Page 9

After this morning’s tension, the warm smile waiting for me in my counselor’s office feels out of place.

“You must be Rebecca. I’m Anna,” the older woman says, motioning for me to enter. Well, older than I am, anyway.

Anna’s office may have the same grave furnishings as the rest of the mansion, but her personal touches make it less intimidating. A framed picture of her dog here, a small succulent there—I almost feel a breath of peace after the whiplash of my introduction to Madison Academy.

“You seem to be intrigued by something,” she says.

“I was just admiring your office. This place can be so dark, but your room has a certain warmth that’s lacking everywhere else.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I return her smile. “It was.”

She adjusts her stylish glasses and settles into her chair. “So let’s talk about why you’re here.”

“You want to know about my gift.”

“That’s an important piece. But I also want to hear about why you finally decided to join us at Madison.”

Her questions come with an authentic tone sorely lacking from Chambers’ class, but I’m not sure how to cram a two-week conversation into twenty minutes.

“I see things about people,” I say finally.

She nods, and I like the fact that her expression doesn’t change. It gives the illusion I’m not a freak.

“What kinds of things?”

“Anything. I never know. Some of it’s good, but a lot of it’s not. I see mainly past memories with the occasional future event.”

“Do you see these things all the time?”

I shake my head and stare at a sconce on the wall. Is it hand-painted? I also like the idea of Anna taking a sconce-painting class on the weekend when she’s not here. It’s so normal. “Only when I make direct contact with someone.”

“Meaning?”

“Skin-to-skin.”

“I notice you’re not wearing gloves.”

Wow. She’s good.

I study my hands in the heavy silence. Years of trauma and triggers stare back at me. Years of standing on the outside because of my intrusions inside.

“I know. That would make it go away. I should want that, right?” I flex my fingers and meet her thoughtful gaze again.

“It kills me that I don’t know if I do. Sometimes, yes, of course I wish I could make it go away.

But other times…” I let out a harsh breath, surprised to hear these thoughts pouring out.

“In lots of ways it defines me, and I’m afraid I’d be lost without it.

Maybe it’s what I am. Maybe it’s my excuse. ”

Anna remains silent, waiting. I look away and allow my thoughts to return to Daniel and the visions that shoved me into his life. The very symbol of my dilemma. A single touch creating a permanent connection or immediate alienation. I still don’t know which I have with Daniel.

“How do you handle the things you see?” she asks when I don’t continue. “You must learn some difficult things. Maybe painful things?”

I keep my gaze down, careful to avoid her; there’s too much for her to discover. How did we get here so quickly? Maybe she’s more dangerous than all of them.

“It depends on the person. If it’s a neutral vision, I pretend I didn’t see anything. People don’t like sharing their memories without their permission. I’m so used to it that sometimes I barely notice them if it’s nothing earth shattering.”

“And if you can’t ignore it?”

“I’ve lost more than a few friends because of things I’ve seen.” I blink and stare at the floor. “Eventually I lose all of them.”

“Your choice or theirs?”

“Both.”

Anna’s gaze passes over me slowly when I dare a look up again. “You seem troubled. Is there something you want to talk about?”

I stiffen, studying her closely. Can I trust her? Daniel’s vision returns with violent clarity. Can I trust anyone in this place?

I force a smile. “I see people’s past and future. I’m always troubled.”

She nods, seemingly unaffected by my deflection. “I can understand that, but if there’s anything specific, I’m here for you.”

“Thank you. At least I have a friend for twenty minutes a day then.” I’m only half-joking.

“That’s just our required time. I’m available whenever you need me, as long as I’m not with another student.”

“Thanks.”

“Are you having trouble fitting in, Rebecca? You’re still new. Make sure you give yourself enough time and don’t get discouraged.”

I grip the arms of my chair. “I’m trying. I don’t know why I thought the people here would be different than on the outside.”

“You think they aren’t?”

“Well, they are, obviously, but not in a way that matters.”

“I read in your file that you’re living in the Birchwood Suite. Is Ben Dormand part of your concerns?”

I inhale sharply, not sure I’m ready for personal details.

“You mean, his gift? You must get lots of students in here obsessing over him.” Anna smiles, and I know I’m right.

I briefly consider lying and deflecting again to that easy target, but I can’t bring myself to lie about admiring Ben, even as a tool.

I shake my head. “I’m finding it easy to resist him.

He said depending on people’s abilities some struggle less than others. I must be one of the lucky ones.”

Anna seems surprised. The fact that she also seems relieved, if not pleased, makes me soften a bit. “That’s good to hear. Laura can be a challenge as well. Have you been getting along with her?”

“We haven’t spent much time together except in a group. She seems wary of me. I’m fine with that.”

“What about Daniel? He’s something of a legend around here. Have you met him yet?”

“We’ve met.” My response isn’t as neutral as I would’ve liked, and Anna seems to pick up on it.

“How did your encounter go?”

I fight to steady my pulse. “We didn’t talk much. He seems to prefer to be alone.”

She nods, and I can’t read her expression this time. “I’m glad you don’t seem as harsh as the others in your opinion of him, but don’t let yourself get drawn into his world either.”

My brain stutters as haunting visions flash through my head. Electric glances, stolen smiles. “Why does everyone hate him? He didn’t seem so bad when we met.” I cringe from the overshare, and by the change in her expression she hasn’t missed a thing. Crap.

“People judge by what they see. You see more than others though, don’t you, Rebecca?”

Her words slice through me, carving out a very specific truth from that general statement. Somehow she knows. She has to.

“I just don’t believe we’re created in vacuums.”

“What did you see, Rebecca?”

I nearly choke.

“Please, tell me. You need to share these things so they don’t destroy you. They make you feel responsible for the person, don’t they?”

She struck deep again, and dreaded tears threaten my wall as I absorb the painful summary of my life. The last thing I need right now is to become a clichéd blubbering mess.

“I don’t share what I see with anyone except the person affected.”

“What if that person needs help too? More help than you can give?”

My gaze snaps to hers. Her kind eyes plead with me, broadcast an alliance I so desperately want.

I shudder at the missing pieces of the story she must be holding.

What does she know about those horrific visions?

Is she fishing or begging me to let her help?

I want to believe in her, but how can I when nothing about this place makes sense?

What would Daniel want me to do? That’s obvious.

“I can’t talk about that. You’ll be grateful for my policy if I ever see something about you.”

Anna considers my words and releases a sigh. “That’s your choice, of course. You’re carrying a heavy burden. I hope you’ll trust me enough to share it in time.”

I force a smile. “Maybe in time.”

“Rebecca, I know this is going to sound trite, but I think it’s really important that you make some good friends here.

I can understand why Ben and Laura’s personalities may not mesh well with yours, but there are plenty of other students who would be a great match.

Please make an effort to find them, okay? For your sake and for theirs.”

I nod, appreciating the gesture even if it’s starting to feel hopeless. “I’ll try.”

“Good.” She looks at her watch and claps her hands on her knees. “Well, we’re off to a good start. You made the right choice in coming here. We can really help each other.”

I smile, believing that for only the second time since my arrival. “I hope so.”

I try to unwind before afternoon group on one of the plush couches in our suite, but find myself staring at Daniel’s closed door instead.

Part of me wants to search his room, since he won’t let me explore his head, and I flinch at my obsessive behavior.

He’s a stranger. A stranger who hates the attention and has done nothing but push me away.

I should drop it and enjoy my silk sheets and gourmet food.

My shower has two showerheads. Two showerheads, and I’m fixated on a couple of odd visions and smoldering glances.

The shrill ring of the room phone is startling enough. My stomach drops when it turns out to be Director Clausen requesting a surprise conference. No details, just an invitation that can’t be refused.

The journey to his office seems endless and all too brief at the same time.

Daniel’s brutal visions come flooding back in vivid detail with each step.

He never confirmed my fears, so maybe I’ve misunderstood the flashes.

They were brief and confusing and riddled with gaps I can’t trust. Besides Director Clausen can’t possibly be the villain in this story.

The man’s bright smile runs an award-winning school.

“Rebecca! I’m glad I caught you. Please come in.”

I steady my hand on the door handle as I close it behind me.

“I’m sorry I rushed you out yesterday. Your first day and I barely said hello.”

“I understand. You’re a busy man.”

He nods and waves his hand toward a chair in front of his desk. “Yes, but that’s no excuse. Have a seat. How are you finding Madison Academy so far?”

“It’s still early, I think. The food is great.”