Shattered (Book One of The Progressive Trilogy)

Chapter 18: Answers, Lava, and Hesitation

*UNEDITED* crimmsyn is  amazing! She always helps my story become better!

After what felt like hours of Karen interrogating me about where I was all day, I went straight to bed. For the rest of the weekend, I tried getting used to my mind working at superspeed and its new information intake that could rival a supercomputer. I also kept thinking about my 'growing pains,'and by Monday, I seemed to have the hang of my thoughts.

When I arrived at school, my new senses took in everything around me, from the squirrels in the trees to the couple making out in the car on the other side of the parking lot. My brain caught all of it and then formed escape routes, lists of what could become a weapon, and survival tactics. The way my brain was now working scared the hell out of me.

I walked into the school building, my mind automatically sensing where the people were standing around me without even looking, which was slightly helpful and would hopefully help me avoid unwanted company.

After making it to my first class without being stopped, I sat in my seat with a relieved sigh, that is until my brain began to reassess my surroundings once again. It seemed my mind no longer knew what rest was as it made its lists and plans without my consent. Thankfully, I was able to put the constant calculations on the backburner and focus on other things.

Abbie made her way to her seat and I noticed every detail about her, especially the way she moved, almost as if she were a cat hunting her prey. My mind analyzed her strengths and weaknesses, while simultaneously--and unwillingly--following along with every word that poured from her mouth.

While she spoke, her eyes scanned the room like mine without missing a beat. When Kelly entered, my mind picked up her actions, which were eerily similar to Abbie's. Something was up, but I chose to file their behavior away for later investigation. In Biology I noticed Kane and Brock hadn't shown up, which made me exhale in relief, though a small part of me I kept buried deep was worried. Especially with the twins having been attacked so recently.

I got curious quick.I kept noticing Kelly fidget and check her phone, and throughout my other classes, Abbie had done the same. When the girls ushered me to the lunch line instead of the usual table, my head was bursting with questions. Once we sat at the table with our food, everyone stayed clear of our usual table as if it were the plague, their anxiety and paranoia of the Royals delivering their wrath was at such a high level that I could practically taste the bitter tang of it.

When Abbie kept her mouth zipped the entire time, I could no longer let what this was pass. I needed answers and I needed them now, before the terrible two reached the table. My instincts agreed wholeheartedly. For some reason, I knew I wouldn't get anything out of them while Logan and Heather were nearby, no matter how much they have come to accept them.

I cleared my throat before starting my rant. "So, the hell is wrong with you two? Boys doing something dangerous?" The words were out of my mouth before I could analyze them on a personal level, my tactical side taking hold and speaking for me.

Their faces were a mix of shock and confusion at my comment. After a few silent moments, Abbie couldn't hold herself back. Check and mate, I thought while keeping my expression neutral.

"They are with the Jackals that Pryn- Ow. What was that--?" Abbie said, cut off by Kelly kicking her hard under the table.

"Sorry," Kelly responded lightly and gave Abbie a hard look before turning to me, "What she means is that there was a dangerous animal sighting or something on their property and they had to take care of it before it got too close to town." Kelly smiled at me serenely, but I could see the lie in the way her eyes twitched and her brow sweat. I could taste the sour twang of dishonesty on my tongue and feel the deceit crawling like insects on my skin. My mind missed nothing, and her lie made me all the more curious.