Gifted

Chapter Twenty-One

I slept deep, and when I finally woke, it was late. I bounded downstairs flustered and found Chase sitting at the kitchen table reading the newspaper.

"The Council!" I practically screamed.

"Good morning to you too," he smiled and laid the paper on the table. He clearly noticed the look on my face and explained, "I knew you were exhausted yesterday. I went in to wake you, but you were sleeping so heavy you didn't answer. I figured you could use the rest."

"But I really wanted to go to a meeting!"

"I know, and you will. There will be plenty more. We'll have to come back for Rylan's memorial soon."

I felt the blood leave my face at the mention of Rylan.

Chase obviously caught my reaction and stumbled over himself to change the subject. "Um, We-I mean you," he corrected, "Still have a meeting with Uncle Spencer today." He tried to sound positive.

Once we were entering the Council, my mood lifted. I forgot about being upset that I had missed a meeting and started looking forward to working with Uncle Spencer again. It was tiring, but well worth it. I loved learning new things, and working with these incredible powers was such a thrill.

Chase was waving at Mrs. Winchester as we passed, but she stopped us.

"Mr. Dawson was hoping to have a word with Morgan."

Chase and I exchanged curious glances as the woman picked up her phone. I heard her announce our arrival, and a series of agreements followed. The woman was dressed in a pink suit today, and she seemed to radiate classic beauty.

"Mr. Dawson will be right down. You can wait for him in the first meeting room around the corner."

Chase led me into an identical meeting room as we had used yesterday. I couldn't explain why I felt so nervous, but I was on edge. Mr. Dawson was striding into the room in no time. He greeted us with a smile, but turned to Chase, "Do you mind excusing us? I have something private I'd like to discuss with Morgan?"

Chase cast one last nervous look over his shoulder and left the room quickly. I turned my attention to Mr. Dawson, who closed the door behind Chase, and then like yesterday; took the seat across from me.

"Well, I certainly hope we see a lot more of you, Morgan. Maybe Chase can start filling you in on some things, as far as legends and perhaps even assist in using your Gifts."

"I'm sure Chase will be a great teacher." I smiled unconvincingly. I was still uneasy about the impromptu meeting. I can't explain why, but my stomach was twisted into knots.

"I'm sure he will." He smiled back. "You and Chase seem to have a connection," he said.

"Yes, we do," I agreed. I wrapped my hair nervously around a strand of hair. I couldn't help fidgeting.

"As you know Morgan, Chase is a lot like you in the sense he's also lost a part of his soul."

"Yes," I said, simply not sure what he was getting at.

"We've never had such extreme cases as both of yours, and well, the Council has given it a lot of thought." He fidgeted for a moment before continuing. "We think it would be beneficial to you both; if you paired together."

"I'm sorry; I'm not sure I understand you." I narrowed my eyes.

"Well, seeing as you've both lost your soul mates, and one never ultimately reaches their full potential without; the Council thought it may be healthy if you partnered together."

"Do you mean like an arranged marriage?" I accused.

He seemed surprised at first and then thought carefully before he spoke. "Well, at your age I'm hardly promoting marriage. However, I suppose in a way; it's really no different a situation than you would have been in with Rylan." That was it, just hearing him bring Rylan up so soon after the loss. I lost any obligation to courtesy.