Chapter 19

"Alright, make sure you're watching so you can't call me crazy anymore."

"I'm watching, I'm watching."

I focus deeply on the basketball sitting on the gym floor, thinking once again on the improbability that I just suddenly have gravity powers. Terri is off to the side, watching my experimentation.

Over and over again, I try all sorts of methods. I throw up my hand like I'm trying to psychically move it, nothing. I make no movements, instead focusing purely on the mental side of what might be my power, nothing. I pretend to act aloof of the power, barely even looking towards the ball, zip, nada, nothing.

"Maybe it's cause you're watching."

"You saying you're having performance anxiety?"

"Only when it's you."

"I still think you may have seen something. Not saying you lied to me, just that-"

"Enough with calling me crazy. I know what I saw. I know when something is real or not."

I continue to focus on the ball, but for the rest of the next hour, nothing happens.

"Screw this, I'm going for lunch."

"What ya getting?"

"Alone. I'm going alone."

"Okay, didn't mean to annoy you."

"No, it's not you; I'm just in a pissy mood right now. Unless you want me to spit my toxic venom at you for thirty minutes, I think it's best we have separate lunches."

With that, I make my way out the gym and the building.

'Thank the Lord that there's always good food to ease your mind.'

I sit down at some chain sandwich restaurant that sits along the strip mall a few minutes away from the campus.

I always have the same Italian meatfeast sandwich, so I always know I'm going to enjoy myself.

Although the store is mostly empty, a single other customer sits at the table across the room from me.

I really wish I could be absolutely alone, but that can rarely ever be.

'Damn this is good. Now I wish I didn't have to wait a month to eat it again.'

I usually try to wait a while before I come to this place though, it allows my taste buds to forget just how good it is, so I can fully enjoy it anew.

"I'm sorry, miss?"

"Hmm?"

I look up and see the man who was at the other table, now standing in front of mine, looking as if he had something to tell me.

"Sorry, I just saw it, I think you dropped your wallet by the register."

I look up and see that, indeed, my wallet is sitting on the ground, right in front of the register.

"Weird. I swear I put it back in my pocket."

I get and grab my wallet, looking through it to make sure nothing has been taken.

'I definitely remember putting it back in my pocket.'

'Maybe he's one of those weirdos who pickpockets you and then pretends to find your wallet so you'll reward him.'

'Why do you always have to jump to the nefarious explanation?'

'You're right, I should think logically. Maybe it just moved from your wallet to the floor just like the ball moved in the gym.'

'Actually, that's not crazy.'

I turn back around to thank the man, but he is already gone.

As I go to sit back down at my table, I see a sticky note left next to my drink.

I read the words and feel a strong chrill run up my spine.

"Maybe you should read the room."