Gifted

Chapter Eighteen

Friday came before I was ready. I packed the night before. Well, over-packed really. Since Chase spent all week avoiding me, I wasn't able to ask him what I should wear, so I planned for all occasions. You would have thought I was leaving for a full week. I hauled the overstuffed piece of luggage down to the front parking lot and spotted Chase loading his bag into a car. There in the middle of a lot full of Beamers, Mercedes, Cadillacs and many other top notch vehicles was a Ford Taurus. It wasn't a beater, but sitting in the middle of all the brand new SUV's and sports cars it looked more than a little out of place. Chase smiled awkwardly as I walked up; he eyed my bag, and lifted his eyebrows in question.

"I did tell you it's only a weekend right?"

"Ha Ha," I said.

"So, the game plan is to stay at my parent's house tonight, and then you have a meeting at the Council first thing in the morning," he said, loading my wardrobe into his trunk. It was a good thing Chase possessed the Power Gift; he lifted the case easily. After slamming the trunk, he walked me to the passenger side. It was a beautiful fall day, the last of the warm weather before the cold set in for good. He opened the door for me, and I slid into the seat. Chase's car smelled just like his cologne, and it brought back images of our kiss. I inhaled deeply before he had a chance to get in, and hid my flushed face. Once behind the wheel we were heading out of the parking lot, and down the school's winding drive.

I still wanted to be mad at Chase; but it was hard to stay mad at someone so much like myself. We found it easy to slip into a conversation. Easy-going, small stuff, and then we were talking about other things we had not yet covered.

So far, I learned the Council member's names and positions. Spencer Thomas was Chase's Uncle, and his mom's main contact on the Council. There was a traditional meeting on Sunday, and the Council had me planned to be there Saturday morning to meet with their Elder as well as Uncle Spencer.

Their traditional Sunday meeting consisted of Gifted people from the area, and any from out of town that were willing to travel, gathering to discuss any new and upcoming events. It gave other branches a chance to communicate and organize with the main branch. They also offered training on using and concealing Gifts and round table discussions after the formal meeting. Overall, it sounded like a good experience, and I was actually looking forward to it.

I cranked the radio, and we spent the rest of the drive listening to music and jumping from station to station. It seemed odd that in the short time we were together, all awkwardness had already faded. We were laughing about an old song neither of us had heard in ages and were just pulling into the city limits when I felt a pull. It was a strong pull toward the city. I looked at Chase wide eyed, and he smiled knowingly.

"It's all the Gifted gathered in one area."

I nodded in understanding. I don't know if it was all the energy in the air from the others, or if it was the pleasant car ride Chase and I just shared, but something was drawing me to him as well. I swallowed the lump in my throat, and Chase smiled back happily. He was completely oblivious to the inner torment I felt. I spent all my life not being interested in anyone; now I was being pulled three ways. Well, I guess really only two seeing as Rylan was gone, but my soul still mourned him and felt guilty sometimes for even being attracted to Chase and Nolan.