Free A Diamond in My Pocket by Lorena Angell Page A

statement, ‘the weakest can be
the strongest’, made my heart pound in my chest. He knew! He was in on the
witch’s plan. Neither one of them trusted these boys; should I? I decided to be
careful with my trust account.
    Justin asked in his arrogant tone,
“Why didn’t they just come pick the diamond up themselves?”
    I couldn’t focus on what Mr. Bates
said because my mind filled with the real reason. First, the Death Clan leaders
had already tried unsuccessfully to harness the powers of the uncut stone. Their
Seers told them the future showed a round brilliant cut stone and an enormous
gathering of all the clans to witness the absorption of powers. They needed the
diamond cut, but realized they wouldn’t be able to touch the stone once it was
completed. So, to ensure they would get the cut stone back, they kidnapped
members from each clan and were currently holding them in exchange for the
delivery of the diamond.
    Secondly, the diamond had to be
delivered this way because, as a cut stone, it’s lethal for any person of
powers to touch. I am just a regular human. I can handle the stone, wear it
close to my body and not die. This also explained why Maetha was able to hold it;
she’s a witch, not a person of powers, and Mr. Bates had admitted he was
powerless.
    We completed our meeting with Mr.
Bates and emerged from the building to meet with the rest of the group. The apprehension
and embarrassment I’d experienced when leaving the compound had dissipated. Instead
I was infused with confidence and enlightenment. Could it be possible the
diamond was causing this metamorphosis?
    Chris informed the group that our
delivery assignment would be to the Death Clan up in Canada. An audible gasp
could be heard.
    “The DBTs? What’s in the package?” a
boy named Tyler asked.
    Chris replied, “You know I can’t
tell you.”
    Tyler placed his hands on his hips,
“No one told me this assignment would involve the Death Clan. I think we should
know what exactly we are risking our lives over.”
    “Telling you would only put your
life in more danger. I will tell you this though; before we left the compound,
Clara told me that Dirk, John and Macey are three of many hostages being held
by the Death Clan to ensure this package will be delivered. Their lives are on
the line more than yours, Tyler. Let’s get moving.”
    Chris went on to divide the group
into flank, tail and lead with the three of us in the center. He and Justin
would take turns carrying the diamond, but when I offered to help they laughed.
    “You’ll drop or lose it,” Justin
sneered.
    “I’m part of this trio too, you
know.”
    “We’ll handle the package,” Chris
said and turned to begin the run.
    “Who’s holding my hand?” I
demanded.
    While the two of them fought about
which one would be stuck with me, like I’m a diseased miscreant or something, I
watched Kayla whisper to Beth. Her lips said, “Trade me spots, ok? I want to be
by Chris.” They reversed positions without Chris knowing better. I remembered
Kayla was the one in the lunch line who thought Chris liked her.
    I cut the guys off with, “Neither
one of you is who I would choose either, but unless one of your oversized egos
gives in we’ll be running at my pace, not yours.”
    Chris gave in and looked slightly
dejected, which perplexed me. Surely he wouldn’t care what I thought about him.
He took my hand and we began our journey.
    Running with Chris’s power didn’t
seem the same as before. Instead of being dragged along, I ran beside him,
matching his ability. The speed and lithe was wonderful and exhilarating; if
only I ran this fast on my own. I looked over at him and smiled in spite of
myself. I felt equal regardless of how he perceived me. For once, the
expression on his face went blank. Perhaps he could tell I wasn’t as slow as
I’d been. Perhaps. He squeezed my hand a little more than before and I wondered
what he was thinking. If only I could read minds. I read the