It was the tail end of summer break, almost the end of August. A cool breeze had set in, signaling the rapid approach of fall, not that it bothered me or anyone else for that matter.
I was nearing my third month since the accident, and I still hadn't told anyone of my other half. Even during my first major breakdown two months prior I had still decided against revealing myself. I could feel myself growing more distant from Sam and Tucker, even my own family. Both knew that something was up, they just didn't know what.
Small and weak ghosts had begun to infiltrate the city for the last few weeks or so, triggering what I now call my ghost sense. I had thought that the portal had only given me three powers, the ones that were typically associated with new or weak ghosts, (according to my father's ramblings).
I soon discovered that this was false, my ghost sense being the first indication. The way the cold slid up my throat told me it wasn't human, and it was only after a few encounters with a few rogue ghosts did I understand its meaning and purpose.
Not long after that, during one of my more intense battles, I discovered that I could manifest energy in my hands. The energy was the same color as my eyes and seemed to exist with a... otherworldly flare to it. It was like controlling a hot liquid, the only difference being that it floated and didn't burn. It was useful, but I still needed to perfect it.
Some changes were noticeable almost instantly, while others took a few weeks to develop. I needed less sleep, averaging only four or five hours instead of the normal nine. I didn't need to eat as much, as I only needed one meal to satisfy me for an entire day. There were others as well, just more subtle, my endurance and stamina mostly, but mainly strength.
Thought it wasn't visible I was much stronger, and not by a little bit either. Before I could barely carry two bags of garbage to the curb, and now I could carry four without so much as breaking a sweat. The only issue was that I had to hide it, and it wasn't exactly easy.
Pretending to live as though it never happened was more difficult as the days progressed. With the establishment of my curfew, I knew that my parents were worried, probably thinking I was getting into bad habits or something like that. I was spending less time with my family and friends, and I could feel the suspicion mounting on me.
I could feel it eating away at me.
I needed to tell someone about this, these emotions conflicting dangerously inside of me. I needed someone to tell me that it was okay, that nothing had changed, that they still loved me.
I needed reassurance, something.
The streetlights flicking on disturbed me from my thoughts.
"Crap," I muttered, realizing that my curfew was rapidly approaching. I climbed higher inside of the tree that I had been resting inside for the last few hours. Once I was certain that the branches were concealing my body I willed the transformation, and the two bluish haloes slid over my body with an electric kind of grace. The cold gave me an energy boost, making my feel as though I could take on anything as I leapt into the sky.
I felt invincible.
I soared through the skies invisibly as to not attract attention to myself. It was thrilling to feel the rise and fall of the wind currents as they enveloped my body. It seemed as though I had been flying for years instead of mere weeks.
And it felt amazing.
I dove into the alleyway that separated our house from the one next door, changing back into my human half without so much as a thought. I brought my watch up to my eye level, glancing at the digital numbers.
9:57pm
I made my way to the front door, hands trembling as I inserted the key. The inside was dark, and without my enhanced night vision I wouldn't have seen my parents in the living room.
They were waiting for me.
The lights flicked on without delay, and I blinked to shield my sensitive eyes from the sudden change in lighting. When I opened my eyes, I saw that they seemed to be less than thrilled to see me.
"Danny," My mother began. "Where have you been?" I walked inside the living room, though I didn't sit.
"Out," I said, avoiding eye contact.
"Where?"
"Park,"
"Doing what?"
"Just walking, trying to get my mind off things." My parents exchanged a glace, and my father took my mother's hand in his.
"Danny, you know you can talk to us about anything, right?" My mom didn't look me in the eyes, closing them in sorrow instead. I gulped.
"Yeah, o-of course."
Silence.
"Then why does it feel as though we're drifting apart?"
"We're not, I've just been having a rough summer is all." I turned the other way.
"Danny, your friends have been worried about you! They've been calling us to make sure you're okay!" I closed my eyes and sighed.
"Dad, I-"
"You're not in a gang, are you?" My mom interjected.
"W-what? Oh, god no, Mom! Please tell me you don't really think that!" I shouted, tears beginning to form around my eyes.
"Honey, we don't know what to think! You've been so secretive lately that it's hard to not consider that as a possibility!" I felt my heat, green rimming blue.
"What would possess you guys to even consider that?"
"Danny-"
"I'll be in my room." I couldn't take it anymore, my eyes were full out green and there was no way that they would be willing to listen to me now.
I slammed the door and slumped to the floor. They didn't trust me, my own parents didn't trust me! Out of anger, I used my hearing to listen in on my parents. I normally didn't do this, but when you're desperate, you're willing to do anything.
"...not the same, Jack! Maybe we should run some tests to see if he's okay..." I cringed, my eyes clouded with tears.
"They're gonna experiment on me!" I whispered in horror. I began to panic, adrenaline surging through my veins like an inferno. I transformed and flew out of the house, afraid of what would happen if I stayed. I could hear their frightened voices as I flew off.
Nothing would be the same.
Yes, I have decided to continue this after the amazing feedback I got from all of you! You guys really brought a smile to my face with your kind words, and even lifted a little bit of stress from my life. :D
I'm planning on this being a shorter story, probably less than seven chapters at the most.
Also, I've created a schedule, so no more procrastinating for weeks upon weeks. (I hope)
Oh, and a curiosity question for all of you out there, what is your opinion of the new modifications to FF. net?
ForeverHalfa