Free Seclusion by C.S. Rinner Page B

current and upcoming classes that were available for us to take. Of the
lists of classes that were offered, the ones that stuck out to me most were
Physical Strength and Your Abilities, Learning to Control your Abilities, and
Multiple Abilities of the Telepathic Mind. Chase and I both signed up for
Learning to Control Your Abilities, which was recommended for everyone. The
summer session was just beginning, so we were able to take our first class that
same afternoon. I also registered for the telepathic mind class as well, but
that didn’t start until later in the week. At orientation I was able to make
appointments for an annual physical, retinal scan, fingerprinting, and a
meeting with my counselor. I was surprised to learn that Taylor actually met
with kids and that she would be my counselor. I had thought she just stuck to
recruitment.
    It was afternoon when I
rushed into my Learning to Control Your Abilities class after finishing all of
my random appointments. I knew Chase would be there saving me a seat, and I
felt comforted by that. All day, though, my thoughts hadn’t strayed far from
Damen. But I really was happy with how my relationship with Chase was
progressing. He was a sweetheart!
    As I walked into the class,
there was a swarm of girls introducing themselves to Chase. He was smiling
politely and responding to them. When I walked in, his head popped up, and he
grabbed me and pulled me into the seat next to him before giving me a hug and a
quick kiss on the cheek. I was so shocked, I couldn’t help but blush.
Apparently, there was no need to be jealous.
    Just then, a hooded boy
came in, and I silently watched him take the seat farthest across the room from
us in the back corner. I watched as he adjusted his iPod and then began
doodling in a notebook on his desk. I felt like I was looking at myself just
last week. I wondered if he had seen our P.D.A.
    Suddenly, I was startled by
the tapping on my desk.
    “Do you know that guy?”
Chase asked nonchalantly. “He looks like a loner.”
    I was irritated by his
comment, so I just shrugged and focused on the teacher. He gave me a confused
look, and then grabbed my hand and squeezed. He sent me an I’m sorry,
forgive me message. Weird to have someone using my own power for their
benefit. It was sort of intimate. I squeezed back and grabbed a pen.
    Professor Stark was
discussing the different types of abilities and attempting to categorize them.
It was all very interesting, and all of the students were looking at each
other, wondering who could do what.
    “Okay class, I’ve read over
your files, and I’ve already selected a partner for each of you. Your partners
are based on similar abilities, so this will help you. Find what works for
them, and it might work for you. Your first assignment is to spend at least an
hour with your partner before the next class. I want you to read the
personalized chapter for your individual talents on building and controlling
boundaries. This is the most important thing you will learn in this class. I
want you to meet with your partner in class, decide when and where you will
meet, and exchange numbers. You may then go. I don’t want to hear any
complaints about who your partner is. You aren’t in elementary school anymore.”
    As Professor Stark began
calling out partners, people were giggling and moving seats.
    Chase looked at me and
whispered, “I don’t think we’ll be partners. Bummer! Meet me in the second rec
area after you meet with your partner, okay?”
    “Chase and Chloe will be
together…”
    I looked over at this Chloe
girl, who looked like she had just won the lottery. She jumped up quickly and
ran for my seat. She might as well have just kicked me out of my chair!
    “Raegan and Damen, you two
may use my office to meet,” Professor Stark said.
    That was strange. OMG!
He does have an ability like mine. I knew he could read minds! My heart
started pounding fast, and I got really nervous all of a sudden.
    I walked