The REM Trials

Chapter 5

In every class, I struggled to keep my focus. No matter how hard I tried to pay attention to the lecture, something in my brain just wouldn't cooperate and would send my thoughts drifting away. The most infuriating part was that most times, it was over completely irrelevant things, like what Peter must think of me after yesterday or how I was supposed to keep my head down when everyone kept staring at me in classes.

During chemistry, I couldn't even bear to look up from the worksheet. Peter sat at the table across the aisle from me with Ned, and I could feel him glancing at me every so often, whether out of concern or curiosity, I didn't know.

When the bell finally rings, I decide it's best to just rip off the duct tape band-aid over the awkward situation between Peter and I. "Hey," I mumble with a forced smile, "do you mind if I talk to Peter for a second?"

Ned just nods with a cheerful, knowing smile as he pats his friend on the back. "Um—what's up? Is—is everything okay?"

I nod and clutch my books tighter against my chest. "I just wanted to apologize for yesterday and ask if maybe—can we start over? I'm Lia—short for Amelia—Bright."

Peter glances between my face and outstretched hand for a long moment. My heart almost drops thinking he's not gonna accept, but it quickly rises gain when he takes it with a smile. "I'm Parker Peter—I—I mean Peter Parker."

A small laugh escapes me at the fact that this is the second time Peter has struggled to introduce himself to me. It helps me remember that he's a real person and certainly nothing like Henry.

I take a quick breath when he actually shakes my hand. There's a tension there that I recognize all too well. Mostly because it's one that I have to keep in my own hand, and one that I've only encountered in people like me—other REMs with enhanced strength. It takes me a moment to process it, but only one explanation occurs. Peter Parker is a REM like me.

"Well, I have to get going, but it's great to re-meet you, Peter. I guess I'll see you later?" Of course, now that I suspect Peter's secret, I might just want to keep him closer than I originally thought. It's always good to keep potential enhanced friends around, and if he's keeping a secret of his own, I doubt he'll ask too many question about mine.

"Y-yeah." He stutters with a goofy smile as we part ways for our last period classes.

I continue on to my last class with a smile on my face, and for a moment, I don't think I could be happier. Well until class finishes, that's when I see Liz and remember today is my decathlon tryout. My stomach starts to churn more with every step she takes closer with that excited smile. "You ready?"

"Not even remotely," I whisper back as I toss my books haphazardly into my locker. "I'm suddenly regretting everything, including agreeing to join the team."

Liz just chuckles and rolls her eyes as she puts her hands on my shoulders and forces me to face her. "Lia," She commands and makes sure she has my full attention, "you're going to be fine. Trust me, I'm the team captain, and as such, I know we need someone like you on the team. The others will see that."

"And if they don't?" I question. In my experience, I've found that people are strange and fickle things. They never seem to fit into expectations or boxes; no matter how hard you try shove. "What if they realize that I'm rubbish at half the questions likely to be asked?"

"Then I'll make sure to tutor you in the areas you don't understand." She reasons, and her unshakable optimism makes me crack a smile. "See? I knew you'd come around."

"Maybe I'm just lulling you into a false sense of security before I run away screaming." I tease as she loops her arm through mine and drags me through the hall. "For all you know, I could pull out my secret judo moves and make my great escape."