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  The first batter came up to the plate. For a moment, Mandy closed her eyes. Her powers were just below the surface, already close to boiling. Mandy mentally pushed with as much force as she could muster. The boiling power exploded from underneath the surface like a geyser shooting up into the sky.

  Mandy threw her first pitch. It whizzed by the batter at lightning speed before she even had a chance to swing. "Strike one!" announced the umpire.

  The first few innings continued the same way, with the batters standing perplexed as the pitches flew by.

  After Valerie, a teammate and one of Mandy's best friends, had struck out for the fourth time, she hung her head as she sat in the dugout. A cloud of brown dust surrounded her feet as she knocked her cleats together.

  "Everything okay, Val?" Mandy asked.

  Valerie lifted her head. Cheeks red, mouth bent into a frown. "I'm just having a bad game, that's all. Not everyone can be as perfect as you."

  "I see you moping, Valerie." A woman with a slick bob stood on the other side of the chain link fence.

  Valerie jumped in her seat and twisted around. "Mom? How long have you been here?"

  "Long enough."

  "Mom, I-I-I-I'm not feeling well today."

  "Excuses are for losers, Valerie."

  Mandy stood paralyzed for a moment. The nastiness of Valerie's mother's tone made her insides squirm. It took a moment for her to find her voice. "Hi, Mrs. Baron," Mandy said, trying to think of any way to change the subject. "How are you doing today? Isn't it a beautiful day?" Resorting to the weather was lame, but her mind felt numb, and she just wanted Mrs. Baron to get off Valerie's back.

  Mrs. Baron's attention shifted to her daughter’s friend. Her irises lit up as she smoothed the lapels of her pinstriped jacket. "Yes, it’s gorgeous out and so wonderful to see you! You have had quite a game tonight! Three home runs, four triples, and your pitching has been stellar! I'm always so proud of you, Mandy."

  "Um, thanks, Mrs. Baron. So how's your family? I haven't seen Wayne in a while."

  "Yes, Wayne is doing well in college."

  Valerie resumed banging her heels together. Clink, clunk, clank! The volume produced by the collision of her feet increased with the impact. Light brown dirt floated through the air. Mandy inhaled a mouthful. She gagged and coughed.

  "Valerie, what's the matter with you?" Mrs. Baron asked, her hands on her hips. "It's bad enough to be a poor player. You don't have to be rude as well."

  "Hmmmph." Valerie continued to clonk her cleats together and stirred up a dust storm.

  "I apologize for her poor behavior. I promise you I will be dealing with her when she gets home. It was lovely seeing you." Mrs. Baron stalked away.

  "You're up, McKinney," Coach Nelson said.

  "Val, I'm so sorry your mom spoke to you that way," Mandy said.

  "It doesn't matter. I don't care about what that woman says. I don't care about her at all. I don't care."

  "Val," Mandy started.

  Valerie put up her hand. "Stop. I don't want to talk about it." She stared at the dugout wall.

  "But—"

  Valerie's fist slammed against the wood bench. She faced Mandy. The dugout roof cast a dark shadow over half of her face. Her eyes narrowed like slits. "I said stop. Now, go. You're up." Valerie's voice was as cold as her expression, and icicles slid down Mandy's spine.

  Mandy shook her head and regained her composure. Valerie would be okay. Her mother had always been tough on her. She would get over it. Right now Mandy needed to keep her head in the game. She grabbed a bat and jogged up to home plate. The lights on the scoreboard above the back fence illuminated the night sky. It was the bottom of the eighth inning. Eleven to zero, Panthers leading. There were two outs with the bases loaded.

  "Let's go, Mandy! Bring me home," Giselle shouted from second base.

  Mandy's arms ached. The bat felt like it was made of lead. Her vision fogged. Warning signs, her mother would call them. Indicators that it was time to stop. The pitcher threw a strike right down the middle. She swung and missed. For a moment, the team was shocked into silence.

  "Strike one!" announced the umpire.

  Tears welled up in Mandy's eyes. If she didn't use her powers, would she be any good at softball? She couldn't bear to imagine the utter humiliation if everyone found out the truth about her. The pitcher wound up and released the ball. Mandy swung her bat.

  "Strike two!"

  A hush fell over the entire field. Not even a murmur in the bleachers. Was Mandy the Infallible going to strike out? Even though the game was a guaranteed landslide victory, the crowd was on the edges of their seats.

  Mandy bit her lip hard to fight the tears from spilling over while millions of questions resounded in her head. What if she wasn't the star softball player, or the captain of the cheerleading team? What if she didn't have her gift? What if she was just an ordinary girl, doing the best she could, using her natural abilities? Would she be shunned and ridiculed by the popular crowd? Would she have any friends at all? Would she be like Brianna, hanging out with complete losers?

  Sometimes Mandy wished she could turn her powers off and never use them again. She might suck at everything, but at least she would be real.

  One screech tore through the silence. "Let's go, Panthers!"

  Mandy’s eyes traveled from face to face in the dugout, and she immediately she wished she hadn't looked. She could have drowned in that ocean of wide eyes and gaping mouths. Mustering all her strength, she focused deep on the seat of her core. After a few moments, the energy began to flow. Mandy breathed a sigh of relief.

  The pitcher threw the softball fast, straight, and down the strike zone. Mandy swung the bat hard. She watched as the ball soared over the pitcher's head, past the center fielder, and over the fence. Grand slam.

  The crowd jumped to their feet and roared. Mandy beamed as she jogged around the bases. As soon as her foot touched home plate, she was mauled by her teammates and overwhelmed with hugs and high fives. Several of the players hoisted her up on their shoulders. "Mandy! Mandy! Mandy!" they chanted. From her vantage point, Mandy gazed across the field and into the dugout. Only one team member had remained behind. One who had chosen to not partake in the celebration: Valerie.

  Chapter Five

  After the game, the softball players joined the football team at the local diner, Burger Bop. As they entered the restaurant, Giselle fretted about her appearance. "Is this red lipstick okay?" She stared into her compact and fluffed her hair.

  "Hmmm, go with pink. I read in a fashion magazine that boys like softer colors."

  Mandy led the way to a long table that spanned the entire back wall. Chad had saved a seat for her. His eyes seemed to glow with happiness like a child opening up presents on Christmas morning as she approached him. But was it real? Mandy had no idea if his feelings were genuine, or if he was one-hundred percent influenced by her powers. After a year together, this had started to bother her. The energy always simmered in her core. She could turn her powers up, but never all the way down.

  "How was your game, babe?" Chad kissed her on the cheek.

  "We had another shutout, thanks to our most valuable player!" Sharon squealed.

  "That grand slam was amazing!" Penny said.

  "Oh, it was nothing." Mandy acknowledged her fans.

  "Hey Mandy, could I possibly have a picture of you?" Eileen Small held up a digital camera. "I just started working for the school newspaper, and we want to run a front page article about you." Eileen pointed the lens at Mandy's face and snapped a few photos. Mandy blinked as the shiny spots from the flash obstructed her vision. Ugh, couldn't the paparazzi give her a few minutes to relax?

  Mandy gazed across the room and spotted her twin seated in a booth with three friends. Brianna was smiling, leaning forward, engrossed in whatever she was hearing. The boy with the Mohawk grinned and used large gestures as he spoke animatedly. When he finished, the whole table doubled over with laughter. The purple-haired
girl's eyes widened as soda shot out of her nose. This made her and everyone at the table crack up even more. Mandy's lip twitched as she suppressed her own smile.

  "You always play so well, babe." Chad put his arm around Mandy and leaned in so his lips touched her ear. "I love you."

  Did he? Did he really? Mandy longed to know Chad's true feelings. With her eyes closed, she imagined putting a lid over the simmering pot of energy. For a few moments, Mandy didn't feel any power radiating from her body. The energy continued to simmer underneath the lid, but none escaped. Wow. She couldn't believe it.

  "You look different tonight." Chad sounded concerned.

  Dread coursed through Mandy's veins at the words. "What do you mean?" Mandy's mouth felt like it had been stuffed with cotton balls. Her tongue seemed to stick to the roof of her mouth between each word.

  "I'm not sure," Chad started. Mandy's heart raced as she waited for him to finish. The moment of truth. She was ready. All she wanted was the truth, even if it hurt. She was starting to think it would hurt even more living her whole life hiding behind this facade.

  Unrelenting, the power pressed against the underside of the lid. The discomfort reminded her of holding her breath for an extended period of time. It was like her body screamed for its life source. Thousands of black dots flashed in front of her eyes. Cold sweat dripped down her forehead. She could no longer sustain her control. The lid flew off as the built-up power burst out in one big rush. Mandy struggled to replace the lid, but did not have the strength. After several unsuccessful attempts, she dropped her shoulders in defeat.

  Chad pecked her on the cheek. "You look great, babe. I don't know what I'm talking about tonight."

  As soon as they had finished eating, Chad rested his hand on Mandy’s thigh. "Do you want to get out of here? Let's go back to my place."

  Mandy nodded. She didn't know if she wanted to go home with Chad. But she did know every girl in the restaurant would be watching jealously as she left holding hands with the tall and incredibly handsome football player.

  It took about twenty-five minutes for the couple to say goodbye to their friends. All of Mandy's teammates wanted to congratulate and hug her again.

  "Hey, Mandy." Valerie touched her friend's arm. "Sorry about before. I shouldn't have snapped at you."

  "Don't even mention it. All is forgotten."

  "Do you want to go on a hike tomorrow morning at Rocky Ridge?"

  "Sure, sounds great."

  Chad tugged on his girlfriend’s arm, demanding her attention. "Let's go, babe." The couple walked hand in hand out of the restaurant and through the parking lot. When they reached his vehicle, Chad opened the passenger side door for Mandy.

  They sped down the windy roads toward his house. Minutes later, the black SUV arrived in a neighborhood full of expensive houses and landscaped yards. This was the fanciest section of the town of Montmorrow and the area where most of their close friends resided. Mandy was the only one of the group who lived ten minutes away on an isolated hilltop. The luxury SUV pulled into the six-car garage next to a shiny red sports car.

  Chad had his own domain in the basement. The large room was furnished with a king-sized bed, couch, coffee table, dresser, and foosball table. Mandy sank into the plush navy pillows of the couch. Her boyfriend sat beside her and put his arm around her shoulder. He leaned in for a long kiss.

  "You look so amazing tonight, baby," he said, staring at her with adoration. "I love your blonde hair." His fingers danced through her long tresses. As he stared into her eyes, Mandy tried to decipher his true feelings. He appeared so blissful. Was he in love or hypnotized? It was impossible to tell.

  Mandy wanted to know. More than want, she needed to know. Using all her strength, she tried to suppress her magic the way she had before. It didn't work, so she exerted more strength. The irony of the situation almost made her laugh out loud. She had to use her powers to suppress her powers. It didn't make any sense. Mandy's head began to spin. All the energy she used earlier that evening at the softball game had caught up with her. It was too late. Her vision blurred, and then blackness engulfed her.

  Chapter Six

  After band practice, dinner, and a few games at the local pool hall, Brianna and her band mates were headed home in Dave's sedan.

  "Hey, Bri, have you heard the new song by Red Rapture? I think it's called 'Volition,'" Eva said from the passenger seat.

  "Yes, I saw the video the other day. Adam Payne is so hot!"

  "Really? Something about him gives me the creeps!" Dave said.

  "Adam is gorgeous, but my favorite member of the band is the bassist, Carley. It rocks that there's a girl in the band," Eva said.

  Dave drove up the winding driveway and stopped at Brianna's front yard. "Great practice tonight, Bri. You're getting better all the time. Trust me, you're gonna kill it by the time we get to the Battle."

  "Thanks, Dave." Brianna closed the passenger door and walked towards her front porch. The Battle. His words resonated in her thoughts. So much for hoping that her friends would either forget about it or change their minds. There was no way Brianna could perform at the Battle of the Bands in two months. She sucked. She was their weakest link, and she knew it. There was no doubt she would ruin it for everyone. Besides, how could they join a battle if they couldn't even agree on a band name?

  A cool, gentle breeze caressed her hair. Dave's old junk heap clunked down the unpaved driveway. When she reached her porch, Brianna plopped down on the white wicker couch. She puckered her lips, placed two fingers in her mouth, drew back her tongue, and blew. A moment later, the bushes rustled. Two yellow eyes peeked between the leaves. With one sleek movement, a black cat jumped through the branches. He pranced toward Brianna, tail straight up in the air.

  "Hey, Batman!" The feline leaped into Brianna's lap. "Mommy missed you, you cutie." Brianna held Batman against her chest and stroked his soft, black fur. He rubbed his cheek against her shoulder and purred. "I love you, too, baby."

  The sound of a humming motor drew Brianna's attention. Two bright streaks of light illuminated the dark driveway. Brianna squinted as the large vehicle pulled in front of the house.

  Chad parked, jumped out of the car and raced around to open the passenger side door. "Are you sure you're okay?"

  "I'm fine." Chad held Mandy’s arm as her feet reached for the ground. When Mandy stood, he tightened his grip. "I'm good. You can go."

  "I'm walking you to your room. It's not normal to pass out."

  "What's going on?" Brianna asked.

  Chad jumped, jolting Mandy. "Who's that? Oh, hey, Brianna. It's so dark I didn't even see you," Mandy said.

  Brianna stood, Batman still cradled in her arms. "Sorry. What happened?"

  "Nothing," Mandy spoke between clenched teeth. "I just want to go to bed. Chad, let go of me."

  He loosened his hold, and she pulled away. "Make sure she makes it to bed safely, okay, Bri?"

  Brianna nodded and Chad walked toward his car. "What happened? Did you faint?" Brianna opened the front door.

  "Nothing happened. Don't you dare even think about telling Mom."

  "Hey, girls." Sabrina peeked out the front door. "I thought I heard something out here."

  "Mom! What are you doing up?" Brianna asked. The twins rushed inside and shut the door. "You should be resting."

  "I rested all day. I'm used to working the night shift." Sabrina headed toward the kitchen; her daughters followed.

  "I'm so sorry I missed your game, Mandy. I feel awful. I tried to convince your father to go, but he insisted on staying home with me. I'm feeling better now, though. I know my limits and the price was well worth the good I did. I only wish I hadn't missed your game…"

  "Yeah, it's whatev, Mom." Mandy collapsed into an antique wooden chair. She rested her head against the solid oak of the kitchen table. "It's the first home game you ever missed my whole life, so I guess it's alright."

  "You know how much I enjoy watching you play, baby. I was to
o weak to get out of bed earlier. What's wrong, honey? Are you okay?"

  "I'm just exhausted and my head is killing me. Tiring game, but with a landslide victory."

  "Of course! I wouldn't expect anything less with you as the pitcher!" Sabrina retrieved a teapot from the cabinet.

  "Go sit down. I'll do that." Brianna snagged the teapot from her mother. "What did you do last night, Mom?"

  Sabrina pulled out an old oak chair and sat across from Mandy. "There was an elderly woman who broke her hip. I eased her pain and jump-started the healing process a bit."

  "Mom, you should be more careful!"

  "Bri, don't worry. I'm fine now, just fifteen hours later."

  "Yeah, but that's not always the case," Brianna said.

  "Oh, why must all of you continue to haunt me about that one time? That was eight years ago! I saved a girl's life!"

  "And you almost lost your own!" Brianna blinked back tears at the memory. Her mother had been on the brink of death for months. She had been so frail, so weak that she couldn't even get out of bed. Her father had had to take a leave of absence from work to take care of her around the clock, since no human doctor could understand her condition.

  During that time, Brianna had begun to suffer from chronic nightmares. Whenever Brianna had a bad dream Mandy would somehow know, crawl into her bed, and hold her close for the rest of the night.

  "Bri, I know. That will never happen again. It was different with that girl. I was compelled to save her."

  "Well, you better not be compelled again!"

  "Baby, I know my limits. I understand how difficult it is for our organs to maintain homeostasis during the expenditure of so much energy. I want you girls to understand that, too. I try to set a good example for you two—to know what you can handle, to only use your gift for good, and to make sure to keep our gift a secret."

  "You don't have to worry about me, Mom. Whatever amount of gift I inherited is so miniscule that I couldn't even help a fly."

  "That's not true, Brianna. You have to practice more. You gave up too early."