Elements: The Gifted

I spent Christmas break with my family. It was nice, but it wasn’t until after New Year’s that I had to return to the academy. I was kind of relieved to be back. I hated being home, knowing that I could be putting my family in danger. It was always a constant thought that represented itself when I least expected it. Like when I was having Christmas dinner, or while mom and I watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s was a cartoon my mom and I watched every Christmas Eve. It was kind of our family tradition as we sat cuddled on the coach, our legs wrapped in blankets, both of us sharing a huge bowl of popcorn together. But instead of concentrating on the TV, my eyes would always swivel towards the window, hoping that nobody was peeking in at us. I took a deep breath and tried to relax as I laid my head on my mother’s shoulder. She kissed my forehead before turning her attention back to the TV.

When I came back to the academy, I became depressed. I constantly had to study and catch up with some reading. I really wanted to do well in school and make good grades. I wanted to pass my final exams and make my mother proud. Then when that nightmare is over, I would be a second year student of Hunter Academy, leaving me with only five years left of school. I stopped studying for moment as I contemplated the thought of next year. It would be just as stressful, but at least I would still be with my friends. At this point that was the only thing that mattered. Besides my education of course. I did want to be a licensed hunter someday, one that could kick a little demon butt every now and again.

Yeah, my subconscious scoffed. If you can get through this year without getting killed that is.

I pointedly ignored her.

I tried focusing on reading my demonology text book, but I couldn’t help but feel like I should be hanging out with my friends then sitting in my room, while studying about all the different types of varies demons out there. Then again, I didn’t want to fail Mr. Grey’s test. It was kind of cruel after just returning from Christmas break that he would have us study for a test that we would be taking Monday. I had a decent grade in his class, but I didn’t want it to go passed a C. Any lower than that and I may have to jump off the roof.

I was just about to call it quits when I got a text from Gabby.

Hey, I need to talk. She texted. Will you meet me in the courtyard in our usual spot?

I was curious. What did Gabby need to talk about?

Well, whatever it was it was giving me a chance to take a break from studying, which was exactly what I needed.

Sure, I texted back. I shut my demonology text book, before grabbing my coat off the back of my chair and shrugging it on. I had my blue scarf wound tightly around my neck as I crossed the room to my door. I made sure to turn off my light before slamming the door shut behind me as I left.

As promised, I met Gabrielle in our usual spot in the courtyard. I caught sight of Gabrielle, Mia, and Scarlett seated at one of the old rugged picnic tables that stayed shaded under a small patch of maple trees. It was the picnic table that we always sat at, with its creaky seats and its soft wood. There were even carvings like R + A together forever, and Ashton rules! carved neatly into the old wood. I took a seat beside Gabrielle who, to my surprise, looked a bit ill.

“So what’s up?” Scarlett asked her as I finally got settled in my seat.

Gabrielle took a deep, unsteadying breath. “Well, the reason I called you all hear today is because I have been keeping a secret from all of you.”

Scarlett, Mia, and I exchanged startled glances.

“What kind of secret?” Mia asked, quizzically.

“I’ve been spending a lot of time with Mr. Grey,” she answered, her face turning a bright red. I was perplexed. What did she mean by that? Suddenly all kinds of ideas were forming in my head. “It started after Thanksgiving. You see my family and Morgan’s family celebrate holidays together because Jordan and Morgan’s mom is also best friends and N’Sync with my mom.

“Anyways, so while everyone was in the living room, talking or – in Morgan and Jordan’s case – arguing, Mr. Grey helped me out in the kitchen. I’ve known Mr. Grey all my life so you know it wasn’t uncomfortable until…” she stopped. It was silent for several moments as we waited for her to continue.

“Until what?” Scarlett said, impatiently waiting for Gabrielle to finish the story. She wasn’t the only one. We were all leaning towards her, our eyes widening from the suspense.

Gabrielle took another deep breath before continuing. Her answer left us completely speechless.

“He kissed me,” We gaped at her. “We were just having a normal conversation. I don’t know how it happened, but since then I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him and I’m confused because he’s older than me. I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell on him. He’ll get fired!”

“Are you sure it wasn’t just a friendly kiss?” It was a question that I didn’t fully believe. Who has ever kissed someone on the lips and called it friendly?

“No,” she answered, shaking her head vehemently. “It lasted, like, two minutes.”

“Was there tongue?” I rolled my eyes at Scarlett. Leave it to her to start grilling Gabby about all the details.

“No. It was like a very gentle, passionate kind of kiss.” She swooned. “It left me breathless.”

“So you do have feelings for him?” I prompted. I always kind of figured she did. Of course, she denied it when I first asked her about it.

Do you really like Morgan’s uncle?

Yeah, I like him, just not how everybody thinks.

“Yes, unfortunately.” Gabby sighed, morosely.

“Are you not happy about it?” Mia said.

“Of course not. This is my best friend’s uncle! If he finds out he’ll freak and then kill Mr. Grey. He’s very protective of me, you know.”

“Yeah, I know how that is,” I said sourly. My mind instantly thought of Jordan as I remembered about last weekend when we finally returned to the academy. All Alex and I did was hug each other and Jordan acted like the world was ending, or something. The thought almost made me roll my eyes. “So I take it Morgan doesn’t know about it?”

She shook head grimly. “And he can’t ever find out.”

“How do you manage to keep him blocked?” Mia asked. I was kind of curious about that myself.

“It’s not easy, but Morgan and I have been N’Sync together since we were six so I have practice.” She grimaced. “You can’t possibly know how horrible it is to see your best friend having sex and feeling like you’re the one who’s doing it.” Mia gestured at Scarlett, who seemed oblivious of her best friend’s actions. “For a long time, I was beginning to think I was converting into a lesbian.”

I laughed. “Oh, I know the feeling. Jordan dragged me into his head while he and Alicia were making out. It felt like I was kissing her instead.”

“But you said you’ve been hanging around Mr. Grey a lot after Thanksgiving,” Scarlett said. She raised a delicate eyebrow at her. “Have you two become secret lovers, or something?”

“I don’t know what we are. We haven’t exactly established that yet.”

“That is so cool. This is like one of those all-time fantasies every teenage girl dreams about.”

“You guys won’t say anything to anyone, will you?” Gabrielle whimpered. “I don’t want to get him in trouble.”

“Of course we won’t. But are you okay with this?” I asked, anxiously. “I mean, he’s not forcing you into anything, is he?”

“No. Of course not. I’m there willingly.”

“She just can’t get enough of him,” Scarlett chuckled. “Do you realize how lucky you are? I would kill for something like this to happen to me!”

“It’s still a little a weird. I feel like we’re always on edge, waiting for someone to catch us.”

“Ah, but that’s what makes it so hot!”

I gave Scarlett a puzzled look. “What is wrong with you?”

“Trust me,” Mia said her voice on the verge of laughter. “I’ve been asking myself that same question for years.”

The next day I attended classes with my friends. Of course I took turns switching between Jordan and Alex, trying my best to keep them both happy. Honestly, I enjoyed being around both of them, but I really wish Jordan would get past his shrewd behavior and Alex would get past his aversion towards people. It would be a lot easier if they could both just get along.

I spent my first class training and hanging around Jordan, while in Elemental Magic and Magic in Spells, I sat with Alex. I didn’t have much of a chose in Magic and Spells, seeing as he was my assigned partner in this class, but I don’t think Jordan minded much. He was too busy concentrating on his girlfriend to really care what Alex and I were doing, which involved laughing continually all through Ms. Hardwick’s lecture that was on something about inanimate objects. I’m not really sure.

“Mr. Torchwood and Ms. Mason,” she said in admonishment. Our laughter came to a halt as we stared at Ms. Hardwick’s outraged expression. Suddenly my throat went dry. “Is there something that you two would like to tell me? Because I don’t recall saying anything in my lecture that was considered funny.”

“Who’s to say we were laughing at you?” Alex snapped. I repressed a groan. Why does he always have to antagonize everyone? “Maybe we were laughing about something completely irrelevant.”

Ms. Hardwick remained stone-faced as she eyed Alex. “Why don’t you grab you’re things and make your way to the Headmaster’s office, seeing as you love it there so much.”

Alex did get sent to the Headmaster’s office quite often because of his smart mouth, but I wouldn’t say he loved it there.

“That’s fine with me,” he answered, as he picked up his bag and swung it over his shoulder. I watched morosely as Alex made his way to the door. I didn’t want him to go. He turned around to give me one of my favorite bad boy smiles before disappearing through the door. I slumped in my seat, suddenly feeling very lonely. I missed him already.

Ms. Hardwick didn’t say anything else to me after Alex left. She merely continued on with her lecture like nothing had ever happened. I sighed in relieve. Maybe she won’t say anything to me after class.

Boy was I wrong.

I was just walking beside Jordan and Alicia when Ms. Hardwick stopped me. She didn’t look angry like before. “Can I talk to you, Spencer?”

My friends eyed me sympathetically as I made my way back into Ms. Hardwick’s classroom. I repressed a sigh as I stood in front of Ms. Hardwick’s desk, which was neatly kept. I noticed idly that she didn’t have any pictures of family or friends.

“What was with you today?” she asked. “I didn’t like having to raise my voice at you. What was going on?”

I felt myself blush. Oh, crap. “Well, Alex was just being really funny. We didn’t know we were being too loud,” She remained impassive. “I’m sorry we disrupted class. Please don’t give me a week worth of detention.”

“I’m not,” Ms. Hardwick sighed. “Giving you detention. I just don’t want to see you go down the wrong path.” I frowned. What did she mean by that? Does she think that Alex is a bad influence, just like everybody else around here? “I’ll admit – I admire you for befriending someone like Alex. After all, the boy has been through so much, but that doesn’t give a person the right to act up in class. I’m not saying that you should stop being friends with him, but you don’t need to follow in his footsteps.” I stayed silent as she eyed me disapprovingly. It kind of hurt my feelings. “You’re a good student, Ms. Mason, but sometimes in moments like laughing hysterically while you’re teacher is talking, is not something I appreciate. Do you understand me?”

“Yes ma’am.” I answered. Although I didn’t understand why laughing was such a crime. “It won’t happen again.”

She smiled. “I’m glad to hear it. Now run along before you’re lunch break is over.”

I nodded and staggered out of her room before she tried to scold me for something else.

Six classes and two hours of nothing later, I was in my bedroom, sprawled on my bed, watching season four of Doctor Who. I was just getting to the part where the Doctor and Donna reunite when suddenly I was in Jordan’s room, hovering over Alicia and kissing her. Oh, crapola. I am definitely going to have to ask Gabby on how to block Jordan out because this is getting ridiculous. All week I had to deal with the kissing and touching. Not to mention the nauseating words that made me want to bash my head repeatedly into a wall. It did give me a newfound appreciation to the person that was trying to assassinate me. I was beginning to wonder what was taking them. If Jordan and Alicia keep this up, it won’t be long before I’m searching for Azazel to put me out of my misery.

I felt myself blush when Alicia, with dexterous fingers, started slowly unbuttoning Jordan’s shirt. Jordan pulled away and threw the shirt on the floor before bringing his lips back to Alicia’s. Her sweet, warm—

I need to get out of there.

I desperately tried to escape because I knew what they were about to do and I wanted no part of it. I didn’t want to see my friend naked and I definitely didn’t want to have sex with Alicia. I felt mentally exhausted as I tried fighting through the barrier that was Jordan’s mind. How could he not be aware of me?

They kissed for several minutes before Jordan rid Alicia of her blouse and threw it on the floor along with his shirt. It wasn’t long after that that the rest of their clothes joined the floor as well. I wanted to shield my eyes, but I couldn’t because I was Jordan and his eyes were wide open as he took in Alicia lying completely naked on his bed. Suddenly my mind started pondering on its own. What if I tried to throw myself out the window?

I felt Jordan’s naked body against Alicia and I couldn’t help but think how wonderful it felt.

Wait, what?

“We don’t have to do this you know,” Jordan said. That’s right, I thought. You don’t have to do this. I wondered if he heard me. Probably not.

“I want to,” She said. Her green eyes seemed to glow with adoration as she caressed Jordan’s face. “I want you to be my first.”

I wanted to cry.

Jordan pulled away for a second and opened his nightstand, and pulled out a foil packet and ripped it open. I knew what came next and watched in horror as Jordan slipped the condom on and brought Alicia and his body together. Oh, this is so wrong. I will never be the same again. I was mortified as I felt everything Jordan felt. The kisses and touches – the moving of their bodies as they made love on Jordan’s bed. I am never sitting on that bed again. I’m starting to understand what Gabby meant when she said she felt like she was converting into a lesbian.

When they finished, Jordan nuzzled Alicia’s neck. She giggled. “Stop it! That tickles.”

Jordan wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of head. She had a very pleasant smell like honeysuckle. “Are you alright? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“You were perfect,” she answered. Jordan smiled at her words and brought their lips together. I groaned when he got back on top of her and started touching her in areas that would have made a porn star blush. Jesus, I have got to get out of here! As if by answering my pray, I was suddenly back in my room, on my own bed, completely clothed. I sighed. I’m definitely going to have to see a psychiatrist now. There’s no coming back from that.

After I managed to calm down, I put on my pajamas and crawled into bed. To my horror, my mind was still thinking about what when on between Alicia and Jordan. Even though I was deeply disturbed, I couldn’t help but feel a bit envious. It was obvious that they really cared about each other and yet I was getting nowhere with Alex. Then again, the guy has been shunned and reserved for most of his life. I don’t know if Alex even has a romantic bone in his body. Well, I’m just going to have to be patient. Whatever happens – happens.

Suddenly Abigail’s words started repeating in my head. It’s just a shame that he doesn’t feel the same way. I frowned. What does she know about Alex’s feelings for me? They don’t even talk to each other, except when their bickering in class.

I closed my eyes, hoping my mind will be rid of disturbing images and words from that troll.

The next day as I made my way to our table, I saw Alicia and Jennifer sitting side-by-side, both talking to Jordan as they ate their breakfast. I wondered if Jennifer had seen last night’s showing too. I took my seat by Jordan, who turned his full attention towards me for a minute so we could exchange our usual good mornings. I had to admit after a night of blissful loving making, he did look rather happy. And if that was the case then so was I. But I was still grossed out by what I’d seen last night. I started picking food off Jordan’s tray and drinking some of his coffee as I listened to everyone’s easy chatter. Jordan seemed oblivious, but really I think he just didn’t care. He knew I wasn’t much of morning person, but sometimes I get a little hungry and eat small bits of his food. I saw Alicia looking at me, her face unreadable, before her lips stretched into a smile. I smiled in return, but I couldn’t help but feel like Alicia’s had been forced. I shrugged it off and pulled out the school copy of Pride and Prejudice, trying to read for the rest of breakfast.

For the whole day I contemplated telling Jordan that I saw him and Alicia having sex last night, but I didn’t know if that was such a good idea. I mean, watching them making out is one thing, but seeing them naked and doing other stuff was just wrong. I asked Scarlett about it during Independent study.

“You saw them doing what?” she asked, incredulous.

“I saw them having sex,” I answered, enunciating each word as if I was talking to a Kindergarten. “And I’m conflicted. I feel like I should tell him that I saw.”

“I wouldn’t,” Scarlett said. “I mean, it would just embarrass him and then Jordan would have to tell Alicia,” she shuddered. “And you don’t want to make her anymore jealous of you and Jordan’s relationship then she already is.”

“Wait, what?” What does she mean Alicia is jealous of me? That didn’t make any sense.

“Oh c’mon,” she said. “Did you not see the way she was eyeing you during breakfast while you were picking off Jordan’s plate. Totally jealous.”

“What does she have to be jealous about? I don’t like Jordan that way. She has nothing to worry about.”

“Well, Spencer when a guy and girl are N’Sync together and one of them is in a relationship with someone else – usually their girlfriend becomes extremely jealous of their boyfriend’s N’Sync – because they have a stronger bond. And it’s the fact that you’re a girl that bothers her. If you were guy it wouldn’t matter.”

“But that’s ridiculous,” I said. But it made sense. The way she looked at me this morning made me feel like she caught my hand in a cookie jar, except in this case, it was my hand that had been picking food off of her boyfriend’s plate.

“Well, try telling her that. She can’t help but feel a little insecure. I mean, c’mon, sweetheart. You’re actually a very gorgeous girl.”

I laughed at that. “Me? Gorgeous

She smiled sadly at me. “Why can everyone else see it, but you can’t?”

I didn’t answer her. Instead I went back to studying, while trying desperately to get her words out of my head.

In the end I decided not to say anything to Jordan, for she was right. It would embarrass him and if Alicia was jealous of me, then I didn’t want to start a problem between them.

Although I had feeling I might already be one.