I walked outside and inhaled the fresh air. The grueling school day had just ended and I was making my way towards bus 137. My mind was drifting into the conversation Winnie and I had previously. We agreed that I would go over to her house after I dropped my school stuff off at home.

I felt a sudden pull and I almost fell on the concrete. I looked back to see who aggressively pulled my backpack, but I already knew. Ally not only wore pounds of makeup on her face, she also wore a smirk specifically for me.

God, what does she want?

"I heard about your little incident on Friday. Were you so sick of the sight of that whore, Winnie, that you passed out?" She mocked.

I looked behind the Wicked Witch of the West to see Katie, Gia, and Hanna standing back with guilt written all over their features. Hanna was in my English class and there was no doubt in my mind that she was the one who told the fashionable demon of my "little incident". If only I knew why she told. I didn't know what she could gain from tattling to Ally.

"And?" I question.

"And that makes you more of a freak," She giggles.

It took everything in me not to start throwing punches. I knew that if I did I would be suspended or even expelled. Beating her up wouldn't help at all no matter how good it would feel. Instead of fighting I settled for a death glare.

"Well all the boys in school seem to know that you're a freak in bed. Now if you don't mind, I actually have a life—unlike you—and need to go home," I taunted letting out all of my rage. As a last thought, I said "bye" over my shoulder and waved as I got onto my bus.

I spent the next fifteen minutes on my way home reliving the glorious comeback I spat at the witch. Her nose scrunched up the way it does when Winnie talks to her. Ally's eyes contained a wild rage bottled up within her petite frame. Needless to say, it was a marvelous sight.

Standing up to Ally gave me a newfound confidence. This was the confidence I needed to train with Winnie. I'm sure she'll be proud once I tell her how I stood up for myself. I felt like I was on top of the world and not even Ally could knock me down—not anymore.

***

I strolled up to the condo where I knew I would have to face my dad. My previous confidence melted away and I became nervous and fidgety. I had to go to Winnie's and train but first I had to get his permission. It's not a difficult task but I despise asking him for anything whether he's intoxicated or not. It's like asking a bear for honey; it isn't done unless absolutely necessary.

I dropped off my backpack in my bedroom and caught sight of Frank. It's been a while since I've watered him.

"Hey, Frank! I'm sorry for being busy lately. I've just been going to Winnie's a lot and I have a bunch of homework and projects due. I'll give you some water, buddy."

I've always liked arts-and-crafts. That's why I painted a pretty blue sky, green grass, and some red tulips on my watering can. It's my own special touch to my favorite, and only, plant's watering can.

I wish I could grow a real garden in the yard. I know dad wouldn't let me spend money on flowers and seeds though.

"I wish I could get you some brothers and sisters, Frank. Maybe you could get a girlfriend. Can plants have girlfriends and boyfriends?"

There was a silence within the thin walls. If Frank could talk though, he would agree—on wanting another plant. He always looked so lonely to me, sitting on the windowsill separated from all other living things. I wished I could at the very least get a small succulent. I still couldn't afford another pot, soil, and a luscious green plant. It pained me to look at the sad sight.

Taking a light jacket, I left the safety of my room and went into the living room. When I couldn't find him there I climbed back up the stairs to dad's office. Most days dad worked at home so it came to no surprise when I found him in his small office. His brown eyes were locked on his monitor. I silently tiptoed into the office and cleared my throat.

"Can I go to Winnie's?"

"Yeah, sure. Whatever. Just call if you're gonna stay the night," he spoke in a monotone voice, eyes never leaving the screen.

"Okay."

I didn't want to stick around any longer. He clearly didn't care if I went to Winnie's or was doing meth in some guy's basement. He'd probably shrug if I told him that I was going to a boy's house. Normal fathers were supposed to care for and protect their children. My dad isn't normal though.

I walked out the front door with only my house key and my jacket in my hand. Walking through the streets was peaceful and freeing. The warm May air was all around me. It felt nice to get outside and away from that condo. The weight on my shoulders was already feeling so much lighter. I didn't have to worry.

The familiar house came into view and I began to get cold feet. I was starting to doubt whether I really was extraordinary and held great power and if Winnie could get that power out.

What if I'm not special?

What if Winnie can't help?

What will happen if I can summon my power?

Can I even do it at will?

What if it was just a one time thing?

Knocked softly on the hard wood and waited for Winnie to let me in. I heard the thump! thump! thump! of her feet. The door swung open to reveal an excited Winnie.

"I don't think you've ever been this excited to see me, Win."

"That's probably because I haven't. Now come in before I explode! I've been waiting for you for hours," Winnie complained.

"It's only been like thirty minutes," I added as I walked through the doorway.

"Let's go to the backyard. There's more space back there."

I put my coat on a hanger and followed  Winnie outside. Her backyard is fairly spacious with enough room for a playground set. Her brothers often spent afternoons in their own plastic world. My condo barely had a backyard. The small patch of grass behind my house held only enough room for a small tomato garden.

Winnie led me past the rusty swing set. We sat in the gorgeous green grass. I looked at Winnie expectantly, waiting for her to tell me her plan. Instead we sat in silence and the pollen filled air nipped at my shoulders.

"I want you to try to do what you did Saturday, Mace. Think you can do that?"

I nodded although I had no idea how to do what I did on Saturday. I knew that Winnie couldn't help with that so I just tried to make it up as I went along. I began by staring intensely into Winnie's sea foam eyes. My thoughts turned to her and I focused on getting in her head. That wasn't getting me anywhere. I opted for just closing my eyes and trying to hear Winnie's voice. My mind was blank. I couldn't figure out how to hear Winnie's thoughts again.

"Winnie, I don't know what I'm doing. I can't do this," I doubted.

"Well I don't know anything about mind reading but I knew that something like this would happen."

"You did?"

"Yup! That's why I came up with Plan B."

"What's Plan B?"

"We're gonna talk to each other and have a conversation. But here's the catch, you have to keep your eyes closed. That way you can't tell whether I'm responding by thinking or actually talking."

"Winnie you're a genius!"

"Thanks. Now close your eyes so we can get started!"

Her plan was phenomenal, incredible even. I quickly shut my eyes so the testing could commence. I decided that focusing on Winnie and what she was saying or thinking was my best option. I thought I would start the conversation and wasted no time telling my friend about my run-in with Ally.

"Ally tried to tick me off about passing out. Called me a 'freak' even though I only had a normal human reaction."

"That girl is messed up. Do you want me to talk to her?"

"No. I actually gave her a piece of my mind. Her nose scrunched up the way it does when you talk to her."

"That's how you know you did a good job."

"Did she do anything to you today?"

Just the usual. She called me whore seven times (I counted). I heard Winnie say.

"Seven times? Jeez!"

Holy mother of God.

"What? Did I do something?" I said giddy.

Open your eyes, Macyn!

I did what Winnie "said" and opened my eyes. Winnie's smile was so wide I'm surprised she didn't break her jaw. Her eyes lit up and she stared at me expectantly. I had no idea why she had a huge, permanent smile on her face.

"Did I do it?" I half shouted.

The thought of succeeding in reading her mind brought a smile that rivaled Winnie's onto my face. She nodded her head yes. I instantly, without a second thought, threw my arms around her thin frame. She immediately hugged back and we smiled and smiled.

My victory was short lived when I started to feel another headache come on. The pounding began but I was still smiling as wide as ever.

It's not just a one-time-thing. I can read minds!