Elements: The Gifted
Chapter 12: Talent Show

Alexander Torchwood. Thatwas the only thing on my mind the next day as I went from class to class. Ifelt like one of those infatuated girls that couldn’t get her head out of theclouds – daydreaming about kissing, cuddling, and all that other romantic crudI never used to think about. Sure. I had celebrity crushes here and there likeChristian Bale, Orlando Bloom, and Hugh Jackman, but it was nothing like this.When I thought about Alex, all I could think about was him and his perfectlips! And that scared me. What was it about boys and kissing? And why does it drivegirls my age crazy? It’s just a mouth for crying out loud! I mean, what was sopleasurable about exchanging saliva? Then again, I’ve never been kissed somaybe I shouldn’t start making judgments on the matter just yet. But could I doit? Kiss Alex without his permission? Would that be considered mouth rape? Allthese questions were driving me nuts. Not to mention the never ending fantasiesthat came along with them.

As Jordan, Morgan, Scarlett, and I took our seats in ourCommunications class, my first impulse was to turn around and to see if Alex washere – but I refrained. I didn’t want to freak him out and besides, I wassupposed to appear indifferent, replace out if he likes me first. It was kind ofcowardly of me, but I didn’t want to make a fool of myself in case he didn’tfeel the same way. After all, I think I’ve suffered enough embarrassment in hispresence.

It was then that Mrs. York materialized in the classroom,looking jolly and cheerful as ever! “Good evening class!”

“Good evening, Mrs. York.” They didn’t sound, nor look asexcited as Mrs. York probably felt. Despite the fact that everybody hated thisclass, she still managed to remain oblivious to our less-then-enthusiasticexpressions. She smiled kindly at us as she gazed from student-to-student. Thenagain, we could all be facing doomsday and that woman would probably still besmiling.

“Today class I want you to pull out a sheet of paper,”Everyone instantly started following orders. I pulled out a piece of paper frommy binder and laid it on the desk, my pencil in hand. “And I want you to writewhat you’re talented at. Then, write your name and fold it. I will come tocollect them. Elemental magic does notcount!”

Well, that was completely unexpected. Why does she wantus to write down our talent? A million, unpleasant thoughts came unbidden to mymind as I wrote my talent down in clear, eligible handwriting. When I was done,I folded it up as directed and then waited patiently for Mrs. York to collectit.

When Jordan was done and folding his paper, he looked atme quizzically. “So what’s your talent? Besides doing all five elements ofcourse.”

“I’m not telling,” I replied playfully. His lips curvedinto one of my favorite Jordan smiles. “But I’m sure you’ll replace out soonenough. No doubt, Mrs. York is going to have us write a paper on our talentsand present it to the whole class.” I shuddered as I recalled our lastassignment. We had to write a paper on whom we considered our hero’s andpresent it. Mine had been on my mom, but the whole time I stood up there,reading my paper – I couldn’t help but feel self-conscious the whole time.

Morgan groaned. “I hope we don’t have to do that. I hategetting up in front of people. It makes my insides hurt.”

“Then maybe you need to get that checked.” Scarlett said,a tantalizing smile appearing on her perfect lips. “Then you wouldn’t have thatproblem.”

Morgan looked at Jordan, an angry scowl on his face. “Siton me; otherwise I’m going to kill her.”

“There will be no violence in my class, Mr. Grey.” Mrs.York sang as she picked up our papers with glee. Her happy smile was almostcontagious. Almost. “Ms. Blackthorn, try to restrain yourself. I know pickingon Mr. Grey can be somewhat enjoyable, but we must treat everyone as equals.That way we can all get along.”

Jordan and I chuckled.

“I don’t know what’s worse,” Scarlett said, as Mrs. Yorkwas out of hearing range. “The happy grin or the fact that she wants us all toget along.”

“And what does she mean it’s ‘somewhat enjoyable’torturing me?” Morgan asked, in a low grumble. “I’ve never done a thing to youpeople!”

None of us answered him. We merely just stared at himbefore looking back to the front of the classroom.

“Why aren’t you guys answering me? I’m not that bad, amI?”

“Well, let me put it to you this way,” Scarlett said,turning to look back at him with playful smile. “You’re not exactly the warmest person to be around. You can bedown-right depressing sometimes.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Will you two please shut up,” Jordan begged. “You’regiving me a headache.”

“Their giving everybody a headache,” Jennifer shoutedfrom behind us. We turned around and saw half the class staring at us. I couldfeel my cheeks burning when I saw Alex looking my way. He seemed amused.

“Well, if Mr. Grey and Ms. Blackthorn are done, I wouldlike to explain what we are doing next Tuesday.” Mrs. York said. “Now I knowit’s a little soon, but you’ve all got the weekend and Monday to figure out howyou’re going to take your talent to the stage.” Everyone in the classroom gapedat her words. Please tell me I misheard her. “That’s right class. We’re havinga talent show! Now I know everybody is not going to get a chance Tuesday, soI’m thinking we’ll probably schedule it on Thursday as well, that way everybodywill get a turn! Are there any questions?”

Morgan raised his hand. I was surprised to see him calm.“Yes, I have a few. Like why are you doing this to us? Are you really thatcruel?”

Mrs. York laughed. “Oh, Mr. Grey, you amuse me. But toanswer your questions: no. I don’t consider myself cruel at all. I know it’sscary, but believe me, you guys will have fun. In the end, it will all be worthit.”

“And what about those that don’t have talents? What are we supposed to do then?” The voicethat spoke sent warm shivers down my spine. It’s a voice I would know fromanywhere. I turned around with the rest of my classmates, staring at Alex as heregarded Mrs. York defiantly. “I mean, not everyone can dance and sing. I sureas hell can’t.”

“But Mr. Torchwood,” she said gently. “You wrote here thatyou can draw. Surely that is a talent.”

“Yeah, but not for a stupid talent show. I doubt peoplein the audience want to sit there and watch me draw. Even I would get bored. And the last thing I want is to have a tomatoaimed at my head.”

“I assure you no one is going to have tomatoes’. And justto be clear class, it’s just going to be us observing one another. No otherclasses and different age groups are going to come in here and watch youperform. I promise.”

“Yeah,” Morgan mumbled. Only Jordan, Scarlett and I couldhear what he was saying. “Because you are so trustworthy.”

“Well, that still doesn’t solve my problem.” Alex said,tersely.

“Like I said earlier, Mr. Torchwood. You have all weekendand Monday to figure it out.”

Alex frowndeepened.

“Alrighty everyone – let’s get on with our lesson.”

Everyone just groaned.

When the bell rang andeveryone was packing there things to get ready for their next class, Iabandoned Jordan and the others and decided to talk to Alex about an idea Icame up with while trying to block out Ms. York’s teaching. I don’t know ifhe’ll like it or not, but at least it’s worth a try. And also I was just dyingto talk to him.

“Hey,” I said, as I watched Alex pack his things into ablack bag. He looked up at me curiously. There was something else there in hiseyes, but I couldn’t tell what it was. “I just wanted to tell you that I had anidea on what you can do for the talent show. But it will involve you’re artwork.”

“I’m listening.”

“Well, I was thinking maybe you could show off a lot of your drawings. You know,instead of treating it like it’s a talent show, why don’t you act like you’representing your art work for show-and-tell.”

Alex eyed me skeptically as we made our way to the door.“I don’t know, Spencer. Nobody probably wants to look at my drawings, much lesshear about them.”

“Well, I do. And I think it’s a good idea. Just grab acouple of your favorite drawings and tell the class what made you draw this.Explain to them why it’s so special to you. I mean, it’s better than getting abad grade for this class and having to repeat it next year.”

“You have a point.” Alex grimaced.

“And I’m just dying to see some of your drawings. I’llbet you’re really good.”

He ignored that last part. “What are you doing for yourtalent?” he asked. We were walking down the hall together and I could feelpeople’s eyes on us as we walked by them.

Just like with Jordan, I smiled at him. “You’ll see.”

He turned to smirk at me, his blue eyes full of humor.“Not even a hint?”

I just shook my head.

“Damn,” he said, looking forward again. “That’s going tokeep me up at night.”

“Are you saying you’re going to stay up all night, wonderingwhat my talent might be?” I laughed. “That’s sad.”

“Tell me about it. I have no life.”

“I could have told you that.” He nudged me playfully,causing me to knock into a group of third year girls. They all gave me dirtylooks, but I ignored them. I giggled. “What was that for?”

He just shrugged. We both walked into our Algebra class,quite aware that half the class was staring at us. I spotted Scarlett in ourusual spot. She seemed distracted by her nails as she examined them, her facescrunched up in concentration.

Alex looked in her direction. “That’s some friend youhave there.”

“Yeah. She’s great. She and Morgan don’t always getalong, but I like her. She can be a real sweetheart.”

He raised an eyebrow. “We are talking about the sameScarlett, right? The same Scarlett that shoots fire balls at people for fun!”

“Yes.” I answered.

“Well,” Alex said, trying and failing to hide his smile.“You guys have fun.” He started retreating to the back of the class, when bysome impulse; I reached out and grabbed his wrist, causing him to come to ahalt. Alex stared at me in puzzlement.

“You don’t want to sit with Scarlett and me.” I said,gesturing where we usually sat. She looked up then, I guess by the sound of hername being said. She smiled and waved.

Alex seemed uncertain. “I don’t know if that is such agood idea.”

“Why not?”

“I just don’t want to ruin…” he seemed to be strugglingwith what to say. He sighed. “You’re sweet. And I just don’t want to jeopardizethe relationships that you have – especially with your friends.”

“W-why would hanging out with you jeopardize myrelationship with my friends?”

Alex laughed without humor. “Princess,” he was trying toavoid my gaze. He also looked like he didn’t want to answer my question. Igrabbed his face then, trying to make him look at me.

I repeated the question, my eyes never leaving his. “Whywould hanging out with you jeopardize my relationship with my friends?” ThoughI already knew the answer, I wanted to hear him say it out loud. He lookedapprehensive.

Finally Alex said, “Because I am my father’s son.” Hesaid the words as if they were bitter in his mouth.

“That’s all?” He just nodded. I let go of his face andcrossed my arms, my heart beating loudly in my chest. I wonder if he can hearit. “Alex, I don’t care who your father is. I mean, you must have guessed thatby now.”

“Yeah, I know. That’s what makes it so…scary.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. I was completelybefuddled. Why would that be scary? Shouldn’t he be more relieved? It was thenthat Mr. Sullen entered the classroom, demanding that Alex and I replace ourseats. Alex and I looked around simultaneously and noticed that everybody wasin their seats. Some like Abigail and her group were eyeing us wryly andgiggling amongst each other. I blushed at everybody’s inquiring gazes andbustled to my seat. Alex seemed phlegmatic, not seeming to care about theclasses sardonic smiles and the innuendo’s thrown at him. I wouldn’t besurprised if our hanging out together was going to be next top news around theschool. Yeah, that definitely makes things uncomplicated between Alexander and me.

“What am I going to do?” Jordan demanded during our trainingtime. We peeked over at Mr. Grey, who was at his desk, grading last minute bookwork from his other classes. Occasionally he would look up to make sure we werestill training and not goofing off. When he saw that were behaving ourselves,he gave us a delighted grin before getting back to his own work. Jordan and Ishifted into some stretching exercises, both of us bending down to touch ourtoes. “I mean, it’s not like I can juggle bowling balls, or do a hip-hoproutine. All I can do is write and I don’t even know if I can do that. Not tomention, it would seem kind of lame going up there and reciting one of mysappy, romantic poems on stage, which I wrote for Alicia by the way.”

“Yeah, you don’t want to scare her off with your badwriting skills.”

“Haha,” Jordan said. When we were done with ourstretching routines, we sprawled out on the blue mat, waiting for Mr. Grey toget done so he could tell us what to do next. That and we were lazy. We reallydidn’t feel like beating each other up today. “I wonder if Mrs. York would mindif Morgan and I did something together.”

“I wouldn’t see why not,” I said. “I heard in Biologythat Abigail and her little group are doing a dance number together.”

“Oh, boy.” He said. I giggledat his sarcasm.

We heard a loud clap and looked in Mr. Grey’s direction. Wescrambled to our feet, our teasing and talk of talent shows forgotten.

“Sorrythat took so long.” Mr. Grey said. “I’ve been a little behind these last coupleof weeks. What with this whole issue on himand whatnot.”

Jordan and I exchanged uneasy glances at the mention ofAzazel. “Have you heard anything back from the Board of Education?” Jordanasked wearily.

Mr. Ash stared at us, his face deadpan. I gulped. “No.”The word seemed ominous to me. “I’m afraid I got some bad news.”

Before he could deliver this “bad news,” Jordan said,“They’re not going to help us are they.” It wasn’t a question, more a like afact. “They don’t believe our story and therefore aren’t going set up wards aroundthe school.”

“What?” I was angry and little upset. A student, despiteif it was Azazel or not, was feeling threatened and they weren’t going to doanything about it! “But that can’t be! Please, tell me that’s not true, Mr.Grey!”

I could tell he wanted to look away as he eyed meruefully. “I’m sorry. They don’t want to believe that he is still out there, roaming the streets at night. The way the Boardwas talking, they feel they need to see more evidence on the issue.”

“Translation: They need to see Azazel for themselvesinstead of taking the word from an insolent little girl.” I put my face in myhands. “God, what am I going to do?”

I felt Jordan wrap a comforting arm around my shoulder,burying his face in my hair. In my mind I could hear him say, It’s going to be okay, Spence.

But it wasn’t. As much as I wanted to believe him Iknew it wasn’t going to be okay. Azazel, or whoever was doing this, wasn’tgoing to stop until they had me killed.

I forgot about wards andAzazel as the weekend progressed. All weekend student’s (first years) from Mrs.York’s class prepared themselves for Tuesday and Thursday’s talent show. I hadto admit I was a little excited. I never done a talent show before, but alwayssecretly wanted to do one. I knew it was going to be scary, but I also knew Iwould have Jordan, Morgan, and Scarlett to cheer me on, and vice versa. Ididn’t know what Jordan and Morgan’s ideas were for the talent show and didn’task. They seemed to be having a hard enough time figuring out what to dotogether as it was. I was just hoping they figured something out beforeTuesday. As for Scarlett, her talent was going to be dancing. She wasn’t theonly one. Everywhere I went, I noticed a lot of students practicing their dancemoves. Most of them inappropriate, but I kept that thought to myself.

My talent still remained a secret. And it was going tostay that way until I got on the big stage to perform it. The thought ofstanding in front of my peers still had me breaking in hives, but as Mrs. Yorksaid, I’m pretty sure it will be worth it in the end.

I didn’t know how Alex was taking this whole talent showto heart. I’m sure he was still cursing Mrs. York whenever he thought about it.I’m also pretty sure he was just as much of a nervous wreck as I was. Probablyworse off than I am, seeing as I was actually looking forward to it and hewasn’t. Regardless, I didn’t really talk to him. I figured he had this wholetalent show to worry about and I didn’t want to give him a reason to snap atme, causing us both to start fighting. That will definitely get us nowhere.

When Tuesday finally arrived – it hit me! I was going tostand on stage and perform a talent that I didn’t even know I was good at.Sure, my mom would occasionally tell me how good I did whenever she heard me,but still, she was my mom. She’s obligated to tell me that – no matter if I’mgood or not. I just hope she was telling the truth.

As Mrs. York predicted, not everybody got to performtoday.

“Ms. Mason,” Mrs. York said, looking down at me from thestage, her smile friendly. “Would you mind starting us off?”

I gulped loudly, feeling everyone’s eyes on me, and nodded.I had a feeling that if I said no she would have made me go up there first,regardless. I heard from farther behind me, Abigail and her friends cacklingloudly as I ascended the stage at a slow pace. I took my place in front of themicrophone displayed in the middle of the stage and looked where my friendssat. Jordan and Scarlett smiled brightly at me, both giving me two thumbs up,while Morgan sat slumped in his seat, with his arms crossed and his face inpout mode. If I wasn’t so nervous I probably would have laughed. Farther back,away from all the other students, I saw Alex watching me with anticipation,while also smiling at me with encouragement. Alex looking at me like thatsuddenly gave me the strength and bravery to do this. I took a deep breath andwaited for the music to start. It’s one of my favorite songs by Kelly Clarksonand one that I could absolutely say made me think of Alex. When the musicstarted and filled the auditorium with its sweet and slow rhythm, I opened mymouth and let the words spill out.

You say it’seasier alone and undisturbed

You said yesand dance before and got your feelings hurt

You say mostdays you’re good

It’s not sobad, this room

Why chancethe rain today even though it’s clear and sunny and you fight it so hard

How to tellif it’s real or not

Take a breathand listen

Open up, stopwishing

All thatyou’ve been missing’s standing in front of you

Everything you’refearing

All the wallsyou’re building take a chance you’re reason’s standing in front of you

Standing infront of you

You start tosway again, feeling good in your skin

You start toremember when you didn’t have to try

And then theglitter turns to dust the color fades enough to make out pictures of a firethat burns like love you can close your eyes don’t worry

I’ll still behere in the morning

Take a breathand listen

Open up, stopwishing

All thatyou’ve been missing’s standing in front of you

Everythingyou’re fearing

All the wallsyour building take a chance you’re reason’s standing in front of you

Standing infront of you

And theywon’t break us

And theycan’t get through ‘cause I’m going to be here standing in front of you

Take a breathand listen

Open up, stopwishing

All thatyou’ve been missing’s standing in front of you

Everythingyou’re fearing

All the walls your building take a chanceyou’re reason’s

standing in front of you

Standing infront of you

I took a deep breath asthe song came to an end and watched in astonishment as most of my fellowclassmates stood up and clapped. I felt my heart leap with gladness. I got astanding ovation! I felt smug when I saw Abigail’s expression as I walked offstage and took my seat beside Jordan. She looked insulted, as if my singing hadreally offended her.

“Wow,” Jordan said. “T-that was amazing. I had no idea you could sing like that.”

I shrugged, nonchalant. “I’ve been doing it since I wasthree. It’s no big deal.”

“No big deal!” Scarlett scoffed. “Girl, when you weresinging, you sounded like a grown woman, not a thirteen-year-old.”

To my amazement, Morgan nodded agreement. “Yeah, you werepretty good.”

“Well, thanks. And I’m sure you guys will do just asawesome.”

“I don’t know,” Scarlett said, dubiously. “You’reprobably going to be the best performer of the day. I mean, have you seen someof our classmates acts?” She shuddered. “Wait till you see Abigail and herfollowers take the stage.”

Besides my friends and Alex performances, I was actuallylooking forward to theirs too. I intend to laugh and “boo” at every opportunitythat I can.

The sound of loud clapping had me pulled from my thoughtsof hysterical laughter and finger pointing, revealing a very impressed Mrs.York.

“Wonderfulsinging, my dear. As quiet as you are, Inever would have expected that kind of talent from you. Marvelous!” My faceburned in embarrassment. To me, receiving compliments is almost humiliating.“So, who wants to go next?” She asked, her voice bubbling with excitement.

I was just looking around for raised hands, when I sawAbigail shoot up from her seat, a look of annoyance still plastered on herface. I bit my lip to keep from smiling.

“We’llgo next.” Madilyn, Sarah, and Panty Less Lacey, didn’t look too thrilled to begoing on stage so soon, but kept their mouths shut and followed Abigail to thestage.

“Wonderful.” Mrs. York said.

Abigail and her “friends” took their positions on thestage and waited for the music to begin. I almost busted out laughing when Iheard the song. “Dancing Queens” by Abba filled the Auditorium, and I watchedin amusement as Abigail and her groupies danced all over the stage, doing movesI think would have been more appropriate for strip clubs. Oh, I wasn’tsurprised that they did some other inappropriate dance moves, but it stilldidn’t keep me and my friends from busting out laughing. Twice, Mrs. York hadto scowl us for being loud, but we couldn’t help it. It was so funny! When thesong ended and our classmates clapped, (they didn’t get a standing ovation)Abigail and her friends walked off the stage, their faces unreadable as theytook their seats. I could feel Abigail’s penetrating gaze as I watched andlistened to Mrs. York ask who wanted to go next. No doubt she was giving me thedeath stare.

When nobody volunteered, Mrs. York tsked disapprovingly. “Am I going to have to choose somebody?”Nobody answered. Mrs. York sighed. “Mr. Torchwood, are you ready?”

Everybody in the auditorium murmured amongst each otheras Alex took the stage, his hands completely full of canvases. There wasalready an easel on the stage, so all Alex had to do was position it to whereeverybody could see his paintings. Everyone waited in silence as Alex displayedthe first painting, which was of woman. She was beautiful with aqua hair andeyes that looked like sapphires – eyes that reminded me of Alex’s. Instantly Iknew who the woman in the painting was.

Itwas Alex’s mother.

The painting itself looked absolutely amazing. His motherlooked like she could have clawed her way out of the canvas because she lookedso real. Alexander Torchwood – are next Leonardo Da Vinci

As I suggested, Alex presented his painting as if wewe’re doing a show-and-tell and not a talent show. I listened as he told us why he drew thispainting. He didn’t tell us outright that she was his mother, but it was prettyobvious from the way he looked at her painting and when he told us that thiswas the last memory he had of her before Azazel came along and took her awayfrom Alexander forever. In the painting she was smiling, a smile that held somuch love and adoration that it almost reminded me of how my mother sometimeslooked at me. It’s a smile all mothers should have when staring at theirchildren. I could feel my eyes watering and my chest aching for a loss that Icouldn’t possibly understand. Alex was no doubt suffering at this very moment.It must have taken a lot of courage for him to get up there and tell us abouther. I had a feeling he didn’t do it often. The rest of his paintings were ofscenery’s, which were just as beautiful and life-like. Alex is surely the mostamazing artist I have ever met. Surely, by the time he hits man-hood, he couldprobably make a fortune selling some of his paintings. If he can ever bringhimself to do so, that is. At one point though, as Alex was telling the storyof one painting that was of an ocean, with the sun setting and the sky turningorange with colors like pink and purple mixed in, making it look very beautifuland majestic, I listened as Alex told us the story of when the orphanage tookthem to the Powerless world to visit California for the summer. He told us thathe spent most of his time on the beach, painting and drawing the ocean, overand over again. And even though he was telling not just me, but the whole classthis story, I couldn’t help but feel like it was only me and him, all alone inthe auditorium. Maybe it was because he never took his eyes off of me.

Even though Ithought the story was fascinating, I wasn’t surprised that Abigail didn’t. Iwanted to get up and smack her when she started yawning loudly, while alsomaking unnecessary comments like, “No onecares!” Or “This is so boring!” It took all I had, and Jordan practicallysitting on me, to keep me from getting up and slapping the fire out of thatgirl. No pun intended.

I clapped and whooped loudly as Alex finished, gatheringhis paintings and exiting off the stage, with my eyes never leaving him as hewalked briskly back to his seat.

That’s when it happened.

It felt like everything was in slow motion. I gasped whenAlex dropped one of the canvases, the one of his mother, and saw as it burstinto flames. People screamed and started running around the auditorium, lookinglike chickens about to get their heads cut off. As if by some instinct, I putthe fire out with my water magic, listening as the fire sizzled and dissipated.It was too late, however. The painting was ruined, charred beyond recognition. Therewas complete and utter silence until everybody started to laugh, with theexception of my friends. I looked at Alex worriedly, but to my surprise, heremained impassive.

“That is enough!”Mrs. York shouted. It was kind of odd seeing her angry. “Who did that?”

No one said anything. It was just the occasional chuckleshere and there. Mrs. York eyed the classroom sternly. “Fine. Since no fire userwill step up and take the blame for their actions, all fire students, with theexception of Ms. Mason since she did put out the fire, will receive detentionuntil farther notice.”

Some fire users groaned, and tried to argue back, butMrs. York wouldn’t have it. “Until someone finally comes clean and apologizesto Mr. Torchwood, every fire user will receive detention for the rest of thisweek.”

There was a bunch of mumbling and pouting as everyonetook their seats, while waiting for class to end. Alex, who had gathered up hisstuff roughly, stamped out of the auditorium, while slamming the door in theprocess. Mrs. York didn’t protest. She merely let him go, her kind face eyeingthe door wistfully. Even though Mrs. York can be a bit annoying with herhappy-going-grin and her constant babbling, she really did care for herstudents, regardless if they came from a disgraceful family or not. Suddenlyher sad eyes swiveled my way.

“Spencer dear, do you mind going after him? I figure ifhe listens to anyone, it will be you.”

I did a double take at that. Why would Mrs. York thinkthat? Why would she assume he would listen to me?

“Sure.” I replied. I felt Jordan squeeze my hand, hismind filled with reassurance. What it for me or himself? I kind of figured itwas the latter.

Good luck, hethought.

I didn’t reply as I got up and rushed out of theauditorium, while feeling everybody’s eyes on me the whole time.

Trying to catch up withAlex was tough. The guy could really powerwalk. Of course when you’re aboutfive feet tall and the guy you’re crushing on is almost six foot it’s going tobe hard catching up with him.

”Alex,” I shouted after him. “Please wait!”

“Leave me alone.”

We were both walking through the courtyard, which wasdesolate, and heading towards the dorms. I scurried after him, trying to reachhis side. When I finally caught up with him, I grabbed his wrist, causing himto come to halt.

“What do you want?” Alex snapped.

“Mrs. York wanted me to talk to you – to see if you werealright.”

“Well, I’m not. You happy now.” I thought my heart mightshatter when he snatched his hand out of mine. I was genuinely hurt by hishostility towards me.

Seeing my anguished expression must have tipped him offbecause suddenly he sighed, his blue eyes rueful. “I’m sorry. I’m just upset. Ididn’t mean to take it out on you.”

“It’s okay.” I said, timidly. I was trying so hard tofight back the tears that tried to consume me. “I’ll leave you alone now.”Before I could turn around though, he grabbed both my arms gently and pulled metowards him. At first I thought he was going to pull me into a hug but he justheld me at arms-length, his face contrite.

“Ireally am sorry.”

“I know,” I whispered, my eyes on the pavement. Icouldn’t bring myself to really look at him, for fear my eyes would starttearing up again. “I just worry about you.” Though God knows I wish I didn’t.

“I know you do,” He murmured. For minute I thought heheard my thoughts until he said, “Thanks, for uh, putting out the fire.”

I smiled a small smile before finally looking back up athim. “It was no problem. I just wish I could have stopped whoever ruined you’repainting—“

“Yeah,” he said bitterly, causing my heart to contractpainfully. Then I realized that his bitterness wasn’t towards me, but theperson who destroyed his painting. “I know who destroyed it. It was Cameron andhis N’Sync, Jamie.”

I didn’t know that Cameron and Jamie were N’Sync’s, but Iwasn’t surprised. I was, however, surprised that he knew who destroyed hispainting.

“Why didn’t you say anything to Mrs. York? Ifyou had told her—“

“Yeah, and be known as a snitch. No way!”

I did a double take at his words. They were almost theexact same words I said to my mother when Katie Hoe and her friends haddestroyed my book on the first day of school.

I don’t mean tomake things hard. I really do try to control them. It’s just when Katie pickson me…

Iknow. Maybe if you told someone—

Andbe known as a snitch! No way!

Alex and I were more alike than I once thought.

I sighed, feeling utterly tired. “You can’t let Cameronand Jamie get away with this. They destroyed the painting of your mother!”

He seemed taken aback. “How did you—“

“It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out, Alex. It wasobvious from the way you looked at her. Not to mention the blue eyes. That wasa dead giveaway.”

His lips twitched into a small smile. The smile wasincandescent and beautiful. “It’s weird. I never had someone understand me theway you do. It’s kind of nice.”

I shrugged, smiling hugely at him. “Isn’t that whatfriends do?”

He didn’t say anything for the longest time. His uncannyblue eyes were staring at me with what I think was captivation. “I wouldn’tknow.”

I didn’t know what to say so I just shrugged again.

Alex ran a hand through his hair, causing it to stick upin places. “Are you going back to class?”

“Probably. I don’t want to miss my friends on stage.”Jordan would probably never forgive me if I missed him and Morgan’s act. Idon’t know if Scarlett would care. That girl can be enigmatic at times.

“Right,” he mumbled. “I almost forgot. Well, I hopeyou enjoy the rest of the show.”

“You’re not going back to class.” It wasn’t a question.And I kind of figured that he wouldn’t, but I was still kind of hopeful.

He shook his head. “I’m not ready to show my face. I’malready embarrassed as it is.”

“I’m sorry.” It was probably the last thing he wanted tohear, but I couldn’t help it. I felt bad.

“It’s okay.” Alex said. He looked away then and startedplaying with his tie. I could tell instantly that it was a nervous habit ofhis. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

My body went rigid. “What is it?”

He continued playing with his tie, knotting and twistingit, and just looking more anxious than usual. “Well, I was wondering if youweren’t busy that…maybe you could…come to the roof later and keep me company.”

I think it was then that my heart stopped beating. I wascompletely unable to speak. It felt like my heart was in my throat. Alex lookedup then, his expression weary. He untwisted his tie then.

“If you don’t want too I completely understand—“

“It’s not that.” I said hastily, feeling utterly guilty.“It’s just I have Latin homework that needs finishing before tomorrow.”

“Oh.” Was all he said. I could tell that he was trying tofeign indifference, but I could see right through him. I hurt his feelings. Iwanted to smack myself. Why hadn’t I done that homework yesterday? I mean, Godonly knows how hard it must have been for him to ask me to join him and Itotally blew it. I’m such an idiot! Then an idea hit me.

“Are you good at Latin?” Please say yes. Please sayyes.

“I made a B on the last test we took so I guess.” Heseemed confused by the question. “Why?”

“Maybe you couldhelp me with it. I’m having a little trouble with the material anyway. What doyou say?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Okay.” I said. “I’llmeet you up there after dinner tonight.” Igot a date!

“I’llsee you then.” He was just about to turn away when he stopped, his lips curvinginto tentative smile. “By the way, you got a good voice. I liked the song youpicked.” And then, with that said, Alex turned and walked away, heading towardsthe dormitory building. He liked my voice! Could this day get any better? Iwaited until he went inside to start dancing and jumping. My stomach felt likeit was full of butterflies as I repeated his words in my head, over and overagain.

I’ll see you then.

Those four words were enough to make my heart grow wingsand fly away.