If you've read Sugar Rush, you know that Ophelia is an empath. All regular humans are born with the capacity for empathy, but their development of it depends largely on having at least one parent or constant caregiver who loves and cares for them. In Ophelia's case, it's an enhanced ability beyond regular humanity. My idea in creating Tristan was to demonstrate the effect she has on Oldbloods, originators of the vampire myth. Since Oldbloods are naturally telepathic, my thought was that she would have a devestating effect on an especially gifted telepath like Tristan, if he was unprepared to meet her. Sort of like a radio jamming signal. In the following scene, Ophelia encounters Tristan and unwittingly 'jams his transmission,' disabling him and causing him significant pain. At this point, of course, she has no idea she's an empath or that he's an Oldblood.

***CRUSHED SUGAR excerpt***
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A shivering, painful sound stopped her near the stairwell. She peered around the rail at the other new kid. His raven-black hair was cut in a short, classic style and his dark brown eyes were wide with terror under heavy lids. She assumed he was Alaska Native. "Are you all right?"
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He seemed so mature for a high schooler, though he looked her age. It didn't make sense, but Ophelia couldn't shake the impression. She took a step.
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"No!" He tried to escape, but was between her and the wall. A small sound escaped his lips as he slid down the wall and onto his butt.
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"I'm not going to hurt you. I'm Ophelia Dawson. What's your name?" She walked over, went down on her knees, and wondered why a boy with such a strong jaw would be afraid of her.
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"Tristan…Li." He looked like her touch could burn him.
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"Tristan Li? You're not Alaska Native! You're…Are you a real Chinese person?" New oxygen rushed into her lungs.
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"Uh…yes, Chinese American, actually." His eyes relaxed a little.
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"That is so cool!" Ophelia smiled. "Sorry, I hope I didn't offend you. It's just that I've hardly ever been out of this dinky little town. My dad and I went to a Chinese restaurant when I had to go to Anchorage to see a special doctor." She sat on her bottom. "Oh, I have always wanted to visit the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. Have you ever been there?"
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Tristan looked like he was too astonished to reply, or maybe he was just too sick, or both.
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Ophelia glanced at the school office. "You want me to ask the secretary to call your mom?"
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"No. Please." His full lips trembled. "Please, just go."
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"I won't leave you here like this. My mom's the town doctor. You want me to call her?"
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"No." Tristan tried to scoot away, but she had him cornered. He buried his face in his folded arms and gripped his knees to his chest.
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Ophelia took a deep breath and let it go. "It's okay; I'm going to help you."
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"How do you know I'm not a monster?" he asked through gritted teeth.
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"Monster?"

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Published on March 25, 2011 05:58