Charged (Electric) Page 5

  Mason stays right by my side, even when he has to cram his body into the corner of the elevator, to accommodate the rolling bed they insist I stay in. I guess I can cross feeling embarrassed off of our relationship list. I can’t think of much worse than this.

  Finally they get us in a room. It’s a double bed, but no one is occupying it, basically leaving the room for me and Mason. I look at him. “This sucks.” I say, stating the obvious.

  “You get zapped by some large, unknown amount of electricity, and you’re complaining about a hospital stay?” He shakes his head. “Frankly, I don’t think this sucks anywhere near as much as watching you get hurt.”

  I consider this, and I can see his perspective, so I acquiesce. “Fine, you win.” I soften a little. “Thank you, for staying, I mean.”

  He doesn’t meet my gaze as he answers. “It’s as much for me as it is for you. It scared me, seeing you like that.”

  “I wish I knew what happened.” I say, and vaguely a memory pulls at me. I try to recall it, but it slips away.

  “Me, too.” He answers. “I-“

  He’s cut off by a nurse entering. She fidgets with a machine then looks sternly at us. “You need rest.” She points to me. “You may as well lie down over there.” She motions Mason to the empty bed next to me, and then leaves, shutting off all but the light next to my bed.

  “I guess this is goodnight then.” Mason plops down on the other bed.

  “Goodnight, Mason.” I whisper, watching him fall asleep quickly.

  I’m not so lucky in the sleep department. My body is still tingling, and it’s hard to get comfortable, much less fall asleep. I suppose I could call the nurse and ask for something, but I really don’t want to.

  So I begin counting ceiling tiles, and replaying tonight’s events in my mind. I stop, when I recall something. Something right before the explosion occurred.

  There’s no way I would vocalize this thought to anyone, even Brie or Mason without real proof, because of the severity of it. But I recall, almost perfectly, Kiera and Shelby walking away from where all of the equipment is set up. I remember my confusion. Well, I’m not confused anymore.

  First, I’m pissed. But as that wanes, I realize how serious it would be, to bring the allegations in my thoughts to the attention of anyone else. I’d be accusing them of a crime. And I certainly don’t have anything to go on, other than seeing them and a hunch. I decide to keep this to myself, for now.

  Mason’s snoring is oddly comforting. I angle myself slightly in my bed, as best I can with all of the wires attached to me, so I can see him better. He’s still gorgeous, but in rest he has a peacefulness about him that lies dormant when he’s awake. Or, maybe it’s just that he dazzles me when he’s awake, and the last thing I feel, is peaceful.

  This is the first real chance I’ve had to study him, without having to worry about looking like I am. His dark hair is longer than when we first met, and he’s in need of a haircut. A few wayward strands hang into his eyes. If I was closer to him, I would brush them off of his forehead. My gaze follows down his face, his straight roman-inspired nose, his strong jaw contrasting it. I know when his eyes open, I will get lost in their blue depths.

  Part of me, albeit a small part now, is still waiting to wake up from the dream that is Mason. I’m well over the shock that he likes me, but not only is he great looking, he’s also smart, funny, kind, and sweet. Pretty much perfect, for me, anyway, like he was made just to be mine.

  The door opens, interrupting my thoughts, and another nurse walks in quietly. She makes her way over to my side of the room, checking all the machines on her way. “Can’t sleep, honey?” Oh, she’s much nicer than the last nurse. I shake my head no. “I’ll go get something for you.”

  I don’t turn her down, as she walks back out of the room. I know I should be tired. I’m just not. Typically, me and sleep don’t have any problems. I wonder vaguely if the tingling feeling still coursing throughout me has anything to do with my sleeplessness when the door opens and the nice nurse re-enters, a small cup in each of her hands. “Take these, honey, and you’ll fall asleep soon.”

  I comply and thank her, before she leaves again. I resume counting ceiling tiles, but don’t get very far before the pills kick in and I drift off into a medicated haze.

  They release me the next day, but not before I catch snippets of whispered conversations between my mother and the doctor. Phrases like ‘should have been killed’ and ‘unexplainable’ float in. I can tell by the looks Mason gives me that he’s overheard, too. I was very lucky, considering the amount of electricity they figure I was shocked with. I still feel tingly, and almost…charged, with nervous energy. But besides that, never better.

  It’s a relief to get home. Mason and my mom insist I rest, though I hold my ground and demand a shower first. I need to wash the hospital smell off of me. My mom insists Mason go home for an hour or so also, so she can start the dinner that she is still determined to make. Mason gives me a chaste kiss before he crosses the backyard to his own house.

  The shower helps, but it seems to increase the tingling sensation just under my skin, as I stand under the hot water.

  I reach for my shampoo, only half looking at my hand reaching for it and for just a split second I could swear my hand is glowing. I pause in mid grab, and hold my hand in front of me, examining it. I give my head a small shake, and begin grumbling to myself about overactive imaginations, when I very plainly see a distinct shimmer glimpse over my hand and travel up my arm. What in the hell is that?

  Unsure exactly what to do, knowing my hot water is limited, and perhaps in a state of shock, I wash my hair and finish my shower. When I get out and towel off, I see no remnants of the creepy shimmer. Shrugging, I chalk it up to paranoia and reach for my comb.

  I keep my comb above the sink, and as I reach for it, my hand passes next to the electrical outlet on the wall. A crackle of electricity, a loud spark, jumps from the small slots of the socket and into my arm. I jump back, scared, and then confused, because it doesn’t hurt.

  Unsure if it’s the best move to make, I slowly reach out for the comb again. This time, I’m expecting the shock, and I don’t get scared or jump away when it comes. It still doesn’t hurt, and the closer I get, the more steady the shock gets, until I can see the crackle transferring between the wall and my hand. The tingling under my skin feels supercharged, like insane pins and needles, and it begins to get uncomfortable, so I quickly snatch up my comb and pull my hand back.

  Disturbed, I bring my comb to my room and get dressed. When I’m done I sit at the edge of my bed. I study my hands again, looking at my palms for another shimmer-anything to confirm my sanity. As I slowly turn my palms towards each other, to study the backs of my hands for any anomalies, I both see and feel a powerful current of electricity run between them. I feel my eyebrows shoot to the top of my head, and I know in my heart that this is not normal.

  A knock on my door has my hands falling, and shakes me from my newfound freakiness. My mom pops her head through the door before I answer.

  “How are you feeling?” She asks, looking concerned.

  I manage a weak smile. “Better, thanks. The shower helped.”

  She chuckles. “You never did like going to the doctors.”

  I shudder involuntarily. “Nope, still don’t, either. Do you need help with dinner?”

  She shakes her head. “You are supposed to rest. I’ve got the couch set up for you.”

  “Thanks, mom, I’ll be down in a minute.”

  She doesn’t bother to shut the door behind her. I take a few more moments to collect myself, but I know if I don’t get downstairs that my mom will come back up to check on me, and I don’t want to worry her. Especially until I figure out if there’s anything to worry about.

  A quick glance in the mirror confirms that I still look like me. No freaky glowing skin or sparks flying out of my ears. This is comforting. I bank all of the weirdness in the recesses of my mind, to think
about later. Like when I don’t have my new boyfriend coming over to dinner for the first time.

  I hear a knock on the back door as I’m halfway down the stairs, and I smile, knowing Mason is here. I hear the door open, and him and my mom exchanging pleasantries, as I round the corner into the kitchen.

  My mom permits a quick hello before she banishes me to the couch. I can’t really complain, because Mason is following. As soon as we are no longer in view of the kitchen, he turns and slips his arms around my waist, pulling me close.

  “How are you feeling?” He murmurs into my ear, sending a delicious sensation up my spine. “You look better. I was worried about you, even this morning you seemed a bit shaky.”

  I gape at him idiotically for a moment before I remember that I’m supposed to reply. “I feel better, thanks.” I say breathlessly.

  He dips his head down and gives me the sweetest kiss I’ve ever had. It’s a good thing he’s supporting most of my weight, because my legs turn to Jell-O and I actually swoon. I’ve never swooned before, my face flushing in embarrassment. From his soft chuckle, I can tell that he noticed my reaction.

  “Maybe we should sit?” He suggests.

  “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.” He releases me and I lead him to the sofa.

  Once we’re settled, I grab the remote and turn the TV on. I flick randomly through channels, pausing momentarily when I see the BioNano logo on the news. I turn up the sound and the female news anchor’s voice fills the room.

  “We’ve had the first official medical use of BioNano’s new nanobots and it has been a complete success.” The picture changes to a young man, looking like an army man in fatigues, then to the same man, with one leg. “When Michael lost his leg in service he never dreamed we would have the technology to regenerate it. Three days ago the BioNano doctors implemented their first non-clinical use for regenerating tissue and cells. Today, Michael has his leg again.”

  A doctor comes onto the screen. “Michael’s journey is just beginning, we are able to give him back his leg, but he will still have to undergo months of physical therapy. So far, he can wiggle his toes and he’s in high spirits.”

  The female voice returns. “This is history in the making, folks. Stay tuned for last night’s sports scores.” I turn the volume back down.

  “Wow.” I say. “It’s crazy to see them in action.”

  “I know.” Mason agrees. “I mean, I know we were just there and saw most of the theories behind it, but you’re right, it’s crazy to see them utilize it.”

  “I guess it works.” I say more to myself than to Mason.

  He looks at me quizzically. “You really have some serious reservations about them, huh.”

  I make a face. “It just seems too freaky, too…chaotic to control, to me anyway. It’s like BioNano is playing God, but history and science has shown us repeatedly how dangerous and unstable that is. And it seems to be moving so fast. They just grew a guy a leg in three freaking days. It makes me nervous, that’s all.”

  “I can see that.” Mason smiles and my mood automatically lightens, worries of microscopic robots flee my mind. I change the channel, finding a funny movie and we spend the rest of the time laughing until my mom calls us to dinner.

  Dinner goes surprisingly smooth. My mom and Mason get along better than I could have ever asked for. I just hope they stay that way. My mom refuses any help cleaning up, and since tomorrow is a school day, a school day I plan on attending no matter what my mom says, we call it an early night. I’m lying in bed, trying to relax and go to sleep when I hear my phone go off. Mason’s texting goodnight and it brings a smile to my lips. I say goodnight too, and promise to see him in the morning. I occupy my thoughts with Mason until I drift off to sleep, much later than usual.

  Chapter Four

  Despite my lack of sleep last night, my energy levels are through the roof. I’m up early, shocking my mom when she wakes up and finds me already halfway done with breakfast. I take a little extra time getting ready. I wear my favorite jeans, and a newer shirt. I even throw on a little eyeliner and lip gloss. This is about as girly as I get. I shove my feet into my chucks and grab my backpack to meet Mason in the backyard.

  Brie meets us at her corner and the three of us are off. I’ve tried to mentally prepare myself for school. I know that everyone will be buzzing about the show on Friday, and the explosion, of course. But with Brie and Mason by my side, I think I can handle it. I just hope I can keep my temper and accusations in check around Kiera and Shelby.

  Turns out, I never even saw them. I’m sure they were there, but all day I had either Brie or Mason beside me, and a throng of people I usually consider mere acquaintances swarming us. I can tell the difference between those who just want the latest thing to gossip about, and the ones who are sincerely concerned. The amount of the latter surprises me, but it makes me feel good to know more people care than I thought.

  In Biology, Mr. Murphy has been just about bursting with excitement over the successful use of the nanobots from BioNano. We all had to promise to follow the story closely, as it is now becoming a graded project. I love Mr. Murphy, but those microscopic robots still give me the heebie-jeebies.

  On our way home, Brie declares that we will not have practice today. I only argue a little, mostly because Mason flashes his puppy dog eyes at me, and maybe a little because I’m scared to strap a guitar on again. Not that I’m going to let that stop me. My guitar is a fried memory, the last I saw it, a melted blotch of plastic and metal. Brie has a spare she’s giving me, but I don’t think that putting it off one more day should matter. So we split at Brie’s road, she winks at me behind Mason’s back and I wonder for a moment if he planned this.

  Mason looks nervously at me. “I was thinking, that maybe, you might want to come to my house for a change? Maybe meet my parents?”

  I grin. “I’d love to.”

  I’d been inside Mason’s house many times before over the years. Our neighborhood has always been close knit, something you don’t see too much of anymore. Right away I notice the changes that they’ve made. The old wallpaper is gone, and the muted earth tones in the room make it relaxed.

  “My parents won’t be home for a couple hours. Do you want to watch a movie or something?” Mason asks.

  “Maybe in a little bit?” I reply. “I want to get this calculus homework done and over with.”

  He shrugs. “Okay.” Then leads me to the kitchen and sets his bag on the table, “Anything to eat or drink?”

  “Sure, whatever you have works for me.”

  I enjoy watching him move around the kitchen, being all domestic. It’s cute. He sets two sodas and a bag of chips on the table as I set out my homework. He joins me, and we get through it quickly. I’m putting my books away when I hear the front door open, and a voice calls out. “Mason, you home?”

  “In the kitchen, mom!” He calls back, and then looks at me. “You ready?”

  I swallow hard. Apparently it doesn’t matter if I’m ready, because Mason’s mom is here. As she enters the room, I quickly see the resemblance between them. My manners kick in and I force a smile on my face, “Hello, Mrs. Griffin, it’s nice to meet you.” I stand and extend my hand.

  She has the same smile as Mason. “Hello, you must be Kat, how nice to finally meet you!” She shakes my hand gently, but I don’t miss the look she shoots Mason as she speaks.

  “Sorry, mom,” Mason says, sounding contrite.

  “Well,” she says, “it’s not like you’ve ever brought a girl home before, so I guess I should be grateful I get to meet Kat here.” She winks at me.

  I’m still stuck on the fact that Mason has never brought a girl home before. And obviously, he has mentioned me, or his mom wouldn’t have known my name.

  I’m still thinking this over when Mason grabs my hand. “C’mon. I’ll show you my room.”

  I give his mom a small smile and allow myself to be dragged behind him. We go upstairs, and Mason pulls me through the first do
or on the right. The walls are a deep blue, reminding me of his eyes. A large window dominates one wall, a full size bed across from it. It’s not much bigger than my room, but his TV is larger and a couple of game consoles lay next to it on the floor. My attention is drawn to the art on the wall, over the bed. The pictures are beautiful. As I pass the desk, I notice more art work. “I didn’t know you draw.” I say quietly, more to myself than to Mason.

  “I don’t like to brag.” He smirks. He doesn’t stop me when I move to open one of the drawing pads. The first page is a landscape of the ocean. I flip the page and see a picture of my face. In awe, I turn, and page after page is me, as though a series of photographs. Me laughing, me pouting, me sleeping, only a much prettier version of me, “I like to draw what I know.” He says quietly.

  I smile at him. If it was anyone else, it would be kind of creepy. But because it’s Mason, I find it endearing. “I think it’s sweet.” I tell him, and I can see him relax a little.

  Mason’s mom yells up the stairs that his father is home. Mason rolls his eyes and grabs my hand. “Ready for round two?” He asks, before leading me back down.

  Mason’s dad is every bit as warm and funny as his mom. They insist I stay for dinner, and when they realize I live next door, they insist I extend the invitation to my mom, also. This how the five of us find ourselves sitting in the Griffin’s dining room. But I have no complaints. Our parents are getting along great. Mason and I manage a small kiss goodbye before my mom and I go home. I kind of wish we had some more time alone this afternoon and I can tell by looking at him, he feels the same.

  No sooner do I get settled into bed, that I hear my phone go off. I feel around in the dark, until my hand clasps over it. It takes a second for my eyes to adjust to the light from the screen. It’s a text from Mason. He wants me to meet him out back in ten minutes. I peak my head into the hallway. My mom’s light is off, but her TV is on, and I hear lines from Cat on A Hot Tin Roof. She’s not getting up again tonight. I’ve never snuck out before, but then I’ve also never had a reason to.