The Gifted

Sam

I hide more than ever in the shadows now. Soldiers are more violent with the Gifted if they show just a glimpse of their abilities. I don't have to do anything to show that I'm Gifted. My eyes say it all.

So I keep my head down. I never liked keeping my head down. But now...it saves my life.

I stay far away from people in my physical education class. As always, no one pays attention to me. Mia wanted to partner up with me, but I suggested that she should stay far away from me. I don't want her getting hurt.

My mind is still stuck on the day of the attack. It still turns and turns like a machine at how to lead our small group of revolutionists. Alexander officially let me take charge on that night. He says that I've shown that I'm capable and everyone respects me.

Respect. It's a silly word. People think they're respecting, but is just fear? Don't we all do that now? If I could, I'd slit every throat of those that hurt innocent people for their abilities. But I keep my head down. I hide in the shadows for "respect."

I wipe my brow from all the angry punching I've been doing and take a breath. My eyes catch a glimpse of a girl coming over and I look away. If there's someone that breaks the rule of respect in this city, it's Adeline. At least she doesn't hide it or fake it.

But for once, her eyes give me the same sadness from that night we found out she had told her father everything. I couldn't help it. I let betrayal and anger take over my heart and I looked away. Just as I do when she comes up to me.

"Sam..."

I stay silent as I rearrange my hand wraps. I hear her slowly walk up to me and stand by my side so I can see that small glimpse of blue in her eyes contacts under the dim light. She tries hard to read my expression as she softly says, "Sam. I--"

"We have nothing to talk about here." I go over to where the water bottles are at and take a drink.

"Yes. There is."

I scoff at her commanding voice and give her a small bow. "Very well then, Miss First Lady. Tell me what is it that you need."

She clenches her jaw at my mock and tries hard to keep her anger calm. "Look. I just want to clarify with you why I did it."

"I don't need explanations. You did what you did. That's it."

"No, but wait."

"No, Adeline!"

Her eyes grow wide at my loud voice and she looks around to see if anyone heard me. Her face turns pale and she angrily whispers, "Will you keep it down?!"

"No. Why do I have to when we clearly asked you to keep your mouth shut and--"

"Okay. First of all--"

"No. You are not from the presidential family in here. You are no one in this arena. You are just like any one of us. People that just try to hang on by a thread. You know what will happen to all of those that lost someone on the day of the attack? They will lose jobs. Many good men and women will lose their jobs because now they won't allow Gifted to be around Normalities. Do you not see that we are just hanging on by a thread? And what you did was cut it so we can all fall!"

Her eyes fill up with tears as she yells, "You think I don't understand what it feels to be trapped?! To be used and hide your identity?! You think I don't suffer like all of you?!"

I laugh at this. "Yeah. You sure do. I bet all your servants can say the same of you."

"I never asked for this, okay?! I am just like you!"

"Don't you say that," I say as I angrily point at her. "You won't trick me into those sneaky words again!"

"Sneaky?" She laughs and angrily says, "Everything I've told you was the truth! I'm not sneaking my way to you! I'm not here to fight!"