Gifted

Chapter One

Winding down the twisted road I stared out into the fog. It rolled over the pavement and worked its way into the thick forest surrounding on both sides.

The cab turned and I noticed the sign for Manchester Academy, an exclusive boarding school nestled in the middle of nowhere. There was something I couldn't quite put my finger on that seemed to have pulled me there. It may not hold the answers I desired, but I had the strangest feeling it was holding a piece of me I had yet to discover.

The cab rolled to a stop in front of an old brick building jarring me out of my thoughts. Manchester Academy looked more like a remodeled mansion than a school. Stepping out into the morning air, a light breeze brushed over me. The wind toyed with my hair and lifted my spirits, almost like it had acknowledged my presence, and in fact, welcomed me home. I hauled my suitcases onto the curb and paid the driver. Turning to face my new home I inhaled the fresh dew filled air to steady myself.

Walking into the school was like taking a step in a time warp, it even smelled old, a mixture of mold, polished wood, and crumbling parchment. The green and white marble tile reflected the dark polished wood. A crystal chandelier hung from the center of the room. A wall of windows overlooked the campus to the left, a long wooden desk to the right, and straight back sat a hallway almost hidden by a grand winding staircase. The staircase led to two additional floors, both balconies overlooked the lobby I stood in. The only real evidence of the current date was the modern furniture gathered in front of the wall of windows, and the students milling about excitedly.

As usually happened in a crowded area, my senses increased, almost unbearably so. I felt light headed and sick. The room swayed around me like a fun house at the carnival. The colors blurred, but instead of passing out everything became frighteningly loud. Choking back the nausea, I sought a place to compose myself. Walking over to one of the couches felt like walking through quicksand; the room tilted and made it difficult to gain my balance.

Overcome with my surroundings, I took a few breaths to steady my rolling stomach and shaking hands. A large crowd always left me feeling helpless. The noises, the sights and the emotions of others, amplified my senses, but never to the extent of losing consciousness.

Once I gathered my confidence enough to cross the room to the registration desk I stood up on shaky knees trying to ignore the curious stares of more than one student. The thought of shutting myself in my room propelled me forward; I just needed to make it a little while longer until I could suffer in silence.

I smoothed my hair from my sweaty face and gathered all of my suitcases easily. I had only taken a few steps when I was hit from the side and nearly knocked to the ground by the surprise of the impact. I turned accusatory eyes on the clumsy person that just knocked all my belongings a few feet away from me and stopped in my tracks.

I gasped as I took in the person I aimed to confront. His dark blue eyes sparkled, and he smiled with a perfect row of white teeth. Tall, dark, and handsome, he looked as if he could grace the covers of magazines.

"I am so sorry." He attempted to wipe the smile when he noticed my glare.

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out.

"I was in a huge hurry and not watching where I was going...I really didn't mean to plow you over." He let a trace of the smile return and added, "But it seems like good luck for me." He grabbed my suitcases for me and shot me a curious look when he noticed the weight I had been pulling. His muscles straining slightly as his eyes found mine again. "Do you want help with these?"

" No, I'm fine." I let my guard down a little. "Thank you though." I softened my glare.

"I'm Nolan." He stuck his hand out and I took it cautiously.