PHOEBE'S POV

I felt nervous as I stepped into the school premises. I had only been gone two weeks but it felt like ages ago. Nothing had changed, the students still looked quite intimidating and posh and Pris Tine..., well remained pristine. I had let my hair down and was back to wearing my glasses again. Got to blend in after all.

I made my way to my locker and unloaded some things and took a few things I needed as well. In the process of doing so, I sensed Sam behind the locker waiting to startle me and I smiled. As I closed the locker, she leaped out on me and I acted startled. She began to laugh.

"Yes. I finally did it. I knew I could. Ha." She exhaled and paused for a moment. "I missed you Phoebe." With this, she drew me in for a hug and I accepted it graciously. I missed her too.

"You look really great by the way." She told me as we walked to our first class together.

"You too. You have a glow in your eyes you know." I commented.

"Yeah well, you know..." She said tucking a strand of her beautiful dark hair behind her ear. A shy smile spread across her lips. "Um, I and Rex are officially a couple. Yeah..." She said.

I broke into a wide smile. "Nice. That is pretty cool. When did this happen?"

"A week ago. He asked me out, finally. I was glad he worked up the nerve to do so."

"Tell me about it. He has dragged it on long enough." I mused.

"You noticed."

"Anyone could have. Trust me." I said.

"Not anyone. Believe me. When I told my older sister that I and Rex were going out now, she threw her head back and asked 'Is that true? You guys are like siblings. Wouldn't it be weird?'" She stared at me and I stared back not knowing what expression to use.

"Your sister is not so cool." I finally got out. "How could she not notice?"

"My point exactly but she would expect me to see all her movies or dramas and give her a feedback since am her sister but she can't do the same for others. I hate her because she can be so self-centered."

"But you love her despite it all." I chipped in.

"I do. She is my only sibling after all and am proud of her. Really. She is a successful actress at nineteen years of age and she has her moments when she becomes that perfect sister but they never last, unfortunately." She said dejectedly.

"Enjoy those moments then. Savor them and whenever she is being unbearable, focus on them. Where you are now, I've been there with Lexi and thankfully, everything worked itself out."

She smiled. "This is why I missed you so much. My daily dose of encouragement and positivity."

"I am? Thank you." I returned with a wide smile. As we walked into our first class, I couldn't help but notice that the atmosphere was different. There was a sort of excitement lingering around.

"It's double A week." I said to myself.

"Yup and good thing that you are back in time for it. The representative students from Seradon would be arriving this morning and in the evening, there would be a friendly spar between a student from Seradon and our own. So exciting" She said as we made our way to seats which we sat upon.

Our first teacher came in and while she addressed the class, her eyes met mine and though I quickly looked away. Her eyes remained on me a little longer before she looked away. I could not understand why but I thought it was because the Royals; the Ellicotts worked it all out on my behalf.

I saw Elaine and Michaela in my next class. I saw Elaine first and made to wave at her and catch her attention but as soon as I noticed Michaela, I ducked. I still was quite wary of her and a weeny bit scared. However, Elaine noticed me as class went on and waved, I waved back but Michaela turned around and I brought my hand down and looked away.

On our way to the cafeteria for lunch, I just had to run into Denise Demaray of all persons and despite I lowered my eyes and tried to bypass her, she recognized me and called me back.

"You are that girl." She said to me causing me to stop in my tracks. "Zach's distant cousin. Right?" She asked. I cursed under my breath as I gathered nerve and turned to her.

"Hey Denise. You look radiant. I am who you say I am." I blurted and boy, was it awkward. I could feel Sam's curious gaze on me and enabling myself to speak telepathically to her, I promised to explain everything later. At least, most of it.

"It's a surprise to run into you like this. You attend Pris Tine. I didn't know." She said and in my mind, I wished it would have remained that way.

"Yeah. I got in this session." I said.

"Cool. I will see you around then." With these words, she turned on her heels and walked away with her two friends in tow who I thought were pretty but exuded too much pride. I could feel them looking down on me as Denise spoke to me.

Sam drew me away after they left. "What in the world, Phoebe?" She asked but not out of anger but out of wonder. "I knew there was so much going on with you than the eye could meet but... this? Denise even speaks to you now. DENISE DEMARAY. What is friggin' going on?" She asked as we got seated in the cafeteria.

I was expressionless and speechless for a moment. I scratched behind my ear, "I will tell you." I said.

"You have to. And now you even willingly and purposely know how to let me into your head and keep other thoughts at bay except the one you want me to see? Phoebs, in all my existence, only seasoned Royals have that sort of ability and for you a normal to..." She paused as a realization dawned on her. "You are not a normal, are you?" I shook my head. "I knew it. I felt it in my bones. What is your ability?" She asked.

"I speak all tongues." I said easily.

"No kidding. Not bad. Is that all?" She asked.

"Is there supposed to be more?" I asked.

"Depends. Some people are more special compared to others and you my friend seem like that extra special kind." She said.

"Um, thanks?"

"No problem. Am famished right now. Let's order." I nodded. After I ordered, I scanned the cafeteria with my eyes in search of a certain someone. "You are looking for Xavier?"

I turned sharply to Sam. "Why are you frowning? Did I say something wrong?" She teased.

'I wasn't looking for Xavier though' I thought to myself but I didn't tell her.

We ordered lunch soon enough. In the course of lunch, my body temperature warmed, I did not have to look up to know that Zach was present. I contemplated looking his way but I realized that doing so would only bring back last night's memories fully and as nice that may sound, I was too shy to confront it and so I focused on devouring my lunch.

"Zach is doing it again." Sam tsked.

"Doing what?" I asked curiously.

"Spreading bad energy," She said with a sigh. I lifted an eyebrow. "This evening, Seradon College will compete with Pris Tine as you know. Although it is termed 'friendly', you had better watch out. Zach takes this really seriously, the double A week exercise since even he always falls out with them." Sam explained.

"Why does he fall out with them?" I asked.

"Long story cut short, Seradon adapts certain ways and teachings that the general public would not find appropriate if putting it nicely. Putting it plainly, their ways would instill fear in others and for this reason; we are very much opposed even though we try to maintain outward peace."

"Wow, there is a lot that I am not aware of." I said thoughtfully.

"You will learn with time." She said. I nodded in response.

I turned and looked towards Zach's table and our eyes collided. It lingered for a bit until I gave him an encouraging smile and looked away. Memories of the later part of the previous night flooded back.

After we had snuggled in, Zach had suddenly asked if being adopted ever bothered me. This had made me think on it and I told him that I was lucky I got adopted. The system was corrupt and I was so unhappy but with my adopted family, I had a place and it was better than nothing and despite anything, they were family.

Zach had complimented me after my response calling me mature but I agreed half-heartedly. The so-called maturity had gotten me into trouble growing up and had caused me to fall out with a lot of people who thought I believed myself above every other person. I admitted to him that I felt most at home with the royals more than I'd like, perhaps because they had to grow up quickly like I did and we had a mutual understanding. He had kissed me then and asked me to sleep that he would not leave until I slept. True to his words, he stayed while I slept. It was only when I awoke at dawn that I saw that he had gone but I was comforted by the scent of him that still lingered in the room. I am such a hopeless romantic.

The rest of school hours passed quickly by after lunch and soon, we were all gathered in the school's auditorium where the spar would take place. There were ten representatives from Seradon College in attendance and the girls looked smart in red undershirts, black short skirts and ash jackets. They all wore knee high boots. The boys were dressed in red undershirts too, black trousers and ash jackets. They all wore designer shoes. They looked very handsome but their eyes held a devilish glint to it. I noticed Daniel as part of them soon enough and he looked so at ease. He must be used to this.

At the time I met Daniel at brunch in the Ellicott residence, I thought he was a nice person and very funny too. If I ever had a twin brother, I would imagine him as Daniel. He was the kind of person who made you feel at ease and relieved you of stress. He also seemed to have a careless streak. Honestly, at that point, I was curious to see how Daniel would do in sparring. I did not even know his ability.

After the announcer had introduced the representatives, there was a brief speech about what double A week was all about. A.A stood for Amicable Association of enabled youths and was held in order to promote unity and team spirit among enabled. It began some two decades ago and has been upheld ever since.

Soon, the first spar to take place was announced. Elaine Ellicott from Pris Tine and Delilah Norcross from Seradon, there was a hushed silence after this announcement and it got me guessing that the pair was incredible.

The girls soon took to the center stage. They had changed into spandex shorts and tank tops. Both their hair was up in a ponytail. They took their position and met each other's gazes squarely. Delilah slowly undid the gloves she wore and there was a gasp but no one said anything audible. As soon as the sound to begin went, Elaine charged towards Delilah with incredible speed and balance which had my jaws drop but Delilah did not sweat it as she easily maneuvered about ducking and avoiding every attack. Elaine stopped soon enough and I expected her to pant but instead a sly smile spread across her lips.

Delilah led the attack next, she was fast and light on her feet. I noticed that she did not use weapons unlike Elaine who handled twin daggers with extra function more than just being daggers. Elaine sighted an opening and lunged a dagger at it but Delilah put her hand to the tip of the dagger and before my eyes, I witnessed the dagger start to wither. Elaine acted fast and withdrew the head of the dagger from which emerged another dagger. They both withdrew and took their positions once more.

Again, they lunged at each other and fought with precise moves and calculations until Elaine teleported behind Delilah and very nearly put in a dart in her neck at the same time Delilah tried to reach for Elaine's hand. They both paused, breathless this time until another sound went calling the match to an end. It was a draw. The girls shook hands after Delilah replaced her gloves and they left the stage.

Next up was Alvina Lockwood and Olivia Gallatin from Seradon College. Olivia was also a royal, the only daughter and last child out of three of the Gallatin royal family. The girls came onto the center stage dressed similarly to Elaine and Delilah from before. They took their positions and as soon as the sound went off for the match to begin, Olivia released a force that caused the earth to vibrate. I looked around and saw other students' reactions, they had felt it too. My concentration went back to center stage where it seemed as though Alvina was trapped. She could neither move forward or backward.

It took me a moment to realize what Olivia's powers were, she manipulated gravity. I wondered how Alvina could get out of this one. I soon noticed that Olivia's hold on the gravity field was beginning to wane as Alvina was able to move about a bit. Olivia was a bit disoriented momentarily before she quickly found Alvina who was at close proximity to her now. With Alvina close and making a move to attack, Olivia could not generate another force field and a fight ensued between them. I could only describe their moves as graceful. They moved in sync and light steps that it looked as though they were dancing than sparring.

Olivia seemed to get tired of the motion first as she made to kick Alvina in the shins, Alvina was faster and sidestepped so fast that when Olivia turned to see her, Alvina already had her back pressed to Olivia's and the dance motion continued as they continued to move in circles unable to confront each other until Olivia generated another gravity field lifting Alvina high into the air but Alvina's eyes were already shut in concentration. Olivia stumbled in fright weakening the gravity and Alvina dropped to the ground as gracefully as a feather. She avoided nearly all of Olivia's attacks but Olivia got her with a nick on the jaw.

Infuriated, Alvina moved as swiftly as light knocking the girl's feet from underneath her and aimed a pin straight in front of her right eye. Olivia steadily lay back on the ground. The sound to declare the match was over went and Alvina had won.

Customarily, the girls shook hands but their eyes challenged each other. They stepped off the stage soon enough.

"Woah, those two matches were intense." Sam declared. She had not spoken since the match started.

"Is it always like this?" I asked with a quake in my voice. I was still shaken by the scenes that had unfolded.

"Not exactly, I can tell that Pris Tine is determined to win this year." Sam said.

"So, we are expecting more aggressive matches?" I asked.

"The boys mostly play mind games. You will see." She said and I nodded. I had a conviction that the royals definitely went easy on me during my training. I never realized the extent of their abilities, skills and experience. I suddenly felt small.

There were two other minor matches not quite as interesting as the first two but still quite impressive after which there was a bit of refreshments and talks before we were dismissed for the day.

I returned home only for Lexi to open the door before I could scan and envelop me in a bear hug. She seemed to be in a good mood, thank God.

"What's up?" I asked her as I put my backpack down and made my way to the kitchen to find something to eat. No one else was home at the time despite it was already 6pm save for me and Alexi. This was not unusual considering mom would be so busy at the restaurant until quite late; dad could be working over time or helping someone cover a shift and Dylan could simply have stayed back in school to work on something.

However, I liked that we were all home during the weekends and enjoyed quality time together.

"Phoebe I won the furniture contest." She said with glee.

"WOW, congratulations." I put down the yogurt drink I was sipping and went to hug her. "I believed in you."

"I know. Phoebe it all happened like fate. I lost first place initially to the snobbish guy but it seemed as though one of the judges got an anonymous tip that revealed that the guy did in fact steal the design, he was immediately disqualified and the first spot went on to me!" She clapped in triumph.

"No way, it really turned out like fate. Everything worked together for your good; at the right place and at the right time. I am so happy for you. You deserve it, you worked so hard for this, and you couldn't lose this." I said

"I could have if not for your help." Lexi admitted with a tearful smile.

"How so," I inquired.

Lexi guided me to sit beside her on the sofa. "Phoebe I don't know if you remember but at that time you were seven and I was eleven. I was having a hard time fitting in at school because I was tomboyish and mom and dad were not exactly in the best financial situation. I had no friends and would often be on my own, sad and defeated."

"I remember one thing from that time though," I said thoughtfully, "You bullied me a lot." I stated feigning anger. Lexi laughed.

"I am so sorry. You had already stayed with us two years by then and I still couldn't warm up to you. I also took out my frustrations on you. That was wrong and you certainly did not deserve that." She said meaningfully while stroking my hair.

I smiled in gratitude. "Thank you. So you were saying..."

"Phoebe you came to me when I was hurdled in a corner beside the house with a note. Despite I sent you away, you didn't leave. You told me that you were rooting for my happily ever after and that I will have it. I scoffed at you but you were not deterred, you left me a note before you left. I considered ignoring it but I didn't. I eventually picked it up and it said 'Lexi will have her happily ever after. She will get back both her prince and fairy god mother, in this case her best friend.' Phoebe I was so touched."

"Really?" I asked in amazement and surprise.

"Yeah, a week later Tiana defended me at the cafeteria and we became best friends, she became my fairy godmother. Scott came into the picture soon enough but of course we did not start dating until senior year of high school. I did get my happily ever after."

'I am useful after all,' I thought to myself. I smiled at my sister. "How much was the cash prize?" I inquired.

"Five grand," Lexi announced with her palm spread out to show her five fingers.

"Mom will be ecstatic." I leap in happiness.

"Yeah, she will be." We embraced again.

Perhaps my usefulness may not be in advanced skills and fighting but if I could make lives happier and more fulfilled with simple notes, then I am happy and live with no regrets.

End of chapter! It was wonderful writing again. Thank you very much for reading. Next update will be soon. I promised consistency until it is over. Good morning.

xhIBD[B