BEING JAMIE BAKER

Chapter 13

Having to find excuses for all the time I spent with Ryan over the next few weeks wasn't really much of a problem—since my accident I'd constantly been taking off for hours at a time, claiming I needed a little peace and quiet—but my parents' fridge was becoming even more crowded. Every time I had "practice," as Ryan called it, I made sure to take a minute to collect another magnet. I don't know if I was trying to produce a stable alibi, or if I was just hoping to ease some of the guilt I felt for lying to my parents.

I felt bad, but I hung out with Ryan anyway. Aside from the fact that I was sort of addicted to him, he really was helping me, and that was too important to ignore. The more we tested my powers, the more aware my body became of them. I physically felt like I had a better understanding of how they worked and what my limitations were.

Still, no matter what I did, I couldn't seem to separate the power from all my stupid emotions. With every little mood swing all control would fly out the window. If Ryan looked at me the wrong way, I lost it. If Ryan looked at me the right way, I lost it. And whenever he tried to kiss me, something usually blew up. Someone ought to teach him a little control.

So we gave the powers a rest, and instead Ryan taught me some of his stepdad's theories on stress management and herbal supplements. He also showed me proper meditation techniques. We did yoga together, and even though I felt ridiculous, I couldn't deny the positive effects living a healthier lifestyle were having on me.

My dad noticed the changes too, and completely floored me one Saturday evening with a hefty gift certificate to Barnes & Noble, of all places. "What's this for?" I asked, unable to fathom his reasons for giving it to me.

"Well, I know technically you still haven't made any friends or gotten a job, but you've been a different girl these last few weeks, so I'm letting you off the hook."

"What's the catch?" Yeah, I was suspicious. My dad doesn't just back down from stuff. I totally get my stubbornness from him.

"No catch," he insisted. "We only wanted you to do those things because you seemed so miserable, but you've been so much happier lately that even though you didn't do it my way, you still earned your freedom."

"So I'm not grounded anymore?" I was still waiting for the punch line.

"Not grounded anymore."

"And what about Ryan?"

"What do you mean?"

"Am I still forbidden to talk to him?"

"Jamie, I wasn't grounding you from Ryan as punishment, it's just that it's too—"

"Dad," I interrupted, not needing to hear what I knew he was going to say. "You've got to see that there are going to be risks no matter who I choose to talk to. Whether it's Ryan now or someone else who gets to know me in the future. Either I stay locked up in this house forever and make sure that no one ever learns the truth, or I make friends and risk someone finding out. I can't have it both ways. But believe me, if there's anybody that doesn't want the world to figure out I'm a freak, it's me."

My parents both frowned at my use of the word "freak," but I never broke my concentration. I gave my dad the most earnest smile I had in me. "I'm the one this happened to. It's my secret, my life. You've got to give me a little more trust that I know what I'm doing."

This seemed to make my dad think about it, but he was still clearly not convinced. I knew I couldn't just drop it and hoped I could get through this speech without blushing. "You said you wanted me to be happy." I shrugged sheepishly when I had both my parents looking at me intently. "Ryan makes me happy. It's not even his fault. The kid just has a gift. He makes everyone happy. He's my best friend, my only friend, and I need him."

So much for not blushing. I felt my face heat up, and my shyness on the subject finally unlocked the tears of joy my mother had been trying so hard to hold back. Talk about embarrassing. "Oh, for heaven's sake, Stan!" she whined.

My dad was quiet for a minute, and then finally sighed. "Honey, if he's responsible for the changes in you," he said, giving me a wary smile, "then I'm grateful to him. I guess if it's really what you need, then I trust you. Just promise me that you'll be careful about this."

I managed not to squeal in my moment of bliss, but I bounded into his arms and practically knocked him off his feet. "Thanks, Daddy!" I squeaked as I kissed his cheek. "I promise my secret will stay as safe as it's always been."

I kissed him on the c