Gifted Connections 3

He looked sad and defeated but resigned to his fate.

I broke in. “I just don’t understand how we carry on with the shift in time and don’t know it. It was only because of our connection that the time shift didn’t work on us,” I said in awe.

“With or without connections, we are all aware of a time shift,” Kade said pragmatically. “Have you ever had deja vu or felt like you already experienced something? A time shift had occurred. Déjà vu is our memories. They are events that already happened to us. Some people are more connected with their memories than others.”

“But I thought there hasn’t been a time shifter in centuries?” Terrance looked over at Will. “I’ve experienced that feeling for years now. Long before Kade was even born.”

“I’m the only time shifter Horatio could find. The other ones were too smart, too prepared, too trained to get caught. It’s a gift that we can hide well if we know how to,” Kade stated with wisdom far above his years.

Silence followed his revelations as we were all left to ponder them. Our minds were blown. It explained so much. Without knowing a time shifter or knowing that it was even possible, we could live our whole lives not knowing our perceptions of reality weren’t true.

“Is it time for cake yet?” Ella asked excitedly as if she was bored with the conversation.

Most of us laughed, and I was made aware of the fact that I had barely eaten anything. “I’m not done with my food yet,” I stated with a smile towards her.

She groaned dramatically. “Less talking and more eating then!”

I stood in surprise as I stared at the sleek black Harley Davidson sportster sitting in the parking garage. I turned to look at Remy.

“You did not get me a bike,” I said in shock. A big red bow was tied to the handles.

He shrugged with a small smile. “I knew how much you loved my bike, and I figured when it gets nice out I can teach you to ride.”

I squealed like a little school girl and launched myself into his arms. “Thank you. I love it.”

He lifted me so I could bestow a kiss on his cheek. His stubble was rough against my lips but I didn’t care. He chuckled and squeezed me close. “I missed you,” he murmured in my ear and I knew what he meant. My affection towards him and the others hadn’t been where it once was. I had become reserved and more self-conscious in my displays.

“I’m back,” I reassured him. “I’m sorry I haven’t been myself.”

“First, she needs to learn how to drive,” Will interrupted us as a black jeep wrangler pulled up next to the bike with a big red bow attached to the hood.

I gaped once more and felt tears well in my eyes. “You really know how to spoil a girl. I really don’t need all of this,” I protested feebly. He had purchased a Jeep for me before, too, but it was no less touching the second time as it was the first.

“We’re not done yet with gifts yet,” Noah stated with a laugh. “Let’s go back in and open the rest of your gifts.”

I turned and hugged Will. “Thanks Pops,” I murmured. “I love Wranglers.”

I knew he was touched by my reference. I had once called him Pops, and it just felt right to call him Pops once more. He had come to mean so much to me. He would never replace my father but there was still room in my heart and life for another one.

“You’re welcome,” he smiled fondly at me. “There’s a driving manual in there, and Troy and Remy are going to teach you how to drive normally, tactically, and defensively. When you’re ready, we’ll go get your license. But first let’s get those grades up again,” He added with a twinkle in his eyes.

“I’m working on it,” I reassured him.

“I know you are.” He patted me gently on the back. “Life has a way of getting to us, and sometimes we need to refocus ourselves. You’re doing a fine job of it all.”

“Does anyone else feel like their gifts are going to pale in comparison to a motorcycle and a Jeep?” Dawn quipped.

Everyone laughed as we made our way back into the building.

“Is it time for cake yet and ice cream?” Ella whined plaintively.

I laughed. “Yes, we can do cake and ice cream.”

“As you open your gifts,” Troy added as he took my hand. “Otherwise we’ll be here all night,” he joked.

I smiled up at him and squeezed his hand.

We made our way back down to the conference room, and Noah immediately placed a rectangle box in front of me after Troy sat me down on his lap at the gift table.