Read The Games Heroes Play for Free Online Page B

it would, the parents were ready. 
    Donny had been right about almost every detail.  They came that evening, and just as Donny had predicted, they said his scores were not what they usually accepted, but that if he were willing to put in enough effort, he might be able to make it at the Academy.  The only surprise was for Captain Williams, when Jay said he was packed and ready to go.  He said his final goodbyes, and went with Captain Williams.
    Then all at once Jay found himself on a plane to the Academy.  Despite there being only two passengers in the plane other than the pilots, Jay was still given a seat assignment.  He sat in the very back of the plane, while Captain Williams sat in the front just behind the pilots.  It was not a large plane, but it was big enough that he was clearly blocked off from the rest of the plane’s inhabitants.  Since he could not speak with any of them, he decided it would be a good time to practice his mind reading.  He focused on the pilot, trying to envision what his thoughts would be.
    Nothing.   Jay sat back, trying to relax and be calm.  Nothing.   Maybe if I clear my head of my own thoughts .  He tried this, and still, no pictures came into his mind.  Jay continued trying to read their minds, using different techniques and strategies, for the next hour of the flight before giving up.  What’s making the difference?  Jay wondered.  He was a little aggravated by its sudden appearances and disappearances.  He wanted them to just stay constant, so he could figure out how to sort through them, how to push them back when he needs to think for himself, and most of all how to bring them forward when he needed to.  The fact is , he has not had a single picture since the day of his second test.  Jay began to doubt his abilities now.  Was it a fluke?  Did I temporarily gain the powers, and now they’re gone?  What if they don’t return; what will I do at the Academy?   Jay had heard the stories of people with the ability to mind read.  They all said that once it forms, it is there constantly for the rest of your life.  They said the trick is being able to decipher the pictures and identify them.  But for Jay, the pictures were not there constantly.  On the contrary, they were extremely sporadic.  Even amongst mind readers I’m the defective one.
    Jay realized there was not much he could do right then about his mind reading ability.  He realized that if he could not practice his mind reading, he might as well get some rest.  After all, I doubt I’ll be able to sleep once I arrive at the Academy.
     
     
     
    “WELCOME TO THE Academy.”
    Jay was surprised at how well he had slept on the plane ride.  He hadn’t woken up until after they had landed, and he was still a little shaky on what was going on.  Captain Williams’ welcome had snapped him back to attention.  Jay looked around, taking in his first sight of the legendary place where heroes are made.  The runway for the planes was out in front of the school, so he was able to get an amazing opening view of the main building.  Jay knew this was probably planned, since everyone who arrived at the Academy did so by plane.  Give them an opening view to remember, Jay thought to himself. 
    In his amazement at the glory of the Academy, he failed to notice that another plane had landed, and its two passengers were approaching where Captain Williams and Jay stood.  Jay did not so much see them approach as felt them come near.  He felt energized and light; better than he had ever felt in his life. 
    “I’m glad to see I’m not the only person still gawking at it.”
    Jay was surprised to hear a female voice, and especially one from right next to him.  Where did she come from!?
    “Sorry to startle you, I’m Zahrah .”  The girl spoke excitedly with a big smile across her face.  Jay could tell she was of Middle Eastern origin, and her outfit told him she was most likely Muslim.  It was surprising to