Page 11 of Ordinary Secrets

Liz ran after me, unwilling to let me leave. I was unwilling to hear her out.

“I’m so sorry, Trey. I didn’t mean to. Your memory came to me when our hands touched. I can’t control it. Trust me, if I could choose, I’d rather be an Ordinary.”

I was already halfway to my car when I froze right there in the parking lot. I understand what it’s like to not have control of your powers. Often, I’ve wished to be an Ordinary too. It’s common for Zordis to long for better powers. What’s uncommon is for us to long to be completely powerless. The moment Liz said those words through tears, it hit me that maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t alone.

Fuming a little less, I allowed her to talk me into staying. That night, instead of dancing, we had a lengthy heart-to-heart conversation—a form of torture for me.

“I’m sorry I got angry,” I said, apologizing for the tenth time. I felt like an asshole for yelling at her the way I had. “It’s just that...”

“You don’t have to explain,” Liz said when I couldn’t find the words. “I’m glad I saw your memory—for your sake.”

“How’s that formysake?”

“It’ll be good for you to have someone to confide in. Someone who understands you. Now I know why you’re so closed off.”

That last comment didn’t make me feel any better. I am fully aware that I shut down the second anyone asks me a personal question, but to hear Liz verbalize it? I felt called out. I had half a mind to walk out again.

“I’ll make it even with you,” she said. “I can tell you about something that kills me deeply too.”

So, she did, even after I told her it wasn’t necessary. She told me all about the most disturbing memories she’d caught over the years and how they still affect her. She even shared some of her own dark memories—of things she’s experienced herself.

I listened in awe of her every word, mostly in awe of her. I’d had no idea how much agony hid behind those bright smiles and cheery hugs. Liz had fooled me into thinking her happiness came easy.

Looking back on it now, I realize that Liz told me all those dark things because she needed someone to confide in too. Before me, she never had anyone she could share that pain with. No one had ever wanted to share it, especially not her family. There she was, carrying the weight of all those distressing memories on her own two shoulders, and I was more than happy to help her carry that burden. I still am.

If everyone knew all the shit Liz has been through, they’d have as much respect for her as I do. Liz has the kindest, most caring and understanding soul I’ve ever known. For that, I will protect her at all costs.

“Why do you think our gifts didn’t work on Ari?” Liz asks, drawing my attention back to her.

“I’m not sure,” I say.But I’m gonna find out.

4

TREY

The second Lizgets into her car and drives away, I reach back to feel around the fabric of my back seats. It doesn’t take me long to find what I’m looking for. When I do, I carefully fold the strands between a napkin from my center console; then I drag my phone out to call Victor.

“What?” my uncle answers, all clipped as if I’m interrupting a meeting with the fucking president.

“I got the sample.”

“Good. Come to Shadow Ridge. Now.”

I pull my phone from my ear to glance at the screen. “Now? It’s really late.”

“And?”

I should just do whatever he wants. It’s easier that way. “All right. I’m coming.”

Zordis only need to sleep half as often as Ordis. Lucky for me, I slept last night—not that Victor knows that. What if tonight was my night to rest?

“Can you send a Teleporter?” I ask.

“I only have one Porter right now. He’s busy, so you’re on your own. Don’t dawdle.”Click.

Huffing, I shove my phone back into my pocket. With a Teleporter, I could be at the Ridge within seconds. Now, I have a three-hour road trip ahead of me and another three hours back.

Whatever, I guess.

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