When Lightning Strikes [COMPLETED]

Chapter 19: Old Friend

Everyone stared when Julie entered the coffeehouse. Rory's hand tightened on hers.

It was two days after she first woke. She still had circles under her eyes, but her face wasn't ash white anymore. She didn't want to imagine what she looked like the first time she woke.

Her parents hadn't explained much yet, but they confirmed what Rory told her. Dad was still worried about her being overly tired. No one knew exactly what she did yet, and there were a bunch of people who wanted to talk to her. He was keeping them away for now.

She would be going to the other school with Jamie and Rory. Her parents said that she could still be friends with Kara, but that she couldn't tell her any of this. When Kara was eighteen, her own parents would tell her about the island, and she would have to decide if she would stay or go. Her family would set her up in whatever her chosen career was without her ever knowing.

It sucked. It couldn't be better to do this to the 'duds.' To have all the kids go to the fine arts school so that a few could watch as all their friends disappear to the other school year after year with no explanation. Then to wipe their memories if they left. They'd be out in the real world without their family, and their family was not allowed to contact them. Who decided that that this was the best way?

Julie guessed that they were lucky that they got to choose a career. Everyone said that she could still take dance lessons with Muriel but kind of looked at each other quietly when she talked about going to the Academy.

If they thought that she would give up on her dream because she could shoot lightning out of her fingertips, they needed to think again. Sure, the lightning thing was cool— and terrifying—now that she was in the know. But it wasn't dancing.

Rory spent as much time as possible with her. He was in on it too, since he refused to tell her anything more. He had promised to listen to her parents this time. Besides, he only had a few minutes to visit each day before she fell asleep, so it wasn't as if there was any time.

Marian and Elden had also come by to see her. She was nervous about this at first, but was surprised to see that Marian was extremely happy about her and Rory having a connection. She gushed over Julie and offered to have someone give her a manicure, pedicure, and haircut, all while she stayed in her bed. She also insisted on taking her shopping as soon as she was well.

Rory told her quietly that everyone was excited about what she could do, even though no one knew exactly what that was yet. New talents were rare. There was only one other person out there that could do anything like what she could, but he belonged to another Tribe. The Fey loved collecting new talents into their bloodlines.

Fey called their secret little colonies Tribes. Apparently there were several Tribes around the world like this island, though sometimes they were in mountains or other places. They all did things a little differently but also had a world council or something. It was a little confusing, but she would learn more at the other school.

"I don't know about this," she stretched up to whisper in his ear. "I shouldn't have pushed to leave the house yet. My dad was right. He thought I should stay at home and rest a few more days before going out. I was just bored."

"They're a little curious about you. We'll get the coffee and go, like we planned. No one will bother you with me around." He smiled at her.

Rory pulled her against his side as they entered. Several boys from his class were sitting at a table with Melissande. The girl's dark eyes narrowed to small slits as she stared at them, two bright red dots on her cheeks. The boys grinned at Rory, and one of them gave him a thumbs up sign.

This place was crazier than ever.

Julie wished she understood more of what was going on. She was still missing something. They all seemed afraid to upset her. But why? What else could there be? Maybe she could think straight if she wasn't so tired. They would wait until she had fully recovered before figuring out what she could do or start her training.