The Leader

The Leader: Chapter Three

Chapter Three: Talia

Most interesting stories begin around new people, new places, or in a new time. However, I know that mine is more interesting than most, for it is the truth. It feels so real, doesn't it? That's because a part of you- whoever is reading this- can feel the truth in my words. You know that although it sounds a little far fetched, there is something different about this story. I don't even know if anyone will read this, or when, or if it will be lost for thousands of years before someone discovers it and it becomes famous. However, I do know that it is important for me to write it down, because I fear I'll forget everything. And that, I can assure you, would be dangerous for everyone.

I stop writing, suddenly aware that there is someone walking towards me. I put my diary under my desk quickly and pretend to be taking notes. It takes a moment for me to realise that the teacher isn't talking, and the person walking towards me is a student. He looks slightly familiar, though I can't think of his name.

"Hey Talia," he says. He has black eyes and straight black hair.

"Hi. Do I know you?"

"Shit, I went too far. I'm sorry Talia. When you're ready I'll give you back the memory. In the meantime, I'm Liam." His name echoes inside my head, and I feel my tense muscles relax. I feel safe for once, and I smile at him.

"Hi Liam. You look... familiar."

"Well, we do go to the same school, right?" he asks jokingly.

"Yeah, I guess. So, um... what was that muttering about?" I ask hesitantly.

"Uh, nothing. I, um... I was practising for the school play," he lies.

"Apart from the fact that the play was last week, I notice that you hesitated there."

"Okay, you got me. I'm a total nutcase."

"You know what? Don't worry. I don't really care what you were talking about."

"Liam!" the teacher calls out. "Go back to your seat and do your work."

"Well, that's my cue," he says to me, grinning mischievously. I smile back again, and he walks back to his seat. I notice he's sitting next to Maya, and I feel something like jealousy. He says something to her, and she looks at me, frightened. Then Liam says something, and she laughs. She nods, and then they both continue with their work.

Maya sits next to me at lunch, and eats in silence. After about ten minutes, she puts down her food and turns to face me.

"Talia, I'm sorry that he took away your memory. He'll come over this afternoon and return everything he took. Just remember this: Santia was trying to help. She never meant to hurt you." I nod, though I don't understand her. She leaves the table and goes to sit with Liam. He puts an arm around her shoulders and hugs her, and once again I feel a pang of jealousy.

This afternoon I'm sitting in the lounge room staring at the wall when I hear a loud knock on the door. I open it quickly, and I see Liam standing outside the door.

"Hey Talia. Let's make this quick. It should be pretty simple because you have a strong mind." He takes my hand and I feel a flood of emotions that make me blush. I feel a bolt of pain in both of my temples, and I cry out.

"Talia, it's okay. It'll be over soon, I promise." His words soothe me, and then I get a more intense pain. It grows and grows, and then my head bursts open. I feel everything come back to me, and I remember those beautiful black eyes that obviously belong to Liam. He lets go of my hand now, and I cry out for a different reason.

"Sh, sh. Talia, I'm here. Don't worry."

"You're going to leave me. You can't leave me! I need you, Liam."