"Hey, kid," a man yelled. Ryan turned to see it was Gabe. God, could this guy just leave him alone? Slamming down his skateboard, Ryan gradually rolled over to him, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. Gabe, like usual, was running his fingers anxiously through his hair.

Ryan said in a low voice, "What's up?"

Gabe grinned, showing only a little bit of his teeth. He always seemed to be nervous, his eyes moving shiftily around, biting his nails. "I just wanted to say thanks again," he began. "You're helping me…clear my head. Become a better person."

"You're welcome, I guess," Ryan answered. He knew he had to be careful around Gabe. If it wasn't for his gift, Ryan would have a lack of a neck. The boy gave a short shake of his head. Unlike hands and other limbs, when the bullet had gone through him, it felt like ice cutting through him. Not necessarily painful but it had sent shivers down his spine.

Gabe had instantly jerked backwards, expecting him to hit the ground cold. Ryan counted ten beats of his heart before he finally turned around, hands still up. A young man, who had to be only in his twenties, stood shaking like a Chihuahua, holding the gun shakily.

"What are y-you?" he stuttered. Ryan noted how he said what.

Ryan talked slowly. "I'm a person like you. Just put down the gun, I won't hurt you." The man unsteadily laid the gun down on the ground. Ryan dropped his hands. The man flinched.

"I'm not going to hurt you," Ryan reminded. Stepping around the bench, he showed that his hands were still empty.

"Why aren't you dead?" he asked, his body tense, prepared to run.

Ryan couldn't help but smile. "I'm a little special. My teacher calls it a gift." The man rubbed his palms on his pants, trying to dry the perspiration. He wasn't much of a looker, her face knotted up in worry, his ashy blonde eyebrows thick and knitted together anxiously. His body was of a stocky build and had a round, slightly chubby face. Stubble lined his chin, and he looked exhausted.

"I'm Gabriel, well Gabe…sorry I tried to kill you." Ryan cringed on how easily he said it. He put an uncertain hand out for Ryan.

"Um, I'm Ryan," he answered, shaking the man's hand, the sliminess of it giving him the creeps.

From that point on, he had tried to be nice to the guy. Talked to him. Gave him some food. Even showed him how his gift works which he is never supposed to do. Gabe just followed him like a lost little puppy. Ryan was lucky his dad had gone to the bar for the evening; otherwise he would have gotten a very fierce lashing.

And here Gabe was now. "You're welcome…again." Ryan prepared to leave but Gabe stepped in front of him before he could leave. Ryan remarked how he was wearing the same clothes as the day before.

"Don't leave yet just…I thought we could talk later, at the park," he said uneasily. "I have a friend that would like to meet you." Ryan opened his mouth to reply with a sufficient no but he clamped it shut. The look in this guy's eyes, he was so lost.

"Sure," he blurted out. One more conversation with this guy and his friend won't kill him. Hopefully.

Gabe smiled broadly. He took up Ryan's hand and shook it enthusiastically. "Thanks, you've been a great help. And don't worry, your secrets safe with me" With that he turned and jogged away, leaving Ryan feeling regretful and uneasy. Slamming down his board, he skated away.

The wavy-haired girl stepped out from her hiding place behind the bush. Thank God, no one had seen her sitting in dirt. Dusting herself off, she smirked out at Ryan. He should know that know one can keep a secret around her for long. Nobody.

Not far away from her, Gabe watched the boy from inside a car. "So you've earned the boys trust. Is he coming today?" A man said next to him

"Y-yes," Gabe stuttered back. "But he really is a good kid." The man glared down at him with cold, black beetle eyes. Gabe whimpered, running his fingers through his hair.

"Selena was right; there's more than one school with freaks." He leered out and locked eyes with the girl. She flicked her hair behind her hair from the spot she stood across the parking lot and walked away. The man, without another thought, drove away.