Laren flinched as the loud speaker whined when the Dean walked up and began to speak. Laren tried to pay attention but was so nervous she wasn't sure what was going on. Looking around, she tried to find Ashlyn but with all the gray jumpsuits she wasn't sure who was who.
Suddenly, a spotlight turned on to where she was sitting and she bolted upright, holding tightly to the card she'd found. The auditorium was silent as Laren sat still, aware of all eyes upon her. "Um, h-h-hi?" she stuttered unsure as to what she was supposed to say or do.
"Welcome to the Institute, Laren. We were so excited to hear that you accepted our offer of membership. We hope you - enjoy - your stay with us."
Laren smiled uncertainly, not sure what she should do. "I-I was excited to hear you wanted me here." As she was sitting, trying to look at those around her, she suddenly felt a "tickle" in her brain. "Wha-a?"
The Dean just looked at her and smiled. "So, you have discovered part of your talent." Laren asked, "What do you mean? What WAS that?"
"That is unimportant now. What IS important is we were not wrong about you. Students are dismissed."
With that, all the students stood up as one and started filing out of the auditorium. Laren confusedly followed them and headed back for her room. Ashlyn quickly walked up and squealed excitedly " I KNEW it, I KNEW it!! I KNEW you were special!"
"Special? What do you mean? I know I'm smart, but what's so special about me?"