The Ones Who Feel(Short Story Version)

The Beginning of Everything

It's a normal day, clouds scarcely cover the ocean blue sky, and me, I'm on my way to work. I spend my week working at the New York Times as an column editor; not where I thought I'd be, but it's a start. I step into the revolving door entering the open space with two large escalators in the middle of it. Immediately by my side steps in my best friend, Nuria Miller; An ambitious 26 year old who moved to New York from Oklahoma. Her stressed emotions flood into my veins as she begins. "Not too bad of a workload this morning. Did you finish the column over "Subway Delays"?" I glance towards her, giving a joking look of disbelief. "You do know who your best friend is―right?" She smirks looking over the stack of papers that she has in her hand. "We have a new recruit. A 27 year old from Michigan, Justice Casen. He also isn't bad on the eyes either." I shake my head smiling slightly. "And you mention this guy because of his good looks?" She gasps accusingly but immediately speaks in her defense. "No! I mention him because you are going to be editing most of his work from now on. He's waiting in your office to meet you now." Great, I think to myself as we enter the bustling room of people. The waft of crowded emotions surround me, and I brush it off. I feel the warmth of my shield hug my body, it's calming atmosphere deflecting the harsh emotions from my co-workers.
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I was four years old when I discovered my empathic abilities. Being far more superior then the average person I was forced to keep my powers a secret.
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My office is exactly what they make it out to be in the movies, the semi large cubicles for normal employees, and average sized offices for those who they believe to be a "little better". I'm one of those considerably "better" people who gets their own office, which is definitely an emotional detox for me. I see through the glass window, a man of tall structure with dark brown hair. He stands by the window, looking outwards at the beautiful view. I nod a word of goodbye at Nuria, and enter my office. He turns quickly, looking at me with a startled expression; regaining his composure immediately he adjusts his tie. He approaches me, extending a hand towards me. "I'm Justice Casen. You must be Miriam Jensen." I take his hand, nodding with a smile. His intense nervousness crawls up my back, causing me to shiver. "I am. You can take a seat." I walk around my desk, sitting as does he. "There's really no need to be nervous, I'm not your boss; I'm your partner." A forced laugh comes from his mouth followed by a genuine smile. "Do I really look that bad?" He says looking into my eyes. I smile shaking my head; yes his body language reveals his nerves, but only slightly. "No, I'm just very observant. You'll get used to it. I am very eager to edit your columns." He smiles, his pearly white teeth peeking out from his lips. "And I am honored to work with an experienced editor such as yourself." I nod and he stands up. Following him, I extend my hand, and he smiles taking it. Immediately a sense of pain courses through my veins and I flinch. "Are you okay?" He asks, a worried feeling draping over his pain. "Yeah, I'm sorry. I get muscle cramps every once in a while." He nods and lets go of my hand, gently, and I watch as he walks to the door, turning back to face me. "I'll have the first column ready by Wednesday." I nod smiling and he exits promptly.
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After work I walk to my apartment shutting the door behind me, dropping my belongings onto the couch. I remove the green scrunchie from my hair, letting my brown locks flow down my back. I pop an easy-make dinner into the microwave, feeling uninterested in making a decent meal for the night. I'm startled by my phone ringing and I run to the couch, grabbing it from my purse. "Hello?" I respond after answering. "Hey Little Sister." I smile at the voice of my older sister. "Hey Rae." I respond softly. Raelynn; my sister of 34 who lives in my home state of Georgia with her husband and 3 kids. "How's the Big City?" She asks. I sigh knowing instantly the true meaning behind her words. "And by that you mean how are my empathic abilities." A small exhale in the form of a laugh comes from her lips. "You're too good. But yes, how're you holding up? I mean all of those people." I grab my dinner from the microwave, sitting at the table. "I am perfectly fine, and you know just as well that my mental forcefield is pretty solid." I feel a glint of happiness come through the phone and I smile. "I'm glad. We miss you here Miri, come visit soon?" I pause, knowing it will be awhile before I can take time off again. "Soon." A hopeful giggle comes from her before she says her sweet goodbye. I set my phone on the table, a disappointed wave seeping into me.