Shifted

Chapter 1: Coffee and Feelings

The lush North Carolina forest blurred past as I sped down the winding mountain road in search of caffeine. It wasn't often that I drove without at least one of my little sisters in tow, though it was nice to be on my own. I needed a minute to clear my head after a long day of college applications.

I pulled out of the Forest Hills neighborhood and took a left onto the highway which led me directly to Western Carolina University. I hadn't been around the campus much yet, but I knew where there were college students, there was coffee.

The little mountain shop welcomed me with the strong smell of ground coffee and pastries. I ordered my regular, tall mocha with three Splenda, and made my way to a tall table to wait.

"Bree- unee, Bri-any?" the barista called nervously looking at my name scrawled on the cup sleeve.

"It's pronounced Bry-unee," I explained kindly. "I know it's a little different." The barista just nodded at me, I felt as though I could feel her embarrassment. I turned and found myself face to face with two college boys, shyly smiling at me.

"Briony, that's a unique name," the shorter one offered.

"Uh, yeah," I chuckled. "For some reason, my parents wanted to torture me for my entire life."

"I think it's beautiful," the taller one laughed at my self-imposed misery. "I'm Miller, and this is Michael," he said, nodding toward his friend. "Do you go to school here?"

"No," I muttered. I was turning 21 soon, so I suppose I did look like a college student. "I live up the road in Forest Hills. I hope to go here soon though, we moved to the neighborhood only about a month ago. I just applied today, though," I blushed uncontrollably, attempting to hide behind my long, tangled hair.

I consider myself intensely shy, having conversations with strangers or even acquaintances took all of my energy. Even so, despite my shyness, I had strong opinions and emotions. I have always protected the things I love fiercely. But at this moment, I couldn't quite gain my bearings.

"You'll be here before you know it. It's a great college," Miller exclaimed. "So, uh, we're going to the pub down the street tonight. Would you like to go with us? We can pick you up!"

Blushing furiously again, I tried to muster up enough courage to answer. I wished Eleanor was here with me. I fiddled nervously with my alexandrite necklace. Our father had given each of us girls a beautiful necklace when we were old enough to take care of them. Each chain was made of the same gold that had a slightly worn tint. They were also set with a delicate gemstone at the center; mine was a deep blue alexandrite.

"Sure, as long as I can bring my sister. She's just under a year younger than me, so we pretty much do everything together," I finally answered.

"That sounds perfect! I can give you my number," Miller said happily, practically bubbling over with excitement. I nodded and handed him my phone.

As he typed in his number, a brilliant yellow glow burst around Miller from his skin. It was shocking, not just in the vibrance of the color, but my skin also felt like it was actually buzzing with electricity from Miller's glow. I gasped and my eyes widened at the boys, but their expressions were unchanged.

"Are you okay?" Miller asked. I was surprised at what I was seeing, but not too surprised to note that he hadn't noticed any change. I squinted at Michael, but he didn't have a glow around him...

Just as quickly as the yellow glow began to show around Miller, it changed to an intense orange color and gradually vibrated toward me. He slowly reached out to touch my shoulder, but I backed away. Something about him made me a little unsure. The orange glow skimmed the surface of my skin and instantaneously it was hard to breathe. Panic quickly began to set in.