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Well! My first ever story on Alex Mack and the Charmed Ones. This series of Chapters will be called "Secret Worlds of Magick" This is also taking place in Charmed's 4th Season, and after Alex Mack has grown up.

Here goes!

***********Part 1***********

Pleasant Valley - Mack Residence
Friday night

"And that's final." A woman that was in her middle age years, declared, with a resolute tone, toward her daughter.

I twirled a strand in my lengthy blonde hair absentmindedly, and sighed heavily.

"But, Mom?!," was my continued whine. I stared at my mother with dismay on my face.

My mom's voice softened, saying, "Now, Alex...Annie's at Princeton, and you are just finished with high school. You know that your father lost his job at the Plant a short while ago. He just found another one, working with Chem Insitute in San Francisco, and wants us to move there."

I shouted in a shocked voice, "San Francisco?! Why?? I don't wanna move. I like it here. What about Ray?"

Her mother exhaled softly, taking her glasses in her hand, and giving me a semi-regretful glance. "I know. I wish I could stay here too. But it has a lot of memories here..Good...and Bad."

I didn't have to hear a verbal undertone on that last remark. Memories. Bad Memories weighed heavily on my mind, The Plant exploding; the Disappearance of You-Know-Who (I preferred not to name her), and my parents finding out about my powers. Those had been her secret for most of my teenage life. I shrugged those thoughts off, grimly looking at my mother without another word, and stalked upstairs.

/ Dammit. I wish we didn't have to move to San Francisco! I was starting to get comfortable, now that Danielle Atron's gone. I suppose I should break the news to Ray..../

As this thought occured to me, I picked up the reciever, began to dial Ray's number, and waited.

*************************************************************************

San Francisco - Halliwell Manor
Friday night

A demon, clad in a black suit, screamed as his molecules scattered apart into thin air. Standing in a battle pose, a female with her hands were outstretched against the empty space that was the demon. Her stance relaxed as the molecules disappeared, and a smile appeared on her face. "That was easy enough." She turned around to face her other two sisters, one newly found, and one she had known all her life.

Paige shrugged with a perplexed look on her face. "I thought we had to vanquish him with a spell?"

Phoebe gazed at her two sisters, lingering on Paige. Phoebe replied seriously, "No, not always. Some demons are just low level, that a blast from Piper's hands usually will do the trick."

Paige simply nodded silently. Piper glanced at her watch. "Oh! I gotta get to P^3! They need my help, one of the bartenders is out sick today."

Phoebe offered with a small grin, "You need any help, Piper?"

Piper nodded vigourously, chuckling, "All the help I can get!" She looked at Paige with an expectant look, continuing, "Paige? You wanna help tonight?"

Paige shook her head. "Nah, I think I wanna stay in, if that's okay with you guys?"

Piper smiled. "Sure. That's ok. You looked like you needed some alone time. I know how that is.."

Phoebe nudged Piper in the ribs gently, with an amused glare. "What do you mean, you know...??"

Piper laughed, gently cuffing Phoebe on the shoulder. "You know what I mean, Pheebs! We all needed our alone time growing up, and all that."

Phoebe took a moment, then nodded, agreeing with this point. "Ok. Let's go!" Phoebe encircled her arm into Piper's, and with a merry chuckle, they both left the Manor, headed to the club.

She muttered, "Romance Book", and a rain of blue and white orbs materialized into her open palm as the romance book she had been wanting to read alone for a while. She grinned, heading for the lounge room, and curled up on the couch. Sighing, nestled into an array of pillows, she opened her book to the first page, and got lost into her own world.

*********************************************************************

Pleasant Valley - Mack Residence
Friday night

"You're what?", exclaimed a deep voice into my ear. I winced unhappily, cradling the reciever in my ear. I sighed heavily once more before replying.

"Yes. Ray, I'm moving. I don't want to. But Dad's found a job in San Francisco." I repeated with a gloomy inflection in my voice.

"What job?", was her friend's inquiry; his startlement apparently forgotten.

I muttered darkly. "Oh...something about Chem Insititute, I think. Probably about GC-161, as usual."

"Oh. That would make sense. Alex, I wish you didn't have to go!", was his impassionated reply.

A knock was heard, causing my head to swivel toward the door.

I called out tentatively, "Who is it?", knowing it was probably Mom.

An feminine voice answered, "It's your mom."

/ Uh huh. I suppose it couldn't hurt to talk... I did storm off, after all. / This particular thought ran through my mind.

"Just a second, Ray. It's Mom..." I pursued my lips intently, staring at the doorknob, willing it to turn, and pull.

The doorknob turned, opening, to admit my mother. She frowned momentarily, as she realized I hadn't gotten up to open the door, but shrugged it off.

"Alex, honey, I need to talk to you." Her tone was laced with urgency, but I knew it was important enough judging from her expression, yet I felt unwilling to talk at that moment.

I sighed quietly, and whispered into the phone, "I gotta go, Ray. Mom wants to talk."

"Ok, Alex. Talk to me when you're done. Laters."

Alex smiled momentarily, whispering, "Laters."

A dial tone was heard. I placed the reciever gently into its cradle, and focused my attention on Mom.

"....Ok, Mom...what's up?"

She gazed upon her youngest daughter and smiled. She knew that her daughter was ready. She saw my uncertain expression, and began to talk.

"Alex...I know you are responsible...It's taken me a few months to realize that....but I have something I need to tell you."

My gaze focused on her intently. Waiting. / I hope it's not a lecture.../, ran through my mind momentarily, keeping a neutral expression on my face.

Her mother jumped into it without a warning. "Alex...You have unique powers. Other than what GC-161 gave you. After thinking about it, and after what happened at the Plant the last time we were there, I have come to believe that GC-161 was no real accident, but gave you the key to the other powers."

She leaned backwards, as if to see what my reaction was.

Wild thoughts ran through my mind in a circle. / What powers? What the hell is going on? / "What? What are you talking about?" To my chagrin, my voice cracked slightly. My face began to warm. I stared in dismay and confusion. I quickly squashed the thoughts, and tried to compose myself, for I was certain I was glowing as well.

Her mother smiled imperceptibly, at this predictable reaction; the same reaction she had when she was a little girl no older than 15, and had to keep her grandmother's secret.

She continued, only hesitating in the beginning, as she was unsure how to begin. "Simply ..put, your Great-Grandmother had some powers."

***********Part 2***********

Pleasant Valley - Mack Residence
Friday night

After a moment's stunned silence, I finally found the words to say.

"Are you sure, Mom?" My voice trembled. / Damn... I didn't think Mom would spring THIS on me! What the hell am I going to do? I only had just finally had a good grip on the ones I had! /

"Yes, honey...it's nothing to be afraid of. You survived through school with what you discovered your first day of junior high, remember?" Mom smiled, speaking softly, trying to reassure me, patting my arm with her hand gently.

This reminder did calm me down the most. "Yeah...it also was a lot of fun, although...I probably could have done without the danger." I smiled gently. A thought suddenly occurred to me.

"Mom? What powers?"

My mom hesitated for a moment, drawing on her memories. After a lengthy moment of silence, she attempted to describe the powers.

"Ah... I remember that she used to seem to be able to know what I was thinking, or knew when I was in danger, and claim a dream told her. I don't know of any others, but when we were morphed into water, it seemed to trigger my memories of my grandmother."

I spoke quietly, looking down at my hands. "I, I think I have had a few dreams like that..not often, but sometimes....."

I continued softly, "....The last dream...was the..night before the Plant exploded."

My mom nodded sagely.

She drew me into a soft hug, that was gentle, yet firm. A loving hug from Mother to her daughter. She drew back, and admonished gently with a curve in her smile. "Now you should go to bed. It's getting late, and we have to get up early to pack. Remember, we have this weekend or so to pack. I'd like to get to San Franscisco by the end of Monday."

"That's it? 1 or so day to pack?" I exclaimed in dismay. I watched as she nodded quickly, and standing up, to walk toward the door. Everything made sense. I knew that Mom was trying to be as ready as possible, whenever Dad went out to find a job.

Her hand on the doorknob, she turned her head, smiling at me. She continued, warmth and affection evident in her expression and voice. "Get some sleep, hon."

I smiled back, and reminded her, "Ok, Mom... but I was supposed to call Ray when we were finished."

She nodded with a small smile. "Ok. Just don't take too long. He can come over tomorrow to help if you want. Spend as much time with him as possible..."

My wan smile slowly transformed into a cheerful grin. "Ok, Mom! I'll let him know."

As my mother left the room, after waiting a few moments as her footsteps receded downstairs, I quickly dialed Ray's number.

"Ray? We've got to talk. Mom said I could invite you tomorrow morning to help pack. Wanna come over?"

"OK, Alex. Can you tell me what it is now?" Ray curiously asked.

"Uh.. Not tonight. I just got a bit of a surprise. It can wait till tomorrow. 10am ok with you?" I pleaded exhaustion.

He verbally confirmed the time. "Alright, Alex, 10am it is, and I wanna know what's going on immediately, when I get there, ok?"

"Yes, Ray, I will tell you tomorrow. G'nite." I smiled warmly, and hoped Ray wouldn't keel over at the news I was about to give him tomorrow.

"G'nite Alex." His voice, warm with friendly affection, bid me goodnight.

I slid the reciever back into the cradle, idly thinking to myself.

/ Now what? What Mom told me does make more sense, although... I haven't seen any other powers yet. Maybe it was something that was supposed to happen sooner or later. I suppose I should get to sleep... Although I don't know how I can now.../

I slowly realized I probably could sleep, since I had been worn out by this shock. I trudged around, readying myself for bed, and slid under my covers. Thoughts weighed heavily on my mind. I sighed, wondering what it'd mean for my future.

/ San Francisco, huh? Maybe it'll be good for me. It may be good to have some anonymity. Maybe I'll even meet some people. Although, I'm still not sure if I'm ready.../

That last thought carried me into semi-troubled slumber.

***********Part 3***********

San Francisco - P 3 Club
Friday Night - Closing Time

The Club was empty. Some stragglers were leaving at that moment. The surroundings became as quiet as a whisper of the wind, from the door opening and closing.

Phoebe staggered onto an empty stool near the central counter, mentally and physically exhausted.

"Oh man... that was a helluva night." Phoebe barely managed to mutter.

Piper chuckled with a tired, yet satisfied grin. "I agree, although it means money. Money's good. Oh! How's that job doing with the column?"

Phoebe shrugged. "It's a good job. I can help when I can, when I'm not kicking demon ass." She laughed softly.

Piper leaned on the counter, giving Phoebe a thoughtful look. "You know, maybe the job is also your reward for helping all these innocents?"

"Whaddya mean?", Phoebe mumbled, with eyes half closed.

"Simply put, Phoebe. You were born to help people. Advice Column or Vanquishing Evil, is still helping people." Piper patted Phoebe's arm fondly.

Phoebe brightened up slightly, and nodded silently.

Piper, noticing how exhausted Phoebe was, promptly decided to pack it up and head home. "Let's go, Pheebs...time to go home."

Piper gently dragged Phoebe by the arm, out of the club. Phoebe didn't resist.

As they entered the Manor's front doors, all was silent, apart from a low ticking that emanated from a nearby grandfather clock, and a dim light from the lounge. Piper gently shook Phoebe awake. She mumbled softly, blinking slightly.

"Oh!...We're home." Phoebe disengaged herself from Piper's shoulders, and slowly walked upstairs toward her room. Her only parting comment trailed down the stairs. "You shoulda gotten Paige to help. Never again...."

Piper chuckled to herself. Yep, it had been a really packed night. She glanced momentarily into the lounge, to see the peaceful form of Paige snoozing, and nestled into an array of pillows on the sofa. Piper gazed at Paige, with her book in her lap, and the awkward pose that she adopted to curl up. She's grown to be the sister we should have had. Momentary pride swelled up in her heart, making her lips curve into a smile.

She mused, whether to wake Paige up, or leave her there. Love warred with practicality for her sister's mood in the morning. Piper slowly walked toward Paige, and knelt down by her, gently shaking her shoulder.

Paige awoke slowly, wiping her eyes, and yawning. She stretched her upper half, and looked at Piper curiously. "Piper? What time is it?"

Piper smiled. "Bedtime, hon. We just got home. Phoebe is already in bed by now, I'm sure."

Paige smiled. "How was P^3?"

"Hectic. We barely made it home. Heh.", was Piper's rueful chuckle.

Paige grinned. "I probably could have gone, but I guess I fell asleep."

"That's ok, Paige. Let's go to bed."

Piper pulled Paige to her feet. Paige smiled softly, hugging her sister, whispering, "G'nite", then she went upstairs to her room. As Piper ascended to the top of the stairs, she stopped. She stood in the upstairs hallway, gazing at the two doors that were her sister's rooms, and smiled.

As Piper slid under the covers, her thoughts drifted off.

/ It's so peaceful lately. I wonder what's going to happen soon. /

Little did she know, things were to change.

Pleasant Valley - Mack Residence
Saturday - 11:00am

"No, not there, Ray...the other box behind me." I pointed to the box that was sitting on the floor in the corner. Ray nodded, and gingerly put a glass sphere wrapped in newspaper, inside the box. Memories ran through my mind, from my birthday, last year. I had gotten it from Annie for my 17th birthday, as to remind me of my water nature. I had thought it was sweet of her. Regret tinged my memories. I had wished Annie wasn't gone. I needed to talk to her. She probably wouldn't believe me anyways.

Ray looked behind him at me, and saw I wasn't moving.

I was thrown out of my reverie by Ray's hand lightly touching my shoulder.

"Alex? You ok?" He pressed with a concerned lilt in his voice.

"Oh...Yeah. Just what you packed, somewhat brought back a memory." I whispered.

Ray softened from concern to understanding. "I know...It's hard. We've had a lot of good times, but it doesn't mean we will never see each other again." He laid a sympathetic hand on my shoulder. Suddenly angry, I wrenched away, scowling at nothing in particular. The weather outside matched my mood. Lightning storms, and pouring rain.

"Alex? I'm sorry.. I'm sorry you have to go. I wish I could make you stay." Ray sighed, and leaned against a desk behind him. I forced myself to look at him, with a heavy heart.

"That's what I am afraid of. I may not be able to come back." I uttered the words I was extremely reluctant to say before.

Ray sighed. "I know you will. You will find a way. I mean, you're only north of San Francisco. It's not that far from here."

I gazed at him moodily. "....I know. It just feels like it."

Ray grinned. "Don't worry. You have my email, don't you?"

My mouth curved into a small smile, as I realized I did, indeed, have his email.

"Yeah!...We can email each other everyday!", I exclaimed with more excitement. That thought cheered me up enough, to tackle the rest of the packing job. It had taken us about 5 hours to get everything packed, except my clothes, and several essentials. In all the hustle and bustle this morning, and part of this afternoon, I had totally forgotten to tell Ray what I had wanted to about last night.

I sat on the now bare bed, looking up at Ray. He seemed to sense the sudden change in mood, and asked, "What's up, Alex?"

I took a deep breath, and stumbled over my words. "I don't..I don't know how to explain. I really need to tell someone else...especially before I move."

He looked intently at me. "Is this about what your mom had to talk to you about last night?" He saw me nod slowly, and exhaled. He continued, "Okay...tell me. What is it?"

I looked down at my hands, and finally replied. "You know...I have powers, from the GC-161, right?"

I watched as Ray hesitantly nodded, not sure where I was going with this. I continued after a moment. "Ray... My mom sprung news on me. Uh...Apparently I have other powers."

Ray's surprise was evident on his face, and his suddenly rigid body. "What? How?" He blinked rapidly. I nodded to confirm his shock.

My voice changed from subdued to puzzled. "I just don't know what they are...yet. My mom told me that her Grandmother had some powers when my mom was young. But she didn't know what they were, exactly."

"Did your mom try to describe them?", was Ray's fascinated question.

I did my best to recall the details. With a scrunch of concentration plain on my face, I paraphrased what she had said. "She said something about her Grandmother always seemed to know what she was thinking. And something about knowing when she was in danger, and her Grandma always said it was from a dream."

Ray leaned back, pondering. "Can you read minds? That's what it sounds like."

I shook my head in disbelief. "No way. I can't. I don't even know how, even if I could read minds."

Ray shrugged silently. "What about the other one, Alex?"

"I have that. Remember.. I told you about that dream I had...about the Plant?", I spoke quietly.

Ray nodded. "Oh. Yeah. I remember that. So..what do you think it means?"

I shrugged my shoulders, without another word.

***********Part 4***********

After a lengthy moment's silence, Ray broke the silence, "Hey. I'm sure you will figure things out. You always did, somehow, even if you needed help from Annie at times. I always envied you. I kinda wish I had your powers."

He shook his head admirably. "You've grown a lot, Alex."

I smiled slightly, reminscing about all the times I had used powers in front of him. Leaning back on the bed, arms supporting myself, I grinned broadly, "Those were the times, weren't they?"

I sighed sadly, my voice sounding gloomy. "I wish I didn't have to go. San Francisco sounds too noisy."

An idea began to occur to me. I noticed Ray's expression transform from comforting to tentative, and nervous.

"What's the idea, Alex?" His tone betrayed his nervousness, and knowing. Knowing that my plans didn't always work out for the best. I mentally defended myself in this case, since it wasn't like I was going up against the Plant, anymore.

I simply smiled, then launched into my idea.

"What if...you came with me to San Francisco?" I gazed at him with hopeful eyes.

Ray looked perplexed, then shook his head vehemently. "I'm sorry, Alex."

I was floored by his flat out refusal. "W-why not, Ray??"

He sighed. "Dad wants me to work at the Auto Body shop, full time, this summer. I really would like to come, but I think ...this is your time. Not ours."

I gazed at him, in incrediculous shock. It took a few moments for me to even think, much less, say a word. Anger mixed in with resentment took over, for a moment.

"What... do you mean, Not ours? My time?" I spoke slowly, word for word, with an edge in my voice, bordering on anger.

He widened his eyes, stepping back. He apologized in the next words that would change my life.

"I'm sorry. I meant that ...with your new powers, and moving to San Francisco... You probably need to figure out what to do. I probably would be an hindrance. I just... have a feeling, that it'd be better off ...if you went without me."

He rubbed the bridge of his nose, and sighed heavily.

He smiled weakly, trying to persuade me, and continuing, "Listen, Alex. I have seen you grow up all these years in Jr High, and High School, and now. You are fully capable of doing this on your own. I have always been glad to be your friend, and confidant, when Annie wasn't around."

I nodded, swallowing back my tears, and sighed. "I'm not ready, Ray."

Wiping my eyes, and blinking, I saw Ray smiling softly.

He simply said, "Whether you know it, or not. You're ready."

Chuckling weakly, I said, "Heh... Thanks Ray." He sat down on the bed, next to me, and hugged me softly, reassuring me.

A moment or two passed, before Ray whispered. "Alex. We should finish packing."

An embarrassed silence ensued, and I chuckled softly, nodding.

We resumed packing for the rest of the afternoon, after breaking for lunch.

As we stuffed the last item into the last box, I sighed heavily.

"At least we don't have to worry about people finding out about me there."

Ray didn't respond, other than to hug me once more, giving me reassurance. I smiled at him, and patted his arm.

Ray chuckled. "At least we can keep in touch, right? Oh... " Ray hesitated, as a thought occured to him. "When are you moving?"

I looked at Ray with depression etched onto my face. Regret coursed through me, that I didn't have more time to spend with him.

A moment's silence passed, before I finally spoke. "Tomorrow. I just found out last night."

Ray, his expression downcast, sighed, letting go of me, reluctantly. "Oh. Will you have time to hang out tomorrow?"

I nodded, uncertainly. "I think so. I hope so!"

Ray grinned. "Me too, Alex. Boy, will I miss you!"

I grinned impudently. "Not until tomorrow, silly!" I playfully cuffed his shoulder, watching him mock wince, with a grin.

I moaned, as a headache suddenly developed, driving a sharp pain in my forehead. Clutching my temples, the headache continued for a few more breaths, and vanished, abruptly. Exhaling sharply, I slowly realized that Ray was holding my elbow, with concern across his face.

"You ok, Alex? What was that?"

I nodded my head in reply, confusedly. Suddenly it was like words inflamed into my mind - Words I knew I wasn't thinking.

~ I wish... I ... never mind, I have to let Alex be happy. ~

Still confused, I blinked at Ray, with uncertainty warring with sudden knowledge.

***********Part 5***********

Mack Residence - Pleasant Valley
Early Evening

"Alex, are you sure?" Ray spoke with a worried tone tinging his voice. I nodded, as he disengaged his hand from my elbow. I stood there, trying to assimilate what I had...or hadn't heard.

"Uh....Yeah. I'm ok. Just had a headache. It's ..gone now." I spoke haltingly, then more reassuring.

Ray gazed at me with intense eyes. "Has it happened before?"

I looked into his eyes. I could answer him truthfully. "No." I tried to manage a brave front, and smiled tremulously, to try to convince Ray.

Ray nodded, as if satisfied. "I'm glad you're feeling better, Alex."

As he glanced at his watch, he stared. "Oh no. I have to get home. I promised Dad I'd be back by 5. Alex, I'll see you tomorrow. Call me tonight; Tell me when you're leaving. I'll be there."

He smiled toothily, and clapped my shoulder once. As he left my old bedroom, I stood there, staring at his departure, and wondering... What was that all about?

Could it be true...that I could now read minds? It could explain the strange thought I had gotten as Ray was holding my elbow. It was time to put it to a test.

Walking downstairs, toward the kitchen, where my mom was opening boxes, of what I smelled to be Chinese food, I just stood there, wondering what I should do. I concentrated, as if I was trying to move something, but instead, this time, trying to see if I could hear my mom's thoughts. Nothing. This confused me more, since I thought I had heard what Ray was thinking even for a split second. As I stood there, musing to myself, Mom turned around, smiling.

"Alex, ah good. I've just got dinner about ready. You hungry? I know it's only takeout, but I don't want to have to do dishes right before tomorrow." She chirped away, slightly cheery, but I knew it was just a facade, since she wanted me to be happy, and knew it was hard for me to leave Pleasant Valley.

Slumping on the chair at the table, with a box of Moo Goo ...something(?), that I didn't really know the name of it; Mom just smiled at me, and motioned for me to sit down as well. I slid into my chair, and grabbed a random box of Chinese Food, and started digging in with my chopsticks. After a few minutes of silence, and the normal eating sounds, I stared at my mother, who looked tired, but...happy.

I put the box down, and couldn't stand it any longer.

"Mom. I ... "

She looked at me with her inquisitive eyes. "Yes, honey?"

I squirmed a little, and swept a random strand over my ear. "Uh, Mom... I was thinking. About what you said the other night. The thing about reading minds?" I laid my hands on the table, palms downward, waiting for her to answer.

She sat up straighter, and nodded quietly. I took that as a signal to continue. "Do...Do you remember how it worked for your grandmother?"

She put her food down in front of her, and tapped her chin lightly. "Hmm. I ..don't think so. Although I do remember it seemed to happen more whenever I was in trouble... I wish I knew how."

Slightly disappointed, I sighed softly. She noticed me visibly sighing, and smiled. "It's OK... If you do have it, You'll figure it out." Her expression became solemn, and serious looking, as she continued. "But...You do have to remember...It's something that you don't just do for the fun of it. It isn't a frivilous thing. It is people's innermost thoughts that they don't necessarily voice. It is also their private thoughts. Use it wisely, if you do have it."

I nodded slowly, frightened. Frightened, not only that I could possibly know people's thoughts, but also, thoughts that they may not want me to know, or...even...anyone. It was the most sobering thought I'd had today. Should I tell my mom I might have it? Would she freak out? I considered it, and... I probably would regret it later, but... I decided not to tell my mom.

I only said, "I'll remember that. Thanks, Mom.", in a subdued tone. As I got up to go to my room, and think about things, Mom just simply stood up and lightly grabbed my arm.

"Honey, I didn't mean to be so serious, but you have to know that it's kinda freaky to have a grandmother who seemingly knew what you were thinking. Now, I'm just about used to your abilities, so far, but...sometimes I worry, since the Plant...almost got you, and with Danielle missing..." Mom's voice held a tinge of worry, and mingled reassurance.

She continued, with a small smile. "Alex, You know we love you. We just worry."

I smiled. Parents! I chuckled, "Yeah. I know. I love you too."

She hugged me gently, and grinned cheerfully. "Don't worry. I'm sure Dad will let you use his computer to talk to Ray every single day! Now come on, Let's turn in a little early. I need to disconnect the phone in the morning, and make sure everything's all set. Why don't you talk to Ray tonight?"

"Sure, Mom. I was planning to have him over, as we finish packing everything else in the moving truck. What time are we planning to leave tomorrow?"

Mom took a moment to think, taking her glasses off, and massaging the bridge of her nose. Closing the glasses, and holding them in both hands, she gazed at me, then spoke in a musing tone of voice.

"Uh, well. Probably right after lunch, depending on how fast we finish loading the truck. Ray could help, if he wants to. We should start about 8." She smiled, with tiredness etched in her features.

"Thanks Mom!" I grinned, as I turned to run up the stairs, to call Ray.

***********Part 6***********

Mack Residence - Pleasant Valley
Sunday Late Morning

As Ray slid the last piece of furniture, with his Dad's help, into the moving truck, the tall youngster sighed. Ray's Dad had just left for work. Wiping his hands, he shook his head, as if regretting not telling me something, then composed himself. I looked at the stuff we had packed, inside the truck, not witnessing Ray's subtle alteration of his expressions. I just stood there. I was numb, now that it had hit me.

As I peered at the inside the truck, I mentally sighed. This is it. ...No more Pleasant Valley. Tears started to choke my throat, as a quicksilver thought caused me to dissolve into a liquid puddle, and zoomed into the house. Ray shouted, "Alex?!" He ran after me, as I zipped into the house, and up the stairs, to my old room. Following me up to the room, I saw Ray at the door, as I morphed back into my form, crying.

"Oh, Ray... I can't leave!" I cried, tears pouring down my face, with an aggrieved tone in my voice. "I just can't do it. It's my HOME."

Ray took a step forward, and seemed to decide to take another, but reconsidered. He spoke. "Alex. I know. It's hard." His throat somehow sounded more husky, and strained. I looked up at him, and saw a tear coming down his face. "I will miss you too, Alex. You..have made my life so much fun, and so much trouble, it's hard to believe!"

That last comment made me crack a smile, along with a choked laugh. He then strode forward, and gave me a powerful hug, that I would remember for the rest of my life, even if he had never given another one. I sobbed for a few more minutes, and lifted my head up. He was smiling softly.

~ This is so nice. I will miss you, Alex. ~

I struggled to keep the shock out of my face, but apparently I didn't disguise it enough, for Ray had noticed, letting me go, momentarily. "What's wrong, Alex?"

I stammered. "Uh..N-nothing."

He stared at me sternly, the past 10 minutes somehow forgotten. "Tell me."

"...Oh. Alright...I wasn't sure if I should tell you." I looked down, cheeks slightly burning.

"What is it?" Ray asked again, his curiousity piqued.

I felt so uncomfortable, since I was about to reveal that I could read minds, somehow, and I had felt some undertones of affection, that I hadn't quite been able to identify. I fidgeted, shifting my weight from foot to foot, until a few seconds had passed.

"Uh...about ...what we talked about the other day. The Powers?" I gazed at him with a sheepish look.

He prodded me further, to explain.

"Uh...It..seems that I have the power to hear other's thoughts." I finally admitted it. It felt like I had been liberated, but as well as a feeling of dread, that I might have said too much.

Ray didn't speak. I grew worried, as his expression furrowed, and grew curious.

"How?"

Great. He had to ask THAT question. I mentally heaved a sigh. I replied, "I ..think by touch. It's happened when you were touching me, both times."

Ray straightened, only speaking one word. "Oh."

That word didn't do much to reassure my confidence. A sinking feeling was starting at the pit of my stomach, as Ray didn't speak, extending the awkward silence further.

I hastily explained what I only heard. "I only heard that you will miss me." That seemed to relax Ray much more than I thought was possible.

"Yes, I will miss you." He smiled softly, and looked momentarily out the window.

"It looks like it's time to go, Alex." He smiled softly.

I nodded slightly, sniffling and wiping my nose with my sleeve. "I'll miss you a lot, Ray." I smiled crookedly.

Ray unexpectedly gave me a hug, thinking something that warmed my heart.

~ Yes. Alex. I do love you. As a friend. Always. ~

He let go of me, grinning broadly. I grinned brightly. "Thanks, Ray."

At that point...I knew that it didn't have to be a curse. It *could* be beneficial.

As we headed toward the truck, I clambered into the passenger seat, and sighed lightly. I waved to Ray as far as I could see him, as Mom started driving the truck toward San Francisco.

He grinned, waving, as far as he could see me, then started walking home.

I looked at him walking home, and wished him the very best. I knew I'd be hearing from him once I got set up in San Francisco. As we reached the outskirts of Pleasant Valley, I grinned inwardly. Who knows. It probably would not be so boring! Little did I know it'd become true.