The Telepath's Daughter

Different Worlds

Hotch was still deep in thought, studying his feet as they walked, when Rossi's elbow gave him a sharp jab.

"Hey! It's Ana and Julio. C'mon..." Dave picked up the pace headed toward an exhausted-looking Mrs. Reid and a Palero priest whose face was stretched by a wide grin.

"Ana?" Both agents spoke in unison.

Too tired to engage in lengthy conversation and still fretting about all the concerns orbiting around her daughter, Ana leaned even more on Julio's arm and let her smile say it all. Julio? Tell them...?

Of course, little mother. The Palero beamed at Hotch and Rossi. "She is tired. I'm taking her home to rest. Doctor's orders. But if you want to meet your colleague's new son, he is a bit premature and resting comfortably in the nursery."

Ana's head had begun to droop, but she rallied as best she could. "...Mellie...thank you for..."

"She found us more than we found her. Or, a local boy did," Rossi assured her.

"Anyway, she's safe. I saw her go off to school, so...get some rest, Ana. And congratulations." Hotch's voice caught on the last words.

He'd missed the birth of his own son...too busy working a case...and the look of tired bliss gracing Ana's features was something he now wished he'd been able to see on Haley's face. He realized there were so few memories of sheer joy when he pictured his ex-wife. And always, the one that intruded no matter how hard he tried to avoid it, was the last time he'd seen her and held her and all she could give him was the emptiness of death settling over her.

It was only a brief lapse, but, as Julio passed the agents, he reached out and gave Hotch's arm a squeeze. Aaron kept his head down and chided himself for forgetting yet again that here his thoughts were public to anyone with the ability and the desire to listen in.

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Melinda was growing distracted toward the end of the school day.

The previous night's wanderings, the excitement of a new brother, and the discovery of a school that embraced her talents were taking their toll.

In honor of their visitor, Miss Blandings had dipped into the school's petty cash and provided lunch for the entire student body...not as big an expense as one would expect in such a small town. She had made a quick foray to the local bakery and had returned with savory buns stuffed with a variety of vegetables, cheeses and meats. Other teachers, some gifted, some not, joined in. The festive atmosphere and the unexpected treats managed to make Melinda a very welcome addition indeed.

But now she was fading rather quickly.

Mellie? You okay? Bobby's sense of how the little girl was faring seemed keener and more immediate than anyone else's, even Miss Blandings's. He was also basking in the glow of Melinda's popularity. The others seemed to think he'd brought them an entertaining novelty. And in a way, he had.

I'm kinda tired, I guess.

You wanna go home?

Melinda's head snapped up. No! Never! I don't want to! They can't make me!

Miss Blandings turned her focus immediately to their visitor. Melinda! Whatever is the matter? You do realize by now that not all our lessons are just for ESP-ers, don't you?

Indeed, after the exciting game of psychic catch the students had dispersed to classes that included the ungifted. Melinda had been allowed to accompany Bobby despite the age difference. She'd found the history lessons a little boring, because they were carried out verbally rather than telepathically. Manipulating one's vocal cords was so slow compared to manipulating one's thoughts! The ESP-ers had come together again for a story-telling session. What seemed like great fun was actually an exercise in focusing telepathic communication and striving for accuracy and speed. But now, as Melinda waned, the class was the mixed variety and math was the subject.