POWERS OF NATURE Book 1 - Into the Storm

Chapter 11

The rest of the week passed peacefully, the miserable weather having passed and the beauty of summer was in full force.

The change in weather was something Stephanie noticed, as she had never felt happier herself and when something did happen to burst her little euphoric bubble, she would note the drop in temperature, the small clouds approaching, and she'd quickly push all the unhappy feelings away.

Since she had accepted everything, who she was and what she could do, it felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Her and Matt had yet to talk about it, but until then she was learning that the more she controlled her emotions, the more the weather played along. It was exhausting at times, to constantly keep herself happy, and she hoped in time, with Matt's help, she'd be able to separate the two.

School was different, with Mary and everyone else leaving her alone. Although she made it known it was because they were no longer friends, Stephanie often caught her looking at her in fear. At those moments, the part of Stephanie that craved the power would stand proud inside her.

Rachel had joined her at lunch times, and while they weren't close, it was nice to have someone to talk to who didn't expect her to follow everything she said, and who wasn't constantly watching her like she was a freak. Stephanie had even found herself telling the other girl about Matt, feeling ecstatic that she could share it.

"So, you off to see your boyfriend?" Rachel teased as they walked to the car park after school. Matt had said he'd see her over the weekend, and Stephanie felt excited. She had missed him during the week, only talking to him when he called at night.

"Is it that obvious?" Stephanie laughed.

Rachel nodded, stopping by Stephanie's car. "All week you walk as slow as a snail. Now it's Friday, and you can't seem to get out of here quick enough."

Stephanie blushed as she threw her books into the backseat. "Sorry, I didn't realise."

Rachel brushed her off. "It's fine, Steph. Go, have fun. Lord knows if I had such a hot boyfriend, I wouldn't still be standing here." They laughed and Rachel waved goodbye.

Stephanie jumped into her car, eager to get home. She wanted to change before she saw Matt, and she had promised her mom she'd have a late lunch with her.

Her phone rang, and she fit her earpiece onto her ear and pressed the handsfree button on her phone.

"Hello, sweetheart." Her mom's voice filled her ear.

"Hey mom! I'm on my way home."

"I'm sorry honey, I'm stuck at the office. I won't make it for lunch."

Stephanie pouted. Her mom had been working late every day for some demanding client. "I can come to you? We can go upstairs." She wasn't looking forward to seeing Aiden, but she missed her mom. Matt had hinted that his brother wasn't happy about them being together, but wouldn't talk about it.

"I wish we could, but it's closed."

"Oh. Wonder why?" She frowned. Matt had said Aiden was there the whole time, so much so that he hardly saw him.

"I don't know but it's okay. I'll try be home early. I'll see you later, sweetheart."

"Okay, bye Mom."

She disconnected the call, rubbing her ear. She hated the earpiece but had promised her mom that she would use it. Stephanie parked her car in her usual spot at home, and hurried inside to change. Nerves made her question each item of clothing before she ended up back in the same jeans and sandles, only changing her button up blouse for a tight tank top and a light, longish white jersey that flowed around her thighs.