Gifted Connections 3

“Generally, our gifts manifest as teens,” Drake began to explain as he linked his hand with mine, gently stroking my arm. “It’s also in a time we most need them, if we have them within.” He looked over at Ford. “I imagine you never had the need to…fly. It’s not a common gift, and one that can easily be kept dormant forever.”

Ford mulled that over for some time. “Truthfully, I was always afraid of heights until I joined the marines. Then when heights were required, safety devices were present, so I didn’t ever need it.”

“So, it’s a possibility a lot of people have gifts that they aren’t aware of…” Yaris almost seemed excited by the prospect. “My uncle is capable of walking through physical objects; walls, doors, trees. Can I…” he almost seemed embarrassed by his train of thoughts.

“You do,” Gavin and Herman said simultaneously.

“Although it’s no guarantee that you have the same gift,” Gavin added.

“So, don’t go charging walls,” Herman gave him a lopsided grin.

Yaris looked away seemingly embarrassed.

“Oh, my goodness you’ve tried!” Jemmy cackled.

Those of us within earshot laughed. My overactive imagination imagined the shorter version of Mr. Clean running full force at a wall. I stifled my

laughter behind my hands.

“You’re fucking with me,” Yaris said narrowing his eyes on them, clearly deflecting the attention away.

“We aren’t,” Gavin held up his hands and looked over at Spencer. “You do, too.”

“What?” Spencer leaned over in excitement.

“We don’t know,” Herman said. “Honestly, I don’t think it’s as big as flying or anything most of us can do, but you definitely have a gift.”

“I think you both may be a four or five, at best,” Gavin said sympathetically.

“What does that even mean?” another one of the Nons asked leaning forward.

“You know Usain Bolt?” Drake asked as he leaned forward.

“The Olympic athlete?” he asked in confusion.

Drake nodded. “He’s more than likely a one or two. Half of the people that have gifts go their whole lives without even knowing it. Speed is a gift but not one person would take notice of it. Most people count his speed because of his natural athleticism and drive. His natural athleticism is actually his gift.”

“Do…do I have it?” the Non-asked hopefully.

“No,” Sierra answered softly. “You were never aware of the gifted until you met your sister in law. Typically speaking, gifts are passed down through blood lines. If you don’t have a blood relative with a gift, you are highly unlikely to have any.”

“How can we tell what we have?” Spencer asked as he looked over at us.

Gavin looked over at Drake, deferring to his expertise. “As far as I know, there isn’t anyone that can tell you exactly what you have. Herman can feel gifts, Gavin can see gifts, and Sierra can boost gifts. They can sense any gifted but they are unable to say what they are.”

“Do you think you can boost us?” Yaris asked clearly excited to find out he was gifted.

Sierra shook her head. “I’m sorry, no. Without you knowing what it is and having some control of it, I can’t help you.”

“Pops may be able to,” I said somewhat grimly. “It was something he use to do…”

“I do think it’s time to let Pops know,” Troy cleared his throats. “If we already have gifted individuals in our training program, then we might as well start utilizing them if we can figure out what their gifts are.”

“I can fly,” Ford said proudly as he held up his hands. A few of us groaned while the others laughed.

***

“Wake up! Wake up!” a chipper voice crowed in my ear.