Ryan stood over Byrony, watching her work. She never looked up or took acknowledge of him. He shifted awkwardly not wanting to say anything. She stood up so fast and unexpectedly that the back of her head hit his nose. Grabbing the back of her head she glared at him, holding his nose he stared blankly at her. In a flash Tiffany was there, her sort hair blowing in the wind. She was jabbering on and on asking if he was ok, and moving his hand to check for blood.
Ryan noticed she had completely ignored Byrony, not even glancing in her direction. Suddenly she gasped and let go of his hand. Looking at Byrony he saw her hands were at her side too. He saw everyone was standing at attention and looking at a point behind him. Slowly turning around he stared, shocked at what he saw.
It was an old man, looking to be around fifty. His hair was a light grey and was short cropped. His jaw was strong but his blue eyes laughed with a hidden kindness. Wrinkles layered over his brow and around his mouth. He wore a light blue shirt faded with age. His jeans were covered with dirt and worn through holes. Everything about him illuminated confidence and power. But what shocked him most was the man's height. He looked to be taller than 7 feet! He smiled at the kids and they all smiled back.
He walked over to where Ryan, Tiffany, and Byrony stood. "Can I borrow Ryan for a second, Tiffany?" He asked. His voice rumbled like thunder and Ryan was certain the ground shook slightly. Tiffany grinned at him and nodded her head quickly. The man smiled at Byrony who slightly smiled back. When she did Ryan felt his heart speed up slightly. To him it felt like he was falling for every girl he talked to but Byrony was...different. The man placed his hand on Ryan's shoulder and led him over to the long neck dinosaur shaped bush.
Laughing, a strong laugh that made everyone around him want to laugh too, the man said, " Briar does an amazing job with the plants, don't you think so?" Ryan stared up at him, confusion written over his features.
"S-sorry sir b-but who is Briar?" Ryan stuttered out nerves racking his body. The man glanced down at him and smiled softly," I see Tiffany didn't introduce you to everyone. Briar's real name is Byrony but her influence over living things earned her the name Briar. Did Tiffany tell you what her own gift is? No? Well she has an influence over people's feelings, mostly love. I see she has already tried to charm you. Little piece of advice, ignore her." He let out another rumbling laugh.
"Anyhow my name is John. I'm the one who brought the kids here. Here is a safe place for kids with...gifts. You are our newest member since I brought Tiffany. Everyone is still trying to adjust in their own ways. Some are coping better than others. Take Wally and Nano for example. Wally seems carefree, no worries in the world, that's how he copes. Then Nano buries himself in his work. You can rarely catch him not fiddling with something in his hands. All of these kids have had a traumatic past, some worse way worse than yours. Anyway we are in an island, bought by me. The closest, inhabited, island to us is Spain. Necessities are shipped to us prepaid for 12 years. We teach you how to control your gifts here and use them for good. You can leave when you feel your powers are under control." Ryan sat there listening closely. His eyes had focused on the trees, wishing he could see all the way over them like the dinosaur.
"You are free to roam the island as you please, in fact we have a few out there now. They should be back tomorrow or the next day. But, no matter where you go or what you do, make sure you always have someone with you." John's expression became grim and serious. And....sad. Ryan just nodded slowly. John smiled and called the children together to begin classes.
A/N
This chapter is dedicated to my cousin Maci cause she loves this book. She is way supportive and is, in fact, helping me to start another story right now. Love ya Mac!!
Anyway I had this chapter finished and I didn't want to wait till Friday to update so I'm gonna update today and Friday :p
Thanks for reading, please vote and comment!! Thanks :)
