Gifted Connections: Book 2(7)

“No,” I reassured him. “Well, not technically. I met him years ago, we use to go to school together. I saw him briefly…well in the future, but the past…” I gripped my head. This was so confusing, even to myself. I couldn’t imagine what he was thinking, he must think I’m crazy. “Let’s just say someone with a powerful gift is screwing up my real life,” I stated.

He was looking skeptical once more. I didn’t blame him. I wouldn’t believe me either. He was just as new to this community as I was. Sure, he had met other gifted people, but his parents weren’t gifted. They wouldn’t have educated him.

He stood up suddenly, rubbing his eyes wearily. “This is so, messed up on so many levels. I…got to go.”

“You don’t believe me do you,” I stood up grabbing his arm.

“Would you?” he whispered ardently. “We met in the future? You know people I know. You’re the spitting image of a little boy I’ve watched for years. You’re with a man claiming to be your boyfriend, and you’re not running?”

“There’s so much more I wish I could explain to you. We have met, I swear it.” I wracked my brain, trying to figure out a way for him to believe me. I had to convince him. I knew he could help me. It suddenly hit me. “Today, the Columbus Day parade is going on in New York City. In approximately,” I looked down at my cell phone for the time. “One hour, one of the floats will come crashing down.” I closed my eyes trying to remember the specifics. It had been on every news outlet known to man. I remember the bar that I use to work at had it on almost every channel. “Injuring two and killing one.”

His eyes narrowed on me once more, “If you know that, why aren’t you calling the police?”

I sighed, closing my eyes. “You’re gifted. I’m sure you’ve seen some crazy things, and you doubt me. How do you think they will react?”

He nodded and turned away from me once more. “This is a lot to believe and take on right now.”

I let him walk away this time.



When we got home from school that afternoon, I promptly went into my room. I was keyed up and anxious. The news had already hit our school. We already found out about the freak accident in the city. Gavin hadn’t tried to find me. I didn’t have any classes with him the rest of the day.

Collin had noticed my withdrawn appearance and attitude the whole way home, and tried to pry into my life further. I knew I should reassure him, because I didn’t want him to grow suspicious. On the other hand, I was exhausted from pretending. I didn’t know how much longer I could keep this up.

In the past, I had started to find solace in running. It allowed me to process my thoughts and feelings, while physically helping to tire me and strengthen me.

I looked through my drawers and found a tank top to pull on and a pair of yoga pants. I looked through my closet and found a pair of sneakers. They were bright pink. I hated pink. It was an aversion I had passed on to my sister. Further confirmation that this wasn’t my life. I didn’t belong here. I would have never purchased, or let anyone purchase, pink for me.

I left the bedroom to find Collin sitting on the couch, talking to someone in hushed tones. He stopped abruptly when I walked into the room.

“Hey, babe,” he said, giving me a fake smile. “Where are you headed?”

“I need to go for a run,” I said brightly. “Today was so overwhelming. New school, new people, harder classes,” I lied. “Running helps me.”

He gave me a concerned look, before it quickly disappeared. “I didn’t know you liked running. You hated gym class in high school.”

I grabbed my head. “Maybe we should go to the hospital,” I frowned up at him. “If you said I hated to run, why do I want to run now?”

He let out an uneasy laugh. “Babe, that isn’t necessary. I’m sure you’re fine. Did you feel extra tired today, nauseous, did you throw up?”

I looked down, trying to hide my eyes. “No,” I said as meekly as possible.

“There ya go,” he said enthusiastically. “Why don’t you go for your run?”

“Okay,” I said hesitantly. “If you think I should, with this headache. What exactly happened?” I probed him.

He had his answer ready and said smoothly, “I’m not sure, babe. We went out drinking with some friends of mine, and one minute you were there, and the next you weren’t. We found you out by the car. You kept complaining about hitting your head, but I didn’t see any bleeding or felt any lumps, so we thought you were fine.”

“Hmm okay,” I shrugged. “Well I’m going out for that run.” I turned to leave the apartment. It felt like the walls were closing in on me the longer I spent with him.

“Blake,” he called suddenly as my hand went to turn the handle.

“Yeah?” I called back over my shoulder.

“Do you have your cell phone? If you get lost, I want you to be able to call me.”

I closed my eyes in frustration. “Okay,” I said with forced cheerfulness. “Good idea.”

I went back to my room, feeling his eyes on me the whole time as I left the apartment.

l felt exhausted, winded, and disheartened after only one mile. I wanted to give up and turn back, but I knew I would be cheating myself. I needed to get back in shape. I needed to take back something they had taken away from me.