The Partham Chronicles

Part 28 - Sunshine, Blue sky and You?

"This place is perfect," Ishil said,
" Why didn't we come here before? It would have helped us so much."

Aaden and Ishil stood on an old, muddy road that led to a village.

" Wanna race till the end. The first one to reach back wins," Ishil said and took his position.
Aaden, without a word, stood beside him.

" Go -

Ishil started without warning and was way ahead of Aaden.

Aaden didn't mind, he felt guilty for not telling him the truth. So, if Ishil had lashed out at him or even fought with him, Aaden would have quietly let him; he wouldn't argue. All he wished was that Ishil forgive him and let go of the doubts, because honestly, Aaden didn't have the answers to Ishil's questions.

What would he even say? He was tired of lying. Surprisingly Ishil didn't ask him too many questions. They raced a few times, back and forth.

Ishil, occasionally asked him about his running technique.
At least for now Aaden's mind was at ease.

Aaden had discovered this road a few days ago when he had come here, with the Second's club for practice. The Second's club meetings had become less frequent. Mostly conducted on alternate Sundays. Up until now, they had practised with their own elements, enhancement of communications, and redirection.

Neela hadn't come for those sessions. He wondered why she didn't come. Maybe that was it. That's what she thought of him, like a friend who needed help or someone she did a favour to by helping him join the Second's club. Perhaps she wasn't interested in him the way he was. These thoughts had frustrated him for many days.

He felt as if he was caught up, like he was pulled from all sides. One side was a human life, a regular life, another side was that of a Partham. One side was his friend Ishil, his mum and dad and the other side was the powers he possessed, a special gift, he couldn't let go of them. They are an integral part of him now.
These powers were not just a part of his identity but also his means to stay connected to Neela. He has only one means to connect to her.

" Hey, man you are distracted," Ishil said.

" Uh..." Aaden was pulled out of his thoughts. He slowed down as they reached back to where they had started. Aaden shrugged as they braced to begin the run again.
He tried very hard to focus on the present, the time he had now with Ishil. The time that he had missed.

Last Sunday the Second's club came to an old building. The building was a mill; its design was perfect for practising communication. There was no machinery, just empty long halls, with windows high above the ground level. The walls were thick and echoed any waves they had sent.

When the Second's club finished with the practice, Aaden wandered off to the road nearby.
How perfect this road was for running. The moment Aaden had the thought, Ishil's name was the first that popped up in his mind. It was unfair of him to sideline Ishil, guilt had been gnawing at his chest for too long. 

Aaden felt terrible for lying to him, his only friend, so he had finally gathered the courage to call Ishil and tell him the truth. Not in its entirety but at least a part of the truth.

When Ishil had arrived, he looked disappointed and was quiet and unenthused at first, but then warmed up to Aaden as they walked across the road and talked casually.