The Third Eye (#1)

3. Constance

"Hi Constance!!"

I look up from the filthy gym floor to meet the eyes of my blonde-haired friend bouncing over towards me gleefully.

"Oi, hey Amber." I reply softly twiddling with my fingers as I contemplate the situation the period before with Alexander.

I suppose it's true.

Interrupting my thoughts a hand lightly taps my shoulder, and I look out of the corner of my eye to watch Amber's genuine smile form at the corners of her mouth,

"Are you okay? You seem out of it today." I subtly smile back,

"Don't worry about me."

Making friends was never my cup of tea growing up, but since grammar school Amber has always forced herself upon me. Over the years she would always come up to me and talk to me regardless of whether or not I responded even after I repeatedly told her to leave me alone, she'd still come back the next day like clockwork. Overtime I realized it took more effort to avoid her than to just accept her presence in my life.

In front of us we watch as two groups of boys and girls threw a ball to each other attempting to score in opposite nets. As I watch the game unfold before me I acknowledge without surprise how the boys only throw the ball to each other blatantly ignoring the girls in front of them who were waving their arms in defeated attempts to grab her attention. Next to me, I watch Amber throw her arms in the air and proceed to call,

"Sidelines!! Sidelines!!"

Holding her arms open wide she watches as the boy throws the ball to another boy on the sidelines. Her smile fades into a frown, and I scoff while crossing my arms across my chest. After a couple minutes the teacher blows the whistle instructing a new group of students to enter the game. Amber grabs the sleeve of my large yellow sweatshirt,

"Let's go in."

"Tch." I reply rolling my eyes as I shuffle my way to center of the gym.

You don't want to play equal, then neither will I.

Two boys push their way to the teacher for the introductory ball jump, but as they do I step forward as well. Amber gasps as I walk up the center and tap the elbow of the boy on our side, I look up at him with my uncovered eye,

"Oi, let me jump."

The boy eyeballs my five foot body up and down, and I narrow my eyebrows as opens his mouth to protest, but before he can, the teacher interjects,

"Let Constance jump, she needs participation points." With that she taps the boys shoulder, silently telling him to step backwards. As I step forward approaching the tall and muscular boy looming over me, he looks backwards over his shoulder bearing a large grin. I stare ahead, waiting for the whistle to start the toss up.

"Get ready." The teacher instructs and the boy beams down at me,

"No hard feelings?" He questions with a smile quivering along his lips.

I nod in agreement and in the next instance the whistle rings out and I watch the ball fly up into the air. I jump and feel energy surge to my feet. Concentrating my power to my feet, I jump up and watch as the boys hand extends over to mine, almost capable of cupping the ball. However, I redirect my focus towards the ball. With the power surging through my fingertips I command the ball to slightly move towards me. This slight movement allows me to refocus my energy to my jump and the boy's eyes meets my uncovered gray eye and as it does his face contorts into shock as my hand connects with the ball and I slap it backwards towards my team. Focusing my power on a smooth landing, I drop to the gym floor easily. The boy continues to stare at me in utter annoyance as my team grabs the ball and cheering erupts from the sidelines.