The Gifted

Gabriel

I stay behind the group as they make their way to the stands for the baseball game. I smile when I see Emms happily talking with her sisters. She was in bed for almost a week. It's good to see her on her feet again.

My sister quietly walks by my side and observes everything around her. I've gotta say...this is our very first game like this at least. We're both quite amused at everything.

"Hey." I see Sam come up to us and walk by my sister. "Do you want to get something?"

"Something? Like what?"

"How about we start with some drinks?"

"Drinks like..."

"Nonalcoholic," he says with a chuckle. I watch my sister turn soft at the sight of his smile and give him a small nod.

I give her a wave and watch her turn almost into a normal teenager. She even tried on one of the outfits that Mia suggested for her. Gen came over for a small visit and her eyes went wide at her new style. She said, "Uh...wow. You look...different."

"Really? I've always--"

"Worn clothes showing off your status? Yeah. I know." They both shared a laugh and Gen gestured for her to twirl. It was weird to see my sister so...relaxed. She's always so uptight and rude. Well...I certainly think this is all Sam's doing. I want to believe it is.

I watch everyone take a seat at the top of the metal stands and smile when I see Mia pat a spot by her side. I do as she gestures and say, "Thank you."

"No problem. So, do you guys know anything about sports?"

"I do."

"You know how baseball works?"

"Yes. Though, I've never played."

"Baseball is fun. You should try it out sometime. Or do you..."

I laugh at her shiny eyes and shake my head. "Don't worry. The next time I have free time, I'll call you over to play some baseball. At least virtually."

"Sounds good! Virtual must be better. No rules."

I laugh loudly at this. "I think there is rules even for a virtual game."

"Yeah well. I tried." We share a playful smile and turn to look at the guys setting up for the first game.

I look over at our group of friends and my eyes immediately land on Kat. She lets out a happy hoot when they all wave at Jordyn. He turns around and sends them all kisses. And just like on that day we ditched school, my world stops and turns silent at the sight of that bright smile. Those bright eyes where the sun shows off that blue color of the night sky. Her cheeks blushed from the happiness running through her veins.

Then she looks over to my side until her eyes land on me. Just like all those other times since I told everyone what my sister has done, she gives me a small smile and looks away. My heart falls. I reach out every time, but I can never find the strength or the words...

"Excuse me."

My view is blocked as Sam passes through in front of me to sit by Dom that just arrived with Nikki. She forms her hands into binoculars and this makes Dom chuckle by her side. My sister comes to sit by me with a small plate of what seems to be a hot dog.

"Hey," I gently say. "What do you have there?"

"I'm not so sure, but Sam says that it's a classic snack to have at a baseball game."

I laugh at this and take a bite of her chips. "It's very good. You should take a try." She observes the snack in her plastic plate with furrowed brows. I scoff and say, "There isn't much study to do to it. It's not clothes."