Marilyn Kaye - Better Late Than Never

"Your father, your real father--he wants to save you from him, Jenna," Ken told her. "He's trying to protect you. He's had a hard time reaching me, but he wouldn't give up."

Jenna burst into tears.

She couldn't remember the last time she'd done this. Jenna Kelley didn't cry. That's what she'd told Emily when Emily had made that prediction about the tall, dark, handsome stranger. Who gave off bad vibes. Who would make her cry.

Tracey came over and hugged her. Jenna didn't pull away. She was aware of other people leaving their seats, coming over to her, surrounding her. Even Charles wheeled himself over. Madame came, too. Only Carter Street remained in his seat, oblivious to what was going on as usual.

Everyone else made a wall of support around her, keeping her safe, keeping her strong. Still, she couldn't stop crying.

She buried her face in her hands. "It's okay," came a soft voice. "Let it out." It sounded like Amanda, but of course that was impossible.

Slowly, the tears began to subside, and she could hear Madame's voice over them. "This is why we have to watch out for one another. People will try to use us. And who knows what this man really wants? He could be part of something bigger, some conspiracy. We are always in danger from the outside world, class. What's happened to Jenna--it's a lesson for all of us. We're in this together."

"Why couldn't I read his mind?" Jenna asked in a whisper.

"Who knows?" Madame said simply. "He might have gifts of his own."

"And how could he have known that my mother wouldn't be home when he came to my apartment?"

Madame gently touched her head. "As I said, Jenna, other people could be involved."

Charles spoke. "What a jerk! Hey, Jenna, do you want me to drop a house on him?"

"I'm getting the feeling," Martin said excitedly. "I could go beat him up."

Jenna took her hands away from her wet face.

Tracey silently passed her a tissue.

"It's okay," she said, her voice trembling. "I can handle this myself."

"No, Jenna," Madame said. "We need one another."

The bell rang. Jenna looked at Madame. "He's picking me up in front of the school."

Madame nodded. She made a gesture, and everyone moved away, giving her room to stand up. Carter Street walked out of the room. Everyone else waited around Jenna. When she started to move toward the door, they encircled her, walking with her. Charles rolled along by her side.

Outside, the little yellow compact was waiting by the curb. The circle parted, letting Jenna see the car clearly. And the driver.

The handsome man was smiling. There was no question about it--he had a charming smile. It felt like a knife stabbing her in the heart.

Their eyes met. She still couldn't read his mind, but maybe he read hers. Or maybe it was just written all over her face.

His smile faded. She could see his hand go to the gearshift. Then, suddenly, he sped away.

Dimly, Jenna heard Madame suggesting to Tracey that she take her home. Emily was saying she'd wait with Jenna while Tracey collected their things. She was aware of a hug, a pat on the shoulder, a hand briefly clutching hers. She wasn't sure who was hugging, who was patting . . . but they were friends, she thought. Maybe.

The only thing she was really sure of was the fake tattoo on her arm. Dad. It was already starting to fade. She'd just have to wear long sleeves until it was gone completely.