SAVANTS

The Chapture 20

"Sorry about what happened." Zed pulled me slowly awkwardly. "How about we get some fresh air?"

"He's like you." I can feel the vibrations starting. "She can also read me - your mother looks like you."

He stepped closer to protect me from the other guests. "Don't think about it."

"I am what? An open book that everyone can read or something?"

"It's not like that Sky. It's not just you that my mother can read"

"I think I want to go home now."

"I'll take you back."

"No need. I'm gonna ask Tina to help me." Right now I don't want to be anywhere near any of Benedict.

"That's not good. If you want to go home, I'll take you. You are my responsibility now. I need to keep you safe."

Aman is the opposite of what he feels for me. I'm retreating. "Leave me alone. Please." Please."

Tina must have been watching me all night because she was already next to me in an instant. "What's up, Sky are you okay?"

"I'm ..I don't think I'm feeling well."

Zed stepped between us. "I was just about to drive him home."

"I can take her," Tina said quickly.

"It's okay. She's with me. I'll take care of him." He's angry because I want to run away from him, I know that.

"Sky?" tina asked worriedly.

I hugged my arm to the waist. It's easier not to argue. I just want to get home as soon as possible, even if it means a few minutes in the car with Zed.

"Zed will take me. I'll tell my parents first"

I felt very shaken and some of the signs must have convinced my parents that I would be better at home. Simon judged Zed coldly before agreeing.

"Your father did well" said Zed, turning on his family's jeep.

"What?" Suddenly I felt tired - like my energy was drained. I let my head lean in the car window.

" He told me if I put a finger on his little girl, I'd be killed"

I'm laughing a little. "Yes, he's kind of protective." Very similar to Zed.

We left the building and Zed drove up the hill. A dangling crystal swayed from the mirror.

"Why do you call your parents by their names?" she asked.

"I've only been with them since I was ten. We all agreed that we were more comfortable calling by name. They feel too old to start as Mom and Dad."

"Do you agree or do they suggest?" He's correct. I want to call them Mom and Dad, really want to be like other normal kids, but that's not their style.

"I'm fine with that."

"It's not your fault"

"I'm taking you to them. I shouldn't have done it. Don't let what my mom says get you thinking and worrying"

"Just ... It doesn't feel good if someone sees things about you"

"You don't have to tell me I live in the same house as him."

"He can see things about you too?" It makes me feel so much better.

"Oh yeah. Being a Benedict isn't as comfortable as you might think"

We stopped outside the house. Only the porch lights are on. I wasn't too keen on going in alone but didn't want Zed to think I was giving him a different kind of invitation.

"So we'll keep it in the car? then then. Just one small step," she said gently, then leaned over and pressed her lips against mine, my first kiss.

Her kiss was very soft. I felt as if we were mingling together, the barrier I built shattered under his gentle persuasion.

Too soon, he pulled away reluctantly. "Where's your dad? Am I dead now?"

"That's not a finger. You said my dad only thought of one finger." My voice sounded far away from me. The panic faded and I started to enjoy being here with Zed. As he said, my body was humming with a perfect and smooth A tone.

"true." He put his hand on my shoulder and touched my cheek. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done it."

"Hm." Zed Benedict kissed me - how could this be real?

"Yes, I really, really like you, Sky. But if I don't stop now, your father will kill me and it will be the end of our wonderful journey." He took the last kiss and got out of the car, then to the side of the car to help me out. "I'll turn on some lights and then go back to the party."

"thank you. I don't like being alone when the house is dark."

"I know" Zed took the key from me and opened the door. I waited in front of the door as he briefly lit the lights.

He walked towards me while holding the key. "I don't like leaving you alone. Promise not to go out?"

"I promise"

"Are you going to be okay?"

"Yes. I'll be fine."

"And once again sorry about Mom. If you're not comfortable, her sister, Aunt Loretta, is worse."

"Would you?"

"Yes. Hard to imagine, right? Stay away from our house at Thanksgiving - they're an unstoppable combination." He pulled me into his arms and kissed the tip of my nose. "Good night, Sky."

"Good night"

His hand stuck to my cheek and then stepped back. "Make sure you lock the door after I get out"

I did as he said and went up to the top of the room to change clothes. When I looked out the window, I saw that he had not left. He's sitting in the car.

Keep me until my parents get home. He took the threat seriously - one that was both alarming and entertaining. At least tonight, I have nothing to fear.