After the Storm

Cheryllynn Dyess

Copyright © 2019 by Cheryllynn Dyess

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Cover created by Cybele Digital Services

Graphics used:

Photo by Ravven

Photo by Marina Mazur on Unsplash

Photo by Josep Castells on Unsplash

For all those who carry their demons with them inside, there is hope of defeating them!

Contents

Foreword

Untitled

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Epilogue

Afterword

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Also by Cheryllynn Dyess

Note from author

Foreword

After the Storm was written as a type of biography to illustrate how I overcame all the demons in my past. While today, I still work to overcome some… know that there is hope that it can be done. Happiness and peace are attainable. I can only hope my stories inspire others to do find the peace they deserve for themselves.

Book Blurb:

Bec was never far from trouble, usually she was the one starting it. All her life she struggled with abuser after abuser until she found herself among others like her and together two of them decided to make a change. Teens with special abilities found alliances in the least likely place, a mental hospital, where they decided to change their future and determine their own fate. Bec’s decision was to get out and get even. She could make her demons suffer from the damage they caused, or she could let them continue to destroy her. She chose the former.

Warning:

There are trigger topics mentioned in this story such as child abuse, domestic abuse, and sexual assault. The mentions do NOT go into any gory details or recount the exact abuse—bare minimal mentions to make the storyline flow.

Prologue

It was her tenth birthday party.  Balloons lined the fence, party hats sat in front of the chairs where each child would sit along with brightly colored paper tablecloths that covered the table where the large unicorn cake sat in the middle but there were no children, as least not anymore. The birthday girl sat on the porch crying. Her long mousy brown hair hanging down around her face as she leaned forward in what she thought was the worst day of her young life.

Less than an hour ago, the yard was filled with kids' laughter and presents stacked high on the table near the colorful cake. Rebecca’s face was glowing with joy. Her eyes twinkled with happiness as she played with her friends when suddenly her mother rushed into the yard and yelled, “Everyone leave. This party’s over! Get out! Now!” Mothers rushed to get their children and say their goodbyes to the birthday girl if they could get close enough to her.

Grabbing the child by her shirt, Rebecca’s mom twisted her fist in the shiny material as she lifted the child off the ground. Yelling down at the child as their guests scrambled to get out of the way, “How dare you ruin it for me! He was a good man! And all because you had to be born, he left.”

One mother, who was last to gather her things, looked over at the child with sad eyes. Walking up to Monica, she laid a hand on her shoulder, “Don’t you think you should take a breather first? You can’t seriously think it’s the child’s fault she is here. Who’d want a man who didn’t love their kid?”

Monica, enraged, pushed the woman back, “You don’t tell me how to raise my child. She is a burden. An inconvenience and I should’ve aborted her when I had the chance.”

Rebecca dangled under her mother’s grasp, crying and broken, “Mommy please. I’m sorry. I’ll be better. I promise.” Her tear-stained face reddened with emotion as she was once again reminded of how unwanted she was. Her breaths started to become short and raspy as her mother’s grasp tightened around the neck of the shirt. Looking toward her friend’s mother, her eyes begging for help from anyone began to roll back in her head.

“But your daughter? Have you been drinking? Just let me help her.” The woman tried to reach a hand out toward Rebecca.

Pushing her away again with her free hand, Monica tossed the child aside into the yard. Turning towards the woman, she growled, “Get out of my yard. I don’t need help with her! She is pathetic and no one wants her here.” Pointing her finger at the woman she stepped closer, the woman grabbed her own child in fear of retribution for her trying to help and ran out of the yard.

Turning around, Monica searched the yard for her child. The child she felt was a burden to her. Walking around the entire yard, she began lifting table clothes to peek under the tables and looking behind and under bushes in the yard. The child was gone. She sighed, and spoke to herself out loud, “Good riddance.”

Rebecca was in her usual hiding place, on the roof. Her mother never looked there. As small and light as she is, the young girl could easily climb up the side of the house where the gutter drain was attached. Sitting on the roof with her knees pulled in close, she listened and watched as her mother searched for her and damned her existence. As her mother walked inside, Rebecca heard her throwing things around while cursing and yelling at her. She couldn’t understand what she had done wrong. She listened to all the rules and did her very best... but it was never enough for Monica.

A soft breeze ran across her skin. The leaves in the gutter started to rustle just enough to show something shiny laying in the gutter. Crawling on her hands and knees, Rebecca stretched as far as she could to reach it but alas, she wasn’t able. Inching forward, the small girl pushed out her hand with tiny fingers in what anyone would call a fools chance to reach the shiny object. Only this time the object shook under the leaves. Rebecca jerked her hand back and watched carefully as the object quit moving. Not fully understanding what was happening, she pushed her arm out again with her hand out and mentally willed the object to be within reach. This attempt was rewarded with the object flying into her hand as her fingers wrapped around it. Turning her hand over, slowly she opened her tight little fist one finger at a time. In her palm sat a shiny quarter. A quarter she couldn’t reach but came to her.

Her tenth birthday was the day her life changed forever. Soon, the young girl mastered this new gift and never shared it with a soul.

Chapter 1

“Seven,” the young woman bit on her nails as she looked out blankly into the room, “I believe I was seven. Could be younger, but really can’t say for sure.”

“Want to tell me what you do remember?” Asked the nasally woman sitting across from her.  Today the doctor wore a bold dress suit that is deep red, cut high in the front and went past her knees. She was always very conservative with her wardrobe since she dealt with a wide range of patients. She wanted them all to feel comfortable. She had taken off her jacket before Rebecca came in for her appointment. Bec, as she liked to be called, was claustrophobic on top of the other myriad of issues she was forced to come see the good doctor for and felt like she was being choked by her wearing her jackets.

Bec was silent while she scanned the room. This is what she did when she remembered but was hesitant to talk. Her memories had come back little by little over the last few years, but some memories haunted her every day, like this one. “I remember living in a small two-bedroom trailer. To me it was great, but I was just a kid and what the hell did I know. Looking back now, it was run down. I had my own room and that was fun. I had friends there too.”

Georgia Wilson was a wise woman and her experience with Bec had taught her not to push, so she said nothing while she looked on. Bec was debating on whether to give the details of one of the main events that started her life of horror or whether to avoid them again. Georgia had been seeing Bec for over a year now and this was the pattern. A few words spoken here and there and then Bec would shut down or start playing with things.  “Bec, can you put that down now? You know it's fragile and always makes me nervous when you do that.”

Bec smiled a devious smile as she looked at the good doctor from her lounging position. Looking back at the glass dragon figurine, she gave a mental push to swirl it in the air before lightly landing it in its original spot on the bookshelf. “You know I like to play with it. I don’t know why you’d think I’d ever hurt it.”

“Well, not that you are my first telekinetic patient, but you are the first to play with my figurines. Usually the other patients would break things, guess I have to work on that.”

“Look doc,” Bec said as she turned towards the doctor. Now with her feet firmly planted on the ground in front of her, “trust goes both ways. How can I trust you if you can’t trust me?” Her devious smile had faded, and she now looked like the terrified sixteen-year-old she was.

Putting her pen down on her notepad and placing them both on the table next to her, the doctor sighed. “You’re right. I actually do trust you, but I am concerned that you’ve yet to tell me more about what happened. I can’t help you if I don’t know.”

Bec stood and moved to the window faster than any normal human could possibly move, but then again there was nothing normal about her. Two fingers made an opening in the blinds, allowing her to stare out into the bright sunlight. “Is my time almost up? I’m bored and I want to go outside.” She turned to the doctor, “they said I could go today if you tell them I was good in here.” Her voice was now pleading with the doctor.

“Give me something to report, then Bec. Tell me about that day.”

Taking her time, Bec moved at normal human speed to sit back down in the large round chair. The overstuffed cushions and wild butterfly patterns on the material made Bec comfortable, so she curled her feet under her, took a deep breath and began, “I remember my mom was at work. My stepdad was there with his friend. It’s the first time I remember him touching me, everywhere. He told me to open my mouth and… did things,” the shame and fear began to well up in her but she quickly tamped it down. She had to tell this part of her story at least as much as possible without going into an anxiety attack. She needed to go outside. She continued slowly, “he shared me with his friend who did a lot of the same things. Then they both told me that this is what daddy’s and little girls did but mommy’s couldn’t know, cause it was their special secret.” Bec swallowed hard, “that was the moment I knew I’d never be the same.”

The doctor just sat there silently. She knew Bec had just revealed one of her darkest memories, but they were definitely not the earliest. Bec had blocked out a lot of her memories from growing up having endured sexual, physical, and mental abuse all of her life. She had grown up watching her mom do drugs, drink heavily and always think of her last. She was an inconvenience to her mother and her mom had reminded her of that every day, all the way up to the day she admitted her to the mental hospital where she now resided in. Bec’s mom told the intake nurse that Bec was a danger to herself and others and needed help. It was her fifteenth birthday when she arrived and even though Bec was scared and felt alone; she was safer there than anywhere else in all her short life. Bec’s story told a much different version of what was really going on. Sadly, this was too common an occurrence.

Georgia Wilson would recommend Bec be able to go outside that day after a year of being held indoors but would she also come to regret that recommendation.

Bec gleamed when the nurse unlocked the door to let her go out into the yard. Barbed wire fencing enclosed the small area, but at first Bec didn’t care. She stood in the sun with her face towards the great star soaking in all she could. It was April and the sun was warming up the small town in Texas, getting it ready for another blistering summer. She didn’t pay attention to the other teenagers in the yard with her, not at first. She only cared that she had the sun on her skin again.

Across the yard, sitting at a metal picnic table was Kyle. He was a fiery young man whose temper landed him in the hospital. This was his second day in the sun. He watched Bec as she came out of the hospital and spread her arms, leaning her head back to let the sun ravage her body. As he looked at her, he could see easily she was in very good shape and had some personality to go with that smoking hot body. “Those clothes do you no justice,” he whispered to her.

Suddenly, her eyes were thrown open as she looked across the yard at the young man. She had heard him clearly as if he stood next to her, but he was at least 20 yards away. Always the cautious type, Bec scrunched her eyes to see him better and try to figure out what he was and what he could do.

“I’m a telepath. My name’s Kyle. And you are?”

She smiled. She wasn’t sure what it was about him, but she knew he was trouble and trouble she liked. Walking over to him slowly, she straddled the bench and faced him. “Neat trick, Kyle. Bec.” She held out her hand for him to shake. He looked at it hesitantly, glancing up at her a few times before shaking.

“Nice to meet ya, Bec. I think we’re going to be great friends.”

When he looked up at her, his grey eyes against his ebony skin popped out at her. She’d never seen such beautiful eyes before. His long dreadlocks were another story. “Don’t count on it,” Bec quipped before hopping up and taking off towards the fence. The guards stiffened as they watched the young girl go straight for the fence. Hands on their weapons, they waited her to make the fatal mistake of touching the fence. They gave no warnings here, but Bec already knew what her limits were. Today she just wanted to jog the perimeter, choosing a slow steady pace so the guards could see her. She needed to see their strengths and weaknesses. She was determined to find a way out; they just didn’t need to know that… ever.

Catching up quickly to her, Kyle fell into an easy pace with Bec. “Ya know you don’t have to be alone in here. It’s good to make friends.”

“I don’t need friends, Kyle. And I’m not fucking you!”

“Whoa, easy there. No one said anything about fucking. I’m talking about alliances.” He slowed his pace with the last word and came to a stop. This got Bec’s attention and she slowed down as she turned to look at him.

“What would an alliance with you get me?”

“Information. Help. And one day, a way out of here.”

“I’m listening.”

Chapter 2

Sitting on the hood of her ’65 Mustang, Bec took a long swig from the clear bottle and savored the burn as it went down. It’d been three years since she left the Gifted and Special Adolescence’s Hospital (GASAH). Today, she owned her own hair salon and was a bonafide businesswoman; it was the work she did on the side that made her the real money though and gave her the greatest satisfaction. Shop closed up five minutes ago and she never did a job without some liquid courage. Over the last five years, Kyle and Bec became great friends. He never lied to her about a thing and he showed her how to get her revenge and make a living doing it for others. She had one more devil that needed to die before she’d be at peace and he was in the wind, for now she’d deal with other people’s demons.

“Hey sexy. You ready for some afterhours fun?” Kyle shot a gleaming smile at her.

She loved his ebony skin, soft grey eyes and that genuine smile that never changed. She just wasn’t going to tell him that. He saved her that day in the yard at the hospital and she’d never forget that and every day since they’ve been out. They’ve worked closely to heal their invisible scars and helping others.

Kyle snapped his fingers in front of her eyes, “Hey, you in there?” He said teasingly.

She shook her head to clear the memories, “Yeah, sorry about that. Want some?” She pushed the bottle towards him.

“Nah, I’m good lil’ mama. I think you’re good too to be honest,” he tried to pull the bottle away but only received a glare in response. Holding both hands up in surrender, he spoke softly to her this time, “Bec, you don’t need that. It won’t make it go away.” Kyle knew her story, he’s the only one she ever completely confided in. But she knew his story as well, his was just as dark and just as frightening.

Sliding off the hood of her baby blue Mustang, Bec rounded the car and pulled open the driver’s door, “You coming. We’ve got work to do!”

Kyle could only smile and slide into the passenger side. He loved her Mustang as much as she did and even did some work on it for her. “You know you shouldn’t drive. Who are we working for tonight? Tricia?” As he asked, he pulled out the folder that sat between them and began thumbing through the papers, “Ahhh, Roberta. Oh, this guy is scum. Dayum he did that to her.”

The photos were of an older Asian woman with bruises all over her face and her teenage daughter with a cast on her arm, also covered in bruises. Bec glanced at the papers and photos quickly then set her eyes back on the road, “Yup I’m driving, didn’t drink that much. I’m good. And yes, Roberta sent me those. The lady is Nguyen and her daughter Sybil. Her brother did this to her. Her husband died and left them broke. The brother took her in two years ago and the abuse started shortly thereafter. They have no other family,” she spoke in facts with no emotion as she drove through the housing area in the city where Nguyen was said to live. “We can get her out. I’ve got a safe house for her… but first,” she shot a sly smile to Kyle, “we take care of the brother. He needs to know what it’s like to fight a woman who fights back.”

“Oh, I see. You got some stress and aggression to get out on someone, huh? Well, I could stand back and watch. I guess.” Kyle was always teasing Bec about her fighting. She swore she’d never let a man hurt her again and she honed her skills to make sure it hadn’t happened but he never let her go alone just in case. “One of these days, I won’t be able to just stand by and watch. You’re gonna need me, just wait and see.”

Bec stared at the road ahead of her as she clicked her blinker on, “This is the place. I’ll send the ladies out and then I’ll have a little talk with Ming. As for you,” she laid her hand lightly on his leg, “I’ll always need you.”

As soon as the car hit the driveway, Bec put the car in park and hopped out. The Mustang was left running just in case there was trouble but with Kyle standing next to it she never concerned herself with anyone messing with it or her no matter what neighborhood they were in. Bec was dressed in a midriff burgundy top with low waisted jeans and biker boots that were thigh high with a low heel. Her hands were adorned with several rings, her wrists covered in bracelets of all sorts, a few necklaces hung loosely around her neck, all garnish to her style that was topped off with a thin gold hooped nose ring and an onyx studded eyebrow piercing. When people saw her, they instantly thought trouble and she preferred it that way, at least this was her way of keeping people at bay. Her bright pink hair was enough contrast to the attire to make people look three times, instead of just twice.

She made it to the front door of the small home in four quick steps, Bec had to calm herself down in order to make sure she wasn’t moving too fast. She couldn’t take the chance on just anyone seeing her super speed. At the door, she noticed the house was in need of repair. The paint chipping on the exterior walls; the yard needed work, and there were cracks in some of the windows. She lifted her hand to knock on the door when it slung open. A short Asian man stood there talking in what she could only guess was Korean and apparently giving her hell. A flashback to when she confronted her mother’s second husband gave her pause. That man gave her nightmares as a child but as an adult, he was the one who ended up scared.

Looking blankly at the man she says calmly, “I have no clue what you just said, so let’s start this over. Good evening. I’m Bec and you are?”

The man eyed her curiously. He’d never seen a woman dressed or even look like her before. “Ming. What you want?”

“We need to have a talk.”

“I no know you. Go way.” Trying to shut the door on Bec only made her smile. She jammed her worn biker-style boot in the doorway, making the door bow from the pressure.

“I’m not done talking Ming. Let’s go inside,” she pushed the door open to find the room cluttered with mess and barely a place to sit.

“You leave. I say go way.” The man yelled at her, waving a finger in her face.

“Where’s Nguyen and Sybil?”

He stopped silent, frozen. His face scrunched up, “What you want with them?”

“Where are they?” She growled this time as she stepped closer to him. She towered over him easily by a good six inches, even though she was considered average for a woman.

Movement near the hall entrance caught her eye as the man turned and started berating someone in Korean. Bec could see a stack of magazines piled up near Ming, so with a flick of her wrist she sent the books tumbling over. The stack hit the man in the leg causing him to jump and go silent. He looked at Bec, then the books, then Bec again. She shrugged and smiled. Looking over the man, who was now bent over cursing at the books as he picked them up, she could see the two women peeping out at her. She motioned for them to come over. Hesitantly, they did as the two women held onto one another.

“No, you stay!” Ming straightened quickly and demanded of his sister and niece.

“No, they don’t,” Bec replied. “Go on outside. My friend is there and will help.” Her tone of voice went from abrupt to soft and kind and back again in an instant. “You,” she pointed to Ming, “and I need to talk.”

“I no talk you.”

Chuckling, Bec remarked, “Oh we’re gonna talk and you’ll listen… eventually.”

Once the two women were outside, Kyle sent a telepathic message they were safe. Bec turned to Ming, “You won’t hit them or any woman again. We clear?” She motioned between them.

“I do what I want. I a man.”

Bec used her super speed and was on top of the small man in a microsecond, held him up by his shirt and growled, “You will not!” She reared her left arm back, fist in tow and gave one good punch to the tiny man. Dropping him in the same instant only made him fall back harder than he would’ve from the hit alone.

He yelled out in pain and started babbling in Korean. Bec knew he was cursing her so she laughed, she didn’t care. He had both hands holding his nose that was spewing blood everywhere. His face and shirt were covered in the crimson liquid. “You broke my nose.”

“Be glad that is all I did. You don’t hit women. You don’t hit people you love,” she was in his face pointing down at him, “and you never look for them. If you do, I’ll come back and do so much worse. This,” she waved a finger up and down at him, “was too easy.”

As she started to leave, the man stood and started to come after her. Bec heard his loud approach and instantly turned on him. Holding her left hand in the air, the man gasped. “You see, I am a woman of many talents. You are a man of few.” She lifted the man in the air by his neck and began squeezing as she berated him for his behavior.

Struggling, the man scratched at his neck to remove the unseen hand. Legs kicking wildly, the man was near passing out. As Bec stepped closer to him, she growled, “Never again.” With a push of her arm the man slammed into the far wall and slid into a lump on the floor. Satisfied he wouldn’t get up the woman walked out calmly as if nothing had happened, locking the door behind her.

Once in the car, the woman turned to the two ladies in the backseat, “You’re safe now. I have a place you can go and he will never bother you again!”

Chapter 3

Bec saw Dr. Wilson every day at two no matter what, even on the weekends. “Don’t you take days off?” Bec questioned her one day. It was a Sunday and the sun was shining brightly, she wanted to be outdoors and not in here talking to her. It was late spring, and the sun warmed the air and everything it touched.

Dr. Wilson smiled as she jotted down notes of the conversation so far. Bec was in a good mood, playful even, Georgia had hoped her time outside was good and so far, it seemed to be working. “I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll take a day off when you don’t need to talk to me anymore. How’s that?”

Laughing, “I don’t need you now. Only the law seems to think I do.” Bec stared out the window again, “Funny how the law thinks they know what you need.”

“I think it’s better here for you then at home with your mom,” Georgia knew she was pushing Bec but in order for her to open up she felt she had too. It had been two months since Bec’s first time outside and she hadn’t really talked about anything since, nothing that mattered anyway.

Bec shot her a glance, turning towards the doctor she slowly walked up to her and knelt down in front of her, “I think out there I can take care of my problems instead of in here with you trying,” she tapped her temple, “to get in my head.” Bec snarled as she spoke. It wasn’t as good a day as the doctor thought.

“In your head is where the problems remain. In your head is the only place I can help,” the doctor talked calmly and with an even tone. She knew not to provoke Bec, that happened once before and the telekinetic teen destroyed a room along with everything in it. Two people ended up needing medical care after trying to subdue her. They never worked on her wing again.

Bec stared at the doctor as she stood. Her mind whirled with thoughts, dark thoughts and while she knew the doctor might be a little right… she also knew that getting revenge on the people who damaged her was also the right thing too. “Fine,” she snipped. Sitting in the large chair, staring at the ceiling she continued, “What do you want to know today?”

“Tell me about the dark,” Georgia replied softly. This was another tough topic for Bec and the doctor knew that asking might start a fight. What she didn’t expect was Bec’s response.

“I was three. I remember hiding under the bed when I heard him come home,” Bec tossed another figurine in the air with her abilities. She would let it fall slowly towards her and then push it quickly back up to the high ceiling. Bec did this over and over again as she continued with her story, “I remember the wooden screen door slamming. My mom yelling and running by my door. I’d quickly slide under the bed and watch him pass my doorway. Then I remember them fighting. My mom would try to fight back but never did so well. He’d always win.”

“I don’t think that is the story about the dark…”

“No, but it’s a memory, nonetheless. Figured any was better than none.”

Georgia put her notebook down on the table next to her and gently laid the pen atop of it. Uncrossing her legs, she leaned forward, “Was that story part of the reason or just a distraction?”

Bec smiled before glancing her way, “Clever doctor. You know it’s all part of the reasons I have my… issues!”

“Bec, I need you to open up more. You’ve been here over a year and the progress we are making is a bit slow. I want to be able to help more. Help me, help you.”

Bec grumbled under her breath, “Fine! You want to know about the dark, I’ll tell you. Every time my mother felt I was not getting along with one of her husbands I was thrown into a closet and locked in until I could play nice,” her voice was rising in anger. “I had this happen to me in front of friends, all my life. Locked away like some old pair of shoes no one wanted to see but couldn’t be thrown out.”

Georgia Wilson sat stunned for a moment at the revelation. This young girl had endured so much and sadly her mother played a huge role in that. No one defended her. No one stood up for her. No one tried to help her. Georgia decided right then that she would not only be her doctor but her defender. “What if I can make it so you don’t have to go back to her?”

Bec’s head turned towards the doctor quickly, “What are you saying?”

“You’ve been through so much. No one took care of you like they should’ve. What if I can make it so you can stay here till your eighteen and never have to go back home?”

The girls face darkened. Her eyes turned from an inviting shade of blue to nearly solid black. She didn’t know how to react to someone wanting to help her. All she heard was the doctor trying to keep her locked away. She thought back to the conversation with the young man in the fenced yard. He offered an alliance. Offered to help get her out of the hospital. Glancing from the doctor to the floor in front of her, Bec considered her options. If she played along with the doctor, she could work out something with Kyle. She wouldn’t stay here till she was eighteen, no way in hell. Her features softened as she looked towards the doctor one last time, “You think you can do that? Keep me safe in here?” The doctor nodded. “I’m sure there are some fancy words in those books to make that possible. Use them to make me sound disturbed and dangerous. But if you do that, then who’s to say that they’d ever let me out!” The young girl stood and walked towards the door, “our time is over today. I’m going outside.”

Georgia didn’t stop the troubled teen; she knew the girl needed time to consider everything. Bec rarely acted out in the moment. No, she was a thinker. She considered every option she could. There were those weak moments where Bec would throw a tantrum, but they were rare and that is what worried the doctor most.

Going to her office window, the doctor looked out at the fenced-in yard and watched Bec as she exited the building. Bec stood just inside the fenced area and looked back up at the window where Georgia stood. The doctor didn’t move; she had to stand her ground. Bec turned and began jogging the perimeter again. This was what she did every time she went out. Georgia couldn’t figure out what Bec was up to but knew it was nothing good. Bec was cunning and that worried her.

Kyle was outside again today and began jogging alongside Bec when she came in. Georgia wondered what they talked about, she knew the two together could be trouble for her and the hospital but also knew that together they could be good for each other. These thoughts tore at her as she watched their interactions time and time again. Since meeting Kyle, Bec was being more open but Georgia worried that the end result wasn’t worth it.

Bec and Kyle jogged along in a nice steady pace around the fenced yard’s perimeter. They would make a few rounds before ever speaking a word. Today, Bec spoke first, “She’s watching us again.”

“I know,” Kyle smiled as he quickened their pace.

“Do you think she means well for us?”

Kyle thought for a moment, “In her own way yes. But she’s not like the rest of us in here. There is nothing gifted about her. I don’t think she ever had a bad day in her life.”

Bec stopped abruptly, “She never had a bad day? Come on, no one has it that good.” Bec thought back to the day the doctor revealed what she could do and knew that keeping that secret that built trust with her. The teenager also knew that trust was essential for her to get what she wants.

Kyle bent over with his hands on his knees to catch his breath, “Maybe not but it’s hard for me to trust someone to understand what’s happened when they’ve never dealt with the issues I’ve dealt with.”

Bec glanced back up at the doctor, “Maybe not. Maybe I just want to believe someone wants to actually make a difference.” She shrugged and started jogging again.

“How do you keep going without ever running out of breath?” Kyle asked as he ran to catch up to her.

“Super speed and all, guess it just doesn’t affect me like that. I can run for hours and never get tired.”

“That can be handy. Anything else you can do that isn’t considered normal?” Kyle quickly glanced at the young woman before looking away.

“Telekinesis,” Bec answered flatly.

Kyle slowed to a stop again, causing Bec to turn and stop. “You mean you are fast as hell and can move things with your mind? I’m telepathic and some others in here,” he pointed vaguely at the building, “they can do stuff to. Together we could get out. You interested?”

Bec was interested but she was also ready for somewhere safe to call home, even if it was a hospital. She nodded at Kyle then started running again.

“I got a question for you.”

The girl stopped running and looked toward him, “yes.”

“If you’re telekinetic, why not just levitate yourself out?”

“Now, what would be the fun in that?” She winked at him and started to run again.

Chapter 4

Mealtime was always one of the loneliest times of the day for Bec while in the hospital. After about a month in her room, she was going stir crazy. The walls seemed to close in on her which only made her fear of closed-in spaces worse. Her room wasn’t small in any sense. There was a full-sized bed with a desk on the opposite wall and a basic rolling chair for her to use. A small loveseat sat on the farthest wall opposite a small bathroom with a standing shower. After a month inside confined to the space… anything would be too small.

Bec was a person who had a lot of energy, making this enclosure seem even worse. She would run laps around her room to burn off her excess energy. Dr. Wilson watched the young woman for weeks on the monitor before she introduced herself.

When the orderlies would come to deliver her meal, she silently begged for their company, she wouldn’t dare tell them she needed it, that would be showing weakness. Weakness is something she couldn’t show anyone. Her fifth week in there was a soft knock on the door. Bec stopped moving suddenly, turning her head as if to hear the noise better. At first, she didn’t realize it was someone knocking. The orderlies never knocked. They’d open the door and announce their entrance. Bec had gotten use to that pattern of behaviors. No one ever knocked… not until now.

On the other side of the door Bec could hear a woman’s voice, “Rebecca. May I come in?”

Bec walked up to the door slowly to listen more closely and then stepped back before turning to sit on her bed. She looked at the door, held her right hand up and made a twisting gesture. The doorknob turned and slid open. Standing in the doorway, Georgia Wilson, a woman in her mid-forties with long blonde hair, pulled over to one side, and brown eyes that were a light honey hue. Her red-rimmed glasses were a stark contrast to her light-colored hair. Bec looked over every detail of the woman before raising a brow, “Who are you?”

“My name is Georgia Wilson. I’m the resident psychiatrist. May I come in?” Georgia knew from experience that she should never breech the area a person felt was their safety. In this hospital, for every patient, that was the sanctity of their room. Bec only glanced at the loveseat. She wouldn’t speak again unless absolutely necessary. Georgia entered the room slowly and took a seat on the worn piece of furniture the young woman gestured towards.

“Rebecca. I’d like to talk with you about what’s happening.” Bec only stared at her blankly. Georgia swallowed slowly, “Okay then,” she opened the file on the young woman and began reciting the details, “Name. Rebecca Anne Thomas. Age. Fifteen. Talents. Speed and Telekinesis. Interesting blend,” she looked up at the girl who watched her to see if there was any reaction.

“Alright, well, it also says that your mother placed you hear for help with acting out.” Bec snickered. Acting out was the nice way of saying she got into a lot of fights and caused trouble for her mom. She was a burden to her mother and her mother finally found a way to get Bec out of her hair. Bec looked at the desk. With her mind she picked up a wooden ball and started to play with it in the air.

Georgia watched Bec as she played with the wooden ball. Taking time to notice the girls piercings and colorful hair. She jotted down a note that the young woman would be in need of a color touch up soon as her roots were showing badly. The doctor could tell the young woman took pride in how she looked and thought that could be a way to bond and build trust. Her unique style not in consideration, the girl kept herself very well groomed. “I see. Well,” she closed the file, “I’d like to hear your side of things. Will you talk with me?” She laid the file in her lap. Bec never looked her way again. The doctor tried for an hour to get the girl to talk to her, finally giving up she stood and walked toward the door. With one hand on the door, the doctor looked back at Bec, “I want to help you. I want to get you out of this room. Starting tomorrow at two you will come see me, every day.” Georgia pulled the door closed and went to the next new patient.

Bec sat up on her bed, thought about what the doctor said. She was going to get out of this room and that could only mean the doctor would want her to talk about what’s happened to her. In her frustration, Bec threw the ball against the wall. The wall caved in where the ball now sat half in and half out of the sheetrock from the force of Bec’s power. The young woman fell back on her bed releasing a massive breath, then rolled over and didn’t move the rest of the day.

Lunch and dinner were delivered and picked up, untouched. The orderlies became concerned when the next morning her breakfast wasn’t touched either. Normally, Bec would clear her plate except for the yellow Jell-O. She didn’t care for that at all. When the breakfast was picked up, the orderly looked over at the young girl. He was a burly-looking man but had a soft spot for the kids in this place. He stood six foot two easily and was built like a linebacker. Clean shaven, he pulled his long straight black hair into a braid that reached past his hips. Bec always liked that he had long hair and kept it neat, she liked it when someone took care of their hair. To her, the hair was like a mirror to the soul of the person wearing it. Messy people tended to have messy hair, but the ones who had something to hide always had their hair perfect. This is how she judged people.

JoJo looked at Bec, “Come on now. You have to eat. How can you keep up your energy for all that running if you don’t eat?” His deep voice rumbled across the room as it echoed against the walls. He stood near the door just in case she decided to throw something his way. She did that the first time he tried to talk to her. It took time, but he was able to build a comfortable level of a relationship with her over the last few weeks and didn’t want to push her. Bec never offered much conversation but what little she did was precious and JoJo had no intention of putting that on rocky ground. The orderly knew what the kids could do and what most of them had been through. Bec, though, was a mystery. No one knew to what extent her damage was… they only knew the mom said she was a danger to people.

Bec rolled over and stared up at the ceiling, “That woman… can I trust her?”

JoJo was just about to shut the door with he heard her speak. He didn’t turn but replied softly, “Yes. She wants to help. She tries her best.”

“Do you trust her?”

“I do.”

“Thank you, JoJo.”

The large man didn’t respond. He knew that she didn’t require that. She was scared and had hoped he helped a little. When he went back to the nurses' station, he flipped on her room monitor. He didn’t see her on the bed anymore and hoped she was in the shower. He smiled just a little, thinking he made a positive impact on the troublesome girl's life.

Upstairs on the fourth floor, Georgia watched the interaction between the orderly and the young woman who refused to speak more than to ask who she was. Rebecca was a skittish girl who wasn't going to open up easily. Georgia read over the girls file time and time again before she was scheduled to see her. One question kept coming back to the doctor. What made this girl so troublesome? What happened to her that she rebelled against everyone and everything? This is what she had to discover or else she’d never be able to help the young girl heal. Healing is what Rebecca needed, even if she didn’t know it.

Chapter 5

Two weeks before her nineteenth birthday, Bec graduated from cosmetology school, passing the state exam easily. She walked out of school and went to the first salon she saw and applied for a job. She was hired instantly and became a valued employee who worked hard and never disappointed the customers. By the time she was twenty-one Bec was looking at opening her own shop, Doo You Styles.

For two weeks, Kyle would come to the future beauty shop and help Bec set up equipment. Bec was so nervous about things that she moved the setup around three times before finally settling on her original design. “You got this Bec. Calm your nerves hun,” he’d say as they worked tirelessly.

She’d shoot him a glance and smile, “Maybe.” She’d tease back at him. They’d been out of GASAH for three years and rarely did you see one without the other. Most people thought they were a couple but Bec would never take that step with him. She loved him and never wanted to take the chance of that getting ruined with sex or emotions more than she was willing to give. Kyle, on the other hand, craved to have that next step in a relationship with Bec but he knew not to push.

His love for her kept him close, closer than anyone else. Neither would admit how they felt to the other. Whenever Kyle would see Bec with another man, he’d just walk out and leave, never saying a word. Bec shrugged it off as being overprotective and never realized just how much the man loved her, wanted her.

At the end of the night, Kyle wiped his brow with a rag he shoved in his back pocket. “Tomorrow’s the day. You ready darlin’?” His eyes twinkled when he spoke to her.

Her hardened features softened when they were together. She smiled as she looked into the box she was going through of supplies. She nodded, “yeah, I am. I’ve had ads running all week and even had a few people call to make appointments already.”

“Really? You getting all the customers you had from the other place?”

“So far all the appointments are people who’ve seen me before.” She emptied the supply box and checked each station one last time before they locked up.

“Drinks?” He asked as she turned the key in the lock in the back door. The alley was dark with little light. He glanced around and considered how easy it would be for someone to try something back here. “We need more light back here. Let me talk to a guy and get you taken care of.” He nodded at her.

Shrugging, “I dare someone to try but yeah, I’m sure the other girls would appreciate it too.”

They walked towards his Old’s 442 quietly. Unlocking his door, he leaned over and unlocked hers from the inside. He never opened her door for her, he tried that once and got into a huge fight about how she wasn’t helpless, so he never did that again. Bec opened her door and slid into the dark brown leather seats. She loved to ride in Kyle’s car. It had some real muscle under the hood unlike most cars guys drove these days that were barely a V-6 worth mentioning. She never understood how a man could get a car and not want power. To her there was no other reason to drive.

Turning the key, the Old’s purred to life with a low rumble. Bec closed her eyes and leaned her head back on the headrest as Kyle pulled the car out of the parking spot and glided out onto the road. It was ten minutes to the local bar they liked to go to, The Dry Bottle. “Why did they give this place such a stupid name?” He asked.

“To get people to ask that question. It’s a good marketing tactic. Think about it,” she remarked as she pulled her head forward and looked over at him. The bar’s outside was rustic, and the interior matched perfectly. Wooden slatted walls, large wooden beams crossed the ceiling and the smell of smoke and bourbon embedded in them all from years of patronage. As they walked in, Bec nodded to the bartender who immediately knew what drinks to get ready for the two friends. They never swayed from their usual. Bec drank tequila and Kyle, vodka. Both walked straight up to the pool tables and chose an empty one.

“Rack ‘em and I’ll get the drinks,” Kyle called out to her as she looked over the sticks on the wall rack. She looked at him over her shoulder and nodded then turned her attention to the sticks once more. By the time Kyle returned, Bec had the table set and was getting ready to break. She leaned over the table just enough to get a good visual on the balls. Pulling back her stick, she focused on the cue ball and pushed the end of the stick into it. The cue ball crashed into the other balls causing them to break apart in every direction.

“Nice. Here ya go,” Kyle handed Bec her drink.

She sipped heavily from the tall glass. The bar tender quit giving them shot glasses about a year ago, so they always got a full glass of liquor to sip on. “Your turn,” Bec watched Kyle as he sipped his drink and lit a cigar. “Those are nasty!” She teased him.

“You think this is nasty? Nah, they taste amazing. It keeps me calm too. Here hold this,” Kyle handed his drink to her. Walking around the pool table, evaluating the best place to play from, Kyle chose a solid color ball as his target. He popped his head to the side quickly before he leaned down with the stick to take aim. His movement was fluid and exact as the solid ball found its way to the side pocket. He looked up at Bec and gave a playful wink, she rolled her eyes in response. He chuckled as he took three more shots before missing. “Your go,” he always looked at her deeply when he spoke.

Bec handed him his glass and took her turn. The two went around and round for hours playing pool until someone decided to intrude. A man in his forties and very drunk walked over, “You should let me play.” He slurred out. Bec looked at Kyle, he shook his head no but she smiled. He sent her a mental message, don’t. She, of course, ignored him. He knew this would only be trouble. She’d been drinking and itching to release some of her pent-up anger and nerves. This man had no idea what he was up against.

The man who stood nearly six inches taller than Bec smiled when she motioned for him to pick a pool stick. She never said a word; this was her way. The man, Robbie, was well built and had ice-blue eyes which was very attractive but the smell of alcohol rolling off him in waves was nauseating.

Kyle walked over the to bar, “Hey Trey. Here’s a hundred. Hold this. We might need it.” He nodded over towards the table.

“Man, Robbie should know better. He’s seen her in action,” the tall lanky bartender laughed. He knew the money was for any damage Bec caused. He’d seen her take down man after man over the last few years. She’d play fair until they would get handsy, then she released all hell on them. Robbie was a regular and had even made comments about never trying to take on that little devil, as he liked to call her. What got him going tonight was anyone’s guess!

Kyle slid up on a stool at the bar and watched. He knew Bec would be fine as long as the man didn’t touch her. Halfway through the game, Robbie challenged Bec by gently running his hand along hers as he walked by. Kyle watched. Bec froze. She glanced at Kyle then back to Robbie. “You shouldn’t do that.”

He leaned in close, “Why not? Don’t you find yourself attracted to me? I’m a good lookin’ guy.”

She turned her face away from him; he wreaked of alcohol and even she couldn’t handle that stench. “Robbie just don’t go there. Okay.”

This made the country man fume. He glanced at Kyle after she did and got the notion that the man in the dreadlocks was the reason he was getting nowhere. He stepped back from Bec and glared at her, “Its him isn’t it. He’s the reason. You prefer your men coal black don’t ya.”

Bec held her hand up to stop him from speaking, “You should stop now. You have no idea what you are talking about or insinuating.”

The next thing Robbie did, sealed his fate that night, reaching out and grabbing her by the elbow and jerking her into him. Bec looked up at him furious, letting her features soften she smiled deviously at him. With her free hand, she waved it in a circle and flicked her wrist towards the man. The cue ball rose up from the table and slammed into his jaw with a crushing blow.

Robbie let his grip on Bec loosen as he grasped at his jaw, “What the hell you little bitch!”

Bec leaned down into his ear. “I am not one to be toyed with. You never touch me. No. One. Touches. Me!” she growled each word for emphasis.

Kyle watched the interaction and just shrugged at Trey, “Guess that’ll be a tip for the night, no damage.” Sliding off his stool, he walked over to Bec, “You ready to go?”

“Yeah, I’m ready. My nights over now.” The two friends left side by side and went home for the night.

Chapter 6

Bec walked into the doctor’s elaborate office in silence. Silence was her defense to the world. If she didn’t open up, no one could hurt her. The office walls were lined with cherry wood bookcases built in with magnificently designed shelves. The only wall with no bookshelves was the large wall with a window looking out over the acreage the hospital owned behind the mammoth building, including the fenced yard. Taking her time, Bec walked the room taking in every detail. As she came upon the massive window she slowed, looking out and then down. A young man with long dreadlocks sat in the confined area alone, an ally she never knew she’d want nor need. She wondered how long he had been there. In that moment, the young man looked up at her and smiled, Bec didn’t respond.

Georgia Wilson watched the young woman enter silently and move about her office taking it in. She didn’t speak, didn’t move, only observed. She had spoken to several orderlies, including JoJo, and knew that Bec did things in her own time and at her own pace, there’d be no rushing this girl one bit. Sitting in the chair centered in the room, the doctor pretending not to notice the young woman in her office, as Georgia sat silently watching. Taking notes of each thing that the girl took special interest in, like the fenced yard below and her glass dragon figurine, would help her in the future.

After several moments, Bec sat in the oversized chair that she’d grow to enjoy and anticipate, looked over at the doctor and stared blankly. Georgia glanced up after several seconds and gave a little smile, dropped her pen on her notebook the doctor spoke, “Good afternoon Rebecca. I’m glad you came up to see me.”

Bec just stared.

Looking down at the words on her paper, she picked it up and held it out for the girl to take. Bec didn’t move so Georgia placed them back on her lap. “Do you have any questions for me?”

Bec sat in silence. This was their routine for three weeks before the young girl finally spoke up, “My name is Bec, not Rebecca. If you expect me to answer you, you should know that much at least.”

Georgia smiled at the break in silence. Some days, Georgia had even gone as far as filling out word puzzles while they both sat in silence. She knew that patience was key and she had a lot of patience. “Bec. Much less formal for sure. You can call me Dr. Wilson or Georgia. Whichever you prefer, as long as you are respectful. Agreed?”

Bec smiled. She anticipated the doctor’s tactics, but she was glad she had someone to talk to finally. Her room was lonely and there was so little interaction with anyone outside of the orderlies. Bec had even begun to wonder if she would remember how to talk. Fifteen is such a complicated age as it was but being locked up for nearly doing nothing was making it worse. She glanced at the window before cutting her eyes back at the woman across from her, “Do I get to go to school?”

Placing the notepad and pen down on the table aside her, she intertwined her fingers in her lap as she looked over at the child, “Soon. We need to make sure you’re not a danger to anyone, especially yourself.”

“Danger? If I was a danger, you’d know it by now. I’ve been stuck in my room more than two months. No fresh air. No school. No people my age. That alone is enough to make someone to cause trouble, don’t you think.” Bec’s tone was flat, nearly emotionless as she struggled to control her anger. She had been locked away from everyone and everything she knew because her mother didn’t want to deal with her and protect her... yet, she was the one being punished.

“Do you understand that all our... residents, are special like you?”

“What do you mean special?”

Georgia thought carefully about what words to choose next. She didn’t want to upset the young girl any more than she was already. “Well, I know that you are telekinetic and have super speed. Our other residents have similar... gifts.”

“Do you?”

“Actually, I do.”

“Well, what is it?”

Georgia’s eyes squinted just a little as her brows furrowed, her head tilted a little, “I’m not allowed to tell you that. I’m sorry.”

“Guess we are done for today then,” Bec stood and left the room. She was a defiant teen and had no intention giving more than she got. Immediately, she felt she couldn’t believe the doctor since she was hiding things from her. She took her time going back to her room, shadowed by an orderly who had just started working on her floor, Bec stopped at every window to look out and take in as much as possible. The orderly walked silently behind, never saying a word. Hands held in front of him, as if this was just another casual Sunday stroll.

Every few stops, Bec would look back at the man to see what he was doing. His expression never wavered and neither did the distance he kept. Later she’d learn that he was once a resident at this very hospital and had some unique gifts of his own, phasing. Bec didn’t say anything for the next three weeks, not to anyone.

Every morning, JoJo would come in delivering her breakfast and try to talk to her. She only looked at the wall. She still wasn’t in classes and the only person, other than the orderlies delivering her food, she had contact with was Dr. Georgia Wilson.

Nearly a month later, Georgia caved, “My gift is... well, it’s better if I show you.” Georgia stood, walking over to a shelf she picked up a box. Holding the box in her palm, showing it Bec, she tilted her head and stared. Slowly the box opened and turned inside out, then closed again. “I don’t know if there is a really good name for it, but there it is.”

Bec walked over and took the box from the doctor, turning it from side to side inspecting it. She nodded, a bit impressed, and handing the box back. “Does your file tell you what I can do?”

“Not really. I know from observing you, you can move things with your mind and move very quickly, but we talked about that already. Is there anything else?”

Bec smiled, the doctor knew she was testing her. “My superpower is being unwanted by everyone,” she nodded to the file, “you should write that part down.”

Georgia felt like a stab to heart when the words rolled out of the young girl's mouth so easily. Never should a child feel unwanted, especially by their parents. “You are wanted, Bec. I quite enjoy having you here.”

“When can I go to classes?”

Chapter 7

The salon was full of clients and staff on the rainy Monday when Bec got the call. The call that would change the course the young woman was on. Bec was private and a superb grudge holding woman and since leaving the hospital she had had no contact with her mother, that was three years ago. She was discharged from the hospital at eighteen, so legally she didn’t have to deal with her mom. Dr. Wilson made sure Bec had all the paperwork she’d need to get started in life as an adult with all the planning, her and Kyle never got out early.

As the salon noise continued between clients and stylists, Bec felt a little vibration in her pocket. She was at the counter between customers and mindlessly pulled out the phone. The caller ID was blocked. Usually she didn’t answer any call from a number she didn’t know, but something pulled at her to answer this one. With less than an hour before closing, Bec clicked the phone to accept the call. Bringing the phone up to her ear, she could hear the sobs of a woman. “Hello,” Bec spoke softly.

“Bec. It’s your Aunt Patty. It’s your mom honey, she’s gone,” the woman spoke with words broken between the sobs. Bec was barely able to make out what she was saying.

It had been more than five years since she last spoke to her mom and four since she last saw her. The young woman froze, not knowing how she should react to the news. She finally found her voice, “I’m sorry Aunt Patty,” for some reason curiosity got the best of her, “when and how?”

Patty, the older sister of the two, got a hold of herself and began spilling out the details of her mother’s death. “They had a fight. She got drunk and took some medication. She um, she had a reaction and her organs started shutting down. It all happened pretty quickly, really.”

Listening to every detail, Bec replied, “Was she in pain? In the end?”

“What?” Patty gasped, “why would you ask that. Well, never mind why. You two were so estranged I didn’t know if I should’ve even called to tell you.”

“You can’t get mad at me for that, Aunt Patty. But I’d like to know, she was still my mom after all.”

“Bec, she died in horrible pain, but you should know we are burying her Wednesday. It took me this long to find your number. Will you come? You can ride with me,” the woman’s voice softened with a hint of hope attached.

Bec looked back at the full salon, not really taking in anything, “No, I can’t do that. Thank you for letting me know Aunt Patty. Bye.” Bec clicked the phone icon to end the call, slipped the phone back in her pocket and turned to her staff and customers. “Ladies, drinks are on me!” Everyone cheered as Bec headed to the back room and popped open a bottle of tequila and a bottle of wine. She put a stack plastic cups in the crook of her arm as she pushed the door open with her butt and started passing them around.

Once everyone had gone and the shop was closed up, Kyle came in through the back. He tried to never come when it was full of women cause they liked to stare at him too much and made him very uncomfortable. “I hear you were passing out drinks tonight. What gives?”

“My shop. My rules.” Bec answered from across the room as she swept up the hair from the floor.

Kyle leaned up against the wall and chuckled. He watched his friend work silently for about ten minutes before saying anything, “You okay? You seem to be in another place.” His head was down, but he looked up at her through his long lashes. He never took his eyes off her. He noticed when she flinched and how she tried to play it off. He noticed how she avoided eye contact. Kyle decided that to get her to look his way he’d have to speak to her telepathically, you can tell me anything. You know that. What’s wrong?

She had her back to him at this point. Running a report from the cash register, she froze for the second time that day. She turned her head slightly down and to the left, “My aunt called me today.”

He scrunched his face, “Your aunt? Patricia?”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t even know they had your number.”

“Me either.”

He slowly made his way up to her, “What did she want?” His voice now laced with concern and worry.

Bec dropped her hands to the counter and sighed, “My mom is dead. She called to tell me.”

He didn’t move. He tried to read her and her reaction, but her body language wasn’t revealing anything. Bec’s mom was a touchy subject at any time but this news was so finite, so permanent. He reached for her shoulder gently, “You okay?” Bec began to sob. He pulled her into his embrace and held her tightly. He rubbed her back and kept whispering in her ear over and over, “I got you. Everything is going to be just fine. It’s over.”

Angry with herself for even caring, she pulled away and started hitting him on the chest. He knew it was only because she was upset. Bec wouldn’t get any closure for all her pain caused by a woman who should never have been her mom. He let her rage escape and then held her some more. Once her shoulders stopped shaking, he asked softly, “Do you want to go to the funeral?”

Bec straightened herself, wiping the tears from her face. Looking in every direction but into his eyes, she sniffled. “No. I’m not going. She doesn’t get that from me. I’ll be fine. We don’t speak of this ever again.” Her face hardened, “You got that? Understand?”

He gave a half a smile, wiped another tear from her cheek with a gentle touch before speaking, “I understand perfectly. So, wanna get some drinks?” That night they went to the Dry Bottle and closed it down.

Nearly three in the morning, Bec stumbled into their place and fell onto the couch. Kyle barely drank, letting his mourning friend drown out her emotions with the clear liquid she savored so much. He made sure she wasn’t bothered. Bec needed to make this finite and this was her way, he knew this and supported her every time.

Rolling off the couch, Bec woke to a thud as her head hit the floor hours later. Kyle stood over her laughing, “Morning beautiful,” he offered her a hand up but she swatted it away in play anger.

“Damn, how much did I drink?” She held her head with both hands as the room swayed around her.

“Nearly two bottles,” Kyle walked to the kitchen. Calling back to her, “You didn’t make it to your room last night, so I just covered you up on the couch. Come on and get a bite to eat. You need it.”

“Two bottles? Holy hell,” she stumbled into the kitchen and plopped into a chair. “Juice. I need juice,” she begged as he handed her some toast.

“You need more than juice... but here.”

Her phone rang from the den, making her get up and move to retrieve it. Blocked caller ID again. “Shit.” Kyle heard her curse from the other room.

“What is it?” He called out. Bec never answered but he could hear her talking from the other room.

Her voice was muffled until she started yelling, “God damn it, I said no. I’m a fucking adult and can make my own decisions. Quit fucking calling me!” Then Kyle heard something hit the wall.

He peeped around the corner slowly to see what was going on before stepping into the den fully, “You want to tell me why your thousand-dollar phone is sticking out of the wall?”

She turned on him, “I don’t have to explain myself to no one. Not you and damn sure not her!”

Chapter 8

The third time Bec saw Kyle outside in the fenced yard he wasn’t alone. Bec stopped still when she stepped out of the back door of the hospital and saw Kyle standing near another girl about their age. He leaned in close as they spoke. The orderly stood behind her silently as he watched her watch the young man across the encampment.

Being a former resident, Jack knew how important contacts were inside here and felt the pang when the young woman stared out. She needed that connection more than she knew and for some reason she was jealous. She hadn’t wanted him romantically, at least that is what she had told herself. He stepped up behind her silently, “You going on out?”

His voice was soft but so deep it vibrated in her chest. She glanced back up at him and smiled, “Yeah, I’m going.”

Jack nodded and took a step back. Bec turned towards him and noticed his hand seemed to shimmer. She threw him a questioning glance. He looked down, shook his hand, “We’re not so different. You and I.” He rarely said anything so when he did speak Bec was mesmerized.

“Is that your thing? You shimmer?” Bec asked, confused.

Rolling his eyes, he chuckled, “I don’t shimmer.”

“Looks like it to me!”

His shoulders rocked as he laughed, “I phase. I don’t shimmer.”

“I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

“I usually have it under control,” the man said flatly.

Bec took a small step towards him, “what has you out-of-control today?”

He chewed on the inside of his cheek, “You know this is the most I’ve ever heard you talk. Must be in a good mood today.” He deflected cleverly as the young woman got flustered. Bec turned and walked away, leaving him to watch with a smile plastered on his face.

There were a few pieces of trash on the ground just outside the fence that caught Bec’s attention. She slowed as she came up next to them, looked down and smiled. Her right hand rotated in a circle while her left hand, palm up, lifted up. The trash obeyed and levitated in the area; hovering waist high. Bec glanced at the trash bin located nearly ten feet away. Shaking her head, she pushed with her hands. An unseen force delivered the trash in an animated fashion. Bec smiled before walking over towards Kyle.

Kyle has watched the interaction between Bec and Jack. He looked towards Maria who still stood close, “What’s that about?”

“Bec got Jack worked up,” the young girl responded as she pushed off the fence and walked towards the girl walking up to them.

“I’m Maria, Bec. Good to meet you finally,” the young woman with caramel-colored skin and onyx colored eyes held out a hand to the girl with hot pink hair. Maria noticed how Bec’s hair looked freshly colored and wondered if the good doctor was doing favors for her new pet in order to get her to open up. Looking up at the window, the girl saw Georgia looking down at the three of them.

Bec just stared at the girl who stood eye to eye with her. She looked her up and down, sizing her up. Not saying a word, she took off on her daily run. Kyle shrugged, “I told you she wouldn’t speak. She runs. She doesn’t like to talk a lot. Come on.” He motioned for Maria to follow him as he caught up with Bec.

The three young teens ran for the next thirty minutes before they were called back into the building that was their captor. As they entered the door, Bec turned towards Maria, tapped her temple, and said, “stay out of here. I know what you can do. I felt your invasion. You’re not welcome there.”

Maria glanced at Kyle in concern then back to Bec. Nodding in response, the sixteen-year-old girl didn’t know what to think of the sudden threat. She scrunched her eyes and thought hard. Never before had anyone known she was in their mind. Maria wanted to know what made Bec different.

Kyle pulled Maria’s arm just as she tried to move towards Bec. Looking back at him, Kyle shook his head no, “Don’t.”

“Is she dangerous?”

“I don’t know, but I know her fuse is short. Let her get comfortable before you talk to her again.”

“How did she know? How was that possible?”

“How deep were you digging? She’s very guarded and you may have triggered something.”

“I couldn’t get very far, anyway. She’s all blocked off. Like she built an impenetrable wall that nothing can even climb over.”

“I wouldn’t try that again Maria. Neither of us know her that well.”

The three found themselves in each other’s company again every day for the next two months. Every day after Bec spoke with the doctor she was allowed to go outside and found the once empty fenced yard rather crowded for her tastes. By the end of the second month, Bec had opened up a little to Maria but not much. Maria tried everything but honored Bec’s demand to stay out of her mind.

Jack had stood guard each day Bec was outside since he came aboard. Kyle watched him closely. One day, while all three sat at the tables in the yard the boy motioned to Jack, “Y’all know his story, right?”

The girls looked at each then back to him, replying in unison, “No.”

“He was one of us not so long ago. I remember seeing him in the cafeteria.”

“Cafeteria?” Bec questioned.

“Yeah, you know the place we all go to eat our meals...,” Kyle replied.

“My meals? My meals get delivered to my room. I go to my room, the doctors, and out here... that’s it.”

Maria covered her mouth, “Oh that’s rough. Wow. What did you do that’s got them so scared to let you out?”

Bec cut her eyes at the girl across from her before hissing, “I didn’t do anything.”

With her hands up in a defensive surrender motion, Marie spoke softly, “I didn’t mean anything but usually only the ones who are seriously dangerous get shut up like that.”

“I can’t be too dangerous if they let me out here with y’all,” Bec quipped back. The girl stood and started her daily running routine.

Maria looked at Kyle, “What’s with the running?”

He watched Bec gain speed and slowly become a blur. He nodded, “That’s what’s up. She runs to burn off the energy and she has a lot of energy.”

Maria’s mouth fell open in awe as she watched the girl run faster and faster. She’d never seen anyone with such speed. Without taking her eyes of Bec, she leaned over and asked Kyle, “Think she can help us get out of here?”

He rubbed his top lip with his thumb and forefinger in thought, “That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out.”

Chapter 9

“Nan, how ya doing? Want your regular?” Bec asked her usually bubbly customer who seemed much quieter day. “Who’s your friend?” Bec noticed the even quieter woman who strolled in behind her regular customer. Nan, who’d been a customer of Bec’s since she graduated cosmetology school, sat still in the chair, and stared at Bec in the mirror. Bec could tell the woman was nervous, so she leaned in close and whispered, “It’s safe here.”

Nan looked down at her lap, she was holding her phone and had typed a message on the screen. Bec tilted her head so she could see the screen better: She needs help. Her ex-husband is after her and she’s scared. After reading the message, Bec looked at her client then to the woman in the lobby and back to Nan, nodding once to let her know they were both safe.

“Hey hun, what’s your name?” Bec called out the mousey woman sitting alone in the lobby.

The woman nearly squeaked when Bec called out to her, taking a few deep breaths the woman replied, “Jules.”

“Okay, Jules why don’t you come and sit back here in Charlie’s chair and let’s give you a little lift,” Bec winked at her.

“Oh no,” the woman waved her hand to signify she was okay, “I couldn’t dare.”

“Yes, you can, on the house. I insist,” Bec pointed with a comb to the chair she wanted her to take up residence in. Twisting to look over her shoulder at Charlie, she gave one nod and the woman understood the job before her.

Tall, slender, with long raven hair that currently carried emerald streaks, Charlie was a veteran of the business and one of Bec’s first employees. She was also very aware of Bec’s side business of helping women and children under the radar. Patting the back of her chair, Charlie called out to Jules, “Come on honey, I’ll be gentle,” giving her a little wink, “I promise you’ll love every minute of it.” Jules nervously twisted her hands around her purse handles as she walked by Nan. Nan reached out and touched her hand and nodded to her to go ahead.

An hour later both women, Nan and Jules, were getting their hair washed side-by-side. Jules glanced at her friend, “Thank you for this.”

Nan patted her friend, “I wouldn’t steer you wrong. She’s the best I know that can help.”

Charlie gave a quick glance to Bec, nodding to her customer than raising a brow. Bec shook her head. “Looks like you two are our last customers of the night. Why not let us give you a little extra treat? My surprise.”

Nan looked up at the woman washing her hair, “What ya go in mind Bec?”

“Oh, just a little somethin, somethin,” Bec smiled as she continued washing out the color from the woman’s hair. Turning the water off, Bec wrapped a towel around Nan’s head and helped her sit up. “Come on, let’s get you a new cut to go with this gorgeous new look.”

Nan watched in the mirror as Bec removed the towel and her, now plum colored hair, fell over her shoulders, “Oh I like that color Bec.” Nan was always one willing to try new shades and gave Bec creative control over her hair trusting completely in the woman.

Turning Nan so that Jules couldn’t see her, Bec asked as she combed through the woman’s hair, “Want to tell me what is going on?”

Looking into the mirror, Nan scowled, “Her ex-husband was abusive. She moved out two years ago and ran. She moved here and somehow he found her. She saw him last night watching her from across the street from her apartment. This guy is bad, Bec. He beat her really bad. She was pregnant when he beat her up last time. She lost it.”

Bec froze. She was a true advocate for helping women, but when a man harmed a child, it seemed to take her to a whole new level of angry. Trying to tone down her anger, Bec took several deep breaths. “Don’t leave here tonight. I need to get all his information, a photo of him and an idea of where he is.”

“Alright Bec. My station is all clean, see ya tomorrow. Ladies have a great evening,” called out the newest member of the salon, Wendy.

“Be safe out there Wen, see ya tomorrow,” Charlie replied back.

“See ya Wen. Be safe,” Bec waved her comb at her, “Hey, lock that door when you go. These are the last two tonight. Thanks.”

Nan looked at her friend in the mirror who was now looking at her, “Jules. Bec can help.”

Jules tensed up under Charlie's hands. Charlie noticed and rubbed one of her shoulders to let her know she was safe. “Jules, Bec here is the one person in the world I’d go to if I needed help. Believe me, when she is done with that ex of yours...he won’t bother another woman.”

Jules glanced between all the women, as Bec had turned Nan in her chair so she was now facing her friend. “Robbie. Well, Robert Anthony Holsmith,” she stuttered out nervously.

“Do you got a pic of him darlin,” Bec asked as she mentally repeated the man’s name so she wouldn’t forget.

“Yes,” Jules looked at her purse, “in my bag, on my phone.”

“Okay, once Charlie is done with your hair you can send it to me. Do you have any idea where he is?” Bec snipped at Nan’s hair as if they were having a normal everyday conversation.

“Outside and down the road. I saw him parked by the Dry Bottle when we drove in.”

Bec looked up at Charlie and smiled, “Call Kyle for me will ya Charlie. Tell him we are definitely going out tonight.”

An hour later the three friends sat at the back table of the Dry Bottle watching Robert toss back shots and chase them beers. Kyle looked at Bec’s phone to make sure this was the guy, nodding at Bec that he was definitely the one when he was confident there was no mistake.

Bec took two shots of Tequila then made her way to the pool table. Dressed in tight black leather pants and a halter, Bec’s knee-high boots clanked with each step. Picking out a pool stick, Bec racked the balls and nodded to Charlie to join her. She knew the bait for this guy was beautiful women, he just didn’t know how bad getting caught would be for him that night. As the game began, Charlie noticed that they had gotten Robbie’s attention, so both women took it up a notch until he couldn’t resist any longer and made his move.

“Ladies, how ‘bout I play the winner?” The blonde-haired blue-eyed man offered as both women smiled up at him.

“If you think you can handle a game with one of us, sure why not?” Bec teased him as she regarded him, she was wondered if he was related to Robbie.

He watched Charlie lean over the table to make her next shot, taking in her long legs and a very short skirt. Her black hair fell over her shoulders as she leaned forward and revealed an intricate back tattoo, “Oh now that is a piece of art!” He remarked as he admired the ink.

Charlie winked at Bec. Every move they made was intentional including him seeing her that sort of thing. Jules told them he had a thing for ink. So, when it was Bec’s turn to put the eight ball in, she motioned to the corner pocket and twisted her arm just enough that her forearm ink showed. The man leaned on the side of the table trying to decipher the ink that ran up the woman’s arm, “What does that say?”

“No man shall rule me,” Bec replied as the black ball hit its mark. “Looks like you get to play me, you ready?”

He smiled and nodded, “Oh yes. I got this game for sure.” His overconfidence cost him more than three hundred dollars over the next few hours, but that didn’t stop him from trying to touch Bec at the end of the night when the bar shut down.

“Don’t touch me, no one touches me,” Bec stood eye to eye with the man. “Not a good idea.”

She didn’t know if it was because he was drunk or cocky, but Robert grabbed her arm and pulled her into him. She bit her lip, knowing she needed to make sure he understood exactly why she was about to hurt him. “I can touch any woman I want, baby. We’re going back to my place for a while,” his words slurred as alcohol lurched from every pore.

“Are we?” Bec played along but held out a hand to stop Kyle from reacting. With a quick signal, she let Kyle know to follow her.

Robert and Bec drove back to his hotel room where Charlie was already there waiting. “Come on in,” the man slurred as he unlocked his room.

Freezing in the doorway, Robert was pushed in the rest of the way by Bec. The man looked at his room, where Charlie was already inside sitting casually watching television, then looked at Bec. “What the hell is going on? Why are you here? Oooohhh you want to get in on the fun?” The man’s cockiness drove the two women crazy, but they let him be as Bec locked the door.

“Oh, I’m here for the fun but not sure it's the same fun you’re thinking of,” Charlie teased as she rolled a lollipop around in her mouth and pulled it out quickly causing it to make a pop sound.

Thinking he was about to get the pleasure of two women’s company, Robert smiled and said as he made his way to the bed and started undressing, “Oh this is going to be great.”

Charlie stood at the edge of the bed and watched the eager man strip down to his boxers then plop on the bed. “Now, Bec?”

“Yep, he’s right where we want him.”

The women on either side of the bed walked to the head of the bed. Simultaneously, the women reached down and took one hand of Robert’s, pulling handcuffs from behind their backs they quickly latched the man’s arms to the posts on the headboard. Leaning in close to him, Bec smiled and ran a finger down his arm, “Don’t go anywhere. We have a surprise for you.”

The drunk man was clueless to what was going on and thought he was getting lucky. “Mmhmmm, you ladies are sure a treat for me,” he replied as the two women left the room. Ten minutes later, they could hear him yelling from inside the room. “Where the hell did you go. You can’t leave me in here.” The threats when on and on.

Bec and Charlie sat on the hood of Kyles car as he finished off his cigar. Flicking the remainder of the sweet-smelling smoke, Kyle glanced at the hotel room, “You ladies ready to have some fun.”

When Charlie came to work for Bec, she revealed that she also was a resident of GASAH, a mind reader. So, between the three of them they could put whispers in his mind, know what he was thinking and move things around to drive him crazy. By the time the three was done, Robbie was sobbing like a baby. He had wet himself on the bed and begged for death. Death never came, but the police did come when the hotel staff found him huddled in a corner of the room rocking back and forth lost in his own insanity.

Chapter 10

Eight months into her stent at the hospital Bec found herself in a conundrum. Dr. Wilson had offered her a safe haven from her mother but Bec was still confined to her room for twenty-two hours a day. Two hours out of the day Bec saw the doctor and got her fresh air. It wasn’t enough for Bec. She missed school and wanted to eat meals with other people.

It was a Tuesday when Dr. Wilson finally asked her, “Bec. You have to give me an answer. Do you want my help?”

Bec stood staring at one of the bookshelves where the glass dragon sat looking back at her. Never turning toward the doctor, Bec replied, “I’ve yet to be in school or eat a meal with anyone else. Why?”

Georgia, with a predictable behavior, sat her pen and paper down on the table next to her. “You haven’t made enough progress to earn that privilege.”

Bec turned towards her, “Earned. Privilege. I’m locked up,” she waved her arms around, “in here because my mom doesn’t want to deal with me anymore and I,” she patted her chest for emphasis, “have to prove myself. What the actual fuck!” She yelled out with her arms by her side and clenched fists so tightly they turned white.

“Bec,” Georgia stood and held a hand up trying to calm her patient, “you have destroyed some things since you arrived. We have to make sure you are safe for others and yourself.”

Bec’s lip twitched as one side rose up in a devious smile, “Oh you’re worried I’m going to hurt someone.” Her tone was calm, and this alarmed the doctor. Her instinct was right. Bec threw up her hands then pushed them outward causing every item on every shelf to be thrown outward into the room, but nothing landed. Everything levitated in the air right where Bec threw them. Slowly Bec twisted one hand in the air with a finger pointing to the ceiling. The items in the room slowly circled them both like an upside-down tornado in the room. Each item floating in a perfect circle slowly at first then gaining speed. Bec jutted her chin out daring the doctor to come closer than within a second everything stopped and flew back to their original places. The wind from the movements made Georgia’s hair fly into her face.

“You shouldn’t have done that Bec,” Georgia threatened.

“You should know that at any moment I can wreak havoc on you and this hospital, but I don’t. I control myself very well. At no point were you ever in danger, as long as I’m not touched...everything is fine.”

Georgia motioned for the young woman to sit in her regular chair as she made her way to her own. Grabbing her pen and paper, Georgia waited for Bec to take her seat before saying, “Bec, why can’t people touch you?”

“I don’t like it,” the teen growled.

“Tell me something new and I’ll see what I can do to get you in school.”

Bec sat back in the chair, tossed a leg over one edge and stared at the ceiling for a while before speaking again, “I had a friend who invited me to stay overnight once. Her family was in this weird religion where the women couldn’t wear makeup, jewelry and only wore those ankle-length dresses but the girl was fun, so I went. That evening we were in her living room laying on the floor and she rolls over to look at me. She says, her uncle likes to play with her at night and would I like to play his special game too. I shrugged and replied, sure why not? I figure an uncle is safe right,” Bec glanced at the doctor quickly.

“So, when her parents when to bed the uncle opens his room door and she gets up and pulls me along. We go in and I’m thinking there is a game or something. There wasn’t’. It was just him sitting on the bed waiting for us. He motioned us in, and she closed the door softly. He pats the bed and she hops up on the bed and lays down and pulls up her nightgown. He was giant and scary a little, so I just stand there. He tugs on my arm to get me in the bed. He lays between us and starts to touch us both, and I’m not saying he held our hands. This girl reached over and starts stroking off her uncle while he molests us. I was ten.” Bec closed her eyes trying to get the vision of her past to fade away. “Just five years ago. My mother moved into that same trailer the next year,” Bec sat up with her elbows on her knees looking at Georgia, “my mom gave me his room.”

With the last words the teen spoke, Georgia laid her pen gently on her notepad and looked at Bec, “We’ll get you in school tomorrow. Is that okay?”

“Can I go outside now?” Bec’s mind was reeling from retelling the memory and she needed to run off some of the steam built up inside her. At this point in her life, running in the small courtyard was her only release and she needed it badly.

“Can I ask you one thing first?”

“Sure,” Bec rolled her eyes.

“So far you’ve told me of three men molesting you. Are there more?”

Bec had made it to the door when the doctor’s question was asked. Bec froze, “yeah, there’s more.”

“Have fun outside Bec,” Georgia replied softly with sadness.

Jack waited silently outside the door for Bec, following her everywhere she went like always and never saying a word. Jack knew Bec struggled with problems from her life outside of the hospital but never knew what they were. As a former resident of GASAH, he knew that struggle was accentuated with fear of the gifts each person inside the walls managed. Today, he decided to try to talk to the young teen, “So when did your gift manifest?”

Bec was nearly blown away that he had even spoke, stuttering to answer, she said, “Which one? I have two. I’ve had one since I was ten and the other when I turned twelve. Not that it's really done me any good.” She always felt safe with Jake so it only surprised her a little that she was sharing so much.

“None?”

Bec shook her head, “Not a bit.”

“Ya know, with a gift like that you could right some wrongs when you get out of here. No one would dare believe that a baseball just flew through someone’s window and hit them in the head.”

Bec stopped in her tracks, turned, and looked up at Jack. “You might be on to something there.”

Jack smirked, glancing down at her, “Just don’t get caught.”

She patted his chest, turned, and continued her path to the outside. Once in the courtyard, Bec ran. She didn’t talk to Kyle that day or anyone else that evening. She was fighting her own demons and had to figure out the best way to do that, Jack gave her inspiration. It was that night when Bec realized that she could get even with or get rid of every demon in her life. She made a personal vow to herself to help others in the same situations she had once found herself in. Not another person would be a victim if she could help it. That night, her entire life’s focus had changed.

Chapter 11

The rain fell from the sky in a light drizzle that was hard enough to mess up any hairstyle but light enough to feel refreshing. It was Saturday and Bec was up early getting dressed. Kyle heard her rummaging around in the bathroom, picked up his phone to see the time... eight in the morning. Calling out he said, “Bec what are you up so early for? We’ve only been home two hours.”

Pushing the door open, making it hit the wall, Bec stood in the doorway dressed in a long black dress with blood red lace on the bodice. “I got a funeral to go to, you coming?”

Kyle sat straight up, “Give me three minutes!” Kyle knew that if Bec was saying anything to him about going to the funeral, then she wanted him to go, otherwise she’d have yelled some snippy remark back and left the house.

Moments later, both Bec and Kyle were in her car driving to her mother’s funeral. As they pulled in, Bec groaned. Her aunt was having a service for her mom in a church. Parking the car, Bec hits the steering wheel, “Fuck. Would be this damn church.”

“Want to enlighten me?” Kyle looked at her from the passenger side of the car. “What’s with this church?”

Bec stared silently at the building before her, “This is the one she made me attend with him. I hate this place.”

He knew the him in which she spoke of. The man who started the abuse that damaged her the worst. The one man she has yet to locate and get even with. He shrugged, “Well, I guess you could let them both go today,” he paused and leaned forward, “you don’t think he’ll be here, today do you?”

Bec whipped her head around at him, “He better not show his face!”

Hands up in a surrender fashion, “Don’t shoot the man asking... I’m just concerned.”

Bec responded by getting out of the car and heading inside, Kyle jogged to catch up. He was concerned. He knew how much the demons ate at his friend and there was nothing he or anyone else could do to ease her soul, no matter how hard he tried. As they approached the doors, Kyle placed a supportive hand around her waist before pulling the door open and them going inside.

Inside the church, it smelled the same... old and musty. Bec hated that smell. It haunted her. In the foyer was a stack of programs. Grabbing one, Bec flipped it over and saw her mother’s face looking back at her. She had gotten old and thin. She skimmed over the words and put it back down. Kyle guided her into the nave to find a seat. Bec was in a mood because she walked all the way to the front and took the first two chairs that said reserved. An elderly man walked over, leaned in close and whispered, “I’m sorry. These seats are reserved for family ma’am. I’ll have to ask you to move.”

Bec with dark eyeliner, facial piercings and numerous tattoos rolled her eyes, looked at the man and snipped, “I am her family and I’m not moving.”

Taken aback by the tone the young woman showed, he quickly apologized, “My dear, I didn’t mean to offend you. I was informed her only family was her sister.”

That made the woman laugh, Kyle patted her back and replied to the man to save him some dignity because he knew Bec was about to lose her shit. “Sir, this is Bec. Jessie’s daughter.”

The man stood, covered his mouth and looked towards the back of the giant room. Waved at someone and waited till they came up, “Patty, you didn’t tell me Jessie’s daughter was still living.”

Bec twisted her head back to see her aunt standing there, pale as can be. “Dead?”

Patricia tried to play it off, “Oh dear, your mom told everyone you were gone. So, I just never corrected her.”

“Gone and dead are two very different things, Patty. I’m astonished you played along with that,” the older man replied.

Patricia now flushed with embarrassment and anger couldn’t even respond. She looked away and then back at Bec, “I’ll be sitting over here if you need me.”

“I won’t need you.” Bec said as she faced the front of the church.

Once the church started to fill in, Kyle sat back in his seat and began to relax. Bec was staring straight ahead at the casket that held her mother. He couldn’t imagine what she was thinking, but every now and again he could guess but he never tried to listen to her thoughts. He’d glance around and then back at her every few moments. Someone started speaking loudly from the back of the room and he noticed Bec flinch and close her eyes. He sent her a telepathic message, ‘are you okay? Anything I can do?’

She shook her head no. Bec needed to get this day over with and without any more interactions with friends and family of her mothers. The voice from the back boomed again, making her flinch. It wasn’t the loud voice that bothered her but whom the voice belonged to. Bec’s mom married again when she was in the hospital. The man was a high school friend of Jessie’s and obnoxiously loud. The only good thing Bec could say about Larry was that he always tried to be kind to Bec. She just could never trust a man like that again and shut him out.

The preacher stood in his pulpit making his speech and telling his version of how Jessie was in heaven enjoying glory, Bec blocked him out hoping it’d all end soon. Once her aunt took the pulpit to tell some memories, Patricia asked if anyone else would like to share. Bec didn’t move, no one moved. Jessie wasn’t someone who wanted to share a lot about as far as her daughter was concerned so she sat waiting for it to end.

The preacher stood, called out to everyone, “If you’d like to say one last goodbye before we lay Sister Jessie to rest, this is the time to do so.”

People from every pew stood and walked up to the woman, said their goodbye’s, and gave well wishes to Bec. Bec never looked at any of them. She stared straight ahead at the casket that held the woman who gave her life and hell. When everyone was done and the nave nearly empty save Bec, Kyle, and Patricia... Bec stood and walked up to the body that was once her mother.

Looking down at the woman’s shell, Bec plucked a carnation from one of the nearest bouquets and laid it on her mother’s chest. Leaning in she whispered, “I may hate you till the day I die, but you’re still my only mother. Rest well mama.” Kyle stood two feet behind her for support but also giving her space to make her peace. When she turned to leave, he followed silently behind her, reminding her of Jack who followed her silently for three years in the hospital.

Outside, in the car, Bec inserted the key into the ignition. Before turning the key, she said, “I need a drink.”

Kyle looked at her and without hesitation, replied, “Let’s go get one then!”

Chapter 12

Bec was never scared on the first day of school, because she only ever had one in her whole life in kindergarten. Her mother didn’t move from town to town as much as she moved from trailer to run down trailer. The town was small enough to have one school district. Every kid went to the same school no matter where in the county they lived, even the kids from the neighboring county came to the same schools. The area was that rural.

In the hospital, however, Bec would have a first day at school. Everyone wore the same clothes, what the hospital dished out, and they weren’t very flattering. Bec didn’t know what to expect because there was no schedule other than show up at nine after breakfast and go until two that afternoon. Jack shadowed her like any other day. At the door, Jack spoke softly, “Have a good day in there. Try to make friends.”

Bec wobbled her head back and forth, “Friends. Me? Okay. I’m just glad to get back into my studies.”

He placed a hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes, “What you are going to learn isn’t the normal school stuff. Be alert. Be cautious.”

“Um, okay. You’re kind of making me nervous,” she stepped back from him.

“Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He turned and took his place next to another guard standing by the wall across from the school door entrance.

Grabbing the doorknob, Bec looked back at Jack who nodded to her, then pushed the door open and walked through. Inside there were no desks. Students were in groups and seemed to be working on their gifts. There was one group with kids just staring at one another. Another group was holding hands and looked like they were phasing through a stack of books, this made her think of Jack. Then there was one kid all alone with a ball floating in the air. This would be her partner.

“Welcome, come in and find your place.” A bubbly man startled her as he spoke up with a high-pitched tone. She looked at his flamboyant clothing before he spoke again, “I’m the professor. Go on and make yourself comfy.” He waved her over the boy who worked by himself.

She could only nod and go. Bec walked up to the redhead with wild curls and covered in freckles who were now bouncing the ball three inches from the ground up to the ceiling and back again. “Can I join you?”

The ball froze mid air. The boy turned to Bec, “Can you do this too?”

Bec smiled, “Yeah I can.” She took control of the ball and made it whirl around the room and back, then let it sit in the air in front of the young teen.

He smiled, “Oh yeah, this is going to be fun. It’s about time they got me someone to work with!”

“You mean only we,” Bec motioned between them, “can do that?”

The guy smirked, held out a hand, “Wale.”

“Well, what?”

He laughed, “Nah. That’s my name. Wale.”

Bec just stared at him to see if he was joking. He apparently wasn’t, “Wale? Well, okay then. Bec.” She offered his hand to her.

“My little sister couldn’t say Wallace and somehow it came out as Wale, so it stuck. What’s Bec short for?”

“Nothing I plan on telling you...” Bec smirked back. “So, what do we do here?”

Wale gave the young woman a once over, rubbed his chin, “Mostly the days are split between honing our skills in here and our studies. Sort of. They give us our assignments and we finish them in our rooms.” He shrugged, “We mostly work in here.”

“Why?”

“That is the hundred-million-dollar question sweetheart.”

Bec glared at him. She usually didn’t like anyone calling her sweetheart, but something about him let her do it. She wasn’t sure if it was because someone like her was here and gave her that little bit of comfort or if it were something more. His light blue eyes rimmed in grey intrigued her, so she was nice to him for now. “Teach me what you know and let’s see if there’s anything new for me.”

Wale looked at the beautiful teen standing before him. Her blue eyes were inviting and not far in shade from his own. She seemed nervous, but he couldn’t imagine a situation like this that wouldn’t make anyone uneasy. He wanted to comfort her but knew that anyone in this place would need time for anything, including human contact. “How about we go through some of the basics of what they’ve been having me do. Some of its pure nonsense,” he shrugged, “but it's better than sitting in our rooms all day.”

Bec nodded without great thought. Her first day out of the room with others and she is doing kindergarten tasks with her gift... go figure. Deep down, she had to admit that she was very glad to be out of her room and actually around people her own age, not that she’d say that out loud. She heard a familiar voice coming from the other side of the room. Glancing over she saw Kyle and Maria working together. Just as she looked over, Kyle glanced her way. Their eyes met and locked as if they were the only two in the room for several seconds. Wale interrupted the silent romance when he tapped her shoulder. Taken off guard, Bec grabbed his hand twisting it so that his whole body was turned away from her and he ended up on his knees. Instinct had kicked in and defense was her answer to being touched.

“Damn, what gives? I was just trying to get your attention?” The boy whimpered.

Letting him go quickly, her face reddened, “Sorry. I don’t like being touched and you took me by surprise.”

Hands up in the surrender position, Wale’s eyes were wide, “No touching. Got it. We have to practice so they think we’re staying busy. They have this whole productivity thing they drill into us.”

Glancing back at Kyle, she saw he was already facing his partner and Bec was no longer a thought to him. Turning to the redhead in front of her, “I am sorry. Still got to work on some things.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” he replied as he turned his focus on the ball. “Look I get there are some things that need to be worked on... but know this, I’m not the enemy. I’ve been where you’ve been. We’re the same you and I.”

“I highly doubt that,” she said with a smirk, “less talk more work.” Over the next two hours the two teens worked through the daily exercises that was required of them. Wale made sure to show Bec everything before lunch. He didn’t want to lose his only partner so soon.

Chapter 13

“Time for lunch,” the teacher called out. Professor stood watch over all the students by walking the room and nodding when he was pleased with the work a student was doing. He stood watching Bec and Wale for quite a long time. Bec figured he was evaluating her since it was her first day. She didn’t care after a while because she figured she was finally out of her room and doing something. All the students lined up at the door and the newest student fell in at the end of the line.

As the door opened and students began to file out, the guard to each student fell in line just behind their assigned student. As Bec hit the door's threshold, Jack fell in behind her and just a step to the side. Bec glanced back and up at him. He offered her small smile as comfort. He knew without her being told that the guard’s presence was welcomed and reassuring, something he understood well. He covered the distance between them slowly and offered a small word of advice, “When you get to the cafeteria, I can eat with you, if you want. Just know that this class isn’t the only one in this place and you’re about to get overwhelmed.” Bec nodded without looking his way and continued to follow the rest of her new classmates.

The cafeteria was down some halls and after multiple turns; the teen wasn’t sure she’d ever remember the way back and was even more grateful for the man who shadowed her. One more left turn and the hallway opened up to two giant metal doors that were opened in either direction. Inside the room, Bec saw the large cafeteria lined with enough tables and chairs that five hundred people could easily sit and eat. Nearly every table was filled to capacity except three in the back-right corner. A slight glance down and back told her that Jack was still there, so she continued to follow her classmates. The eeriest part of this cafeteria was that no one spoke. The only sounds you heard where the students forks hitting the tray and the servers spoons scraping the food to serve.

Wale was four students ahead of her and she caught him looking back at her. He gave a quick nod making sure she was ok. Bec nodded back but her system was on high alert being around so many new people. The meals were served like most cafeterias where you grab a tray and the cooks on the other side offered their dishes and served what you accepted. Bec wasn’t sure what was good since most of her meals were left untouched in her room. She decided to see what the others chose and made what she felt was safe choices; salad, green beans, baked chicken. Jack followed her closely as he filled his tray with every choice he could before running out of the room, then on to the table Bec chose.

At the tables, the students all ate in silence with their guards next to them. Not once did anyone speak! Bec looked around, then towards Jack. He must’ve understood her question and gave her a quick wink. She smiled and ate her food. As the two ate, Jack would brush his arm against Bec’s as he ate. The light touch would send tingles through her body as they were some of the only physical touches she had had in months that were gentle and welcomed. The first time it happened, Bec froze and only her eyes moved towards the arm that had touched her. Jack froze in anticipation of the reaction that would happen but instead of a fight starting Bec only grinned to herself before continuing to eat.

Across and down the table, Kyle sat watching the interaction between student and guard. Anger welled up in him at the thought that she welcomed the touch of the former resident of the hospital yet would barely open up to him. He didn’t understand why it bothered him so much; it wasn’t like Bec and he were close or anything. Why did it make him mad? The telepath sent the girl a message, Do you like him? He asked. Bec froze again. Looking up she glanced around. She knew she heard a voice and it sounded like Kyle, but he was at the other end of the table and no one else reacted to him speaking. Tilting her head, Bec looked at Kyle blankly before he repeated the question. She glanced at Jack then back to Kyle and scrunched her face.

Kyle continued, I saw him touch you and you glance at him. Do you like him?

Bec knew she couldn't respond, so she just stared.

Realizing that Bec didn’t know she could talk back to him, he spoke again. If you answer me in your head, I can hear you... like your thoughts right now saying what are you talking about’. Well, I saw the touches and the glances and smiles. So, I ask again, do you like him?

Realizing that Kyle had read her thoughts only angered her, not exactly the conversation the young man was aiming for. So, she replied, Get out of my head. He is kind, not that it is any of your business...he is being a friend as much as he is allowed.

Uh huh, was the only reply Kyle could give before retreating from her mind.

Jack must’ve noticed the stares between Kyle and Bec because just as she had replied to Kyle, the guard tapped Bec on the shoulder to signal her to follow him. He led her to discard her tray and leave the cafeteria to go back to the classroom. As they exited the cafeteria, Jack spoke softly as not to raise awareness from others around them. “Kyle likes you.”

Bec stopped mid-step, sighed, and then responded, “Kyle is a jerk and nosy. Thank you. For in there.”

Jack nodded, not that she could see that, before they started walking again. He only spoke again when he gave her directions on when to turn to get back to the class. When they got to the door, Bec turned around and faced the guard, “Thank you, for being a friend in a place where I have none. You never push me and that means a lot.”

Looking deeply into her eyes, Jack lost himself before replying as he ran a finger over her jawline, “It’s my pleasure. I know what’s it like in here and not knowing what to expect. I can’t stand by and let anyone else go through that.”

Her head instinctively leaned into his touch, eyes closing just a bit to savor the feeling Bec relaxed. Glancing up at the man, her question took him by surprise, “How long were you here?”

Stunned by her question, Jack straightened and remembered his position, “Time for class Bec,” then fell into his place on the wall.

Bec stared at him blankly, had she overstepped so much that he now froze her out? Just when she thought she might have a true ally inside these walls, she pushed too far. Sighing, she relented and went inside the classroom. No one else had returned yet, so she took a few random objects and began making them spin in the air in different patterns. Entertaining herself for quite some time, something tingled at her neck. Turning slowly, Bec found the professor and all the students staring at her, watching her manipulate six items at once. Looking blankly at them, she asked, “What?”

Wale was the one who spoke up, “How long have you been able to move multiple things at once?”

Shrugging, the teen replied simply, “Always.”

Chapter 14

For days after her mother’s service, only speaking when it was necessary, Bec stayed silent. She’d rummage around the house shared with Kyle randomly but mostly stayed in her room. The salon’s business went on and on without skipping a beat. Kyle would leave his job in the evenings and go sit in the back of the salon watching his friend work silently. None of the staff knew what to say or do around her, afraid of her reaction. Bec never cried after her mother’s funeral, never mourned. Kyle knew this was a dangerous combination with such an angry woman. He tried to anticipate when she’d explode, hoping to shield those around her from her wrath.

On the fifth day, it happened. Bec snapped. Kyle wasn’t around. The staff had just arrived to get their stations ready for the day when one of the stylists bumped into her. Wendy turned, fear apparent on her face, “I’m so sorry Bec,” the woman’s voice quivered.

Bec froze. She knew she’d blow up if she wasn’t careful, but the fuse had been lit and emotionally she had no more strength to control herself. “Get out,” she whispered.

“But what about-,” Wen tried to question her.

Turning looking at the stylists, she growled, “Get out. Everyone!” Her hands clenched at her side, Bec’s face turned red. Charlie had seen Bec lose her control before and knew that none of the women there needed to be around.

On her way out of the salon's back door, Charlie tapped her phone and dialed Kyle. “You need to get over here. She just kicked us all out.”

“Shit. On my way. Take the day, I’ll take care of her,” he replied breathing heavily into the phone.

“You okay?” Charlie questioned.

He paused, looked at the woman by his side, “Yeah, just working out. Be there in five.” While he loved Bec, he knew that Bec wasn’t ready for him and a man had needs. Rolling out of the hotel bed, Kyle looked back at the woman who feigned a pout as she tried to tempt him back under the sheets. “I gotta go which means you gotta go.”

“Seriously, Kyle. They call and you jump?” She snipped as she snatched up her jeans and began putting them on.

“No strings. Ever. That was the deal and I meant it. She will always be priority,” he replied as he slipped his shirt over his head.

“I don’t know what hold she has over you but she won’t ever return the affection, we both know that.”

Kyle looked at her and growled, “Leave. Now.”

Less than four minutes later, Kyle pulled into the back of the salon where Charlie sat on her hood waiting. Unfolding her legs, she slid down and walked over to him. “Sorry to have disturbed your morning man, but she is in there destroying everything.” Just as she finished speaking, they heard a loud crash coming from inside.

“Shit. Did it just start?”

“The moment we left.”

Sighing and running a hand over his face, Kyle knew he was in for a long day. Bec didn’t come down from her anger outbursts quickly and didn’t care who was in the way. Holding the doorknob in his hand, Kyle sent Bec a quick message, ‘can I come in?’ The salon went silent. Taking that as a yes, Kyle mentally spoke to her once more, ‘I’m coming in Bec.’

Pulling the door open, Kyle stepped inside. He could see the glass shards laying all over the floor covered in shampoos and chemicals. With each step, a loud crunch responded to him. Walking past the bathroom and supply room, Kyle could see Bec standing in the middle of the room. “Bec, you want to come from out of that mess?”

Her head turned towards him; hands clenched by her side, Bec’s chest heaved from the exertion of basically demolishing her salon in a temper tantrum. “You shouldn’t be here!”

“Now you don’t think I could leave you be alone while you destroy your life’s work?”

Her eyes bore through him, Bec knew he was right, but she didn’t want to hear it, “Leave!”

He shook his head, “I’m not going anywhere. I never do. I told you I’d always be here.” Kyle tried to soothe over her anger, to calm her. She needed to see that destroying her salon wasn’t the answer.

Just then a file levitated in front of him, “Open it. This is the next job.”

“Oh, no you aren’t! There is no way in hell you can take on a job while this angry, you’ll kill someone!”

“My choice. Think I can’t control myself?”

He stared at her blankly before looking around, “Well, no I don’t think you can. Look around Bec.”

“I know.”

“Can I come closer?” The man had learned long ago to always ask before trying to close in on her. Bec had thrown him across a classroom once because he tried to hug her to calm her down after she punched another student. He didn’t make that mistake again.

Her fists eased out with her fingers hanging down. Glancing around at the destruction that was once her salon, Bec cursed under her breath. “I need to clean this up.”

“I’ll help. I’ll grab the broom and be right back,” her truest friend offered and left the room. When he came back and started to sweep, he found her picking up bottles from everywhere. “Ya know, you have this really cool gift that could just pick up everything and put it back where it came from.”

She snickered, “yeah I do but maybe I need to clean up my mess the old-fashioned way.”

He shrugged, “Maybe. Or you can do it quickly and we can sit and talk about it.”

Turning away from her friend, Bec continued to pick up her mess while softly replying, “I need to think and deal with this.”

Two hours of silently cleaning side by side, Kyle and Bec finished restoring the salon to its original condition outside of the mirrors and glass shelves needing to be replaced. Bec plopped down into one of the stylists chairs and sighed, “I have to order new shelves and mirrors now.” covering her face with both hands, Bec sighed at the thought of the amount of money she’d have to use to once again repair the damage one of her tantrums had caused.

Kyle sat across from her with one leg crossed over the other at the ankle, tapping his fingers against the opposite hand he nodded his head up and down, “Yup. Big ass mess you made here.

Looking up at him between her fingers without raising her hand, “Way to support me there, buddy.”

Laughing, the man stared at the ceiling, “Yeah well...I told you to take some time off,” he threw his head down looking towards her now, “but do you listen to me? NOPE.” Uncrossing his legs, he leaned forward, elbow on knees, “You know I only want what’s best for you, right?”

Chapter 15

“Bec, want to show us what you can do?” The professor asked after her third day in the new school.

Looking around at the whole class looking at her, she turned back towards the professor, “Not really!”

The class snickered. The professor pushed his hands downward on the air to silence the class smirked at the girl, “Let me rephrase that question. Bec, come show the class your gifts.”

“Why?” She stood defiantly with her arms crossed over her chest. Bec didn’t feel she was a show and tell and damn sure wasn’t going to start now.

The professor began to pace back and forth in front of the class, “Well, for one I asked. Two, because every student must demonstrate their gifts for the class. When you are done...the others will do the same.”

Bec looked around at the faces staring at her. When she looked at Wale, he gave her a small smile and a wink. Her only response was “fine.” Walking to the front of the room, she looked around for some random things to manipulate. Picking a stapler, a ball, a book and a random purse Bec mentally reached out picking each one up and moving them around the room in random movements then placing them back down where she had removed them from. Turning to the teacher bowed her head a little to the side in such a way that asked if he was pleased.

He knew she had more than one gift and pushed back a little, “And?”

Bec rolled her eyes and sighed then took off running in the classroom until she became a blur. Twenty laps around the room later, Bec stopped still. The wind from her running shuffled papers all over the room and people’s hair whipped around them.

“Very good Bec. Thank you, Kyle will you got next?”

As Kyle demonstrated his gift, Wale leaned closer to Bec. “He likes everyone to know what everyone can do. So, if you happen to develop something new... I’d keep it to yourself. Bec’s eyes glanced at him and then back to the front of the room. She was listening to what everyone was saying and made mental notes of the important stuff. This was definitely one of those things she didn’t want to forget. The entire class time was spent demonstrating gifts before it was time for lunch.

Bec’s day went on dragging with monotonous activities and boredom set in early and when the alert sounded ending her day, she was glad to be going back to her room. Jack, once again, followed her silently until she turned on her heels looking up at him, “Do you work every day?”

“Of all the questions you can ask me, you want to know about my schedule?” He smirked at her. He was flirting with her in his own way and she knew it.

“Wasn’t sure how personal I could get with you?”

“To answer your other question first, seven years. And yes, every day I work.”

“Why me?”

“I chose you.”

Her face scrunched, “You chose me?” She took a tentative step backward.

“I had four students to choose from. When they showed me your file, I picked you.”

“Why?”

“I’ve been through a lot of what you went through. I knew I could understand how you felt more than the others,” the older teen responded.

“How old are you?”

“Eighteen and you turn sixteen tomorrow.”

Bec’s eyes narrow in suspicion, “You’ve been through what I went through?”

Jack looked away. Shame fell upon his face, “Yes.”

“What?”

He wouldn’t look her in the eyes, stuttering to respond, “the sexual abuse. I’ve been through that.”

“Oh,” Bec turned away from him. She had never heard of that happening to a guy and she didn’t know how to react. She felt a soft hand on her shoulder urging her to turn and look at him.

Slowly she turned and looked up into his dark brown eyes. He looked over every inch of her face, memorizing it for later. “I’ve come to terms with what happened. It also brought my gift to life. I was so terrified the last time that it triggered it. The guy had become so violent, during... that I phased right through the wall into another room where there was a couple laying on their bed watching television. They called the police, saw a child protective counselor and ended up here.  That was the fourth time it had happened to me. I was eleven.”

“I’m sorry,” Bec placed her hand on the man’s chest for a brief moment then turned and went to her room, closing the door and ending their conversation. With the door shut, Bec leaned against the door sliding down to the floor and wept for the first time since arriving at the GASAH. On the outside Jack stood at the door, a hand on the cold wood imagining Bec on the other side hurting. Dr. Wilson had told him not to get too close with her, but he knew the only way to get her better was to let her know she wasn’t alone.

That night, Jack came back to Bec’s door. Knocking lightly there was no response. He decided to take a chance and phased through the door. As he reappeared inside her room, Bec just stared at him. “Mighty bold of you to come in here uninvited.”

“I’d hoped we could talk some more,” he took a small step closer.

She raised a brow in warning. Chewing on the inside of her cheek, Bec quarreled with herself inwardly on whether to invite him in more. Finally, she waved him over and patted her bed.

“It's past midnight,” he pulled a small cupcake from behind his back, “Happy birthday, Bec.”

Shocked Bec could only smile. She hadn’t had anyone think of her like that in quite a long time. Her mother forgot her last two birthdays, so she had given up on even thinking about it. Reaching out cautiously for the cupcake, Jack pushed it towards her. Smiling at one another, Bec removed the paper and tore it into two, handing Jack the other half. In silence, they sat and enjoyed their portions together. Licking her fingers, the sixteen-year-old looked at her newfound friend and said, “Thank you. It means a lot.”

“They don’t do much in ways of birthdays around here and your sixteenth should be as special as possible.”

Pointing absently with one of her thumbs towards the camera, “Won’t they see you?”

Shaking his head as he leaned back on the end of the bed, “Nope. Turned them off. They won’t notice. They rarely do. Right now, they think you’re sleeping.”

“Clever,” Bec smiled. “So, what now?”

“Now we talk Bec.”

Chapter 16

The Doo You Styles salon stayed closed another week until replacement shelves and mirrors were installed and Bec had control over her emotions. In the meantime, she did some more of her side jobs earning her enough to pay her staff for the week of work missed due to her temper.

One morning Bec woke to Kyle sitting at the end of her bed. She leaned up, wiping the sleep from her eyes, “What gives?” He was wearing his typical well-fitting blue jeans with a tee shirt that was a size too small.  A dark blue hat that matched his shirt covered his head and was pulled down nearly covering his eyes.

He pointed to the nightstand where there laid a plate with fruit and pancakes for her. “You need to eat.”

“So, you’re sitting on my bed watching me sleep because you think I need to eat?”

He was looking at the floor between his hands that were interlocked and extended out from his elbows on his knees. Tapping his thumbs together, deep in thought, Kyle was determined to make a change in Bec’s life, and he was concerned how she’d react. “We need to talk, Bec.”

Concerned, Bec sat up in the bed and looked at her friend. “What’s up?”

“I’ve been there for you as a friend from the first day we met, right?”

“Yeah...”

“I’ve never crossed you. I’ve done everything in my power to be supportive.”

“Kyle? What’s this about?”

“Let me finish, Bec,” he glanced at her. When their eyes met, they both froze. “I’ve been in love with you from the beginning as well.”

She threw back the sheets and tried to leave the room, “We’ve been through this Kyle. Friends only.” Wearing only a tee shirt and panties, she suddenly felt very vulnerable. Grabbing her robe, Bec quickly tied it closed.

He grabbed her hand and pulled Bec around causing her to crash into his chest. He quickly wrapped his arms around her waist, “Why? Why only friends?”

She looked up at him through her long lashes, fear crippled her causing her to quickly look away. “anything more and it’ll ruin everything, we’ve been over this before.”

With his forefinger on her chin, he guided her gaze back to him, “I want to take that chance. Bec I can’t keep loving you and idly standing by.”

Keeping her head down to avoid looking at him, Kyle laid his forehead to hers, “Please. I can’t imagine after all this time that you don’t at least have an interest in me.” Putting a hand on his chest, Bec attempted to push away but Kyle held on, “don’t push me away Bec.” With one last sigh, he pleaded, “Please.”

With a little more effort, Bec pushed out of his grip. Stepping back, she stared him down, “Don’t ever corner me like that again. Friends or nothing, Kyle! You know what happened the last time I let a friend be more? I won’t have a repeat of that, ever...”

“You’re afraid of us out here in this world versus what happened to you and him behind the walls of GASAH! Seriously, it’s been three years since we left and four since that happened. It wasn’t your fault!”

“He died,” a tear slipped and fell down her cheek betraying the strength she tried to portray.

Kyle took a cautious step toward her, “We’re safe here.” He reached out with a hand to take hers. She let him. He stepped in closer, pulled her chin up, “I know you want to be safe, to be strong... but sometimes we have to take a chance in life.”

“If I-,” Bec was cut off by Kyle’s lips gently touching hers. Inside she felt an explosion when their lips met. She didn’t resist, so he attempted to kiss her deeply. His lips were soft against hers and it had been a long time since she let a man kiss her. Lost in his touch, their kiss deepened. Bec let a soft moan escape her and Kyle held her tighter. He ran his hands up her arm and onto her face, holding her head as they kissed more deeply. Breaking off the kiss, resting on each other's forehead, breathing heavily, she replied, “I. I just don’t know.”

“Are you telling me no?” He looked down at her.

Looking up, “I’m scared Kyle.”

“Are you saying no Bec?”

“No, I’m not saying no. I’m saying I’m scared.”

“We’ll take it slow. This thing between us. Just remember that I will never hurt you.”

“I know you wouldn’t. You never have. But are you sure taking this step into a relationship is best?”

His lip curled on one side, “Oh yes.”

Chuckling, “Fine. But don’t you dare tell anyone I went soft!” She said as she play hits him on the chest.

His head fell back laughing then smiled at her. “I love you Bec and I wouldn’t dare use the word soft to describe you...except when I hold you.”

Blushing, she looked away, “We should get our day started.”

“Eat!” He pointed to the plate. As she walked over to the plate, he left the room and let her have some privacy.

Once Kyle was gone, Bec sat on the bed with her fingers on her lips. Remembering what it felt like to kiss him reminded her of Jack. Fear overwhelmed her that her past would repeat itself. She had to keep telling herself that she was in control now, although that kiss felt very out of control. Closing her eyes, the face that looked back was Kyle’s.

Slowly she opened her eyes and thought back over the years since they had met. He had tried to make this more than a friendship once before he realized that her and Jack were involved. As she flipped through her memories, which Bec remembered every moment of every day as if she had a recording of each one, she realized just how much Kyle had been there for her. Had Bec been so oblivious to his feelings all these years to not realize just how much he loved her? What a fool she had been! So, focused on her revenge and herself that she didn’t notice how long he has loved her. Immediately, she felt like one of those ditzy women in the movies that has the best friend loving her and she was clueless. She vowed to change that as of today!

Chapter 17

Bec was now in classes full time, eating all her meals with the other residents in GASAH, and enjoying three days a week with outside time in the courtyard. Although having more time outside is exactly what Bec needed, she still didn’t open up much to Maria.

As Jack followed Bec out, he leaned around her and pushed open the door, letting her go out first. Since her birthday, they had spent several evenings in her room talking and becoming closer. When the door clanked shut, Bec looked over her shoulder up towards the man who was capturing her heart one conversation at a time and offered a smiled. Looking out at the courtyard, Bec sighed as she saw Maria sitting on the table where Kyle was sitting. They were engaged in deep conversation since neither noticed her there until she jogged past them.

“Hey Bec,” Kyle called out to her as she continued on her laps.

Maria watched the other hot pink haired teen run a few laps before speaking and giving a nod, “Bec.”

Bec continued running, ignoring them both. She had greater things on her mind. Over the last few weeks, Dr. Wilson had been pushing her to talk more about the things that haunted her. The more she thought about the abuse she endured at the hand of her mother, the faster that she ran.

Thinking back, Bec remembered her conversation with the doctor.

Georgia sat back in her chair, “Can you tell me about the house?”

“I can tell you lots about the house. What do you want to know?” Bec replied sarcastically.

Releasing a breath that the doctor had been holding, “Bec. Tell me more about the things that happened with your mom in the house?”

“Ah, more specific then. Okay. So, my mom...well, I remember her telling me since as far back as I can remember that she didn’t know why she had me. How I was her biggest mistake?” She turned to look at the doctor from across the room, “You’d think some of those men she brought home would’ve been worse than me,” she shrugged, “but I guess I was the worst. The other hard part was watching her dote over my sister. Nearly ten years younger, she was the favorite. I was in charge of watching the brat and keeping house. Like at fourteen, all you want to do is watch a five-year-old and clean house, when it’s not even your kid.”

“Clean the house? Like chores?”

“Chores?” Bec laughed at the implication the doctor was making, “No, chores are like cleaning the room and doing dishes. For me, it was clean the whole house. Dust. Vacuum. Wash laundry. Dry the laundry. Iron the laundry. But not just mine, everyone’s!” Bec’s attention was on a wooden apple she had levitating just above her as she twirled it around in circles then up and down close to the ceiling and back down to her. Sitting up, Bec let the apple fall. Reaching out just in time to catch it, Bec looked at the doctor, “I couldn’t do anything until every inch of the house was spotless and then, the answer was usually no because I had to watch the kid.”

“I see,” Georgia scribbled on her notepad, never looking up she asked, “Was this once a month or more?”

“Every week.”

“That seems extreme.”

Bec looked up at the doctor, “Yeah, I’d say.”

With each moment relived in her, Bec ran faster. Kyle and Maria watched Bec go from jogging to a grey blur as she progressed. Maria attempted to get up and start running with Bec, but Kyle grabbed her arm, “Don’t. She obviously doesn’t want to talk today.”

“She needs to have a friend. Can’t you see that’s what she wants?” The teen looked down at her friend.

Kyle laughed just a little, “Yeah, I can see that, but I also know what happens to people when they try to push their way in, especially when she doesn’t care for them. I’d hate to see you get hurt just for trying to be nice.”

Marie looked at the blur that was Bec and back to Kyle, “Think he can help her?” She pointed to Jack who stood watch along the fence at the door next to the other two guards.

Chewing on the inside of his cheek, Kyle nodded, “Its worth a shot, for her at least.”

Maria looked at Jack and sent a telepathic message, “Is Bec okay?“

Jack turned and looked her, scrunching his eyes before replying, “No. It was a hard session today.”

“Think you can talk to her. She doesn’t like me much.”

Chuckling, the usually stoic man replied, “No she doesn’t. Yeah, I’ll try later. Let her burn off the anger her way first.“

“I’m just worried for her. She doesn’t really have any friends in here.”

Jacks eyes trailed over to Kyle, “She has one or two in here. Trust doesn’t come easy for her, give it time.“

“Time is one thing I don’t have much left of, in here. I leave in two weeks.”

“I know. You ready for that?”

“This isn’t what the conversation is about Jack. Just take care of her.”

Turning to face forward once again, Jack gave one last response, “You’ll never have to worry about that.”

“Well, what did he say?” Kyle nudged Maria to get her attention.

“He’ll talk to her,” Maria rolled her eyes.

Looking blankly, Kyle asked, “Is that all?”

A ding sounded from the girls watch. “Times up today. Let’s go.”

Bec slowed to a jog, looked at the two other teens and headed towards the door.

Chapter 18

The computer screen shone brightly on the Bec’s face in the dark room as she clicked away at the keyboard. She’d tap away then jot down some notes on the notepad that set next to her. Kyle leaned on the doorway behind her, watching her for at least twenty minutes as she worked. He couldn’t see the screen to know what she was working on, but he knew it had to do with helping someone. Bec hated computers and most technology, staying away from it as much as possible.

Looking down at his watch, he saw it was past dinnertime, so he rolled his body off the threshold and went into the kitchen looking for a possible quick meal. Opening the fridge, he leaned in with one arm on the door. Frowning, he quickly gave up, reached for the delivery menus with one hand while shutting the refrigerator with the other. Calling out from the kitchen, “I’m ordering Chinese. What do you want?” No answer. “I’m just going to order your usual.” Nothing. Sighing, Kyle opened the app to order their dinner for delivery then headed back into the room where Bec sat entranced.

Knocking on the threshold with one knuckle, “Hey, what you working on?”

Bec sat back in her chair, “A woman called me today. Gave me a name of a guy and said he was a problem? Very little details really...so I’m trying to figure it out.”

Bec released a sigh when Kyle started to massage her shoulders, “Anything I can do?” He offered.

Reaching for the notepad, Bec passed it backwards to him, “Here. Take a look.”

Skimming through the notes, Kyle froze when he saw the name. Gerald Joseph Hawks. “Who called you?”

Looking back up at him, Bec asked, “Why? What’s wrong?”

Dropping the notepad on the desk, Kyle leaned over and nodded to the screen, “Let me see what he looks like.”

“Um. Okay,” Bec clicked the mouse pulling up the man’s social media profile. Looking back up at Kyle she noticed the expression on his face as he stared at the screen. She asked, “Do you know him?”

“Yes,” he replied as he stood back up. “I do know him very well.”

“Wanna fill me in on the details?” Bec had turned her chair around to face him now.

A knock on the door got his attention, Kyle turned and walked out saying, “Dinners here.”

Bec turned back to the screen, staring at the face she wondered what Kyle wasn’t telling her. Wanting to know more about this man than she wanted to eat, the woman began going through Hawks social media accounts in more detail. Three pages in and she found her answer. From about nine years prior, a photo of Kyle and Gerald posing in front of a car together with about six other guys. This has to be before GASAH, she thought to herself and continued to search for more. After about forty minutes she found that Gerald and Kyle had been childhood friends, growing up in the same neighborhood. Twisting her mouth, Bec knew that this case would be hard on him but she had to find out why his name was given to her.

“Dinners getting cold, Bec, come on,” Kyle yelled out from the den.

Dropping her shoulders in resignation, she knew she’d have to face him. When she came into the den, Kyle was slouching so far down into the couch cushions that he was practically laying down. Now that they were more than just friends, Bec felt torn that she’d have to ask him about Gerald more. Before this she wouldn’t have cared, but now that she had opened herself up to him guilt tugged at her. mentally scolding herself, she was reminded of the goal she set so many years ago to help others who needed it.

Deciding to lighten the tension that was lingering in the air, Bec used her telekinetic abilities to pick up Kyle’s fork. Dipping the fork in his food, she let her mind guide it to him. Kyle cut his eyes at her, “What are you doin?”

“I’m feeding you. Isn’t that a couples thing?” She smiled, trying to show that her attempt was genuine.

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, it is. So, we gonna make this official and call it a relationship?” Kyle sat up quickly. This was a topic he was glad to pursue and hoped she wasn’t going to ask about Gerald.

Bec plopped down on the couch next to him, leaned against him, “Yeah. We can do that. So, you want this forkful of food or do I need to eat it?”

Smiling, he opened his mouth, letting her feed him with her gift. The two went back and forth like this for about thirty minutes and the tension eased quickly between them. Once they were done eating, Bec spoke softly, “You know I still have to ask.”

Closing his eyes, Kyle filled with regret, “I know.”

“Tell me, tell me everything.”

“He was the reason I got sent to GASAH. He wasn’t why I was troubled... just the reason I got caught. He knew what I could do and convinced me to play with a gas store attendant so we could rob the place. Made the man think he was going crazy when two kids came into the store and he was hearing a voice. We just stood there staring at him. I spoke to him through telepathy and it really freaked him out a lot. Worse part was that when the guy crumpled to the floor in the fetal position, Gerald when around to the register and emptied just before he started beating on him.” Kyle wiped a hand over his face and made a sucking noise thorough his teeth before continuing, “Gerald broke four of the guys ribs, his nose, his eye bones and the guys jaw. We got less than hundred dollars to split between us.”

“How d'you get caught?”

“Gerry, that’s what we called him, was bragging to some guys trying to be a big shot. Well, one of them knew the attendant and turned him in. Only when the police questioned him, he told him I did it all and manipulated him with my gift and he couldn’t help it.” He glanced at Bec.

“You know that sucks. He has a long wrap sheet now. Assault and battery, breaking and entering, and domestic violence.”

“I’m not surprised, to be honest,” Kyle put an arm around Bec and pulled her in close. She never judged him for what he had done and that made him love her more. Bec understood everyone had a past and never judged people by them. She did, however, judge people according to their current actions and if Gerry’s name landed in her lap, he must be into something of poor character. Bec would find out and determine the punishment he’d get. She was always just.

Chapter 19

Three weeks have passed since Maria went home, leaving Kyle to Bec. Kyle kept to himself the first week. He and Maria had gotten very close and he spent a lot of time with her in class and in the yard, now the one person who could do telepathy that he trusted was gone and he was feeling quite alone.

Bec watched him from a distance. She noticed how he turned inward and fought within himself. She knew the struggle of having no one like yourself around to connect with, but she also knew she wasn’t offering to get any closer, at least not yet.

Kyle sat alone on the metal bench in the yard. Bec watched him from the good doctor’s window. “He’s sad,” she spoke softly.

“You seem concerned. Is he a friend?” Georgia asked from her usual spot. The young girl turned and looked her. She didn’t smile, but she didn’t frown, her face just was then she turned back to the window. Georgia jotted down some notes about the girl’s reaction to the question and knew by the silence that this session was over. “Ok, why don’t we leave it there and I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Bec nodded before turning and leaving the office. Jake, as always, fell into step behind the young girl. “Good session today?” Bec remained silent. Jake chewed on the inside of cheek; he was always nervous about pushing her, but he felt they had gotten far enough into a relationship where he could. “Bec? Is everything okay?”

She stopped with her hand on the door to the outside. Slowly she leaned back into him and sighed. “Today was different.” Pushing off of him, she let the motion push her into the door and outside. Once completely outdoors, she stood and inhaled deeply. The air was hot and dry. Summer was there and the young girl missed it dearly.

At home, Bec would always find a way to sneak outside and indulge herself in nature. She knew the daily routine of chores and made sure that her younger sister was as eager as she was to romp through the woods. When she opened her eyes, instead of seeing the forest she saw a chain-linked fence that outlined her boundaries and held her hostage, so she ran.

The hour was almost up when Bec stopped running. Never out of breath, she simply walked over and sat next to Kyle. “Sorry you lost your friend.” Her voice was flat and emotionless but her intent was there, to her that is all that mattered.

“Thanks. But I’m not really alone, am I?” She heard the hope in his voice. The hope that she would still be a friend and be there for him. She could hear his desperation and desire to not be alone.

“No, I guess you’re not.”

He reached out a hand and laid it on her knee. He bent in close and whispered, “I was always here for you. Even when she was here. We,” he motioned between them, “have a connection. I felt it the first time I saw you looking down at me from the Docs window.” He nodded to himself as he sat up and removed his hand. He noticed she didn’t flinch when he touched her this time. He also noticed she didn’t try to remove his hand. His heart skipped a beat as hope began to grow like a seedling in a bare desert.

She didn’t like others touching her, but this guy, this dark-skinned young man with a body to die for was different. Just when she felt she open up to him something inside her clicked. Jumping up she began to run and didn’t stop until it was time to go back inside. Bec didn’t speak to anyone the rest of the evening, not even Jake when he tried to say goodnight.

Her mind was struggling. The wall she had built up around her heart and mind was somehow being torn down brick-by-brick by two very different men. Jake was curious, strong, and upfront with what he felt but Kyle was just as guarded as she was and that somehow felt welcoming to her.

Two weeks passed and things seemed to settle into a comfortable routine for the residents at GASAH. Georgia Wilson went for her first vacation in five years. Jake was given more responsibility and interaction possibilities with Bec. Kyle was getting to know his new partner Edward, who was also telepathic. Wale and Bec had become casual friends and even joked around and played pranks on the other students.

By the time, Georgia returned to GASAH the holidays were near and those were always the hardest times for the residents because most families never visited, too busy with their mundane lives.  This year the good doc had plans for the one hundred students and seventy staff members, plans she hoped wouldn’t backfire. First thing, Monday morning, December 1, Georgia called a staff meeting before the first rounds began to announce her plan and get it motion.

Looking at the astonished faces of the staff looking back at her, the doctor asked, “Are there any questions?” She waited to let her plan soak in before continuing, “No? Good. Everyone knows their parts. Let’s get started then!”

As the staff broke off into their respective groups and started planning their parts of the big plan, Georgia sat back in her chair and smiled to herself. This would either be an epic plan or a career ender.

Chapter 20

The shop was quiet today as the stylists sat around chatting and enjoying the lull between the very full schedule ahead and the over booked days just behind them. Charlie’s station was next to Bec’s so when the others were talking amongst themselves, she leaned over to her boss, “You good?”

Bec nodded absently as she stared into the screen of her phone. Reading an email that was sent to her by a personal she had helped about one of her friends who was now desperate to leave her husband. Bec turned to Charlie, “Why do you ask?”

Shrugging, “Just seems like after the upgrade to the shop,” that is what the staff were all calling Bec’s last tantrum, “you seem more at peace. More calm. I mean it’s not a bad thing, just makes us wonder how long it will last,” Charlie chuckled nervously.

Bec’s right brow raised as she slowly turned her head towards her friend and co-worker, “Really? I’m finally calm and y’all think… what, it’s the call before the storm?”

“Yeah, pretty much hun. You don’t normally stay calm for long and it’s been six months now. We are a bit curious. Either the storm is about to be a damn hurricane up in here or someone has finally gotten their claws into your heart and you let ‘em!”

Dropping her phone in her lap, Bec chuckled at first then burst out in full stomach holding laughter. Over the last six months, Kyle had grabbed her heart and definitely has his hooks in and not one of them knew it. She started off very slowly with him and they grew closer and closer until they were no longer sleeping in separate rooms or beds.

Looking at Charlie, Bec smiled once she calmed down, “Kyle.”

One word is all it took to get Charlie’s jaw to drop, although the shock of Bec letting her emotions show so much did take her friend by surprise. “Seriously? How long?”

A one shoulder shrug and a smirk, she said, “Six months or so.”

Slapping her hand on the armrest, Charlie squeaked, “Really! Wow. I’m so glad.” Jumping up she bounced to Bec and embraced her in a hug. Without even thinking Charlie had broken the first rule of the shop… Don’t touch Bec. Bec froze. The staff froze. Charlie froze. Bec closed her eyes, inwardly calming herself the way her and Kyle had been working on and sighed. Slowly, to everyone’s surprise, Bec put her arms around Charlie and returned the embrace. Charlie whispered to her, “I am so happy for you.” Slowly she let go and eased herself back to her own chair just in time to hear the door chime ring.

In came a lovely woman with a bright and bubbly smile that matched her very bright outfit, “Can I get a cut and color? I don’t have an appointment, but I could really use it.”

Wendy waved her back and the two began chatting about what exactly the patron wanted. Bec picked her phone back and tapped the screen. There was an email contained pictures of the young woman needing help and a phone number. There were specific instructions not to call but texting was safe, so that is what the stylist did.

Hey, this Bec, I hear you need a change in your hairstyle. Can you come in tonight?

The three dots that drive us all crazy rippled on the screen as the stylist anxiously waited for the reply to pop up. The only reply that came back was… 7pm. Bec swirled her chair around and checked her book. She was open the rest of the evening so a quick, OK, was sent before she opened the screen for the messages to Kyle.  A quick text to him told him that she would be having a late customer and that he could come whenever.

Seven o’clock came and went and not one person even walked by the hair salon. It was closing in on eight when Bec went to the front to lock the door. As she began to twist the lock, she noticed a brunette standing across the empty street. The woman was thin and her hair looked frazzled, as if she woke up and didn’t brush it. Wearing worn jeans that were too short for her and a shirt that was three sizes too big, the woman stood. Tilting her head to the side, Bec was trying to determine if that was the same woman from the pics in the email. She smiled and gave a quick wave. Nothing, the woman just stood there as if frozen in place. “Hey Charlie, come here a minute.”

Charlie walked around the divider with a broom in hand, “Yeah, what’s up?”

Bec nodded to the woman, “You see her?”

“How long she been there?”

“I don’t know. She doesn’t move. Just stands there. Stay here,” Bec untwisted the lock and pulled the door open. The woman across the street stepped back one step, twisting her hands in themselves.

Standing in front of her shop, Bec stood directly opposite the stranger. She didn’t move, didn’t engage. The stylist and vigilante shoved her hands in her pockets while watching the woman watch her. After five minutes, Bec made a step forward. The woman jumped, turned and quickly walked away. Bec didn’t chase after her, she wouldn’t force anyone to take her help. She understood the fear that abuse layered on people; she waited for them to be ready to stand up and move forward. Inside, Charlie and Kyle had watched the interaction and knew that Bec wouldn’t force the stranger to take her help.

Bec went back inside to find the two watching her, shrugging she said, “Guess she wasn’t ready.” Walking up to Kyle, she smiled and gave him a quick hug and peck on the cheek. As she stepped back, she blushed just a bit as she glanced at Charlie. “Come on, let’s close up and get out of here. I could use a drink.”

“Sounds like a perfect plan. Are we playing pool?” Charlie asked as she turned the lock on the front door and walked behind the couple who were headed to the back door.

Kyle looked over his shoulder, “You know it.”

Chapter 21

Each hall of the hospital had one administrator who overlooked every resident and employee. Wing C, where Bec lived, was administered by Zelma Hellcross. Bec’s administrator was a tiny woman, who stood five foot even, with long blonde hair and black eyes. Her features were sharp and angular and she was very fit. She’s been at GASAH for ten years now and had every intention to retire from the facility before she was forty.

Each day she stood at the end of the hall with her hands behind her back, watching… everything. She rarely spoke to the residents openly, but when she did, her voice was angelic. Some of the kids teased that she was a siren. On this day, she stood at the end of the hall and waited for all the residents and their guards to gather round. Wearing a bright red button-down shirt and black leggings with dark red and black knee-high boots, the woman looked like a force to be reckoned with.

“Okay,” her voice rang out, “we have a special announcement so I need everyone’s attention!” All the kids glanced around in curiosity, everyone except Bec. She stared straight ahead as her guard stood close to her allowing his hand to brush against hers. “We are going to do something special this year for Christmas! We are going to have a decorating contest.”

She stood silent for several minutes while the residents talked eagerly amongst themselves. After about three or four minutes she whistled a high pitch whistle that impaired everyone’s hearing for several seconds, “Now that I have your attention. We need to plan. I want us to win and if we do, I will hold a pizza party for the whole hall!”

For the next hour, the residents of Wing C gathered together and planned. It really didn’t snow where they lived so they thought a white Christmas theme would be nice. “Blues, Silvers, and Whites,” called out one resident. “Glitter everywhere, we have to make it sparkle,” another spoke up.

Bec stood silent listening to all the suggestions. She never cared for the holidays but pizza she likes so she figured while she didn’t care she did want to win. While the administrator wrote down all the ideas, she glanced around at everyone. “Anyone else have any thoughts on how we should decorate?” Everyone stood silent. “John? Toby? Alita? Bec?”

Bec looked up through the crowd, “A snow machine and dry ice.”

Zelma looked curiously at her, “And why?”

The teenage shrugged, “To have a white Christmas you need snow and to make it look even better a slow fog creeping over the floor would put it over the top.”

Everyone turned and looked at the teen who rarely said anything and gawked at her. They were astonished by her cleverness and starting cheering. Zelma scribbled down on her notepad and said absently, “Looks like we will win for sure. I can’t imagine the other halls going this far!”

A week passed when Zelma came in with boxes of decorations. Behind her a man tugged along a machine that looked life a leaf blower and a large cooler. “What’s up Mrs. Z? Asked Aaron, a short pimply faced boy who could phase.

“These are all the decorations and items you guys asked for. Today there is no class, no therapy. All Christmas decorating.” She called out to everyone who had gathered around. Bec leaned on the wall, curious. She’d been here for more than a year now and not one day went by when the doctor required her in sessions since she started them. She had also gotten use to the outside for her one hour a day… she wasn’t sure how she felt about this schedule change. Watching the other kids eagerly dig through boxes and make decisions on where everything would go, the telekinetic teen just watched.

Zelma walked over to Bec and leaned on the wall next to her. Standing quietly for a few moments, she nodded and said, “You are in charge of the snow machine and dry ice since it was your idea.”

Bec’s head turned slowly to face the woman, “Really? You are gonna let me have control over that?”

Zelma nodded, “Absolutely. This is for you kids. Y’all should be the ones to have creative control over it.”

Bec pushed off the wall without a word and walked towards the snow machine. About three feet away, the teenager stopped and held her hand up with her palm out towards the machine. Closing her eyes, her head titled back just a tad and the snow-machine began to shake. Five seconds later the machine lifted from the floor and levitated. Bec opened her eyes and turned her body in the direction of the end of the hall as the machine floated past her and down the hall. She walked about four feet behind it until it landed right where she wanted it in the furthest corner.  A few adjustments made and Bec stepped back satisfied with the placement. Turning to one of the other teens, Alaster, she said, “The tree you wanted would be great right here,” she points by the machine, “it will be able to cover the machine perfectly!”

Alaster smiled, as that was the most Bec had ever spoken to him, “Thanks!” The young man picked up the undecorated tree and moved it into the corner.

By the end of the day, the hall was completed. Standing at the end of the hall, all the residents and staff stared in awe at the work the group had completed that day. “This is absolutely stunning,” Zelma commented. Blue lights were strung along the edges of the ceiling to give the hall a glowing ambiance. Snow fell slowly from the snow machine, that somehow Bec managed to lift just behind the tree near the top, and the air from the air conditioning pushed it down the hall towards the end where they all stood. The dry ice made a fog creep along the floor and sweep by the empty presents that were decorated and left strategically placed so it would hit the fog just so to make it ripple along its path. The walls were given murals from two of the kids who could project images. Each mural would move and create an almost life like a movie scene right there in front of them. Bec used her telekinesis to help the snow float down the hall and drop randomly. Alaster, another phaser, had the ability to create fire, so he made an artificial fireplace with a roaring fire. The fun part was you could walk through it and not get hurt.

“Judging will be tomorrow,” She turned and looked at each of the residents, “you should be very proud. You did an amazing job.”

Tuesday morning, after breakfast, everyone was called to the end of their wings. Residents stood in front, with their guards behind them and their administrator to the side. Georgia walked from wing to wing with a clipboard in hand as she scribbled notes. Creativity, imagery, and teamwork were all judged, but she had demanded no movement to be made in the wings–which meant the snow could not fall and the fog couldn’t flow. When she was done tallying up the scores, she stood in the center where all the wings met tapping her pen on the clipboard mindlessly. “We seem to have a tie,” she glanced around at everyone. Moans and groans could be heard throughout. “But, to break the tie… I have a challenge. Wing F and Wing C–will you accept the challenge?” The administrators of both wings stepped forward and nodded. “Good. Set your wings in motion!”

The residents from each wing smiled. Knowing that they all had abilities tied into their decorations, movements were vital to make them work. Wing F started first. Horses trotted along the walls on snow-covered streets with images of snow falling in the hall. Georgia took some notes and motioned for Wing C to begin. When Wing C put their hall into motion, jaws dropped and whispers of amazement could be heard.

Georgia didn’t move for several seconds. She too had been awed by the work the residents had pulled together. Turning around she called out, “Wing C is the winner!” That night, Wing C enjoyed hot and fresh pizza and loud music.

Chapter 22

For the next week, Bec saw that same woman from the email standing across the street from the shop every evening just before close. She would stand there staring at the shop and then run off if anyone stepped out of the doors.

Finally, the eighth night, Bec left the shop early and stood just inside one of the shops doorways on the side of the street near where the woman would stand. Wearing a leather jacket, Bec found herself still chilled to the bone with the cold weather coming in and wondered how it was the stranger stood out here night after night with so little on and not freeze.

Another ten minutes, Bec noticed a shadow at the edge of the building just inside the alley. It crept along; the streetlights elongating the appearance of the woman into something otherworldly. The tiny woman came around the corner, dressed in the same pants and shirt as she has been in since the first night Bec saw her.

Waiting for the woman to stand in her normal spot, the stylist eased out of the doorway and up next to her. As soon as the stranger realized someone was so near, she tried to run, but Bec grabbed her hand and didn’t let go. “You don’t have to run.”

Panic filled the woman's eyes as tears threatened to overflow onto her cheeks, “Please. He can’t know I’m here.” The woman struggled to pull Bec’s hand off of her arm, but it was useless. Eventually, The woman dropped to the ground in the fetal position and cried. Bec knelt and embraced her, rocking her and soothing her with kind words.

Bec whispered to her, “I can protect you. I can make it so he never hurts you or anyone else ever again!”

Wiping her eyes, the woman stammered being cries, “Can you really?”

“It’s what I do.”

“He is a fireman. They all believe him.”

Bec helped the woman to her feet, holding both her hands and looking into the woman’s eyes, “If you want me to help I can. But you have to tell me this is what you want. You have to say the words.”

“Help me.”

The woman began to cry again and fell into Bec’s arms. Bec could feel the woman’s bones as if she had not eaten a good meal in months. “Come with me. Let’s get you cleaned up and a warm meal. Then I’ll get the information I need to handle this situation and get you taken care of. Let’s go.” With Bec’s arm around her, the woman was led across the street and into the salon.

“Who do we have here?” Charlie called out as they entered.

Bec looked down at the woman and realized she didn’t know the woman’s name. Giving her a bit of a squeeze, the woman squeaked, “Tiffany.”

Charlie waved her back toward her chair, “Well Tiffany my name is Charlie. Why don’t you come sit down and let us treat you to freshen up on that style? I’m sure Bec needs to take care of some things and you’ll be in good hands.” Bec gently pushed the woman toward Charlie’s chair and gave the stylist a nod of thanks.

Bec went into the tiny room in the back of the shop that was no larger than a small child’s closet and sat at the desk. Picking up the phone, the woman ordered enough food for ten people to be delivered. Once that was complete Bec sat back and watched through the mirrors at Charlie working on Tiffany. The woman was skittish and timid and it burned Bec alive to think that someone did this to her. Rolling her chair out to where Tiffany was enjoying a nice cut, Bec looked around before speaking, “Okay, Tiff here is the last of the night. Let’s close up shop.”

The other stylist nodded and as they finished up with their clients, the woman went back to her tiny office and called Kyle. Explaining all the details she had, he knew she’d be home late and that they’d just meet back at the apartment.

Once all the rest of the staff and clients had gone for the night, the food was delivered, the three women sat in a circle on the floor eating from various Chinese food containers. At first Tiffany was quiet but by the time they had finished as much as they could possibly stuff into them, she had begun to open up. “Tiff, I have to ask you some questions. Are you ready to talk about things?” Bec asked as she dropped her chopsticks into one of the empty containers.

Tiffany stared at Bec like a deer in headlights. Her doe-like eyes full of terror. Charlie put a hand on the woman’s shoulder, “You have nothing and no one to fear here,” nodding to Bec, “she has helped numerous women and children over the last few years. Go ahead… tell her.”

The frightened woman swallowed, “What do you want to know?”

Bec smiled, “Everything. I need to know where you and he live. Where he works exactly, I know you said he was a fireman. I also need to know about him personally. I will find out tons more on my own of course and then when I am done… you will be free.”

“Until then, you can stay at my place!” Charlie chirped in with a genuine smile.

Over the next thirty minutes, Tiffany recounted all she could think of when it came to her husband Roy. Details from when they met all the way up to the time when she was given Bec’s email address.

Bec committed all the information to memory, then started to clean up. “I’ll finish up here, you two go ahead and head home.” Looking at Charlie, she said, “Let me know when you get home. Okay.”

“Will do boss! Come on, Tiffany.”

Tiffany looked at Bec for a moment before moving towards her. When she was close enough, she wrapped her arms around her and whispered thanks in her ears. AT first Bec flinched from being touched, but then her nerves calmed down and she returned the hug with one arm. Charlie watched the interaction from the door, smiling and proud of both women who had made some immense strides in their lives recently.

After Charlie left with Tiffany, Bec stayed behind and dug up all the information she could find on the man on the web and a plan began to form.

Chapter 23

It was the night before Bec’s seventeenth birthday, when Jake phased through her door holding two cupcakes and a decorated box. Bec and Jake had grown very close over the last year and he never stopped amazing her. He broke through all the walls of protection she had built around her heart. He even created an environment that felt safe, safe enough she fully opened up to the doctor, Georgia Wilson, about everything that has happened in her short life.

“Good evening,” he blushed as he stood at the end of her bed.

Looking at him curiously, she replied, “Good evening, but it’s not my birthday yet.”

“In,” he looked at his watch, “ten seconds it will officially be!” He waited until the watch stuck midnight then held out the box to her, “a little something for you.”

She eagerly but nervously took the box from him. She turned it overlooking at all sides before she pulled on the hanging end of the bow. The ribbon fell away with grace and then Bec slid a finger under the seam and broke the seal. Under the wrapper was a small wooden box engraved with what looked like a wave. Slowly opening the box, the teenager found a thin gold chain with the same wave design pendant inside. “A wave?” She looked up at him, not understanding.

“It’s the closest thing I could get to represent your strength and power and well, speed.”

She got up on her knees and wriggled to the end of the bed where he stood; she embraced him then leaned back to look at him. “Thank you. It is truly the best gift I’ve ever had for a birthday.” Her eyes deepened as she looked deep into his, her heart skipped a beat and began to race. She blinked slowly and found him leaning into her. Their lips brushed and the heat rose.

He held her tight as their kiss deepened. He crawled up on the bed with her, pulling her with him till her head lay softly on the pillow, “Is this okay?” He would never push her but he wanted her and wanted her to want him just the same.

Breathing heavily, “Yes. I would like this-” Her words were cut off by another hungry kiss. His hands roamed her body covered by clothes and hers roamed his the same. In mere moments, Bec pushed up away from him. “Wait. I need you to know something.”

He laid his hand softly on her shoulder, “I would never force-”

“I know. It’s not that. I just want you to know that I want this. Really bad. But you need to know it will be my first time, first time doing it on my terms.”

He was by her side holding her in an instant, “I would be honored if you would do me the same honor?” She looked up at him in shock just before she smiled and started pulling her shirt over her head. The rest of the early morning was a blur to the two young lovers as they melted into one in a swirl of pleasure that both finally wanted.

Hours later, Bec woke with a jerk. Her eyes saw the wall, but her body felt the warmth of another body. It took her several seconds to realize it was Jake who laid behind her with a firm hold on her with one arm around her waist. His soft breaths could be felt through her short hair, a smile made its way onto her. She gently pulled his arm off her and she slid out of the bed. Running a hand through her hair as she stood looking at the man lying in her bed, Bec’s anxiety skyrocketed. She jumped when a knock came at her door. “Um, I’m not dressed. Wait a minute,” She called out which woke Jake.

He sat up confused at first where he was when he saw the young woman; he loved standing there staring back at him. Fear is what he saw in her eyes. Another knock at the door. He jumped up, pulling on his pants. Quickly grabbing his shirt, he stood before Bec, “Don’t worry. I can get out of here without being seen,” he gave her a wink, then leaned in for a passionate kiss, “We got this. I love you Bec.”

She stood staring at him, her hand slowly going to her lips as she heard herself reply, “I love you too Jake.” He smiled then ran towards the wall as he phased through it. She quickly pulled on her clothes. She turned to the door, “Come in,” she called out as she jumped on her bed.

“Good morning,” the orderly spoke cheerfully. He was a tall, wiry man with bright red hair and ice-blue eyes so light they almost looked white. “Where you want it?” With one brow raised, Bec stared at the man. He was obviously new because he spoke to her like they were friends and that immediately put her on edge. She glanced at the table then back to the man. “Okay, I can put it there.” He did and walked over to her holding out a hand for her shake, “My name is Geo.” Bec glanced at his hand and then back at him. She eased herself back on her bed to give more distance between them. “Oh, well okay. I just wanted to introduce myself. I’ll be your new guard so we will be seeing lots more of each other.”

Bec’s expression scrunched. She knew Jake was her guard, so why would this guy say this? She looked up at the camera in her room and realized the red light was on. Shit, they saw everything. He always turns that off. Her pulse raced. Her breath quickened. Her adrenaline soared. She had to get to Jake before they did, but she had no way of doing so. Then a thought struck her, Kyle! She needed to get to Kyle. As soon as Geo left her room, Bec cleaned up and got ready for class. She followed the new guard to her classroom and immediately began to seek out Kyle.

Wale was waiting for her at their station. She nodded to him that she was coming but turned towards Kyle and screamed inside her head. He his head jerked. His dreadlocks swinging around wildly. I need your help. Its Jake. They found out. Kyle’s expression dropped. He knew that the girl he had fallen for was in love deep with a guard but getting caught, that was deadly. In the past guards who were caught with residents were never seen nor heard from again.

For the rest of class, Kyle did all he could to find Jake telepathically while avoiding Bec. Three hours later and he got an answer. The guard was found dead in the woods outside of GASAH. His partner froze the instant Kyle got the news. Both young men went pale, Kyle told his partner, Do not tell her in here! I’ll tell her in the yard later! She will destroy this place.

Chapter 24

The holidays were never a huge love of Bec’s. As a child it meant torturous moments at home when school was out. While at the hospital she began to enjoy them a bit more with the companionship of one or two special individuals. Now that she has been living on her own and owning the shop, Bec has found a new love for a few of the holidays, especially the New Year.

The holidays were the only time of the year that most people got to see a softer side of Bec, when she would let down her walls just a bit and enjoy life and this year was no different. Hanging decorations, Bec was smiling and joking around with the staff and clients. Her spirits were high and stayed that way till the end of the workday where things turned more serious for her.

“Charlie, I’m going out to handle some business tonight. Tiff still at your place?”

The woman shot her a quick worried glance, “Yeah, why?”

“I’m going to fix some things and wanted to make sure she was safe,” Bec replied with a devious smirk.

“Need me to close the shop?”

“Ya know what,” Bec stood from her chair, “that actually would be good. I’ve got to check on a few things and that would give me plenty of time to do so. Thanks.” Grabbing her phone and keys, the woman walked out the back door to her car.

Sitting in her car, Bec took a few deep breaths and mentally went through her checklist. She had hacked Tiffany’s husbands accounts and discovered he had been hoarding money and had a side chick. After watching the man for a week, she was confident she had his routine down and planned to make a surprise visit.  Plugging in her phone, she hit the car play and chose some hard rock music just before turning the radio up to an absurd level.

It took the woman less than ten minutes to find Tiffany’s house. Pulling up into the driveway, Bec scanned the house. The only lights on were in the kitchen and there was one car in the drive which left only one car to be in the garage. Turning the car off, Bec stepped out of her car and stretched just a little before going to the knock.

Three hard knocks and the voice inside started yelling. The woman smiled. In a rush the door flew open, “Who the hell are you knocking on my house?” A gruff voice yelled at her. That voice belonged to a tall, muscular man, who stood six foot easily, had tons of tattoos and roughly grown beard.

“Jack?” Bec asked innocently.

The man looked her up and down greedily before responding, “Yeah.”

Bec pushed her way in and walked into the living area. “I thought we could talk,” she turned to him.

Narrowing his eyes, his suspicion grew. “I don’t know you lady and you need to leave. It could be dangerous to be here.” He closed in on her with each work until he was looking straight down on her.

Bec played the submissive yet flirtatious role she knew he’d fall for. Running her finger down his check while batting her eyes up at him, she teased, “Now, you wouldn’t turn away a beautiful woman who just came to talk and have some fun. Would you?”

He took the bait and put his arms on her hips. Bec cringed as he wreaked of stale beer and cigarettes. “Fun I can do.” As he leaned in to nip at her neck, Bec head butted him causing him to stagger back. “What the actual f-”   Bec slammed the palm up into his nose, cutting off his words.

He hollered out as he grabbed his face and. Blood pouring out of his fingers. The tiny woman, compared to his size, walked up under him leaning down to look him in the eyes, “Ready to talk now?”

“You bitch. I’m going to kill you!” He roared as he flew a hand back to hit her, but she was across the room already. He looked over at her in confusion, “how the hell?”

He stomped across the room towards her and her eyes twinkled in anticipation. She rocked back and forth on her heals like a cat ready to pounce on its prey. When he was close enough that he could reach her, she threw out her hand and her telekinetic abilities threw the man backwards against the wall. Pictures fell and crashed around him as the shelves shook under the pressure of his weight. He stumbled to get up and came roaring at her again.

Bec was ready, of course. That devious smile from earlier made another appearance, “You like to fight women? Well, I fight back!” She flicked her left wrist upward while flicking the right downward, causing the furniture in the room to turn into a whirlwind. Standing with her feet planted, Bec watched the man panic as his living room turned into a mass chaos. After a few moments, Bec let the furniture fall and waited to see what the man would do.

“No woman is going to beat me! Just wait -” he began to holler just as Bec held her hands out and raised her chin just a bit. Everything in the room began to vibrate. A loud hum overwhelmed Jack to the point he covered his ears with his hands and ended up in the fetal position.

Bec slowed the vibration down, “do you submit?”

“Never!” he growled.

She chuckled, “I was hoping you’d say that. She calmed the room and lifted him into the air. He flailed, trying to grab at anything. Bec watched his pain grow. Holding her left hand out, she pointed at him and directed his body to the kitchen where she laid him on the table and held him there. With her right hand, she mentally grabbed the kitchen knives and held them in the air waiting their instructions. Pulling the table on its end, Bec made the table spin and mentally began throwing the knives at the scared man.

After two struck his leg, he began to beg, “I give. I give.”

Dropping the table on its end, Bec walked up to the man. Looking at each of the knives, she pulled one out that was near his throat and held it down below the belt line, “You will never touch Tiffany again. You will sign over this house, your car, and transfer the money from your hidden account to her.”

“Yes, yes. Of course. Anything. Just let me go.”

Twisting her mouth with thought, “fine but you will do all that now.” As she spoke the word now, the table dropped, the knives removed themselves from him and made a loud exploding sound. The air swooshed around the room. The man stood up staggering, trying to catch his breath. “Get the paperwork,” the woman dressed in all leather demanded. Jack moved to leave the room, “don’t try to do anything you will regret,” the woman warned.

“Oh. No. Of course not.” He walked down the hall as Bec followed him at what she hoped was a safe distance. When he turned into the bedroom, he was waiting for Bec as he threw and landed a punch in her gut. Bent over gasping, she was now in a compromising position. “You weird ass bitch. No woman ever beats me.”

Bec started laughing. He may be strong, but she had gifts he couldn’t control. Throwing out both hands, he flew backwards and was pinned to the wall. She spread out her left hand, causing his legs and arms pull outward. She nudged her hand forward putting more pressure on his body. Walking up close enough to whisper in his ear, she spoke softly, “You will regret touching me.”

The woman stepped back three feet and began punching in the air at the man’s body, but not once did she touch him. Her telekinetic abilities, however, struck hard and rapidly. Nearly five minutes later, the man had broken ribs, a swollen face, and a broken jaw.

An hour later, Bec knocked on Charlie's door. Opening the door, Charlie stood back to let the woman in. “All good?”

“Yeah,” she held up a folder before asking, “Where is Tiff?”

Tiffany came out of the bathroom at that moment, “I’m here. What’s this?” She asked when Bec handed the folder to her.

“It’s… everything. The house, car and money. Do what you want with it but Jack will not be a problem for you ever again!”

Tiffany thumbed through the papers and looked between the two women staring back at her, “Thank you.” She began to cry and surprised both women by giving them a group hug.

Bec returned the hug and whispered, “Happy New Year.”

Chapter 25

Early on Monday morning, Bec sat in the middle of her bed hashing over the memories of the last few weeks. It’s been a week since she has seen or heard from Jake. Everyone ignores her questions or changes the subject, everyone except Kyle. Last night before they went to their rooms, Kyle told her he had news about Jake and would talk to her in the yard to explain things. Immediately a weight in the pit of her stomach formed. Startled out of her thought from a hard knock on the door, Bec stood as the door handle turned. Geo’s head peeped in, “Good morning sunshine. Time to go.”

Bec glared at the man. She still hadn’t spoken a word to him. Not finding it in herself to trust him yet, Bec pushed past him as she walked into and down the hall leaving the guard to catch up. Geo never stood too close to her, but today he did. Leaning in he whispered, “I hear you have missed old Jakie dear.” His voice full of darkness and animosity.

Bec froze. He was close enough to touch her. She waited, glaring straight ahead. Geo did the one thing everyone was warned not to do. He put a hand on her shoulder. He touched her. She flew around with the force of her speed and threw him back against the wall with her telekinetic powers, never once raising a hand. She slowly walked up to him, leaned in and whispered, “Never touch me.” Bec straightened, turned and walked to the cafeteria to have her breakfast. The guard jogged to catch up but walked several feet behind her making sure to stay a safe distance, as he rubbed the back of his head. Geo had no desire to get thrown around again.

When she walked crossed the threshold of the cafeteria, everyone went silent as heads turned towards her. She froze for the second time that morning. By the time Bec had made her way inside, all the students already knew the news about Jake. Kyle sat with his back to the wall as he watched her walk by the students and make her way to the buffet counter. Slowly everyone turned back to their own trays and whispers grew. Bec’s brow twitched as she came to realize that normally it is completely silent in the cafeteria, so what made today different? Tray in hand, she turned to go sit by Kyle. Other residents would glance her way and then whisper amongst themselves. She was no mind reader, but even she knew when she was the topic at hand.

Sliding onto the bench seat, Kyle nodded to her then glanced at Geo. Mentally, Geo was screaming at himself for what he had done and that let the young man know that Bec was already on edge. Under the table, Kyle slowly slid a hand onto her knee and gently squeezed as he spoke to her and her alone, rough morning I see. Bec only nodded as she cleared her mind and kept Kyle out of it. He removed his hand and went back to his food. He just needed to make sure no one told Bec that Jake was not only gone but dead before he was in a safe area, before she was in a safe area.

Another student, Jailin, sat down across from Kyle and the temperamental teen. Standing six foot two, the young man with white eyes winked at Bec before speaking, “Good morning. Sorry for your loss.”

Bec’s fork, mid-air, stopped its progression. “My loss?” Kyle kicked Jailin under the table and shook his head no, but it was too late. Bec had caught on that something had happened and she was not in the loop. Jailin’s dark complexion paled. He had made the dangerous mistake that Kyle had been working to control. Bec’s voice softened, “What loss Jailin?”

Trying to regain his composure he stuttered, “Well, you obviously have a new guard! So, Jake must have been moved to another wing or something. I know how well you had gotten along with him.” The students who could hear the panic in his voice scooted away from him, from her.

“Hmm, is that so.” Bec calmly put her fork down and leaned forward, “and what do you know of what happened to Jake?”

By this time, Geo had moved back several feet and all the students had cleared a significant area from around the three teens sitting at the table. Kyle glared at Jailin and sent him mental threats to not say a word. Jailin swallowed hard. He had heard the girl had a temper, but he wasn’t sure how true the stories were. He was newer to the hospital as he arrived just after the holidays. What he was about to say would tell him he should have headed the warning. “Everyone knows. Don’t you?”

“Apparently not!” The teen glared, “so tell me Jailin. What happened to Jake?” Bec turned to look at Kyle when she spoke. He had a hand over his face knowing that he had a made a vital mistake of not telling her sooner.

“They found his body by or in the woods over a week ago. Don’t know why they didn’t tell you,” he shrugged. His white eyes narrowed as he looked at Kyle, not understanding the relationship that Bec and Jake had. The first person that Bec allowed to be so close to her. Kyle could barely touch her without her flipping out but Jake, she had made love to.

Bec sat still processing the words the teen had spoken. Turning to Kyle, she calmly asked, “Is this true?”

Kyle didn’t reply. He didn’t turn to look at her. He did glance her way, but that was all he could manage. He was trying to mentally prepare for the chaos that was about to ensue. He glanced at Jailin and shook his head but didn’t attempt to move away. He would stay there for her and not for the last time in his life.

“You knew and didn’t tell me? This is what you were going to tell me in the yard? You’ve known the whole time?” Bec’s questions continued as her anger grew. It was her last question that he finally spoke up, “Who did it?”

“I don’t know. Honestly. I wanted us to be alone when I told you,” his hands on his legs as he turned to her to speak but it was too late.

Her eyes raged. Her jaw flinched. As she stood, she threw out her arms and everything that was not nailed down flew outward, including some students. Time slowed for her as she saw the forks and spoons twisting in the air. The food flew from the trays as they flipped in the air. Students that had been standing were thrown with the force of a small tornado against the walls, tables, buffet stand, and each other. Guards that were standing outside the cafeteria rushed in only to be thrown back with everything else, even a few tables were upended.

Bec held her arms out, making everything to freeze in mid-air. Heavy breaths made her chest rise and fall as if she were out of breath, but she was just getting started. Slamming her hands down, everything dropped. The mistake that was made was the guards thought she was done and stormed towards her. Looking down at her hands on the tables, the emotionally devastated teen could see them rushing towards her out of her periphery. She let them close in on her. When they were about five feet from her, she smiled and looked up at them. Flicking her left wrist outward, the guards were thrown backward. Two sustained major injuries and the other's just bruises. Bec didn’t care.

Chapter 26

After arriving home from Charlie’s, Bec plopped down into the couch and slipped into a deep sleep. For the first time in a while, she had a sleep induced by exhaustion and satisfaction rather than alcohol. Her body was able to rest and when she was woken the next morning by the smell of bacon, she felt rested. Stretching as far as her body could, she groaned, “Good morning.”

Kyle leaned back, looking from the kitchen into the den where Bec still laid, “Good morning sunshine. Hungry?”

“You left me out here?” Running her hands through her hair while pulling the blanket back and swinging her legs over to sit up.

“Yeah. You were sleeping so peaceful that I just threw. A blanket over you. You good?”

“Yup, helped another woman out last night and apparently came home and crashed,” Bec walked up behind Kyle giving him a pat on his butt as he made her way toward the coffeepot. After pouring a cup and dressing it up with sugar and cream, Bec sat at the two-chair table with one foot in the chair and her arm wrapped around her knee.

Flipping some pancakes in one pan, the man smiled to himself. He’d never tell her how proud he was of her extra work, but it was the best therapy should have. It seemed as if with each person or family the woman helped; she seemed to heal just a little more. “Pancakes and bacon?” He turned to her over his shoulder.

“Oh yes. I’m famished!”

Putting a plate in front of her, he sat across from her with his own. “Ya know. We really should turn one bedroom into a training room and just use the other for us.”

With her coffee mug halfway to her mouth, she froze. Eyeing him, trying to determine how she felt about this offer, she slowly put her mug down. He didn’t move, didn’t blink. She stabbed her pancakes a few times as she thought over her options. She knew deep down how she felt. While fear had kept her at bay all this time, since giving in to a relationship with Kyle she truly felt the happiest she could ever remember. Even Jake couldn’t compare to what Kyle made her feel. Her heart warmed and a smile slowly crept up. She nodded, “Sure. That sounds like a plan. But… we keep my room. It’s bigger.”

He knew not to make a big deal ever about any of the decisions that she made involving a relationship or showing her emotions. So, the man nodded outwardly and responded, “Sounds like a plan.” Inwardly, however, the man’s soul lept for joy.

It was a full day of moving things around and cleaning out his room. Kyle stood in his empty room looking around. “We should redo the floors in here before we bring in any equipment. What do you think?”

“Hardwood would be much better than this cheap tile for sure. I can call Georgia and make sure she doesn’t mind. It is still her property after all.”

“You call her and I’ll order Chinese. Want the usual?”

“Yeah,” Bec replied as she pulled out her phone and dialed the doctor's number. “Hey. Yeah, everything is good. We are moving some stuff around and wanted to know if you mind us redoing some of the floors. No. Okay. Great. Bye.”

Kyle had walked into the other room to call the delivery service while Bec talked to Georgia but could still hear her side of the conversation. When the woman walked out of the room giving him a thumbs up, he nodded and returned the gesture. Once he disconnected his call, he asked, “How’s the good doc doing?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t ask.”

He chuckled, “Of course you didn’t.”

Pulling two beers out of the fridge, Bec rummaged in the junk drawer for the bottle opener, “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing really. But you could’ve asked how she was.”

“Why?”

He took his beer as he leaned against the table and took a long draw before replying, “Do you ever miss the hospital?”

Bec stared blankly at him for several silent moments, “It was the only place other than here I’d call home. It was a safe haven for me.”

“I know you don’t open up much,” he stepped up close to her, placing a hand on each hip. “Bec, you are the most amazing woman to me and I couldn’t imagine you being any different. Please never change.”

“Me? Hell no.”

He leaned and kissed her softly. Pulling back just a bit, he whispered, “I love you.” She froze for a second but then rushed in kissing him deeply.

Stepping back just a moment, her eyes glistened with moisture as her emotions struggled to maintain its peace. “You know I’m not ready to say that yet.”

“You say it when you truly feel it. Why don’t we find a distraction? We could look at flooring options and have a couple of more beers?”

Smiling, “Sounds perfect. I’ll get the laptop and meet you on the couch.”

After about an hour they agreed on pine flooring from a local store. Shutting the laptop Bec took in a deep breath. “What’s wrong?” The man who sat comfortably close asked her with deep concern. He knew that she had agreed to a lot of things today that was out of her comfort zone and worried she would back up and regret it all.

“I have one more demon to remove from my life and then I think I will finally be free!” She turned herself on the couch to face him. “I feel like it’s my therapy and the only way to heal.”

He nodded, “Okay. Who is he and where do we find this demon?”

Her eyes glazed over, “He is my sister’s father and lives four hours north of us.”

“Is he-” he started to ask then cut himself off. She was talking about the man who first abused her. The man who ultimately stole her childhood from her. The one who scarred her for life and taught her to never trust anyone. The man who was her largest demon and Kyle knew that in order for to truly heal, that demon would need his horns removed.

Chapter 27

Six months later…

Bec was put in solitary for nearly a month after her explosion in the cafeteria and after many sessions with Dr. Wilson, was finally given privileges to return to her regular schedule. It was spring again and the Texas air was warming up again. Kyle and Bec sat on the bench outside, side-by-side in silence. They tilted their heads back and let the warmth of the sun soak in. This had been their routine for the last few months. They never spoke, just sat there.

Today, Kyle knew he had to speak up. “I’ll be eighteen next week.”

“I know.”

“You do understand what that means, right?”

“That you’re older than I am.”

Kyle sat up and turned to her, “No. Well, yes, but that isn’t all. It means I am leaving the next week.”

Bec drew her head upward and looked at him. Her face ashen. “You. You are leaving?”

“I have to. The state can’t keep me here any longer.”

“I see.”

“I’ve put a lot of thought into this. Your birthday will be in three months. So, I can go out and get us a place to stay, get a job. So, when you get out you can have a place to go. Would that be good?”

“You’re gonna leave here and never think of me again. The crazy girl who throws tantrums and hurts people. Why would I ever believe that you’ll be waiting for me? I am no one.”

He put a hand on hers, then put his other hand over them both. “I will never abandon you. I will be waiting for you on your birthday. The day you walk out of here, I will be right outside waiting.”

“Uh, huh.” She pulled away, “Time to go in.” Bec knew that everyone she cared for hurt her or left her. Her mother hurt her. The men her mother let in her life hurt her. Jake left her. Even if he was murdered it was said he was running. So, to Bec, Kyle would leave her too.

He pulled her arm to stop her and turn her towards him. She glared at him. He smiled. Kyle embraced her and whispered to her, “The world would have to kill me to get me to leave you or hurt you. I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you. I will always be here for you, however you need me to be.” He kissed her forehead and walked indoors.

Bec turned to watch him walk away, her emotions were confused. She wanted to believe him but life had taught her hard lessons, lessons she would not soon forget but hope welled up inside her. It would be nice to have someone she could depend on. Kyle was there to help her the day she found out about Jake. He defended her from the guards when they tried to use tranquilizers on her. He stood in-between her and everyone else until she was calm enough to walk out on her own.

Over the next week, the days were a blur. Breakfast, class, lunch, sessions with Georgia, outside in the yard, back to her room then dinner. The routine was an endless cycle that she seemed to float through with no regard. Bec’s mind was working on how to cope with the fact that the one person she had grown accustomed to being in her life daily was leaving and that he had told her he loved her. The last man who told her that died so what would she do with those words he spoke. Did he mean them or did he just say it to distract her from his departure?

It was the morning of Kyle’s eighteenth birthday as he sat in the same chair Bec sat in when seeing Georgia Wilson. “You’ve come a long way, Kyle. Are you ready to go out into the world on your own?”

Kyle shrugged, “I guess. I really don’t have a choice now, do I?”

“Don’t be that way. You have to know I wouldn’t send you out there with nothing!”

“What do you mean, Doc?” Kyle never used her name when he spoke to her, only ever called her doc.

“Kyle, I have some connections out there. I’ve set you up with an apartment and a job if you want it.”

“What kind of job?”

“Mechanic for a classic car shop. You interested?”

Kyle smiled for the first time that week, “Hell yeah, I’m interested.”

“Good!” Dr. Wilson stood and handed him a large white envelope. “Everything you need is in there along with some money to get you started.”

Kyle opened the envelope and went through its contents. Inside there were two sets of keys, one to a door that he imagined was the apartment and another to a car. Also, inside was a smaller envelope that contained two thousand dollars and all the vital records he’d need. Kyle stood and hugged the doctor, “Thanks doc, this will definitely not be used in vain.”

As he walked to leave, Georgia called out to him, “Oh and Kyle?”

He looked over his shoulder as he held the door handle in one hand, “Yes?”

“She will need you.”

He nodded, “I have no intentions of abandoning her.” He turned the handle, left the doctor's office and walked towards the entrance of the hospital. He smiled as he walked up, seeing Bec standing there pacing. “I knew you’d come to see me off.”

“Don’t make some big deal out of it okay.”

Kyle could only give a chuckle. “I got a deal for you. In three months, I’ll be waiting outside for you.” He dangled the keys in the air, “I already have a place and a ride. But, when you get out we are going to work on getting rid of your demons… our way. Deal?”

“Get rid of? I hope your mind and mine are on the same track and then we will have a deal!”

He waved his arm to get her to come closer. He put his arms around her and squeezed her tightly. He inhaled her scent and closed his eyes. “I will be here and we will make things right.” He pushed away from her and walked out of the hospital.

Bec stood staring at the doors long after he had disappeared through them. Could she believe he’d be there for her? Could she really get rid of her demons? Only time would tell, but she didn’t plan to hold her breath!

Chapter 28

“I found him!” Kyle heard Bec call out from the living room while he worked out in their new training room. Walking out, he wiped his face with a towel, “Found who?”

She looked up at him, her eyes greyed the color of steel. “My biggest demon.”

“How? Where?”

Turning the laptop around, she pointed to a blinking red dot on the map that filled the screen. “There. I’m going tomorrow.”

“What about the shop?”

“Charlie is going to manage the shop while I go handle some personal business.”

“Personal business? Is that what we are calling this now?”

“Well, it’s the best name I could come up with besides revenge!” Bec chuckled as she walked past him to get her backpack. Opening it up she pulled out two short daggers and laid them on the bed. Next to the daggers, the woman laid out a pair of spiked brass knuckles, just before pulling out an envelope from the drawer in her nightstand.

Standing at the door, Kyle watched the woman as she meticulously set things up. “What’s in the envelope?”

Bec turned in shock, “I didn’t realize you were there watching me.”

“Yeah, well, there is no way I’m letting you do this part alone!” He walked up to her and placed a hand on her hips, placing a soft kiss on her forehead, he whispered, “You will never be alone again!”

“Thanks,” Bec sighed into the man’s chest. Inhaling his scent, her body relaxed. “The envelope is proof of the things he did. I’ve been holding onto them until I could face him and get him arrested.”

“So that is your end game? Have him arrested?”

Bec pulled back enough to look up at the grey eyes that stared down back at her. “I plan to make him feel some pain first, then the police will get a call to come get him.”

“When do we leave?”

“In the morning. I want a good night’s sleep before we drive up there and go find him. I have his work information and a possible home address. If find him at work then I can take care of things when he gets home.”

Kyle pulled her in tight once again, “Then let’s make the most of the night and finish this up in the morning?” He nodded to the items on the bed.

Bec giggled just a bit and leaved in for a kiss. As their lips brushed against one another’s, the energy between them sparked. Kyle put a hand behind her head holding her tight and deepened their kiss. After that no other words were spoken.

…

As the sun rose above the horizon, Bec was already up and getting prepared for her trip to make her demon feel the disaster he created in her all those years ago. Kyle was currently in the kitchen finishing up his breakfast. “You about ready?” Bec called out to him as she placed her daggers inside the thigh-high boots that were her everyday shoes.

“Yup. Just need to brush my teeth and we are good to go.” He passed her quickly as he went into the bathroom to clean up.

Gathering the envelope, the car keys and her cell phone, Bec said aloud. “Ok. I’m ready. I have everything. I’ll start the car.”

By that time, the man was coming out of the bathroom and had walked up behind her. He lightly placed his hands on her waist and gently kissed the back of her neck. Bec was still getting used to letting someone touch her so freely so for a brief moment she froze before she allowed herself to relax.

Smiling back at him, “Ready to go I take it?”

“Absolutely! Let’s get this done and get back home!” He smiled back at her.

They walked out of the small apartment home and headed four hours north until they found the place where Darren worked.

The building was older with historical embellishments on the outside with a large wooden sign that had the hand-painted words, The Shop, in plain lettering above the door. Bec backed into the parking lot across the small two-lane road that ran through the original part of town. With her car facing the shop, she and Kyle had a direct line of sight to see inside the store.

Four men talked on the phone while another walked through and to a separate office in the back. Bec squinted to try to identify who the men were. It was another hour before the lights started to turn off and the men began exiting the building. Bec sat taller in her seat when the third man walked out and turned right onto the sidewalk. “That’s him!”

Kyle stretched to see him, “Are you sure? It's been some time since you last saw him!”

The woman glared at him, “Oh, I will never forget what he looks like. I could never forget no matter how hard I tried.”

“I know. Let’s go ahead and follow him before he gets too far ahead of us.”

Bec didn’t reply. She didn’t talk at all the rest of the time that they followed Darren to where his car was parked or across the town and over to the next county where he lived. They left about three car lengths between them until they turned on an older county dirt road where they were the only vehicles. Bec slowed way down until they could just see the lights of the car the man drove. She had an idea of where the man she called her demon lived.

Darren pulled into a narrow dirt driveway that was lined by pine and oak trees. As the drive rounded to the right, the drive opened up to a large yard with a small older mobile home sitting in the middle. As Bec pulled into the driveway, she immediately turned off the car lights and let the moonlight the rest of the way. Just before the opening, she pulled the car over and turned off the engine. The two watched the man go inside and a few lights lit the man's path as he went through the home. After an hour of waiting, all the lights but one went off and Bec opened her door. Leaning back in, she told Kyle, “I’ll be back.”

“You don’t have to do this alone ya know,” He called out to her.

“I know, but I need to. You can listen in if you want.” She tapped her temple then gave him a wink and closed the door softly.

Walking across the yard, Bec could hear Kyle speaking to her, “Be safe and don’t kill him.” His words were loving but also made her chuckle.  Taking the steps slowly, Bec raised a hand to knock on the glass of the screen door but paused just before her knuckles made contact. She listened first. Silence. Instinct made her open the outer door and check the handle of the inner one. With a slight twist the door crept open.

Chapter 29

Bec’s schedule was rather monotonous during her last months at the hospital. Each day was the same routine from sunup to sundown, then her nights were alone locked in her room. In class, is the only place she really spoke to anyone anymore and if it weren’t for Wale, she’d not talk there.

“I hear you get to leave soon.”

“Yep. Five days.” This is the same conversation they have been holding for the last week and a half. Counting down the days together.

“Any plans yet?”

“Same plans as yesterday. I get out. I get revenge. I live free.”

“I’ll be out not long after you. Want a partner?”

Bec stared at him. He changed the conversation. He never offered to help her before, why now she wondered. Some would call her paranoid, but she considered herself cautious. “Why Wale, I never took you for a thrill seeker,” she teased.

Shrugging, he replied, “I really don’t have anything to look forward to. Get a job. Live a mundane life. I mean I can’t do any of this,” he moved a few objects in the air between them, “in front of everyone ya know.”

She nodded, “I get it. I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll come see you the day you get out and we can decide from there.”

Wale held his hand out for Bec to shake. When the young woman took it, they shook. “Deal. I’ll see you January fifteenth!’

“Deal. Possible partner. But I don’t leave quite yet.”

“I know just preparing.”

* * *

As the class worked on their skills, Bec was called into Georgia’s office the morning she was to get her papers to leave. “Good morning Bec.”

Bec smiled at the doc as she entered the ornate office for the last time, “Good morning.” She plopped into her favorite chair and swung her legs up and over the armrest.

“I have all your paperwork here. Signed and ready to go.”

“Are you glad to be getting rid of me finally?” The young woman asked absently as she stared at the ceiling.

“Why in the world would you think that?”

Bec rolled her head to the side, so that she was facing the doctor and smirked, “Everyone is always glad when they can finally get rid of me. My mother was…now you will be.”

“On the contrary. I will miss our visits.”

“A visit implies I had a choice! We both know that I didn’t.”

“But you have enjoyed them for the most part?” Georgia put down her writing table and pen as she leaned forward on her knees.

Bec twisted herself around in the chair so that she was sitting upright, “If I must admit it, then yes… some. But the question is really… what am I supposed to do out there?”

“I have,” Georgia held up the envelope, “some things to help you get started.”

“Did you give one of those to Kyle?”

Dr. Wilson thought for a minute, wondering what Bec was getting at, before she replied, “The envelope is something I do for all the residents who age out but the contents are rarely the same. I fill it according to the person and their needs.”

“May I?” Bec asked as she held a hand outward for the envelope. Georgia shrugged and handed the envelope over. Bec cautiously opened the surprisingly heavy envelope. Looking inside she saw a set of keys, another smaller envelope and a lot of paperwork. Glancing up at the doctor, Bec leaned forward and empty the envelope's contents onto the table.

“I’m sure you will do great in the world, Bec. I’ve done a lot to get things set up for your future.”

“This future written in stone? Or can I have a say?”

Pointing to the contents that are now spread out in between them, “Your vital records are there. That is enough cash to get you through a month or more until you get a job. The keys… well, there is a classic Mustang waiting for you.”

“A car? You got me a car?” Bec questioned in disbelief. No one had ever given her anything as expensive as a vehicle or any amount of cash. She was uneased by the unknown gestures. In the past the most personal gifts were given to her by Jake, and he died for his troubles.

“I did. You deserve so much more.”

“So… when can I leave?”

“Now.” Georgia stood and gestured to the door.

Bec narrowed her eyes as she gathered the paperwork, cash and keys and dropped them in the large envelope. Standing, she glanced between the door and the doctor not sure whether to trust the fact that she could leave but nervous that she had nowhere to go.

Georgia walked toward the door with Bec following her. As the doctor opened the door, Bec stopped in its threshold. Turning to the doctor, Bec gestured to the envelope, “Thanks for this doc.”

“Of course. I couldn’t not do anything for you,” Georgia smiled a sad smile as she could see the young woman’s nerves rising up. “You will do good things, Bec. I truly believe it.”

Bec’s emotions overwhelmed her when she realized that the woman before her was the only woman who ever gave her wellbeing any concern. Suddenly embracing Georgia, Bec whispered, “Thank you.”

Georgia held the young woman as if she were comforting her own child. Rubbing her back, Georgia gave Bec a quick kiss on the girl's head before replying, “You don’t worry about a thing. Go on now.”

Bec left the doctor’s office without looking back. The elevator ride down to the main floor was in silence as she rode it alone with only her thoughts to keep her company. When the doors slid open, Bec realized that she was merely yards away from her freedom. The short walked seemed to happen in slow motion. Geo stood by the door with her bag and held it out to her as she moved past him. He may have said something but Bec wouldn’t hear him, she wouldn’t hear anyone other Kyle who was now in her head, “I’ve been waiting for you.” She heard him clearly as he stood on the other side of the gate a good hundred feet away.

Kyle leaned up against his car, with his arms and legs crossed and hair hanging down around his shoulders. His shirt fit tight as did his jeans but Bec was more focused on his eyes. His eyes smiled at her and welcomed her into a tight hug as she ran up to him. Pulling back, she smiled up at him, “Thank you.”

“Oh. baby girl, no reason to thank me. I told you I’d never leave you. Now, how about we start living!” The two young adults slid into the car and drove off as the Dr. Wilson looked down upon them from her office.

Chapter 30

The air inside was stale from years of cigarette smoke that soaked the wooden frame of the mobile home. The living room was bare as she made her way to the den where she heard the low rumble of the television show that was playing in the background while the man snored in his overstuffed recliner. She stood in the doorway of the hall and kitchen that faced the back of the man’s chair.

Memories of her childhood flooded her, overwhelming her with fear at first then extreme anger. Her childhood had been destroyed by this man. He had done unspeakable things to her and no one ever believed her. No one ever protected her. On this night, she was going to make sure he paid for it all.

A snort came as one of her footsteps drew a loud creak from the old floor. Bec took another step and another until she came around the chair and could see the face of her demon. She watched him sleep until his eyes slowly opened.

“Who the hell are you? What are you doing in my home?” He cried out in shock.

“I used to ask you why you were in my bed. Do you remember what you told me?” Bec leaned in closer to Darren and sneered.

Confused, the man’s face scrunched until recognition happened and all the color fell from his face as his jaw dropped. “How’d you find me?”

Standing tall, Bec cracked her knuckles, “Oh so you do remember…” Raising one brow, her head titled as she slid on the brass knuckles maniacally. “I’m glad you do.” Side-stepping the man’s feet, Bec stood in front of him, leaned in close enough to put a hand on either hand rest of the recliner. Looking from one eye to the other with exaggerated movements, she taunted, “I’ll be your demon now.”

The man’s head turned as if someone called his name. Bec smiled and stood straight again before stepping back. Kyle was in the man’s head now and she’d let him play just a bit before she continued. Kyle’s voice echoed in Darren's head. The older man stood and walked around confused. He couldn’t understand the man's voice in his head telling him about the darkness he would enjoy and learn to love and how the soul eater would be there soon.

As Darren stumbled around confused, Bec took advantage of the situation and landed a hard hit across his jaw when he came to close to her.

“Ouch! What the hell is going on?” Darren grabbed at his jaw with one hand and his head with another.

“I’ve become your karma and I’m here to give you what is owed.” Bec held her hands up like that of a boxer before throwing a one-two punch series that landed squarely across the bridge of the man’s nose.

Darren now held both hands over his nose as blood trickled between his fingers from the gushing break it had just received.

Bec was bouncing back and forth from one foot to the other like a boxer waiting to strike. “Hey Darren, remember all those times my mother thought you were spending quality time with me? Here are my thoughts on that!” Bec spun and raised her right foot just as she completed the spin, landing her heel directly into the opposite side of his jaw that she had hit just moments before.

Darren fell flat on the floor. He didn’t move. Bec stood over him, kicking in the side to make sure he was alive. The grunt that followed confirmed this making her smile.

Bec knew that no matter how much she beat on the man; it’d never make up for all the damage he caused but her task was not yet over. Pulling out her cell phone, she dialed nine-one-one.

“Nine-one-one, do you need fire rescue or police?” The high-pitched woman asked on the other end of the connection.

Bec grunted in joy, “I was driving by twelve-fourteen country road fifty-one and saw what looked like a robbery going on. You need to send the police quick.”

“May I have your na-,” the woman tried to ask but Bec terminated the call. Pulling an envelope from her back pocket, she leaned down on one knee at Darren’s side and dropped it on his chest. Then she pulled one of her daggers out, and caressed the man’s cheek with it just before slicing it from the temple to the chin, and then from the inner bridge of the nose to the just below the ear making an X across it. She wiped the dagger on the man’s shirt then slid it back into its home.

“Darren, you will never be anyone’s demon again.” Patting him on the chest, Bec stood and walked out of the mobile home and to her car.

Once inside the car, she sat there in silence before turning the key on the ignition and pulling away. The couple passed two cop cars with their lights flashing but the sirens were off. Turning off their lights as they entered the driveway, Bec watched them disappear in her rear-view mirror.

It wasn’t until she was halfway home before she pulled over and burst into tears. Kyle knew her better than to say anything or do anything, so he sat silently as she wept away the last of the remnants that the demon had left on her. All the damage created by doing the most evil things a person could do to a child and she finally got her revenge.

Kyle knew what was in the envelope and when the police find the envelope and look inside, they will know the truth as well have the privilege of removing him from society.

Chapter 31

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Kyle rolled over in the bed, stretching his arm while his hand searching blindly for his phone. His fingers wrapped around it and pulled it to his ear, “Hello.”

“Were you sleeping?” The voice on the other asked.

“Dr. Wilson? Is that you?” Kyle sat up in the bed and patted Bec on the hip. She rolled over rubbing her eyes with a questioning look.

“Yes. Good morning. Is Bec there as well?”

“Well. Um. Yes.”

“Good. Put me on the speaker, please. I need to speak to you both!”

“Is everything ok?”

“Just do as I ask Kyle.”

Pulling the phone from his ear, he looked curiously at Bec then hit the speaker icon on the phone. “Ok Georgia, you’re on the speaker now.”

“Good morning Bec.”

“Morning Doc,” Bec grumbled.

“Ok. I don’t have time for any more nonsense. I need to get right down to business. I need you two to come work for the school.”

“That is a hospital. Not a school.” Bec growled.

“Well, technically yes. But we need you two to work in the school portion. We’ve had an influx of kids lately and the head administrator is leaving and has asked me to find more staff to help out. Plus, we have a special project we want to implement and with your… um, extra-curricular activities we think the two of you would be perfect for it!”

“Doc, the Gifted and Special Adolescence’s Hospital is doing what kind of special project?” Kyle asked as he sat up higher in the bed.

“Well, we are taking in more kids and thought it would be helpful if they had a way to heal more like what you and Bec do together. We want to create a special class for the ones who were… um, more like the two of you.”

Bec glanced at Kyle, “The two of us?”

“Yes. More damaged and completely alone. The two of you were able to make a successful life outside of GASAH and we want to make this possible for more students.”

“What’s in it for us?” Kyle grunted.

“For you, more than the satisfaction of helping others,” the doctor replied sarcastically, “how about sixty thousand a year plus a full benefits package?”

“Can we talk it over and get back to you?” Bec asked.

“Oh of course,” Georgia replied and disconnected her call.

Kyle fell back onto the bed and growled. “What is she really up to?”

“I’m not really sure, but,” Bec laid back and snuggled into Kyle’s chest, “it could be helpful to the next gen of those like us. We could make a difference?”

“Since when did you get sentimental?”

“Its been six months and I feel better, different. Plus, this is for kids who didn’t have the support system we wanted. We could be it for them! We, more than anyone else, understand them.” She glanced up at him with a smile. He leaned in and kissed her forehead.

“What about the shop?”

Bec sat up on an elbow, “I hadn’t thought of it.” She quieted for a few moments leaving Kyle to watch her silently. He could tell she was working out the details inwardly and he didn’t want to disturb her. “Charlie can run the shop. I can promote her to manager and let Wendy be the head stylists.” She tapped her finger on his chest as she spoke.

Kyle smiled, playfully grabbing her he rolled her onto him, “I love this new caring side of you. So, do we call the good doc and let her know?”

Bec picked up his phone, hitting contact information for the doctor. Pressing the icon for the speaker, both listened as the phone rang.

“Hello you two! Have you made a decision?” The doctor’s voice came across the speaker.

Bec nodded toward Kyle for him to respond, “We have. But first, we want a suite on the grounds but have access to leave whenever we want and we want full control over the program.”

“Deal. I’ll give you a week to take care of anything you need and see you next Monday to meet the kids.”

Bec and Kyle smiled at one another. Never did they imagine that either would be returning to the hospital and surely they never thought they’d be returning as a couple. Bec snuggled into Kyle again, running a finger over his chest, she whispered, “I love you.”

He froze momentarily then wrapped her in his arms, took the phone and dropped it onto the floor and rolled over towards Bec  and smiled. He slowly took in her features. As his eyes caressed her lips, he leaned in closely and brushed his lips against hers. “I knew you did,” he teased then kissed her deeply.

Epilogue

“Good morning,” Kyle spoke out loud to the rambunctious kids in the classroom as he and Bec stood at the front of the room. No one stopped to acknowledge him, as they threw paper planes through the air while some used their powers to throw things around or each other. Bec glanced at Kyle and shook her head, she raised her hand to her lips to whistle and he stopped her. “Let me,” his eyes twinkled. He looked around as a devious expression soon erupted o his face. Mentally he yelled out to each and everyone in the room, “GOOD MORNING!”

The class went silent, many covering their ears, some stopped still as they all slowly turned to see the two adults standing at the front of the room. A dark skinned man with grey eyes and long dreadlocks stood next to a thin pale skinned woman with tons of tattoos, piercings, and short hot pink hair.

“Sit,” Kyle instructed them mentally. Out loud he continued, as the students found their way to their desks, “Good. My name is Kyle and this is Bec. We will be your… instructors in, well… everything until you leave here.”

A small framed girl raised her hand hesitantly, Kyle pointed at her and nodded. She cleared her throat before speaking in a sing song voice that sounded almost angelic, “What do you mean until we leave? Do you know that can be years for most of us here.”

Bec put a hand on Kyle’s and he let her respond, “We were here for years as well. And we will be here until you are not. We won’t abandon you.”

A larger boy in the back of the room with messy brown hair stood up with his hands on his hips, “Are you even like us? We know he is but what could you possibly do?”

Kyle chuckled, “Bec, why don’t you show him what it is you can do.”

Bec stepped into the middle of the room, rose her chin and smiled at the boy. She placed her hands calmly behind her back and with a focused mind lifted the boy off the ground. “Whoa. Put me down.” He cried out but that only stirred her instigative personality and she flipped him in the air head over heels several times before she set him down back into his chair and then stepped back to Kyle’s side.

Kyle intertwined his fingers with Bec’s, “So, tell us your names.”

Each student called out their names as Kyle pointed to them.

“Georgie.”

“Ralph.”

“Victoria.”

“Louis.”

“Richie.”

“Heidi.”

“Hannah.”

“Marcus.”

“Nicole.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you all. Where shall we begin?” Bec asked.

Kyle walked around the room, checking out each student. He stopped in the back of the room directly opposite of Bec, “I would like to know what you each can do. Georgie?” He asked the mousy boy in the front chair with coal black hair and eyes to match.

Georgie looked around nervously then held his hand out, palm up. Slowly a light formed a small orb levitating mere centimeters from his palm then he put the other hand up alongside the other and the orb grew two times the size and lit up the room so brightly everyone covered their eyes.

“Very good. How about you Ralph?” Bec asked the boy next Georgie who had ice white hair and light blue eyes.

The boy stood, straightened his clothes and stared at the stapler on the desk next to Bec. The stapler wobbled and slowly but clumsily levitated from the desk. When it slammed down, the boy sat proudly.

“Good. Good. Victoria?” Kyle pointed at the olive skinned girl with almond shaped brown eyes and hair that nearly reached her knees.

She stood with a flamboyant flip of her hair and wind blew through the room and circled around back to her. She smiled proudly and sat back down.

“Interesting,” Bec commented, “Okay, Louis?”

Louis stood up and so did Heidi. They looked at each other and locked a hand together the raised the other hand to the ceiling. No one said a word when nothing immediately happened. Bec’s brows scrunched and Heidi winked at her. It started to thunder inside the room and soon a grey cloud formed. Louis slammed his hand down and a small bolt of lightning shot out at the only empty desk in the room. Heidi then slammed her hand down and the rain fell. They stood in the middle of a thunderstorm in the classroom but stayed perfectly dry. Bec nodded impressively. Heidi and Louis glanced at each other and then broke their hold. As soon as their hands were disconnected the storm disappeared.

“Impressive,” Kyle replied as he took a breath before continuing, “Richie?”

Richie sat there fiddling with a pencil on his desk before he turned and spoke mentally to Kyle, “I am like you.”

“Wonderful, glad to have you,” Kyle replied in kind. Turning to the rest of the classroom he pointed to Hannah, “and you?”

Hannah tossed a book in the air with her mind and let Nicole catch it and toss it back, two more telekinetics.

“Marcus?”

The tall wiry boy stood, turned to Bec and then took off running. Except he was a blur. He had the same super speed as she did.

“God job Marcus, go ahead and sit back down now,” Kyle demanded.

Bec smiled at Nicole, “Want to show us what else you can do?”

Nicole smiled, nodded, and held her palm up in front of her. She blew lightly on her palm and a spark erupted. Fire, this girl could make fire.

Walking up to Bec, he smiled. “Looks like we have some wonderful young men and women with some amazing skills. Who is ready to have fun?”

Afterword

The Gifted and Special Adolescents Hospital Series will continue… keep an eye out for more adventures with Bec and Kyle.

Acknowledgments

The first acknowledge that must be made is to my readers! You guys are amazing! Your support encourages me daily to keep writing! Thank you.

For all my patrons on Patreon, Thank you for your support. You are part of the reason I am able to continue to put out good quality work.

To my family… I appreciate you tolerating all my odd thoughts and random messages during my book development.

About the Author

Cheryllynn's vivid imagination comes through in all she does in life. Her writing started in junior high and although she never shared her work until the mid-2000's she kept them hidden away in an old tattered orange folder. Original works she wrote from 1984 still holding ink on the pages may one day be shared, but for now she shares her newer creations. Science Fiction and Fantasy are her favorite genres with mystery and thrillers in close running.

Born in Northwest Florida and raised in Southeast Georgia she gained a love for nature and the outdoors. Her experiences outdoors allows her to create universes with vivid detail. After a detour of almost twenty years in the health care industry and getting her Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration/Healthcare Information Systems, she has returned to her love of writing.

Living in Central Texas with her family, she has begun a new chapter in her life that has opened her heart and soul to many great adventures.

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Also by Cheryllynn Dyess

The Jein's Journey Series

Calastan (Book One)

Resolution (Book Two)

Kyluna (Book Three)

Aurora’s Time:The Complete Jein’s Journey (books 1-4)

The Chronicles of Elizabeth Fairbairn

A Witch’s Dream World (Book One)

A Witch's Reality (Book Two)

A Moment of Darkness (Book Three)

Awakening Fate (Book Four)

Unexpected Allies (Book Five)

Stand Alones:

Bonded

Forgotten Soul

Born of The Veil

Multifaceted

The Shadow of the Mind's Heart

Little Measures

You can find them on her Amazon Author Page.

Note from author

Thank you for purchasing and reading my book. I'd love to hear from you. Drop me an email or contact me on social media

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