Always

Chapter Thirteen

Six's POV

There's this little feeling pushing at me every time I see him. A little voice that tells me I can't, that I can't have feelings for anyone. It was there with Sam. Look what happened when I ignored it last time.

Who am I? I can't be having these feelings! I'm Six, I will not fall for anyone.

That flashbacks consume me.

Katarina.

Eight.

Sarah.

Stop!

It's a mantra in my head.

Put up a wall, keep everyone out. I have to, for the good of them.

Katarina's screams fill my head, Eight's scar searing into my ankle, Sarah's blood. And now, I'm kneeling beside John in the cave floor. He lies there, bloody and gashed up. I wait for him to wake up. He doesn't this time.

It's too much.

I scream.

"Six!"

I jolt awake, sending a telekinetic blast at anything near me. A few loud thuds fill the room as I stand. John stands slowly, looking at me, pained. I walk up to him and lay a hand on his chest.

"I 'm sorry," I whisper.

"For what?" He asks.

I don't answer, I just gather my stuff and leave. The ache in my heart hurts.

I'll see you later," I call.

...

I arrive at the Academy around 9:00 to teach the Freshmen. They are already gathered and warming up.

I teach the 7th and 8th graders at 7th period today and shortly afterwards I head for my own little training session.

I probably spend a few hours in Lecture Hall just shooting, punching, and stabbing stuff.

I haven't seen John all day, but I just now notice him standing at the door. He looks stressed and confused. I stop and wait as he walks over to me.

"What's up?" I ask.

"What happened?" He asks.

I look down and shake my head.

"Why don't you just look in my mind?" I spit, I little too harshly.

"I don't like to do that," he says.

"I just...need to my by myself for a while ," I say.

"I understand," he says. "I'm just glad you're talking to me."

He offers a weak smile. I'm glad when he doesn't ask for an explanation.

He walks up to the electronic simulator and presses a few buttons for it to create legacy practice rather than just weapons practice.

"Mind if I join?" He asks.

"I'm open," I say.