Strange Thoughts

Part One-Chapter Six-Aleya

I'm standing yet again, at the door of Gray's house. This time, I'm without my sister, and instead standing with Mimi and Cody. Mimi looks deep in thought, where Cody looks excited and confident.

I however, feel a little bit nauseous. This scientist is probably a perfectly good woman. I don't want to invade her privacy. I bet she doesn't have any dark secrets at all. I don't know for sure, though.

Gray opens the door. He smiles at me, not paying attention to anyone else. "Hey, Aleya. We better be quick, dinner is going to start soon." "Hi." I say. I feel special. A warm feeling in my stomach quenches some of my fear. I follow Gray into the large dining room, Mimi and Cody behind me.

Gray stops and turns around. "I don't think I've met you yet. I'm Gray." He smiles at Mimi, and Mimi smiles back. "I'm Mimi. It's nice to meet you." Gray gives a polite nod, but he seems a bit nervous. It must be hard to invite a complete stranger into your home.

We entered the dining room. A vast wooden table is in the center, decorated with vases of pretty Tiger Lilies. The chairs have comfy, red cushions, and there are about ten of them surrounding the table. There is room for more, but no more is needed. There is a painting on the wall of Gray and his parents.

We all sit down on red chairs, and look across the table at Gray's parents. I'm sitting next to Gray, and Cody is on the other side of me. Mimi is on Cody's right. A chef with bright red hair comes out, holding a tray. Six small bowls of clam chowder soup are on it. The chef places one bowl at each of our plates.

I look over at Cody. "Where's the scientist?" I whisper. "Hopefully coming soon," he whispers back. "Try reading her, it won't hurt." It will hurt. It will make me feel guilty about invading her mind. I always feel guilty. Gray glances over at Cody and I, probably wondering what we are whispering about.

At that very moment, the scientist walks in. When you first see her, you would think she was just a normal woman. She is wearing a navy pantsuit, with a white blouse underneath. She has light brown hair, and a green eye.

Her other eye, has an eyepatch over it. She takes off the eyepatch to reveal a gear, spinning constantly, back and forth. Mrs. Parker lets out a little gasp, but the rest of us keeps our cool. Cody and I exchange a glance. Maybe this woman does have some secrets.

"My name is Dr. Michelle Claire. I really appreciate you inviting me to dinner tonight." She shakes Mr. Parker's hand, and takes the seat at the head of the table. She peers at us, her gear eye jerking back and forth.

Gray speaks first, keeping his voice even. "I'm Gray, this is Aleya, Cody, and," He pauses slightly before saying Mimi's name. "Mimi."

"Ohhhh yes," Dr. Claire says. "The contortionists daughter. You look just like your mother, although you have your father's eyes." Mimi looks a little scared. She starts twirling a piece of hair around her finger. "How do you know my parents?" "We used to be friends back in the old days. We haven't talked much since."

Cody leans over to me. "Read her." Should I? I don't know. I'm getting suspicious vibes from her, and she scared Mimi, but I still don't know. Cody raises his eyebrows at me and I nod. I'm going to do it.

Hmmmmm. I guess Bryan almost found what he was looking for. It's good I found Clarissa's daughter. She'll be of good use to me. She's very headstrong. Wait! I feel it! Get out of my head you little bit-

Before Dr. Claire could finish the last word, her thoughts turn to static. Pain began to pound in my head. I managed to jerk out of her head at about the same time Cody did.

Dr. Claire looked at Cody and I and gave us a wry smile. "Found what I was looking for." she mumbled aloud, causing Cody and I to shrink back in fear.

We eat our clam chowder in silence, until the chef brings out the entrees. I am about to take a bite of the steak, when Dr. Clair speaks to me.

"I'm doing a scientific study on human evolution. Do you know anything about that?" "I know that humans evolved from monkeys a long time ago. We share many of the same traits and characteristics." I say. I take a moment to realize that Dr. Claire hasn't acknowledged Mrs. Parker once.

"Well then, little girl. If monkeys can evolve into humans, then imagine what humans can evolve into." "That could take thousands of years." Gray says. "I know," Dr. Claire responds. "I'm looking for a way to speed up the process." Her gear eye zooms in on me, and then moves over to Cody.

"What do you think about this, young man?" Cody winces. He must not have an answer at hand. He improvises. "I think that humans evolving could lead to great things, but it could also lead to war, or slavery. I think it's best not to risk it." "I think you would love to evolve. You do seem like quite the ambitious risk taker." Dr. Claire says. "You just met me!" Cody retorts.

Dr. Claire doesn't respond, she is too busy observing Mimi. "And you, my dear?" Mimi looks down at the table. "I agree with Cody." I'm surprised. Mimi seems like the kind of person who always speaks for herself.

"I'm sorry I have to leave before dessert. I just have to do the right thing here. Gray, I'm your mother." Everybody gasps. "I knew there had to be a reason you came back, Michelle. Please leave, now." Mrs. Parker says. Gray looks heartbroken. "Don't worry Mom, you'll always be my true mother in my heart." Gray murmurs. Mr. Parker looks down at the table. She leaves the room in tears followed by Gray, however they go into separate rooms.

I follow Gray up the stairs, shooting Dr. Claire the meanest look I can muster. How could Dr, Claire and Mr. Parker keep that secret for so long? How could they betray Mrs. Parker like that, and betray Gray by keeping this from him? They both must feel horrible.

I enter Gray's room. It has gray walls, and a white bed. Unlike the rest of the house, it's simple. There is one picture on the wall, of Gray and his parents, smiling real smiles, not just posing for the camera. There is a white dresser, which has several pictures and mementos on top of it.

Gray is crumpled up on his bed, fresh tears flowing from his gorgeous green eyes. I sit down next to him, and put a comforting hand on his back.

"Gray, I'm not going to ask you if you are okay, because I know you're not. Just know that your family cares about you, your real family, not that horrible woman. Your mom needs you to get through this, and you are the only thing that can keep your family together."

"I know," he whimpers. "I've always felt kind of out of place, like I would prefer a simple lifestyle rather than this large complicated one that my parents enjoy. Maybe I got that from Dr. Claire."'

"Gray," I say. "Stop doing this to yourself. You are an amazing person. I will always be there for you, because I want to be. I have never met someone as kind as you." "Thanks," Gray says. "I really needed that." "I have to go now," I say. "But feel free to call and text me if you need it."

I walk out of Gray's room and walk back downstairs. Cody and Mimi are waiting for me, along with Dr. Claire. Their eyes are wide.

"She won't leave without talking to you." Mimi whispers. I turn to Dr. Claire. She puts a business card into my hand. I take it, and she walks out the door, without a word. Once she's gone, the tension eases. Cody, Mimi, and I examine the business card.

"Everything's shaded black!" Mimi exclaimed. "Maybe she doesn't want us to find her." Cody says. "Or maybe she wants us to figure it out on our own," I say. "She was definitely looking for us, or at least for me." I explain what happened with Bryan, Aubrey's boyfriend.

"Poor Aubrey" Mimi shakes her head sadly. "I don't even know her, but it sounds like she doesn't deserve that." "So much betrayal," Cody says. "So many secrets. This is why we need to get involved." I am finally starting to agree with him.