The Sinners

Chapter Five

Nate sat in the back of the classroom as usual while Mr. Robinson went on about the math problem. Since the arrival of the new girls, Nate had been feeling uneasy. He couldn’t put his finger on it but there was something off about the new arrivals especially the one with white hair. Despite knowing that there was something different about Simone and Kira, he was drawn towards Zoie. 

“What are you planning, brother?” Olivia whispered as she leaned forward. 

Nate stared at the clock on the wall impatiently. “What makes you believe that I have something planned?” 

Olivia mumbled something under her breath before raising a hand as if she attempted to strike him. “Who are they? Timothy told me that one of them showed no fear when he threatened her.” 

“That isn’t something shocking considering how most try to come off as if they’re unafraid.” Nate replied. 

“He used fear inducement on her.” Olivia responded. “We haven’t used that since we came here.” 

“What?” Nate asked as he turned to look at Olivia after dropping the news on him. 

“He said that he tried everything to increase her fear but nothing worked.”

"Advise him to not attempt it once more. If he tries too hard then he’ll scare her to death and we don’t need another murder on our hands - at least not yet.” Nate muttered.

“I’ll be sure to let him know but I believe you’re worried about the wrong one.” Olivia said referring to Zoie. 

Nate shook his head. “You are well aware that we each possess different abilities. I sense evil in Zoie and I won’t stop until I get to the bottom of it.” 

“Evil?” Olivia hissed. Nate looked down to see that Olivia’s hand was now smoking. 

“Calm down, idiot.” Nate mumbled. “We’re about to get to the bottom of it.” 

“I’m starting with Simone.” Olivia revealed. 

Simone jumped as Harry slammed the thin paper onto her desk. Grabbing it, Simone scanned it to see that it was a party flyer about a party at a skating rink. Harry smiled brightly as he watched Simone read it. 

“What’s this for?” Simone asked as she sat the flyer down. 

“We’re throwing a little party and you’re coming.” Harry revealed. 

“What’s the point?” Simone asked. 

“Simone, what’s up with the questions? You’re coming and that’s final. Let’s have fun.” 

“But it’s tonight.” Simone replied. 

“Your point is?” Jacob asked. “Just come to the damn party!” 

Picking up her bag, Simone stood and rolled her eyes. Walking out of the classroom, Simone could hear Harry and Jacob footsteps trailing behind her as she walked towards the cafeteria. As Harry ran forward to catch up to Simone, Simone laid eyes on her younger sister who stood at her locker. Simone gave Zoie a soft smile as she kept walking knowing that they’d meet up in the lunchroom in less than a minute. 

As Zoie shoved the book into her locker, a huge hand slammed the locker door shut. Looking up, Zoie laid eyes on Nate who watched her with the same intense stare. Sighing heavily, Zoie leaned against the locker and closed her eyes to calm herself down. 

"I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd quit keeping a close eye on me. I'm not interested in what you need to say." Zoie said.

What Zoie didn’t know was Nate’s hand was as hot as hellfire. Despite not seeing the flame, Nate had used his powers to make his hand as hot as a flame so he could see their reactions to his touch. With his left hand hidden behind his back, Nate sighed. 

“My sister and brothers are hosting a party. You will be there so your cousins can enjoy themselves.” Nate demanded. 

“I won’t be anywhere.” Zoie muttered as she attempted to walk away. Placing his left hand on Zoie’s shoulder, Nate stared at her to see how she’d react. Shock took over as Zoie showcased no pain. Instead, she slapped his arm from her shoulder and walked away. 

“Don’t walk away from me.” Nate exclaimed. 

Zoie turned around as the sound of thunder caught his attention. “Leave me the f**k alone!” 

“Very well then.” Nate responded. Strolling forward, Nate pushed Zoie's shoulder as he walked by. Entering the cafeteria, Nate looked at Harry who sat at the table with Simone and Kira. Strolling over, Simone and Kira looked up out of resentment. 

“What? Don’t come here with any drama.” Simone stated. 

Swallowing his pride, Nate spoke. “I came to apologize for my behavior yesterday.”

This grabbed Harry's eye. Harry was stunned to hear his more older sibling saying 'sorry' particularly since there was truthfulness in his voice. Needing to ask all the more yet realizing that Simone and Kira were near, Harry kept his mouth shut. Holding a hand out, Nate trusted that Simone will shake his hand and acknowledge his statement of regret. Gradually, Simone put her hand in his and shook it.

“I guess I’ll accept it.” Simone mumbled. As she held the man’s hand, Simone could feel what seemed like a burn. Trying to ignore it, she continued to shake his hand as he smiled softly at her. Pulling away, Simone hissed and shook her hand in hopes of easing the pain.

“Are you alright?” Nate asked. Staring at her hand, Simone saw no burn marks or anything. 

Confused, she nodded. “Yes.” 

Holding a hand out towards Kira, Nate waited for Kira to do the same thing. As Kira placed her hand in his, Nate smiled. Kira tried everything in her power to get into the man’s head but nothing worked. From trying to make him hallucinate to absorb some of his knowledge, nothing worked. However, Kira felt a tingling sensation that turned into a burning feel. Snatching her hand away, Kira set a grin all over her face to conceal the torment.

“Glad that we’ve gotten that out of the way.” Kira said. Nate smirked as he could see through Kira’s fake smile. Slowly, he nodded and made his way out of the cafeteria.