Relics Read Free

all before we were out of the B&B and into a spacious condo in a nice and quiet neighborhood. Nana had gotten a part time job at the local library and registered me in sixth grade for the fall.
    That summer was a time of change. Nana and I were working out how we fit together. The numbness began to ease somewhat over that summer, but I don't think I was ever really a child after that. My natural, happy nature was subdued. I often sat and stared at nothing from our living room window.
    Nana wanted me to go out and play with the other kids, but I just didn’t feel like it. The thought that I’d have to answer questions as the new kid and tell them my parents died made my throat close up. So, instead, I read a lot, watched movies, and best of all, I discovered gaming. I was able to disappear into each of those worlds for hours on end. Games kept me company a lot during that time. I stared at the TV, playing as time crept by.
    Nana and I discussed the visits from my parents after they died and everything that seeing them might mean. Since she and I both had abilities most people didn't, she made it clear we needed to keep that fact to ourselves for our own protection.
    Nana's ability was empathy. She knew what people were feeling. That was why she had done her tarot and crystal ball act back in the carnival. Mostly she dealt with the living, but now and then one of the dead would find her and she was able to sense them. In the case of my parents, her tie with Mom was so close she was actually able to see and hear her.
    Nana told me about an old friend of hers who was a telepath and psychic.
    “This was years ago, when I was in my twenties. My friend didn't make a secret of what he could do and often consulted with police. He didn't get a lot of attention in the papers or anything like some do, but he was pretty consistent with his results. One day, he disappeared. I have no idea where he went. He was just gone. But I'm telling you, Fi, I knew he was alive. I could feel his emotions - his pain, his fear.” She paused, looking into the distance as she sometimes did. “I still do.”
    A chill ran through me as she looked straight into my eyes. “Maybe I'm a foolish old woman, but since I don't feel old, I'm going to say I'm not. But we are only safe if we keep our abilities to ourselves, Fiona.”
    It was a lesson I'd never forget.

Chapter 2
     
    The first day of school was typical of any middle school. Kids got together and compared notes from the summer. Kids tried to find classrooms. I already had my class schedule and books from when we came to register, so I was good on that score.
    Nana made sure I was there early enough to chat with the other kids, but chatting was the last thing on my mind. I was looking forward to learning, but not the socializing. The effort involved in getting to know new people was just too much.
    I made my way to my classroom and sat in the last seat of the far row, where I could look out a window. It was a bright room, a typical classroom with maps, charts, and art from past years. My teacher was Mrs. Allen. She came in shortly after I did, giving me a look of surprise before following it up with a smile.
    “I bet you are Fiona Bartlett.”
    “Yes, ma'am,” I said politely.
    She looked around the empty seats, and I could see her noting my choice. Maybe she thought about telling me to move, but she didn't.
    “I'm Mrs. Allen. You probably knew that. We've still got quite a while before class begins. Did you need my help with anything?”
    I shook my head.
    “Well, I'm going to get in one more cup of coffee before class.” She paused at the door. “Fiona, please, if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know.”
    I gave her a polite smile. “Yes, Mrs. Allen.”
    The door shut behind her, and I looked out the window. My fake smile quickly disappeared.
    It was only a few minutes later when the door opened again. A boy stuck his head in. When he saw me, his face lit up.
    “There you