Elements: The Gifted
Chapter 18: Truth's Revealed

I was out of the infirmaryafter three days. I was kind of relieved. I was so tired of the sympathicglances that shot my way and the get well cards and flowers that I oftenreceived. Most normal people would have found it kind – I found it tiring. Ijust wanted to pretend that it never happened. Of course, the day they had mereleased, I had sat down with a nurse who had to give some very bad news. Eventhough I was going to be alright, the nurse said that my insides would never bethe same. The potion Ms. Hardwick had given me may have gotten rid of the fireinside me, it couldn’t however, heal the scars that they had left behind on mylungs and heart. I was proud to say I kept a straight face through the wholeconversation, but on the inside I wanted to cry. According to the doctor, mylungs and heart were so blacken in places that it was almost hard for anyone torecognize my organs for what they were. So if that was the case, then how was Istill alive?

When I got to my room later that evening, I decided totake a shower. Three days and not being able to bathe was torture. I swung mybackpack on my bed, placed my books and homework on my desk, and then rushed tothe bathroom. I locked the door, and went straight to the bathtub and turnedthe shower on. I passed by the mirror and stopped in my tracks. I looked horrible! My hair looked like a birdlived on top of my head, while my eyes looked red and swollen from all thecrying. Not to mention, the dark circles under my eyes that told me I hadn’tslept good in the last couple of days. I looked away from my reflection andcontinued getting undressed.

When I was done, and my hair was washed, I went in myroom and went to bed, hoping that maybe I’d sleep better tonight in my own bed.Once my head hit the pillow, I was out.

Thenext day, I resumed my daily schedule, ignoring everyone’s pity glances as Iwalked to Combat and Training. I was just walking through the courtyard when Iknocked into Ms. Tabby.

“I’msorry, Ms. Crawford. I guess I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“It’squite alright,” she said, her voice sincere.

Iwasn’t sure what to say – so I just smiled and shuffled past her.

“Spencer,wait.” Ms. Tabby said. I stopped, before turning around. To my horror, she waseyeing me with concern. “Are you doing okay?”

Ithought about that question for a bit. Was I doing okay? Well, someone in thisschool is trying to kill me. The boy I love doesn’t want to talk to me anymorebecause he blames himself for what happened to me. And to top it all off, mylungs and heart are messed up.

“I’venever felt better.” I lied. I noticed that my voice sounded dead.

Shedidn’t seem convinced. “That’s good. I’ll see you in class then.”

Ijust nodded before continuing my walk to the gym.

Ididn’t really talk to any of my friends. There really wasn’t much for me tosay. I was depressed and I felt exhausted when I even tried to feign interestin their conversations. Really, I just wanted to go back to bed. To my relieve,Coach Howl let me sit out for today’s class. I guess he didn’t think I was upto it, which was fine by me. I wasn’t really ready for anything physical.

Myheart started beating painfully in my chest when I spotted Alex by himself,training with a punching bag. I was surprised that the punching bag was stillintact. The way he kept hitting it repeatedly made me think that he was upsetabout something. I placed my elbows on my knees and continued to watch him. Hewas so beautiful, with his pale skin glistening with sweat, and his blackunruly hair in his eyes as he kicked and punched the bag over and over again.When he finally stopped to take a breather, he stiffened as he spotted melooking at him. I waved tentatively at him. To my dismay, he didn’t wave back; insteadhe went back to hitting the punching bag, beating it harder this time. I gaspedwhen it finally came off the chain and made a loud boom, causing everyone to turn and gape at him. He didn’t seem tonotice. Alex grabbed a towel and dabbed his face with it, walking slowly backto the changing rooms.

Whenthird period came around, I waited at our table in Magic and Spells, tapping myfoot repeatedly until Alex finally showed up and took his seat by me. I smiled,hoping maybe he’d smile back, but he didn’t even try to look at me. My smilefaded. I looked towards the front of the class where Ms. Hardwick stoodteaching.

“Todayclass everyone here will be taking a pop quiz on everything we’ve studied forthe past two weeks.”

Everyone groaned, except Alex and me. We remained silentas Ms. Hardwick passed out the tests. I looked at the quiz before me, suddenlyfeeling a little sick. If I’d known I would be taking a test today I would havestudied last night.

“Youmay begin,” she said.

Ipicked up my pencil and read through each question easily. I was relieved toreplace out that each question was rather simple. I don’t know what I was worriedabout.

WhenI finished, I took my test to Ms. Hardwick, who smiled and mouthed Thank you as she put my test on the edgeof the desk for her to grade later. I returned to my seat, pulled out my Kindle,and read for the rest of class.

Timeseemed to fly by as I got lost in the world of Narnia. I jumped when the bellrang, and winced as my heart reacted painfully from the sound. I took a deepbreath, trying to calm my racing heart, before packing my things slowly. I wasin no hurry to get to my next class. Alex slung his bag over his shoulder anddisappeared through the door, not even bothering to glance back at me. I zippedmy bag roughly and followed behind Jordan and Alicia as we made our way out ofMs. Hardwick’s class.

Later that evening,instead of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to hang out with Jordan andAlicia. We were in the rec room, which was basically the lounge in thedormitory building. It was full of red L shaped couches, facing huge plasma screen TV’s, with gameconsoles and pool tables, along with other games like air hokey, or tabletennis. There were coke and snack machines scattered here and there, full ofunhealthy snacks. I grimaced. The thought of food made me sick. It was a littleweird, hanging around Alicia, but they were both really sweet as they triedwelcoming me into their conversations. Of course, I didn’t mind just listening.I smiled at one point when they started teasing each other, both of themconstantly touching one another as they did. My smile disappeared. Suddenly ithit me that I really missed Alex. I wiped a tear before either of them wouldsee and forced a smile. I was beginning to feel really tired.

It was then that Jordan excused himself, saying somethingabout how he had to go to the bathroom, leaving Alicia and me alone. I take itback. Now it’s weird.

Alicia squirmed in her seat, obviously uncomfortable too.“So,” she said. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been okay,” I answered. I tried feigningpoliteness. After all, I didn’t want to hurt her feelings because I was in abad mood. “What about you?”

A dreamlike smile seemed to take over her face. “I’mwonderful. Jordan is really something.”

I smiled in return. At least that is something we bothhave in common. Jordan. “He really is. I’ve gotten through a lot with him.Jordan’s my best friend.”

Alicia’s smile disappeared. She bit her lip,uncomfortable again. “Are you sure?”

“Of course.”

“I just...I can’t help but feel a little jealous of youand Jordan’s relationship sometimes.”

I was silent as I let her words sink in. Oh, crap.Scarlett was right. But what was there for her to be jealous about? “Alicia, Iwant you to know that there is nothinggoing on between me and Jordan. He’s like a brother to me. There really isnothing for you to worry about.”

“Really?” she asked.

“Really.”

“Because I love him so much and I don’t want my jealousyof you to get in the way. I don’t want to ruin your friendship with him either.I know how it is with your bond and you’re N’Sync.”

“Well,” I said, feeling satisfied for the first time in awhile. “I’m glad we got this straightened out.”

“Me too,” Alicia said. Then she gave me a genuine smile,one that I couldn’t help but return.

“I hate to be a party pooper, but I’m not feeling verywell. Will you tell Jordan that I went to bed?”

“Yeah, sure. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just exhausted.”

“Oh, okay. Well, I hope you get to feeling better.” Shesounded sincere.

“Thanks. You’ll be alright by yourself, right.”

“I’ll be fine,”

“Okay,” I said. I stood up and started heading towardsthe stairs when Alicia said, “Goodnight Spencer.” I didn’t reply. I just wavedinstead. When I got back to our dorm, I went straight to my room and climbed intobed. As I lay there, I tried my hardest not to think.

The next day I was calledinto Headmaster Death’s office. I didn’t know what it was about, but I couldn’thelp but wonder if I was in trouble. Then again, it’s always been that way.Every time I was called into the principal’s office back home, I wouldinstantly become wary. What did I do? Was I in trouble? It was always the samequestions every time I was called to the office. Nine times out of ten I wasbecause I would accidentally use magic while in school. So you could understandwhy I was so nervous while I sat across from Death in his office.

“So I have some good news,” he said. At these words, Ibreathed a sigh of relieve. “The Board of Education just called and said thatthey are going to start putting up wards around the school tomorrow. Isn’t thatexciting? Now no one can harm you.”

This was the last thing I was expecting. Part of me washoping that maybe they had caught the person responsible for all this mayhem.

“Isthat all?” Death just nodded. I frowned. “But Headmaster, don’t you think weneed to be more concerned about the inside instead of the outside? I mean,hasn’t it crossed your mind that it might be someone at the academy that’sbehind everything?

“Ithas. It still is. But right now it wouldn’t hurt to put up wards just case. Youwere right. There have been sightings of Azazel. Not to mention, they foundSally Houston’s body just outside of town.”

“Theyfinally found her! Have they ran any tests on the body, maybe found any hairsor any kind of DNA that could tell us who’s behind all this? Because you dorealize that it wasn’t Azazel that killed Sally, right?”

“Yes.And yes they have looked for all kinds of evidence, but so far there is none.”

Well,damn. Whoever is behind all this is good. Real good.

“Spencer,”Death said, tersely. His deep voice made me jump, bringing me back to thepresent. I shook my head, trying to focus. “I’ve been thinking maybe it is timefor you to tell your mother what’s been going on.”

“Noway,” Why the hell would he even suggest such a horrible thing? My mother wouldgo berserk.

“Andwhy not?” Death’s red eyes were staring at me in puzzlement. “Your motherdeserves to know.”

“Ifshe replaces out, she’ll pull me out of the academy and make me return home. Thelast thing I want to do is bring my mother into all of this!”

Deathopened his mouth, about to reply, when he was interrupted by a knock at thedoor. “Come in,” he said.

Theold lady at the desk appeared, her eyes looking between us wearily. “I’m sorryto interrupt you sir, but you’ve got a very important phone call.”

“I’llbe right there,” he answered. Death pointed a warning finger at me. “I’m justgoing to be in there so don’t try to go anywhere. We’re not finished.” WhenDeath’s back was turned, I stuck my tongue out at him. When the door closed behindhim, I started scanning his office, mostly out of boredom. The walls were adark panel wood, with awards hanging proudly nailed to the walls, while thefloors were made of dark, red carpet. I grimaced. Who knows how many times they’vehad to vacuum in here? Surely that has to suck. There was a huge window behindhis desk overlooking the courtyard, and as I stood up to peer outside, I couldsee some familiar faces as they chatted with their friends, while othershurried on to class. Suddenly I felt sad. How nice it must be to not have toworry about anything?

Isighed, and was about to sit back down when I noticed in the left hand cornerof his office, a black trash bag. I couldn’t help but suspect that that was thebag with all of Alex’s discarded paper balls. His secretive drawings that nobody– except Death himself – knows about. I turned around and looked at the closeddoor. The coast was still clear. I rushed across the room, peeking over myshoulder every now and again. When I made it to the black bag, I dropped to myknees and started untying it. When it was finally opened, I pulled out one ofthe million paper balls and unrumpled it.

Inthat moment my heart stopped. I was completely stunned at what I was lookingat. Because on the paper was a very a good drawing of me. I put a hand over myheart, for it was starting to hurt a little. That’s why Alex was proveninnocent. Because why would Alex draw a picture of me multiple times and try tohurt me? The way he saw me – I looked beautiful.

“Hehas an amazing talent, doesn’t he?”

Isqueaked, and turned around to see Death staring at me, his eyes inquisitive. Inarrowed my eyes at him. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Oh,not long.” He walked towards me to peer over my shoulder. “The way he draws you– it’s like you’re a goddess – one that he seems to worship. Were you everaware that while he watched you, he also sketched you?”

Iblushed. “Um…no. I didn’t even think he liked me at that time.”

“It’sobvious he’s smitten by you. He’s a lot less aggressive towards others I’llgive him that.”

“Everyonealways makes him out to be the bad person, but he’s really not.”

“Iknow,” he answered. He took the picture from me, examining it closely. “That’swhy I’ve kept these drawings – to remind myself that Alex isn’t the one tryingto hurt you.”

“Whodo you think it is?” I asked. “You don’t really believe Abby…” I trailed offuncertainly.

“Ibelieve Abigail is a lot of things, but a murderer…no. She’s not one to get herhands dirty.”

“Butit has to be someone in the school. Someone that we’re not seeing.”

“Ormaybe there right in front of you.” My eyes widened at his words. Deathlaughed. “Don’t worry. It’s not me. I maybe Death, but I don’t kill withoutthere being a reason. And I work for noone. Whoever is trying to kill you is working very closely with him!”

“Ijust wish I could figure out who that is.”

“Andyou will,” Death said. “When the time comes.”

Friday evening the girlsand I went dress shopping. The boutique shop that we entered was full of so manygorgeous dresses; some sparkling under the chandeliers, while others appearedblend, but still pretty all the same. I was never really into poofy dresses asI sifted through them. I found them tacky. And they seemed kind of hard to walkin. I was scanning through a rack full of dresses, all of them different colorsand lengths as I searched for the perfect dress. I blew out a loud sigh and wasjust about to give up when I saw it. It was perfect. The dress that was madefor me. It was a long, slim, black dress, which was strapless, with a bust thatwas completely made out of silver sequins. Looking at it, I knew that mybreasts could fit in it. Hell, I probably wouldn’t even have to wear a bra! Ismiled as I picked it off the rack. I examined the price. To my amazement, itseemed reasonable. So I bought it, along with some black flats. I didn’t trustmyself in heels. I’m too much of klutz. I sat down on the velveteen bench andwaited around as my friends continued to shop.

In the end, Gabrielle bought a short black, straplessdress that had a lime green sash, with open toed shoes. I knew that if she wasto wear it right now, it would probably come to about her thighs. I was stillsurprised that she bought the dress – seeing as she was just as shy about herbody as I was – but I knew that it would look amazing on her either way.

Now Scarlett’s dress didn’t surprise me. It was a redslim, strapless dress that came to about her upper thighs, with a sweet heartneckline. She also bought black pumps to go with it. I had to admit, when shecame out wearing the dress, she looked absolutely sexy. No doubt, she’s goingto have a flock of guys following her all night at the ball.

Mia’s dress was gorgeous. It was a sky bluegoddess-like-dress, which was strapless. The bust – like mine – was completelymade out of silver sequins. When she wore it, it seemed to fit her bodyperfectly, bringing out her curves and slim figure. Her shoes were sandals,made of silver rhinestones. Me and the others laughed when Scarlett got on herknees, bowing continually, until Mia escaped to the changing rooms.

Alicia’s dress was a lavender, floor length ball gown,with a sweet heart neckline, which was strapless, and tulle appliques. She also wore silver, open toed shoes thatseemed to sparkle when the lights hit them. Needless to say she lookedbeautiful and I knew Jordan was going to piss his pants when he saw her.

Jennifer’s dress was just as pretty. Her dress was ashiny, long orange chiffon dress. It had a sweet heart neckline, with sparklingbeads scattered all around the bust, with a slit going down her left leg. Shewore white stiletto heels – heels that look like they could break a man’s back.

It was a little past six when we left the boutique shop.I had my dress draped over my shoulder as we made our way back to the academy.Our voices filled the desolate streets as we talked animatedly about the ball.Jordan said I wasn’t like most girls, but in this moment, as we laughed andcarried on, I definitely felt like one.

Saturday evening I decidedto visit Mr. Grey’s office. Most teachers tend to hang around their officesover weekends, seeing as they didn’t have much to do around the school year.Usually it was because they had overdue paper work that needed finishing or –in my case – help a student when their having trouble with a certainassignment. I knocked on the door, stood patiently, waiting for him to answer.When he didn’t, I checked the doorknob to see if it was unlocked; I let thedoor swing open, revealing a dark and empty office. Huh. I wonder where he is.I turned on the light and closed the door behind me. I took a seat at one ofthe two chairs that stood in front of his desk, and waited.

After thirty minutes went by – and I reread the samequestions on my homework over and over again – I became nosy and startedlooking around on Mr. Grey’s desk. There really wasn’t much besides pictures ofJordan and Morgan. Not to mention, the never ending paperwork that sat on theedge of his desk. Curious, I picked it up to read it, just to see what it wasabout when a picture fell on my lap. I was bemused as I picked it up andexamined it.

I gaped at the image before me. What the hell was this?

In the picture, there were two people seated on a whiteporch. In it was my mother holding a baby wrapped in a pink blanket with a mansitting beside her, his arms wrapped tenderly around both of them. I examinedthe man. He was very handsome, with long, silver hair blowing in the wind. Hehad brown eyes that seemed to remind me of mine. I felt my heart pulsating inmy chest as I continued to look at the man in the picture. Oh my God. This wasmy father! The baby in the pink blanket had to be me.

I started hyperventilating. After all this time, I havefinally found a picture of my father. But why did Mr. Grey have it?

Just then the door opened, revealing a very tired lookingMr. Grey. He stopped in his tracks when he saw me seated in one of the chairs,holding the picture of my family in my hand.

“Spencer,” Mr. Grey said. He sounded surprised to see me.“What are you doing here?”

I didn’t answer. Instead I held the picture out to him,my eyes filled with angry tears. “What is this?”

He sighed. “You weren’t supposed to see that.”

“And why not?” I demanded.

“Because it’s not easy to explain. The truth is notsimple.”

“What truth? I don’t even know what you are talkingabout! How did you come across this picture?”

“You’re father sent it to me.” Mr. Grey said, stiffly.

“Why? Because you guys were that close of friends!” Iscoffed.

“No,” he said. And then what he said next was completelyshocking that it left me speechless. “It’s because I’m your uncle.”