Elemental High

2- Control

LIGHT 'EM UP
I'm on fire

LYLA

I was right. The biggest topic throughout school is how The Joshua Fry wasn't at a single party all summer.  I can't help but roll my eyes. Of course it is. It seems like everyone in this school is obsessed with him. It's now lunch, all morning I have had weather related lessions, learning how to create a breeze, how to use it to pass a message to someone using it. I'm definately going to use it to taunt Georgia at times. My second lesson was about storms, how to control them, how to create them. We're building up to flying I think. This afternoon though I'm going to my fire lessons. It's exhusting sometimes, but I do love it. I value it. I know I need it. But sometimes having such a stong control over my emotions truely exhusts me. I'd like to just be free sometimes. 

Lizzy comes rushing over, giggling as though she's heard some new gossip that she can't wait to share which I am sure she has. 

"Lyla! You'll never guess what. The word at the end of last year was that Josh and Alysa were on the outs. I mean she disappeared for like months. Well roumer is they offically broke up but over the summer got back together and went on a 3 month long vaykay!" Lizzy looks so intreaged. I glance over at Josh's table but he just looks exhusted to me. He's smiling trying to keep up with the converation, but when you look hard enough you just know that his heart isn't in it. He checks his phone secretly, looking worried. 

"I doubt that is true, just look at him," I shake my head in his direction. "He looks exhusted." Lizzy frowns.

"I think he looks fine, a lot less tan than you'd expect though." Lizzy sighs. "I'd love someone to take on vacations with me. It just gets boring with my parents." 

"Well you know I'm always an option," I wink, knowing that isn't at all what she means. Lizzy laughs and shakes her head.

"I think I'll take you up on that next time. You will owe me some favours." She wiggles her eyebrows and we both burst out laughing. I sense a few glaces in our direction, but I ignore them. This year I refuse to be ashamed. I'm a senior. Not a child anymore. I shouldn't be continuously punished for something I couldn't control. 

Lunch passes by without much drama nor excitement. Lizzy and I laugh and joke, she tells stories of her vacation and I tell her all about the joys of customer service. She looks as horrified at each one as I felt in each moment. Soon though the bell is ringing and we're making our way over to our class. This afternoon we'll be together. 

++++++

By the time the last bell rings I feel truly drained. I always have to have an unhealthy amount of control but switching between gifts exhusts me. I haven't made a mistake in 3 years yet everyone still watches me like I'm a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. It's frustrating. Hurtful. It makes it so much harder to stay in control. As much as I like to say that I won't let them impact me, I can't help it when it gets to me every so often. To get home I start the short bike ride, using my gift of the wind to push me faster than any human would hope to acomplish. It makes a ten minute ride take just 3 and a half. I love it. I pull myself to a quick stop. My phone pings as I'm about to put my bike in the shed. I ignore it until I've pushed my bike away. 

Sis - Hey someone called earlier asked for you to babysit tonight from 7-12. Let me know if you can make it. 

I smile, I love babysitting. The kids can be exhusting but its a nice way to make some extra money and honestly it sometimes feels like they're the only ones that don't judge me. 

Me - Will be there, what's the address?

 I leave her to answer and quickly go to eat something and get changed. I have some homework to do, which sucks, but I can do some of it there. It's not due until the end of the week so thankfully I should be okay to leave it for just one night. 

Sis - 240 Harbor Lane

The address sounds familiar but I ignore the nagging sensation in the back of my head. I shoot Lizzy a text asking what she's up to. It's only 5:30 but I'll have to leave in an hour. Luckly my food doesn't take long, a quick salad which I spend more time on chopping than I do eating. I shower and shove on a comfy oversized hoodie that makes me look small and a pair of cargos that do nothing but give me lots of pockets and means I don't have to carry a bag which is always a godsend. 

In no time at all an hour as passed and I'm on my way to 240 Harbor Lane. Gerorgia didn't give me any information on the kid, but it should be fine. I get there just before 7 and allow myself a few minutes outside to take in the cold air that comforts me. Connecting to my gift always gives me a much needed deep breath. I take a few more minutes before I head to the door. Pressing the doorbell and waiting paciantly. It's not long before the door swings open revealing none other but Joshua Fry. Immediately my mood sours.