My curse

Sky

"First things first, tell me what your potentia is." Nathan asks me, curiosity lacing his tone as we sit in a nice restaurant facing each other. I bought everything I needed from the supermarket, and Nathan offered to put it in his trunk and take us here. Then, after we were done, he would take me home. I know I shouldn't trust him easily. Getting in his car and showing him where I live feels like the very beginning of a crime documentary. But I can't help it. My instincts are screaming for me not to mess this up. My guts are louder than they have ever been, and I can't let my overthinking take away the only good thing I have felt since forever."As soon as I touch people's hands, I get a vision of them dying. I can see the location, the time, the day, and the way they die. It's just like a movie scene." I inform him in a thick voice, memories from my childhood making it hard for me to speak.He doesn't react for a moment. Looking at me, his eyes not blinking, he lets out a long sigh and reaches his right hand across the table for mine. He squeezed it before saying, "Wow. That must have been hard for you. I can read people's minds, but I've never seen how they die. Some of them think about it, but it's not for certain. It's usually just silly things. What to buy for later, what to wear for this event....But nothing as dark as what you experience when your potentia is triggered. Although one time I...." Nathan informs me his voice soft and sweet, but suddenly his smile fades, and I can feel his hand tense in mine. I notice tears in his ocean eyes, but he turns his head.The sudden change of mood makes me frown, and I open my mouth to ask, but he gets up and asks, changing the subject. "What do you want to order?" I look around, noticing waitresses and waiters passing tables, but I don't comment on it and simply tell him my order. He leaves, and I sit in the middle of the busy rush, thinking about what he said. It seemed like Nathan almost revealed a traumatizing experience with his potentia but stopped himself. I don't think it would be easy for him to open up about something as personal as that. Because speaking from experience, I wouldn't easily talk about how the day my mom ignored my vision has scared me forever. And I think it's the same with Nathan, maybe he read someone's mind and it was brushed off and the outcome wasn't great.As he is coming back to the table, I promise myself not to push him too hard and to give him the space he needs. Because I expect the same from him. "What did you order for yourself?" I ask, my voice light and a small smile on my lips. I need to lighten up the mood and circle away from our pasts for a moment." A salade and two plates of steak." He is slowly easing back to his smiley self. " So, just like me plus another steak?" I ask, chuckling."I'm trying to be healthy, what can I say." He informs me with a shrug and starts laughing with me.

"So tell me something about you, Nathan." I demand in a sweet voice, hoping he shares something that is not too personal or triggering for him.I cut my steak in small pieces and start eating it, the salad already devoured. "So I am 23 years old." He starts, but I gasp and put my right hand on my chest, feigning surprise. "I thought 45, at least." "45! That's horrible. People say I look 60 all the time." He jokes with me, and I can't help feeling warm and fuzzy inside. "So, I am completing my bachelor's degree in humanities. I live with my mom and younger sister, next to the supermarket where we met." He takes a long pause before asking, his face serious. "Should I tell you what my favorite color and dish are?" "What?" I ask, laughing with my fork mid-air."It's midnight blue and lasagna." He informs me fighting a smile."Your turn." Nathan says as he removes his first plate and starts cutting the second steak. I tell him all he needs to know, avoiding my family and only letting him know how I live alone and how these past years have been for me. I don't know how, but I end up telling him about Elijah living next door.He starts laughing, and I sit there half my steak cold and forgotten, waiting for him to explain what's funny."What are you laughing for?" I ask, confused but allowing my smile to break free. His laughter is contagious, and I soon start laughing with him."It's just funny how you are so oblivious. The guy likes you. Probably has a fat crush on you, and I think you do, too. Judging from the way you speak about him, it's all over your face." Nathan informs me, barely holding his laugh."Are you serious right now?" I ask, my smile suddenly dropping. "I am telling you, I despise the guy with a passion, and that's your response?" I whisper-yell looking at Nathan's eyes. But he ignores me and laughs more."If you don't wipe that smile from your face. I will." I want to sound threatening, but the smile on my face forbids me."Okay, okay. Whatever you want to believe." Nathan tells me, holding his palms up.

A few hours later, Nathan parks his car in front of my building and helps with my groceries.As we get out of the elevator laughing, we are met with none other than Elijah.Grumpy and antsy, Elijah stands next to my door. "I was waiting for you." His dark, gravely voice makes my heart beat faster.He looks at Nathan, then me, then the groceries we are holding.Out of the blue, Nathan's arm lands on my shoulders, tucking me at his left side.I look up at him, a clear question in my eyes. He only winks down at me and looks at Elijah."And who are you?" Nathan asks a hint of amusement in his tone, but his eyes are hard on Elijah's brown ones.