One Of The 4400 Part 1 & 2

Chapter 16

I ran to the auditorium of the main building that was in the middle of the community, my heart thumping hard, my breath coming out in pants. I had started to run faster as soon as I felt the time on my watch go faster.

Not figuratively like some people might think but literally. Like it has been ever since I was gone. Time speeding up, not even bothering to wait for me. Speeding up, leaving anyone lost in their fantasy world prisoner.

I pushed open one of the heavy double doors, not thinking of the noise of it reverberating against the wall announcing nearly over 1,000 plus people that I was here for my trial.

Many eyes looked over to me: taking in my disheveled appearence and already guessing that I am the reason as to why they are all here.

I walked down the long aisle ignoring the stares, keeping my eyes on the main reason as to why I was here: Jordan Collier, the big man himself; a possible ally or enemy.

Off to his left, I could see a man with blonde hair and blue eyes. I could guess that was Jordan Collier's right hand man, on the right was a woman, an assistant.

I made a right to the short set of stairs that led up to the stage. Jordan Collier did not wait for me to get on the stage yet. In fact, he did it so perfectly, I wondered if he rehearsed this.

"Hey, I'm so glad you can come..." Jordan began, being casual. "Everybody, this is Vera, Vera Warren. Our newest member of our community. Come on, every one, don't be shy, say hello."

Everyone in the crowd didn't say anything. Just silence. The sort of silence that made you wonder if you were going to be mobbed.

I went to his side, where he immediately grabbed my shoulder as if we have been friends for a long time. I ignored my inner urge to shrug him off. That wouldn't help my case.

"Ah, I guess not..." He said, feigning the awkwardness. "Well, I guess we'll get down to it. Vera, please state your age, occupation, anything that may help your case to stay with us. Even though I know you are part of us, you know I can't risk any funny business so..."

I nodded and spoke for the first time for myself in a long while. No hiding the truth, being honest with who I am and what is my power. It went about this way:

"Hi, I'm one of you...I am supposed to be in my thirties by now but I'm not. I'm still in the same age as I was when I was abducted. It was in the forest near my home of Florida, Tampa, 1975.

I was, well, if you don't mind my saying, I was with my boyfriend Vance Lincoln. It was in the middle of the afternoon. A clear day. We were talking about our future together as a couple.

Unfortunately, that future did not happen--he moved on and married my twin sister Holly and had kids. Two of them. A boy and a girl. I adored them.

But that soon ended because during the month I had been with them, I began to feel awful...I had wanted my past back with their future."

I paused, feeling the emotions surge from my heart. I wouldn't be able to come back from this. I had to choose my words carefully. I knew words were eternal in this moment. I continued after sighing.

"She took the kids out with me, We were at an amusment park, just talking, then I mentioned how she should be watching the little one. Then out of anger or of jealousy, she slapped me."

The crowd gasped loudly. I kept going.

"I went home and realized that I did not belong here, in this era, in this time. I left, no regrets except for the family members that still cared for me.

I had just gotten back from talking with my father. He wants me back. I know he does. He doesn't say it out loud but I know he does.

I'm sorry to do this, but if you have family that still care for you, go back and forgive them what they have done. One day, if you don't want to lose what you have, don't hurt them back.

I'm learning this the hard way--I could've forgiven my sister, my boyf-Vance, my father but I am here and so I will stay for..."

This

I stopped my speech and did the trigger of my invisibility power: pain and regret. I phased into invisible air, the first time since that afternoon at my sister's house. I waited, it felt to me, a millennium, until the crowd gasped and shrieked.

They pointed at the spot I was supposed to be, Jordan Collier looking in surprise, the blond haired guy widened his eyes in shock, but I wasn't focused on them.

While I was still invisible, I looked for those familiar green eyes. I wanted to see his reaction. Adam's reactions meant more to me than everyone else's because he saved me and took me in.

The first one to show me kindness, not even knowing who I am or where I'm from. I could have been a bad person. He didn't care. And that meant a lot to me.

The crowd became subdued as Jordan used his Smooth-Guy voice. "Give her a minute, guys!" He said, beaming brightly at the spot I was as if he could see me.

I phased back into being seen. The crowd was mostly surprised, some looking interested, few looking angry. I thought to myself that they needn't to be angry. I considered it a curse. I wanted to be normal.

I saw him. He looked surprised but calm at the same time. He nodded slightly at me and smiled. I smiled back, feeling good about myself until I heard--

"She's dangerous!" A man cried from the crowd.

"I'm not dangerous," I said, my voice coming out shakily. I hadn't thought about it but perhaps I was, in my own way. After all, I can turn invisible. I could destroy the world if I stayed invisible but I wouldn't.

"Alright, everyone calm down." Jordan said, he was being smooth, like he was untouchable. The crowd calmed down almost immediately. I knew he had power, I just didn't know how much.

"Now..." Jordan said as soon the crowd did their piece. "Vera, you're going have to prove that to the people of this community as well as me..." He said, pausing. "How about a thirty day trial?" He asked me, not missing a beat.

"Bring it on," I said. I wasn't going to let anyone drive me out of the community if I had all the right to make sure I can stay here, not my Father, not my family, and definitely not Jordan Collier.

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This chapter is extra short today, guys. I apologize in advance if some of you guys do not like it. I will (hopefully) make it up to you next chapter. It will be longer than this.

I'm not gonna lie, this whole story has been doing very well, possibly better than my other stories. The only one I see lacking in a really crucial moment being written and being placed on hold is IACGHIH.

And it sucks too--because whenever I get to a really good part that is supposed to be written, my creative juices die down. And this just doesn't happen to IACGHIH, it happened to Kanashii too.

Ah, but luckily it has not happened to this story. And I'm hoping it won't happen to any other future stories I am planning to write. I honestly have about a good more eight more stories with their own characters and plot-twists.

I'm planning to finish this story before February. Then I can see if I can get started on IACGHIH and finish that story and go on to any other story I feel like writing.

Like, I know it might be bad to write a story based on whatever you feel like writing or at least want to write but...it somehow works for me.

Anyway, next chapter will be up soon because I have not lost the juice for this one so I'll keep writing on!