"You have the grace of a lady but the tongue of a sailor!" My etiquette teacher shrieked at me.

Unlike the cool kids, I was stuck with normal teachers. My father cleaned up Victoria and her father. I never saw them again after that. I have seen the rich kid crew every other weekend since, but I was left out of their extra classes. This had gone on for the past few months.

My father took a more hands-on approach when it came to fine-tuning my powers, so the play dates with the other kids were only that, play.

It was cruel, but I never learned the other kids' names. I didn't remember their abilities either. The only two I made a note of were Graham and Clara. Graham's power was more than just the shield that he pulled up. His power was aura manipulation. He could solidify that energy into shields and was working on creating constructs with it.

Clara is super strong. She's like the human version of what an ant can lift.

As far as the two knew, I could summon things to myself. For the first time ever I had peers my age with abilities.

It was kinda fun.

I was drawn out of my musings by my etiquette teacher Sasha. She slammed her tea cup on her saucer.

I could feel my lips twitch as I watched her break one of the first rules she taught me. I gracefully set down my cup and smiled serenely at her, "But I can pass as a lady. At the end of the day, isn't that the goal?" I said.

"The bare minimum!" She said with an ear-piercing shriek. "If you want to pass in higher society you must learn how to tastefully ask questions."

"I don't want to," I said. My smile slipped off my face to show an empty mask. "I have no interest in partying and being social."

Sasha sighed, and I could see the frustration boiling over turn to vapors before my eyes. "Dolyn, I've known you for four years. I thought your ideals were childish fantasies. You can't live your life coasting by avoiding connections with people."

I blinked as I fought the crack in my mask that threatened to shatter my facade. I knew what cocky words I could toss out at her. I couldn't do it, however. There was genuine care in her eyes. She really wanted me to connect with others.

"My father is enough," I said as my eyes darted to my lap.

"He's not going to live forever."

I had nothing to retort with and our session ended awkwardly after that.

I wasn't completely blind. I always had a touch of cruel indifference to people. I cared, but most of the time, it was surface-level. Was I just plain selfish? I never really had the chance to connect as Gwendolyn Girru. That was my truest self, and it was forever isolated.

When I became Wendy everything changed, and I could open my heart fully. I was here now as Dolyn Savage and wanted no part in making connections. I wasn't here because I wanted to be. I was here just long enough to leave.

I've loved deeply and truly but lost everything in the process. Opening myself to new people was just opening the doors to future pain. What was the point when I would clock out the moment the original timeline in this world started?

The most recent example was the group of super kids. I learned the names of those that made the most impression on me, but that was it. I didn't delve deeper into anything about them. There were other more painful examples that I had to nip in the bud before they could fully form.

Instead, I needed to focus on what I would do with this information. What would happen if I did connect with others again and gained friends? It was hard to face these inner feelings, so I did what I did best. I ran.

Not away or into my space to toil in the soil and forgo my woes. No, I ran to a place I had avoided for almost a decade, my hideaway home. It started off as a box full of everything a girl could want wardrobe-wise. It was a gift from my insane ancestor, however, so before my eyes, it became a pocket dimension walk-in closet that extended to fit everything I could ever need. Hence, it was my hideaway home. I had my own kitchen, bathroom, library, and indoor conservatory.

As far as I knew, Mordecai hadn't placed any restrictions on it, and he likely wouldn't if I didn't stay in here for forever and a day.

I needed to enter this space, though. It looked and smelled like the last time I had visited it. I walked through it remembering the days I'd been trapped in this place, unable to leave because of…Rex.

I entered my library and walked directly to the fireplace. I had no idea how ventilation works, but I'd been able to cook food before with no hint of fire. That was a moot point because I wouldn't turn on the flames this time. Instead, I knelt to feel around the cool bricks for the secretive loose ones.

Muscle memory took over as I was able to push the false bricks aside to pull out a giant hope chest.

Emotions and memories clouded my sight as I scooted back to flip open the box. Everything in this was all I had left of Adam, aka Rex. The first three things were the pillow I had stolen from his bed, the suit I sobbed on and took, and the engagement ring. During the strange, endless days I spent at the Evans family home, I'd been able to grab other things he had left around my home.

That included pictures of us. I pretended they hadn't existed before, but here they were. Proof that what we had existed, albeit brief in the grand scheme of things.

Hot tears streamed down my cheeks as I looked at Adam's handsome face. He was so perfectly handsome, and next to him, I looked like a lovestruck jester. I dropped the album like a hot potato and grabbed his pillow to cushion the repeated blows.

My heart panged painfully, and I gasped for air as I collapsed on the wood floor.

Mordecai may have been right. I hadn't healed. All I did was go from one extreme to another. First, I was manic and impulsive and then cold and forgetful of the past. If I was ever going to move on to a healthier mindset, I needed to change things.

I put everything but the engagement ring back into the box. I then shoved the box back into its spot and moved the false bricks back in place.

The gleaming ring wouldn't fit my finger. I was still a child, but I didn't want to put it back in for some reason. It was the most solid proof that everything Adam and I felt for each other was real. By now, he wouldn't even remember me. He's bound to be living happily with his true love, Evie. These thoughts brought pain, but I ruthlessly plunged ahead, confronting things I tried to avoid. Adam had loved me as I love him. That was equally as true as all memories of my existence being wiped away so he could live his correct life.

My heart still beat with bitter regret as I left the hideaway home and returned to my cushy bed.

Only I didn't find myself alone when I came out. Mordecai was waiting.

I pretended I didn't see the six-foot lanky man my ancestor seemed the most fond of form-wise. I turned on my heels and made a beeline to leave my bedroom.

"Gwendolyn Girru." His voice stopped my feet, and I pivoted to meet his gaze as if spellbound.

"Are you going to punish me?" I blurted before I could change my words. I knew better by now than to say that. Giving him any ideas he would grow fond of was foolish, which would only spell disaster for me.

"No." He said.

I blinked and took a look at his expression with open curiosity. Mordecai looked haggard and worn out. How strange for my ancestor to be the one looking like a mess. "Then why are you here?" I said with my signature straightforwardness.

"Can't I see my descendant with no ulterior motives?" He said with a quirk of his lips. It was a ghost of a smile, and I made a face at the failed attempt at levity.

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"Mordecai, what's wrong?" I said as I took a step closer.

"I see you decided to tackle the past," Mordecai said as an all too familiar coin appeared out of thin air. It rolled across his knuckles, but unlike every other time, he didn't toss it into the air. He kept a continuous line of moving the coin from one hand to the other.

"I decided to use this world the way you said I should. I need to heal." I said, but I had no bravado or energy in my voice. I felt as downtrodden as my usually energized ancestor was.

"So you're going to move on and find new love?" Mordecai said. His eyes, expression, and even voice showed a lack of emotion. It was the strangest I'd ever seen from him, and I thought that by now, I'd seen most sides of this deity.

I felt no pain or strange emotion at his words, and I didn't have to think twice about my answer. I shook my head and said, "I'm never going to fall in love again."

"You really think that?" He said as his dark eyes burned into me.

"I know so." I looked away, unable to maintain eye contact. There was no way I could ever love someone after Adam. How could I even attempt such a thing? I don't want to live in this world without friends, though, and I certainly didn't want to become bitter and isolated from meaningful relationships. I would forge different connections while mourning the loss of Adam for the rest of my life.

The silence was deafening, and I could feel Mordecai staring into me without looking. Without warning, my hand was grabbed, and I jumped, startled by the warmth of his palms.

"As always, I look forward to seeing your results, moldy bedbug," Mordecai said as his squeezing hands enclosed mine. "I'm feeling generous, so I'll make your last memento of your only love unique."

I gasped, but he was gone before I could shower him with questions. I looked at the ring and poked it. It didn't look or feel differently. Impulsively, I sniffed it and found it smelled the same. With a twist of my lips, I slipped it on my finger, wondering if that would activate it, and gasped as I felt a sharp pinching pain in my chest.

This felt like when my spacial ring connected to my soul. A tear slipped down my cheek, and I impatiently wiped it away as I watched the ring shrink to fit my current size. Now, no matter what, I would have this ring with me. It was next to my spatial ring, and seeing them together brought a sour yet sweet emotion to my heart.

Oh, but that wasn't all. I found that out when I tried to poke it to see if anything else would happen with it now on my finger. Mordecai had linked my hideaway home to the rose ring. From now on, I won't have to rely on the bulky gift box being left out when I entered it.

Wanting to build connections was more complicated than simply thinking: I want to go build connections with people.

The powered kids like Graham and Clara would be the obvious place to start. Graham was one to avoid for obvious reasons. Clara was a possibility, but getting in touch with her would be tricky. Only I wasn't able to get in touch with them so quickly. I didn't have their numbers down at all. They called me when they wanted to hang out, or my father would tell me when there were plans.

I was incredibly inactive regarding these budding friendships, so I wondered why they even bothered.

So, I was left with one choice. Asking my father when I saw him next. It could be dinner or breakfast. His typical schedule was still intact; he was absent more from dinner than ever before.

So it was with disappointment that I left the dinner table. The food was tasty, but eating it yourself was less fun.

"Miss Dolyn, you barely ate!" Mrs. Mina's voice held a trace of horror that made me blush.

"I'm not that hungry," I said without glancing at the full table of entrees and sides.

Within a heartbeat, the back of her hand was placed against my forehead. "You don't have a fever…Are you feeling nauseous, perhaps?" She said.

I could feel my cheeks grow hot. I'm not that much of a pig! I thought, but instead, I shook my head and racked myself for a good excuse. Fortunately, my quick mind found one quickly. "I'm going to go downstairs and go swimming."

Mrs. Mina's fierce eyes scanned me for any trace of a lie.

I did my best to give my most innocent expression, and as expected, I didn't fool her. Luckily, Mrs. Mina didn't press me and stepped back so I could escape.

The private pool has been my sanctuary since we moved into this lovely place. Only it was private no longer. I squinted at the handful of kids from the powered crew, including Graham and Clara.

This was too much to be a coincidence. Before anyone could see me, I slipped out the door.

I returned to the pool door and let my fingers grace the handle. If I go in, there might be no going back. I was opening the door to possible pain in the future.

I closed my eyes and drew upon the memories of those I loved and lost. Knowing them was worth the pain. Even if my family's spell undid everything and they would never know me or were created by said magic, it was worth the tears.

I rocked on my heels as pain intertwined with a strange, warm feeling in my chest. I can do this.

And somehow, I did.

Only to find out that they had taken off. I made a sour expression at the empty pool room. Either they were in the changing rooms hanging out, or they'd use the backdoor to use the elevator.

"Dolyn?" A voice drew my attention to a girl I recognized but didn't know her name due to my lackluster attitude. She was smothered up in a towel that made her look like a sandwich wrap. She was definitely one of the powered girls, but which one?

"Hey, you," I said awkwardly, waving my hand. Damn, I feel rather crummy now.

"Are you looking for Clara?" The girl's voice was slightly familiar, and I took another look at her. Her big brown eyes stood out against her porcelain-colored skin. Mousy girl? She was the one who warned me about Victoria, but for the life of me, I couldn't recall her name.

"I came to swim. Why was everyone here?" I said. Now would not be the time to ask her for her name.

"We all live here now." The girl said with a slight smile. "We were going to show you this weekend."

Wait, were the empty condominiums now filled with the super kids? How strange it was that my father planned this.

"Dolyn?" A voice that made my heart painfully pound joined the conversation, and I turned to see Graham.

His shaggy curly hair was dripping wet, but he had changed into a dark blue polo shirt and khaki shorts. It looked like he rushed out here.

I gave a little wave, unable to speak due to the tightness in my throat. His voice was starting to crack, and it sounded like Adam's still. How could I act normal around this kid?

"I'm going to go get dressed." The mousy girl said.

"See you later, Regina!" Graham said cheerfully, waving at the retreating girl.

Regina. That was her name. I mentally repeated it a few more times to make sure I made note of that. The effort must have been too much for my body because my stomach grumbled as if protesting the effort.

"Are you hungry?" Graham said, stepping closer to peer into my eyes. I looked up, and our eyes connected. He wasn't wearing his brown contacts anymore.

"Your eyes," I said, stopping my hand from reaching up to poke him.

"I took your advice and stopped wearing contacts," Graham said sheepishly as he tucked a strand of wet hair behind his ear.

I smiled, admiring the deep red color. His eyes were beautiful.

"Let's get some food!" Graham said, and before I could stop him, he grabbed my hand and led me out of the pool room.

We took the elevator, and I watched curiously as he pressed the fortieth floor. Each condominium was spacious enough to take up about five to ten floors. For some reason, they were labeled to reflect that. Maybe it was a way to show off how wealthy each owner was that they could own more space. That was why the buttons were strange and went from the lobby, the first floor, to the fifth floor in that order. My home with my father was the penthouse, and I had to scan my card for that one to go up to the top floor.

I looked at Graham, and he looked back at me with an open smile. Why was this kid so lovely to me?

"Graham, can you see Auras?" I said as the silent elevator started to travel up.

"Does that worry you that I see yours?" Graham asked with wide blinking eyes.

"No." Which was true. It could be as telling as reading someone's mind. Neither really bothered me because my mind was as empty as my emotional depths. "What does mine look like?"

"Your aura…" Graham's voice trailed off as he stared at me. I could feel the tension grow as the silence lingered. "It's unique and different from any other I've ever witnessed."

This boy was going to be a player. I thought while trying to nuke my giggle. He said what most girls would want to hear but not what I wanted to hear. "What color is it?" Auras were colorful, right? I wanted to know what color mine was most of the time.

"It's like the sunset. Red, gold, and pink with hints of orange. It's so bright I can't see others sometimes."

I hiccuped in surprise. That sounded like the energy I saw coming off Mordecai all those years ago. His power was a rainbow of colors burning into my eyes; I had also likened it to the sun.

"Sometimes it darkens, and the light disappears like now," Graham said. "What are you thinking about?"

"How blood plays a part in who we become," I said, looking away from his bright eyes. I really am a descendant of Mordecai, no matter what form I take. How strangely eerie but comforting this was to find out.

"Your father's aura is the opposite," Graham said. "His aura is purple and blue and sometimes has hints of red."

"So, do auras change colors with moods?"

"Most people, yes, but some people have their own identifying colors that are unique to them that can change shades or strength of color depending on moods."

That sounds like such an awesome power. I thought. I'd seen Mordecai's colors because he let me, but how neat would it be to look at other people's colors? Where would I be now if I had picked that power when Augustus asked me all those years ago? I'd be able to honestly know how Adam felt and maybe…

My throat tightened at the thought, and I massaged it desperately, trying to ease the pain.

The elevator dinged, and I all but started for the opening. I need air! Graham's grip on my hand stopped me, and I turned to look back at him.

"Right now, your aura has lost its light," Graham said.

Because I was thinking of Adam, undoubtedly. But I couldn't speak and instead stared at Graham.

"Is my voice that difficult to listen to? Or is my power scary to you?" Graham asked me. He clearly hadn't forgotten our first meeting, and how could he? His voice from day one was balm and poison to my heart.

"Your voice," I said and closed my eyes, unable to look him in the eye anymore.

"You must have really loved him." Graham's voice was nothing but sympathetic.

I opened my eyes to look at my right hand, which he was still clasping tightly. My spacial ring twinkled at me as always, but now it was joined by my rose engagement ring from Adam.

"I still can't believe he's gone forever." There was more I wanted to say, but my throat was once again an impossible hurdle.

"I'll help you heal. Due to my ability, I'm really good at that." Graham said with a proud smile. "Do you want to be friends with me, Dolyn?"

Friends. For the first time in a long time, the thought didn't bring on pain, and I found myself nodding.