Elements: The Gifted
Chapter 15: Alex and the Rose

I frowned at the mathequation as I sat at my desk trying to figure out the complexity of the problembefore me. I sighed, and thumped myhead against the surface of my desk.

“Ow,”I said, as I felt a small pain in my forehead. It was barely noticeable. Ilifted my head, looking back down at the math homework. I wish someone wassmart enough to invent a time machine so I could go back in time and replace theperson who came up with math – so I could beat them with my math homework. Maybe then they’ll decide math is just awaste of time.

Who am I kidding? We need math. No matter how much itsucks!

I tapped my pencil against the desk, staring blankly at allthe problems in front of me. Not just the math equations, but my relationshipwith Jordan and the person that’s trying to kill me. I just can’t figure outwhy Jordan dislikes Alex so much! He has never done a thing to him. At least,not that I’m aware of anyway. Was Aliciaright? Was Jordan jealous of me and Alex relationship? Did he think Alex wastrying to take me away from him or something? Or was he really just worriedthat Alex might break my heart? Whatever the reason, our fight had left a big gapinghole in my chest; one that I felt couldn’t be filled until someone apologized.I felt bad that I lost my temper with him, but at the same time he needs tounderstand that this is my life and I can hang out with whoever I want. And Ieven though I want to talk to Jordan more than anything, I wasn’t going to bethe first to apologize this time. Jordan had crossed the line when he startedtreating me like a child that needed scolding because I let a boy stay in my room. I mean, it was nodifferent when I stayed with him that one night. The only difference was that Ihad shared a bed with Jordan, whereaswith Alex, he had slept on the floor! So what was the problem?

I blew out another sigh and gave up trying to figure outmy friend. It’s getting me nowhere and I’m only building up more rage about thewhole thing. Best get back to the math problems.

But what about the intruder? I felt cold as I relievedthat horrible moment when I felt unsafe in the confides of my own bedroom. Imean, who’s to say they won’t come back and slit my throat while I’munconscious? That would definitely get the job done and they wouldn’t have toworry about me anymore. Feeling paranoid, I started looking around my room,making sure there wasn’t anyone hanging around in the corners, or standingbehind me. I felt relieve course through me when I realized that I was stillalone in my room. I am definitely sleeping with the light on tonight.

I will figure out who’s behind all this! And when I do, Iwill look them in the eye and ask why? Whydid they do all this? With the bloody messages and killing the rabbit and thecandy lady. Why do you want me dead? Aside from being ordered to kill me, thatis. Why me? That last question was my favorite because I felt it to be the mostimportant. Though I figured it was more directed at God then to the person thatwas trying to get rid of me.

Jeeze. All these questions and yet I’m not gettinganywhere with this math problem. If youwould just man up and apologize to Jordan then maybe you would have someone helpyou with your math homework. My subconscious said.

Will you just shutup already, I snapped. I refuse to be the one that apologizes first.

My subconscious didn’t reply. Huh. That’s a first.Maybe I should stand up to her more often.

A week went by as Icontinued to avoid Jordan. It wasn’t easy. Actually it was downright horrible,but I refused to be the one to apologize first. I mean, what was there for meto apologize for! I didn’t doanything wrong. In my mind, it was all on Jordan. So every day that went by Iwaited for him to approach me and to say the two words that I was longing tohear. So you could understand my dismay when he didn’t. Yes. I could see theguilt plain as day on his face, but that still wasn’t enough. My subconscioustold me to man up and apologize, but what about him?

I was relieved that it was Wednesday and that most of myclasses were with the fire users. Of course, most of my classes included theair users as well, but I tried not to think about it too much, for it wouldoften leave a huge lump in my throat. When I had decided to give Jordan thesilent treatment and to avoid him until he apologized, I started sitting in theback with Alex, whom to my surprise, didn’t mind in the least. To be honest,Alex actually seemed kind happy about it. He did seem curious as to why I wassuddenly sitting with him and not my friends, but to my gratitude, he didn’task questions. I wasn’t ready to tell him that the reason we weren’t sittingtogether was because of him. But I didn’tblame Alex. It wasn’t his fault that my friend didn’t like or trust him. Thatwas all Jordan.

During classes, I would occasionally spot Jordan turningaround to look at me, I guess to make sure I was still alive while I sat nextto the enemy. He would give me awistful smile before turning back around in his seat.

And even though I did miss Jordan terribly, I also missedmy other friends as well. Our group was quite aware that something was going onbetween Jordan and me. Of course, it was obvious since I didn’t sit with themduring class or lunch time. Not to mention, the palpable regret that everyoneseemed to feel when Jordan or I even glanced at each other. It still didn’tstop my friends from talking to me. It was while Alex and I were on our way toour next class that Gabrielle, Scarlett, and Mia would stop me in the hallwaysjust to chat. Alex, feeling a bit uncomfortable and awkward at being around myfriends, would excuse himself from our little group, promising he would save aseat for me when I would get to class. And even though talking to my friendsalways seemed a bit short, I appreciated them for not asking questions aboutJordan and understanding why I needed time. Though part of me suspected that healready told them the reason behind our separation. I laughed quietly to myselfas I walked down the hall. I made us sound like a couple that had just split upor something. Maybe dad wasn’t so far off about N’Sync’s being a lot likemarriage. Of course, being N’Sync to someone is a permanent thing, but I knewJordan and I would make up sooner or later. I just didn’t know when. Thethought of not knowing when I will be reunited with my N’Sync suddenly made mefrown. I wish he would hurry up and apologize already. Although I did secretly love sitting with Alex. He was oftenquiet and didn’t need to fill the silence with constant chatter. It was nice.

And even though curiosity was probably killing him, Alexstill didn’t ask me what was going on between me and Jordan. It wasn’t untilnext Monday during lunch that I asked him why he hadn’t been asking questionsabout my N’Sync and me.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I just figured if you wanted totalk about it then you would have brought it up.” I stared at him blankly. Alexfrowned. “Was I supposed to ask?”

“No,” I said. Then I wondered if maybe I did want him too. I mean, these lastcouple of days of not talking about it has been eating me up. “Well, yes.Maybe.” I sighed. Why do I suddenly feel so exhausted? “I don’t know.”

“Okay,” Alex said, clearly confused. “Do you want to talk about it? Becausefrankly I’m tired of you moping around and staring at you’re N’Syncwith…longing. It’s kind of creepy.”

“I’m sorry,” I said. “It’s just I’ve been waiting andwaiting for him to apologize and he won’tdo it!” Alex didn’t say anything as I let out some steam that I had beenkeeping pent up for the last week in a half. “It’s just so frustrating.”

“So…” he said, with hint of anger in his voice. “The onlyreason you started hanging out with me was because you wanted to avoid Jordan.”I stared at Alex, who was looking back at me with a blank expression. Eventhough he seemed like it didn’t bother him – it really did. “I guess that’s allI’m good for, huh?”

“No, it’s not.” I said. Alex seemed unconvinced. Howcould I explain this to him without hurting his feelings? “I invited you tohang out with me and my friend’s multiples times and you always declined theoffer.”

“That’s because your friends don’t want me around.”

That was true, though I wasn’t going to admit he wasright. “Look, I didn’t mean to make you feel like I was using you. I justalways figured that you prefer being alone. That’s what you told me anyway andI was just trying to respect your wishes.”

“And you thought immediately that I don’t want youaround?”

“Well, no, but I figured—“

“Spencer, I like having you around because you accept mefor who I am. You’re also the first person that believes I won’t be the nextcoming of my father.” He paused, lost in thought. “Which is really nice becausefor a while there I thought everyone was right.”

I put my hand on top of his. He looked at me in surprise.“How about you and I meet later up on the roof? I need something to do besideshomework and being depressed over my best friend. What do you say?”

“That actually sounds like the best thing you’ve broughtup since you started sitting with me.”

“I won’t talk about Jordan and I promise I won’t ‘mopearound’ while we hang out. Deal?” I held my hand out to him, but instead oftaking it, he smacked it playfully. I giggled.

“It’s a deal. And if you even look slightly depressed Iam out of there.”

I was really excited aboutthis afternoon. It had been awhile since Alex and I hung out together on theroof. I was desperate to make it up to him because I knew how much it took forhim to accept me into his life and let me be a part of it. And maybe one of uswill be brave enough to make the next move. I don’t know, like, maybe he’lltake me into his arms and kiss me. It definitely kept my mind busy with all thedifferent fantasies swarming through my head. Of course, it changed when I hadto go to my regular training with Mr. Grey. The only time of the day I can’tignore or avoid Jordan.

When I was dressed in my usual sweats and white tank top,I approached the blue mat and stood face to face with Jordan. We were bothholding our weapons as we waited for Mr. Grey to give us the word. All week Mr.Grey had been teaching us how to fight with our weapons, and I hated to admitit, but Jordan always kicked my ass during these sessions. But there wassomething about today. I was completely on a role as I wielded my Sais and usedthem flawlessly against Jordan and his Chinese sword. All my pent up anger andrage was suddenly being taken out in practice as our weapons clanked andclattered against each other in battle. I could the see the concern andbemusement on Jordan’s face as I started attacking him, kicking and punchinghim whenever I got the chance. There was one point where I punched him so hardin the face; it sent him flying into Mr. Grey’s desk.

When Mr. Grey called it quits and told us we weredismissed, he started gathering up the blue mat and putting it away in thestorage unit. I was just about to escape when Jordan stopped me.

“Hey, um, that was some good fighting today.” He seemedhesitant as he took in my blank expression. He cleared his throat, clearlyuncomfortable. “So I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while, but I wasn’tsure if you were ready—“

I cut him off. “That’s funny because I have been waiting for you talk to me all week!”

“Then why have you been avoiding me?” he asked, confused.

“I don’t know.” I snapped. “You figure it out.”

I tried not to look at the pain that seemed to fill hiseyes. If I did – I would probably give in and apologize first. But again, whatdid I have to apologize for?

I was just walking away when he said, “I’msorry.” I stopped in my tracks. There it was. The apology I had been waiting tohear for almost a week in a half now. So why was I so reluctant to accept it?“I shouldn’t have been so hard on you about the whole Alex-staying-in-you’re-room-thing.I just have a hard time trusting him, is all.”

I turned around to look at him. He seemed a bit weary.Probably because of the cold look on my face. “Why? He has never done a thingto you!”

“I know it’s just—“

“It’s because he’s Azazel’s son. I know.” I said,sharply.

He cringed at the name, but didn’t scold me for it.

“So,” he said, hesitant. “Are you going to forgive me orare we going to have to suffer through more weeks apart?” his voice sounded sosmall, like a child’s.

More weeks apart was the last thing I wanted, but at thesame time I wasn’t ready to forgive him yet. Why?

“I don’t know, Jordan. I think I still need time to think.”Again, just like a married couple.

“Oh. Okay.” And with that said, I watched ruefully as myfriend walked away, his head bowed as if in shame. I felt tears fill my eyes.Why did I have to make everything so complicated?

Alex and I were sitting ontop of the academies roof, just sitting and talking about things that were –well, not normal – but close enough. It was just nice to talk and laugh aboutthe stupidity of some of our classmates. It was also nice not having to thinkabout Jordan and how much I probably hurt him. For a slight second I felt apain in my chest for my friend. Oh, Jordan. Why did it have to come to this?Eventually, I became distracted by Alex and his smile, which was as radiant asthe sun. He had the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.

“What?” he demanded. I watched in amusement as he startedtouching his face. “What is it? Is there something on my face?”

I laughed. “No. It’s just you have a very beautifulsmile.”

Alex – probably not use to compliments – blushed a lightshade of pink. That color actually looked really pretty with his black hair.“Um…thanks.”

We were sitting across from each other with our legscrossed, both of us constantly shivering from the cold.

I scooted closer to him and grabbed his hands. He seemedbemused as I made him cup his hands together, his palms facing upward.

“Whatthe hell are you doing?” he asked, emotionlessly.

“I wanna show you something.”

He waited patiently as I drew all my power from withinand watched with deep satisfaction as a rose sprung from Alex’s palm. He lookedtaken aback as I quickly picked the rose from his palm and handed it to him. Hetook it wordlessly.

As Alex examined the rose, I suddenly got the courage tostretch my hand across the little space between us to stroke his cheek. I wasshocked by my sudden tenderness. He looked away from the rose and back at me.

“You’relike this rose,” I said as a way to distract him. I took it gently from hishands. “Beautiful and full of life, but at the same time, hard to touch andhold because of all the thorns.”

If he was shocked by my words he didn’t show it. He justcontinued to look at me, his face unreadable. “Spencer…”

“I have grown a thousand plants back home and they stillremain today,” I lifted the rose between us. “This rose will probably last along time.” I handed it back to him. “I want you to have it.”

He took the rose and stared at it for a long time untilhe finally hugged it gently to his chest. “I’ll take good care of it.”

I smiled and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. Hedidn’t move when I pulled away. “I probably need to go. I’ve got homeworkwaiting for me.”

“Will you sit with me tomorrow?”

His sudden question had me stopping in my tracks. Ilooked back at him and saw him staring at me with a hopeful expression. Icouldn’t help the smile that spread across my face, or the fact that my heartwas beating a thousand miles per minute. The fact that he wanted to sit with me in class made me wish I could fly.

“Definitely.”

I kept flapping my arms,hoping that I might fly into the air as I walked through the courtyard. Nobody– at least that I was aware of – was outside to see me. And even if they did Iprobably wouldn’t care because I was in love. There I said it. I was head over heels,deeply and madly in love with Alexander Torchwood. There was just somethingabout him that made me feel like I was the most beautiful girl in all of Eden.Maybe it was the way he looked at me while we sat across from each other on theroof. I could still hear his carefree laugh and see that gorgeous smile on hisface as we talked and made fun of the rich kids, while also mocking those thatthought they were better than everyone. My favorite part of the evening is whenwe would both look down from the roof, and every time somebody would walk by,we would gather up snow balls and drop them on the person heads. Then we wouldduck down, while trying are hardest not to laugh as we heard the personcomplaining from down below. It truly was the most fun evening I’ve had in awhile. And that’s saying something since I haven’t had much to laugh aboutrecently, seeing as I might be losing my best friend and I’m a target for someloony’s enjoyment.

I had just about made it to the dorm when I feltsomething – like eyes watching me. I felt Goosebumps (something that hadnothing to do with the cold) as I scanned the campus around me. There was noone in sight. So why did I feel like I was being watched?

This was getting ridiculous. If they want to kill me,then now was the time, with no one around, to take their shot at me. Part of mewas kind of hoping they would. I was just dyingto see the face that was haunting my every footstep. I wanted them to tryand hurt me.

“Spencer,” I screamed at the sudden voice and turnedaround to see Jordan looking at me weirdly. “What are you doing? It’s likethirty degrees out here.”

Really? I hadn’t noticed. I must have been more scaredthan I realized. “Oh, right.” Jordan raised an eyebrow at me in puzzlement. “Iwas just, um, admiring the building. Have you ever noticed how big it is?”

Jordan took one look at the school building beforeanswering, “It’s pretty big.”

I just nodded in agreement.

“Now what are you really doing out here?”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, cut the crap. You looked completely terrified when Iapproached you. It’s like you were waiting for someone to ambush you.”

Damn he’s good. I forget sometimes how well my friend canread people. “That’s because I was.” I replied. I shuddered. Again, it hadnothing to do with the cold. “I felt like someone was watching me and then thisreally creepy feeling came over me. I didn’t like it. And I thought if I waitedfor them to make a move maybe I could replace out who’s trying to hurt me.”

“Well, doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. Whoeveris after you is going to make sure that you never replace out their identity.”

“That sucks because I had some questions to ask them. Alot of the questions starting with why!”

Jordan chuckled. “Oh, miss you.”

I could feel my heart softening at his words. “I miss youtoo.” I said. “More than you know.”

“So,” he said. “Does that mean you’ll forgive me?”

I gazed at my best friend and the hopefulness on hisface. I sighed inwardly. Oh, what the hell! “Of course. Being away from you fortoo long kind of sucks.”

“Good,” Jordan said, his smile radiant. “Then you’ll sitwith us again.”

I bit my lip. Oh, crap.

“What?” Jordan asked as he took in my conflictedexpression.

“Well, I already promised Alex that I would sit with himtomorrow.” Jordan grimaced, but didn’t protest. Wise decision my friend. “As amatter-of-fact – I’m going to be taking turns sitting with you and Alex.”

“Why?”

“Because, despite what you may think about him, he’slonely. And I don’t want him to feel like the only reason I sat with him was toavoid you because that’s not true. I enjoyed sitting with Alex and even thoughI missed you like crazy, it was a nice change.”

“So, let me get this straight. You’re going to take turnssitting with us. Every day.” I nodded. He groaned. “Alright. If that’s whatmakes you happy then I’m for it.” He pointed a warning a finger at me. “But Iwill watch him.”

“Whatever makes you more comfortable,” I said as we madeour way into the warm confines of the dormitory building. “Just don’tconstantly stare. I don’t want to have to explain it to him.”