Iris & Ryder

Chapter 1

Iris POV

It'd been 10 years to date. An entire decade since I'd last heard my mothers voice. Since I'd last felt like a child.

I grew up fast but found solace in the family I'd made out of haste at the carnival those many years ago.

I hadn't known the depth of my powers when I was so young but harnessed them enough to manipulate both Rose, her family, and their entire community in this small town of Green Banks Maryland into believing I was the younger sister of Rose and had been with the Bakers since birth.

Life here was simple and mundane. Nobody ever suspected me as having special abilities. Although I had practiced every night since I'd come here when I was 6. My practice spot was the forest behind the Bakers' property. They were very well off but then again so was everyone in Green Banks. It was a privileged town and I'd lucked out finding Rose at the carnival.

Oh Rose. I miss her. She was my age now back then. 16. She's been off to college getting her doctorate in Psychology at Princeton. Sort of ironic she was studying the mind when I could tell her anything she ever wanted to know about someone's thoughts. Not that I'd ever tell her so.

Nobody knew of my abilities.

I myself was still learning about them. Even after a decade of educational explorations in the forest. It seemed to me that my powers were only growing and I developed new ones each day.

I would be concerned if I allowed myself to feel such an emotion. But I knew I would have to stay guarded. I knew one day that man would return for me. The one I had escaped from so long ago.

Ryder.

Although we'd never officially exchanged names, I knew. My inner voice-my subconscious really, knew him. It was a name I could never forget. He was one of the men responsible for my mothers death. And my loss of innocence.

I'm not stupid and I was intelligent beyond my years even back then. I've long since concluded that they'd only been after me.

For my "gifts".

They had no idea what I was capable back then or else they would have anticipated my escape and stopped me. They had no idea then and they have no idea now. Not that I was much more informed. All I knew was I could do things no other human could. And not just mentally but physically as well.

I've trained and toned my body since my arrival in Green Banks but my strength was beyond what is naturally gained as is my speed.

I could read and manipulate thoughts. I could make people do things even without that. I only had to decide I wanted someone do something and they automatically did. Some minds were stronger than others but I conquered even then easily. I was smart too. Everything in school came easily to me, math, science, physics, whatever it was all a piece of cake. My teachers compare me to Einstein and Steven Hawking before I wipe the thoughts of my exceptional intelligence from their minds. I excelled in sports and played all varsity sports or fun-soccer, indoor track, and lacrosse but had to rein in my abilities so as to appear only an extremely athletic girl and not supernaturally good.

I've avoided romantic advances politely. My only focus is to become invincible. I don't ever want those men to be able to hurt me like they did my mother.

The fact I healed inconceivably quickly helped in my confidence but I knew I had a long way to go. Although I couldn't help the feeling I didn't have much time.

I pulled myself from my wandering thoughts. Time to focus. I only had an hour left to practice before school started.

Ah, Junior year. I should only be a sophomore but I'd skipped 5th grade. It only worked out better for me. I needed to leave Green Banks sooner rather than later, I can't allow myself to be discovered here before my abilities are ready. I needed to avoid capture at all costs.

I took in a deep breath. Harnessing my powers in my core. Wind swirls around me as I sit pretzel style on the towel beneath me, the wind surrounds me guarding me from the dawning sun that envelops my practice zone.

I take another breath and stand. The wind lifts me into the air and I laugh gleefully. I gasp as the wind dissipates and I remain airborne. I focus my power in my core, allowing it to lift me up further.

I'M FREAKING FLYING!!!!

Needless to say this ability is most certainly new. Excitement bubbles inside me. My gut tells me this is an ability only I have obtained. I mean, I could practically fly before with how high my jumps allowed me to leap, how high and easily I could climb, and how fast I was able to run, but flying using only the power I've harnessed is totally original. Not to mention how good I was getting at manipulating the elements.

Today has started out amazing although something tells me it will take a far different turn later.

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Sort of a catch up chapter. I should be updated regularly now! Been too long :/

Let me know if you like it please!!! :)

April 19, 2013