John Maloney's Arc

Chapter 3 of 3

John stepped closer to the three classmates, ready to test a smile, when the side gate banged open. Blair Firespark stormed in, cheeks red, voice loud. "John! You came to HER party and not mine?" Heads turned. The music dipped. The three classmates stopped laughing and looked straight at John, waiting to see what he would do. Blair marched past the pool and climbed onto the flaming stage at the back, the one with the speakers shaped like torches. She held up a pale pink rose, petals shaking in her fist. "You forgot this," she said. "You said you'd be MY hero." The three classmates slid onto a turquoise swing wrapped in purple roses. They sat shoulder to shoulder, eyes locked on him, like he was the show. John's power buzzed hot under his skin. He could push into Blair's head right now and switch her loud anger into quiet shame. Easy. But the swing kids were watching. If he froze Blair on stage, they would see a boy who fixed things in secret. He wanted them to see a leader. So he walked to the stage, took the rose, and said clearly, "I didn't promise you anything, Blair. But I'm sorry I hurt you." Blair's mouth opened, closed. She climbed down and ran out the gate. The music swelled back. On the swing, one of the three classmates nodded at John, slow and impressed. The other two scooted apart, leaving a turquoise space in the middle. John walked over and sat down. He had not used his power once. And still, they had made him room.