Torn

Chapter 26 Progression

Leonardo

I squeezed Alese hand as we walked further down the trail. A brisk wind blew past us, making both of us shiver. The nights freezing temperatures gave her a rosy glow and made the mud crunch under our feet as we approach the pond in the middle of the park.

She touched the surface on the water with the tip of her boot. Ripples were sent across the pond and the moons reflection danced in a million little sparkles.

"Still liquid."

"Let's test one more time, for good measure."

I swept her off her feet and swung my arms towards the lake but still holding tight so she didn't actually fly into the freezing waters. She screamed in terror till she realized that she was still on dry ground.

"LEO YOU ASSHOLE!!"

The corners of my mouth and my ribs were already becoming sore when I put her down.

"It isn't funny!"

"I'm- I'm sorry." I was gasping for breath, watching her get this mad is probably one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

"Fuck you, Leo. You don't give a shit."

"I do, I swear."

She cocked her brow before crouching down onto the ground. She picked up a couple flat rocks and readied herself. She hurled one across the surface, it bounce twice and then dipped under the inky mass.

"Not bad."

I sat down onto the stony ground and crossed my legs, carefully observing Alese as she skipped stones across the water. I grabbed a large rock and placed it in front of me, digging it into the dirt a little for stability.

I drew a deep breath, trying my best to clear my mind. I wanted to come naturally to me, I couldn't keep forcing it to do as I will. I imagine the energy flowing into my hands like water. I slowly build a tower, step by step, being gentle to not overdo myself. I felt myself become stronger, I could hold more weight. The feeling of empowerment swelled in my chest and the corners of my mouth lifted. I was in control.

My hands clenched as a sudden pain rang in my ears. My eyes flew open and my little stone towers crumbled to the ground.

"Wow, 12. That's a new record."

Alese picked up one of the little pebbles and smiled.

"You've been making serious progress this past week."

I rolled my eyes and wipe the blood away on my sleeve. All I can do is stack a couple pebbles before my nose begins to bleed. But progress is progress.

"Little by little, I guess."

She laughed between her lips. Puffs of steam rose from her nose, her jaw was clenched shut and her arms were tightly crossed across her torso.

"We should get going."

She nodded her head. I grabbed her hand, pulling her to her feet. She suddenly freezed and her eyes darted around us.

"Is there something wrong?"

"I don't think so, just paranoid."

Her eyes kept franticly jumping around as she drew closer to me.

"D-do you feel like we're being watched Leo?"

I wrapped my arm around her as knots formed in my stomach.

"It's probably nothing, Alese. Let's just get out of here."