Thunder & Lightning: We're all leaves in a hurricane. (Gifted) Read Online Free Page A

was that my powers were draining me, though I hadn’t used much power to freeze those Titans.
    My head swam with thoughts of what Chace said about Samuel killing my mother and what Ned said about it being no accident. Could the good doctor have killed my mother and orchestrated my downfall? If so, his reach was phenomenal. Much greater than my imagination. I had to get to the bottom of this mystery.
    “Deep in thought?” Ned asked as he gently rapt at my door.
    “Something like that. How’s Abby?” I asked as I sat up on my bed, “How are you?”
    “We’re both fine.” He said quickly, “May I come in?”
    “It’s your lair.”
    “Thank you.” He said stepping into the room. He walked over and looked confused, as if he didn’t know what he should do with himself, “I would just like to thank you again. If it hadn’t been for you talking Abby down, I might not have survived.”
    “You’re welcome.” I smiled.
    “You were magnificent and I think you should consider going into helping others. It seems you have a real knack at it.” He beamed.
    “Isn’t that what I’m doing now?” I chuckled.
    “Yes, I suppose.”
    “Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked.
    “Yes, Abby’s spores healed me completely, in addition to making me immune to most poisons.” His explanation calmed something near my heart, “And as for Abby, she will be attending the school. It’s all thanks to you.”
    “I’m sure you had a lot to do with it.”
    “You’re underestimating the effect you had on her. She was crushed when I told her you wouldn’t be there.” Ned smiled.
    “Ned—”
    “I’d prefer if you called me Nick. I’d much rather prefer it.” His smile was contagious and bright by now.
    I wasn’t an idiot. I just wanted to ignore the fact that something sparked between us. It was obvious in the way he was staring at me and probably in the way I stared at him. This confused me to no end. I wasn’t the type of person to be involved with anyone, much less attracted to two people at once. This is one time I preferred the thought that maybe I was jumping to the wrong conclusion.
    “Fine, Nick.” I said as I flashed a grin.
    “I should be going. There’s a lot of paper work for new students.” He said as he reached out and put his hand on my shoulder.
    The warmth of his hand did something to my body. No it was beyond the body. I felt his innate goodness and what he wanted for the world. It must have been a telepathic thing but it didn’t feel intrusive or even intentional.
    “Hello, old friend.” Ned…or Nick said turning to Chace.
    Chace seemed to staring at Nick’s hand, “I just came by to see how Pas was doing. I obviously interrupted a very important talk.” He said politely.
    I could tell that underneath his polite exterior, something was amiss. I began to wonder if maybe Nick was right about his partner’s dark side. If he could so easily hide away his anger, what else could he be hiding?
    “I should be going. If there’s anything you need, please.” Nick nodded as he left, patting Chace on the shoulder.
    Chace moved into the room, keeping his distance from me as I stood. He seemed to be biting his tongue.
    “What?” I asked.
    “Nothing, I just want to know when you got so close to Nick.”
    “Are you demanding or asking?” I said folding my arms.
    He looked at me contemptuously before settling back into place, “I heard the mission was a success. I came by to congratulate you.”
    “And you saw something and jumped to the wrong conclusion.” I smirked, “Are you…jealous?”
    “Of Ned? And why would I be jealous of Ned? You could be wi—friends with whomever you want.” Chace said quickly.
    ‘But you didn’t think we were friends, did you?” I asked, “Look, I’m not into beating around the bush…at least not figuratively. If you have something to say then do it. If you don’t then…” I trailed.
    “You’re frustrating, you know that?” He said quickly.
    Without