The Gifted

Jordyn

I smile at the pretty girl that sits at a booth at the end of the room. I see her upturned nose stuck in a book. It's one of those music books again. I thought that perhaps I could give her a gift...

I'm going to buy her a guitar.

I playfully grab a notebook and pen, and walk over to her. She doesn't see me stand by her as I say, "Hello, Miss. Are you ready with your order?"

Emms looks up and lets her seriousness fade away with a smile. "Hello. I don't want anything, sir."

"Are you sure?" I say with narrowed eyes.

She does a sweet chuckle and shakes her head. "No thank you."

"Not even a cup of water?"

"Mmmm...."

She looks at the small menu I've set up when I got here in the morning. We were supposed to get into the Forbidden Building today, but Dan seems a little held back on his project. So Alexander told us all to relax for a few days, mostly for Dan's sake. Therefore, I did not have an excuse to miss work today.

Emms takes the menu and flips through it. Her brown eyes shining at each option until she smiles at me and says, "Just tea."

"Took you so long just for tea?" I write on my notepad a quick drawing of a heart and a small thought for her.

She laughs and says, "Seems like you were a little unoccupied so..."

I let my smile reach my ears as I give her my note and wink at her. "I'll get your tea, miss."

I leave her side and watch from the counter as she looks down at my note. I don't even have to look at what I'm doing as my hand effortlessly knows how to prepare a cup of tea. She looks up with a small smile and blows a kiss at me. This sends my heart flying.

But as I'm making my way to where she's at, a small sound coming from outside brings us to look at the clear entrance. A small scream. Loud thuds and noises makes everyone inside stay silent and look at the large windows.

Nobody is passing by. No movement but silence.

I lightly put the mug of tea on Emms' table and exchange confused looks. We're in the Forgotten City. Nothing happens here. Nothing's supposed to happen here because this is a safe place for the Gifted.

But yet again, another thud makes us all jump and whispers go around the diner. The place fills with fear and worry as I look back at Emms.

"Do you hear anything?"

By this, she knows that I'm asking her if she can find someone's mind to get answers from. But she keeps her eyes on the window as her mind runs. Her eyes grow wide after a long moment and says, "We need to hide."

"What?!" I whisper as I hear a mother try to keep her little girl calm from her freight.

"They're here. Jordyn." Emms stands up so her eyes can burn through me. "You need to get these people out."

Before I can say anything else, a loud clashing sound makes everyone jump out of their seats and then we all duck at the strong sound of a bomb outside.

Fighter jets.

"Everyone! Run out back!" I yell out. The moment I say this, everyone stands and start running to where one of my coworkers opens a back door. It leads to the outskirts of this part of the city.

As long as they escape the Forgotten City, they'll be--

Another bomb makes the floor beneath my feet shake and I hold my balance on the table. Among my frantic thoughts, I see Emms gently help an old lady out towards the back. She then runs up a pregnant woman and quickly leads her to the door.