The Butterfly Effect

Prologue

If you want to get to know me, that will be your first mistake. Reading this will be your second. You see, I am nothing but trouble; been told that my entire life. I never made perfect grades, never exceled at a hidden talent, never had many friends. Hell, I can't even think straight. Following societal rules just isn't my thing.

There is one thing about me that is kinda cool but nobody knows about it, which kind of sucks. The only thing I have going for me and I have to keep it to myself. Well, you'll know now so consider yourself lucky.

I can manipulate time.

Yeah, yeah. Go ahead and roll your eyes; I know you want to but it's true.

I first discovered my ability at 8 years old when my grandmother lay dying. I know I said that bluntly and I do miss her, but it's just one of those things you just kind of accept.

Anyway, back to my story...

The Nurse from Hospice stood hoovering over my grandmother's bed making sure she was comfortable. She injected something into her I.V. before explaining that she'd be back the following day to check on her.

This wasn't a sudden illness. My grandmother had been suffering from cancer for years. My mom explained to me that grandma didn't have much time left and I needed to appreciate all the time I could with her. So I did just that. I moved in with her and made sure she wasn't lonely.

"She's so nice," My grandmother blurted out. "Best nurse I ever had."

"Yeah, she is, granny. Do you want some cookies?" I asked her.

"No sweetheart, I'd just like your company today. I need to tell you something," She whispered looking around the room paranoid. "It's a secret between you and me." She reached out her hand and I eagerly grabbed it, sitting beside in the small space beside her on the bed.

"Now listen carefully, please. Do you promise to keep this a secret between you and me? Not your sister, mother, father, or step family can know. Not your friends.....not even Zoe."

"I can't tell Zoe?" I groaned as I made a clicking noise with my tongue, calling for my poodle.

"Not even Zoe." She sternly squeezed my hand.

"I promise," I sighed.

"Now, Harry, I'm trusting you....." She threatened. "I'm old and my time is ending. I've lead a beautiful life but all good things come to an end. There's a family secret that you need to know."

I leaned in closer, fully invested in her confession.

"I am a chronomancer."

"A what?" I asked confused.

"A chronomancer. I have the ability to manipulate time."

"Cool!" I squeal in excitement.

"Shh, Harry! Please, listen darling, this is serious. I suspected your sister inherited the talent but she 12 and has not yet been marked. That only leaves you. When your power is ready to be used, you will see a butterfly appear on your body. It will be small at first and as your abilities grow, it will too."

"A butterfly? That's so girly granny," I moaned, not even questioning how crazy she sounded. I always had a special connection with my grandmother. When I was around her, a strange feeling would rush over me and I felt the need to protect her at all cost.

"Listen Harry. This is a big responsibility, one you must not take lightly. When I pass, there will be a list of rules hidden in the attic that you must follow. Is that clear?"

"Yes ma'am,"

"I just want you to remember....for every action there is a reaction. The reason the marking will be shaped like a butterfly is because of the butterfly effect."

"What's that?" I tilted my head.

"The butterfly effect. Small causes can have larger effects. You can go back in time to change a small event but it will change the outcome of the entire world. I'll tell you a story. When I was 22, I was studying law at Harvard. A fine school, indeed. I did not study enough and failed one of my exit exams. Because of this, I chose to use my power to go back and time and study more. I spent a lot of my time at the library that week. It caused me to cancel many plans with my friends. Because I changed my plans, my friends changed theirs and you know what happened?"

"What?"

"One of my friends got into a car wreck because she chose to go to the movies with Johnny. She's still alive but paralyzed from the waist down."

"I don't get it grandma."

"Well, if I hadn't canceled my plans with her, we would have been safe in the dorms listening to the old records but since I canceled plans, she made other ones instead."

"Couldn't you just have went back in time and fixed it?"

"Well, I wish it is that easy, Harry. That is why you must read the rules. You can only change an event once. Whatever outcome happens, it stays. That is why you must choose carefully. It can have consequences you may not even know about."

"Grandma, I don't want this power." I cried.

"It's okay, Harry. I believe in you," She weakly held out her arms and kissed my cheek.

I'll spare you the details but she did not live long after that. The day of her funeral, a butterfly landed on top of her casket as they lowered her in the ground. I felt like it was watching me, and I knew I was right when it landed on my shoulder.

A week later, a small butterfly appeared on my stomach.

If you still want to get to know me, well, good luck. If not, now is your chance to leave. I don't blame you.