Spectra

Chapter 32

Emily

You know when you feel so heartbroken you can't stand seeing anyone else happy? Well, that's how I was feeling. I saw couples kissing in the hallways at school, holding hands, laughing. That could have been Me and Lucas, but he liked Kayla. How did I know? Maybe it was when he all of a sudden invited her to sit with us at lunch and ignored me the whole time. Or maybe it was when he jumbled his words, blushing as she laughed at his awkwardness.

I didn't know how it was possible, to like me one day and forget about it all the next.

Unfortunately my mom left for a burglary in progress at another museum, which meant I had to follow. So I left soon after, knowing who to expect. I ran through the city to the Chinese history museum. Without bothering to contact Lucas I snuck inside and watched as statues of Chinese birds flew around the room. This guy could make a ton of money if he used his powers to create a real life Night at the Museum. But no, he had to rob museums and then eventually get caught by me.

I heard rustling from another room and went invisible to investigate. A man was fumbling to lift the plate of glass off of a case with some artifact inside. I hid behind a huge statue I recognized as a terracotta soldier from ancient China. You probably know the story. Emperor Shi Huangdi wanted to be protected in the afterlife so had a life size army of clay soldiers made. Very creepy looking if you ask me.

Anyway, the burglar must've heard me because he spun around and the terracotta soldier in front of me came to life. In a robotic way he turned around to face me. I ran to the other side of the room, not caring if I was invisible anymore. Unfortunately I was met face to face with another soldier. Eventually terrifying life size soldiers surrounded me. They each held a different weapon that was now real and probably functional. I would have to escape somehow without destroying any artifacts, especially the soldiers. I had a feeling that wouldn't go over well in the media.

However, the army was closing in on me and I had to do something. I shined my light out from my whole body in a radial beam. The soldiers fell to the ground, giving me time to run. I ran throughout the museum, frantically looking for the criminal. Behind me I heard the heavy footsteps that could only be made by giant clay soldiers. I didn't dare look back and kept running. Down a dark hallway a door slammed shut.

Footsteps continued to get louder behind me. I ran out the door and looked around for the man. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted him. I ran to him and knocked him out with a punch. Relieved that I finally got him, I ran him to the CCPD for them to take care of the rest. Hopefully all the artifacts were safe and there would be nothing the media could put against me.

Once I got home, I realized I needed someone to talk to. So I called Cassidy who came downstairs immediately. The door swung open to my room and she jumped onto my bed, landing on her stomach. She saw the look on my face and sat up quickly.

"What's wrong?" She asked seriously. I took a deep breath, trying to ignore the tears welling up in my eye. I started out with what happened on Valentine's Day but as soon as I told her about Kayla, I lost it. Cassidy rubbed my arm as I cried. She continued comforting me, telling me that if he really wants to be with Kayla instead of me, he must be under some sort of curse. I laughed, wiping my runny nose.

We hugged before she left for her apartment. Maybe tomorrow would be better, I thought. Maybe Lucas would forget about Kayla. Maybe Kayla would fall (or be pushed) down a flight or two of stairs. No. I was supposed to be the hero, I'd go to school and be nice to Kayla. Who knows maybe she's nice, I thought.

~~~

"Hey Kayla." I said with a bright smile on my face as I sat down at my desk. She looked as though she ate something sour but immediately gave me a smile back.