally 'illed my last boyfrie"d would o"ly motivate him to #ome up with some hairball s#heme i"volvi"g more M0*watt bulbs to ma'e me feel better +t tur"ed out that + was right + had absolutely "o reaso" to be "ervous about seei"g 6ya" !he" + got to s#hool the "e=t mor"i"g + had stepped o"ly o"e foot i" the Buad whe" he spotted me a"d "early ta#'led me to the grou"d 71amie08 he hollered$ rushi"g a#ross the law" without #ari"g the least bit about the s#e"e he was #reati"g (he "e=t thi"g + '"ew$ my feet were off the grou"d a"d + was sBuished so tightly i" 6ya";s arms that + #ould barely breathe 7O'ay$ 6ya"A8 + #oughed i" a hushed to"e 7(his is e=a#tly the 'i"d of thi"g that #a" get you 'illed 8 7+ do";t #are$ +;m "ot letti"g go 5o";t ever disappear li'e that agai"08 he s#olded$ but his voi#e was more relieved tha" a"gry 7+t;s bee" days0 @ou had your mother worried si#'08

7.y motherA8 + Buestio"ed sar#asti#ally 6ya" laughed as he fi"ally set me ba#' o" my feet 7O'ay$ fi"e$ me too 8 9e still would";t let go of me$ though 9e was grippi"g my arms while he loo'ed at me with those eyes$ a"d that smile? @ou '"ow$ bei"g all 6ya"*ish A"d the"$ whe" + got lost i" the mome"t$ he totally too' adva"tage of how whipped + was a"d he 'issed me (he )er' 9e )ust pulled my fa#e to his right the" a"d there$ i" the middle of a #rowded Buad full of stude"ts$ where + #ould have a##ide"tally u"leashed a" ele#tri#al storm at a"y mome"t A"d o'ay$ maybe + li'ed it$ a"d maybe + eve" "eeded it$ but still0 @ou #a";t )ust go 'issi"g 1amie Ba'er whe"ever you wa"t$ eve" if you are 6ya" .iller0 76ya"08 + yelled as soo" as + was able to pull away from himDwhi#h admittedly too' a mi"ute 7+;m sorry 8 6ya" laughed with this big dopey gri" o" his fa#e a"d the" 'issed me some more + had to push him away from me 75o";t be sorry$ )ust stop08 + reali/ed + was s#reami"g at him whe" + felt a hu"dred differe"t pairs of eyes o" me + tried to ig"ore the audie"#e that 6ya" seemed oblivious to a"d dropped the audio a few de#ibels 7+ was";t 'iddi"g whe" + said this has to stop Foo'$ + will be your frie"d + want to be your frie"d But that;s it !e #a";t be a"ythi"g more +t;ll "ever wor' 8 6ya" wat#hed me for a mi"ute a"d the" whispered$ 75o";t do that 8 + was sho#'ed to hear the sudde" emotio" i" his voi#e 75o";t give up 8 +t was hopeless 73i"e08 + s"apped 7+;ll be your stupid girlfrie"d08 Big sho#'er$ me givi"g 6ya" his way$ + '"ow But let;s fa#e itDit;s )ust what + do best + had to at least a#t a little tough$ though 7But08 + said i" the harshest voi#e + was #apable of 7@ou #a";t ever tou#h me u"less + say <o more ta#'li"g me$ a"d espe#ially "o more surprise 'issi"g 8 9e a#tually laughed at my reBuest 7<o promises 8 Stupid$ #o#'y boyfrie"d 7@ou;re #ra/y @ou '"ow that$ rightA8 6ya" got this big #heesy smile o" his fa#e a"d said$ 7Cra/y about you 8 7Hgh$8 + groa"ed 7!ould you be serious for a mi"uteA !hy do you i"sist o" putti"g your life i" da"gerA8 7Be#ause + li'e you 8 9is stupid gri" was i"fe#tious + wa"ted to be a"gry$ but how #ould + with him loo'i"g at me li'e thatA 7+;m "ot worth it$ you '"ow$8 + said stubbor"ly 7+ have issues +;m u"stable 8 7@ou;re #ute whe" you;re u"stable$8 6ya" said$ 7a"d + li'e your issues 8 (he stupid boy was straight*up giddy "ow But he was so #ute that + #ra#'ed a smile despite myself 7@ou really are #ra/y$8 + muttered 6ya" )ust smiled proudly a"d the" held out his ha"d 7Come o" +;ll wal' you to #lass 8 +;m sure people stared that day as 6ya" wal'ed me to my first*period #lass ha"d i" ha"d A"d +;m sure they tal'ed about how he 'issed me as he said good*bye$ but + did";t "oti#e <or did + #are if they did + was o" #loud "i"e that mor"i"g Sure$ + still had my doubts$ a"d + was afraid + would #oo' 6ya" o"e of these days$ but at that mome"t it did";t matter + was i" su#h a good mood that day that eve" whe" 6ya" a"d + wal'ed i"to the #afeteria at lu"#h a"d the whole pla#e stopped to wat#h us head through the lu"#h li"e$ + did";t "oti#e +" fa#t$ + did";t eve" reali/e there were other people i" the room u"til the girl i" fro"t of us slipped o" a blob of spilled potato salad a"d 6ya" #aught her fall !he" she reali/ed who saved her she had the e=a#t same rea#tio" + would have if + sudde"ly fou"d myself i" 6ya";s arms She sighed$ e"tirely smitte" 7(ha"'s 8 7+t was my pleasure$8 6ya" i"sisted playfully as he put her ba#' o" her feet 7+;m a Buarterba#'$

you '"owA + "ever get to #at#h 8 (he girl started to laugh u"til she saw me sta"di"g there$ a"d the" her fa#e we"t white She mumbled a Bui#' 7Sorry8 i" my dire#tio" a"d the" pra#ti#ally too' off ru""i"g 6ya" a"d + wat#hed her go a"d ma"aged to hold ba#' our s"i#'ers u"til we got to our table 7Poor thi"g$8 + said$ laughi"g as we sat dow" 7@eah$8 6ya" teased 7+ remember the first time + had to i"tera#t with you +t;s pretty s#ary 8 7Oh yeah$ +;m sure you were real terrified as you were as'i"g me to ma'e out with you But that;s "ot what + mea"t 8 + laughed whe" 6ya" loo'ed at me pu//led 7(hat poor girl )ust slipped o" potato salad a"d fell i" love forever 8 6ya" rolled his eyes at me$ but + saw him smir' a little as he gla"#ed over at the girl he;d )ust res#ued 7She;ll be over it by the e"d of lu"#h$8 he said 76ight 1ust li'e Amy 1o"es got over itA Or li'e Paige will ever be over itA @ou do reali/e you #ould have your pi#' of a"y of them$ rightA8 6ya" gla"#ed agai" at the girl a"d the" seemed to do a Bui#' sweep of the #afeteria 7@eah$ + '"ow$8 he said$ faili"g at his attempt "ot to gri" 7So why meA +f a"y girl i" this s#hool would go out with you$ a"d all of them would have give" you less trouble about it tha" + did$ a"d "o"e of them ris' 'illi"g you if you get too #lose$ why go through all the troubleA8 6ya" did";t eve" have to thi"' about it 7(hat;s easy Be#ause you 'issed me that day 8 7Be#ause + 'issed youA SeriouslyA @ou o"ly li'e me be#ause +;m a good 'isserA (hat;s it !e;re "ot doi"g this +;m "ot letti"g you ris' your life )ust be#ause you #a";t thi"' with your upstairs brai" 8 7<o$ you twit 8 6ya" laughed 7Be#ause you 'issed me that day + e=pe#ted the i#e Buee" a"d got a fu""y$ go*with*the*flow girl that did";t #are what a"yo"e thought about her A girl willi"g to stir up gossip )ust so that + #ould wi" a date with someo"e else 7@ou did";t have to help me +" fa#t$ you probably should have bee" i"sulted$ but you were";t @ou 'issed me$ you smiled$ a"d the" you wished me good lu#' <o o"e;s ever surprised me li'e that + #ould";t figure out why you did it$ a"d + )ust had to get to '"ow you after that 8 + had "o idea that stupid 'iss had that 'i"d of effe#t o" him Charged him up li'e a battery$ sure$ but do all thatA All this time + really thought it was )ust the super'issi"g that 'ept him #omi"g ba#' + loo'ed dow" at my lu"#h$ feeli"g a little ashamed of my la#' of faith i" him$ but 6ya" #ould";t stop there Oh$ "o$ "ot 6ya" .iller 7After that day$ every time + was with you + got brief glimpses of the real 1amie$ the o"e who is dyi"g to brea' out$ a"d she was this fu"$ rela=ed$ smart$ fu""y$ #ari"g girl 3i"di"g out the truth about you o"ly made you that mu#h more i"#redible @ou;re so stro"g @ou;ve go"e through so mu#h$ you;re going through so mu#h$ but you "ever stop tryi"g @ou;re ama/i"g 8 + was surprised whe" + felt 6ya";s ha"d lift my #hi" up + did";t wa"t to loo' at him$ + '"ew what would happe" to my heart if + did$ but + #ould";t stop myself + #raved him too mu#h !he" we made eye #o"ta#t$ his fa#e lit up a"d he whispered$ 7+ love you$ 1amie Ba'er 8 +t #ame out of "owhere$ a"d it stole the breath from me$ leavi"g me spee#hless 6ya" stared at me$ )ust waiti"g for some 'i"d of rea#tio"$ a"d the" + was the o"e who bro'e the "o*'issi"g rule +t was";t my fault 9e totally #heated0 Fi'e anyone #ould resist 6ya" .iller whe" he;s tou#hi"g your fa#e a"d sayi"g he loves youA + threw myself at him so fast that + startled him for a #ha"ge$ a"d he was the o"e who had to pull me off him whe" his hair started to sti#' up 7Sorry$8 + breathed as he pulled away

75o";t be sorry$8 he teased 71ust stop 8 7Sorry$8 + said agai" whe" + "oti#ed that his leg was "ow bou"#i"g u"der the table 7@eah Foo's li'e + do";t get to sleep through e#o"omi#s today 8 7O" the bright side$ Coa#h #ould ma'e you ru" laps all pra#ti#e lo"g a"d you;d be fi"e 8 !e had a good laugh$ a"d the" + was eve" more #lueless as to what was goi"g o" arou"d me tha" before +t was ho"estly the best day +;d had si"#e +;d #ome to 6o#'li" 9igh + was i" my ow" little world$ a"d for o"#e$ it was a happy world ----C9AP(:6 21 + we"t home a"d my mother '"ew somethi"g was up the mi"ute + wal'ed i" the door She was so sho#'ed to see me i" su#h a happy mood that she su#'ered me i"to dishi"g the dirt over ma"i*pedis the way we used to before my a##ide"t +t was the best day ever$ a"d + did";t thi"' a"ythi"g #ould spoil it u"til Be#'y :astma" '"o#'ed o" our door while my mom a"d + were ma'i"g di""er Si"#e + '"ew 6ya" had to wor' after pra#ti#e$ + let .om get it !he" + heard Be#'y as' my mom if + was home$ + was so stu""ed that + a##ide"tally '"o#'ed the potatoes off the #ou"ter Of #ourse + #aught them before they hit the grou"d$ but still$ surprised does";t eve" begi" to #over it + was";t the o"ly o"e who was sho#'ed either .y mom staggered ba#' i"to the 'it#he" a"d seemed to have trouble getti"g the words out that someo"e was there to see me + figured that after today$ with 6ya" a"d + offi#ially a #ouple i" the publi#;s eye$ Be#'y had fi"ally had e"ough a"d she;d #ome to 'ill me + liste"ed for the a"gry mob$ but it was )ust her .y mother had i"vited her i"$ but Be#'y said she #ould";t stay !he" + fou"d her she was still sta"di"g o" the fro"t por#h$ loo'i"g as if she were afraid my house would #ome to life a"d swallow her whole 7Foo'$8 + said$ "ot givi"g her a #ha"#e to say a"ythi"g$ 7you hate me$ a"d that;s fi"e + deserve to be hated A"d + '"ow +;m the worst perso" i" the world for 6ya"$ o'ayA But you;re wro"g about me + do";t wa"t him rui"i"g his life over me a"y more tha" you do @ou have "o idea how ma"y times +;ve tried to tell him to get lost + eve" tried to tell him to go out with you i"stead +;ve do"e everythi"g + #a"$ but he )ust wo";t liste"$ a"d +;m tired of fighti"g him$ so )ust lay off me 8 + thi"' she was a little surprised by my spee#h$ a"d she loo'ed absolutely terrified to be #o"fro"ti"g me$ but after a mi"ute she started to rela= 7+ '"ow$8 she said$ a"d shrugged matter*of* fa#tly 7+t;s "ot your fault 8 + was so sho#'ed + #ould barely u"dersta"d the words #omi"g out of Be#'y;s mouth She #ra#'ed a smile a"d said$ 7!he" 6ya" de#ides he wa"ts somethi"g$ he gets it @ou "ever had a #ha"#e 8 + still had "o idea what to say or do + did";t thi"' to let her i" or tell her to go away$ + )ust sort of stood there u"til it got aw'wardly Buiet Be#'y was the first to spea' 7+;m sorry about the other day + should";t have said all those thi"gs 8 (he apology was eve" more surprisi"g still$ a"d + wa"ted to say somethi"g "i#e i" retur"$ but + was spee#hless 76ya";s bee" my best frie"d for pra#ti#ally my whole life$8 Be#'y said whe" + did";t respo"d 7+ was )ust worried about him$ but +;ve "ever see" him as happy as he loo'ed today 8 She paused for a

mi"ute a"d the" said$ 7A"yway$ + )ust wa"ted to say +;m sorry +;m glad he;s fi"ally fou"d someo"e 8 All + #ould do was for#e a bewildered smile 7(ha"'s 8 7@eah$8 she said$ a"d the" tur"ed to leave 79ey$ Be#'yA 3or the re#ord$ whe" .i'e pu"#hed 6ya" a"d got them both suspe"ded$ they were";t fighti"g about me 6ya";s really worried about you 8 + was able to smile for real this time whe" she tur"ed arou"d$ a"d + was";t all that surprised whe" her eyes glossed over She stood there for a mi"ute wipi"g at her eyes$ a"d the" too' a deep breath 79ow did you '"owA8 she as'ed 7About .i'e$ + mea" (he other day you said you '"ow what really happe"ed 8 7+ '"ow the sig"s 8 + sighed a"d sat dow" o" the fro"t steps 7+ told you we have more i" #ommo" tha" you thi"' 8 Be#'y;s eyes got really big as my mea"i"g sa"' i" +t too' her a mi"ute to wor' up the #ourage$ but eve"tually she smiled 7@ou wa"t to go to the mallA8 she as'ed 7+ #ould really use a smoothie a"d some "ew shoes right about "ow 8 + #a";t eve" tell you how e=#ited + was by her offer + mea"$ it had bee" a year a"d a half si"#e + )ust went to the mall with my frie"ds +t sou"ded li'e su#h a "ormal tee" thi"g to do that + #ould";t believe + was bei"g i"#luded + 'id you "ot$ + almost #ried .y fa#e lit up a"d + started to "od$ but + #ould smell the aroma of my mom;s stuffed #hi#'e" wafti"g from the 'it#he" a"d remembered it was (hursday 7Oh$ you '"ow$ +;d really love to$8 + said$ 7but my pare"ts a"d + already have pla"s to"ight 9ow about tomorrowA8 Be#'y smiled but shrugged 73riday Game day 8 76ight 8 Be#'y a"d + were both startled whe" my mother #ame to the door 71amie$ ho"ey$ do";t be silly @ou girls go have a good time (hursday will be here "e=t wee' too 8 + should have '"ow" my mother was hoveri"g withi" heari"g dista"#e + also should have '"ow" she;d be Bui#'er to blow off family "ight tha" me She was as desperate as + was for me to have girlfrie"ds$ if "ot more$ so + did";t argue with the woma" 7(ha"'s$ .om 8 She a#tually #ried as she hugged a"d 'issed me good*bye$ a"d told us to have fu" +t was a little embarrassi"g$ but what #a" you doA 7Sorry about my mom$8 + said o"#e Be#'y a"d + were browsi"g the mall$ smoothies i" ha"d 7She;s a little e=#ited to see me tal'i"g to people agai" (he first time 6ya" tal'ed to me outside of s#hool$ we saw him at the theater All he did was say hi to me a"d she hugged him 8 79ow embarrassi"g 8 7She #a";t help it 8 + sighed 7She;s )ust bee" too worried about me for too lo"g 8 7So$ you were really?8 Be#'y stopped whe" she was u"able to say the word a"d #ha"ged her se"te"#e 7+t happe"ed to you tooA8 7<ot e=a#tly$8 + admitted 7+t was right after sophomore year e"ded (here was this festival$ a"d my boyfrie"d suggested weD8 7Go somepla#e BuietA8 Be#'y offered dryly$ as if .i'e had used those e=a#t words + "odded 7So we #ould talk 8 7Hs girls are so gullible$ are";t weA8 Be#'y groa"ed 7!hat guy ever )ust wa"ts to talkA8 + laughed but the" sighed 7@eah$ well$ + bought it hoo'$ li"e$ a"d si"'er 5ere' a"d + had bee" together for about five mo"ths$ a"d he had )ust graduated 9e was goi"g away to #ollege i" the fall$ so + thought that;s what we were goi"g to tal' about 8 + shrugged sheepishly a"d added$ 7!e got lost i" a #or"field for a while 8 7At least that;s 'i"d of roma"ti# 8 Be#'y frow"ed 7.i'e )ust too' me ba#' to his house a"d got

i"to his dad;s liBuor #abi"et + had a dri"'$ but + was not dru"' 8 Be#'y;s voi#e tur"ed harsh$ a"d she started to #ry agai" 7+ told him to stop0 + begged him But he )ust 'ept telli"g me that it was o'ay a"d that + was so beautiful a"d to trust him 8 Sudde"ly there were tears i" my eyes too 7+;m sorry 8 Be#'y shrugged$ grateful for the sympathy eve" if it did";t ma'e the pai" go away As she batted away her tears$ + de#ided to share my gory details too 75ere' a"d + were ma'i"g out$ a"d whe" he started getti"g too aggressive + said + was";t ready 9e told me he loved me a"d that if + loved him too +;d do this for him + felt bad so + started 'issi"g him agai" 9e was a lot more for#eful the se#o"d time$ a"d whe" he pushed me to the grou"d + got so s#ared 8 7!hat happe"edA8 Be#'y as'ed after +;d stopped tal'i"g .y mi"d had drifted ba#' to that "ight 7+ tried to fight him off + '"eed him pretty hard$ a"d he got so mad that he hit me Gave me my first bla#' eye +t surprised him as mu#h as it did me 9e tried to apologi/e$ but + s#reamed at him that it was over a"d too' off ru""i"g 8 7But at least people '"ew$ rightA + mea" you were bla#'*a"d*blue At least he got i" trouble$ rightA + thi"' that;s the worst part about it .i'e )ust got away with it :ve" if + tell people what happe"ed "o o"e will believe me +t;s .i'e :veryo"e loves .i'e :ve" Paige a"d (ami'a )ust assumed he played me$ a"d they were supposed to be my best frie"ds 6ya";s the o"ly perso" who would believe me$ but + #a";t tell him .i'e;s his best frie"d$ a"d he;d probably 'ill him if he '"ew what he did 8 7+ '"ow e=a#tly how you feel 8 Be#'y was surprised to hear this$ a"d + tried to smile$ but it did";t Buite wor' 7<o o"e ever '"ew what happe"ed to me either !e got i" a #ar wre#' o" the way home from the #or"field that "ight Both 5ere' a"d the tru#' driver that hit us were 'illed$ a"d everyo"e )ust assumed my bruises were from the a##ide"t 8 7+;m sorry 8 + shoo' my head as if to tell her "ot to worry about it a"d #o"ti"ued o" with the story 75ere' was li'e a god i" our tow" 6ya" a"d .i'e put together 9e was headed to the H"iversity of Chi#ago o" a football s#holarship 8 + too' a mi"ute to get my emotio"s u"der #o"trol a"d the" said$ 7+ was the o"e behi"d the wheel + was the o"ly o"e who survived (here was";t a perso" i" tow" that did";t worship the grou"d 5ere' wal'ed o"$ a"d everyo"e blamed me for his death + wal'ed arou"d with that bla#' eye for wee's a"d a#tually had to apologi/e to people whe" they tal'ed about it 7.y pare"ts eve"tually moved me here to get away from it all$ but eve" they do";t '"ow what really happe"ed 9ow #ould + tell themA 9ow #ould + tell a"yo"eA !hat would be the poi"tA 9e was dead 8 Be#'y had tears i" her eyes be#ause she felt bad for me$ but + smiled be#ause it felt good to fi"ally tell someo"e the truth$ espe#ially someo"e who u"derstood how + felt 7As you #a" see$ movi"g here did";t help all that mu#h At least "ot u"til 6ya" #ame alo"g 8 + blushed whe" + said 6ya";s "ame + wa"ted to 'i#' myself for doi"g it$ but +;m patheti#ally hu"g o" that 'id 76ya";s bee" 'i"d of great$ a#tually 8 79e usually is$8 Be#'y said with a lo"g sigh (he" after a "i#e$ little laugh we got ba#' to our #omfort shoppi"g +t tur"s out that Be#'y;s 'i"d of great too + mea"$ besides 6ya" a"d bei"g molested by )er's$ we a#tually have a to" of other stuff i" #ommo" .aybe we were both )ust feeli"g a little relieved after our #o"fessio"al$ but we had a great time !e got a 'iller deal o" some shoes too$ a"d the "e=t day at s#hool$ whe" 6ya" a"d + we"t through the lu"#h li"e$ Be#'y #ame up to me a"d smiled as she said$ 7<i#e boots08

7(ha"'s$8 + replied$ a"d poi"ted to her feet 7Fove the shoes0 A"thropologie$ rightA8 Be#'y a"d + laughed$ a"d the" we "oti#ed the loo' o" 6ya";s fa#e a"d laughed eve" harder 7Are you feeli"g all rightA8 + as'ed as + slipped my arm arou"d his waist a"d sBuee/ed him 7@ou loo' a little pale 8 7.eA8 he as'ed$ still flutteri"g his eyes ba#' a"d forth betwee" Be#'y a"d me 7Are you sure youre feeli"g o'ayA8 7A#tually$ + feel?great08 + gri""ed at Be#'y 7@ouA8 7+ feel better tha" + have i" wee's$8 she admitted truthfully 7@ou guys mi"d if + sit with you todayA8 Be#'y waited for 6ya" to a"swer$ a"d eve"tually he stuttered out somethi"g that sou"ded li'e 7Of #ourse "ot 8 As the three of us wal'ed over to the table + used to have all to myself$ the o"ly sou"d i" the whole #afeteria was a lovely little stri"g of e=pletives from Paige (he fu""y thi"g is$ Paige was";t eve" mad at me this time 7+ do";t thi"' +;m the hot topi# of #o"versatio" a"ymore$8 + said Be#'y a"d 6ya" followed my ga/e to Paige Paige stared us dow" for a mi"ute u"til Be#'y fi"ally got a"gry 7@ou '"ow what$ +;ve had e"ough of this$8 she said$ a"d the" bega" draggi"g both 6ya" a"d me over to Paige;s table Be#'y was absolutely determi"ed to re#laim her thro"e as the most popular girl i" s#hool$ a"d 6ya" seemed eBually as happy to be retur"i"g to his old seat 9e did$ however$ tighte" his grip o" my ha"d li'e he was afraid + was goi"g to ma'e a brea' for the e=it + was";t sure + was too e=#ited about #ausi"g su#h a ru#'us$ but it;s "ot li'e + have";t #aused more tha" e"ough of those lately A"d o" the bright side$ + '"ew it was goi"g to aggravate the #rap out of Paige (hat was reaso" e"ough for me :veryo"e sat up straight as we approa#hed$ but most of them showed more #uriosity tha" fear i" their sho#'ed fa#es 79i$ guys$8 Be#'y #hirped as she plopped her tray of food dow" i" her old seat 7!hat are you doi"gA8 Paige as'ed u"der her breath 79avi"g lu"#h with my frie"ds$8 Be#'y a"swered simply$ a"d the" smiled at the rest of the group 7+s that a problemA8 +t was dead sile"t for a mome"t as everyo"e gaped at Be#'y a"d the" shifted their ga/es to 6ya" a"d me <o o"e really '"ew what to do$ but o"e thi"g was for sureD"o"e of them was goi"g to argue with Be#'y .i'e was the o"ly perso" at the table who seemed as upset as Paige$ but whe" he started to say somethi"g + gave him my best death loo'$ a"d he bit his to"gue Allysa .adse"$ though really "ervous$ was the first to brea' the sile"#e 7+t;s good to have you ba#'$ Be#'y$8 she said as she "udged the others at the table to s#oot over to ma'e room for 6ya" a"d me 7+t;s good to be ba#'$8 Be#'y agreed She grabbed my arm a"d pulled me dow" i"to the seat "e=t to her 7A"d + have 1amie to tha"' for that @ou guys all '"ow 1amie$ rightA8 (he te"sio" was still a little high$ but the" 1usti" 6eader$ who was sitti"g "e=t to .i'e a"d dire#tly a#ross from me$ smiled really big a"d stu#' his ha"d out to me as if he were as frie"dly as 6ya" 7+ do";t thi"' we;ve te#h"i#ally bee" i"trodu#ed 8 + loo'ed dow" at his ha"d a"d hesitated A few mo"ths ago + would";t have bee" able to a##ept the greeti"g eve" if +;d wa"ted to <ow$ "ot o"ly did + a#tually wa"t to$ + could +t was safe H"less + was i" the middle of some 'i"d of epi# brea'dow"$ + was";t goi"g to hurt him a"d + '"ew that$ so + rea#hed out a"d let him ta'e my ha"d + was surprisi"gly shy about it eve" though +;ve "ever bee" shy a day i" my life before$ a"d all + #ould ma"age was a very "ervous 79i 8 7+;m 1usti" 8 1usti" #o"ti"ued to sha'e my ha"d u"til he was elbowed i" the side !he" he )er'ed ba#'$ S#ott

Cole too' my ha"d "e=t 7A"d +;m S#ott$8 he a""ou"#ed$ #hoosi"g to 'iss my ha"d i"stead of sha'e it (he mome"t was 'i"d of surreal$ a"d + #ould";t stop myself from loo'i"g to 6ya" for help 7+ told you they were #urious about you 8 9e #hu#'led u"der his breath 7+;m 1amie$8 + fi"ally #roa'ed$ still surprised by the warm greeti"gs 6ya" prote#tively pulled my ha"d away from S#ott a"d playfully war"ed$ 7She;s also my girlfrie"d 8 (hat ma"aged to brea' the te"sio"$ a"d everyo"e at the table laughed$ but + guess all the warm fu//y feeli"gs bei"g throw" at me were too mu#h for Paige to ha"dle$ a"d she s"apped 71ust li'e thatA8 she s#reamed 7She;s bee" the biggest wit#h i" this s#hool for over a year$ a"d you;re )ust goi"g to be her frie"ds "owA8 + did";t see who said it$ but it was defi"itely o"e of the #heerleaders who grumbled$ 7She has";t bee" the biggest wit#h i" s#hool 8 As people tried to hide their s"i#'ers$ Be#'y met Paige;s glare 7People #ha"ge8 was all she said i" respo"se to Paige;s Buestio" + was";t sure if Be#'y was tal'i"g about me or herself$ but either way$ Paige loo'ed li'e she was about to e=plode She was too a"gry to say a"ythi"g$ a"d almost fell o" her butt whe" she stood up be#ause she was sha'i"g with so mu#h a"ger She loo'ed arou"d the table o"e last time a"d stopped whe" she got to 6ya";s best frie"d 7.i'eA8 she Buestio"ed as if as'i"g him to #ome with her i" some sort of protest + hate to say it felt good to wat#h .i'e struggle$ but you '"ow whatA +t really did 9e seemed ge"ui"ely #o"fused as to what he should do$ but ultimately he was too mu#h of a #hi#'e" to leave 9e gla"#ed Bui#'ly my dire#tio" a"d the" shrugged 7.iller;s my boy$8 he mumbled 7+f he says she;s #ool?8 7(ha"'s a lot08 Paige huffed$ a"d the" stal'ed off She got about four steps a"d the" tur"ed arou"d a"d glared at (ami'a (ami'a hesitated but the" rolled her eyes a"d followed her best frie"d out of the #afeteria After Paige left$ thi"gs were a lot better :veryo"e was still a little aw'ward a"d "ervous$ but they were #urious$ li'e 6ya" said$ a"d they were a#tually tryi"g to be "i#e A"d + '"ew they were probably o"ly doi"g it for 6ya" a"d Be#'y$ but after lu"#h$ i" gover"me"t$ whe" + did";t have either Be#'y or 6ya" arou"d$ Allysa still as'ed me to sit by her + was tou#hed by the offer$ a"d tal'i"g to people other tha" 6ya" a"d Be#'y we"t a lot smoother tha" + e=pe#ted + a#tually wal'ed to :"glish with S#ott !he" we got there he i"sisted + ta'e his seat so that + #ould sit "e=t to my boyfrie"d$ a"d he too' Paige;s seat si"#e she refused to sit a"ywhere "ear 6ya"$ Be#'y$ or me People were still ad)usti"g to the #ha"ge$ but after everythi"g at lu"#h$ "obody was very surprised to see the "ew seati"g #hart !ell$ mostly "o o"e (he loo' o" .r :dwards;s fa#e as he wat#hed S#ott;s galla"t gesture was rather amusi"g .r : was so surprised that he was a#tually a bit distra#ted duri"g #lass$ a"d whe" it was over$ he loo'ed almost perple=ed as 6ya" a"d Be#'y dragged me from the room + #ould";t leave the ma" i" su#h a state$ so + told 6ya" a"d Be#'y +;d #at#h up to them + tried to wipe the smile from my fa#e whe" + approa#hed .r :dwards;s des' 7@ou all right$ .r : A @ou;re loo'i"g a little pale 8 7Oh$ "o$ +;m )ust? !ell$ +;m sho#'ed0 !hat happe"edA8 7@ou said + was the o"e with the power to #ha"ge thi"gs + )ust followed your advi#e 8 .r : seemed ge"ui"ely #o"fou"ded but Bui#'ly #omposed himself a"d bega" to tease me 7!hat did you do$ use some 'i"d of brai" warp o" them allA8 7Sorry$ mi"d #o"trol is";t o"e of my superpowers$8 + )o'ed ba#' + was";t )o'i"g$ but he thought it was fu""y

7Could have fooled me 8 9e laughed 7A#tually$ + did somethi"g a lot #ra/ier tha" brai"wash everyo"e 8 .r : per'ed up 76eallyA8 9is eyes spar'led with #uriosity + gla"#ed arou"d the room a"d lea"ed i" li'e + was goi"g to give away a big se#ret a"d the" whispered$ 7+ was nice 8 + laughed whe" .r : loo'ed disappoi"ted i" my #o"fessio" 7+ '"ow$ it was a little a"ti#lima#ti# for me too$8 + teased (he" + thought for a se#o"d a"d shrugged 7+t was mostly 6ya";s doi"g 9e sort of 'illed the i#e Buee" a while ago 8 7Ah$ yes .r .iller 8 .r :dwards rolled his eyes as if to say$ of course he was involved Appare"tly +;m "ot the o"ly o"e who gets a little a""oyed with 6ya";s perfe#tio" Spea'i"g of 6ya"$ he was probably wo"deri"g where + was by "ow$ so + stepped ba#' from the des' 7A"yway$ tha"'s$ .r : + really thi"' thi"gs are goi"g to be a lot better for me "ow @ou #a" #hal' up your first tea#hi"g su##ess a"d ta'e me off your troubled stude"ts list 8 + was )ust givi"g him a hard time as + said that$ but i"stead of laughi"g$ he sat there deliberati"g 3i"ally he "odded a"d said$ 7Good for you$ 1amie +;m glad to see thi"gs are wor'i"g out for you 8 7@ou;re all right$ .r : $8 + admitted as + headed for the door 7See you later$ .s Ba'er 8 6ya" a"d Be#'y were waiti"g right outside the #lassroom for me 6ya" pulled my fi"gers i"to his as if the five mi"utes we;d bee" apart had "early 'illed him$ the" he gla"#ed ba#' i" the room at our tea#her a"d as'ed$ 7:verythi"g o'ay$ .r : A8 (he poor ma" was tryi"g his best to loo' li'e he was";t wat#hi"g us$ but he was still i" too mu#h sho#' to pull it off + gave him a Bui#' smile a"d the" tur"ed my full atte"tio" ba#' to 6ya" .y gri" tripled i" si/e 7:verythi"g;s great$8 + a"swered$ bemused by the truth i" my words 6ya" pulled me i"to his arms$ sBuee/i"g me li'e he;d "ever bee" more proud of a"yo"e i" his whole life 7+ thi"' this #alls for a #elebratio" Fet;s go do somethi"g before the game 8 7A#tually$8 + said$ 7Be#'y as'ed me if + would pra#ti#e her routi"e with her for a while$ but you #a" #ome wat#h us do ba#'flips if you wa"t 8 7Are you goi"g to put o" your old #heer u"iformA8 6ya" was a little too e=#ited by the thought of me i" a #ostume$ so + sBuashed that idea$ a"d fast 7+" your dreams 8 7<ot e=a#tly 8 6ya" gri""ed wi#'edly 7+" my dreams you;re usually dressed li'e !o"der !oma" 8 Hgh + wo"dered how lo"g it would ta'e for him to start i" o" the superhero #rap Obviously$ "ot lo"g + was "ot amused$ but 6ya" seemed to thi"' himself hilarious + #ould also tell by the loo' o" his fa#e that he was Buite #o"fide"t he;d have me i" #ostume o"e day 7<ever go""a happe"$8 + assured him 7:ver 8 A"d of #ourse he respo"ded with that #lassi#$ #o#'y smile 71ust li'e you were "ever go""a be my girlfrie"d$ rightA8 All + #ould do was groa" + started to drag Be#'y off$ but 6ya" #alled out to us$ sayi"g$ 7Are you really goi"g to dit#h meA8 a"d Be#'y stopped wal'i"g 9e pouted with this fa#e that was )ust so patheti#ally adorable + wa"ted to both sma#' a"d 'iss it$ but Be#'y was the o"e who gave i" first 76ya"$ if you really wa"t to go out$ +;ll grab S#ott$ a"d we #a" double or somethi"g 8 7Be#'y08 + had to laugh 7@ou;re worse tha" me0 +t;s "o wo"der he;s su#h a" egoma"ia# 8 7!hatA @ou;re telli"g me you #a" say "o to that fa#eA8 + wa"ted to say yes$ but it would have bee" a lie a"d we all '"ew it 73i"e 8 + sighed 7!hy "otA A

double date #ould be fu" 8 + loo'ed at 6ya" i" defeat 7So$ where are we goi"gA8 7<owhere$8 6ya" said as he pulled me i"to his arms agai" 7+;m "ot goi"g to i"terrupt your girl time "ow that you;re fi"ally havi"g it + )ust wa"ted to see how lo"g it would ta'e for you to give i" 8 6ya";s smile was ba#' a"d bigger tha" ever 7@ou get easier every time 8 6ya" .iller 9o"estly !hat #a" you doA Of #ourse + laughed + did";t wa"t to$ but + #ould";t help it$ so + do";t thi"' my a##ompa"yi"g eye*roll was all that #o"vi"#i"g +" fa#t$ + '"ow it was";t be#ause 6ya" pulled me agai"st him so that my fa#e was )ust a" i"#h from his$ a"d said$ 7Permissio" to 'iss my girlfrie"dA8 <ot that + wa"ted him to get his way agai"$ but as if + #ould say "oA 9e gave me a Bui#' 'iss good* bye a"d the" ha"ded me off to Be#'y a"d told her to ta'e good #are of me 7@ou sure you do";t wa"t to #omeA8 Be#'y as'ed 7<o$ "o @ou girls go do your thi"g !e #a" get a group together after the game i"stead 8 6ya" stopped sudde"ly a"d gave me a pu//led loo' 7@ou are goi"g to #ome$ are";t youA8 + was a#tually startled by the Buestio" +;d bee" wat#hi"g the games for a while "ow$ but + guess + had";t told him that$ a"d +;d "ever thought about sitti"g i" the sta"ds 7!hatA Hm$ well$ + was )ust goi"g to?8 7Oh$ #ome08 Be#'y #ried 7+t;ll be fu" + promise 8 Sudde"ly$ + "ow had two people + #ould";t say "o to !he" + shrugged$ 6ya";s whole fa#e lit up 7Come fi"d me before the game starts 8 7!e will$8 Be#'y a"swered for me$ a"d the" #arted me off to the pra#ti#e field ----C9AP(:6 22 +t felt so good to be out o" the field$ messi"g arou"d with Be#'y +t was a little weird at first be#ause + had";t do"e a"y gym"asti#s si"#e my a##ide"t$ a"d + had to be #areful "ot to let my power es#ape while doi"g all those flips Be#'y seemed a little self*#o"s#ious at first$ but o"#e we got goi"g she was perfe#tly fi"e i" all her tumbli"gD'i#'ed my rusty butt out of the water + thi"' she;d o"ly bee" s#rewi"g up lately be#ause she was so stressed out over the whole .i'e thi"g !e stayed at it for so lo"g that we were barely goi"g to have time to go home$ hit the showers$ a"d be ba#' before 'i#'off + was me"tally sear#hi"g for the perfe#t outfit as + drove home$ but all thoughts of getti"g #ute or eve" goi"g to the game flew out the wi"dow the mi"ute + pulled up to my house a"d heard Carter;s voi#e #omi"g from the livi"g room$ filli"g my pare"ts; head with stories of mad s#ie"tists (hat ma" was so dead + thought for sure he;d get the hi"t after + tor#hed his house$ but appare"tly it was goi"g to ta'e more tha" that to get rid of him .aybe +;d throw him off the edge of the Gra"d Ca"yo" Or better yet$ )ust leave him i" the middle of "orther" Ca"ada somewhere a"d let him fi"d his ow" way ba#' (hat would";t be murder$ rightA <ot te#h"i#ally + barged through the door ready to throttle someo"e$ but surprisi"gly$ my dad loo'ed twi#e as a"gry as + did A"grier tha" +;d ever see" him$ a"d trust me$ that;s sayi"g somethi"g 3u""y thi"g was$ he seemed a"gry with the wro"g perso"

71amiely"" Ba'er08 !he" he shouted$ the walls of the house shoo'$ a"d for o"#e + did";t have a"ythi"g to do with it 7@ou are grou"ded u"til you;re 5:A508 .y tee"age i"sti"#t to rebel wo" out over my sho#'$ a"d + s#reamed right ba#' 7!hat did I doA8 7@ou should have told us he was here08 7+ had it u"der #o"trol08 7Co"trolA8 Oops (hat was the wro"g thi"g to say .y father was #ho'i"g o" his words he was so irate 7@ou bur"ed dow" a house08 7+ bur"ed #reepy surveilla"#e photos a"d videos that prove + have powers (he rest of the house was a" a##ide"t 8 7A"d what about the physi#al assaultA8 Carter told my pare"ts + physi#ally assaulted himA !hat a baby + barely eve" threw the guy 79e was tryi"g to destroy my life agai" + was a little a"gry A"d besides$ you '"ow where + get my temper @ou;d have hit him too$ a"d you '"ow it 8 79e did hit me$8 Carter grumbled u"der his breath + gla"#ed at Carter for the first time a"d "oti#ed that he was holdi"g a bag of fro/e" peas over his left eye +t was easy to pi#ture my father a"sweri"g the door a"d pu"#hi"g Carter before he #ould get a si"gle word i" 7<i#e 8 + showed "o sympathy whe" + fi"ally addressed Carter 7Fet;s see it 8 Carter grudgi"gly removed the vegetables$ a"d half his fa#e was bla#'*a"d*blue +;ll admit the sight of him gave me a" overwhelmi"g dose of si#' satisfa#tio" a"d also made me Buite proud of my dad + raised a" eyebrow at my father a"d laughed whe" + "oti#ed his lips twit#hi"g as he fought ba#' a smile 7@ou;re still i" trouble$ you"g lady$8 he said stubbor"ly + was good a"d ready to argue my pu"ishme"t a"d defe"d my a#tio"s + mea"$ yeah$ maybe + bur"ed the guy;s house dow"$ but it was a #rappy o"e a"yway$ a"d he really did";t leave me a"y other #hoi#e But the" somethi"g else o##urred to me 7!ait0 !hy is he eve" still hereA8 .y mother fi"ally spo'e up 79e #ame to war" us 8 !ar" usA Puh+lease + rolled my eyes + '"ow my mom hates that$ but + #ould";t help myself 75o";t tell me you;re buyi"gD8 7!hat #hoi#e do we have$ 1amieA8 .y mother #ut me off with u"usual harsh"ess 7+f there;s eve" the ti"iest bit of truth to this$ a"d people are really loo'i"g for you$ the" he;s do"e us a great favor 8 7A favorA8 + as'ed$ too i"#redulous to a#tually s#ream 7:ve" if what he says is true$ that mea"s he;s the reaso" we;re i" this mess i" the first pla#e0 All those stupid arti#les he wrote ba#' i" +lli"ois0 Ca";t you guys see that he;s )ust tryi"g to s#are you i"to #omi"g forwardA 9e;s still )ust loo'i"g for his story08 Carter;s patie"#e fi"ally wore thi"$ a"d he )oi"ed i" the argume"t 7+s this )ust a storyA8 Carter threw a large ma"ila e"velope a#ross the #offee table at me$ a"d despite all the #o"trol +;d gai"ed re#e"tly$ whe" + saw it$ + blew the #ir#uit brea'er agai" 7+f this is more bla#'mail pi#tures$ Carter$ + swear + am goi"g to lau"#h you off the Golde" Gate Bridge08 71amie$ easy o" the death threats$ ho"ey$8 my dad war"ed But + #ould tell he li'ed the idea 7But$ 5ad08 71ust loo' at the pi#ture$ 1amiely""08 Carter s"apped + wa"ted to be stubbor"$ but my #uriosity got the better of me$ a"d + slid the photo out of the e"velope 7Big deal$8 + said +;d see" this pi#ture before +t was the same pi#ture of guys i" lab #oats from the Pisti#orp website$ o"ly this o"e was ripped from a maga/i"e 7(his is a" arti#le o" stem #ell resear#h +t does";t prove that they '"ow about me 8 7Foo' #loser$8 Carter said 76e#og"i/e a"yo"eA8

+ loo'ed #loser 'hocked does "ot eve" begi" to #over it 7After you destroyed everythi"g$8 Carter e=plai"ed as + stared at the pi#ture i" fro"t of me i" disbelief$ 7+ did";t '"ow what to do So + did some diggi"g a"d figured out who e=a#tly had bee" #o"ta#ti"g me +t was";t easy be#ause + was loo'i"g at Pisti#orp employees$ but he does";t wor' for them a"ymore 9e Buit )ust mo"ths after 5ere' died 8 + was still too overwhelmed to pro#ess everythi"g he was telli"g me 7B*But$8 + stammered 7(his is";t right? (his #a";t be right08 +t )ust #ould";t be + mea"$ + trusted him But there he was$ sporti"g a white lab #oat$ sta"di"g proudly with his resear#h team i" a" arti#le ripped from the pages of (ime maga/i"e 79e #ared about me 9e hel$ed me 8 79e su#'ered you 8 Carter used a softer voi#e tha" + thought him #apable of$ but his words were still harsh + felt so stupid$ so you"g a"d "aive$ li'e Carter o"#e told me + was 9is #omme"t wou"ded my pride as well as filled me with fear + mea"$ if he #ould have me that fooled$ a"yo"e #ould + would "ever really be safe .y eyes filled with tears$ a"d + was grateful whe" both my pare"ts s#ooped me tightly i"to a 1amie sa"dwi#h + thi"' the #lose"ess of my family made Carter a little u"#omfortable Or maybe it was my falli"g apart i" fro"t of him 7+t;s "ot too late$ 1amie$8 he said$ #leari"g his throat to brea' up our group hug 7(he good "ews is$ Pisti#orp does";t '"ow about you !ithout them$ he;s )ust o"e ma" A"d his pla" is";t to e=pose you 8 79ow do you '"ow what his pla" isA8 + s"apped 7Be#ause + '"ow why he left 9e was #o"vi"#ed you were spe#ial Obsessive about it But Pisti#orp "ever believed him$ so he Buit 9e was probably tryi"g to get #lose to you i" hopes that he;d eve"tually be able to #o"vi"#e you to go ba#' with him 9e wa"ts to prove Pisti#orp wro"g 9e wa"ts to study you 9e wa"ts to be the o"e to figure out what happe"ed 9e;s loo'i"g for a <obel Pri/e +f you were e=posed$ he #ould "ever 'eep you to himself <o$ he does";t wa"t your se#ret getti"g out at all But$ 1amie$ he;s still da"gerous +f you do";t give him what he wa"ts$ he;ll e=pose you to Pisti#orp )ust to prove he;s "ot #ra/y A"d if they fi"d out the truth?8 .y mom shuddered 7(hat;s e=a#tly why 1amie "eeds to #ome forward$8 Carter told her A"d that;s where he lost me 7H"*be*frea'i"g*lievable0 @ou )ust "ever Buit$ do you08 71amie$ it;s the o"ly way 8 7<o0 @ou;re "ot ta'i"g away my life0 @ou;re "ot putti"g my family i" da"ger08 7@ou do";t thi"' they;re i" da"ger "owA 1amiely""$ he '"ows everythi"g 9e;s obsessed with you @ou do";t thi"' that whe" he reali/es you;re "ot goi"g to #ooperate$ he;ll use the people you #are about as mea"s to persuade you to go with himA8 + heard a gasp$ but + was";t sure if it had #ome from my mother or me + loo'ed at the pi#ture agai" 9e;d "ever seemed da"gerous u"til "ow 79e? 9e #ould";t 8 + gla"#ed fra"ti#ally at my pare"ts 7+ #a" prote#t them 8 + did";t sou"d a"ywhere "ear #o"fide"t e"ough i" my de#laratio" Probably be#ause + was";t !e all stood there lo#'ed i" a stari"g mat#h u"til my #ell pho"e ra"g$ startli"g us all + gla"#ed at Be#'y;s "umber o" the display$ but "ow was "ot the time to a"swer it .y mom #hose the distra#tio" as a way to brea' the deafe"i"g sile"#e 71amie$ sweetheart$ maybe .r Carter;s right .aybe it;s time 8 + #ould";t believe what +;d )ust heard .y heart gave out i"side my #hest$ a"d + had to sit dow"

before + fell dow" + tried to protest$ but my words #aught i" my throat$ so + )ust #ried 75o";t worry$ 1amie$8 Carter said 7+;ll ma'e sure you;re safe !e;ll be smart about it 8 Carter;s voi#e was so "ot what + wa"ted to hear right the" + do";t '"ow what 'i"d of loo' + gave him$ but it was e"ough to ma'e my father step i" fro"t of him prote#tively 9e put a ha"d o" my shoulder a"d said$ 7.r Carter has a poi"t +f the whole world '"ows about you$ the" the gover"me"t or a"yo"e else wo";t be able to ta'e you away 8 7A"d you;re su#h a sweet girl$ 1amie (he world will )ust fall i" love with you$8 my mother added + guess she did";t '"ow my "i#'"ame was the +#e Juee" 7(hey;ll wa"t to help us .aybe we #a" fi"ally get some a"swers 8 .y pho"e blared agai"$ a"d + "early #rushed it i" my ha"d (his time the display read 7S#ott Cole 8 As mu#h as + was #urious as to why o" earth he #ould possibly be #alli"g me$ + threw my pho"e dow" o" the #offee table a"d ig"ored the sou"ds that ra"g from it Fetti"g my hurt tur" to a"ger agai" was the o"ly way to get my sobs u"der #o"trol 7+ do";t wa"t to be a worldwide frea'08 + shouted through my tears 7People will "ever leave us alo"eDthe papara//i$ the gover"me"t0 :ve" if they #a";t a#tually ta'e me away$ they;ll #amp out fro"t of our house$ wat#hi"g us (hey;ll follow us everywhere 5o#tors will show up wa"ti"g to study me$ )ust li'e after my a##ide"t$ o"ly worse +t;ll rui" our lives A"d i" the mea"time$ the guy8D+ poi"ted at CarterD7who dis#overed :le#tri# GirlDor whatever stupid "ame you i"ve"t for meDgets ri#h a"d lives happily ever after Ca";t you guys see what he;s doi"gA8 + thi"' my pare"ts were starti"g to liste" to me + #ould see it i" their eyes$ hesitatio" a"d eve" fear + ope"ed my mouth agai"$ but the" Carter blurted out$ 7+;m o"ly tryi"g to help you$ 1amie08 At the same time$ my pho"e roared to life a third time a"d + )ust s"apped 7!9A(A8 + s#reamed i"to the re#eiver 7Hh$ 1amieA8 +t was .i'e 5ris#oll of all people$ a"d he sou"ded terrified to be #alli"g me +t would have bee" fu" to rip his head off$ but + was too surprised by his #all 7@eahA8 7+s .iller with youA8 7<o (he game;s about to start +;m sure he;s at the s#hool 8 79e;s "ot (he game should have started five mi"utes ago (hey;re "ot goi"g to let us wait a"y lo"ger !e;re go""a have to put !arre" i" as JB$ a"d he totally su#'s08 7!ell$ where;s 6ya"A8 .i'e did";t sou"d s#ared a"ymore 7@ou tell me0 @ou;re the o"e who;s had him o" a frea'i"g leash lately 8 (hat did it @ou '"ow$ it;s 'i"d of fu""yDbut "ot ha*ha fu""yDthat eve" with Carter sta"di"g right i" fro"t of me$ tryi"g to tur" my pare"ts to the dar' side$ the perso" who made me lose total #o"trol of my temper was .i'e + pulled the pho"e away from my ear a"d held it i" fro"t of my mouth so that + #ould s#ream a deafe"i"g s#ream more dire#tly i"to .i'e;s ear (he" + hu"g up o" him a"d dropped the pho"e$ u"aware that + was stirri"g up a" ele#tri#al storm u"til my pare"ts a"d Carter )umped ba#' for safety a"d started s#reami"g at me + #ould see them all )ust fi"e through the gree"ish ha/e i" my eyes$ a"d + '"ew they were all shouti"g at me to #alm dow"$ but + #ould";t really hear a"ythi"g e=#ept the whirlwi"d of ele#tri#ity swirli"g arou"d me A"d the" sudde"ly the sig"ifi#a"#e of .i'e;s #all daw"ed o" me 76ya" did";t show up to the game$8 + said$ "ot botheri"g to #alm dow" + did";t wa"t to #alm dow" + had a feeli"g that Super 1amie was about to #ome i" very ha"dy 76ya" would "ever )ust blow off a game 8 Carter;s eyes drifted to the pi#ture he;d give" me$ a"d + "odded$ my thoughts already there

79e would";t$8 + de#ided #o"fide"tly 7:ve" if .r : does wa"t to study me$ he;s "ot evil 9e would";t hurt 6ya" 8 9e )ust would";t But the"$ 6ya" .iller would "ever leave his team i" the ha"ds of Paul !arre" either + loo'ed Buestio"i"gly at Carter$ but he did";t seem to have a"y ideas A"d why should heA +t;s "ot li'e 6ya" was worth a"ythi"g to him +" the sile"#e$ my pho"e ra"g agai" + s#ooped it up off the floor a"d whe" + saw 6ya";s "ame + was filled with relief 76ya"0 !hereD8 76ya" #a";t tal' at the mome"t$ 1amie$8 the voi#e o" the other e"d replied 7.r : A8 .y heart sa"' + was sure it had o"ly bee" a para"oid fear that 6ya";s "o*show #ould have a"ythi"g to do with .r :dwards + did";t e=pe#t that fear to be legit .y stoma#h tur"ed over a"d over agai" as + tried to de#ide if + was more a"gry or s#ared (he two emotio"s were pretty eBual at the mome"t$ but '"owi"g what happe"s whe" + am feeli"g either$ it was";t loo'i"g so good for .r : 7@es$ 1amie$ it;s me$8 .r : said$ i"terrupti"g my thoughts 7+;m afraid + have some bad "ews 8 7A#tually$8 + said$ tryi"g my hardest "ot to #rush the pho"e i" my ha"d$ 7+;m the o"e with the bad "ews + '"ow who you are 8 .r : stayed sile"t for a mi"ute 9e was surprised by my #o"fessio" 7+t;s "ot what you thi"'$ 1amie 8 7Oh$ right Fi'e +;ve "ever heard that before 8 7+ promise you$ 1amie + mea" you "o harm 8 7@eah$ tell that to 6ya"08 7+ do";t wa"t to hurt .r .iller either 9e;s )ust here be#ause + '"ow you too well !e "eed to tal'$ 1amie 8 7Oh$ we;re goi"g to do more tha" tal' 8 76ela=$ .s Ba'er +t;s "ot goi"g to do a"yo"e a"y good if you lose #o"trol 8 !ell$ he was right about that But + was i" #o"trol Sure$ + was a little glow*i"*the*dar' at the mome"t$ but it was by #hoi#e + had";t eve" fried my pho"e + had "o idea how + was doi"g it$ but for the time bei"g$ + was #o"trolli"g my powers +t was li'e + was i" some 'i"d of super survival mode Somethi"g "eeded to get do"e$ a"d + was goi"g to do it :"d of story 7!here are youA8 + as'ed$ o"ly it did";t really sou"d li'e + was as'i"g all that mu#h 7(he s#hool$8 he a"swered 7But please$ 1amie$ there;s "o "eed to get upset + thi"' you;ll li'e my proposal 8 3at #ha"#e 7@ou really should";t have do"e this 8 + heard Carter a"d my pare"ts #all out to me as + disappeared i" fro"t of their eyes + '"ew they were worried about meDwell$ my pare"ts a"yway Carter was o"ly worried about his pay#he#'Dbut ho"estly$ did the 3lash ever stop to e=plai" thi"gs before he too' off ru""i"gA (here;d be ple"ty of time to e=plai" everythi"g whe" it was all over$ a"d + was sure this was "ot goi"g to ta'e very lo"g ----C9AP(:6 2I

+ did";t hesitate for eve" a se#o"d as + flew to the s#hool a"d blew through the door to my :"glish #lassroom .aybe + should have #ome up with a pla" first be#ause + was not prepared for what + fou"d waiti"g for me o" the other side of that door + '"ew 6ya" would be there + eve" e=pe#ted to see him tied to a #hair or somethi"g$ whi#h he was$ but + "ever dreamed that he;d be wired to a #ar battery +t was su#h a disturbi"g sight that the mome"t + saw him + frea'ed the mother of all frea'*outs 7Ama/i"g$8 .r :dwards whispered to himself as the lights i" the room burst$ rai"i"g dow" i" a shower of glass a"d spar's 7Ama/i"g8 is defi"itely "ot how + saw it !hat + saw was every mus#le i" 6ya";s body te"sed a"d sha'i"g viole"tly from the ele#tri#ity bei"g pumped i"to him (he wattage was so high that he #ould";t eve" s#ream +t was the most horrifyi"g thi"g +;ve ever see" 7.r : $ what are you doi"g to him08 + shrie'ed 7+t;s "ot me$ 1amie +f you do";t wa"t him to die + suggest you tur" off the power right "ow 8 !he" his words sa"' i"$ + was so horrified that my eyes drifted ba#' to 6ya" i" what felt li'e slow motio" 7+ #a";t )ust flip a swit#h08 + too' a step toward 6ya"$ wa"ti"g to rip him free from the torture But as + moved #loser$ the e"ergy got stro"ger + #ould";t free him$ so + did the o"ly thi"g + #ould thi"' of + left A"d it )ust about 'illed me + left 6ya" there$ stra"ded with a psy#hopath$ wired to a #ar battery$ a"d "ow$ tha"'s to me$ probably half dead But what else #ould + doA + was 'illi"g him$ a"d u"li'e .r :dwards seemed to thi"'$ + #ould";t )ust tur" it off <ot whe" + was so upset + ra" from that room as fast as my legs #ould ta'e me + was too distraught to thi"' up a pla"$ but it did";t really matter be#ause my pho"e was ri"gi"g )ust a few short se#o"ds after + too' off + did";t say a"ythi"g whe" + a"swered itD+ #ould";t get words out betwee" my sobsDbut .r :dwards did";t wait for a greeti"g 7+;m sorry$ 1amie 8 .r :dwards sighed$ a"d he had the "erve to a#tually sou"d remorseful 7+ did";t reali/e? + was u"der the impressio" that you had lear"ed how to #o"trol yourself 9o"estly$ + "ever wa"ted a"yo"e to get hurt 8 @ou '"ow what they sayC a"ger does a body good Or maybe that was mil'$ but whatever +t #ertai"ly did me some good right the" to get really mad$ be#ause + Buit #ryi"g li'e a baby a"d fou"d my i""er i#e Buee" 7(he" why ta'e 6ya"A !hy strap him to a batteryA @ou;re si#'08 7+t was self*defe"se + '"ew that if you #ould";t use your power arou"d him$ the" you would";t be able to use it o" me 8 + hated to admit it$ but$ 7A#tually$ .r : $ that was";t a bad idea o" your part 8 7(ha"'s 8 7(oo bad it was all a wasted effort 8 79ow do you figureA8 7Be#ause + may "ot be able to stop you right "ow$ but the #ops surely #a" 5o";t thi"' +;m "ot goi"g to #all them 8 .r : ig"ored my threats a"d #ha"ged the sub)e#t 7+;ve bee" to (ahoe$ 1amie +;ve see" your little pra#ti#e sessio"s with 6ya" 8 + was about to ha"g up o" him a"d #all the poli#e as promised$ but somethi"g o##urred to me the" 7+t was you + saw that day$ videotapi"g me 8 + was tal'i"g more to myself tha" him 7+ should have '"ow" Carter would "ever be stupid e"ough to get #aught 8 71amie$ the thi"gs you #a" do? @ou;re i"#redible0 5o";t you wa"t to u"dersta"d how it;s possibleA8 7<o !hat + wa"t is for you to let my boyfrie"d go 8

7+;m afraid + #a";t do that <ot u"til you hear me out 8 7@ou$8 + growled$ 7will "ever get what you wa"t + would let Carter ta'e me to C<< before +;d let you #ome a"ywhere "ear me08 7@ou do";t u"dersta"d what + wa"t$8 .r : said i" a stra"ge voi#e + reali/ed a mome"t later it was desperatio" 9e was pleadi"g with me 7+ wa"t to help you master this gift you have + wa"t to see you happy$ 1amie$ a"d safe !e #ould wor' together 1ust you a"d me <o hospitals$ "o do#tors$ "o labs Ki"d of li'e what you a"d 6ya" have bee" tryi"g to do$ e=#ept that with the thi"gs + '"ow$ we #ould a#tually get some a"swers @ou would";t have to leave your life$ a"d we do";t have to do a"y tests that you do";t wa"t to do + would ta'e #are of you 8 +t was right the" that + reali/ed .r : had some serious issues 7Carter was";t 'iddi"g about you bei"g obsessed with me$ was heA8 + said 7<ews flash$ .r : @ou;re a psy#ho08 + do";t thi"' .r : appre#iated me #alli"g him #ra/y$ be#ause he got mad Supermad Supervillain mad 7@ou do";t '"ow what;s best for you$8 he said$ his voi#e trembli"g i" the #reepiest way possible 7But +;m goi"g to ma'e you see 8 7Cu#'oo08 + su"g 7+;m #alli"g the #ops "ow 8 7+f you do$ 6ya" will be dead before they get here 8 (he guy sou"ded #ra/y e"ough that he might a#tually be #apable of what he was threate"i"g Somethi"g #ame up my throat the"$ a"d "o matter how hard + tried$ + was";t able to say a"ythi"g 7@ou leave me "o #hoi#e$ 1amie$8 .r :dwards said (here was a mome"t of sile"#e$ the" a #li#'$ a"d short bu// of stati# i" the re#eptio" o" my pho"e (he" 6ya" bega" to s#ream a pai"ed$ muffled s#ream 79elloA8 + s#reamed 7.r : A !hat are you doi"gA8 .r :dwards was way too #alm whe" he fi"ally spo'e up agai" 7(he i"teresti"g thi"g about a #ar battery$ 1amie$ is that it;s really "ot e"ough power to 'ill you by ele#tro#utio" (hat;s why people li'e to use it as a form of torture @ou see$ what it does is$ the ele#tri#ity ma'es all of your mus#les tighte" up so hard that you #a";t breathe :ve"tually you die of suffo#atio" +t;s a very slow$ pai"ful death 8 7(his is";t fu""y$ .r : 0 @ou;ll 'ill him0 Stop0 (ur" it off08 7+ wa"t to$ 1amie$ + do But you;re a very stubbor" girl (his may be the o"ly way to get through to you 8 7But + #a";t #o"trol it08 7!ell$ + suggest you lear" pretty Bui#' 8 !hy did this 'eep happe"i"g to meA !hy did + #o"ti"ue to hurt peopleA 5ere' was dead be#ause of me A"d "ow 6ya" was dyi"g Agai"$ be#ause of me + was so fra"ti# that e"ergy raged i"side me at a" e=treme +;d "ever felt before$ a"d it #aused that yellow*gree" ha/e to #loud "ot o"ly my sight$ but my mi"d as well +t was impossible to thi"' ratio"ally O"e thought too' up all the spa#e i" my headC Save 6ya" 5o whatever it ta'es As + too' off ru""i"g agai" somethi"g i" the ba#' of my head told me that savi"g my boyfrie"d might reBuire ta'i"g the life of my favorite tea#her$ well$ e=*favorite tea#her$ but whatever #o"s#ie"#e + used to possess had flow" the #oop + '"ew + would";t be able to #o"trol my temper whe" + saw him$ but + did";t #are a"ymore Juite fra"'ly$ .r : deserved whatever he got + was ba#' at s#hool withi" se#o"ds a"d stopped i" the par'i"g lot + #ould still hear 6ya"$ but his s#ream was already wea' (oo wea' + "eeded to get i" there$ but + '"ew that if + we"t bargi"g i" li'e before$ + would most li'ely 'ill 6ya" i"sta"tly As wor'ed up as + was$ + was probably radiati"g e"ough e"ergy to ma'e his body e=plode or somethi"g (hat was a "ightmare + #ould live without$ but + had to do somethi"g

Slowly$ a"d more fo#used tha" +;d ever bee" i" my life$ + stret#hed my ha"ds out i" fro"t of me a"d #losed my eyes 1ust li'e that time i" 6ya";s bedroom$ a"d i" the par' with the street lamps$ + #ould feel all of the ele#tri#ity i" the world arou"d me +ro"i#ally$ it did";t feel li'e the "ightmare that it was +t felt more li'e a "i#e warm se#urity bla"'et Almost as if it were part of me$ )ust a" e=te"sio" of my arms + #ould feel it + #ould grab it + #ould push it away from me$ pull it to me +t was stro"gest "ear the football field$ where the lights were "ow o" a"d the s#oreboard was bla/i"g But this was "ot the e"ergy + was i"terested i" + tur"ed o"e ha"d away from the field a"d swept it toward the s#hool !he" + fou"d the ti"y po#'et of e"ergy #omi"g from the dire#tio" of .r :dwards;s #lassroom$ + su#'ed it out of there as Bui#'ly as + #ould !he" + started to pull the e"ergy i"to me + heard 6ya";s #ries of pai" stop 9e gasped for breath o"#e a"d the" we"t sile"t$ most li'ely su##umbi"g to u"#o"s#ious"ess (his a#tually #omforted me more tha" it horrified me +t mea"t that my pla" was wor'i"g a"d the torture had mome"tarily stopped But it was";t over be#ause + still #ould";t get myself u"der #o"trol$ a"d as lo"g as 6ya" was atta#hed to that battery$ every ou"#e of e"ergy + released i" his prese"#e would be pumped dire#tly i"to his body So as + wal'ed slowly toward my boyfrie"d$ + #o"ti"ued to swallow up every last drop of ele#tri#ity i" the e"tire s#hool so that there would be "othi"g left to hurt 6ya" By the time + rea#hed the #lassroom door$ the e"ergy + was still pulli"g i" was "early too mu#h to 'eep #o"tai"ed + had to stop + #ould";t ta'e i" o"e more ou"#e of ele#tri#ity or + would burst with a" e=plosio" that would wipe all of 6o#'li" 9igh from e=iste"#e (his was it$ the mome"t of truth$ but + was determi"ed 7@ou will not let it go$8 + ordered myself 7@ou will not hurt 6ya" agai"08 + loo'ed at the #losed door i" fro"t of me a"d too' a deep breath as + #le"#hed my bur"i"g ha"ds i"to tight fists .y i"sides felt li'e a" atom bomb$ with parti#les of e"ergy bou"#i"g arou"d i" absolute #haos 75o";t let go$8 + #ha"ted to myself 75o";t let go 5o";t let go08 + was #o"#e"trati"g so hard o" "ot letti"g my power es#ape me that whe" .r :dwards #alled my "ame$ it startled the livi"g daylights out of me 9e must have heard me mumbli"g to myself + was rea#hi"g for the door whe" he yelled out$ 71amieA +s that youA8 All + did was fli"#h be#ause he;d startled me But there was so mu#h power i"side me that whe" + did$ + maybe sort of? blew up the door O'ay$ so there was "o maybe about it + e=ploded that door i"to a thousa"d ti"y pie#es se"di"g .r :dwards du#'i"g for #over be"eath his des' 7+ guess so$8 he said with a #hu#'le whe" the dust settled + do";t '"ow if it was the amuseme"t i" his voi#e or the strea's of blood ru""i"g dow" 6ya";s "ose as his body slumped forward i" his #hair$ but + totally s"apped 79ow #ould youA8 + s#ree#hed$ a"d the"$ without war"i"g$ too' aim at the des' .r : was hidi"g behi"d a"d blew it to smitheree"s .r :dwards was '"o#'ed ba#' a few feet by the blast a"d loo'ed a little s#raped up$ but ultimately$ he was fi"e Pity But o" the bright side$ he loo'ed pretty s#ared 7Careful "ow$ 1amie$8 he stammered "ervously 7@ou do";t wa"t to hurt 6ya"$ do youA8 75o you hear him s#reami"gA8 .r :dwards gla"#ed Bui#'ly at 6ya" a"d frow"ed 7+ thought you said you #a";t #o"trol it 8 A"d that;s whe" it daw"ed o" me + had )ust wal'ed i"to this room more #harged up tha" a "u#lear power pla"t$ a"d + had";t o"#e set off the battery atta#hed to my boyfrie"d +;d eve" do"e that whole light"i"g thi"g twi#e$ a"d still "othi"g had hurt 6ya" + was #o"trolli"g my power + was #o"trolli"g it$ a"d + had";t eve" reali/ed it + was so a"gry )ust "ow that + wa"ted .r : dead$ a"d it was all + #ould thi"' about .y power was )ust "aturally followi"g my lead As + stared at my ha"ds i" asto"ishme"t$ + reali/ed that that;s the way it had always bee" !he"ever + was a"gry$ my power shot out from me with fury !he"ever + was s#ared$ it a#ted as some sort of defe"se me#ha"ism (hat;s eve" why it "ever hurt 6ya" whe" he hugged

me or 'issed me :very time 6ya" tou#hed me the power drew us together$ pulli"g him to me li'e a mag"et$ be#ause that;s what +;d wa"ted (he power i"side of me was a part of me +t wor'ed with me$ "ot agai"st me +t really was at my #omma"d$ a"d "ow that + u"derstood that$ + had "o more #ause to fear it +t was the bei"g afraid of the power i" the first pla#e that was hurti"g me + thought of 6ya" agai"$ a"d there was "othi"g +;ve ever wa"ted more i" my life tha" + wa"ted to have him safe i" my arms$ 'issi"g me u"til + #ould";t thi"' straight +;d told myself "ot to hurt him$ willed the e"ergy i"side me to stay there$ a"d it had obeyed + u"derstood "ow$ a"d + '"ew that it would obey me agai"$ so + embra#ed my power + let it flow through me with for#e as if it were a" ally i"stead of a #urse$ a"d o"#e +;d fi"ally stopped fighti"g it$ it felt differe"t somehow I felt differe"t + felt stro"ger$ more #o"fide"t$ u"stoppable eve" + felt su$er 3irst thi"gs first + wal'ed up to 6ya" without a mome"t;s hesitatio" a"d ripped that battery away from him so fast that + a##ide"tally se"t it flyi"g a#ross the room a"d through the wall 6ya" was #ompletely u"#o"s#ious$ but he was breathi"g$ a"d + #ould hear his heart beati"g fai"tly i" his #hest + wiped the sweaty hair from his forehead a"d gave him a ge"tle 'iss$ whisperi"g$ 79a"g i" there +;ll be right ba#' 8 (he" + whirled arou"d a"d loo'ed at my :"glish tea#her with more #o"fide"#e tha" eve" 6ya" #ould muster o" his best day 7@ou$8 + said with e"ough fero#ity to ma'e the blood drai" from his fa#e$ 7are a dead ma" 8 ----C9AP(:6 2> + did";t give .r : a #ha"#e to plead his #ase Before he #ould eve" bli"'$ he was flyi"g a#ross the room @eah$ + '"ow that reve"ge is ge"erally frow"ed upo" a"d that my pare"ts got a little mad whe" + roughed up Carter$ but$ hey$ + #a";t be e=pe#ted to master my power and my temper all i" o"e day .r : we"t soari"g a"d #rashed i"to a bu"#h of des's 9e groa"ed a "i#e pai"ful*sou"di"g groa" for a se#o"d$ but "ot "early lo"g e"ough if you as' me 71amie$ wait$8 he immediately bega" 7Fet;s be reaso"able @ou do";tD8 76easo"able08 + shrie'ed 76easo"ableA8 + pi#'ed him up agai" a"d threw him i"to the bla#'board 7@ou almost 'illed my boyfrie"d0 @ou tortured him0 5o";t you dare tell me to be reaso"able08 .r : ope"ed his mouth to say somethi"g$ but + did";t wa"t to hear it + grabbed his ha"d a"d se"t a #urre"t i"to him that for#ed him to s#ream out i" pai" 7+s this what it was li'e for 6ya"A8 + 'i#'ed up the power a "ot#h$ ma'i"g .r : ;s body go so stiff that he #ould "o lo"ger s#ream 7(ell me$ what;s worse$ the ele#tro#utio" or the suffo#atio"A8 + let go of his ha"d a"d let him fall limp to the grou"d As soo" as he #ould$ he #roa'ed$ 7Please$ 1amie +;m sorry + did";t wa"t it to be li'e this 8 9is patheti# apology set me off agai" (he a"ger i"side me o"ly grew worse from the viole"#e 7@ou;re sorryA Sorry for what you did to 6ya"A Or )ust sorry that your stupid pla" did";t wor'A8 !ith that$ my rage #louded out the world arou"d me$ a"d + grabbed him agai" (his time ele#tro#uti"g him did";t seem li'e e"ough +t did";t seem deadly e"ough$ so + slipped my fi"gers arou"d his "e#' a"d bega" to sBuee/e 9is fa#e was a dar' shade of blue whe" a voi#e yelled$ 71amie$ stop08

+ was so bli"ded by my emotio" that + "ever heard Carter e"ter the room 9e;d surprised me$ but "ot e"ough to ma'e me let go of .r : 79e was goi"g to kill him08 71amie$8 Carter said agai"$ his voi#e #alm a"d #omma"di"g 7Fet him go 8 + loo'ed i"to the fa#e that was starti"g to lose #o"s#ious"ess$ a"d + was filled with a hate that +;d "ever dreamed to be #apable of 5ere'$ Carter$ .i'e? <o"e of them eve" #ame #lose to ma'i"g me feel the way + felt right "ow (hat hate made it impossible for me to stop 7+;m "ot goi"g to let him hurt a"yo"e + love ever agai"08 + felt a ha"d #ome dow" o" my shoulder 7@ou;re "ot a murderer$ 1amiely""$8 Carter said (hose words had bee" said to me a hu"dred times before .y pare"ts had said them 6ya" had said them :ve" Carter had let the phrase slip before + loo'ed at .r : agai"$ a"d this time + saw the terror i" his eyes (he same terror + saw i" 5ere';s fa#e as he died (he"$ sudde"ly$ .r :dwards was go"e + #ould o"ly see 5ere' lyi"g there be"eath my grip$ barely able to struggle a"ymore$ a"d + reali/ed e=a#tly what + was doi"g Carter was right + was";t a murderer (he #o"fli#t i" me fi"ally surfa#ed$ a"d + #ollapsed to the floor$ brea'i"g i"to viole"t sobs as + released .r :dwards Carter let me #ry for a mome"t a"d the" said$ 7@ou;ll tha"' me for that someday$ 1amiely"" 8 Agai"$ Carter was right + was already grateful he;d pulled me from whatever temporary i"sa"ity + was sufferi"g from But + #ould";t let Carter see how relieved + sudde"ly was$ a"d + defi"itely #ould";t let him see that + was i" a"y way tha"'ful for what he;d )ust do"e 5ave Carter is )ust "ot the 'i"d of guy + "eed thi"'i"g + owe him o"e$ eve" if maybe + do Carter is da"gerous$ a"d he;s still a s#umbag + would";t trust him a"y further tha" + #ould throw him A#tually$ + #ould probably #hu#' him a lot farther tha" + trust him +" fa#t$ it really u"settled me that he;d )ust helped me +t s#ared me eve" +t was )ust so? u"*Carter*li'e !hat #ould he possibly have to gai" from :dwards stayi"g aliveA :dwards was as mu#h a threat to his pre#ious story as he was to the safety of my family !he" + #ould";t ta'e the mystery a"ymore$ + dried my tears Or maybe they )ust fro/e i" pla#e whe" + flipped i"to i#e Buee" mode 7!hat are you doi"g hereA8 Carter did";t seem surprised by my Buestio" +" fa#t$ mu#h to my #hagri"$ he was prepared with a" a"swer A good o"e 7+;ve got a pla" to have :dwards lo#'ed up for life without raisi"g a"y suspi#io" about you or your powers 8 7+mpossible 8 +t was too good to be true A"d eve" if there were a way$ '"owi"g Carter$ it was defi"itely goi"g to #ost me 7<ot impossible$8 Carter disagreed 9e was #o"fide"t i" his a"swer$ but he seemed very wary about somethi"g$ a"d his relu#ta"#e made me e=tremely u"easy 7But you;re goi"g to have to trust me +;m goi"g to have to write a story 8 + may have overrea#ted to this "ews )ust a ti"y bit$ si"#e Carter;s ha"ds flew up 79a"g o" )ust a mi"ute "ow$ 1amiely"" +;m "ot tal'i"g about e=posi"g you +;m tal'i"g about e=posi"g him 8 So surprised by his a"swer$ + #ould";t help loo'i"g dow" at the ma" he was poi"ti"g to (he ma" who was tryi"g to sit up a"d was still #oughi"g (he ma" + almost 'illed i" #old blood 7!hat do you mea"A8 7+t;ll be so easy$ 1amiely"" 8 Carter swiped his fi"gers a#ross the air as if spreadi"g out the headli"e for me 7 NObsessed tea#her stal's stude"t (ries to 'ill boyfrie"d i" )ealous rage ; 8 +t sou"ded li'e "o"se"se 7!hat are you tal'i"g aboutA8 7(hi"' about it 9e;s always paid spe#ial atte"tio" to you$ has";t heA Always bee" e=tra frie"dly to youA Kept you after #lass to tal' to youA <o doubt he was tryi"g to gai" your trust Get you to let him

i" so you;d slip up about your powers But thi"' about what it #ould loo' li'e to everyo"e else with )ust a little help from yours truly 9e;s already do"e all the wor' by 'id"appi"g your boyfrie"d A"d whe" the #ops go to his apartme"t a"d fi"d all the surveilla"#e photos$ well$ "o )ury i" the world would let him off 8 7But he has evide"#e of my powers0 +t;ll e=pose me08 75o";t sweat it +;ve already got that #overed 8 + wa"ted to sma#' that smug smile #lea" off his fa#e$ but + was too busy bei"g swayed by his pla" +t was tempti"g +t #ould wor' But? + shoo' my head i" de"ial + #ould";t give i" (his was Carter + #ould";t trust him 7!hat do you get out of itA8 9is smile grew eve" wider 7(he satisfa#tio" of '"owi"g + helped someo"e i" "eedA8 75o";t mess with me$ Carter08 + s#reamed 7+;m "ot e=a#tly i" the mood for your #rap08 +t felt good to see him #ri"ge away from me whe" + held out my ha"d i" his dire#tio" Sometimes bei"g a s#ary superfrea' has its per's 7Foo'$ it;s a wi"*wi" situatio" @ou get to 'eep your se#ret$ a"d + still get my story A"d this is a" eve" better story be#ause people will believe it a lot easier tha" they;d swallow the NSupergirl is real; thi"g$ eve" with video footage (his story s#reams hard*hitti"g )our"alist By u"#overi"g the truth + )ust saved your life a"d your boyfrie"d;s !e #ould be tal'i"g Pulit,er 8 Agai"$ he had me stumped <ot that + "e#essarily wa"ted Carter to be"efit from this mess$ but his pla" would ta'e #are of :dwards A"d if Carter got his stupid Pulit/er maybe he;d stay off my #ase a"d get out of my life o"#e a"d for all 1ee/$ that thought alo"e was worth it + was sub#o"s#iously "oddi"g my head before + made my de#isio" 7!e;ll have to get our stories straight$8 + mumbled$ reali/i"g that +;d already give" i" 7+t;ll "ever wor'$8 .r :dwards #roa'ed out of the blue 7:ve" if the world does";t believe my story$ Pisti#orp will '"ow the truth (hey;ll #ome after you @ou;ll "ever be safe <ot u"less you let me help you 8 7@ou stay out of this08 + spat$ 'i#'i"g him i" the stoma#h out of irritatio" 9ey$ + said + wo" a beauty pagea"t + "ever breathed a word about bei"g voted .iss Co"ge"iality .r : shut upDbe#ause +;d )ust '"o#'ed the wi"d out of himDbut his threats had do"e their damage +;d forgotte" about the group of ri#h evil s#ie"tists that .r :dwards used to wor' for + loo'ed up at Carter$ somewhat fra"ti#$ but he )ust smiled agai" 7<o o"e;s #omi"g for you$ 1amiely""$8 he assured me 9e the" tur"ed his gri" o" .r :dwards 7Are theyA8 .r :dwards;s fa#e flashed a deep red$ provi"g the truth i" Carter;s a##usatio" + loo'ed to Carter for further e=pla"atio"$ a"d he happily obliged 7@our .r :dwards here is #ompletely o" his ow" <o o"e will #ome for you$ 1amiely""$ be#ause the truth is$ they "ever believed i" you i" the first pla#e +t was :dwards who heard about your a##ide"t i" +lli"ois :dwards who tried so desperately to get proof$ but he "ever did 9e tried for mo"ths a"d mo"ths to #o"vi"#e Pisti#orp you were differe"t$ but they "ever saw the value i" his #laims 9e Buit the #ompa"y a"d set off o" his ow" to fi"d you 8 7(hat;s "ot true$ 1amie0 Pisti#orp se"t me to +lli"ois after your a##ide"t to wat#h youDto see if you were worth the ris' But the more + lear"ed about you$ the more + #ould";t sta"d the thought of ha"di"g you over to them + told them you were a regular girl$ a"d the" + followed you to Califor"ia )ust to ma'e sure "o o"e else #ame for you 8 79e;s lyi"g$ 1amie$8 Carter said 7+f he was o"ly here to ma'e sure you stayed safe$ the" why #ome after you "owA8 7(hat was all his fault08 .r : s#reamed$ poi"ti"g a" a##usi"g fi"ger at 6ya";s u"#o"s#ious body 9e was so irate all of a sudde" that he had to ta'e a deep breath (he" he loo'ed ba#' at me a"d said$ 7+f

you liste" to this ma"$ Pisti#orp will see the story (hey will figure out + lied to them :ve" if they do";t believe it$ they;ll se"d someo"e to double*#he#' 8 7(rust me$ 1amie 9e #a" rattle off all the tales of your abilities that he wa"ts$ but Pisti#orp will o"ly see the same #ra/y obsessed ma" that the rest of us see 8 .y head was starti"g to spi" from the two #o"fli#ti"g argume"ts (he problem was$ + did";t trust either Carter or :dwards :ve" though it was probable that they were both lyi"g$ it was still possible that either of them #ould be telli"g the truth + did";t '"ow what to do + was so a"gry a"d )ust so tired of bei"g #hased a"d stal'ed a"d threate"ed that + grabbed Carter a"d pi""ed him to the wall 7+f you are lyi"g to me$ Carter$ so help me + will #ommit my first murder08 (he startled #ries of my pare"ts for#ed me to drop him .y father s#reamed my "ame$ while my mother gasped$ 7!hat are you doi"gA8 Carter rela=ed a little$ a"d my father helped him to his feet 75id you do itA8 Carter as'ed him .y dad "odded a"d sudde"ly + was #ompletely lost 7!e fou"d everythi"g$ )ust li'e you said !e destroyed everythi"g "e#essary a"d left the rest 8 + stared at my father$ dumbfou"ded by how he was already i" #ahoots with Carter 9e loo'ed more serious tha" +;d ever see" him$ li'e he was reporti"g to a ge"eral or livi"g Mission- Im$ossible or somethi"g But my mom$ who was obviously i" o" the pla" too$ glowed as if she was thrilled by all the #loa'*a"d*dagger 7+ eve" left some of 1amie;s thi"gs there$8 she said proudly + #ould";t believe it + #ould";t trust Carter$ but it was #lear that my pare"ts did .aybe + was a little biased be#ause Carter destroyed my life so thoroughly i" +lli"ois + mea"$ my pare"ts are "ot stupid$ a"d no one is more para"oid tha" my dad + guessed + had to go alo"g with the pla" 6eally$ what other #hoi#e did + have a"ywayA Go with my obsessed :"glish tea#herA Hm$ "o tha"' you 7!hat thi"gs did you leave thereA8 + dema"ded$ tryi"g to ma'e myself #alm dow" 7Oh$ )ust your old pompo"s$ your #row"$ a"d a pair of your pa"ties$8 my mom said She shrugged as if it were "o big deal a"d the" smiled wi#'edly 7+ stu#' those u"der his pillow 8 7.om08 + gasped 7Fi"da08 my dad yelled$ every bit as horrified (he blood had drai"ed from his fa#e at the word 7pa"ties 8 7!hatA8 .om s"apped 7(hat;s e=a#tly the 'i"d of thi"g a #reepy stal'er would ta'e08 7Hgh0 At least tell me they were";t a"y of my "i#e sil' Pi#toria;s Se#ret o"es 8 7(he little bla#' o"es with the la#e$8 .om admitted guiltily 7.om08 7Fadies08 .y dad #ri"ged agai"$ #overi"g his ears 7Please08 Carter i"terrupted our little family mome"t$ mu#h to my father;s relief 7Hh$8 he said gla"#i"g arou"d the room 7!here;s :dwardsA8 + wa"ted to say a really bad word .r : $ whom + had";t eve" see" get to his feet$ was go"e .y pare"ts too' a" i"ve"tory of the room as well$ a"d whe" my .om;s eyes fell o" 6ya" for the first time her breath #aught i" her lu"gs .y dad followed her ga/e$ a"d the" he did say a bad word 79e "eeds to get to the hospital$8 + e=plai"ed$ 7but his heart is beati"g pretty steadily 8 + '"ew be#ause part of me had bee" fo#used o" "othi"g but that sou"d si"#e the mome"t + first stepped i" the room .y mom rushed over to him a"d u"tied him from his #hair + felt bad for "ot havi"g do"e it soo"er$ )ust li'e + was goi"g to feel bad about havi"g to leave him right "ow But there was )ust so mu#h goi"g o" all at o"#e$ a"d + absolutely had to deal with it Sometimes it su#'s to be the o"ly perso" i" the world with superpowers 7@ou guys #all a" ambula"#e$ a"d +;ll go fi"d .r : 9e #a";t have gotte" very far 9e is";t

e=a#tly i" prime physi#al #o"ditio" right "ow 8 7Be #areful$ 1amie$8 my mom whispered as + left the #lassroom 75o";t worry$ .om +;m "ot goi"g to hurt a"ybody 8 + #ould";t help thi"'i"g about the #o"trol +;d )ust gai"ed$ a"d a smile bro'e out o" my fa#e +t had bee" o"ly a mi"ute or two$ a"d .r : really #ould";t have go"e far$ so + #losed my eyes a"d #o"#e"trated o" )ust liste"i"g !he" + fou"d him$ he was ru""i"g through the Buad$ "eari"g the fro"t steps of the s#hool Co"ve"ie"tly for me$ the Buad is full of "i#e little throwable ob)e#ts li'e trash #a"s a"d ve"di"g ma#hi"es <ow$ + '"ew + promised + would";t hurt him$ but he did";t '"ow that$ a"d + was still pretty ti#'ed off about him torturi"g my boyfrie"d$ so + did";t see a"y harm i" s#ari"g the pa"ts off the guy + mea"$ #ome o"$ would 1oh""y StormDwho happe"s to be my favorite superhero$ by the wayDdo thi"gs the bori"g wayA Or would !olveri"eDwho + also love be#ause of 9ugh 1a#'ma" i" the T*.e" moviesA 5eli#ious0Dlet him get off as easy as )ust bei"g tied up or whateverA + do";t thi"' so So whe" + #aught up with .r : $ i"stead of )ust grabbi"g him a"d hauli"g him ba#' to wait for the #ops with everyo"e else$ + pi#'ed up the "earest thi"g + #ould fi"d a"d #hu#'ed it at him !he" the #o"#rete be"#h +;d throw" #ame #rashi"g dow" o" the steps i" fro"t of him +;d "ever see" a"yo"e loo' more frighte"ed 7Aw$ #ome o"$ .r : 5o";t leave yet$8 + tau"ted #oldly 7+ thought you wa"ted to e=perime"t with my powers 8 .r : ;s eyes wide"ed$ a"d the" he tried to ma'e a brea' for it arou"d the rubble +;d pla#ed i" his path$ but there was a trash #a" )ust to the side of the steps + happe" to '"ow from perso"al e=perie"#e that if you shoot light"i"g at somethi"g it te"ds to e=plode from its spot$ so + /apped that trash #a" the mi"ute .r : headed to the left !he" it blew up i" fro"t of him$ he tried to reaso" with me agai" 7+ aba"do"ed my whole life for you$ 1amie0 5o";t you see how mu#h + #areA8 Oh$ + saw all right + also saw a re#y#li"g #a" sitti"g o" the other side of the steps .r : saw me ta'e aim a"d started ru""i"g agai" + #ri"ged a little whe" the re#y#le #a" + blew up we"t flyi"g through the wi"dow of the admi"istratio" offi#e Oops .y bad .y a##ide"tal destru#tio" of s#hool property distra#ted me e"ough that .r : was able to get dow" the steps a"d dash i"to the par'i"g lot + #ould";t very well start blowi"g thi"gs up i" a big ope" par'i"g lot "e=t to a #rowded stadium full of wit"esses$ so whatever + did to stop .r : had to loo' "atural from here o" out !ell$ light"i"g is "atural$ rightA As lo"g as it;s #omi"g from the s'y a"d "ot the palms of my ha"ds$ of #ourse (here was always ple"ty of ele#tri#ity i" the atmosphere arou"d me$ whether it was #omi"g from buildi"gs or power li"es or eve" the #louds$ a"d "ow that + '"ew what it felt li'e a"d how to move it$ it was almost too easy to ma'e it rai" dow" from the s'y li'e a frea' light"i"g storm + du#'ed behi"d a large tree a"d held my ha"ds up to the s'y + started pulli"g light"i"g bolts dow" from the #louds$ bei"g very #autious "ot to hit a"y poor su#'er who might be arrivi"g late to the game or a"y of my #lassmates; #ars .ostly$ + let it #rash dow" arou"d .r :dwards;s #ar as he tried to es#ape the par'i"g lot$ hopi"g he would ru" it i"to some large$ statio"ary ob)e#t O'ay$ o'ay$ so maybe + a##ide"tally let o"e slip a"d blew .i'e 5ris#oll;s big$ shi"y >6u""er to 'i"gdom #ome Oops .y bad agai" But other tha" that$ + swear + was bei"g very #areful0 H"fortu"ately$ all the light"i"g had gai"ed the atte"tio" of the sports*goers$ a"d they were all fleei"g the metal blea#hers$ loo'i"g for safe #over (hey would be headed my dire#tio" a"y se#o"d$ "ot to me"tio" .r :dwards was almost free of the par'i"g lot + loo'ed up at the shi"y "ew marBuee sta"di"g proudly at the e=it a"d smir'ed to myself 7Sorry$ .r 9ua"g 8 !ith o"e fi"al light"i"g bolt$ that stupid sig" #ame #rashi"g dow" right o" the hood of .r :dwards;s #ar 9e was goi"g "owhere "ow$ a"d the #ops were already s#ree#hi"g arou"d the #or"er

Problem solved ----C9AP(:6 2L 6ya" was #o"s#ious whe" + retur"ed 9e loo'ed li'e death$ but )ust seei"g him alive a"d awa'e was e"ough to ma'e me burst i"to tears + threw my arms arou"d him$ but was soo" dragged away whe" poli#e$ firefighters$ paramedi#s$ a"d who '"ows who else$ swarmed the s#e"e 6ya" was ta'e" to the hospital$ while my pare"ts$ Carter$ a"d + were all hauled dow" to the poli#e statio" !e were there for so lo"g that + a#tually fell asleep i" the lobby o" three hard plasti# #hairs that +;d pushed together + did";t wa'e agai" u"til + heard Carter shuffle past me 7!here do you thi"' you;re goi"gA8 + as'ed$ startli"g him 7(he poli#e are do"e with me$8 he said with a yaw" 7A"dA8 7A"d it;s o"e i" the mor"i"g a"d +;ve still got a story to write 8 + got up a"d Bui#'ly blo#'ed the e=it + gla"#ed arou"d <o o"e was payi"g atte"tio" to us 7@ou a"d + still have to tal'$8 + said i" a low voi#e Carter sighed li'e he was )ust so over my threats 75o";t worry (he #ops bought the story :verythi"g;s goi"g to be )ust fi"e 8 7:=#ept we still have o"e problem 8 7!hi#h isA8 7@ou still '"ow my se#ret 8 7A"d +;ll "ever breathe a word about it 8 7Oh08 + bar'ed with as mu#h sar#asm as + was #apable of 7!ell$ o'ay the" + guess we;re all good 8 Carter was as good with the sar#asm as + was 7(ha"'s for the trust$ 1amiely"" 8 7!hat have you ever do"e to ear" itA8 7(oday was";t e"oughA8 + )ust folded my arms tightly a#ross my #hest$ a"d he sighed agai" 7All those arti#les + wrote i" +lli"oisA8 + suppressed the a"ger starti"g to boil i" my stoma#h 7About how + murdered 5ere' be#ause he bro'e up with meA8 7@es$8 Carter said 75id you ever "oti#e how + wrote about a"ythi"g a"d everythi"g + #ould #ome up with that had "othi"g to do with what my real theory wasDthat the a##ide"t gave you superhuma" abilitiesA8 + ope"ed my mouth to argue$ but it was true <o"e of his stupid rumors ever #ame #lose to the truth about me + sudde"ly did";t li'e where this #o"versatio" was headed 71amiely""$ ba#' the" you were a wre#' @ou did";t eve" '"ow what was happe"i"g to you$ mu#h less have a"y idea how to #o"trol it or hide it 6emember that day you ha"ded your dad a wre"#h a"d "early put him i" the hospitalA8 + did";t have the heart to a"swer him$ a"d "ot )ust be#ause + was so sho#'ed that he '"ew about that Carter seemed to '"ow how upset + was be#ause he softe"ed his voi#e 7+;ve always had the

evide"#e + "eeded 8 7B*But?8 + stammered$ swipi"g at a #ouple of rogue tears 7!hyA8 + did";t have to be more spe#ifi# with my Buestio" 9e '"ew what + mea"t 7Pisti#orp paid me to spy o" you after your a##ide"t But whe" + fou"d out all that you #ould doA !ell$ +;m "ot stupid + '"ew how mu#h that 'i"d of power would be worth to people$ a"d + '"ew what they might try to do i" order to get their ha"ds o" it 7+ did some diggi"g i"to Pisti#orp before ha"di"g over my evide"#e$ a"d it tur"ed out my hu"#h was right + was able to ha#' i"to some of their files (here was a you"g girl about fiftee" years ago who was i" a" a##ide"t a"d e"ded up with spe#ial abilities$ mu#h the same way you did 8 + #ould";t stop myself from gaspi"g + #ould";t believe it 7(here;s someo"e else li'e meA8 7!as$8 Carter #orre#ted solem"ly 7Pisti#orp ra" all 'i"ds of tests o" her a"d e=perime"ts (hey were tryi"g to figure out a way to dupli#ate what happe"ed to her (here was a" e=plosio" i" o"e of their se#ret labs$ a"d four people were 'illed$ i"#ludi"g the little girl 8 + gasped agai"$ a"d more tears spra"g from my eyes 3or a brief mome"t + almost wished Pisti#orp were really #omi"g for me + dared them to try it 75espite what you thi"'$ 1amie$ +;m "ot a mo"ster + #ould";t tur" you over to them whe" + '"ew what they would try to do$ so + #hur"ed out story after story about you with a millio" wild spe#ulatio"s about a"ythi"g as far from the truth as + #ould thi"' of +;m sorry for the trouble it #aused you$ but it was the o"ly way + #ould thi"' of to 'eep you safe 7!he" you stopped that a##ide"t a #ouple mo"ths ago a"d :dwards approa#hed me agai"$ + pa"i#'ed + figured Pisti#orp fi"ally '"ew the truth + really did thi"' that you #omi"g forward was the o"ly way But after what happe"ed today$ with 6ya"A +f the world fi"ds out about you$ there will always be some psy#ho #omi"g after you :ve"tually$ someo"e will die$ whether it;s someo"e you love or someo"e you 'ill A"d "o offe"se$ 1amiely""$ but + do";t thi"' + li'e the idea of a"yo"e;s fate bei"g i" the ha"ds of someo"e with your temper 8 + did";t wa"t to smile + tried "ot to But + failed$ a"d we both #hu#'led while + dried my eyes 7(he way + see it$8 Carter said$ 7+ have to 'eep your se#ret be#ause if + do";t #all a tru#e with you$ that someo"e who;s goi"g to get 'illed someday will probably be me 8 + shrugged 9e was right about that But + smiled agai" a"d held out my ha"d 73i"e (ru#e 8 7(ru#e$8 Carter agreed$ a"d shoo' my ha"d 7So how about a stateme"t for my arti#leA8 7Sure N<o #omme"t ; 8 Carter #hu#'led a"d shoo' his head as he headed out the door 7See you arou"d$ 1amiely""$8 he #alled over his shoulder 7+ #ertai"ly hope "ot 8 + was still wat#hi"g him go whe" my pare"ts #ame up behi"d me 7!hat was all that about$ sweetheartA8 71ust #alli"g a tru#e$ that;s all 8 7!ell$ tha"' heave"s for that 8 + tur"ed arou"d to fa#e my pare"ts + #ould";t help throwi"g my arms arou"d them both$ a"d + started #ryi"g agai" +t;s )ust that + #ould";t imagi"e havi"g to go through all of this without them <ot to me"tio"$ they did";t eve" get mad at me for all the destru#tio" of property ba#' at the s#hool Gra"ted$ they did";t '"ow about .i'e;s >6u""er But a girl;s gotta have some se#rets$ rightA !e hugged wordlessly for a mi"ute + mea"$ really$ what was there to sayA But eve"tually + thought of somethi"g to brea' the sile"#e 7+ love you guys 8 (his made my pare"ts hug me agai"$ a"d of #ourse my mom started blubberi"g 7!e love you too$

ho"ey$8 she sobbed$ 7a"d we;re so proud of you 8 7@es we are$8 my dad agreed 7A"d someday after everythi"g settles dow" agai"$ we;ll have to go do some target pra#ti#e + wa"t to see how all this light"i"g stuff wor's 8 !e all had a good laugh$ + wiped my tears$ a"d the" my mom said the words +;d bee" dyi"g to hear all "ight 7(hey said we;re all fi"ished here @ou wa"t to go to the hospital to see 6ya"A8 + did";t wait to ride i" the #ar with them + disappeared the mome"t + stepped out the fro"t door +t was o"e i" the mor"i"g$ so visiti"g hours had e"ded li'e a ba/illio" years ago$ but s"ea'i"g past the hospital staff was easy tha"'s to a little thi"g #alled superspeed H"fortu"ately$ + had";t thought of a"yo"e else bei"g i"side 6ya";s room !he" + ope"ed the door 6ya";s stepdad was passed out i" a #hair i" the #or"er$ a"d his mom was sitti"g at his bedside$ holdi"g o"e of his ha"ds$ ru""i"g her free ha"d through his hair a"d eve" hummi"g Buietly to him (he sight e=plai"ed so mu#h about 6ya" + smiled at how adorable they all loo'ed together a"d the" tried to ba#' out of the room as Buietly as possible$ but the door sBuea'ed a"d 6ya";s mother loo'ed up 7+;m sorry$8 + whispered$ still ba#'i"g out of the room 7+ did";t mea" to i"terrupt + '"ow it;s "ot visiti"g hours 8 !he" .rs 6ose"thal saw me$ a flood of tears bega" pouri"g dow" her fa#e$ a"d she pra#ti#ally ta#'led me to the grou"d 7Oh$ 1amie08 she #ried$ givi"g my father a ru" for his mo"ey i" the bear hug departme"t +t too' her a mi"ute to get her sobs u"der #o"trol e"ough to spea' agai" 7+ #a";t tha"' you e"ough for savi"g my so";s life0 +f you guys had";t fou"d him whe" you did?8 9er voi#e trailed off agai" as a"other rou"d of sobs hit$ a"d it was impossible for me "ot to get #aught up i" the emotio"al o"slaught + hugged her right ba#'$ every bit as grateful that 6ya" was safe "ow as she was$ but at the same time feeli"g utterly respo"sible for the e"tire situatio" 7+;m so sorry$8 + #ho'ed out$ but was u"able to say a"ythi"g else !he" we fi"ally pulled apart a"d tried to wipe our tears$ + barely eve" "oti#ed 6ya";s stepdad$ who had #ome over to us$ be#ause 6ya" was wat#hi"g me with bright eyes a"d givi"g me the most 6ya"*y 6ya" smile that +;ve ever see" 9e held out his ha"d to me$ a"d whe" + felt his firm sBuee/e arou"d my fi"gers$ so mu#h relief washed over me that my tears started all over agai" 6ya";s pare"ts "ot so subtly de#ided that they "eeded to get some air O"#e 6ya" a"d + were alo"e$ thi"gs got almost aw'wardly Buiet + was feeli"g so mu#h but had "o idea where to start (he o"ly words that wa"ted to form i" my mouth were 7+;m sorry0 6ya"$ +;m so sorry08 6ya" waited patie"tly$ patro"i/i"g me with a smile$ while + apologi/ed over a"d over agai" 9e must have '"ow" this was #omi"g 9e must have '"ow" +;d blame myself for everythi"g But + was surprised he let me get it out of my system 9e did";t eve" protest a"d tell me to stop bei"g ridi#ulous <ot that he believed it was my fault$ he )ust '"ows me well e"ough to '"ow it would";t ma'e a differe"#e +"stead he waited u"til +;d #ried )ust about all + #ould #ry a"d did";t have a"y more sorrys i" me (he" he smiled a"d said$ 7+s it my tur" to say +;m sorry yetA8 (hat #o"fused me 7!hat do you have to be sorry forA8 6ya" gri""ed A"d "ot at all apologeti#ally 7+;m sorry for ma'i"g you fall i" love with me 8 !ell$ "aturally$ this #ame so out of the blue that it #ompletely voided the thought + was about to vo#ali/e + sat there gapi"g at him li'e a moro" 6ya" #hu#'led every time + tried to spea' a"d #ould";t seem to fi"d words :ve"tually + gave up a"d gave him a dry loo' 7A##ordi"g to .r : $ all of this was my fault$8 6ya" e=plai"ed !ith a little too mu#h amuseme"t if you as' me 73or ma'i"g you fall i" love with me a"d rui"i"g everythi"g 8 7!hy did that rui" everythi"gA8 6ya" was Buiet for a mome"t$ a"d + #ould";t believe it whe" his gri" #ha"ged i"to that i"famous #o#'y smir' 7@ou )ust said you love me08 he a##used with e=#iteme"t Agai"$ + gaped at him$ temporarily spee#hless Of #ourse + de"ied it + had toK it was my "atural

rea#tio" to his ego 7+ did "ot08 75id too 8 9e gri""ed 7@ou said$ Nwhy did that rui" everythi"g ; .ea"i"g you agree that it happe"ed @ou said it Ca";t ta'e it ba#' @ou love me 8 Fear"i"g to #o"trol my powers was #hild;s play #ompared to 'eepi"g a straight fa#e right the"$ but + #ould";t give i" to his smug"ess 9e was )ust so sure of himself 75o "ot 8 75o too 8 75o "ot 8 7So do too 8 + rolled my eyes 7!hatever :ve" if it was true$ whi#h it so is "ot$ how would it ma'e everythi"g your faultA8 7!ell$ appare"tly$ whe" .r : agreed to let us part"er for that assig"me"t$ we were supposed to hate ea#h other a"d e"d up li'e you a"d .i'e + was supposed to ma'e you feel eve" more miserable so that he #ould sweep i" a"d be your hero whe" you fell apart But the" + made you fall i" love with me$ a"d sudde"ly + was your hero a"d you did";t "eed to be res#ued a"ymore 8 + #ould";t hide my s'epti#ism 7(he guy )umped you with #hloroform 9e #ould have bee" tal'i"g about pi"' elepha"ts for all you '"ow 8 7S#out;s ho"or 8 6ya" lifted up three fi"gers with a grave e=pressio" 79e was apologi/i"g for 'id"appi"g me at the time 9e said he "ever would have do"e it$ but after +;d made you so happy$ + left him "o #hoi#e So you see$ it really is all my fault +t;s my fault for bei"g so irresistible 8 @eah$ he was bei"g serious 7So$ anyway?8 + said$ obviously #ha"gi"g the sub)e#t )ust to a""oy him 7+ have some good "ews 8 7Better "ews tha" you bei"g i" love with meA8 75o they have you o" a morphi"e drip or somethi"gA8 75e"ial is very u"healthy for a perso"$ 1amie 8 75o you wa"t to '"ow my good "ews or "otA8 6ya" raised o"e of his eyebrows i"to a perfe#t ar#h 7+;m "ot showi"g you my eyes$ 6ya" 8 7Oh$ #ome o"$ + totally ear"ed it0 + almost died for you today 8 7<o$ you almost died because of me today 8 7@eah0 !hi#h mea"s you so owe me08 79a0 @ou )ust admitted it was all my fault08 6ya" too' i" a deep breath 7Are you goi"g to tell me your good "ews or whatA8 79a"g o" a se#$8 + said$ the" disappeared a"d retur"ed before he #ould eve" reply 6ya" eyed my ha"ds behi"d my ba#' 7A"other trip to .o"tereyA8 + revealed the light bulb + had i" my ha"d 7Go ahead 8 + offered my free ha"d to him 75o your worst 8 6ya" stared up at me for a mome"t a"d #omprehe"sio" slowly #rept i"to his fa#e 9e tried to hide his e=#iteme"t a"d loo'ed at me s'epti#ally before ta'i"g my ha"d i" his 9e la#ed his fi"gers i" mi"e a"d the" pulled me as #lose to his bed as he #ould !ith o"e more suspi#ious gla"#e to me$ he bega" traili"g his free ha"d up my arm$ leavi"g goose bumps wherever he tou#hed my s'i" Fet me tell you$ it felt so good that + shuddered$ a"d it had absolutely "othi"g to do with a"y ele#tri#ity that might or might "ot have bee" )umpi"g arou"d i"side my body 6ya" "oti#ed me tremble a"d gla"#ed up at the lightbulb i" my fist +t was still #ompletely dar' 7@ou;re goi"g to have to do a lot better tha" that$ .iller$8 + teased 6ya" loo'ed up at me$ #ompletely dumbfou"ded that + was "ot )ust givi"g him the go*ahead to

tou#h me$ but a#tually eggi"g him o"Dli'e it was all too good to be true 7.aybe + am high o" morphi"e$8 he whispered$ 7be#ause +;m pretty sure +;m hallu#i"ati"g right "ow 8 !he" 6ya" did";t 'iss me$ my la#' of patie"#e got the better of me + dropped the lightbulb a"d eagerly pressed my lips to his (here were";t a#tual physi#al spar's$ a"d this time there was";t a"y pulsi"g e"ergy$ but that mag"et effe#tA (he o"e that always pulls me to 6ya" whe"ever + get too #loseA @eah$ appare"tly that had less to do with my powers a"d more to do with my hormo"es be#ause )ust li'e the first time we 'issed$ it started out )ust my lips agai"st his$ a"d the" Bui#'ly spu" out of #o"trol + #ould feel the mome"t 6ya" reali/ed that this was a o"e hu"dred per#e"t "ormal 'iss$ be#ause the hesita"#y disappeared a"d he 'issed me ba#' i" a way that he;d "ever eve" #ome #lose to 'issi"g me before A way that "ot eve" my dreams had bee" able to do + felt that 'iss all the way to the tips of my toes a"d the" some (he" the "e=t thi"g + '"ew$ + had #limbed o"to his bed a"d wrapped my arms arou"d his "e#' + was probably deta#hi"g all 'i"ds of wires$ but + simply #ould";t help myself !he" + fi"ally ma"aged to pull my fa#e away from his$ 6ya" loo'ed at the way + was straddli"g his lap a"d laughed 75U)V vu 8 !e laughed for a mome"t$ a"d + was overwhelmed by the amou"t of happi"ess + felt +;d pla""ed to ma'e him sweat it out for a good few days at least$ but i" the heat of the mome"t$ the words )ust slipped from my mouth 7+ love you 8 6ya" gri""ed li'e a fool for a mome"t but Bui#'ly re#overed a"d plastered that perfe#t 6ya" smile o" his fa#e 7(old you so 8 WWW About the authorC Kelly Oram re#e"tly es#aped the hustle a"d bustle of Fos A"geles for a small tow" i" Ari/o"a$ where she is a stay home mother of three #hildre" Bei"g 1amie Ba'er is her debut "ovel Pisit the offi#ial website at www Bei"g1amieBa'er #om