The Watchers 3

The Watchers

FIRST of all, I want to thank you all so much for your wonderful emails. I have been absolutely blown away with your compliments and encouragement. A special tip of the hat to Jamie. Your inspiration is boundless. Thanks! There's lots more of Jevic and Cameron to come, so hold on! And don't forget to email me and let me know what you think about Chapter 3.

Like any author, I have relied on past experiences to draw from while writing this story. It is entirely a work of fiction. There is a mixture of personality traits of people I have known, but in no way does any character truly reflect any one real life person. This story does involve graphic descriptions of sex between two gay teenage boys. If that offends you, then you should not read it. Any similarity to any real person is purely coincidence.

The adventures that follow tell of an ordinary high school boy finding himself in extraordinary circumstances. Your feedback and comments are welcome. Feel free to email me at Jevic@direcway.com

Chapter Three

"Misguided Hate"

Scott and Greg cuddled in each other's arms watching TV. Saturday night and all their friends were out, but they preferred to be alone, enjoying each other's company.

"I didn't see Cameron all day," Scott commented.

"You never see Cameron. What's all this sudden interest in Cameron anyway? Is there something going on that I need to know about?" he said with a raised eyebrow.

"You are so jealous. And you're so cute when you are." Scott nuzzled his lips up to Greg's neck and gave him a quick kiss.

"Aaah," purred Greg. Then Scott quickly stuck his tongue in Greg's ear. "Yuck! Quit it!" They both just laughed.

"Well after the story Brandon told me, I wanted to see Cameron and ask him about it. I haven't told anyone this, but the other night when I went back to help him ..."

"Yeah," Greg said and sat up to pay attention.

"He didn't have a mark on him. Not even a bruise. And his clothes were clean, I mean, well, they looked brand new."

"Weird."

"Then when we were leaving, there was a sudden bright flash of light, like a flash bulb, but only a thousand times brighter. Then it was like some kind of wave hit us and knocked us back."

"What? A wave? What kind of wave?"

"I ... I don't really know. I guess like a shock wave or something. And then we both saw it. It looked about the size of a car and was kinda shaped like a Corvette. It was just hovering about five feet in the air. It was silver and it shimmered. It's outside covering reminded me of those little round balls of Mercury in a thermostat, ya know? Shiny, but shimmering."

"Whoa! What did you do?"

"I pissed my pants! What do you think I did? And then just as suddenly as it showed up, it disappeared in another bright flash of light. It was too strange dude. Frankly, there's been a lot of strange stuff going on and it all revolves around Cameron. That's why I want to see him and ask him about this stuff."

"Well baby, he's not here right now and I am." Greg groped Scott's crotch, letting his fingers feel the outline of his boyfriend's manhood. It immediately started to swell in anticipation of what was to follow next. Scott leaned his head back and moaned softly. Greg slowly pulled Scott's zipper down and reached inside.

* * * * *

"Close!" shouted Jevic and the door immediately whisked shut, effectively stopping the incoming water. "Come on quick. Follow me!" We turned and ran down the corridor. Just was we reached the end, the door to Jevic's home exploded and the water rushed into the corridor. "Damn! They're right behind us. We've gotta mind travel Cameron. We just can't outrun them. Come in here." Jevic and I darted through a door and it whisked closed behind us. We found ourselves in a small closet filled with control valves.

"Is that ... is that the Talons?" I asked, barely able to catch my breath.

"Yeah, and they're close. We've go to get away from here right now. Grab on to me Cameron." I hugged my boyfriend with all my might and closed my eyes. My heart was pounding so hard, if felt as though it would burst through my chest. The Talons were close by. I could somehow sense them. Evil was in the air and that evil was directed at ME. The sound of rushing water got louder. Then I heard voices. Oh my God! They're almost here! Suddenly, everything started to get quiet and the familiar weightless feeling came back. When I felt Jevic relax a bit, I opened my eyes. We had mind traveled to the command center.

"Jevic! Cameron! Are you two OK?" It was Paulik.

"We're OK dad," Jevic called back. We walked over to his father. Paulik was studying an array of screens intently.

"Move more force to Sections D and E," he ordered. Several other people immediately began pushing buttons and sliding control knobs. "Send damage control to Section E. Now, target Section C and fire!" A man seated directly in front of Paulik reached forward, punched in some commands and then hit a large red knob with his fist. The whole room shook. "Fire again damn it!" The man's fist again struck the red knob. And again the room shook.

Oh my God! I was unconsciously clinging tightly to Jevic. My eyes wide with fright. These people are trying to get ... ME! What the hell did I do? "LEAVE ME ALONE!" I screamed in my mind as loud as I could. The room shook violently, even more than before, and then an eerie calm passed over the room. It was strangely quiet.

"Quick, check the monitor," barked Paulik. The man quickly studied the screen.

"They're retreating sir. Their ship is heavily damaged."

"Thank God," Paulik breathed out. And then he turned to me. "Do you have any idea what you just did?" My eyes were still wide with terror. I felt as though I had just run a marathon. My hands were trembling and it was difficult to breathe. "Jevic, help Cameron over to a chair." Jevic gently pulled me over to a couch and we sat down. I still clutched at Jevic tightly, terrified that if I let go something bad would happen. Paulik joined us and sat in a chair beside the couch.

"Cameron, are you OK?" I couldn't even talk. I was approaching panic, but I did have enough wits about me to simply nod. "Good. Try to calm down. Everything's OK now. The Talons have retreated. We're all safe." His voice had a very soothing effect and I immediately began to catch my breath and relax my tense muscles. "That's better."

"Dad, what happened?" Paulik smiled at his son and then he smiled at me.

"What we just witnessed hasn't been seen in centuries. Cameron, you have your mother's powers and more. The Talon's retreat and the damage to their ship were caused by you. Whether you realize it or not, by calling out the way you did, you sent forth a great wave of force that simply crushed half of their ship." My head suddenly felt light. The stars! The stars returned and before I knew what happened, darkness shrouded me with its cloak.

* * * * *

"Cameron? Cameron? Are you OK? Cameron?" I blinked my eyes and looked up. Oh what a wonderful sight. Jevic's beautiful face looking down on me. He was concerned, but when he saw my eyes open, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"You just fainted dude. It's OK now." Jevic and Paulik helped me back on to the couch.

"I'm really tired. Real tired. I feel completely drained."

"You sent out a very powerful force Cameron and it took a lot of your energy to do that. It's understandable that you're exhausted. Right now, I'd like for you to get some food and then a good night's sleep." Paulik then turned to his son. "Jevic, take Cameron to the dignitary suite. Make sure he gets something to eat and then, plenty of rest. Stay with him. Don't let him out of your sight. I'll post guards at the door and the whole city will stay on full alert. I'll be along shortly as soon as we assess the damage and get repairs underway. OK?" Jevic nodded and turned to help me stand. My legs were still a little wobbly, but I could walk with Jevic's assistance.

We made our way to the corridor, down another corridor and then out into a great open space where there were lots of people. Jevic ushered me past some security guards and into an elevator. It was completely surrounded in glass and I watched as we rose to the top of the open space. We were greeted by more security, who walked with us to another door. One of the guards waved what looked like a credit card in front of the door and it whisked open. Jevic helped me inside. The suite was huge with a ceiling completely made of glass. It was like being inside of a huge glass dome.

"This is where all the special guests stay. I've never been in here before," Jevic said as he too looked around in wonder.

"I'm tired Jevic and I'm not really hungry. Can we just go to bed?" He smiled and nodded. Then he surprised me by sweeping me off my feet and picking me up in his arms. I felt the smile creep across my face and I put my arms around his neck. I laid my head on his shoulder and snuggled in close. Jevic carried me to the bedroom and gently placed me down on the bed. Then he quietly slipped in behind and wrapped his arms around me. Finally I was safe again, wrapped in the security of my boyfriend's love.

"I love you Cameron," he whispered as he gently kissed my neck. Then he nuzzled in closer and held me tight.

"I ... I love you too Jevic." Oh my God. I said it. I finally said it! I said I love you to the boy that I truly do love with all my heart, all my being, everything that is me. I like this. I like this a lot.

* * * * *

I was awakened by a gentle tapping on my shoulder. Looking up through bleary eyes, I saw Paulik smiling broadly. Quickly, I looked over my shoulder and saw my Jevic snoring softly.

"I think it's time you two love birds woke up," he said softly. Jevic moaned softly, yawned and propped himself up on one elbow.

"Morning dad," he said.

"Good morning son. It's almost noon. You two need to get up. Why don't you take a shower, get dressed and meet me in the kitchen?" We both nodded in agreement and Paulik left us alone.

"Hey baby," Jevic said and snuggled down close, wrapping his arms around me. I could feel his morning erection poking me in the butt.

"Hey baby yourself. I know what's on your mind."

"Oh that. I just need to pee."

"Oh, I don't turn you on?" He ground into me and moaned loudly.

"You have no idea how much you turn me on," he said in a husky voice.

"Mmmm. I'd like to find out, but right now I think we need to take a shower. Your dad is waiting."

"Oh yeah." We got up, both of us sporting morning wood and headed into the bathroom. For being an advanced race, the bathroom appeared 'normal.' I don't know what I was expecting. It's just that everything else was so 'futuristic' that I expected something different.

"Let's take a shower ... together," I suggested. He glanced up at me and smiled. He reached in, turned the water on and pulled his briefs off. It was the very first time that I had seen him completely naked. I gasped out loud. He was absolutely beautiful. Much to my delight, he was blessed with one of those cute butts that couldn't be more perfect. In fact it was absolutely flawless. Two round globes of flesh calling out to be touched. And when he turned around, I was treated to the full frontal view. His smooth chest tapered down to a slim waist. My eyes followed the slightest hint of a treasure trail down to his manhood. The endowment squad was generous with Jevic. Even in his half hard state, I could tell that when he was hard, it would be more than a mouthful.

"Come here baby," he said as he pulled me close. He hugged me tightly. His growing erection throbbing against my leg. Then he reached down, hooked his thumbs under the elastic of my briefs and slowly lowered them. My own erection bounced up and slapped my stomach when it was finally released. Jevic smiled and licked his lips. He was on his knees in front of me and the center of my passion was throbbing directly in his face. He leaned in closer and kissed me on the thigh, just left of my groin. All I could do was moan ... loudly.

"Jevic. Your dad ..." was all I could say just before he took me into his mouth.

* * * * *

"Well, you guys must be squeaky clean after that long shower," Paulik said with a grin a mile wide. I immediately blushed. He knew exactly what was going on. Jevic smiled and hugged me as we walked into the kitchen. Jeez, how can he be so calm? I mean, we just ... and his dad ... and ... oh shit he's mind reading.

"Cameron," Paulik started. "It's perfectly normal you know. If you hadn't, I would have thought something was wrong. Come over here." I walked timidly over to my boyfriend's father and he gave me a great big hug. "You are one very special boy. Special, yes, because of your powers and your family history, but special because your love is so pure. It's rare that I can be witness to love that is so strong, so direct, and so giving. I am so proud that you and Jevic have found each other. It's very special and you have nothing to be ashamed of." I, of course, blushed. Jevic nonchalantly walked over and grabbed a piece of toast.

"You people certainly do look at things a lot differently," I finally managed to say.

"You mean our people. You are a Watcher Cameron. You always have been and you always will be. Let me ask you a question. Can you remember ever being sick? Cold? Flu? Sore throat? Headache? Anything like that?" I thought for minute. Then I thought even harder.

"Now that you mention it, no, I haven't."

"That's because your immune system is probably a hundred times more effective than the average human. Your mental capacity will develop rapidly now that you'll be receiving guidance and instruction. Welcome to a wonderful new world Cameron. I'm sure that you will be comfortable with it all real soon. Do you want some coffee?"

"Ah, ah, juice maybe?" I finally stammered.

"Sure. Jevic get Cameron some juice please. What do you prefer? Orange? Pineapple?"

"Orange please." Jevic pushed a few buttons, opened the 'microwave door' and handed me a tall glass of orange juice. Jevic was so sweet. He just kept smiling and working around the kitchen, getting breakfast together. Paulik and I continued our conversation.

"I mentioned yesterday that I would like to have my personal physician give you the once over. Is that still all right with you?"

"Oh, of course. I don't have a problem with that at all."

"I should tell you that our doctors are quite a bit different from human doctors."

"Ah, how do you mean ... different?"

"Well, first of all, no needles. We're way beyond that. Your examination won't take more than five minutes, so there's nothing to worry about, OK?"

"Good, I don't like needles."

"Neither do I. This examination will be able to assess just how the combination of your father's human DNA and your mother's Watcher DNA combined. It's a very exciting time for the medical team. I set the appointment up for this afternoon at three. Is that OK?" I glanced at Jevic and he nodded his approval.

"Sure, it's not like I have plans to be anywhere."

"I know you two will come up with something to do today. So why don't you boys finish up with your breakfast and meet me in the command center? We're still working on repairs and I want to check on the progress."

* * * * *

"Oh yeah Scott. Harder! Give it to me baby. Make love to me Scott!" He reached around and grabbed the globes of ass flesh and pulled Scott in deeper. "Yes! Fuck me! Fuck me hard!"

"Get your sorry ass out of bed!" Brandon's lust filled dream dissolved in an instant at the sound of his father's booming voice.

"Y-yes sir," he responded timidly. Upsetting his father was the last thing he wanted to do. Brandon quickly covered his erection and lay back in the bed. Then he slapped himself hard across the face. "God, why do I have these dreams? What's going on with me? I've got to make this stop. I'm not ... queer ... am I?" His bedroom door slammed open and his father stood glaring at him. He was a tall, barrel chested man and when he spoke, he spoke with unquestioned authority. Being the supervisor at the steel mill, he had earned the reputation as being an unforgiving slave driver that demands respect and unconditional loyalty. A reputation that he also earned at home.

"What are you? Hard of hearing? Get your faggot ass out of bed and get ready for church! This ain't the way I raised you to act. You goin' pussy on me boy?"

"N-no sir. I'm getting up."

"Stand up in front me boy!"

"I'm getting' up sir."

"NOW!" Brandon slowly got out of bed and stood before his father. His erection still showing clearly through his boxers.

"Impure thoughts on the Lord's Day?" Brandon's father backhanded him across the face sending him flying back against the wall. Brandon screamed out in pain. His father rushed up to him and covered his mouth with a giant burly hand. "Take it! Take the pain faggot!" Brandon whimpered, trying desperately to keep quiet. He could smell the liquor and tobacco on his father's breath. His eyes were already red and they glared at Brandon just inches from his face. Then the other hand balled into a fist and slammed into Brandon's stomach. His father stepped back and allowed his son to crumple to the floor. "That's for having impure thoughts!" Then he kicked Brandon in the back. The pain shot through him and he let out a quick yelp. "And that's for being disrespectful! You get your sorry ass cleaned up and ready for church. I expect you ready to go in ten minutes flat. Understand faggot!?!" Brandon could only nod his head, fearing that if he spoke his sobs would set off another attack. His father turned and slammed the door leaving his son crying quietly on the floor.

Brandon desperately needed his father's love and admiration. He would do anything to get it, but the harder he tried to please his father, the more miserably he failed. And the more he failed, the more dreams he had. And the more dreams he had, the more his rage grew, lashing out against the very feelings that were consuming him. His father drove him on and he tried to follow his father's hate, letting in consume him at times. It was a vicious cycle that was crying out to be broken.

The confusing feelings toward Scott were foreign to Brandon's conscious mind, but subconsciously, they were perfectly natural. His conscious mind was constantly in a desperate battle to suppress his subconscious. It was a battle that he was slowly losing. The dreams that at one time were rare were becoming more and more of an every night occurrence. And they were growing in intensity.

Brandon was raised in a very strict home where his father reigned supreme. He attended church with his family where the minister spoke of the evils of the flesh and how everyone should drive the evil people away. He spoke of gathering the evil people together and casting stones until they were all dead. The message was pounded into Brandon's head at church and at home. He felt weak, tired, beaten ... mentally and physically. The breaking point was growing near for Brandon and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

The only place that Brandon could feel like he was in charge was at school. He had become the supreme school bully and had a following of boys that egged him on. He walked around the campus with a swagger that resembled his father's. He was the man. He was in control. The subconscious thoughts were neatly packed away, out of sight and out of mind. Here, he could be the man his father wanted him to be.

* * * * *

"So, you were going to tell me how to mind read?" I asked. My boyfriend looked up and grinned.

"You just want to hear my nasty little thoughts don't you?" Now it was my turn to grin.

"Well, maybe." And then I turned serious. "But what I really want to know is how to turn it off. I mean, so I can think to myself and not broadcast my thoughts to everyone in the room. That's what I really want to learn how to do." I looked intently into Jevic's eyes and I think he understood how I felt.

"OK Cameron. It's easy to explain, but doing it is quite another. It might be easier if you spent some time with an instructor."

"A mind reading instructor? You have such a thing here?"

"Sure. When a Watcher comes of age, which is usually around their sixteenth birthday, they sign up for instruction. School. They go to class and learn how to control what we've been calling powers. To me, it's simply the way we are. It's nothing special. But I understand that you have never been exposed to any of this and what is an ordinary function to me seems like an extraordinary power to you. In time, you'll get used to it all."

"I think that you understand me very well."

"Some Watchers take to their powers quickly and some others need coaching. I was a very fast learner. What usually takes about eighteen months to learn and control, I mastered in about a month. Dad says I have a lot of potential. He also says you have more potential than me. I think that you'll pick it up quickly, which leads me to a dilemma."

"How so?"

"Well Cameron, I can teach you, but with your ability to learn quickly already documented, I think it might be a better idea if you were taught by someone who wouldn't teach you something wrong."

"Jevic, all I care about right now is turning my broadcasting off. If you want me to take ... ah, lessons for other stuff, fine, I will. But, please, please tell me how to turn this off." And then I said in my head, "please Jevic, please."

"OK," he said telepathically. We spent the next two hours working on my broadcasting. And by the time we were finished, I had it down pat. Not only had I figured out how to turn it off, I was learning how to direct it to a specific person, no matter where they are.

"So, all I have to do is concentrate only on the person I want to communicate with, nothing else but that person and then just, ah, speak to them?"

"That's right. Why don't you try to contact Pelma and see if he'll meet us at The Shack?" I hesitated a moment.

"You can do it Cameron. Just give it a try." I closed my eyes and remembered Pelma's face. I thought of nothing but Pelma and called out to him.

"Cameron? Is that you?" Pelma said.

"Yeah. Jevic taught me how to, ah, talk like this."

"Cool. What are you guys up to?"

"We were thinking about heading down to The Shack. Do you want to meet us there?"

"Sure, give me about fifteen minutes."

"Great, see ya there." I opened by eyes and looked at Jevic. He was almost on the edge of his chair.

"Well? Well? Did you talk with him?"

"Yeah, he'll meet us there in fifteen minutes." Jevic jumped up and wrapped his arms around me.

"Oh Cameron, I knew you could do it. I just know you're gonna be a great Watcher and that we're gonna be great Watchers together!" I hugged him back, but was still trying to take in what had just happened. I had actually communicated with someone using nothing but my mind. This is so cool.

"Jevic, I want to contact Scott. Just to tell him I'm all right. Do you think that would be OK?" He frowned a minute, and then smiled.

"Sure, why not? Go ahead." I closed my eyes and thought about Scott, picturing his smiling face in my mind and remembering how kind and protective he had been.

* * * * *

Two lone figures crossed the parking lot headed for the mall. It was late, but the arcade was open until eleven.

"It just pisses me off that you feel like you have to hang out with such an asshole in the first place!"

"Look Greg. I was friends with Brandon before I even met you. I can't just walk away from him."

"I don't give a shit. He's nothing but trouble. And he beats up fags. He beats up people like you and me, and you're his friend? Look, Scott I love you with all my heart, but what kind of fucked up logic is that?"

"Scott," came a voice in his head. Scott quickly turned around and scanned the empty parking lot.

"What?" asked Greg.

"Someone said my name."

"I didn't hear anything. Come on, we've only got time for a couple of games," urged Greg and they continued toward the arcade.

"Scott. It's me, Cameron," came the voice again. Scott spun around, looking left, then right and then back at Greg.

"I heard it again. It was Cameron."

"Oh please. You've have been so consumed with Cameron lately it's starting to get old." Scott just stared at Greg, not knowing what to do.

"Scott, I just wanted you to know that I'm OK," the voice came again.

"Oh shit! Cameron? Where are you?"

"I'm in your head stupid. I'm communicating with you with telepathy." Scott suddenly grabbed his boyfriend for support.

"What is it Scott? Are you alright?" a very concerned Greg asked.

"It's ... it's Cameron!" Scott's eyes were wide open and he had taken on a look of surprise and terror all mixed in one. "He's in my head!"

"Dude, you've really gotta quit smokin' pot," said Greg matter of factly.

"Scott. I'm a long way from home, but I'm OK. And I've got a boyfriend! Look, just talk to me with your mind. Just think what you want to say, OK?"

"C-Cameron? Is that really you?" Scott thought.

"Yeah, it's me." A sudden sound caused Scott to turn quickly. That's when he heard a loud noise and immediately felt an intense burning pain in his shoulder.

* * * * *

"Aagh!" Cameron screamed out, clutching his shoulder as he fell back and onto the floor.

"Cameron!" screamed Jevic. "Cameron!" he screamed again as he rushed to his boyfriend's side. Cameron didn't move and his breathing was shallow. A small trickle of blood ran from the corner of his mouth. Jevic cradled Cameron's head in his lap and immediately concentrated. "Medic! I need a medic in the dignitary suite right now!" he called out as he directed his thoughts. Then he redirected and called out again. "Dad! Something's happened to Cameron. We're in the suite! Come quick!" Almost instantly, a doctor and a nurse appeared. A second later, Paulik appeared. The doctor and nurse rushed to Cameron's side.

"He was communicating with his friend Scott when all of a sudden he just screamed out and fell back. I don't know what's wrong. I don't understand!" cried Jevic. The doctor examined Cameron's unconscious body and looked up at Paulik's concerned face.

"He's has all the symptoms of being shot. There's no bullet entry, but the interior damage is there. We need to get him to the medical center right now." Paulik nodded and helped his son to his feet and out of the way. The doctor and nurse both put their hands on Cameron and then vanished. Paulik looked at his son. Jevic was in tears, visibly shaken.

"I-it's all my fault. I shouldn't have been teaching him," he stammered.

"Son, tell me again what happened," Paulik said as he wrapped an arm around Jevic, trying to comfort and calm him.

"Like I said dad, he-he was communicating with his friend Scott, when all of a sudden ... he just fell over." Paulik thought to himself a minute and then looked at Jevic.

"I take it that Scott is a human?" Jevic nodded. "Do Cameron and Scott share a bond? A close friendship? Are they related?"

"Scott showed quite a bit of compassion for Cameron the night he was beaten. I think they were once close friends, but the friendship went away for a while. The night of the beating, the friendship came back strongly."

"Cameron was using telepathy?" Again Jevic nodded. "That explains it. Cameron actually made a parallel physical connection with Scott. Scott must have been shot and the trauma that Scott received was also received by Cameron. My God, his powers are getting stronger every day. Come on, we've got to get to the medical center."

* * * * *

A siren wailed in the distance. It's sound echoing off the walls of the mall. A small crowd had gathered gawking at the slowly spreading pools of blood. No one offered to help. No one showed signs of concern. No one wanted to get involved. They just wanted to remain safe in their own little worlds. Two of God's children lie dying in the parking lot and all the ever growing crowd of curiosity seekers could do was try to move to the front so they could see the blood. The lone security guard fought a losing battle in keeping them back. Like a pack of blood thirsty wolves, they circled, trying to get a better view. Jockeying for a better position, even to the point of shoving each other. Perhaps it's the smell of a fresh kill in the air that entices deeply hidden instincts. Perhaps it's the thoughts of 'better them than me.' Perhaps it's just plain and simple apathy. They just don't give a shit.

An ambulance pulled up and the Paramedics came running over, pushing the crowd back, but the blood thirsty crowd wanted more. They wanted to see everything. The Paramedics immediately went to work. First they checked Greg, and found no pulse. And then Scott. A faint pulse was detected. They immediately abandoned hope of saving Greg and concentrated all their efforts on saving Scott. Had only Scott known the consequences of their decision, he would have gladly given his life to save his one true love. Greg's now lifeless body lie crumpled on the cold concrete. The remaining life sustaining blood, slowly oozing out. A lifetime of hopes, dreams and aspirations flowing out with it. His once beautiful face, always filled with a smile ... now cold, pale and expressionless. How Scott had loved caressing each and every curve of that face. Placing soft kisses here and there. The warmth and the smiles ... to be nevermore. The plans of a summer vacation together, of college and of a life together in happiness ... to go unfulfilled. All lost in an instant ... on the cold hard concrete of a mall parking lot. Just another statistic. Just another hidden story in the newspaper. All forgotten in less than twenty-four hours. What took sixteen years to build with compassion, jealously, fear, respect, friendship, hate, loyalty, and most of all, love ... snubbed out in an instant. It's just not right.

The Paramedics finally loaded Scott into the ambulance and took off for the hospital. The cops, God love 'em, were left to sort out the mess ... to make the phone calls to mothers and fathers, bothers and sisters. It's just not right. It's just not right.

* * * * *

I could hear sounds of people around me. I could make out what sounded like Jevic ... crying. I wanted to reach out and hold him and tell him it was all right, but I just couldn't seem to make my body listen. I struggled even harder to wake up and finally, after what seemed like hours, I was slowly able to blink my eyes open. And immediately, I was hit with excruciating pain in my left shoulder. Of course, my immediate reaction was to try to get away from whatever was causing it, so I tried to sit up, but firm hands held me down.

"You're fine now Cameron. You're in the medical center, but you're just fine. We're working to repair the damage. You'll feel some pain just a little bit longer, but trust me, you'll be just fine in a couple of minutes." I looked up and saw a man I had never seen before looking down at me. Then Jevic appeared at his side. He reached out and took my hand in to his. Tears were streaming down his face. I smiled at him. I could see the love and concern written all over his face.

"I love you Jevic," I whispered. And he leaned down and kissed me. His hot tears splashed down on my face. "W-what happened?" Jevic glanced up and his father came into view. "Hi," was all I could find strength to say.

"Cameron, you had us worried. But you'll be fine now."

"But, what happened. I was talking with Scott and ..."

"Just lie back and take it easy. Everything will be fine." My question wasn't being answered and it made me mad, giving me the strength to ask again.

"Tell me what happened. I've got to know right now. I can't rest until I know. What happened?" I pleaded. Paulik sighed. Jevic held on to my hand tightly. Then Paulik started to explain.

"You contacted your friend, but you made more than a mental contact. You made a parallel physical contact. When you were connected, apparently, Scott was shot with a gun. Since you were physically connected, you were wounded too. Does that make sense?" I thought about it a minute and suddenly it dawned on me.

"What about Scott? Is he all right? I've got to know. Please tell me!"

"We don't know about Scott. All we do now is that you're going to be fine," Paulik said with a smile. No, that's not what I wanted to hear!

"I'm going to contact Scott. I have to make sure he's OK."

"NO Cameron! You can't do that!" said Paulik sternly. "You can't take the risk of physically connecting with him again. It could kill you." He looked at me with the most concerned face that I had ever seen. I knew that he cared for me very much, but I had to know ... I just had to know if Scott was all right.

"Then you contact Scott and find out for me," I begged. Paulik slowly shook his head and looked down.

"I can't Cameron. You must know someone to make contact and I'm afraid I don't know Scott. Jevic, could you make contact?"

"No, I don't know Scott either," he said sadly.

"Then I have to do it," I said.

"Cameron. When you make contact, you will probably make a physical parallel connection, which means that whatever happens to him is going to happen to you. We have very advanced medical treatment here and I'm afraid that things don't look too good for Scott. You'll put yourself in grave danger making a connection." That got my attention! And it got me thinking.

"If whatever happens to him happens to me, is it also true that whatever happens to me happens to him?" That took them all by surprise. Apparently they hadn't even considered it.

"Theoretically speaking, I suppose that would be true," the doctor commented.

"Then fine. Let me make contact and together, with all this advanced medical treatment, we can save me and him at the same time." I looked around the room, intently looking into each face and finally ended with Jevic. "Please?" I begged.

"When you were in stasis, I told you that I explored your mind, remember?" I nodded. "I told you that what I saw and felt was someone with a good heart Cameron. You certainly are proving me right." I glanced at his father and Paulik nodded his approval at me and then at the doctor. The doctor immediately started giving instructions to his nurse. A huge machine, that looked like an x-ray machine was moved over to my bed. A large arm with what looked like a ray gun right out of the comic books was positioned and pointed at the center of my pain. The doctor looked up at Paulik and nodded.

"OK Cameron. We're ready when you are, but if something goes wrong, I'm going to pull the plug on your connection. OK?"

"Thank you," I whispered. I looked at Jevic and saw more tears. He leaned down and kissed me on the lips.

"I love you," he whispered. "And you better be careful. I want some sex tonight." And with that he winked and tried his best to smile. I smiled and winked back. Then I closed my eyes and turned my thoughts toward Scott.

* * * * *

Copyright ©2002 Stonemark. All rights reserved.

Note from the author:

Well, our boys got away from the Talons, this time. You can bet they'll attack again. We saw the first indications of the real potential for Cameron's powers. Cameron finally tells Jevic that he loves him. It was a big step for Cameron. We've learned Brandon's real motivation and the horrors that he's had to live with. I have a feeling that we'll hear more about that. The scene at the mall with the crowd comes from real life experience. Its sickening to see how indifferent and callous people can be. Will Cameron be able to save Scott? And if he does, how will he handle the news about Greg? Who will support him through his grief? Will there be justice? Will there be revenge? Chapter 4 might hold the answers and it will be posted on Wednesday, November 13. New chapters will always be posted on Wednesdays, so check back to catch the newest chapter. And, be sure to let me know what you thought of Chapter 3 at Jevic@Direcway.com Take care guys and always remember to play safe!