We're Different

Chapter 3

   I sat on a section of the couch, smiling and doing homework as I listened to the guys practice. They were really good for a first time band. It was impressive. I finished with my final math problem as their song finished. Perfectly ironic timing.

"Well, it's only our first day, but you guys sound great," Marcus smiled. "I think you both have real raw talent."

"Oh, well if our talent is raw, then we better get cooking." Adam played a rim shot on his drum set. I rolled my eyes, but smiled at the stupid joke. I looked over to see Leo standing right behind Marcus. Marcus obviously sensed it, as he turned around and glared at Leo, not even jumping.

"Leo, what are you doing?" I sighed.

"Just asking Marcus a few questions. Where were you born? What is your birthday? Who is the president of Venezuela?!"

Marcus raised an eyebrow at him.

"I don't know."

"Ah ha! So he's not from Venezuela..."

"He never said he was..." I trailed off.

"Okay, that's it," Chase sighed. "This practice just became band members only."

"Well then, I guess I'm on the band."

"Leo, you don't even know how to play an instrument."

"That's where you're wrong."

Leo raced away to get an instrument, and I stood.

"Alright. If this practice is members only, then I guess I should get going. I'll go talk to Bree for a while."

I turned to leave, when I strong arm grabbed onto my wrist. I turned to see Marcus grabbing onto my arm.

"Skai. You don't have to go, of you don't want to... I mean, I'm sure Adam and Chase wouldn't mind you staying..."

I didn't even glance at the other two. I smiled sadly at Marcus and walked upstairs. Bree was up there, hanging out in my room. Mr. Davenport didn't have room in his lab for me, so he gave me a bedroom and built some new charging equipment for me to use.

"Hey Bree," I smiled.

Bree looked up from her magazine and suddenly focused all her attention on me.

"Hey, Skai! How was your date with your band geek boyfriend."

I scoffed and sat down.

"Bree, he's not my boyfriend, and that wasn't a date. It was just me hanging out with Adam, Chase, and Marcus while they practiced their music and I did my homework."

Bree rolled her eyes.

"Are you kidding me? It's so obvious that he likes you!"

"Bree!" I resisted the urge to grab her shoulders and shake her. "He and I have barely talked. We had one private conversation, and I had to lie about the answer."

"What? Why? What did he ask you?"

"He asked me where I 'usually live.'"

She sighed.

"What did you say?"

"I said I come from a few miles from here, but I don't go to this school."

Bree nodded.

"Alright." She paused for a moment, as if contemplating something, then spoke. "Skai, you've got to be careful. Marcus may be an innocent kid, but you never know when you'll accidentally let something slip. I mean, you may not be human, but even you might let something slip."

I sighed and collapsed onto a soft, white chair.

"Bree, if he does... you know, like me... what should I do?"

Bree looked at me like I had just asked what she would do if I committed suicide.

"Uh... well... it depends on whether you like him or not." She sat up and looked at me. "What do you like about him."

"Hmm... well, his eyes are beautiful... and his hair looks nice. He's really smart, but he's also cool, you know? He's not, like, Chase smart, where you're all brains and no brawn or fun."

Bree laughed.

"It sure seems like there might be something brewing in there." She could barely contain her smile.

"Bree..." I sighed and decided not to say what I was going to. "I just want to give it some more time before I determine whether I like him or not, alright?"

Bree nodded, but she was bouncing.

"And please, Bree. Don't speak a word of this. Don't give him any idea that I like him. Please!"

Bree nodded, and I relaxed into the chair.