| PART SIX Wednesday morning The next morning I woke up energized. Ava was still asleep, as were the guys, so I decided to change and get everyone breakfast. When I got back, I tiptoed so I wouldn’t wake Ava and noticed the shower running next door. I peeked my head in to see who was up. Alex was still snoring and had his covers wrapped around him, so Michael must be the one in the shower. Hmmm … Michael in the shower. The water shut off and I quietly slipped back into my room so I wouldn’t be caught. I turned on a lamp and went to the little coffeepot in the room to brew some coffee. Then I pulled out a cinnamon raison bagel and cream cheese. As I sat down to eat, Michael came in. I paused mid sip of my coffee when he walked out of the shadows and into the dim light the lamp cast across the room. His hair was dripping and his shirt clung to his chest, still damp from his shower. He must be working out. It really shows. All those muscles… I snapped myself back into reality and smiled at him. “Good morning. Come have some breakfast.” He joined me at the table, grabbing one of the bagels from the bags. “I was wondering where you went. How are you feeling?” He asked, studying my face. “Great actually. I feel like I could run a marathon,” I replied with a smile. He nodded and started fixing his bagel. “That’s good. I’m sure sleeping in an actual bed helped too.” “That helps … not that the other night wasn’t nice too.” I smiled at him and studied his face to gage his reaction. He smiled faintly and I thought I saw him blush a little, but he didn’t look at me. I can’t believe I said that. I’m usually timid. But I’m glad I mentioned the other night. I enjoyed sleeping in his arms and I didn’t see the point in hiding it. Last night’s news was a little strange though. Part of me felt like I’d dreamed the whole thing. But I know I hadn’t. It’s just so strange that I have alien powers. I mean, who would have ever thought that would happen? I sure didn’t. And I know Michael didn’t. So I guess now is the time to talk to him about it. I took a breath and charged ahead. “So how do you feel? About me … having powers.” I was worried he would be angry. Because his powers were a gift. And now a human was experiencing them. I know he hated when I got visions last year. This was so much bigger than that. He chewed his bagel quietly before replying. “If we’d found out a month ago, I’d be really angry.” He paused. “But seeing how you’ve done so much for us, I think maybe this is a gift to you. For all the sacrifices you’ve made.” He looked at me and leaned in some. “And I don’t just mean the changing the future thing,” he whispered. “I also mean the past year. Lying to Alex, breaking the law, risking your life … everything.” I looked him in the eye and chose my words carefully. “I wanted to help. And I’m glad I did. I know you resented me for knowing the truth about you. I just hope that you finally trust me.” I held my breath and I wondered what he would say. He must have noticed that I was worried about his answer, because he took my hand in his. “I do trust you Liz. I have for a while now. The truth is, I don’t know why I ever doubted you.” His eyes spoke the truth and I smiled. “Liz…” He paused, looking at our hands. “These powers. They’re going to put you in danger.” I nodded. “I know. But it’s not like I’ve never been in danger before. I’m not going to stop helping you guys out.” He smirked. “Somehow I knew you’d say that. But I don’t want to take any chances. So I think we should keep these powers of yours a secret. Especially from anyone we don’t trust. Just to keep you safe.” I smiled appreciatively at him and nodded in agreement. “Ok, Michael.” “Is that food I smell?” Ava asked. She had just woken up and was sitting up rubbing her eyes. “Liz got bagels. Come get some breakfast. I’ll wake up Alex.” Michael said, standing and going into his room. Ava got out of bed and stretched before joining me at the table. Alex stumbled in a minute later and went straight for the coffee. When he got to the table he looked my way and raised his eyebrows, his way of asking how I was. I smiled. “Don’t worry, Alex, I’m fine.” He smiled back. “Do you remember anything?” Ava asked. I took a sip of coffee and concentrated on the events of the previous night. When I realized I couldn’t remember how to use the powers, I shook my head, frowning. “I remember that I used them. I remember what I did. I just don’t remember the specifics of how to use them.” I was so disappointed in myself. Alex nodded, giving me a sympathetic smile. “Ava said you probably wouldn’t. Don’t be upset Lizzie.” “You’ll remember when the time comes, don’t worry,” Ava said between bites. I nodded and got up to start packing. Michael stuck his head in the room and announced, “We leave in 20 minutes.” ------------------------ Wednesday Today’s car ride was tense. The next morning we’d reach New York. Which meant confronting Max, Tess, Rath, and Lonnie. Max still hadn’t called Isabel, so we had no clue what was going on. To pass the time, Ava decided to show me more powers. After mind warping a police officer who had pulled us over for speeding, she decided to try and teach me. But it was such an intense and advanced skill that I couldn’t do it. So we stuck to simpler tasks, mainly changing the molecular structure of things. I must have changed my nail polish color over a dozen times. When night fell, Michael joined me in the backseat. He had offered to drive so Alex could rest, but Alex insisted he was fine. All of us were on edge about arriving in New York and I had a feeling no one would be sleeping. And since no one was talking, the radio was playing to cover the silence. When we started seeing mile markers for New York City, a huge knot formed in my stomach. I was so nervous. Michael noticed my tension and turned in his seat to face me. Looking towards him, our eyes caught and I gave a weak smile. He returned my smile with one of his own before whispering, “Come here.” I smiled appreciatively and scooted into the sleeping position we’d shared before. I sighed happily as his arms wrapped protectively around my small frame. I put one hand over his, letting my fingers curve slightly until we were holding hands. He pulled my hair aside and leaned his cheek against mine before pulling me closer. I closed my eyes and reveled in the feeling. “You ok?” He whispered. I shrugged. “I’m a little nervous,” I whispered back. “Don’t be. I’ll take care of everything.” I nodded slightly. “What’s the plan?” I asked. “Tell him about the granolith. How powerful it is. How dangerous Khivar is.” “What if he doesn’t believe you?” I asked, voicing the fear I’m sure each of us had. He sighed and shook his head slightly. “He has to believe us.” I nodded and we sat silently, holding each other. I could tell he was worried. I turned my face slightly looking at our joined hands, and whispered, “I’ll tell him if I have to.” I closed my eyes and leaned my head against him. “I’ll tell him everything if I have to.” He pulled me closer so that my head was resting in the crook of his neck. “I know,” he whispered in reply. A tear slid down my cheek. It still haunts me. The memory of hurting Max. The memory of his face as I broke his heart. Michael’s hand slipped out of mine and he gently turned my face towards his. My eyes were still closed and I fought gently to turn away from him. I didn’t want him to feel sorry for me. “Liz, look at me.” I reluctantly opened my eyes and looked straight into his. “Everything is going to be ok,” he whispered. I nodded slowly, but wasn’t convinced. “I’m going to take care of everything. Don’t worry,” he added. Again, I nodded, this time a little more assured. Satisfied, Michael let go of my chin before saying, “Now try and get some sleep.” “I’m not tired,” I replied. He twisted me back around so we were in our original position. “Try anyway,” he said playfully, pushing my head so it was resting against his neck. “Ok,” I replied with mock defeat. So we settled down for the night, even though I knew sleep would never come. |