Brandt was different here. His shoulders were relaxed. His movements were more fluid and his smile was genuine. His warmth radiated towards me and I felt giddy to receive it. He touched the small of my back and his touch made my heart hiccup.
"Aunt Gemini, this is my friend Harper."
My mind and heart were on a roller coaster. I saw the real Brandt, the Brandt behind the armor he wore at the Duncan mansion and when he was at my house. This Brandt was younger, he had friends, and I was one of them. I smiled widely in return.
Aunt Gemini smiled that all-knowing smile that adults used when they witnessed young love.
What was I saying? I could deal with what I saw in the woods and the fact that Brandt could shoot blue lightning. I could wrap my mind around Neil wanting to zap me into oblivion or what not. What I couldn't deal with was this lighthearted and frivolous girl with shiny apple cheeks from smiling like a crazy person in the company of a carefree Brandt, who I might add was breathtaking when he was wearing armor and absolutely swoon-worthy when he smiled.
"First some lemonade, and then you can tell me what lead you here." A woman appeared with a tray, and Aunt Gemini distributed the beverages. Soon Brandt, now more serious, recounted our story from the last few days. When he finished, Aunt Gemini looked at both of us,
"It is good that you came here. Neil won't come here." For my benefit, she added, "Setter Hill is a sanctuary for the empowered, whatever their power may be. I will help you identify your power."
I couldn't believe what she was saying. Aunt Gemini readily believed that I had a power.
"Tomorrow..." she said in an afterthought, "tonight you too are going to relax and act your age."
My cheeks were still red and warm from the teenage hormone folly of my introduction to Aunt Gemini. Who was I kidding? I wasn't the popular, dating type, who was invited to someone's house or a party. I was a background extra, content to watch from the sidelines and my Friday nights were spent drawing in my room.
I finished my lemonade.
"I'll show you around," Aunt Gemini said, and we left Brandt at the table. We ventured inside the house, which was everything the Duncan mansion was not. It was out of an interior design magazine and still homey. The furniture was in use and through the house were people, who smiled at us or said "hi".
"Setter Hill is always full of people. Some are looking for answers like you are. Some enjoy a place where they don't have to hide their power. Some are here to heal. There is always room. You are always welcome."
On the first floor, Aunt Gemini lead me to a common area with a beautiful curved window.
"This is the easiest place to get an overview of Setter Hill." The landscape in front of us was beautiful with a lawn and a pool to the side and further out rolling hills. I looked closer to the house and saw Brandt walking down a path. Aunt Gemini followed my gaze.
"Brandt is headed to the annex to see Josh, my son. If you walk around you will find smaller houses tucked away here and there. Everyone in proximity to the house is friendly. Anyone who doesn't want to socialize is across the property and stick to themself. You'll do just fine. Why don't I show you to a room, so you can get settled before dinner?"
The room was decorated in blue and white with a bed which swallowed me up. It was my intention to lay back and relax a few minutes, but I fell asleep. I felt safe and for the first time since Wednesday, I relaxed.
-
Saturday morning, I woke refreshed and was a happy version of myself. I couldn't remember when I had felt like this last. Perhaps a childhood birthday, when my mom woke me up with her wide, toothy smile and a blueberry muffin with a lit candle. Downstairs, the dining room table was full of presents for me. I remember laughing with exhilaration at the sight. I felt loved and free. No bad thing inhabited my world. With that thought, the present rushed in again.
I found Brandt on the terrace with a cup of coffee and a piece of buttered toast.
"Good morning," I said as I joined him. Brandt looked good, his hair still damp from a shower.
"Good morning, sweetheart," he said with his spry smile that left me unsure of what he meant. Was it a term of endearment or just something he said? A woman served French toast for me and a coffee with plenty of steamed milk. This was my dream breakfast. How did anyone know? My thoughts must have been evident on my face. Aunt Gemini joined us and clarified,
"Powers take many forms. Tanya is a type of empath, she can sense what others need, sometimes before they even know themselves. Are you ready to uncover your power?"
I bit my lip. Having a power sounded exciting, but I was apprehensive. What was it? Would I be able to control it? Use it? And how did uncover their power? Aunt Gemini put a comforting hand on my arm.
"You have nothing to fear, Harper. We'll go to the training center and see. Brandt will join us in a few hours."
The last sentence surprised me and I instinctively caught Brandt's eyes. He smiled and gave a slight nod. Okay. I calmed.
————
What do you think Harper's power is? What would yours be, if you could choose?
YOU ARE READING
Crossfire - a sizzling slow burn with supernatural powers
Teen Fiction"I... I didn't see anything." I tried, not knowing where to look. I was curious enough to take glances at him. His dark hair was flopped into his face to obscure his chiseled jaw. He laughed out loud. "What exactly didn't you see, Harper?" He said...
