The Leader

The Leader: Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight: Maya

When I first saw Caleb, he seemed wild and mysterious. Now, however, I've noticed that he's actually fairly easy to read. He plays guitar, piano, violin and drums; he loves sport and is extremely fast and strong; he's creepily smart and his grades are almost as good as mine, but he doesn't cheat; he's kind, and so confident it literally scares the hell out of me; he's even good at art, and loves to draw. It seems as though he's got the whole package. However, he gets upset easily and a small thing can anger him. He's protective of me already, and no odd looking people can get anywhere near me. He's also really sensitive, and a small jab can really hurt him. Right now I'm sitting at the desk in my room reading, and he's on my bed playing guitar. I put down my book when he stops playing.

"Maya," he says softly.

"Yep?" I answer, looking back at him.

"I think I should tell you some of our history."

"Okay. Go."

"Well, okay. The first of our kind was made when an angel decided to roam the earth. Many followed after, disguising themselves as humans. As they mingled with humans, they became more like them, and began to feel emotions they shouldn't, like love and hate. Some had children with humans, but they realised that the children were not normal. They posessed all of the powers of a full angel, and these came into control between the ages of twelve and eighteen. Then the angels realised just how dangerous this could be, so they stopped doing it. Some, however, wanted to keep doing it. They thought it would be good to have backup in case they needed help. So, the angels did this. They realised that if they blessed the child, it would become even stronger than an angel. Their powers would multiply, and they would become stronger and faster. That's what happens at the Initiation Ceremony."

"What, an angel blesses us?" I ask, nearly laughing.

"Yes, they do, Maya. It isn't funny at all. Don't you believe me?"

"Of course I do, it just sounds so... cheesy."

"It's our history whether you like it or not!" He stands quickly, his face showing that he's really annoyed.

"You don't need to get angry with me," I say as a warning. He nods and sits down. Downstairs, a key turns in the lock on the front door. I sigh.

"Bye Maya," he says.

"See you, Caleb," I reply, but he's already gone, leaving through the window as usual.

When I wake in the morning, it's still dark, and I wonder what has woken me up.

"Hello, Maya," says a soft voice. I shoot up in bed. Standing next to me is Andy, Adam and Ethan's brother.

"What are you doing here?" I hiss.

"Well, I want to be the first one to wish you a happy birthday. You're eighteen, right? I'll give you your present later, but happy birthday, okay?"

"Thanks," I say politely. "Can you go now?" I ask him.

"What, you don't want me to spend the night with you?" he asks, grinning.

"No, you sick bastard. Now get out of my house!" He rolls his eyes and then looks me in the eye. He swiftly leans down and kisses me once on the cheek, then he's gone. I just sit there, stunned, unable to react. I feel as though my brain has liquefied. In the morning I wake feeling confused, still thinking about Andy's actions. I decide that I'll have to stop, otherwise Caleb will find out. And then, of course, all hell will break loose. So, I distract myself, and by the time I leave for school, I've forgotten all about it. I meet Caleb outside the school as usual, and we walk in together. We see Andy, and my thoughts nearly turn to last night, but at the last moment I start humming a difficult song to myself.