Eye on Orion by Laura D. Bastian Page B

thought. “ Just 'cause you asked nicely ,” I teased. I started to sing the song in my mind, tempted to do the actions with my hands.
    Jai listened to it. “That is interesting. What exactly is a waterspout?”
    â€œYou’ve never heard it before either? Where are you from?” I asked. Jai and Amira both stiffened a bit. They looked at each other but didn't speak.
    â€œWe cannot say,” Amira whispered.
    â€œAll these secrets are going to drive me crazy. One of these days I'll figure it out though, and you won't have to keep it secret,” I said.
    â€œI do wish you would not try. It would not be safe for you to know everything,” Amira said.
    I groaned. “That makes me want to know even more.”
    They looked at each other again like they were uncomfortable with the direction of our conversation. “Forget I asked.” I'd find out some other way. Changing the subject, I said, “I tried to hear my parents’ thoughts again today, but couldn’t.”
    Jai got a funny look on his face, and Amira looked guilty.
    â€œWhat?” I asked, keeping my eyes on Jai's face. So much for putting them at ease.
    â€œThat is probably because I gave you a double dose,” Jai admitted.
    â€œWhat! Why?” I asked.
    â€œWell, your family was easy to hear right away, but not you,” Jai said. “So I gave you more.”
    I frowned. I'd kind of hoped I was special because I could hear them when other people couldn't, but maybe it was because of the extra dose.
    We did a few experiments, trying to think one thing while saying something different. After a while, I got pretty good at it, but started to have a hard time concentrating on what to think, and what to keep private.
    Before long, I excused myself to go home. It was my night to make dinner.
    Jai stood and offered me his hand. I didn't need his help, but I took it anyway, curious to see if it would tingle again. It didn't. I only felt the warm strength. “Can you come back later?”
    â€œTonight?”
    â€œYes. We need to see if this lasts longer than a full day.” Jai checked the clock on the wall. “In less than two hours it could be over.”
    â€œI’ll come back.” I nodded and headed to the door.
    â€œThank you, Holly.” Amira gave me a hug then grabbed both of my hands in hers as she looked me in the eyes. “You truly are a good friend, and I am glad we ended up being your neighbors. You have made a difficult experience for me much easier to handle.”
    â€œIt’s no problem.” I didn't know what to do with her still holding onto my hands, so I squeezed them and let go. “I’ll see you guys later.”
    â€œ Thanks, Holly ,” Jai thought to me.
    ****
    The clock above the oven showed it was past eight when I'd finished cleaning up after dinner. It had been more than a full day. Would the telepathy still work?
    I wanted to run to their house, but when I saw Jai and Amira waiting on their front porch, I forced myself to walk. No need to look too eager. With my focus on them, I completely missed Curtis washing his car.
    â€œHey, Holly,” Curtis called. “You coming to help me?”
    â€œNo. I wouldn’t dare.” I shook my head.
    â€œDon’t worry. I won’t let you hurt her.” Curtis caressed the hood of the car with a wet rag.
    I kept walking, and he dropped the rag in the bucket. He wiped his wet hands on his pants and met me on the sidewalk, cutting me off. “Maybe I’ll take you for a ride if you ask nice.”
    â€œNo thanks.” I glanced back at his car.
    â€œYou don’t want to take ride in Jessica?”
    â€œNope.”
    â€œCome on, Holly.” Curtis leaned against his fence. “You know you won’t have many opportunities to ride in a classic car like her.”
    â€œThanks for the offer, but I’m busy right now.” I tried to step around him, but he moved to