Shifters

Chapter 8

I walked over and sat up against the wall as each team took their place. My coach blew the whistle, and it was a mad dash to the line with the dodge balls. Gabriel made it there first, to everyone's surprise. And he got most of the balls onto his side. It was funny that I still refered to him as Gabriel, even though he looked just like me, and I was a short little girl who was no good at any sport. But five minutes later, Gabriel had knocked the whole other team out. Everyone stared at him in astonishment, thinking that it was me. His team started giving him highfives and telling him how surprised they were that he could play so well.  

Five games later, the other team gave up because they couldn't beat Gabriel. He jogged over to me and grinned. It was weird starring up at yourself. It was like an out of body experience. He sat down next to me, and a split second later, he looked like himself again, so did I. We stood up and walked over to the team, "Evelyn, where did you learn to play like that?" one of the boys exclaimed. I shrugged and tried to hold back my laughter. Gabriel didn't have much luck. He was doubled over, laughing so hard that he was crying. The other guys were glaring at him, "Whats so funny? Do you want to try and play a match against her?" they asked defensively. He stood up and tried to muffle his laughter as he replied, "no I'm not very good at dodgeball at all, I don't want to embarrass myself."  

The bell rang and Gabriel and I sprinted to the door. As soon as we were by my locker we both burst into laughter. I grabbed my stuff and he and I made our way outside, "we'll meet at the warehouse at 10 in the morning tomorrow, ok?" he asked me quietly. I looked up into his bronze eyes, then nodded my head. He pulled me into a fast hug, then turned and ran out of the parking lot and down the road, "Strange kid." Jade's voice said behind me. I turned and smiled, "yeah, I guess so. But he was a sweetheart. He doesn't think he is coming here though." I replied quickly with a shrug. Jade eyed me suspiciously then said, "well you sure got to know him well didn't you?" "just about as much as you get to know any shadow." I said, then I turned to leave. 

"Wait, where are you going?" Jade asked, taking a step forward to stay in front of me, "Home, or is that not allowed?" I replied with annoyance, "I just thought we were talking, and i don't like when people walk away when I'm talking to them." Jade said, her voice was smug. I clenched my fists. Jade was really starting to piss me off. Before I knew it my skin was turning red along with my hair and eyes. I spun away from jade, who looked like she had seen a ghost, and ran out of the parking lot. I concentrated on looking like myself as a ran. This was bad, Jade was going to tell everyone. 

I slowed to a walk and shivered as i pulled my jacket closer around my shoulders. Snow drifted slowly to the ground. I slipped on the ice and dropped my book bag. Books tumbled out of the bag and into the snow. I cursed under my breath and bent down to pick them up. As I stood up a car slowed to a stop next to me on the road. I glanced up to see my dads unconcerned face peering at me from the drivers side window. I sighed and walked around the car. As I opened the door, he asked, "Why are you walking?" "I got tired of waiting." was all I said. He shrugged and started to drive.  

I looked out the window to avoid my father's gaze. The drive was quiet, the only noise was the tires hitting puttles of water. As soon as my dad pulled into the driveway I jumped out of the car and ran up to my room. As I closed the door I let out a breath and looked into the mirror on the opposite wall. Staring back at me were MY green eyes, framed by MY black hair. MY fair skin was flushed from the cold and MY heart shaped face looked worried. MY features softened as I realized nothing had changed. I let out a shaky breath and glanced nervously at where I had hidden the letter. I walked over to the desk and opened the drawer where it was hidden. After lifting a bunch of papers and pens, I saw it and sighed with relief. I closed the drawer and went to sit on the bed. My phone buzzed so I picked it up, "Hey Evelyn" the text from my friend Jade read. I dropped my phone on the floor without replying, I would later.  

Right now all I knew is I had to get out of here.