A Beautiful Reflection From Firework Eyes

We're Nothing But Trouble

I'm ushered quickly into the room before the door is shut. The other boy—he must be Alex, closes his eyes, holding his hands out. I watch in astonishment as I hear the lock click into place.

Jack crosses the room, sitting on his bed as Alex opens his eyes, shaking his head.

"Hey, we saw each other earlier," Alex says in greeting. "I'm Alex."

"I'm Vic," I say. "Why'd you bring me here?"

"Cause Alex was curious. We've never seen you before," Jack explains.

"You've met others?" I ask.

"Of course. You haven't?"

I shake my head. "No. You guys are the first guys I've actually talked to."

"How long have you been here?"

"A year or so. Kellin, my roommate, is new." I shrug. "What about you?"

"Six months," Alex says. "Four for Jack."

"You guys set up a whole system that quickly?" I suddenly feel inadequate next to them.

"Well, there's not much else to do," Alex says. "Also, Jack hates being cooped up, so I had to figure out something other he'd annoy me to death."

"What can I say? I'm a free spirit," Jack replies, making Alex roll his eyes. He makes a kissy noise at Alex, who shoves him away.

"You're impossible," Alex mutters before turning to me. "You never tried?"

I hold up my hand, letting my flames spark. "A few times. Didn't work very well." I shudder at the memory. "My roommate had more luck."

"Kellin?" Jack asks. "I thought he was new."

I shift uncomfortably, the memories painful. "No, not him," I mumble.

Alex seems to catch on that it's a touchy topic, so he changes the subject. "I don't think I've met everyone here yet. There are Jack and me. You and Kellin. Room two is empty—it's never been used. Room one is the same, but someone was in there. They are long gone now though." When I give him a questioning look, he explains. "We snuck in. There's dust all over everything, and the beds are unmade."

"What about room four?" I ask.

"Oh, that." Jack scowls briefly.

"What?" I ask.

"Craig's in that room," Alex explains. "We don't know him very well. Jack doesn't like him cause Craig kicked his ass."

"You've fought?"

"They make us." Alex tips his head. "You've never?"

I shake my head. "No. I've never met any of you others. So what powers does he have? Jack has invisibility, and you have telekinesis, I have fire. Kellin's got healing."

"Craig's got power manipulation," Alex says.

"Wow," I say. "So, do you think there are any more of us?"

"Maybe," Alex shrugs. "Who knows? I'd guess so—seeing as there are only five rooms."

"Why ten, though?" I ask. "What's the point of us? Why do we even have powers?"

"To fuck things up," Jack supplies.

Alex kicks him. "I don't know," he admits. "It's probably for some reason, right? I mean, everything happens for a reason."

"I hope so," I say.

"So we're just waiting for five people? Or only three since room one looks like it's been used."

"No." I don't want to explain why. "Four."

Jack looks confused at my statement. He opens his mouth to say something, but Alex elbows him sharply. I wonder how much Alex realizes. He would've been here—five months ago was when it happened.

Silence hangs in the air, awkward and heavy. I can feel the sympathy radiating off of Alex. Jack seems confused, but I'm sure Alex will explain it to him later. I really don't want to talk about it—or remember it. Strange, considering I've had plenty of nightmares reliving the day. I'd think I'd be desensitized to it by now, but no.

"You should get back," Alex says at last. "We should try to get some sleep."

"Like that's gonna happen," Jack mutters. "You're just gonna ramble on about space or some shit all night."

Alex rolls his eyes at the comment, but he doesn't have a chance to respond as Jack grabs my hand, leading me toward the hallway. The strange sensation trickles up my arms, but it's less uncomfortable this time.

"See you around?" Alex calls.

I find myself smiling. "Hope so."

I'm still smiling, even as Jack shuts the door to my room, locking it. I don't feel so alone anymore. It's not just me and Kellin against the world. There's more of us.