Love Is Enough

Chapter 2

"Hurry! Run!" I yelled to the kids beside me. Everything had started normal this morning. It was my Thursday trip into human territory. As soon as I got into the market square, I saw it. Five kids were standing in chains in front of someone who could only be a human general. I saw the green M sewn on their clothes and knew that these were mutant kids. I didn't know which clan they were a part of, or if they had lived in the human world all their lives. But it was clear that they were being severely mistreated. I knew I had to do something. Sure, it was risky using my powers in human territory, but I needed to help these kids. I dropped to the ground, wishing to be invisible. I crawled over to the kids, totally and completely invisible. I waited until the general had turned his back before sending a message into the kid's heads.

"You're safe. I'm here to help. When I count to three, turn and run to the abandoned building just past that fence. Ready? 1. 2. 3. Go!" As the kids run, I concentrate and freeze the general and his army, trying to hold it as long as I can. They made it to the building and I ran to them. I can hear gunshots being fired after me. Then, all of a sudden, the kids and I are transported into a forest. I look up to make sure everyone is ok, and see a guy standing over me. I punch him as hard as I can and flip him on the ground. "WHO ARE YOU?" I say, using my powers to read his mind. I'm Conrad Alexander. I used to live in the western clan before I was deemed a fugitive and I ran away. I have a small group of allies and when I saw you and these kids in danger, I helped by transporting you guys here. I thought you guys could join my group.

I search his mind and see that he is telling the truth. "Well Conrad, I am one of the NEA's leaders. I can't just abandon my clan." I stood up and helped him to his feet. He looks at me, a serious and thoughtful look. "Well, that's too bad. We could have really used your skills. And these kids really like you. Well, anyway, I hope to see you again." He walked away, and in that moment I felt something that I hadn't allowed myself to feel since my parents died. I felt a longing, a desire to escape my world and follow him.

The next couple of weeks were truly wonderful. I was happier than I had been since I was a little girl. Conrad and I spent a lot of time together, even though it was all secret. But, most secrets come out eventually right?

"Clan leader Amaria Marie stands accused of high treason. Her execution will take place tomorrow at sunset. This court is now dismissed. Please transport the prisoner back to her cell." My heart feels like it has shattered into a million pieces. I can't let them kill me. I have to escape. If not for me, then for Conrad. And for the baby I'll have. I have to fight for those who need me the most. I sit in my cell, studying it, trying to find a way out. But before I know it, my eyes close and I drift off into a deep sleep.

I wake up to someone shaking me. I look up and see Conrad. "Amaria, come on! We're getting you out of here!" He picks me up and I wrap my arms around his neck. As we get outside, I use what little strength I have left to use my powers. I get inside every guard's head to send a message, and before I know it we are out and are suddenly transported on a deserted island.

And there's Conrad, standing over me. "Amaria? Can you hear me?" I hear him say, concern laced in his voice. "Conrad." I say, a huge smile on my face. "Oh my god! Oh my god, Amaria! Are you ok? Please tell me you're ok!" He says, grasping my hand tightly. I nod, pulling him close to me. "Can you stand up?" I nod and he helps me up. He pulls me into his arms, and I inhale the scent of his cologne, warm and familiar to me. We are lost in each other's arms until I hear someone behind me. "Sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Shawn is looking for you Mr. Conrad." I turn and see a little girl, who looks no more than twelve. I immediately recognized her as one of the children I rescued. She walks over to me. "Um, Ms. Amaria? I made you this seashell necklace, as a thank you for rescuing me." She says, shyly holding the necklace out to me. I smile, feeling a wave of deja vu hit me. This little girl reminds me of the innocence I had as a child. I can only imagine what hell she's been through. I take the necklace, which earns a huge grin from the little girl, Lacey. Conrad takes my hand as we follow Lacey.