Awakening
Unique
Chapter 4
He felt it. The shock as my body tensed, became as hard as stone.
The ally was pitch black, no light from anywhere, not even the dim street lights out on the main road pierced to gloom. So dark you couldn't see a hand in front of your face, if I could have moved my hand to check that is. The paving felt uneven under the thin soles of my shoes, like cobbles. An uneasy electricity seemed to flow from our body's to each other as the blackness hid our faces, mine a frozen wide-eyed stare.
'I'm not going to hurt you.' Came his voice in a quick apologetic velvet tone.
I couldn't speak, I could do anything. My heart pounded in my chest so hard it could have jumped right out of my mouth that sagged, then locked, at his words!
He hesitated seeming to rethink his hold. Letting his grip loosen and his hand lightly slid down my arms to my wrist, goose bumps rose under my thin jacket.
He pleaded voice composed, 'Please, I'm not going to hurt you,' but the urgency in it was unmistakable, 'but we need to get out of here. Before the car comes back. They'll work it out soon and we don't want to be here when they do.'
My jaw began to thaw. My mind able to question his words.
'They?' I thought, just moments before I whispered it. I shook my head to clear it and said it with more stress, 'They?'
'Yes, I'll explain. Just come with me now, we need to leave.' He tugged on my wrist leading me deeper into the blackened ally, vision still impossible. At first my brain shouted at me to run, but my legs wouldn't co-operate. There was something in his voice, something that convinced me I was better off with him than with who ever was in the car. We walked quickly, my heart still working over time, tripping over my jelly like legs and clumsy feet. Faint light reached the opposite end of the ally as we hurried towards it. I could see the motorbike he'd escaped on earlier standing under a street lamp on the other side of the illuminated street.
Quickly checking both ends of the street before we stepped into it, we galloped over the empty deserted road and across to where the powerful looking machine stood.
He threw his leg over the saddle and passing me a helmet as he turned back towards me as he shrugged into his jacket. I stood, unwilling to move, to fearful to stay, confused, silently debating my next move. But as he turned to face me his deep jewel like eyes where dazzling, they glistened in the street light, their tanzanite colour pooled, like ripples on water. His face seemed to shine against the black of his straight sleek hair. He was breath-taking; I'd not given myself time to truly notice it before. I'd been too keyed up in the fair ground. I was frozen again, but this time not with fear!
'Come on.' His voice smoothly demanding, 'Get on.'
I woke from my trance, still unsure if I was doing the right thing as I pulled on the helmet, and reluctantly threw my leg over the bike, but I didn't know where to put my hands.
'Here' he grabbed my wrists clasping them around his waist. I think I blushed, but luckily the full black helmet, with tinted visor disguised my hue.
He pulled on his helmet, and we took off as the bike roared into lift beneath us. The ferocity of the bike jolted me backwards. His now gloved hand gripped both of mine, securing me to his chest, around the leather jacket that he now wore. My body hunched behind his back, ducking out of the harsh breeze, more like a wind, and tried, impossibly, to keep as mush distance from his body as was possible at this speed. It didn't feel right to be holding him so tight, let alone the rest of my body pressed up against him. I was scared of him wasn't I? Wasn't I?
We flew through the night, his anxious eyes checking mirror, turning to each side, making sure we weren't being followed, I presumed. I did the same but only turning my head a little, worried if I moved too much I'd fall off!
The buildings whizzes passed as we continued through the quite street, my heart rate continued to thump, not from fear but from adrenaline. I'd never been on a motorbike before and the feeling of the wind rushing past me, excited me enough to make me forget to even be a little worried.
The streets slowly became familiar; though we'd taken a very long way around to get here. The engine slowed as we pulled into my road, it felt like walking speed, but after the speeds we'd being doing before we got here it probably wasn't a fare comparison. He pulled up to the curb and the bike gently slowed to a stop. I straightening, suddenly aware I had been resting heavily into him as he lowered the kick stand. We were a few hundred yards away from my house.
'You know where I live?' I murmured into the back of his head, suddenly comprehending the fact.
He didn't turn, just sat motionless in front of me.
I swung my leg over the bike so I was standing on the pavement, and moved in front of him. I questioned again but with more force, 'You know where I live. How?' suspicion now in my voice, the stalker feeling welling up.
He slowly removed his helmet, his ocean blue eyes pleading again, shifting from me to his helmet now resting on the bike and back again evading my glare. 'Yes... But it's nothing weird.' His eyes where almost hypnotic, my anger faded as I looked so deep I wondered if I'd ever be able to look away again. 'I'll explain. I promise, but I just need you to get inside for now. I need to know you're safe. I'll explain tomorrow.' He saw my furious face change, the distraction of the flame like flicker of his eyes making me forget my question.
'Please', he emphasized the word. That brought me back to reality; though his eyes still held me.
'OK, but you'd better come back. You've got a lot to explain, and I want some answers.'
Relief filled his face. 'I will.' He assured, nodding with a smile, 'Tomorrow, I promise. Now go on in. I'll watch until you get to the door.'
Turning quickly, but turned back, I remembered the bulge in my jacket pocket. Some where along the line the black sun glassed had been thrust into it, some where between the ally and the bike. I fished for them quickly and handed them to the motionless boy in front of me, smiling sheepishly.
'You might need these.'
The side of his lip twitched, I think it was amusement, but I didn't wait to see. I turned and jogged towards my house, looking back as few times on the way, the smirk slowly falling from his face.
The night air had turned cold and I shivered as I got to the door. The bike roared to life behind me, I turned in response. Moving slowly the bike glided down the road towards me, his eyes locked on me, his helmet still in his lap, then the rumbling became loader, and with a burst of acceleration he flew past, down the road and out of sight.
'Hi Tilley,' came a voice from the living room. Maggie was sat just inside the doorway, in the red velvet chair, whist Bill was stretched out on the leather sofa, snoring lightly.
'Did you have a good time? Anna not with you?'
'Yes and no.' I partly lied to the first part. 'We met some friends. Anna stayed and um…' I hesitated as I fumbled with my words. 'I came home with someone else.' That part was the truth, well all apart from the friend bit, that bit I wasn't sure about, but it wasn't a total lie. 'I'm going to bed now, I'm beet.' And that wasn't a lie either, all the anxiety and adrenaline had left me on an extraordinary low. I needed to be horizontal, before my body gave out on me.
My head rested against the soft warm pillow in my over warm room. I wish I'd cracked a few more windows before I left earlier, the room was roasting. My tied body melted into the sheets, whilst my mind wandered on the evens of the last few hours. I couldn't make sense of it. Big gaps in the information I needed made it hard to judge events accurately. Should I be scared of him, should I trust him? Who had been following me in the car, and why? I really didn't know. Maybe tomorrow I'd get my answers, if he came back. Would he come back? My thoughts clouded, tiredness overcame me.
A piercing 'crack' from behind me made me jump. I turned, my breath frosting in the cold night air as a gasp came from my mouth. The blackness confused me as another 'crack' echoed in my ears. My head turned sharply. Bewildered I tried to make sense of what was happening. Through the dense shadowy layer of trees I could see a dark figure walking boldly towards me, just an out line, no definition, hallowed for behind. His long blackened coat billowing in the harsh breeze. Then I recognized this place. The seated pose I was in. The cold, damp ground beneath my legs. The tree trunk at my back. Another sound made a rush of fear speed down my spine. I looked up, confusion plan on my face. The figure got closer as the dread started to build in my stomach, draining my strength, paralyzed by fear. Then the figure was there, right in front of me, close enough to touch. It bent over; the half shadowed face contorted in disgust, a glint of a dagger twinkled as it rose to strike. My eyes stretched wide with fear causing a smile to drag the sides of his mouth upwards. The smile was of cold, cruel pleasure. The blade glinted again as his hand swiftly struck down.
I woke abruptly, my eyes wrenched themselves open as I clutched my side, where the dagger would have struck, had I not woken. A scream had already burst from my lips, a long agonizing sound as the fear of the dream, then the realization of the safety of my room hit me. I stopped abruptly clasping my hand over my mouth.
Silence.
Then my room door burst open, light flooding in. Maggie stood there, shock and fear mixing in with the startled look on her face.
'What is it? Are you alright?' Her shoulders heaving with each labored panting breath.
I swallowed deeply. 'Yeah, sorry. Just a bad dream.' I replied still grasping my nightmare wound under the covers.
'Oh. Good. I don't mean good,' she shook her head, realizing her mistake. 'I mean are you ok?'
'Yes, I'm fine now. It was nothing, sorry to wake you.' I said screwing my face up still panting.
'Are you sure, this isn't the first time lately you've had bad dreams, and the security chain was on the door the other day when I got home.' It wasn't really a question. 'You know you can talk to me about anything. It's been a tough few months for you. I'll help in any way I can. You're safe here with us.' Her voice became sympathetic as she came to sit on the edge of my bed.
I moved to give her a little more room. 'No really I'm OK. It's just...I've been getting this reoccurring dream, well not quite reoccurring…' I trailed off, not really wanting to get into this. I shook my head slightly and smiled at her. 'I'm alright. Thanks.'
She didn't believe me, I could see it on her face as I looked away and down towards my phantom wound that throbbed under my tight grip.
'You know where I am if you want to talk - any time Tilley.' She squeezed my shoulder trying to looking into my lowered eyes.
She smiled; I met her gaze and smiled back.
'Get some sleep. Goodnight.' She squeezed my shoulder again, before she stood and left the room, quietly closing the door behind her, leaving me in blackness again.
My free hand reached for the lamp at the side of my bed. Flicking on the dark yellow light I dragged up my baggy top to look at my throbbing side. I didn't really expecting a dagger inflicted wound, but was still a little surprised when nothing was there accept shallow half crescent impressions where my nails had been digging into my skin, despite the t-shirt I was wearing.
I settled back into the bed, the dreams images flickering through my mind. I pressed my head deeper into the pillow, tapping my fingers on my temples. It must have been a reaction to what had happened tonight, I thought. I suppose all the emotion had to come out one way or another, and I had the most creative of brains - to put it nicely - so it was hardly surprising my mind could conger up such things. I put my hands back under the duvet and turned onto my side, the throb quickly diminishing now that my nails where no longer sticking in my skin. Sleep found me again quickly. This time the sleep was peaceful and deep.
The door bell rang, a murmur of voices, and a few moments later the front door banged. A thundering of foot steps sounded as someone ran loudly up the stairs. I pulled the duvet further over my head groaning at the interruption to my sleep. My door burst open and the bed shook as the duvet was quickly rentched from my head.
'Come on sleepy head, how can you still be in bed? It's nearly one o'clock.' Anna amused voice rang out in the room.
'I'm exhausted.' I said sleepily dragging the duvet back towards my head.
'No come on, I'm serious. Get up. I've got so much to tell you.' She almost shrieked with excitement.
As I looked at her from my sleepy eyes she was griming so hard I was surprised her face didn't crack. I groaned, rolling my eyes closed again.
'I'm so tied.' I exclaimed.
'Oh come on, I'll go make you a coffee.' She jumped of the bed sending another ripple along the length of the mattress and ran down the stairs, thudding again as she went.
I lead there in the silence willing myself to move, but I could barely lift my head. My body felt so heavy, like I was just going to bed, not just waking up form an extra long sleep. The thundering up the stairs started again. With a lot of effort I managed to drag myself into a half sitting-half lying position as Anna burst through the door for the second time, a steaming mug of coffee in each hand.
She handed me one, and though it was too hot to drink really, the small sips I took seemed to invigorate me slowly, but surely.
'So I couldn't believe it when Robert showed up last night. I did mention it when we had coffee, but I never imagined he would come.' She was talking so fast each sentence ran into the other like it was one long garble. 'Oh, I take it you were Ok? You got home Ok? I rang Maggie; she said you'd gone to bed.' She added like she'd forgotten all about me being at the fair ground until this point. 'And that thing, with that guy, you Ok now?'
'Yes. Fine, well…I had a drama of my own, but that can wait.' I slurred, still in the process of waking up fully. I didn't really know what I thought of last nights events. So relaying it was going to be difficult and I was in no hurry to try and figure it out.
'He was a real gentle man, he paid for everything. We went on loads of rides, ate candy floss, talked for ages, it was all so amazing. He's so funny and smart, and he's got the most beautiful eyes. He held my hand and when he kisses me goodnight, WOW! He is such a good kisser!'
Her face glowed with her thoughts and her hands flew out like she was trying to steady herself on an imaginary table in front of her, but in a dramatic kind of way.
'He got me a taxi home, and said he would ring me tonight. Oh Tills, it was all so romantic. I can't believe it!'
She hesitated for a moment, her blissful expression turned to one of worry.
'It is OK that I'm dating him isn't it. I mean he is a lecturer. He won't get into trouble will he?'
I shook my head and drew up my lower lips, 'I don't think so. You're both over 18 and he's not really employed by the college, so I don't see a problem. Besides he won't start anything if it wasn't allowed.'
Robert was a nice guy, and I couldn't see him leading her on without the fullest intention of reciprocating her feelings. Plus he was older; he should know the rules better than I would.
'Yeah, you're right.' She smiled eager to believe anything true or not.
I finished my coffee whilst Anna talked some more and then I went for a shower. Anna followed, even continuing to talk whilst I was showering. I didn't mind, her excitement was contagious, it made me feel good to hear her happy voice, and it took my mind off my own thoughts of last night. She went over every little detail, more than once through the course of the afternoon. I would add small insights, fueling her excitement, until eventually about 6ish she decided it was time to leave.
'He said he's going to phone this evening. Did I tell you that already?' She told me as we talked at the open front door.
I smiled and gave a little laugh, 'Um yeah.' I answered sarcastically.
She laughed a little too. 'Sorry. I don't want him to call while I'm out. Don't want that conversation with my dad just yet, so I'd better go sit next to the phone.' She beamed at the prospect. 'I'll see you in the morning. Usual time?'
'Yeah, that'll be great. I'll try to be ready.' I laughed; she knew my time keeping well.
'Good luck with that.' She said as she wafted out of the door.
'Oh!', she turned as she made the first step. 'What was your drama last night?' Her lip twitching with embarrassment.
'Oh, nothing. Don't worry we'll talk about it tomorrow.' I shrugged, the relief washing over me.
'Sorry. I have gone on haven't I?'
'And on and on…' I laughed a little smug.
'Are you sure? I can stay.' she offered apologetically.
'No, go. I'll see you tomorrow.'
'If you're sure.'
'I am, now go!' I feigned exasperation.
Something moves behind Anna head from where she was standing on the top porch step, just to her left. It took my attention.
There he was, leaning against his glistening bike, all in black, jeans and a sweater, and the sun glasses from the night before, his arms folded across his chest. As he caught my gaze he moved, resting his hands behind him on the bike. He smiled warmly.
Anna saw my momentary distraction, my chest heaving as the sight. She quickly glanced over her shoulder to where my gaze had settled, then turned back to me, a satisfied smile on her face.
'Oh I see. That was your drama!'
I just smiled and gave a little shrug in response, looking down at the floor then straight back to where he stood.
'I'll let you go. You can tell me everything tomorrow.' She winked and galloped down the steps, along the short garden path, and over the pavement to her car. I waved her goodbye before grabbing my jacket that hung on the pegs next to the front door. I called to Maggie who was washing up in the kitchen.
'I'm going out, don't wait up.', and ran down the steps to the street.
As I reached the road, my heart started to beat loudly in my chest, and the day that was much cooler than that of resent days, suddenly felt very warm against the thin layer of my denim jacket. I stepped across the road to where he silently stood.
'Hi', I said, shallow breathing making it impossible to say any more. My head felt a little light, from the sudden thrill and from lack of oxygen.
'Hello.' He said a smile pulling at his lips, and removing the shields from his eyes. 'Shall we take a ride?' He offered the same black helmet that I had used the night before.
I bit my lip, looking back at the house. A curtain twitched in the living room, now I was defiantly being watched!
'Yes, that would be good.' I said turning back in his direction. 'Where are we going?' Curiosity tingeing my voice.
'Not too far, just some where to talk, where we won't be interrupted.' His eyes flicked to where mine had just been. Last nights dream flashed through my mind but his voice was velvet, nothing sinister there.
'No daggers.' I murmured to myself
'What?'
'Nothing, let's just go.' I swung my leg over the tall bike, smiling to myself to be doing this again. It felt reckless, dangerous, all the things I'd never been. I held onto his jacket and the engine started. Again he pulled my arms around his chest, a smug grin on his face as he turned to me, before pulling on his helmet and flipping the visor down.
The cool air cut into my hands. The speed we were going made it feel like the mid of winter, not just a few weeks into autumn. My long hair billowed freely at my shoulders as we sped through the streets, then out into the countryside towards the coast, taking the little known back roads, except to the locals. I knew these roads from our weekly visits to Gran. We'd come this way on the way home sometimes when Maggie had gotten fed up with driving down the motorway. This way was much more scenic. Fields of animals, farm land, forest and a deep blue lake that had been the site of an old quarry, Maggie had informed me, as well as the high cliffs that fell down to the beach a few miles away from town.
We pulled off the main snaking country road, to a narrow side lane that twisted and turned first upwards then steadily downwards towards the quarry lake I'd seen before. But now in the failing light the usually deep blue was black, and the usually beautiful site looked at little foreboding. I started to worry as we drove on past. Maybe I was too trusting of this stranger. I was hardly ever trusting of anyone, and I picked this person to trust despite my earlier worries? Just as I was building myself into a panic I saw a small building nestled behind a group of trees. Golden light glowing out of the two small front windows. As we drove through the wall of trees I could make out a small cottage. The type that should have had roses around the door, but I couldn't tell if it did in this light, the doorway darkened by the light pouring out of the windows either side. I could see what looked like a small garden to the front, and, but I couldn't be sure because it was growly quickly dark, a large garden to the rear.
The bike slowed and we pulled up in front of the cottage. A low gate and fence wrapped around the front of the building and off into the distance down each side.
The bike draw to a stop, the engine cut out. Removing his helmet his eyes glowed towards me through the dark.
'This is where I'm staying. I hope it's alright, but I didn't know where else to go. It's quiet here and no one knows, or at least apart from the owner, no-one knows it's here.' He said as he got of the bike.
The night was cool, but the air was fragrant with a heady sent of flowers. I breathed it in deeply, closing my eyes as I removed the helmet.
'It's fine. How did you find this place?' My worries where gone again. A piece washed over me. This place was so tranquil. A bird sung in the trees just over head. The distant sound of crickets throbbed in a low harmony, back through the trees as the breeze rustled though something in the field beyond. Another lung full of the sweet aroma swept towards me, swept up by the night air. How could anything bad happen here?
He took my hand gently. My eyes swiftly stared in shock, waiting for the burn, but nothing happened. His hands was warm but in the usual way, not the burning kind! My cold fingers curled around his as I adjusted my face quickly. His eyes caught mine, and the edge of his mouth turned up. He was obviously thinking the same thing as me. But as he was in control of the strange heat before, he shouldn't have been so surprised.
He led me through the low wooded gate. It seemed odd to have a gate when there was no other houses about, just open fields and wood land. As he guided me through the small front garden the smells caressing my nostrils again, but it was too dark to see the medley of flowers that threw their sent in my direction. We walked around the side of the small house, along a narrow path that lead to the back of the cottage. The golden glow of light increased as we came around the side to the rear. The back door was swung wide casting its light over a small paved seating area, as well as through a wide kitchen widow. A black painted metal table and four chairs scattered around it stood at the entrances to what looked like a formal garden, but I could only see so far down, and I guessed the garden went quite a way back. The aroma that was thick at the front of the cottage had now lessened. I could make out the sent of one of the plants - lavender. I knew it from Maggie's garden. He dropped my hand and offered a seat as he pulled it out from under the table. I remained where I stood, a little uncomfortable in the unfamiliar surroundings. He dropped his offering hand, and pulled out the chair next to it, lifting it around to face me, and sat down.
He sighed deeply, sitting forward in his seat, clasping his hands in front of him as his arms rested on his knees.
I swallowed sharply unsure what to do next. This all seemed a little strange, though Anna had seemed to manage quite well from her stories this afternoon.
He looked up, his face anxious, as if he where a witness about to give his testimony.
His silhouetted form looked mysterious in the glowing light from the house.
'Where should I start?' He said brushing his fingers through his still perfect hair, despite the fact it had been weighed down by the helmet whilst on the bike.
'Your name would be a start.' I answered trying to sound confident.
He smiled a little too darkly for my liking.
'My name.' He looked uncomfortable. 'That's kind of a difficult one.'
My eye brows pulled together, confusion on my face.
'How is a name difficult? Everyone gets one when their born.' I was bemused by his remark.
He smiled weekly. 'Can we come back to that one?'
Confused, I mouthing the word. 'What?' And shook my head from side to side.
'Ok you want to start there, we can.' He straightened tension on his face.
'I don't have a name.' his eyes flickered to my face as the confusion grew on mine. He looked away swiftly, standing to walk around the back of his chair. His hands took hold of the back of the seat as he leaned against it, his finger spread out as he momentarily swung back and for on his heels.
My confusion slowly changed to disbelief. 'If you're not going to answer my questions, why did you bring me here?' Anger boiled in my chest. I turned, my hands balled into fists and stormed back around the side of the cottage. What a fool I was. See what it gets you when you trust someone!
'Wait!' his voice complained as he came running behind me catching my shoulder with his hand, swinging be back around to face him.
I felt livid. I felt stupid. Was he just playing games with me? If he hadn't brought me here to talk, then what? Had my dream last night not been so far from the mark?
'Wait, please.' He sounded sincere. But it was dark at the side of the house; I couldn't see his face, even though he was right in front of me. He was just an outline, hallowed by the cottage's golden light that filtered around the corner.
His voice pleaded again, with just the slightest hint of frustration. 'Please.'
But it wasn't enough to ease my temper. I launched at him. 'For what? For lies? For some perverse kick? For the stalker in you ….'? I trailed off too mad to go on.
'What?' It was his turn to be confused. 'Come on, I can't talk to you when I can't see your face.' He held on to the top of my arm, pulling me back into the light. I followed, the anger waning slightly.
He didn't let go of my arm, but put this other hand on my opposite arm, mirroring the first. 'You might want to sit down for this.' Pulling me down to the seat he had taken for himself and pulling the other over to sit next to me, not releasing his original grip. I didn't say anything, what ever I said at this moment would come out of anger, and that wasn't going to help the situation, or get my questions answered.
'I don't have a name.' He said each word slowly as if to make a point, staring straight into my defiant eyes. 'I wasn't born in the sense you know it. The closest I came to a name was an I.D. number that's imprinted into my brain at birth.' He paused and inhaled deeply ducking his head to look into my sceptical eyes as he continued, my eyes fallen a moment before. '25030655.'
I raised my eye brows, not believing a word, and exhaled shaking my head, trying to stand. He pulled me back down.
'I am telling you the truth. Man your stubborn!'
I wriggled in his hand; he released my arms, but raised his hand signaling me to stay.
'I wasn't born on this plant. I've only been hear for around six months. I'm hear as a favor too my grandfather.' He spoke quickly, trying to convince me, before I could flee from his explanation. But I didn't move, though I didn't believe a word of it either.
'Are you sick?' I asked a little concerned for my safely, but also a little irritated.
'Is there something mentally wrong with you?' My face echoed the sarcasm that was thick in my tone.
He sat back, defeated in his explanation. 'I know it's hard to take in, but it's true. I was sent hear to find you. I wasn't supposed to make contact, but you made that impossible when you decided to jump in front of that car the other day.'
I felt insulted. 'I didn't jump, I was upset. I didn't look where I was going. It was an accident.' I protested, folded my arms over my chest, Anna accusation rang in my ears. Why did everyone think I was suicidal?
We both fell silent, looking away from each other.
I broke the silence first, looking back at him.
'Thanks for that by the way. It was very…heroic of you.' I smiled quickly at him, the smile sliding from my face. I didn't want to feel kindly about him just now, he had annoyed me and I wanted to stay that way.
He looked up into my eyes and smiled too. 'Your welcome.' His eyes where hard to resist. My resolve started to dwindle.
Silence again, as we stared at each other for a long moment. My heart beat noticeably faster. I suddenly felt very self-conscious.
'An alien.' I said calmly now, but a sinking feeling hit at the pit of my stomach.
'Yes.' He replied not moving his gaze. His voice was somber, sober, and truthful. When he looked at me that way, I would come to learn, it was hard to dispute what he said. Something inside me wanted to believe anything he said, even this.
I shook my head. 'I don't believe you, but if that's your story…! The oddest things have been happening lately, and this is just the icing on the cake. So at this point what have I got to loose? Not my sanity, that went some time ago.' I relaxed, laughing as I spoke. 'But, as unbelievable as it is, that doesn't explain everything else.'
He smiled but looked confused. 'It's a lot to take in I know, but I'm telling you the truth. I thought…..' he stopped mid sentence shaking his head. 'You need to accept that because it all kind of stems from that.'
The night air had turned quite chilling now. I rubbed my arms as the cold raced down my body. His eyes watching as my arm slid up and down.
'Are you cold? Do you want to go inside?'
'No.'
'Can I get you something then? A coffee, a sweater?' His hand rubbed at my opposite arm.
'Yes, to both.' I nodded and laughed lightly.
He disappeared into the cottage, the dark garden suddenly feeling very scary as I sat alone. I looked down its length trying to see anything. The green of the plants closest to me faded into the black abyss that stretched off into distant shadows. Something warm was draped around my shoulders. My body instantly relaxing as the warmth clung to me. I looked around as he disappeared back inside again. He was so quitet, silent when he moved. It was a thick cream loosely knitted blanket, the type that Gran used to knit when I was a small child, very fashionable now in a home interior way. I pulled it around me, clasping it with my hand at my quivering chest.
The lavender sent wafted again as he reapeared, two mugs in one hand, steam rising from each. The lavender sent disappeared as coffee filled the air. I drank it down quickly, wrapping my hands around the mug drawing in all the warmth I could.
'We can go inside if you're too cold.' He offered again noticing my shivers, his mug still full of the steaming drink. I watched his lips as he spoke, the hypnotic rhythm making it impossible to look away.
'I'm alright. How's the earth coffee.' I blinked up and nodded to his mug,
'Great actually.' He smiled. 'Just don't know how you can drink it hot.'
'That's how you're supposed to drink it.' I said a little perplexed.
'I know, but it tastes so much better when it's cold.'
'Uh. Are you serious? Cold. That's disgusting.' My face grimaced at the thought.
He smiled and shrugged his shoulders. 'I, just like it that way!'
We smiled at each other, then silence fell again as the smiles lasted a little too long. We both looked away, uncomfortable in the moment.
'So what's your 'odd things' that have happened to you lately?' He asked using my words.
Oh great, he had to ask. The one thing that would make me sound crazy. Embarrassment seeped through me. My smiled wavered nervously.
'I don't know. Just little things I guess.' Was I really going to tell him this? Mind you I couldn't sound as crazy as he did, mister 2506123, or what ever it was.
I continued, 'Seeing things that aren't there. Seeing things that are there and then disappearing too quickly. Cars chasing me, people saving me!' I blew out a sharp laugh from between my teeth as I looked down at the mug I was tumberling with in my fingers.
He was silent again. I looked across at him, he was sitting, hunched over in the same position that I was now in, staring at his chilling coffee that he held in his hands.
'You have to be careful.' He warned, his voice low. His jovial expressing changed to a tense face 'This world, your town.' He looked up. 'It isn't safe.' He shifted in his seat to face me, touching my arm. 'You have to be careful.'
'OK,' I nodded 'ok I will.' I was as serious as he was. He looked thoughtfully at me. I wondered what those deep eyes where seeing as they looked into my face. Could he see how I was feeling? I wanted to reach out and touch along the check bone that cast a shadow along his face. The intensity of the moment washed over my body, my lightheadedness returning. Some how I trusted him despite his mad story. I wanted to believe him, to tell him everything was alright, that nothing could hurt me. That I wouldn't let anyone close enough to do that to me, but that was a lie. Looking into his eyes I knew it was a lie, and anyway he didn't mean that kind of hurt. He meant it in an entirely different way. A way that should have scared me, but being with him I felt completely safe, nothing could hurt me here.
'I'd better get you home.' He murmured his eyes still lingering on mine.
I blinked and the connection was lost.
I shrugged out of the blanket and followed him back around the cottage, to where the shadowy bike stood. The light from the small front windows casting long shadow across the ground.
I held on tightly to his body on the ride back. Something had change in the few hours we'd spent talking. I still didn't really have any answers that could make sense of the last week or so. But I didn't mind. I was happy just to be with him. The answers could come later, slowly if needs be. I didn't bother me. The longer I was in his company the less it seemed to matter.
That night my sleep was deep, no hellish nightmares to disturb my tied mind. I woke refreshed and was even ready when Anna knocked on the door. Our conversation was brief, just the outlines of her telephone conversation with Robert the night before, and my lame explanation about Mr. Numbers. I didn't have much to tell, and I didn't feel ready to talk in detail, because I didn't have many details myself.
The morning in the studio passed swiftly. The good start I had made last week on my painting continued. All my previous cares seemed to fade away. Even my anxiety about being in the same room as Rachel and her minions seemed to fade into non existence. My mood was so good; my high was so high it seemed impossible I could be brought down.
Lunch time arrived, my stomach told me as much as I walked the short distance to meet Anna. But as I walked through the familiar glass connecting corridor I felt it again, the feeling of being watched, a pair of eyes on me. There was no one in the corridor I recognized, I scanned the outside seating area, maybe Anna had finished early and was waiting for me. But no, no familiar blond there. I changed my gaze to look out of the opposite glass wall, towards the student car park. It was busy with kids coming and going, cars leaving and just parking. As my eyes swept across the scene I saw a darkened silhouette parked under the trees at the furthest end of the car park. The sun just breaking through from behind a cloud, making the polished black paintwork of the bike gleam in the glow. The day had been cooler again today, and this was the first time I'd seen the sun all day.
Then from out of the shadows he emerged.
It was like the weather had been ordered, just in time to make him look more magnificent that he already was. I quietly gasped, as my chest tightened, and my knees became a little week. I put my hand again the glass to steady myself, as a smile curled my lips. Through he was on the other side of the car park I thought I saw an amused smirk drift cross his face. I smiled back, wider this time as I realized the joke was on me. Heat flashed in my face as my eyes lowered with girlish embarrassment.
One minute, I gestured raising my finger and mouthing the words. He nodded to answer that he understood.
Rushing through the short corridor, I found Anna just leaving her room. She was talking with a few of her classmates, obviously still caught up in the subject of her lecture as I approached from behind her.
'Hi.' I said eager to get back to him. My hands twitched with excitement.
'Oh hi Tilley.' She smiled as I got closer, flicking her hair over her shoulder.
I felt awkward, I didn't like ditching her, but there was no way I could stop myself. 'Would you mind if we take a rain check on lunch.' I said wincing at my words, and biting at my lip nervously.
'Of cause. Everything alright!' Her face questioning my posture.
'Yeah, it fine. Great actually, that's why…'
'Hello again.' A voice came from behind me, cutting me off before I could finish.
Anna's face looked up in the direction of the voice, her mouth instantly breaking into a wide grin.
I turned to see Robert striding down the corridor. A wide smile on his face, the tilt of his head telling me his eyes were fixed on Anna, as they were covered by his shades as usual.
'Are you two lovely ladies going for lunch?' He looked at us both now as he stood between us. 'I thought I would accompany you both if that is not too much of an intrusion.' A devilish smile drew up over his mouth, teasing us both.
'Yes. That would be…' Anna started.
I interrupted still wanting to get outside as quickly as possible. 'Actually, I was just saying I need to go.' My eyes coming back to Anna.
'Oh. Well would it be alright if I keep you company then Anna.' His face not showing any disappointment, quite the opposite actually.
Anna grinned, her eyes flashing between Robert and me. 'That would be great, thanks.'
I'll see you later then?' She said hiding an excited expression from Robert.
'Yes, that's great.' Relief in my voice, at least she wouldn't be alone now, and it would have been embarrassing to play gooseberry. She gazed back up at Robert as I turned to go back the way I'd come.
An exit stood just the other side of the glass corridor, and I hurried to get to it, glancing back to the spot I had just seen him a few minutes before. Though the pounding in my chest had slowed the slightest bit when I had spoken to Anna, it now regained momentum. It made me giddy with anticipation as I scrambled to make it though the exit, pushing my way through what seemed to be the entire campus body coming in the opposite direction. I made it through yanking my bag that had not made it out the door the same time as me. Pulling my bag back across my chest I looked up to the space he occupied just moments earlier. He was still there, but now astride the polished glare of the gleaming bike. A crisp sea blue shirt beneath his leather jacket made the intensity of his eyes seem to sparkle like diamond, as his arms rested on the helmet in front of him. His face relaxed, beautiful and intoxicating as I paced towards him. A group of girls staring at him, but he didn't seem to notice.
'Hi.' I said the tightness in my chest restricting my breath again. My fingers seemed to tingle with delight.
He just smiled widely.
'What are you doing here?' I asked my smile widening as the words came out.
He pursed his lip as though he was contemplating his answer, then his lips parted, I had to catch my breath again, reminding myself to fill my lungs.
'I thought we could go for a ride,' His eyes glistened as he spoke, falling down to look at the saddle bag hanging above the rear wheel.
'Oh. I haven't finished for the day yet.' I cringed as I said it. What a square!
'So you don't want to?' he sarcastically raised his eyebrow.
'Now, I didn't say that!' I quickly regained myself.
'Shall we go them?' He held out the black helmet, his eyebrow raised again as his head slid to the side.
I looked back at the college, like Mr. Bram would be watching my every move. No-one was looking, let alone Mr. Bram.
I caught sight of the group of girls again as my gaze swept back around, each one looking at me. Probably wondering why this beautiful creature was even giving me the time of day.
I smugly smiled, took the helmet and hurried onto the bike.
'Let's get out of here.' I exclaimed as the bike burst into life and a second later we where speeding through the exit gates.
We stormed through the surrounding street, until we came to the motorway, speed obviously no obstacle to his powerful machine. We sped past the cars already moving on the road, like they were standing still. The freedom was exhilarating. It was good to be reckless for once. Though I wasn't the model student, I always tried my best to meet deadlines, comply with rules, well, the ones that made sense, and not disappoint the people that where close to me. But sometimes, especially when the person I depended on, namely Gran, was no longer dependable, I felt I just wanted to break free. To let loose and do something crazy, something that I wouldn't have even expected of myself. This must be the time to do it. To speed away with more or less a total stranger, to who knows where, for who knows how long or for what reason? It felt good. Actually it felt great. Felt wonderful not to be me, or at least the regular me that everyone knew. I stretched back on the bike; gripping my knees a little tighter to the sides of the seat, as I let my head fall backwards and the harsh breeze fill my face. I felt liberated. I felt free, but I felt safe!
We pulled off the motorway and quickly found a thin ribbon of winding road that turned into a country lane. I didn't know this part of the country side. I'd never been here before. The warm sun was streaming through the cloudy sky now. The helmets tinted visor blocked out most of the glare, making the day look dull and wintery, the heat on the back of my neck told me differently. We slowed and pulled up into a small lay by to the left of the lane. High bushes lined each side of the lane making it feel closed in and secluded . Small wild flowers littering the bottom of the bushes, like some one had splatter painted along the edge of the lane. We both got off the bike, leaving our helmets on the seat. He grabbed the saddle bag, and held out this hand. I tentertively took it as we moved forward towards a small break in the high bush where an old, well used turn stile stood, nestled almost invisible by the over grown green wall. He jumped over first with the ease of an authlet, and then held out his hand to help me as I stepped down. His hand was warm and seemed to hide mine in the size of it. But it was soft and gentle, and most definitely not burning!
On the other side the style opened up into a large planted field. We walked along the edge, on the part-worn path that lead its way around the field full of tall, large blue globe shaped flower heads. The flowers heads swayed rhythmically in the freeze like a crowd at a train station antisepating the arrival of the next train. A strong sense of well being filled me. I paused for half a second to take in the view. He waited. His face puzzling over my expression. Turning to him I smiled, and we continued our stroll. At the bottom corner of the field we turned and continued up the other side, moving further from the road. Bird song filled the air with a faint sound of trickling water somewhere close by. Halfway up the side of the field the same green wall opened out into a small grassy clearing with a cluster of tall trees running up to a grey stone built bridge that looked like it had been there since the dawn of time, with its highlights of mossy green plants sticking out of the many crags in the weathered stone. It straddling from one low embankment to the other, light filtering down from the canopy above and onto the surrounding short grass. Wild flowers colored the area, butterflies drifted around the flowers in playful flight. The bridge itself was bathed in golden sun light. It was beautiful, like a chocolate box picture, and beyond the beginnings of a thick wooded area, the tree's becoming darker as they stretched off into the distance. He turned to watch my gaze, stepping in front of me and turning to lightly pull me as he walked backwards towards the scene, our hands loosening so only the edge of our fingers linked. He looked relaxed and happy and even more beautifu,l if that was even possible.
We stepped onto the bridge. The sun, out of the breeze, was hot, making my skin tingle with the warmth.
'It's beautiful here.' I gasped swinging my head around to take it all in.
'Humm, it is.' He murmured as he looked only at me.
I caught his meaning and smiled, the warmth of embarrassment coloured my face. My hand slipped down as I looked away and walked to the edge of the bridge to look over the side. The slow moving water trickled along the river bed, the sun dancing over it as it moved, gradually running under the bridge and away into the distance.
He pulled out a blanket from the saddle bag, and flung it wide over the middle of the bridge behind me.
Silently his finger ran down my arm and over my hand, that hung to my side, as he began to sit down on the make shift seating area behind me.
I swallowed deeply, my pounding heart increasing just a little more, my gaze still on the twinkling water. The familiar electric hum tingled at my fingers after his touch had gone. I said nothing.
I turned, pressing my back to the stone wall, my hands cupped together in front of me.
My breath came long and deep, trying to focus. 'How do you know about this place?' sounding casual, trying to pretend that didn't just happen.
'A friend told me about it.' He smiled a secret smile that concealed the true meaning to the answer. 'Are you hungry?' he asked reaching into his bag, pulling out a container I recognised and handing it to me.
'Chicken salad?' I questioned as I pulled back the lid.
'You had it at the diner that day; I thought it was a safe bet.' He smirked, a satisfied expression on his face.
I frowned, my eyes suspicious, kneeling to sit next to him. 'You were watching me?'
He laughed one quite soft sound, and smiled weekly. 'You could say that. I was in the diner. Two seats down from you actually. I didn't stay too long after you came in. I needed to leave. I didn't want you to see me.' He paused. 'Seems a bit pointless now.' He laughed to himself again, the sun dancing of his perfect skin.
I smiled in response. 'Why didn't you want me to see you?' I tried to keep my expression even and the question light.
He looked down at his salad, uneasy with the direction of the conversation.
'I didn't want to complicate your life. You seemed already…unhappy.' It was as if the words where hard for him to say.
How could knowing an alien make my life any more complicated?' I sniggered dryly. But it was true at the moment he just make it better, I though to myself. And as for unhappy….
His mouth pulled into a long line, he didn't find it funny.
We ate our food in uncomfortable silence from that point. I pushed my back against the wall when I'd finished. The sun was so warm. Angling my head up towards the heat, I closed my eyes, only seeing the bright red on the inside of my eyelids, but still feeling uncomfortable. It felt like he was watching me, but I didn't want to open my eyes to see.
I heard a shift on the blanket beneath us, then his fingers where touching my face. Just under my ear, gently tracing the curve of my jaw line, down to my chin. I didn't move, my eyes still closed though my heart trembling at his soft, silky touch, as I held my breath. It felt as though, if I tried to breathe my heart would explode with the effort, so I held it.
His fingers lingered on my chin, his thumb lightly touching my lower lip. My lip seemed to vibrate to each feather light touch.
'Why are you so sad?' His soft velevt voice strained with concern.
My eyes flashed open. I'd not been expecting that! The vibrating lingered as his hand fell away. My eyes being open changed the situation, or maybe it was my expression.
Trying to understand the question, I hesitated then echoed, 'Sad?' in a whispered voice. Frowning and swallowed deeply.
'Every time I encounter you, you've seemed so unhappy, almost distracted by it, even when you're smiling?' He wasn't accusing, just stating a fact as he saw it.
How did he see that? I tried to hide it. I searched his eyes, but there where no answers there. I suppose my new family may know how I feel. I thought the term, 'family' loosely. But this almost stranger, someone that doesn't know me at all, could also see it. It didn't make sense. Maybe I didn't conceal it as well as I thought.
'I'm observant.' He shrugged. 'I'm good at it.' He paused, than asked. 'Is it your parents?'
Shocked ripped through my body, making me stiffen. My parents? Why would he ask about them?' Did he know my history, and if so how? Or was he thinking of my new family? It seemed a big leap. A strange equation to work out, and be right. He interrupted my thoughts.
'Do you want to talk about it?' He was still looking straight into my eyes. His face serious, tension spreading across his face.
My head tried to pull away, but it was backed up against the wall, so I looked down at the ground instead.
'I'm fine, nothing I can't handle.' My voice was sharp, but it was really embarrassment. No one had ever seen it, or may be if they had they'd not mentioned it, and certainly not wanted to talk about it.
He sighted, and looked away just as I looked up at the sound. 'I've over stepped the line, have I?' he was apologetic. 'I just want to know you, to understand you. You seem so strong, but vulnerable all at the same time.' He trailed off as he stood, his hand offered out for me to do the same. I didn't take it, but rose and followed as he started off into the trees.
'This world is so beautiful.' He murmured in front of me as he walked, looking back over his shoulder as he said it. Obviously changing the subject. The conversation had got a little frosty.
'Yes it can be.' I replied puzzling over the way he phrased it 'especially on a day like today.' Small talk, great!
He turned to smile at me as I caught up, walking parallel, weaving in and out of the thick old tree trucks that started to get more frequent the deep we walked. It started to get colder as we made our way deeper into the darkening shade of the leafy canopy; a shiver ran down my back.
'Cold?.'
'Yes, but it's nice to be a little cold. The last few weeks have been unbearably hot.' I smiled rubbing my crossed arms lightly.
He frowned and pulled his lips down. 'Really, it's seemed slightly wintery to me for the past few weeks.' He looked a bit confused.
'Oh', I huffed. 'Just me then.'
We walked a while without saying a word. It was nice to be away from normality, and though I still didn't really know this person the silence wasn't comfortable now.
'Maybe we should be getting back soon, your friend is probably wondering where you are.'
Anna. I'd forgotten about her. What time was it? I looked at my wrist, but of cause no watch - again. 'I'd forget my head if it wasn't screwed on.' That's what Gran used to say. My brain caught up, suspicion layered my voice. 'How do you know Anna will be waiting for me?'
He looked guilty, like he had been caught out, but didn't say a word.
'It was you. You've been watching me!' My voice suddenly hard and angry.
'It was you, in the library and… '
'Yes.' He interrupted quickly, the embarrassment coming from him this time. His voice quiet at first, then rising with each word. 'But I can explain. It's not what it might appear. I was …'
'Watching me!' shouting I interrupted and turned, storming back in the opposite direction. I felt instantly angree, I could fly into a rage like the best of them, but this was weided even for me.
'Please wait!'
I heard his pace quicken after me. but I didn't care. I broke into a run, my fury and possible fear all mixed in a need to get away.
His pace grew in response. 'Tilley please, I'm not the enemy. Please.'
Tears welled as I ran, but my anger fort them back. Just when I thought I could trust someone. Was nothing simple? Could I not have anything normal? Did everything have to be so hard?
I reached the bridge, stumbling over the blanket as I reached down for my jacket, my left hand shooting out behind me to stop myself from over balancing.
He caught my it, as the sudden shock whirled me around to a standing position in front of him, the furry and fear evident on my face. We stood gasping for air, eyes staring unsure at one another. I wanted to believe him that it was inocent, but I wasn't sure I had it in me. Then it began. The low hum at first, vibrating at the edge of my trembling fingers, steadily rising in power, warming my chilled skin. We stood motionless, eyes fixed on one another not able, or not wanting to look away.
The hum steadied, the tingling not increasing as our breath continued to labor. He raised our hands higher, fingers entwining, so they could be seen to the side of our gaze. My eyes flicking from him, to our hands, and back again.
'Do you feel that?' I said nervously, almost fearful of his confirmation.
'Yes.' his voice just as unsure.
'What is it?' My breathing becoming shallow, making my plunging chest work twice as hard.
'You!' He seemed surprised at the question, though his response was quiet.
My breathing quickened even more, as his answer melted though my now depleting fury, making no sense.
'Me?' I whispered, the word wavering as it left me lips. My fingers still tingling.
Fearfully I snapped my hand away, turning, rubbing at the fading heat and stepping away to get a little distance.
'Didn't you feel it, that day at the dinner? At the fair ground?' his voice came from just behind me.
'Yes, but….' I stopped, and turned back to look at him, collecting my thoughts. A frown filling my face.
'But what?' He paused as his eyes tightened. 'You thought it was me?' He huffed out a gust of air.
'It's not funny. It hurts. What's happening to me?' My anxiety overtook me; I was rambling as I wildly searched his face for any clues, but saw nothing but confusions.
'I'm not totally sure.' He replied placing a hand tightly on the top of my covered arm, and looked deep into my horrified eyes.
I stared back; his beautiful tanzanite eyes now filled my vision, reminding me of our first encounter. My fear and anger all but gone, and now lost in his eyes my world changed again. It felt strangely safe. As if he made it all make sense, but in no way I knew of. He calmed me, his tight grip also reassuring, as if his arms would protect me from any disaster my small world could throw at me. I sighed, the air coming out in staggered waves, as my body regained control of my lungs.
'You're special Tilley. Unique. You don't know how special you are.'
I tried to smile, a little embarrassed by his words. No-one had ever said that to me before, except maybe for Gran that last time we where in the house, before we both went our separate ways, but she wasn't exactly sane at the time, so that didn't count.
A buzz came from my jacket pocket, breaking our silent stare, and cutting through the tension. Text music, but I let it ring, dropping my head to smile to myself. The bizarre music coming from the phone in no way fitted the tense moment we were trapped in. We both laughed quickly, the same conclusion to the music occurring to him as I peeked back up through my eyelashes.
'Come on, let's get you back, your in demand. ' He smiled, releasing my arms and gathering the few items he'd brought, shoving them quickly back into the small black saddle bag.
