Chapter 4

Natasha and Tasha sat across the table from each other at dinner. Dinner consisted of Natasha’s typical high-protein low-fat diet: lean chicken, a salad, broccoli, and spinach. A guard stood by the door just to keep the place from being too homey.

Natasha motioned at the broccoli on Tasha’s plate, “Eat all of that, it is good for you.”

Tasha pointed at a broccoli spear with her index finger. The piece of broccoli floated up off the plate.

“Tasha, do not eat with your powers!” Natasha scolded.

The piece of broccoli plopped back onto the plate. Tasha picked it up with her fork and sighed. “When do I get out of here?”

“When you are finished eating, of course.”

Tasha sighed. “I mean when do I get out of this place – this complex?”

“We are scheduled for a field trip next week.”

Tasha dropped her head into her hand. “I mean out of here for good...”

Natasha stared at her. “You still have much to learn.”

“What if I don’t want to learn it?” Tasha asked.

Natasha steadied her gaze on Tasha. “You will learn it. For your good, the pride of our homeland, and the good of our world. You are still not ready to be out in the real world with normal people.”

“What do you mean?”

“Tasha, you have a wonderful gift. Only you are young and must learn how to control it. For now, that is all that matters."

“But….”

“There are no buts or ifs about this. Until you master the total control of your powers, you could hurt others and yourself.”

Tasha slapped her palms down hard onto her legs in frustration. The table started to shake and shiver. “I can control my powers…”

Natasha pointed to the guard. “Can you?”

Tasha turned to the guard and saw sweat pouring down his face. She took a deep breath. The guard stopped shaking and smiled.

Natasha reached over and touched Tasha gently on the shoulder. “You need to learn to control your power.”

“I don't want to hurt anybody,” Tasha mumbled.

“That is why we train. To make sure you don't accidentally hurt anybody but can still protect yourself. If more people knew about you and your gifts, you would become a target. Some would want to use you; others would want to harm you.”

Tasha mulled over Natasha's words. She frowned. “Sometimes, I pick up stray thoughts from the major and others that they are scared of me. And Captain Robinson, her thoughts make me shutter.”

Natasha stroked her shoulder, “That is why we cooperate to show them you are not to be feared.”

“I picked up other thoughts from them. They are looking for other mind-benders out there. They are trying to make their own mind-benders.”

Natasha shook her head, “Do not believe what you think you hear in stray thoughts.”

“Natasha, you always taught me that a person’s thoughts are truer than their actions.”

“Only if they do not know they are around a mind-bender. They are probably trying to throw you off.” Natasha paused for a second, she took a breath. “Trust me, Tasha, all I want is what’s best for you. If things go well over the next few weeks, I will take you on a nice vacation.”

Tasha’s eyes lit up. “Can we visit my friend Joe?”

Natasha hesitated for a moment and looked away, “We will see.”

“Your words said ‘maybe,’ but your eyes say ‘no.’”

Natasha looked Tasha square in the eyes. “I said, we will see.”

Tasha grinned. “You know, Natasha, you are the only person I never pick up any stray thoughts from.”

“That is because I am in constant control of my thoughts and emotions.” Natasha pointed at the broccoli. “Now eat your veggies.”