The curtain shhhsed across the window, allowing in rays of light that stabbed into my eyes.

Great, just great. Another day in the "paradise" that is New York. I hauled myself out of bed. My host "Mum", Helen, left my room. I pulled on some clothes and walked down the stairs to a feast of a breakfast.

"Okay, what's happening today?" I asked my host "father, John. He lowered his newspaper, revealing a pair of twinkling blue eyes beneath a slightly receding hairline.

"I do believe that today is Duncan's birthday." Duncan was Helen and John's son, who was, as of today, the same age as me, sixteen.

"Oh, I thought that was tomorrow. Oh well, it's a good thing I got his pressie early."

"Pressie?"

"Present. Must be New Zealand slang." With that I darted up the stairs, into my room. I rummaged through my sock drawer and pulled out, with some satisfaction, a small box wrapped in silvery paper. Holding it triumphantly, I descended the stairs. Duncan was sitting at the table with Helen and John. As no-one was eating I assumed they were waiting for me. I placed my small box ceremoniously atop the pile in front of Duncan's plate. He looked at me and smiled; obviously pleased I'd gotten him something.

"Well, this food isn't going to eat itself. Dig in." Helen said. We did. It was good food. She makes some great eggs. I still ask for fried eggs, despite her insistence that I should have them "over easy", what ever that means.

After about half an hour later, when we'd had enough, Duncan turned his eyes to the presents. Wrapping paper soon littered the floor as he opened CDs, thoughtful cards from relatives and friends, gift vouchers, and even a book. He strangely left my present till last, opening it carefully. He pulled out a watch. It wasn't much, just a $30 sports watch, but by the way his face lit up, you'd think I'd given him a golden Rolex. He muttered his thanks. I felt my face begin to go red. I stood, saying,

"I s'pose I should go get ready for school now." I slipped quickly out of the dining room, up the stairs, and into my room. I closed the door and slid down the inside of the door. My knuckles began to itch furiously.

Authors note: can you guess what His/Her power is? The closest guess/the one who actually reviews will get a cameo in the next chapter and possibly a recurring role!!

Same goes for suggestions of gender for Sam.