“Great,” Claire said emotionless.

“Claire is everything alright?”

“No dad it isn’t if you two didn’t have to go off and try to be heroes we wouldn’t be in the situation! Elle wouldn’t have been hurt as much as she was and she wouldn’t of been in a coma for over a month!”

“Claire. I’m sorry,” Noah said looking away ashamed.

“Whatever. Just give her the blood,” Claire said leaving Noah alone in his office. She ran upstairs slamming the door behind her. Noah came out of the office sitting on the coffee table in front of Elle.

“Elle,” Noah said placing his hand on her shoulder shaking her lightly. Elle awoke, “I’m going to inject this into your blood stream and you should start to feel better within ten minutes.” Elle nodded waiting for the pinch it came and went. Noah watched as the cuts on Elle’s face disappeared. “You feel better?”

“Oh my gosh! Yes I’m fine. I feel no pain!” Elle smiled hugging Noah.

“Good I’m glad. Sandra and I are going to be hading out. Claire is still mad at me.”

“Yeah I heard her. She’s mad at me too.”

“You should go talk to her.” Elle nodded getting up from the couch.

She made her way up the stairs. Elle knocked lightly on Claire’s door.

“Come in!” Claire shouted through the door. Elle twisted the knob going inside.

“Hi,” Elle said.

Claire looked at her surprise written all over her face. “Wow.”

“Can I sit?” Elle asked motioning for the bed.

“Yeah sure,” Claire said moving her things over, making room for Elle.

“You’re mad at me,” Elle stated.

“No,” Claire tried to argue.

“It’s ok to be.”

“You want me to be mad at you?” Claire questioned.

“No I’m just saying it’s ok to be.”

“Quit trying to tell me what’s ok!” Claire said her voice rising. Elle sat calmly. “Do you know how hard it was for me to sit in the hospital room with you not knowing if you were going to live or die!?! Do you?” Elle shook her head. “I told you not to go!”

“I had..”

“You didn’t have to!” Claire interrupted. “You didn’t have to! God Elle!” Claire shouted standing up pacing the room.

“What do you want me to say Claire?”

“Nothing! Because you don’t understand! You don’t understand! Why couldn’t you just listen to me?!” Claire said as tears began to fall. Elle stayed silent letting Claire get everything out she needed to. “Do you know how scare I was?” Claire said quietly, she quit pacing. “I was so afraid I was going to lose you.” Elle’s eyes filled with tears.

“I’m so sorry Claire,” Elle said tears starting to fall. “I’m so sorry.”

Claire wiped away her tears, “I’m glad you’re ok. And I’m glad you’re home.”

“Me too,” Elle said softly.

“I have to shower. I have a date tonight.”

“Oh,” Elle said sadly. “ok. I’ll see you.” Elle walked out of Claire’s room and into the guest room. She sat down on the end of her bed, sighing as a few tears fell from her eyes. Claire sat on the edge of her bed, tears falling freely from her eyes. She began to get ready for her date. She was interrupted when she heard a tap on her window and looked over finding West hovering outside it. Claire smiled sadly. She let him in.

“What are you doing here? I’m not ready yet,” Claire said trying to laugh. West wasn’t fooled.

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah. I’m fine,” Claire said sitting on her bed. “Thanks.” West sat beside her taking her hand in his. His hand was different than Elle’s they were rougher, and not as gentle as Elle’s.

Elle stayed in the same position on her bed. She brought her hands up to the sides of her temples. “AH!” Elle screamed out in pain, as she started illuminating and shooting electricity through out the room. Claire heard her scream and saw the lights flicker.

“Elle!” Claire shouted running out of the room to Elle’s leaving West still sitting. She ran to the door and tried to open it but it wouldn’t budge. “Elle!” Claire yelled slamming her body against the door. Noah ran up the stairs.

“Claire!” Noah said grabbing his daughter before she could fly into the door again.

“Dad! Let me go!”

“No! She won’t want you in there!” Noah yelled. West peaked his head out of Claire’s bedroom. “You should go,” Noah said.

“No!” Claire yelled coming in front of her dad.

“UH! God!” Elle screamed out in pain. The lights went completely black, but Elle’s room still lit up.

*FLASHES*

“The whole city is blacked out, sir.”
“Good girl, Elle,” Bob said.
“Daddy,” Elle said weakly. “Why do you do this?”
“You are powerful Elle. More powerful than anyone. I just want you to reach your potential.”
“I don’t want to do anymore.”
“Just a bit more sweetheart,” Bob said. Elle shook her head, “Do it!” Bob yelled. Elle lit up her hands and sent electricity in the direction her father wanted. “Ok.” Elle stopped feeling light headed and nauseous.
“Daddy I don’t feel good.”
“It’s ok sweet heart you did good,” Bob said. “Take it,” Bob said turning to the man standing in the corner. He nodded bringing his hand to Elle’s forehead. Elle collapsed in the chair.

*END FLASHES*

Elle took a big breath in. Then shallow breaths in and out. Elle looked around the room finding that she was on the floor instead of the bed where she was before.

“Elle!” Claire screamed pounding on the door. Elle stood up from the floor but then sat back on the bed dizzy. Elle brought her hand up to her forehead standing up once again. She removed her hand from her forehead placing it on the handle of the door unlocking it. She leaned her forehead against the door breathing in and out claming herself. She had sweat and tears falling down her face. She opened the door, finding Claire standing there. Behind her was a boy she didn’t recognize. “Elle,” Claire said lifting her hand to her face. Elle moved her head away from Claire’s touch. Claire withdrew her hand, saddened by the fact that Elle wouldn’t let her touch her.

“Where’s your dad?” Elle asked softly.

“He’s looking at the fuse box,” Claire said shifting back and forth on her legs.

West stood behind her, “Are you ok?” he questioned.

“Fine,” Elle said stepping back into her room starting to close the door. Claire stopped it with her hand.

“Can you go home and come back later?” Claire asked softly turning her head toward West.

“Sure,” West said leaning down placing a soft kiss on her cheek. Elle rolled her eyes and turned around walking away from the door. Electricity shot through Elle’s body.

“Ugh,” Elle grunted, trying to get her emotions together. Claire came in closing the door behind her. Claire saw the hall light come back on, but she and Elle sat in darkness, except for the light coming in through the window. Elle sat down on the edge of her bed. Claire came and stood in front of her. Elle refused to meet her eyes.

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah peachy,” Elle said sarcastically.

“Elle.”

“What?”

“I’m trying to help.”

Elle sighed, “I know.”

“Let me in.”

“I can’t ok! I don’t know what’s going on with me! I’m losing control! I’m getting flashes that are making me sick! Look maybe you should just stop caring,” Elle said defeated.

“Stop caring?”

“Yeah! You care too much about people and people just let you down! You care too much about me. I’m not worth it.”

“I think you are and so does my family or else you wouldn’t be here,” Claire kneeling down in front of Elle placing her hands on her knees. Elle placed her hands over Claire’s. She leaned down resting her forehead against Claire’s. At that very moment Elle’s stomach started fluttering, making her smile sadly.

“I wish you didn’t,” Elle whispered. The two stayed in their position for a while, in a comfortable silence. “What are you all dressed up for?” she whispered breaking the silence.

“I have a date,” Claire said softly, part of her not wanting to tell Elle again. Elle’s stomach dropped.

“Oh.”

“I can cancel.”

“No, you should go. Have some fun. You haven’t been out forever cause you’ve been in the hospital with me. You should go,” Elle said fighting back every emotion she had in her.

“It’s your first day back. I can hang out with you and have a girls night in.”

Elle laughed, “We’ll do that tomorrow. How’s that?” Claire nodded against Elle’s forehead. “Besides I have to talk to your dad.”

“I wish you would talk to me about your memories. I wish you would trust me,” Claire said softly.

“I do trust you Claire.”

“Then why do you tell dad first about them?”

“He can give me answers.”

“That I can’t,” Claire finished.

Elle smiled sadly at the younger girl, “Go get ready.” Claire leaned forward wrapping her arms around Elle’s waist. Elle wrapped her arms around Claire’s neck. “Thank you Claire.”

“For what?” Claire questioned.

“For being you. For being there for me.”

“You’re welcome,” Claire release Elle’s waist placing her hands on the bed on each side of Elle pushing herself up. She stopped and leaned forward placing an innocent kiss on Elle’s cheek. Elle smiled her stomach doing more flip flops than before. Claire returned her smile. She disappeared out the door. Elle breathed in closing her eyes then breathed out. She stood from her bed walking out of her room and down stairs.

“Elle,” Sandra said sadly. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah. That was the most painful it’s ever been before. I’m sorry I blew the power.”

“Oh don’t you worry about it. Noah fixed it.”

“Is he here?”

“Oh he just ran out he shouldn’t be too long,” Sandra said. “Would you like some tea?”

“Yes please,” Elle said lifting her hands to rub her temples. Sandra noticed the pain in Elle’s face.

“Are you ok dear?”

“Yeah I just have a headache. Claire’s going out on a date.”

“Yes with West.”

“The flying boy.”

“Yes that’s him,” Sandra smiled. Elle nodded her head and smiled at her. About an hour later Claire came downstairs and into the kitchen finding Elle and her mother sitting at the breakfast bar. She walked in with a smile on her face.

“So what do you think?” Claire asked as she walked into the kitchen causing both women to turn around.

“Oh hunny you look beautiful,” Sandra said coming up to hug her daughter. Elle sat speechless. She felt like someone had tackled her and her breath was caught in her throat. Claire was dressed in a simple short black dress, her hair half up, with dangling gold earrings.

“Elle?” Claire asked, breaking Elle’s stare.

“Yeah?”

“You haven’t said anything since I came in.”

Elle was having trouble putting together sentences in her head, let alone trying to speak. Elle was finally able to compose herself, “You look really good,” she said with a smile.

Claire smiled brightly at her. There was a knock at the door, “Oh God that’s him and I’m not quite ready yet. Mom can you get it?”

“Yes sure sweetheart,” Sandra replied. Claire stood in the kitchen for a little while longer staring at Elle as Elle stared back. Claire broke the stare and turned away turning back to take one more glance at Elle. And she was gone. Elle looked down at her feet. “Elle,” Sandra said coming into the kitchen standing next to Elle. Elle looked up at her with a smile, “This is West. West this is Elle.”

“Nice to meet you Elle.”

“You to,” Elle said. “Where are you taking her?”

“There’s this French restaurant about a half hour from here.”

“Why wouldn’t you take her to an English one? Claire doesn’t know French.”

Sandra laughed, “Oh Elle dear. They don’t speak French. They just have French food.”

“I see,” Elle said. “Well that will be fun.”

“It should. You look a lot better than you did earlier.”

“Thanks,” Elle said looking to Sandra. Sandra shrugged her shoulders.

“Claire tells me you like science.”

“Yep,” Elle said.

Sandra leaned down to whisper into Elle’s ear, “Are you trying to make it awkward for the boy.” Elle smiled and nodded.

“I like it too,” West said awkwardly. Elle looked at him like he had two heads.

“Sweet.”

“So umm, do you think Claire’s almost ready?”

“Yes I am,” Claire said coming into the kitchen. West turned to look at Claire.

“Wow you look beautiful,” West leaning down capturing Claire’s lips. Elle formed a small ball of electricity and sent it at West. “Oww!” West said. “You shocked me,” he smiled at her.

Elle stifled a laugh. Claire moved looking over West sending Elle a glare that if looks could kill this one would really hurt Elle. Elle shrugged her shoulders, “It slipped,” Elle mouthed.

“You two have fun!” Sandra said.

“Thanks. Bye Mom,” Claire said giving her mom a kiss on the cheek. “Bye Elle,” she said avoiding looking at Elle.

“Bye Mrs. Bennett. Elle it was nice meeting you.”

“Yeah,” Elle said turning toward the counter, playing with her spoon in her tea.

Sandra moved over to the other side of the counter to face Elle.

“So what do you think of him?”

Elle shrugged her shoulders continuing to play with her spoon in her tea. “I don’t know. He’s nice.”

“He really likes her.”

“Yeah I can tell.”

“You don’t though?”

“I don’t know there’s something about him.”

“I’m home!” Noah announced.

“Kitchen!” Sandra yelled back. “Hi sweetheart,” Sandra said wrapping her arms around Noah’s neck.

“Elle. How are you feeling?”

“Eh. I’ve been better.”

“You wanna talk?” Noah asked. Elle nodded, standing up from her seat. Noah walked over to her wrapping his arm around her shoulder leading her to his office.

“I’m sorry about blowing the power.”

“Elle don’t worry about it.”

“Noah I’m losing control.”

“Of your powers? You seem to be doing ok now.”

“Yeah now but when my memories come back, I lose control. I keep losing more and more control of them during them,” Elle said sadly.

“Hey it’s ok. What did you see?”

“I blacked out a city and my father was proud of it. He told me to keep going. I was sick and he told me to keep going. Then a man came and put his hand over my forehead. And I came out of my memory. How much testing did he do to me?” Elle said starting to cry.

Noah could see that the memories coming back to her were taking a toll on her. “He ran lots of tests on you. He said he wanted you to reach your potential.”

“Why did he want me to be so powerful?”

“I don’t know. Your father left me in the dark about a lot of the testing he was doing to you.”

“Why couldn’t you be my father?”

Noah smiled, “I take that as a compliment.”

“Good it was meant to be one. Claire’s on her date.”

“Oh how’s the guy?”

“Eh. There’s someone out there better for her, but oh well. I shocked him when he kissed her.”

“Good,” Noah laughed patting Elle on the shoulder.

“Noah what am I going to do when I my memories come back. As more come back the less I can control my power.”

“We’ll figure something out Elle. We will. How are the headaches?”

“They are really bad. I think they get worse as more memories come back.”

“I’m sorry Elle. I wish I could do something more for you.”

“You’ve done more than enough. You’ve taken me in, treated me like your own daughter. I couldn’t ask for more,” Elle smiled wrapping her arms around Noah’s neck.

Noah wrapped his arms around Elle’s waist, “I just wish there was more.”

Elle sat on the couch Noah and Sandra had already gone to bed. Elle flipped through the stations for the tenth time. She heard the door open and close. She saw Claire come into the living room.

“Hi,” Claire said softly.

“Hey,” Elle returned.

“Everyone in bed?”

“Yeah. How was your date?” Elle asked really not wanting to know how it went.

“It was nice,” Claire said sitting down next to Elle.

“Another one?” Elle asked.

“I don’t know maybe?” Elle nodded. Claire yawned.

“You should go to bed,” Elle said noticing the sleep in Claire’s eyes.

Claire shook her head, “Why do you keep sending me away from you?”

“What?”

“You keep sending me away from you like you don’t want me around or something.”

“I do want you around. But you look exhausted.”

“You would be exhausted too if you spent a month in the hospital trying to sleep in a chair.”

Elle sighed, “Why are you fighting with me?”

“I’m not!” Claire said in a whisper yell.

“Ok Claire. I’m going to bed,” Elle said standing from the couch. Elle rubbed her temples. “Good night.”

“Elle wait,” Claire said softly grabbing Elle’s wrist. Elle stopped. Claire stood up her body close to Elle’s, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok. I’m sorry too. I’m sorry if I seem like I’m shutting you out. I don’t mean to. I am just dealing with a lot right now that I am trying to understand.”

“I know and I’m sorry,” Claire said bringing her hand up to Elle’s cheek. Claire phone began ringing. Claire picked up her phone looking at who would call her this late at night. “It’s West,” Claire said with her back turned from Elle. Elle smiled sadly backing away from Claire. “Hey. No. I would love to. Ok. Goodnight,” Claire said hanging up her phone. “He wants,” Claire stopped when she realized she was standing in the room alone. Claire hung her head and went upstairs to her room. She laid down on her bed staring up at the ceiling. Elle laid on her bed staring up at the ceiling as well. She was unsure what was going on in her body. How Claire made her feel, she didn’t know what to make of it. Both girls lie awake thinking about one another.

The next morning Elle sat in the kitchen with Noah and Sandra. Claire came in, “Morning.”

“Morning sweetheart,” Sandra said.

“Morning Claire-Bear. Got any plans today?”

“Yes. Elle and I are going to the mall and then we are going to watch movies tonight.”

Elle looked up surprised, “We are?”

“Yeah remember you said we were gonna have a girls night yesterday.”

“Yeah but I thought it meant at night like when it turns dark.”

“You don’t want to spend time with me?” Claire said hurt.

Elle noticed the hurt in Claire’s eyes, “No, no I do.”

Claire smiled, “Ok then go get ready we’re going shopping.”

“Claire,” Elle whined, “do we really have to go shopping?”

“Yes.”

Elle stopped trying to fight Claire cause she knew she wouldn’t win this one, “Ok.”

“Claire!” Elle whined. “We’ve been here for four hours. Are we almost done?”

“Geez Elle you’re worse than Lyle.”

“Ok Cheerleader!” Elle said. “One more store and that’s it,” she said.

“Fine. That one!” Claire pointed to the biggest store in the mall.

“Claire,” Elle complained.

“You said one more.”

“Damn me,” Elle smiled.

“I think you secretly like shopping with me.”

“As much as watching a plant grow,” Elle beamed.

Claire put her hand over her heart mocking hurt, “Ouch.” Claire smiled at her. The two girls walked through the store Claire had about 15 different things to try on. Elle had one and she didn’t need to try it on. So, she sat on a chair outside the dressing room. Ten minutes had past and Elle was getting very bored.

“Hi,” a guy said sitting down on the chair across from her.

“Hi,” Elle replied.

“Waiting for someone?”

“Yeah a friend.”

“Ah. I’m waiting on my sister. I think she went in there with 20 different things,” he said laughing lightly.

“My friend too.”

“I’m Hunter,” he said sticking out his hand.

“Elle,” she said taking his hand in hers. He had beautiful hazel eyes, blond hair, and a beautiful smile.

“Well Elle it’s nice to meet you.”

“You too Hunter. So how long have you been here?”

“In this store or the mall?”

“Both I guess,” Elle laughed.

“This store I would say about an hour. The whole mall about four hours. How come girls take so long to shop?”

“I don’t know. I’m not much of a shopper.”

“I can tell. You’re sitting on a chair guys usually sit in.”

“Well I guess I’m one of a kind,” Elle said smiling at him. He smiled back and laughed.

“So you and your friend must have been here for a while then?”

“Yes. This is our lat store though.”

“Mine too I hope.”

“So how come you got stuck coming with your sister?”

“Our parents aren’t around much. So I’ve just gotten used to taking her places.”

“You’re sweet.”

“Oh no I’m not sweet.”

“Yes you are.”

“But the sweet guys never get the beautiful girl.”

Elle blushed a crimson red, “Are you sure?” Elle said leaning in closer.

“I don’t know. If I asked you for your number would you give it to me?”

“Hmm well I don’t know,” Elle joked.

“Well if no phone number how about dinner?”

Elle smiled her mind drifted to Claire *She has West*, “I’d love to.”

“How about tonight?”

Elle made a sour face, “I can’t tonight. Girls night tonight.”

“I see. Well then how about tomorrow?”

“I’d like that,” Elle said smiling.

“Great!” Unbeknownst to Elle, Claire had watched most of the scene unfold from the time he had asked her for her number. Claire felt her stomach drop. She didn’t want Elle to go out on a date with this guy. Claire was happy when Elle turned down the date tonight saying she was having a girls night. However, Claire was still jealous.

Claire collected herself, “Elle!” Claire said coming out from the dressing room. “I’m done. Ready?”

“Claire. This is Hunter. Hunter this is Claire.”

“Hi,” Claire said turning to him then back to Elle, “you ready to go?” she asked impatiently.

“I was thinking maybe we could wait till his sister is done?”

“You don’t have to,” Hunter said. “She might be in there all day.”

“Yeah Elle we have lots to do. Come on,” Claire said pulling her away. “It’s was nice meeting you Hunter.”

“You too. Elle I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah tomorrow,” Elle smiled.

“Do you want to just meet me at the restaurant?”

“Yeah that sounds good.”

“Ok. Bye,” Hunter said smiling.

“Bye,” Elle said.

“See ya!” Claire said pulling Elle away.

“Geez! What is your hurry?” Elle questioned.

“You wanted to be done.”

“Yeah but still,” Elle paused she was unsure how she was going to tell Claire about her date. “Claire. I have a date tomorrow,” Elle stated.

Claire felt her heart drop, she had already known but hearing Elle say it to her nearly killed her. Claire looked at Elle who was so happy she smiled at her, “That’s great Elle.”

“Claire. You have to help me tomorrow! This is my first date!” Elle shrieked.

Claire smiled, “Ok Elle.”

“Yay!” Elle said. “Ok that’s tomorrow, today is about you and I,” she said wrapping her arm around Claire’s shoulder pulling her to her. Claire smiled and laid her head on the taller girl’s shoulder.

“So you want pizza tonight?” Claire asked as they walked out of the mall.

“That sounds good,” Elle smiled.

“Oh I forgot to tell you, your mom and dad aren’t going to be home tonight. Mr. Muggles has a show.”

“Ah I see.”

“Your mom found out this morning while you were in the shower. And she told me but I forgot to tell you. Sorry.”

“It’s cool. When did they leave?”

“About three hours ago. They will be back early tomorrow morning.” The rest of the day for the girls went great.

“So I got ‘How to Lose A Guy In Ten Days’ or Saw’?”

“Saw,” Elle said quickly.

Claire huffed, “Fine.”

“Why did you pick up a scary movie if you didn’t want to see it?”

“Cause I knew you liked it.”

Elle walked in from the kitchen with popcorn, she came in and stood in front of Claire, “Awe, how sweet,” she said pinching Claire’s cheek.

Claire batted Elle’s hand away from her face, “Yeah, yeah. Well if I end up under your arm and screaming it’s totally your fault.”

“Deal,” Elle sitting on one end of the couch. Claire put the movie in and sat down almost on Elle. “Geez. The movie hasn’t even started yet.”

“I’m just getting prepared,” Claire smiled up at Elle. Elle reached up and turned off the light. They were ten minutes into the movie when Claire started grabbing for Elle’s hands holding onto it tightly. Her face right in Elle’s arm. Elle moved her arm, Claire lifted her head looking at Elle. Elle placed her arm over Claire’s shoulders. She lightly pulled her closer to her. Claire smiled at the gesture and soon her forehead was in the crook of Elle’s neck. Claire turned her head just in time to see someone getting killed, “AH!” she screamed burying her head into Elle’s neck. .

“Ow! That was my ear!” Elle said.

Claire looked up at her, “I’m sorry,” she said with a small smile.

“How about we turn it off?”

“No. You want to see it.”

“Yeah but you don’t. Clearly.”

“What I’m fine,” Claire gave her a reassuring smile.

“Ok,” Elle said. Claire rested her hand on Elle’s stomach and lightly moved it across it to her waist. The action sent shivers through Elle’s body.

“You cold?” Claire whispered in Elle’s ear feeling her shiver.

“No. I’m good,” Elle choked out. Elle moved her hand that rested on Claire’s shoulder up to her hair. She lightly ran it through Claire’s golden locks. Claire moved her hand that rested on Elle’s waist just down a little bit, she slipped her thumb underneath the fabric of Elle’s shirt. She began drawing circles with it against Elle’s smooth skin. Elle moaned softly.

Claire picked her head up off of Elle’s shoulder, “Are you ok?” she said concerned.

“Yeah, yeah,” Elle said quickly.

“Sorry it’s just that sometimes when your memories come back you make a noise like that well sort of,” Claire said softly.

“No I’m ok,” Elle grinned at her.

Claire smiled back *She just moaned and the only thing that changed was my thumb on her skin* Claire thought.. Elle’s eyes stayed on Claire’s and Claire’s on Elle’s. Clare leaned up, their lips inches apart, they moved closer to each other. Now breaths apart, their lips just about to touch, when the house phone went off. Claire pulled away and removed herself from Elle.

“Hello?” Claire answered. Elle sighed and looked up at the ceiling. “Oh hey dad. No we are fine. Yep everything is good. How was the show. That’s great! Alright see you tomorrow. I will. Love you too. Bye dad.” Claire hung up the phone and sat back down next to Elle. “Dad says hi.”

Elle nodded, “How’d Mr. Muggles do?”

“First place.”

“Awesome,” Elle said. Silence fell among them, but it was a comfortable silence. Claire again laid her head down on Elle’s shoulder and Elle moved her arm to wrap around Claire.

“You’re comfy,” Claire said softly.

“Thanks. I think,” Elle said looking down at Claire.

Claire looked up at her eyes shining, “It’s a compliment.” Elle laughed and hugged Claire tighter. They went back to watching the movie, well, Elle did Claire went back to Elle’s neck. Claire hadn’t brought up Elle’s date tomorrow and Elle didn’t bring up West. Claire had fallen asleep, Elle moved her hand to grab the remote and turned off the movie. She kissed the top of Claire’s head.

“Claire?” Elle whispered and lightly shook her.

“Hmm,” Claire moaned lightly squeezing Elle’s hip.

“Come on let’s go upstairs.”

“No,” Claire mumbled snuggling deeper into Elle. Elle smiled and ran her fingers through Claire’s hair. Elle gently lifted Claire bringing her leg up on the couch and then placed Claire lightly atop her bringing up her other leg. Elle pulled the blanket down over top them. She tilted her head down and lightly kissed Claire’s forehead.

“Goodnight Claire,” Elle said closing her eyes. Claire smiled and snuggled into Elle. Sometime during the night Claire and Elle had shifted positions and no they were lying on their sides with their noses touching, and their legs intertwined. Claire had her head on Elle’s arm and Claire’s arm right was tucked into her body, while her left one rest over top Elle’s arm between her elbow and shoulder. Elle’s other hand rested on Claire’s stomach underneath the fabric of her shirt. Claire was the first to awake and she felt a tingling sensation on her stomach, she realized that sometime during the night Elle’s hand had moved up from her waist to stomach underneath her shirt. Claire smiled. Claire brought her index finger up to Elle’s forehead brushing the hair that lie in her face. She moved her finger along Elle’s hairline and down her jaw line. Elle shifted and groaned.

“Mmm,morning,” Elle said softly.

“Morning,” Claire whispered. Elle opened her eyes and realized her hand was on Claire’s bare stomach. “It’s still early though.”

She moved her hand quickly, “Sorry,” Elle mumbled her face turning red.

Claire smiled, “You’re comfy you know that?” she whispered.

“You told me that last night,” Elle returned softly with a laugh.

“Thanks for being my pillow,” Claire laughed.

“Well Pom-Pom at least I know I’m good for something,” Elle laughed, Elle moved and stood up from the couch. “Ugh!” Elle stretched.

“You ok?” Claire asked.

“Yeah my back is a little sore.”

“Mine too,” Claire said standing next to Elle.

“It’s still early so I’m gonna head upstairs to my bed,” Elle said.

“Me too even though I was comfy,” Claire pouted.

“Awe, I’m sorry I was comfy til I moved a little,” Elle said wrapping her arm around Claire pulling her closer to her. Claire wrapped both arms around Elle’s waist and laughed. Elle stopped at Claire’s door with Claire.

“Well I will see you in a few hours.”

“Yeah,” Claire said.

Claire woke up A few hours later dreading the entire day wishing it was still yesterday or even earlier today. But she had to put on a front and act as though she was happy for Elle. Because Elle was happy. Claire picked up her phone *Let’s go out tonight* she typed to West.

*Sounds good. Pick you up at 8*

*=) Cya then* Claire closed her phone. Laying her head back onto her pillows. She saw her door open, seeing Elle’s head peak in. Claire smiled at her, Elle opened the door the rest of the way and then closed it behind her. She came and stood on the side of Claire’s bed. Claire lifted her arm motioning for Elle to get in. Elle laid on her side so she could face Claire. Claire stayed on her back. Elle played with her own hair.

“I’m nervous,” Elle whispered. Claire turned her head to look at Elle.

“Why?” Claire asked softly.

“I’ve never been on a date. I don’t even know what you are supposed to do.”

Claire laughed lightly turning on her side. “There’s nothing to be nervous about. You’ll be ok.”

Elle sighed laying her head on Claire’s pillow closing her eyes. “What if he turns out to be a jerk. Or what if he doesn’t like me?”

“Then he’s an idiot,” Claire stated. Elle opened her eyes to see Claire smiling at her. “And then you move on.”

“What if I don’t like him?”
“Then you don’t like him. Don’t force yourself to date someone you don’t really like,” Claire said. *Maybe I should listen to my own advice* Claire thought.

“Thanks Claire,” Elle smiled sadly.

“Something else wrong?”

“No,” Elle lied.

“Elle.”

“I guess I’m just worried he’ll think I’m a freak.”

“Well if he does you call me and I’ll kick his ass,” Claire said with a smile leaning her forehead against Elle’s.

“Thanks.”

It was getting closer to the time Elle would have to leave. Claire sat downstairs on the couch with her mom and dad. Elle came down stairs. She was dressed in black pants and a white shirt that hugged her body. Claire’s eyes looked up and down the length of Elle’s body. She couldn’t take her eyes off her. Elle felt butterflies start to form in her stomach just because the way Claire was looking at her. She shook them away walking more in the living room.

“You look beautiful,” Noah said. “I think the guy is going to like it,” he stood walking toward her and hugging her then walking into his den

“You hunny you look gorgeous,” Sandra said hugging her as well then walking to the kitchen. Leaving Claire and Elle alone.

Claire stood walking toward Elle, “Y-y-y-you l-look beautiful.”

Elle looked away from Claire and down at her feet lightly swaying as her face turned bright red, “T-t-thanks,” she replied. “You helped pick it out.”

Claire smiled, “You look amazing,” she said mesmerized. Elle didn’t want to leave she wanted to stay right in that room with Claire looking at her like she was.

“I-I-I should probably g-g-go.”

“Y-y-yeah. Have fun Elle.”

“Thanks Claire,” Elle said walking out the door. Claire stood staring at the door for a while after Elle left. She heard a knock on the door and answered it.

“Hi,” West said leaning in giving her a light kiss on the cheek. “You ready?”

“Yeah,” Claire said grabbing her purse, “I’m leaving!” Claire shouted.

“Bye sweetheart!” Noah and Sandra yelled in unison.

Elle came home late at night, tears falling from her eyes. She went upstairs looking for Claire. She opened up her door seeing she wasn’t there she went in, she sat down on the edge of Claire bed. She put her head in hands and cried. Claire came home about a half hour later. She had a good time with West. He made her feel good. But then again so did Elle. Claire opened the door to her room She stopped in the doorway when she saw Elle sitting on her bed, tears streaming down her face.

“Oh God Elle!” Claire said closing the door behind her, running to her. Claire turned her lamp that sat next to her bed on. Claire noticed the bruises on her arm. Claire came to stand in front of her. She kneeled down. Elle refused to look at her. Claire brought her hand on to her chin turning Elle’s face toward hers. “Oh God,” Claire shook her head. Elle had a black and a some scratches on her face.

“He, he, he, tried,” Elle cried out. Claire pulled Elle into a hug. “AH!” Elle grunted in pain. Claire leaned over looking behind Elle on her back. She lifted up the back of her shirt, she saw big black and blue marks all over it.

“I’ll kill him!” Claire shouted moving away form Elle.

“No Claire! I shocked him.” Claire’s eyes formed tears as went back to position she was in. “He h-h-hit his head. And he went unconscious. I checked to make sure he was breathing. And I left him.”

“Elle,” Claire choked out, “did he, did he.”

“No," Elle choked out. Claire’s tears landed on her lips. Claire nodded she moved her lips above Elle’s eyebrow where a bruise had appeared. She kissed it lightly, the bruise soon disappeared. “Claire what am I going to do? I can’t let your parents see me like this.” Claire moved her face away from Elle’s noticing that the bruise that once was above her eyebrow was now gone. More tears feel from Elle’s eyes which in turn caused Claire to cry. Without words Claire leaned forward kissing softly right below Elle’s eye. Claire moved down Elle’s face kissing every inch that had a scratch. “Claire what are,” Elle whispered. Claire brought her finger up to Elle’s lips silencing her. Elle felt the electricity surging through her body. A sensation she has never experienced before. Elle also felt the pain in her face disappear. Claire removed her lips from Elle’s cheek. Claire laid her head down on Elle’s shoulder, putting her forehead in the crook of Elle’s neck. Elle brought her arms around Claire pulling her to her. Elle felt Claire begin to shake. Claire began sobbing.

"I'm so sorry Elle," Claire cried. She hated seeing Elle hurt.

“Shh. It’s ok. It’s ok,” Elle soothed. Claire removed herself from Elle’s arms. Tears falling freely from her eyes. Claire moved her lips to Elle’s arms kissing every bruise that was there away.

“Lay on your stomach,” Claire whispered through her tears. Elle obeyed lying on her stomach. Claire lifted the back of seeing the bruises, Claire leaned down kissing the bruises away. Claire pulled away looking at Elle’s back. The bruises had healed. Elle felt all the pain in her body leave.

“Thanks,” Elle whispered. Claire moved off Elle and Elle sat up facing Claire. She readjusted her shirt. Elle wiped her tears away. “I can’t believe this,” she whispered.

“Shh,” Claire said lifting her hands to cup Elle’s cheek, she moved her hands up brushing Elle’s hair behind her ears. Claire’s eyes looking from Elle’s eyes to her lips back up to her eyes then back to her lips. She leaned in about to brush her lips against Elle’s lips when Elle’s body began sending sparks and crackling.

“Not right now,” Elle grunted. “Ah!” she groaned in pain grabbing her head with her hands. Elle’s body started getting brighter. Elle moved away from Claire.

“Elle,” Claire said wanting to comfort her.

“Please Claire,” Elle said backing away. She got to the door when she fainted.

“Elle!” Claire said running to her. She kneeled down next to her running her hand through her hair, “Ow!” Claire said pulling her hand away she looked at it seeing the burn marks, but soon they disappeared. Claire was surprised there was electricity shooting her room. She looked at Elle helpless, as Elle sparked and cracked, pain evident even as the girl lie passed out.

*FLASHES*

“Why can’t I go hang out with them?”
“They aren’t good enough!”
“No one is ever good enough in your opinion!”
“Elle we are done talking about this!”
“Daddy! I have no one to talk to except the Haitian and that’s sometimes. I’m starting to forget how to feel.”
“Good. You don’t need to feel Elle. You need to control your powers and be powerful. And do you think those people would accept you with how different you are?”
“Bob, she’s 11. Let her be 11. Lt her go out and have some fun.”
“No Noah! This is my daughter. I let you raise Claire how you want. I will raise my daughter how I want.” Bob turned back toward Elle, “The answer is no Elle now go back to your room and finish your homework,” he said as he turned to leave the room.
“Mr. Bennett?”
“Yes Elle?”
“Your daughter how old is she?”
“She’s 7.”
“Does she have friends?”
“Elle,” Noah said sadly.
“D-d-do you think she and I would be friends?”
“There’s no doubt in my mind,” Noah smiled at the young girl.
“Mr. Bennett?”
“Yes Elle?”
“I hurt one of the doctors today.”
“You did?” Noah questioned.
“Yeah I shocked him.”
“Why did you do that?”
“I don’t know I wanted to.”
“How come?”
“He looked at me funny.”
“Elle you can’t shock someone because they look at you funny.”
“I know,” Elle said looking down at her feet ashamed. “But the weird thing is I didn’t care that I hurt him. I kind of liked it, it was like a weird feeling inside me,” she said standing to leave the room. “I should go I have to finish my homework.”
“Elle what you did to the doctor was wrong.”
“I know, but I don’t care,” Elle said sadly. “Bye Mr. Bennett.”
*END FLASHES*

Elle opened her eyes slowly. She felt a hand gently running through her hair. “Claire?” Elle said sitting up. “What are you doing?”

“Making sure you were ok.”

“You shouldn’t be around me when,” Elle started

Claire interrupted, “You controlled your power.”

“What?” Elle said looking around the room. There was nothing on fire or scorch marks anywhere.

“You were trying to leave when you fainted. You controlled them Elle.”

“I-I-I did?”

“Yes,” Claire smiled. “You sparked and crackled but no major electrical volts.”

Elle smiled but her smile faded, “Claire. I-I need to talk to your dad,” she said softly.

“I know,” Claire looked away from her. “He’s downstairs at the table waiting for you.”

“You’re amazing you know that?” Claire blushed. Elle stayed quiet looking at her arms questions written all over her face.

“What’s wrong?”

“I had bruises all over my arms. And I was in a lot of pain when I first came in here.”

“You don’t remember?”

“Did you give me your blood?”

Claire’s heart dropped, “Yeah I did,” she whispered. She was afraid to tell Elle what really happened.

“Thank you,’ Elle leaned forward lightly kissing Claire’s cheek.

Clare refused to look at Elle, “You should go talk to my dad,” she said standing.

“Thank you again Claire,” Elle said standing up walking out the door. When Claire heard the door click shut she collapsed to the ground her head in her hands.

“Hey Elle,” Noah said. “How you feeling?”

“I’ve been better.”

“What did you see?”

“Before I tell you what I saw I need to tell you something else.”

“What is it,” Noah said concerned.

“I-I was attacked today.”

“Oh my gosh Elle are you ok? Was it the boy you had a date with? I‘ll kill him!”

“Claire healed me, but I was beaten pretty badly. But I’m ok now. Yes he attacked me. And no please don’t kill him and go to jail. I want to forget Noah. I want him to forget I even existed.”

“I will handle it,” Noah said grabbing Elle’s hand in his.

“Can you make me forget tonight?”

“Sure Elle,” Noah said seeing the hurt in Elle’s eyes. “Tell me what your memory was about?” Elle nodded, “I asked dad to go hang out with people and he said no. I told him I was starting not to feel anything. You told him he should let me go but he yelled at you and said he’ll raise me how he wants to cause you raise Claire how you want to,” Elle paused.

“What else?”

“I told you I shocked a doctor. Cause him pain and I liked it. You told me it was wrong. I told you I knew, but I didn’t care.” Elle paused once again, Noah looked down at their hands, he gave it a light squeeze urging her to continue. “That’s all I saw, but I can’t believe I would cause someone pain and not care. What was wrong with me?”

Noah sighed, “You were kept away from people. You were isolated and tested on when you were little. You got used to your father telling you it’s ok to use your powers. As you got older you started feeling less and less guilty about the fact that you were hurting people.”

“I hurt people on purpose?”

“Yes,” Noah said softly. Elle pulled her hand away, “Elle you weren’t brought up like other kids were.”

“So it shouldn’t be ok that I hurt people. Why did you take me in?” Elle stood from the table her arms hugging herself.

“Elle let me ask you a question. Do you care about the people in this house?” “Yes! I would do anything for you guys.”

“That’s why.”

“Well what if I was still like I was?” “To be honest I don’t know.”

Elle nodded, “I want to forget tonight Noah.”

“Ok let me make a phone call,” Noah said heading to his den. “Ok Elle he’s on his way.”

“If he erases tonight and since my memories are coming back will this one come back too?”

“It shouldn’t good. Make sure Hunter doesn’t remember a couple days ago.” “How about a couple years?”

 

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