Preface

She knew she had to leave. Today her mother had suggested sending her to a specialist in the UK. The thought of strange men in lap coats poking her with needles still made her shiver.

She tucked her legs in, hugging them against her chest, as she sat on her bed for the last time. Her soft, lavender sheets felt soft against her skin, the only comfort she would receive for a long time to come. She knew this, deep in her heart and it forced a tear to run across her bronze cheek. She was willingly leaving everything that had ever meant something to her.

She sighed and slid her legs over the bed, and to the floor, slipping on her black Vans. She tied the pink laces and pulled the cuffs of her faded jeans over the top.
It was a crisp fall night so she went to the closet and pulled a gray sweater on over her black tank top. She had already a few more outfits into her back pack, enough to last her a week until she'd need to find a laundry mat.

Hopefully the 1 grand she had earned from working over the summer would last. She snuck downstairs and grabbed a few granola bars and a bottle of water from the kitchen. Stuffing it in with her clothes, she headed for the door.

She put the car in neutral and backed out of the driveway. She was glad her little Sunfire was black, and blended well into the darkness of the night. The forest around their house, devoid of neighbors kept her well hidden from the road until she was right beside it. The tank was full, thankfully so she could get out of town before she had to stop and refill. A seventeen year old, out at 3 in the morning, wasn't exactly inconspicuous. Earlier she had stashed some food, her journal, a few blankets, a pillow, a first aid kit, and other necessities into the car.

Her plan was to head east, as far as possible, and settle somewhere no one would know her name. Survive a few years, work a job and go to college once she could afford it. She had graduated a year early and high school was no longer a concern. One less thing to worry about.

Tears continued to fall as she hit the interstate. She floored it, picking up her speed to reach the designated 65. Signs blurred, but whether it was from the speed or the tears was anyone's guess. As she reached the "Welcome to Galviston" sigh, signaling the departure from town her stomach sank. She couldn't go back. It wasn't safe, for them or for herself.

Chapter 1

Lily opened the door to the coffee shop, curling her slender fingers around the cool metal of the handle. It swung wide effortlessly, and the warm aromas hit her in the face, pulling her in. It smelt of pumpkin and vanilla. There wasn't too warmer scents in this known world and she felt a smile spread across her lips. Maybe this day wouldn't be too bad.

She strode up to the woman behind the counter to place her order, careful to keep her mind shut off as much as possible. It wasn't easy but she said the alphabet, recited poetry, anything to distract herself from what she knew she would see if the woman accidentally grazed her hand while passing her her morning cup of coffee.

"Grande Caramel Machiatto, please." She said, starring past her and reading off the many options on the wall, even though she ordered the same thing every day.

The woman didn't bother with small talk as she had the first time she'd waited on her, but rather quickly made it up. Perhaps she sensed now, that speed was of the essence when it came to this customer.

She slid it across the counter to Lily and she picked it up quickly, flashed her an absent-minded smile and headed to the corner. She was early as usual, it being only 7:15, 15 minutes past the opening of the cafe so there was one girl sitting by the front window. Far enough away, she decided happily, fading into the corner.
She sipped quietly, watching as the street began to fill with morning traffic. A stream of light shone through the large windows. Particals of dust danced through like little sparkling pieces of confetti. The effect was other worldly and she felt oddly like it fit as a scene in her life.
As the sidewalks filled she realized it was time to go.

She stood slowly, so that she wouldn't be gripped by a headache as was her usual state of being and walked to the door. She took the alley way as usual. It was easier that way. The warm drink in her hand steamed up, licking her face. It felt so normal in a life that was anything but. With the other hand she gripped the collar of her windbreaker, trying to block out the autumn breeze.

***

Ryan sat in his truck, also drinking from his water bottle. He'd been out for a jog when he had sensed her and the trail had somehow led him here. He didn't know what she was... but it clearly wasn't human.

The light was too bright for his sensitive eyes and her shielded his orbs with his hands, gazing through the windows of Madison's Cafe. She was at the counter ordering, like an ordinary girl. What was wrong with him? He should just turn around and drive home. He had interrupted his entire day. He should be showering and getting ready for work by now.

He wore his jogging pants, a tank with a shoulder holster, and a loose jacket to cover it up. He had dark calm eyes, but to many they came off as intimidating. Yet it gave him an advantage in his position as cop for the Harrisburgh PD. He had started a few years ago. It helped him blend in and his skills were very useful for anything from plowing a vic into the ground or smelling a certain trail.

He brushed his unruly coal black hair out of his eyes and sighed, starting up the vehicle. He needed to get to work.

Yet, just then she reappeared. So much for a relaxing cup of coffee. She hadn't stayed in there more than 15 minutes before she bolted out the door. She was walking quickly, as if she had too get away from some perpetrator, trying to get her wallet. What strange behavior. Then of all places she headed for the alley! He wasn't friends with many young, attractive women but he doubted they spent their spare hours hanging around their local alleyway.

Giving up he called in sick.

***

She emerged from the alley, back into the light of day. The college campus loomed before her and she bit her lip, not quite ready to begin her day of lectures.
People crowded the sidewalks but luckily she noticed many were bundled in parkas, sweaters, and thick winter jackets. It was a cold fall day and the brisk wind cut into her face as she walked. She started towards her eight o'clock psychology class. She'd be early, but that was the way she liked it.

Her drink balanced precariously in her hand. The maroon scarf she wore around her neck whipped wildly about her face in the October breeze. She felt a nervous tingle on the back of her neck, instinct telling her she was being watched.

Yet, when she stole a glance behind her she could not pick out the perpetrator on the crowded street. She forced herself to shrug it off and concentrate on the class ahead. Reaching Edwards, a large, square building, rightly named after some boring intellectual she disappeared behind the heavy glass door. To any passer by she looked average. At 5 foot four inches tall, with mouse brown hair that paled in comparison to the sleek Herbal Essences commercials and a slightly larger build that was anything but feminine she wasn't what anyone would call a looker. She had never really been great socially, partly from her unique difference from mankind, and partly because she didn't like people. She would never be destined to have her last name plastered to the side of a collegiate building. In fact, the name that was taken at roll call wasn't even her own.

She had been born Emma Thomson but those who met her after the age of 17 knew her only as Lily Brooks, slightly bizarre but very bright college student. She had a sharp mind and a brash wit that could challenge anyone; quite the combination in the collegiate world.

People began to file into the classroom slowly. Today they were focusing on the brain, more specifically Neurons. She sighed, realizing she'd covered this topic thoroughly in high school. She took out a pen and doodled on the edge of her notes paper. Just when she thought she was safe, a girl shoved past her and took a seat on the opposite side.

"Name's Kate." She whispered, extending her hand. Lily had become accustom to this by now so it didn't rattle her. She just pretended she didn't notice the hand and nodded, continuing to doodle.

"Lily." She replied. The girl didn't even pause at her rude behavior, continuing to give her the minute details of her existence, what dorm she lived in, what classes she was taking, the great parties on campus. She should have be the Daily Informer, the local newspaper on campus for all the yammering she did.
Lily sighed. This was going to be a long class.

***

Ryan followed her to the edge of the alley and part way onto campus. Now that they were out in the morning air he could smell the scent of her shampoo, the perfume she wore on her pale skin. He hated his extra sensitive nose. He felt as if he was some how intruding on her privacy.

But yet he didn't hesitate. He cursed himself, feeling like some pedifile stalker but he couldn't make himself stop. For some reason he was drawn forward as if she were the earth and gravity was bringing him in.

When she disappeared into a academic building his heart sank. What the hell was wrong with him? Then he realized it. There was something about the way humans smelled, a almost metallic taste lingered in your mouth after picking up the scent. Yet with her, there was no after taste, there was only her. He had never come across another like himself... another of what he'd like to call "gifted" individuals.



more to come...

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