Chapter Nine

A Past Life

I sat in the same chair I had before. I was nervous, by returning to Ms. Wilson's office, she knew about one of my powers, but how did she know? Did my mother have something similar happen to her, is that where these powers came from? A human knowing too, they might think of me as some sort of freak.

I watched Ms Wilson close the door quietly and walk to sit in the chair next to mine.

"Now I suppose your wondering how I know right Anna. I think what you have is special, a gift not something abnormal." She said slowly choosing her words carefully. "Though I never thought you would be able to read minds like your mother. When I saw you coming up the veranda, I was surprised that you did not walk away. Your gift would still be unknown to me."

Why did you do it? I am a stranger to you; you do not know anything about me? - Ms Wilson

I looked at her. "I came because I feel as if I can trust you. My mother entrusted you with her secret and I entrust you now, mine. But how did you find out?" I answered.

"Your mother was able to dig in to someone's memories. Look into mine if you can, it would be a better way answering your questions and you could have your own view on the matter, instead of me explaining it." Ms Wilson explained.

I closed my eyes and focused I could hear her thoughts. I needed to dig further down; I poured my strength into my gift. Suddenly memories that did not belong to me progressed through my mind. Recent ones, the talk with Mrs Bishop, watching our class, most thoughts on me. I dug deeper my mother's funeral, images of a baby in my mothers arms, a wedding. I sunk deeper. Then I found what I was looking for. I was looking through Ms Wilson's eyes, it was here at the Academy, and everyone I viewed was wearing clothes that were not worn these days. Ms Wilson, was I think was sitting in the common room of the girls dorm, where is Mel she thought. She rose and walked over to a girl of about seventeen, which looked like a younger Mrs Bishop reading a book.

"Stace, have you seen Mel." Ms Wilson asked

"Not since dinner, try the stable, she's likely there fussing over that horse of hers." suggested Mrs Bishop.

"Or maybe something more, to do with Kevin?" joked Ms Wilson.

"Funny Andi, very funny." Said Mrs Bishop sarcastically.

"Everyone, but Kevin knows anyway." Said Ms Wilson. Mrs Bishop looked up at Ms Wilson in frustration.

"Be quiet will you Andi" said Mrs Bishop and hit her with a pillow.

"Okay, I'm sorry" Ms Wilson said cheekily. "I'm going to find Mel". She turned and walked towards to hallway.

"Don't be late back or Maturin will lock you out" called Mrs Bishop.

"I won't be" answered Ms Wilson.

I watched as Ms Wilson made her way down to the stables, soft talking could be heard. That sounds like Mel I should get closer. I watched as Ms Wilson quietly sneaked closer to the voice. She stopped two stalls down from the voice.

"I hate not telling them. Your right, they wouldn't understand, but Andi might." I heard the voice say.

The voice stopped. "I think I heard something," the voice said. I heard the stall door close and my mother turned down to look at Ms Wilson.

"Andi?" She said surprised, worry in her green eyes. Hers were the exact colour of my eyes. "What did you hear?"

What should I say? Wait I know.

"You talking to your horse, answering her questions as you can read her mind" Ms Wilson replied. My mother froze. "You can, can't you. Read peoples minds. That's how you knew I was here."

"I..." my mother stuttered turn and ran, disappearing into the night.

Ms Wilson's thoughts at the time were stunned. However, she took off after my mother. Mel I don't think that the mind reading thing is strange, it's amazing. I could see through Ms Wilson's eyes that my mother had stopped. Ms Wilson caught up to my mother.

"You do" my mother said softly.

Yes I do and I promise not to tell anyone . Ms Wilson thought

"Thankyou" my mother said and I retreated from the Ms Wilson's memories.

I opened my eyes and focused back on Ms Wilson who was slumped back in her chair.

"And you never told a soul." I concluded looking at her.

"No I never did, except for now."

"Mum never told anyone else?" I asked.

Ms Wilson shook her head. That made me think, dad was deprived of this information, he never knew.

"Dad didn't even know," I said softly looking down.

How could she not tell him, if he loved her he could have accepted that, but I have never told him either.

"No, your mother thought that he wouldn't understand. She always thought that people would treat her differently because if they knew. Like you I bet."

"You could say that." I mumbled. "What else could you tell me about her?"

"She was stubborn and never backed down from things that challenged her or her views. She was an unbelievably loyal friend and put others before herself always. A kind and gentle soul, that needed people to accept her. She was a great woman and friend, everyone liked her, it was probably how your father was attracted to her, one of the reasons anyway. "

"How did my mother end up with my father if Mrs Bishop loved him? Because according to you she put everyone else first and she was a loyal friend."

"I'll show you," said Ms Wilson.

I closed my eyes. Memories selected played in my head once again. It was strange seeing someone else's memories other than mine.

I was in the common room again; Mrs Bishop was talking to my mother.

"Stace, I know how you feel about him. I will not stand in your way. I'll try to remove myself." Promised my mother sadly,

"Thankyou Mel," Said Mrs Bishop warmly.

The memory disappeared and another took its place. Now Ms Wilson and my mother were walking towards the dinning room.

"Melissa, wait up?" called male voice.

My mother looked at Ms Wilson in desperation. Ms Wilson and my mother turned. There stood my father, devilishly handsome. Not good. Thought Ms Wilson

"Yes, can I do anything for you?" my mother asked, I could hear a hint of affection behind her voice. My mother was in love with my father too, but stepped away to let Mrs Bishop to try her luck.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go out with me, on a date?" he asked. Ms Wilson looked at my father. The way he looked at my mother, I could tell he was in love with her too.

"I'm sorry, Kevin I would but I really need to focus on my ridding. I hope you understand" my mother lied smoothly; I could see the hurt in her eyes.

"I understand," he answered, sounding hurt.

Now I was in a room surrounded by bales of hay, likely the loft in the stable.

"This is your fault Melissa, he loves you. Not me, you!" screamed Mrs Bishop. "I hate you" and she ran down the stairs.

My mother broke down crying. Please don't cry Mel, you can't help it, he chose you, he loves you. You tried everything.

"It's still my fault, if I never..." my mother sobbed.

"It'll be fine, Stacey will forgive you," said Ms Wilson trying to soothed her

"She won't, because of me her heart is broken"

The memories ended. My mother was so selfless. I could never live up to her; I sighed and opened my eyes.

"Kevin was very persistent, everything your mother tried and said, had no effect on him. He loved her so much. One night he caught her off guard and managed to kiss her. Stacey saw them and well, was hurt and explosive at the same time. She did eventually forgive Melissa, but I was not the same as before either. After that episode, your mother was catatonic. She did not eat, barely slept or talked to anyone. Kevin was the one however, that healed her. There was only so much I could do for her." Explained Ms Wilson, looking away from me.

"My mother sounds like an angel." I said.

"She was to everyone who knew her. Not a day goes by that I don't miss her." Sighed Ms Wilson

I wonder what she was like towards Kate and I.

"What was she like with Kate and me?"I asked.

"She treasured both of you. She gave up her riding career to raise you," answered Ms Wilson.

Another memory flooded my mind. I quickly close my eyes once more to watch the scene play out in my mind.

It was a room I recognised, it was Kate's room. Ms Wilson looked down at a sleeping baby Kate in her mother's arms.

"Kate is so adorable Mel," stated Ms Wilson

"Yes she is" my mother cooed and kissed Kate's forehead.

"Mama" called a voice.

My mother placed Kate in the crib and turned. I saw myself running towards her, covered in mud. My father followed behind. My mother picked my younger self up. "How did you get covered in mud, Anna" she said softly. "I was helping daddy clean Sadie," my younger self answered. My mother looked up at my father sternly. "Well let's get you cleaned up then little missy." She walked towards my father and kissed his cheek and walked on, my younger self following behind.

The memory disappeared. I opened my eyes; Ms Wilson had tears in her eyes. I felt guilty; it was selfish of me to ask questions about my mother, not assessing how it would affect her.

Got out of my chair and put my arms around her. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

"You're like her in so many ways Anna," Ms Wilson sobbed. "But, you have a right to know. For a second I thought you were your mother. I shouldn't be crying."

"I made you bring back memories that hurt you; you have a right to be upset. It hurts" I told her I pulled her closer.

"I'm good Anna." I released my hold and crouched down, and looked up into her eyes.

It is as if Mel is here with us, you are so like her.-Ms Wilson.

Ms Wilson cleared her voice and I backed away to sit again in the chair opposite her.

"Anything else you would like to know Anna" she asked

I shook my head. "I have all the information I want to know."

I found out a little about my mother, it felt as if I knew her better now and that was satisfying. I also did not want to hurt Ms Wilson more than I all ready had.

"Ms Wilson"

"Yes Anna"

"Can I live up to her?"

"It isn't for me to say. Your ridding I believe you can after some more training. However, the rest is up to you. All I can tell you is to be yourself."

"Thankyou"

---

I walked into the dinning room for dinner; I quickly got my food and sat down with Kate and Lily. I had decided it would be best not to tell them about my gifts. Enough knew already, but people who were not alarmed about it. I hoped it was not a mistake.

"Hey Anna, I did not see you this afternoon, where were you?" Lily asked.

"I was talking to Ms Wilson about a few things Lily." I answered, starting to eat the food off the plate in front of me.

"What..." began Lily

"Who is she" Kate interjected.

"She was our mother's best friend Kate. She told me details of Mum's life when she went here" I answered both questions.

"What did you find out?" Kate asked eagerly.

We had never learned much about so I could see why see was so excited. Therefore, I explained everything to them that I had found out, except the mind reading bit. Kate seemed to have enjoyed finding out that little more about the woman we barely remembered.

After we finish dinner and made our way out the door. I felt someone tap my shoulder, I turned, and Tom was standing there.

"Hey beautiful, changed your mind about going out with me yet?" he asked and reached out to grab my hand. I pulled it away.

"No thanks Tom, I bid you good night" I said and walked off. That guy was creepy, and uncomfortable to be around, I hoped he would not continue this because there was no way on earth I would ever go out with him.

When I got back to the dorm I quickly went to have a shower trying to erase those thoughts of Tom and when I returned to my room I red a little more of Pride and Prejudice before going to sleep. That night I dreamed of my mother.

---

I was riding through the bush on Bella, I could hear growling around me, and not of animals. I urged Bella on faster. Ahead on us was a woman in a long white gown with long red hair, gently floating about in the breeze, standing in the middle of the trail, her head down. I tried to slow Bella, but she wouldn't listen. Then the woman looked up; scarring covered her face that could have once been beautiful. She had bruised eyes and dry encrusted blood surrounding cuts on her head. Her vivid green eyes glaring at us. Then Bella reared throwing me off, she bolted. By the time I was in a sitting position, she was walking gracefully towards me, the gown flittering out behind her, she reminded me of a phantom. Fear now filled me as she etched ever closer. I tried to scramble backward, but I could not move. I was if I was glued in place by some invisible force. What do you want? I projected. A voice filled my head, Come away with me Anna. You are not safe. The woman crouched in front of me on her knees I leaned away. No! I projected. She stared at me, it was then I recognised who it was. Mother? I projected. Yes sweetheart, she raised her hand and placed it on my cheek. Images shot through my mind of future events. I heard a voice over the images; you're in danger sweetheart, the cold ones approach. Then the images disappeared, I gasped as I was pressed against something cold. A cold arm folded around me holding me close. I looked up to the face of Sebastian stern and hard, looking straight ahead. I followed his gaze, my mother had retreated ten or so metres from us, he was growling, he quickly moved to lean slightly forward as if to attack in front of me, then he lunged himself at my mother. No

I gasped as I woke, I was in my bedroom, it was still dark. I looked at the clock next on my desk, 2:30, I moaned, and laid back in my pillows. What a strange dream, but did it mean anything, and what did my mother mean by the cold ones approach, or the fact that I was not safe. Was it possibly a message for the future, I mean the only referral to the cold ones could be vampires, because they were cold as stone. However, the only two vampires around here only drink animal blood and would not harm anyone. I don't know, maybe I was looking into this too much, it was only a dream after all, it doesn't mean anything. I rolled over and fell into a dreamless sleep.

---

The next morning dawned bright and sunny, I walked down to breakfast my Kate and Lily at my side, I kept a lookout for Tom, I had no intention of dealing with him today. I hoped that he got the message that I wasn't interested or the fact he wasn't one of those guy who kept on asking the same girl to go out with them when they had refused to. I sighed as we entered the Dinning Room, we quickly got our breakfast, but as we went to sit down at our usual table, I spotted an extra unwanted visitor, and it was the one person who I did not want to see.

"Who is that sitting at our table Anna?" questioned Kate as we walked towards Tom.

"Tom" I answered bluntly.

"Should we sit somewhere else?"

"Please"

We found a vacant table well away from Tom, which I was grateful for.

"What is up with that guy?" asked Lily.

"I heard he's the academy's player, every girl has basically dated him around here, it only last usually a week, before he dumps them." Said Kate.

"He tried asking me out twice yesterday" I added "I turned him down, hopefully he got the message"

"I would hate to have some greasy hair weirdo slobbering over me. Let's hope for your sake sis, that he got the message," stated Kate.

"I hope your right Kate" I sighed. This talk of boys made me wish Sebastian was here, I would have no objections to being his girlfriend, not that he'd want me. I wonder what it would be like to kiss...

"Earth to Anna. Come in Anna" said my sister.

"Huh, what Kate?"

"I just told you that Tom is on his way over here" she repeated. Lovely I thought. I got up, my chair making a screeching sound as I pushed my self after from the table. I picked up my plate of half eaten breakfast.

"Anna, where are you going?" asked Lily.

"I need to think" I said quickly before turning and walking across the room to the bin to scrap my plate. I really just need to think, get away from this, as I walked to the door someone grabbed my shoulder, I knew who it would be, but out of politeness I turned to face him.

"Hey Gorgeous, changed your mind yet?" Tom asked before stoking my cheek.

I shivered in disgust , "No, I haven't" I replied sternly not looking up at him, I could feel his eyes examining me again. I really wanted to get away.

"Oh come on, I know this great light place in town, it'll be fun" he said trying extremely hard to tempt me.

"What don't you understand about the word no?" I hissed at him. I turned to walk away, but he grabbed me again. I turned back to face him, "Don't touch me," I said harshly, he retracted his arm and I walked out the door. A gentle breeze blew from the east; I sighed, and walked down to the stables. I decided a trail ride would do me some good; I quickly fetched Bella's tack. When she saw me she whickered a greeting, I opened my mind I let her out of her stall. What is wrong Anna, your tense. Don't even ask. Is it the blonde, stuck up girl again. No, this guy that won't take no for an answer, he creeps me out. What are you going to do? Nothing for the moment. Why is he pestering you? He wants to date me. Sounds like a full of himself stallion, nasty creatures, where are we going? The clearing I projected as I finished tacking her up. I mounted, Let's go. Bella flew out of the stable at a gallop.

---

I flopped down into the grass in the clearing, my mind was at peace now and I could think. I thought back to the dream I had last night, if it was a message, I didn't know. Also made me think how was I bound to that spot, unable to move, maybe my mother had more supernatural powers than I or anyone knew of. Could it be that I had extra powers as well, it might be possible; I receive my projection power a few years after being able to read peoples minds, now I could look into anyone's memories. The question was what else was I capable of doing? It would probably come to light in due course.

Something smells good I heard in my head, I tensed. Not another vampire. I heard a twig snap, before I knew it I was on my feet, looking around the clearing. Darn it. Anna. Thought a familiar voice different from the other. Sebastian I projected. Then he was standing beside me with a look of relief on his flawless face, his eyes were golden once more from the hunt.

"You heard it didn't you?" he questioned me.

"Yes, but I think it is gone now" I answered.

"Darn it, I knew this would happen," he said under his breath.

"What has happened?" I asked still in the dark about why another vampire was around.

"That vampire I killed a month ago, it was likely that he was travelling with others, others that now want their revenge, particularly if it is his mate. I've been monitoring the area for weeks for any signs of them with no luck, now he or she has decided to show their face." He explained, trying to keep a straight face, but I could see he was worried about something or perhaps the exposure of himself and his father, if this went down badly.

"So are you saying they are after you?"

"Correct or somebody I'm close to. You need to get out of here Anna, they'll come back eventually and the academy is the safest place for you." he said.

I nodded and quickly strode over to a nervous Bella. I mounted her and turned her back towards Sebastian. I was scared about his safety, and everyone else's safety, followed by my own; I did not intend to become a meal for a ravenous vampire.

"Watch your back," I told him.

"You should worry about yourself, now go" he urged. Keep any ear out, if you hear them nearby, use your power, I know you want to talk, meet me in the loft later. I nodded and urged Bella into a gallop. So much for my relaxing morning.

Hi Guys, it has been a while since I have updated, but my life is so ciaotic at the moment it is ridiculous. Hope you enjoyed the chapter and please give me review to tell me what you thought about it. I won't be updating for a while again, but I'll try.

Angel