7.14 – Nice talk

James’ POV

I leaned against the wall beside the principal’s office as I waited for Aliska and Mariposa to come out.

They placed me in front of the door and told me to stand guard before they went in. They said they just needed to grab a few things.

These last few days have been….

Ever since the train thing…

It freaked me out. Both girls really freaked me out, but when we got back everything went back to normal and…

I can’t find the words to describe it. I remember seeing the train accident on the news before someone changed channels. The driver had been injured, but no one had died. Boy had that been a relief. They apparently blamed the accident on the driver. They said he fell asleep on the job.

I know mom said not to abuse my power, but I haven’t really been abusing it. Abusing it would mean always using it for dumb little things. I doubt saving my sister is a dumb little thing.

Maybe the fact I haven’t told mom of anything that’s happened should be a sign that I’m doing something wrong.

But it feels so…good! For lack of a better word. It’s hard to explain, but I have a power that only five others in the world have. I can make teachers postpone tests, make people forget things, make people say words I want to say, I can make people move and I can make trains derail. So much power, with just my mind…It’s too bad Alec doesn’t have it yet. I’d love to discuss it with someone.

Yeah I have mom, but it’s really not the same. She’s used her power about three times, she wouldn’t understand how it is. The proud feeling I get as I see the results.

I wonder if it’s the same for the other three…

“Well lookie here, doesn’t that person look familiar?” Joshua’s voice made me look up.

“Him? Looks more like a stranger than anything else.” Jamie joined in Joshua’s play. I rolled my eyes at them. It’s true I haven’t seen that much of them lately, I guess they have the right to be like that.

The principal’s office door opened and Mariposa and my sister came out.

“We’re done.” Mariposa said to me. The smile she had on her face disappeared as she saw Joshua and Jamie. She looked Jamie up and down before locking eyes with her. I keep forgetting they never actually met or anything. I don’t usually hang out with the three together, it’s one or the other two.

“What were you guys doing in there?” Jamie suddenly demanded to know.

“Nothing that concerns you.” Mariposa replied with a calm smile. Why do I get the feeling these two aren’t going to get along?

“Oh it doesn’t? I’m pretty sure the principal is at a meeting, so what business could you possibly have in an empty office?” Jamie pushed again.

“I told you it’s none of your business brat.” Mariposa snapped.

Aliska let out a small chuckle at Jamie’s surprised face.

Shocked at Mariposa’s insult, I grabbed her arm as a warning. Sure she’s my girlfriend, but it doesn’t mean she should go around insulting my best friends.

Jamie looked like she was about to burst in anger, but Joshua grabbed her shoulder and she got the message.

Instead she turned around and left without a word.

I stepped forwards with the intention to go after her and apologize on Mariposa’s behalf, but instead, for some reason, I stayed where I was and just watched her go.

Angrier than I’d ever seen him before, Joshua stepped forwards and slapped the top of my head.

“That noggin of your needs cleaning up.” He muttered through gritted teeth.

“Come see us when you’re back to your old self.” He said, before turning around to follow Jamie.

I’ve never seen Joshua like this before.

What exactly did I do wrong?

***

I was searching for some books in the library when I got ambushed – yeah ambushed – by the twins, Nix and Alec.

“Finally! There you are! We couldn’t find you in any of your usual spots.” Nix said.

“We are on a top secret mission.” Alec declared proudly, before adding in a little more carefree tone, “Joshua sent us.”

I let out a sigh. So what, now we’re playing owl?

“He said, and I quote, ‘That stupid jerk has a screw in his brain. Can you go take it out?’. I was kind of confused at first, but now I see exactly what he means! I mean, that hair man, what’s with the hair? If you wanted to change it you should’ve cut it.” Alec exclaimed.

I gave him an unpleased face. I really didn’t need to deal with this right now. I have studying to do.

Nix shoved Alec to the side.

“That’s not why we came here! But yeah the hair, James, the hair.” She said. I rolled my eyes, could they let the topic of my hair go already?

“Anywho, we need to commence a mental examination. It is weird that we haven’t been seeing you much these days. Too busy with your girlfriend?”

‘I’m fine.’ I signed at them, hoping they’d leave me alone. I love them, but not when they’re here on a mission from Joshua.

“Oh come on man. If Joshua, of all people, sent us to talk some sense into you there has to be a reason. Talk dude.” Alec insisted.

‘Nothing. I have studying to do. Please go away.’ I signed at them impatiently.

“Yeah like that attitude is going to make us go away.” Alec said.

“We’re siblings James, if something went wrong you can tell us you know.” Nix said. What is it with them? There’s nothing wrong with me. Joshua is putting stuff in their heads.

If anything there’s something wrong with Aliska. They should go see her not me.

“Just tell us what you did to piss him off and we’ll leave.” Alec kept pushing. My patience was reaching its limit.

And then I thought of a great thing to get the message across.

A girl walked over and leaned on the table.

“I think it’s time you guys left.” She said casually.

“Hey, whoever you are, buzz off, this is a private conversation.” Alec snapped at her. Her demeanor didn’t change.

“No, you buzz off. I have as much right to be in this conversation as you do.” She said as a smirk tried to crawl up my face.

Nix eyes locked with mine and she gave me a sad look.

“I think he’s controlling her Alec.” Nix whispered to Alec. His expression changed to one of surprise as he looked at me.

I tried to keep my face as impassive as possible.

“You would really…” Alec asked in disbelief, the same sadness in his eyes. They didn’t need to make such a big deal out of it. “He’s rubbing it in my face.” He said trying to go back to his usual mood.

“He obviously doesn’t want to talk to us, come on.” Nix said, dragging Alec away with her.

“Nice talk bro.” Alec said, giving me the most obviously fake smile he could, with the added bonus of a middle finger.

***

I’m starting to get worried. There really must be something I did wrong if Joshua, Jamie, Alec and Nix are all pissed. I admit I was pretty harsh with Nix and Alec. Still they thought there was something wrong beforehand.

Is it all because I’m not spending enough time with my friends? Is that why everyone thinks something’s wrong? Because I’m spending more time with Mariposa? That’s pretty selfish.

“Hey James, you know summer vacation is coming soon.” Mariposa began, tapping my nose to get my attention. “Mom and I are going overseas for a few days, I was wondering if you’d like to come with us.”

I turned around to face her in surprise. That meant meeting her mom.

“If you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking, then yes. I’d like you to meet my mom.” She said smilng.

I looked away in hesitation. Overseas? That’s kind of far…and meeting her mom, doesn’t that mean our relationship just got more serious?

“Oh come on it’ll be really fun.” Mariposa said, sensing my hesitation. “And we’ll only be there for a few days. It’s not like we’ll be gone for the whole summer.”

“So, what do you think?” Mariposa asked after giving me a kiss.

It was certainly something worth considering.

Next up, asking mom and dad to let me go.

And so I consider this to be the end of Arc 2! Next chapter will be a short intermission  and then we’ll start Arc 3. I’m still writing all the arcs, so I have absolutely no idea how many there will be in total XD