Thank you so much for the nice comments they help out a lot
I do not own The Host or the songs here
Chapter 3
"In all seriousness Wanda I dont think you should hang out with Jared or Ian" Burns tell me after the bell for fifth period is finished.
"We don't need to be here in the first place. We are smarter than everyone here. I shouldn't have let you guys talk me into going to school. Someone is bound to figure us out. Then we are done for"
"You need to relax" Aleyc says cooly. I hate when he tells me to relax.
"Really. Relax. Let me give you a reminder of who we are. We are the sole survivors of a race of people with extordinary gifts. Our parents sacrificed their lives to send us here. The only reason we were sent here is because of another race set on destroying us. Which they managed to do by the way. I dont want my parents life to be in vain with me trying to forget my past and try to act normal because we aren't normal and we will never be. So I really need you two to help me keep our identites a secret" they watch as i rant on.
"I think her food was spiked" Burns jokes. I punch his stomach.
"Dont you think we know that already. Hello gift of memory. I remember far better than either of you can. Every time I close my eyes I see our planet being invade and our families dying. I know this isnt what they would have wanted but what else are we supposed to do? Hide in some cave waiting to be found. No. We are going to live and train and avenge our family, our planet" Aleyc tells me after dragging me into an empty hallway.
"I'm sorry but i can't loose you guys. You're the only family I have left"
"You won't loose us and no one is ever going to find out"
"Plus don't you remember our ship wasn't just carrying three kids. It had room for six. There could be three more of us out their" Burns adds. Aleyc nods happily.
"Unless their dead" I mutter
"What happened to look on the bright side of everything Wanderer?" Burns asks me. I shrug.
"Must be the time of the month" Aleyc jokes.
"Shut up!" I yell, "Well yes but that doesn't matter" they laugh.
"Yes it does" Aleyc says. I glare at him.
"You tend to get grouchy and paranoid" Burns remarks. I roll my eyes at them. Ugh they irritate me to no end.
"Whatever" I tell them. We walk back into the main hallway people staring at us. "Now I have to go and sing in front of people who probably despise me now. Thanks for that"
"Your just lucky we are the ones who found you" Burns says putting his hand on my shoulder.
Flashback
I can't believe I'm here in New York. One of the greatest cities in America. It isn't how I pictured it though. People aren't very nice. I haven't found my forever home like i was promised.
The orphanage here already has a lot of kids in it. They say no one will want Euro trash whatever that means. Once again i am on the streets alone.
I walk down another busy sidewalk. I stare up at all the tall buildings. I feel so small. No one even gives me a second look as i walk alone. Why do they say this is where dreams come true? Mine sure hasn't.
It's cold out. I pull my coat closer to me. My fingers are tingly. I shove my left hand in my pocket when I feel something warm. Goose bumps crawl up my arm. I turn around to see a tall boy standing behind me. He is staring at me. I look down to see his hand in my pocket. He realizes he is caught and takes off running.
"Hey that's mine!" I yell as i run after him.
"Not anymore" he calls back. He looks over his shoulder laughing. His eyes widen realizing i am catching up to him. I push myself to go faster. I know I can.
"Give it or you're dead" I threaten. I hear him laugh. He turns into an alley. 'You are so dead,' I think.
"Ya right" He says. He comes to a complete stop at a dead end. 'Gottcha' He turns to look at me. I actually look at him this time. He is much taller than me. And he looks funny with bright orange hair sticking up everywhere. His face and arms are covered in freckles. I can see he thinking of how to escape.
"Give it back" I demand. He smiles. He probably thinks he could take me in a fight.
"No" he says smugly. I am so angry now. Not really at him but at everything. I came here to have a better life and look where i am. Fighting to get back a measley little locket. But it is the only possession i have of my birth parents.
I feel a wave of anger come through me as i see him look at the locket. A smirk on his face. I dont know how but nearby dumpsters starts to shake and move. The boys eyes widen looking from me to them.
"Whoa!"
I twitch my eyes to him and one dumpster flies at him. He is quick though and dodges it. Another flies at him but again he gets out of the way. Now he is closer to me. I walk up to him. He tries to back up but a dumpster is right behind him, stopping. I snatch my locket from his hands. I tuck it back in my pocket and leave.
"How did you do that?" he asks. I hear his footsteps getting closer. I ignore him and keep walking. I sense he is right next to me.
"I don't know. Leave me alone" I snap at him. He just laughs.
"The name's Jason Adams. What's yours?"
"Leave me alone"
"That's a funny name for a girl" he smirks. I roll my eyes.
"Go away!" I yell at him and walk faster. He continues to follow me. His legs are much longer than mine so he doesnt even need to speed up.
"No. Not until you tell me your name"
"Ugh! Fine! My name is Wanderer Everett. Happy?"
"Yes I am" he says smiling down at me. I feel a chill go down my spine.
"Good now leave me alone" I tell him and storm off. Although i cant see him for some reason i can sense he is near watching me. It is a weird feeling. I head back to where i hid my bag. I dig it out from a crack between two walls and continue walking, not knowing where to go.
"Are you alone Wanderer?" Jason finally asks.
"None of your business" I tell him. Yes I am very alone.
"Well if it makes you feel any better I am alone too" he says kindly.
"It doesn't"
"That was impressive what you did over there by the way" he tells me. I whip around to look at him. Somehow i push into a wall without even touching him.
"Never speak of that again" I say low. I am on my tiptoes looking up into his navy blue eyes.
"Okay I got it" he says trying not to laugh. I dont see what is so funny. I am a freak.
"Good" I release him from the wall and press on.
"But you're not the only one" he calls out. I stop in my tracks. I slowly turn expecting to see him smirking at me but he looks serious.
"What?" I ask him.
"You're not the only one who came do extordinary things" he tells me. What does he mean. I look down to try and figure out what he means. I open my mouth to speak but when i look up he is gone.
I haven't seen Jason for a couple of weeks. I still get the feeling i am beign watched but choose to ignore it. Out of nervous habit I dig into my pocket feeling around.
"Where's my locket?" I ask aloud. I open the pocket wider hoping to see the gold locket shoved into a corner but it isn't there. Not again.
"Looking for this?" a voice I know says behind me. Jason. I roll my eyes and turn. He is standing there dangling the locket in his hand.
"You again" I say crossing my arms.
"Yup" he says popping the 'p'.
"You going to steal from me again?" I ask him. He smiles and walks towards me. He hands me the locket.
"I gave it back" he says. He shoves his hands in his pockets and looks down at his feet. "Anyway. I wanted to ask you something"
"What is it?" I ask now curious as to why he didnt give me a fight.
"Are you an alien?" he says bluntly. I snap my head at him. Why would he ask me that? Wait, am I? I know my mouth dropped and my eyes are probably buldging out..
"What?" i ask him again. Maybe i heard him wrong. Ya that is it.
"Are you not from this planet?" he asks stating it different. Nope heard it that time.
"W-Why would you ask me that?" i stutter.
"Is it true?" he asks, his eyebrows scrunched together. But then he smiles. "Cause it would be so cool. That will mean we aren't alone" Wait what?
"We?" I repeat in a question.
"Ya me and my friend Aleyc. We're special like you" he tells me. Ya right. He probably thinks spiting out fire like a circus freak is special.
"I seriously doubt that" i tell him. He crosses his arm.
"Wanna bet?" he asks. I give it a thought. Well he hasnt turned me in to the government for moving the dumpsters so that is a good thing. What if he is right? What if he and his friend can do things like me? I look up at him and nod. He smiles wide. "Come on" he tells me.
"You're like a sister to us" Aleyc tells me bringing me back to the present. Burns just nods giving me a half smile. I roll my eyes.
"See you later" i tell them. I walk away to the school auditorium while they head for the locker rooms.
As soon as i walk in i see heads turn to me. Great this is going to be fun (sense the sarcasm, good). I lower my head and walk up to the teacher. She tells me to sit down.
After the bell rings, she begins to do roll call. The lights begin to flicker then go off. A few girls scream as a couple of guys scare them. I have an urge in my palms but I ignore it.
I see a flashlight come in to the room. It looks like maybe another teacher talking to ours. Then the lights come back on but the hallway is till black. The male teacher with the flashlight exits. Ours come to stand in front of the stage.
"Listen up please. We seem to be having some technical issues on this end of the school. That being said several classes on this end will be joining up here for the period while they figure out what is wrong with the lights" as soon as she is finished a loud noise is heard coming from outside in the hall. Then the doors open and a mass of students flood in. I see a familiar oranged spiked head come in.
"You've got to be kidding me" I mutter to myself. I stand up and sure be it i see Burns and Aleyc walk up to me.
"Hey Wanda" Aleyc says smiling walking up. I cross my arms.
"What are you doing here?" I ask quickly.
"The lights in the gym went off" he says as if it was obvious. I look around to see girls and guys staring at us. Then it hits me. If theire lights when off then how come ours didn't? I look up at Burns who is smiling at me.
"Burns did you do this?" i ask him in a whisper. Aleyc laughs.
"Me?" he ask innocently. i glare at him. It was him. He knew how nervous I was about this.
"Yeah you" I snap.
"Fine you got me" he says raising his hands in defeat. I sigh and rub the bridge of my nose.
"You'll do great" Aleyc tells me laying his arm over my shoulders and kissing my temple. I look around again and my jaw drops. In the crowd I see Jared, Mel, and some of the other kids they sat with at lunch. I even see Ian. Oh great.
Each of the teachers has their kids sit together. Our asks for no one to be rude as we perform.
"Okay everyone. You will each be singing two songs of your choice. Each one must be different from the other"
"Where is Wanderer Everett?" Oh no.
"Here" I say raising my hand a little. She smiles at me to get up on the stage. i don't even use the steps and out of habit just jump on. It isnt that high up.
"What will you be singing for us first my dear?" she asks me. I think for a minute.
"Skyscraper by Demi Lovato" I say.
"Very nice. You may begin when you wish"
I nod to the person who is running the music. I listen for the music.
Skies are crying, I am watching
Catching teardrops in my hands
Only silence, as it's ending, like we never had a chance.
Do you have to make me feel like, there's nothing left of me?
You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass (I let my voice sound raspy like hers)
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper
As the smoke clears
I awaken and untangle you from me (I start to get into it)
Would it make you feel better to watch me while I bleed
All my windows, still are broken, but I'm standing on my feet
You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper
Go run run run I'm gonna stay right here
Watch you disappear yeah
Go run run run yeah it's a long way down
But I'm closer to the clouds up here
You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Ohh
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
I open my eyes to see the crowd quiet. Was i that bad?
"That was very nice Miss Everett. Very nice. Now what will be the second song?"
"Um...Ready or Not by Bridgit Mendler"
"Popular song now"
"Yes ma'am"
I nod again to the music person that i am ready.
I'm the kind of girl
Who doesn't say a word
Who sits at the curb
And waits for the world
But I'm about to break out, about to break out I'm like a crook tonight
I caught you staring at me
And I was thinking clearly
Now I'm like a bee
And I'm hunting for the honey
And I'm kinda shy but, you're super fly yeah, I could be your kryptonite
Like,Oh oh oh oh oh oh Light my heart up baby, like a matchstick
Oh oh oh oh oh oh ooh
And hit the gas quick
(Chorus)Ready or not, here I come
Where you at? The night is young
In the crowd the music's loud
But I will find you
Ready or not, here I come
I like your face, do you like my song?
Just sing it La la la la la la la
And I'll find you
Ready or not, ready or not
Hello, my name is (Bridgit) Nice to meet you
I think you're famous
Where have I seen you?
You'll be my William, I'll be your Kate living like a fairytale
We could have a palace right next to Oprah
Thirty-seven cars and a yacht down in Boca Take me away, wherever you say, Yeah we could be setting sail
Like,Oh oh oh on on on
Light my heart up baby, like a matchstick
Oh oh oh oh oh oh ooh
And hit the gas quick
(Chorus)Ready or not, here I come
Where you at? The night is young
In the crowd the music's loud
But I will find you
Ready or not, here I come
I like your face, do you like my song?
Just sing it
La la la la la la la
And I'll find you
Ready or not, Ready or not (I start dancing around)
Ready or not, here I come , here I come
You're like a breath of fresh air in my lungs
You and me dance from the night to the dawn
Ready or not, here I come boy
It's on
Ready or not, here I come, here I come
You're like a breath of fresh air in my lungs
You and me dance from the night to the dawn
Ready or not, here I come boy, It's on
(Chorus) Ready or not, here I come
Where you at? The night is young
In the crowd the music's loud
But I will find you
Ready or not, here i come
I like your face, do you like my song?
Just sing it,
La la la la la la la
And I'll find you
Ready or not
Ready or not (You're like a breath of fresh air in my lungs)
Ready or not (ooooooh)
Ready or not (ready or not, whoa )
Ready or not (ready or not, ready or not or not or not not boom bada boom bada boom bada)
Ready or not
This time when I finish I hear some people clapping. Of course Burns and Aleyc started it but I also see Jared and is friends clapping.
"Very nice Wanderer"
"Thank you" i tell her than jump off the stage. I sit back down three rows behind her as she calls her next vitcim. I turn around to Aleyc and Burns who give me the thumbs up. I smile and turn around. I hear someone whisper my name. I turn to my right and see Jared also giving me a thumbs up. I laugh and mouth thank you. As I look i catch Ian staring at me. I blush and spin back around.
Everyone in the class performs their two songs. Since there is only five minutes left the teachers decide we can get up and mingle. I stand up when two hands wrap around my waist lifting me up.
"Put me down" I say. I am lowered to my feet and see it was Burns. Figures.
"You were awesome" he tell me as he hugs me from behind. I shrug at him. I see Jared walking up to us. I feel Burns tense up but doesn't let go.
"Who knew such a big voice came from such a..." Jared begins but i cut him off.
"Petite" i say remembering what he called me this morning. We both laugh at our inside joke.
"Yeah petite person" he finishes. Aleyc, Burns and Melanie give us confused looks. Jared shakes it off.
"Miss Everett" our teacher calls. I excuse myself and walk over to her.
"Yes ma'am"
"I am very impressed on your performences"
"Thank you. It was nothing" i say honestly. She shakes her head smiling.
"Oh it certainly was something. You managed to mimic the voice qualities of each artist. Who by the way are quite different" She is quite observant that one.
"I just really like those songs" it wasn't a complete lie, i really do like the songs but i might have used a 'gift' as Burns would call them.
"I was wondering. This year we are having a showcase and i think you would be a perfect lead for us" My eyes widen.
"Lead. As in the lead of the play?" I ask her in shock.
"Yes"
"Oh thank you ma'am but I'm really not into theatre or acting. I just want to focus on school. But thank you for having believed i would be"
"If you change your mind let me know" she says as i walk away. The others are looking at me weird. They must have heard.
"Wanda why did you just turn her down?" Jared asks me.
"I know your new and all but she doesn't just give out parts like that" Melanie tells me. The teacher seemed nice to me.
"Or compliments" Aleyc says.
"Yeah" Jared agrees. I shrug.
"I'm not into theatre" I tell them.
"Wow. You are amazing at the viola and you can sing. Anything else you can do? If you play sports I will get down on one knee and purpose"
"She kicks butt in soccer" Aleyc tells him. I smack his arm. Just like he said Jared gets down on one knee and grabs my left hand. I fight back the giggles. I feel Burns hold my left elbow.
"Marry me?" he asks faking a loving expression. I laugh at him. I look around to see people staring at us.
"Sorry Jared. I'm sure there are plenty of other girls who would be happy to be called Mrs. Howe but just not me. I'm not the marrying type" as i tell him i look at Melanie. She is staring at him in disbelief. She notices me looking at her and blushes looking away.
"Wow. How does it feel Howe to be turned down?" a guy asks walking up as i pull my hand from his. He is really tall and buff, bigger than Jared. He has pale skin, black hair and piercing blue eyes. If i didn't know any better i would have thought it was Ian. Maybe they are brothers.
"Don't like it" Jared tells him standing up, pouting.
The the bell rang. Jared and Melanie walked with us. We met some of their other friends. I was right, the dark haired boy is Kyle O'Shea, Ian's older brother. We also, well i also met Wes, Heath, Lily, Andy, Paige, Brandt, and Kyle's girlfriend Jodi. Once again Ian wasn't there. I looked at my watch and saw the time.
I raced to my seventh period class. I was the last kid in the hall. Some old guy told me to slow down then looked at my shirt and said it was inappropriate for school.
I should have kept Burns hoodie.
I groaned and pulled out a t-shirt from my bag. He nodded and i took off again. I ran into the classroom just as the bell rang. I mentally beat myself over the head. I shouldn't have cut it so close like that.
Every seat in the class was occupied except for one way in the back. I raced to sit down in it before the teacher started the lecture. Some of the guys whistled as I walked by.
Mrs. Oliver - that was the science teacher's name - just gave me a look before she started to take attendance.
"You've got to be kidding me," a voice muttered across from the table that I as sitting at. I looked up and saw a boy - the same boy I accidentally kissed this morning then got up and left - with shaggy, jet black hair, pale skin, and fiery blue eyes (if there was such a color) who was looking right at me.
Wanda and Ian are face to face again. Do you like it, love it or hate it? please let me know. I hope this clears up any confusion as to why Wanda lives with Burns and Aleyc. More of an explanation cames later on.