Chapter 7: Grayson

My heart was still pounding out of my chest as I made my way back to my Jeep. I waited behind her apartment complex for about an hour after her Foster Dad left. I just needed to make sure she was okay. I had parked near her job and followed her home when she got off. Then I just sat in my Jeep doing my homework and then working on some app business that I needed to take care of. I just wanted to watch out for her. Everything seemed fine until I saw that guy Hank stumbling up the stairs. I was close enough to her to see his colors. Dark brown and lava red. I knew that one. Lust. I followed him up the stairs and stood outside. I could hear an argument, but it was muffled. I wished I knew exactly what was going on.

Then I felt her emotions like I had that day, months ago. Fear, anger, disgust, then pain. I couldn’t stand outside and do nothing. I was hoping she would stand up to him again. But she didn’t. I had to do something. Knocking on the door was the first thing that popped into my mind after kicking down that door and killing him. I chose the former. Thank God it worked. But for how long? He would eventually go back home. But I couldn’t sit outside her building forever. That might look very suspicious. I had to find a way to protect her when I couldn’t be here.

Then I called my dad. I told him everything that happened today and my suspicions about her having amnesia. He agreed that it was likely. He commended me for stepping in and then said he would be on his way out here first thing in the morning. But I told him I wanted to handle it on my own for now. She was my chosen mate, and my responsibility. I wanted to try and help her myself. He understood my perspective and agreed to give me more time. I hoped I wouldn’t disappoint him.

I had a hard time sleeping. I couldn’t get the images from today out of my head. Primarily the danger Amber was in. But then every single moment I had spent with her. Could she feel our electrical connection yet? I sure could. But I didn’t know if her injuries had somehow blocked me from her. I used to communicate with her telepathically. But I couldn’t reach her now. I didn’t know what I could do to regain our bond. It wasn’t something we ever had to think about. It was always just there, as long as I can remember. Finally, I fell into a restless sleep sometime after 3 in the morning.

I was ready to see her again as soon as I woke up. I was tired, but anxious to get the day started. Would she talk to me today? Would she still sit next to me? I drove by her apartment about an hour before school. Just to see if anything unusual was going on. It seemed pretty quiet. And I hadn’t felt any more emotions from her last night. So, I guessed that was a good sign. She came outside around 7:30 with the two girls holding her hands. They walked down the street to what looked like a small school. I guess she was the caretaker of the kids. Obviously, her foster parents weren’t doing anything. She undoubtedly didn’t even mind having that kind of responsibility. She was a good person.

I saw her emerge a few minutes later and make her way toward our school. Maybe I would be able to start giving her a ride soon. I needed to back off a bit and not scare her to death. I already knew she was cautious and constantly looking over her shoulder. I decided to give her some space. I waited a while and then took a different route to school. I didn’t want her to notice my Jeep. I hoped she hadn’t spotted it last night.

When I got to the parking lot, it was already filling up. I was immediately bombarded with a group of girls when I got out. “Hey Grayson, how was your first day? How do you like Oceana High? Would you like to go to lunch with us this afternoon? We can show you some cool places to eat off campus. There is also a beach close by where lots of the guy’s surf.” I kept walking as they trailed behind, still talking. “Thanks ladies, but I already have plans. Catch ya later!” I quickened my pace and headed to my locker. I wanted to be there when she got to school. I hoped I didn’t offend those girls though. I wouldn’t want them taking it out on Amber, I mean Riley.

I took my time at my locker. Going through my books and binder, looking at nothing at all. Another girl approached. “Hi Grayson.” She said as she placed her hand on my shoulder. Who did she think she was to just boldly touch me? That’s kind of creepy. “I’m Abbie. You’re in my English class.” I backed up just a little so that she had to remove her hand. “Hey, nice to meet you. But if you don’t mind, I have some things I need to take care of. I will see you in class.” I smiled and hoped she would take the hint. “Oh, sure, you can sit by me. We can talk then.” She gave me a little wink and flounced off. When I looked back down the hallway, I saw Amber. She was looking right at me. I hadn’t noticed before that her beautiful hair was curled. Her hoodie was off now. I also noticed the little sparks of green envy floating above her head. That was awesome! Not that I wanted her to feel jealous, but the possibility that she was starting to feel something toward me. Were those curls for my benefit as well? She looked gorgeous to me all the time. But the thought of her making an extra effort for me was nice.

I closed my locker and moved towards her. “Good morning! How’s it going?” Oh my God, I am such an idiot. Who says stuff like that? And I already know her night was crap. Nice of me to remind her. “Oh, pretty good, thanks.” She seemed surprised I was talking to her. The green was gone, and I could see little wisps of insecurity. I wish I could just assure her that she is the only one for me. But she wasn’t ready for that yet. “So, I’m headed to Calculus. Want to walk with me?” I asked hesitantly. “Oh, um, sure, I guess.” She sounded self-conscious. I should say something else. “Can I sit by you?” “Of course! Um, I mean, there are no assigned seats yet, so you can sit anywhere you would like.” She told me with a genuine smile. “Great! Then I would like to sit by you if you don’t mind.” “Sure, um, no problem, it’s a free country.” She said nervously. I could see the color rising on her checks. So cute.

I put my stuff on the desk next to the one she sat in yesterday. She seemed surprised that I knew where she had been sitting. She sat down awkwardly. I could tell she didn’t know what to say, so I ended the uncomfortableness myself. “So, do you work after school or are you in sports?” “I, work, mostly. I mean, yes, I have a job. I leave during last period. So, no sports for me. What about you?” “I don’t really do any extra curriculars. I have a business, online, I make apps.” I told her. She lit up with that news. “Really, that’s amazing! I have always wanted to do something like that. I just don’t have um, like a smart phone or anything.” That made me unhappy, since I knew she was great with technology. She helped me create my first app. In fact, I have an account set aside with her share of the earnings. I couldn’t bring myself to close it when she disappeared. I wish I could just hand it over to her now, so she could buy a car and get her own apartment. But that could wait.

More students filed into the room. A few gave us weird glances. Mostly the girls. I could see their irritation with her. She must have too because her demeanor changed instantly. She put her head down and looked away from me as if she were ashamed to have been speaking to me. This was not going to happen. She needed to see that she didn’t have to hide from these girls. I turned my body towards her. “So, I stay pretty busy with the apps and everything. But I do like sports. I just don’t sign up for team sports. It’s not really my thing.” She looked at my arms, then back at my face. “Do you lift weights?” She asked. All that color went back into her cheeks. I wonder what she was just thinking. Man do I wish I could still read her mind. “Yeah, and I used to ski back home. I’m from Colorado.” Her eyes got wide. “Really? I have always wanted to ski. It looks like so much fun. I have never been to the snow.” She told me. Oh, she sure had. She lived on the slopes. She could outski me and everyone else in the compound.

The teacher entered the room and rudely interrupted our conversation. I guess I will have to just be patient. Amber let her hair fall back into her face and slouched in her seat. I could see a couple of the girls looking at us and whispering. But their colors weren’t malicious, just curious. Why did everyone think so little of her? After class, we both headed to our lockers. “See you in English!” I told her with a smile and a wave. I got the cutest little shy smile back.

In my next class, I had a girl sit next to me who I could tell would be trouble. There was something a little evil to her color. Not just sparks, but her overall personality. I needed to be careful around this one. She leaned too close to me, and I started to choke with the overwhelming smell of perfume. “Don’t waste your time with Riley. She never goes out with guys. And she’s a totally nut job anyway.” She said nastily. “Why do you say that? What’s wrong with her?” I asked, hoping to get a real answer. “Head injury. She’s got amnesia or something. And she’s trailer trash.” “What does that mean? Does she live in trailer?” I asked innocently. Hoping she would see how stupid her comment was. “No, it just means she’s low class. You don’t need that.” “Or you could realize that it doesn’t matter where a person lives, it matters how kind they are. And I can see that you aren’t.” I said a little more forcefully than necessary. She let out a huff and backed out of my personal space. Another girl in the class who was listening giggled at that. I think I saw her sitting next to Amber at lunch yesterday.

I guess I was right about her having amnesia. That really explained everything. Why she didn’t come home. And why she doesn’t know who I am any more. And it’s been 3 years. I guess she isn’t getting any better. She must have really had a bad head injury. I wonder what else is messed up in there. Definitely her ability to speak with me telepathically. But I was able to feel her emotions when she was in danger. So, it must not be completely gone. Maybe just blocked. I will have to see what Dad thinks. I hope I can help her.