Unwanted Gifts

Chapter 7

Kendal ran through the door, throwing her arms around me for a hug. I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight. She let go, backing away.
"Wow, you look like a super hero." Kendal laughed, observing my spandex jumpsuit.
"Shut up you dork." I said, bumping her with my hip.
"No its cool!" She giggled. The door opened again, my mom and dad poking their heads through the door.
"Kendal its my turn." Dad said, ushering her out. He walked into the room, sitting down with me. "So. This is your power. The living torch."
"Yeah. I guess. I really hate it." I said, steamy tears streaming down my cheek.
"If you haven't already guessed, the procedure didn't go well. They said that your body rejected the serum. It failed to read your personal energy."
"Yeah, I guess that was what I assumed. Can they fix it?" I asked him.
"Not that we know of. The effects of the serum are permanent." He said, putting his arm around my shoulder. The door swung open once more, my mom coming and tapping out my dad. We sat and hugged. We didn't move until the door opened again. Leah came into the room, tear rolling down her face. I wiped them away with my gloves.
"Oh Sandy!" She cried. I pulled her in for a warm hug.
"So what did I miss at school?" I asked.
"Well, everyone at school is convinced you're either dead or in some super secret super school." She laughed.
"Let them live out their dream. It's much less depressing than this cement jail cell." I said looking at the ground. She lifted my chin, forgetting the danger.
"Ouch!" She yelled as she pulled away her hand. "Dang girl you're hot!" She laughed while sucking on her burnt finger. The door opened, a doctor taking her away to give her a bandage. "Luckily the suit seems to be keeping your power down." The doctor said as he took Leah out of my room. My final visitor walked into my room. Patrick.
"Patrick!" I yelled and ran to his arms. His strong arms held me close, his heart beat ringing in my head.
"Oh I've missed you." He said, pulling me even closer. I held him, silent tears rolling down my face. "Guess what Sandy?" He asked, pulling my attention from our hug. "I brought you something from home." Right on que, Leah walked into the room. She had a my cell phone and the little red box. "Thank you Leah." He said, taking the objects from her and handing them to me. She left the room, swinging the door behind her.
"Can I open it?" I asked, holding up the little box.
"Sure, but start with the card." I opened the envelope, pulling out a card with a cat on the outside. I opened it and started to read.

Dear Sandy,
Happy birthday! Finally 18! I hope you love your new powers! So, um, I've got a story for you. Once upon a time, there was a boy. This boy lived in a magical land where big kids were blessed with powers from their leaders. One day, he went to his school like any other day, except this time it was different. This time he noticed a girl. A gorgeous girl who hid from her own beauty. He talked to her. Befriended her. Loved her. Laughed with her. He wanted to be with her, but he was scared. He didn't know if she wanted the same thing. So he devised a plan. He would spend as much time with her as he could, enjoying it while it lasted. Getting his fill. Then, for her 18th birthday, he would tell her the truth, ready to be shot down. Sandra, you are that girl. I love you with all my heart. I want to spend my life with you, if you'll let me. I love you. I will always love you.
Love, Patrick
I looked up as him, seeing his handsome face. I stood up, feeling the warmth filling my heart. My face glowed, burning brighter than it ever had. The room filled with light, Pat covered his eyes, shielding them from the light.
"I love you Patrick!" I said, my light growing even brighter and hotter. Patrick wiped his forehead, his hair soaking with sweat.
"I-" he breathed "love yo-" he said before collapsing to the ground.