“Why didn’t you tell me?”

You didn’t need to know, Mir thinks, looking at her best friend’s confused face. It’s not about you. It’s about everyone looking at my kind with fear, thinking we have some secret agenda.

Out loud, she says, “Remember last week? We were talking about the Inspirator Registration Proposal in current events?”

“Oh… oh. Yeah. Well, it’s not personal, it’s just… Would YOU trust someone who’s inside your mind?” Leah asks, gesturing broadly.

“I’ve never known anything else.”

“That must be weird. Well, I have to say, I could’ve been caught in that Mensa Bear’s lair if you didn’t sense her. See? Mental powers didn’t help the bears any,” Leah straightens up defensively.

*Really?* Mir is so mad, she projects it telepathically. Leah flinches. *After I JUST saved your sorry…*.

She breathes deeply and looks at her tiny friend “Sorry. I’m sorry. But it’s comparing apples and oranges, really.” She plops down on the sun-warmed curb, and Leah joins her. The girls stare straight ahead. “The bears weren’t built for telepathy. The coding from those scientists, who experimented on Inspirators AGAINST THEIR WILL, by the way, made them manipulative.” Mir sighs and looks at Leah. “The real question is, can I trust you?”

Leah puts her hand on Mir’s shoulder. “Of course. You don’t want to step on the little folks with your powers. And hey, you can help me on my date this weekend, make sure he’s not a serial killer!”

Mir laughs. “Isn’t that what any good girl-friend would do? Of course!”

“And send me answers to the chemistry quiz?”

“Don’t push your luck. Plus I suck at chemistry.”

“Oh my gosh! Theo is your lab partner! You never… peeked for the answers?”

“That’s cheating. I’m a hero. I’ve got a code of conduct.”