The Premortals (The Premortals Series Book 1)

by Jacqueline Wrenley

  “What do we have here?” I asked as I went over the examining table. It was a small dog with long yellow golden hair with eyes like black buttons looking at me happily.

  “The owners that brought her here complained that she hasn’t been eating recently,” Doctor Cook explained.

  “Oh she is so cute, what’s her name?” Sarah inquired holding the dog on her arms while it wagged its tail.

  “Her name is…” Doctor Cook looked over the information sheet, “Cotton.”

  “Such a nice name,” Sarah declared sweetly, “Don’t worry Cotton, I’ll do some test to see if you’re alright.”

  “Uuuh.. actually, I was hoping Ellie would do that,” Doctor Cook interjected.

  Sarah looked confused.

  “I need you to look at another dog Sarah at Richmond Apartments, one owned by Lady Georgina,” He requested.

  The Coastal City Animal Clinic takes in any type of animals, pets or livestock. Most of the owners were from the Alphas and the Elites, and sometimes the Betas if they can afford them. So when an Elite calls for our services, they were given the utmost priority and the best. Second only to Doctor Cook, Sarah was the best we had at the clinic especially with small pets. It was an honor to be at service to an Elite, it helps boost the reputation but I did not envy her for that, the Elites treat their pets with more respect than us from what I heard, but nobody had to worry about that when it came to Sarah, she was favored by the Elites for her remarkable skills with pets and her sweet nature so naturally they would request for her whenever they had problems with their pets.

  “Sure,” she agreed cheerfully.

  “I’ll take her,” I offered and took Cotton to be examined.

  Sarah left for Richmond Apartment a while after. The day went on the Animal Clinic with nothing out of the ordinary. Not much excitement happens here in the clinic except for the emergencies that seldom occur like last night but I loved it here, I felt that this was where I belonged. At a young age, we were tested on what career we would be good at and I passed every test and training to become an animal doctor and my love for animals helped a lot too. Only a few pets came by the clinic today so we spent most of our time taking care of those who were here to be hospitalized, and if we had a spare time, we played and bond with the pets that were well enough. I enjoyed spending time with them because some lack care and attention; some owners owned pets just so they can have one even though they were rarely home to take care of them. Like Cotton for instance, the test result came in and found nothing wrong with her. She was probably just depressed that she didn’t had the appetite to eat but she was faring better when I took her for a walk and played with her. She ate the food I fed her and gave her gentle strokes on her back as she started to fall asleep. Her owner, an Alpha, will be here soon to pick her up and I pity Cotton when she goes back home, she’ll be sad all over again. I wish I could take her home with me instead but I cannot afford to.

  Sarah came back from her trip from Richmond. She shared her stories on how adorable Lady Georgina’s dog was and how huge was her apartment. She was ecstatic that the Lady let her stayed to have lunch there. Of course she didn’t dine with the Lady but she was happy all the same that she had the chance to try such expensive dishes. She went on and on about her experiences until it was time to get ready to go home. I said my goodbyes to Sarah and the staff then I took the bus home, there was still daylight and I was glad I get to go home early. I rode in silence like the rest of the passengers. There was an old lady sitting next to me near the aisle. She looked tired but contented with her time on the bus maybe eager to finally go home like me. There was mother and her son seated in front, she was whispering something in his ear and it made him giggle. They looked happy together but it would be painful when they would spend their life apart when he would have to go to Fortis Institute. Parents were allowed to visit but for Omegas, Deltas and Betas, it would be costly and they would have to apply for leave from their job. Mom and Dad visited me once or twice a month or sometimes every other month; there were times when they could not visit together when one of them could not leave work. It was hard for them and hard for me too but I was grateful for their sacrifices, and I try not to disappoint them because of that.

  The bus reached our stop and I was walking on my way home. The streets were not as busy as this morning anymore. I took my time, enjoying the daylight before it goes dark. I passed little shops and bigger stores, not all Betas earned the same and in the Empire, the Beta or Omega who earned more paid more taxes so it would be hard to become wealthy for a Beta or Omega. I was approaching my house and I noticed again the man outside the bakery. He was closing the bakeshop then he saw me and gave me a huge smile. I ignored him yet again and kept my head down as I was entering the house.

  “Ellie you’re back, how was work today?” Mom asked cheerfully.

  “It was fine, nothing special.”

  “Good then you could help me set up for dinner.”

  “Sure Mom.”

  I prepared the dining table while Mom was cooking dinner. It was getting dark outside as we were about to finish.

  “I think your dad is running late,” Mom stated.

  Just as we were about to sit down, Dad entered the house.

  “Sorry I’m late, busy day at work,” he apologized while he placed his bag on the couch and came to the kitchen and took a seat at the dining table with us.

  “It’s okay dear, how was your day?” Mom asked.

  “Exhausting! But I want to hear more how my two favorite girls’ day was.”

  Mom was now talking nonstop about her day at work while I listened absent mindedly. I was thankful that they didn’t bring up the conversation we had this morning, since I wasn’t in the mood for it.

  We finished our dinner and I went upstairs to my room. I was lying in my small bed wasting my time wondering when I will receive a mail with my match’s name on it. The thought made me nervous then it came across that what if my match would be like the man from the bakery store? I pondered on the idea for a while. I honestly wouldn’t mind though. I thought he was handsome especially his smile and the way his blue eyes glows in the light like the ocean and his blonde hair that shines like gold. He would probably make a good mate but what was I thinking? Of course we cannot be together, it was never a choice and besides there was no chance for a Beta to be matched with an Omega. People who tried to go against the law and the system by secretly having a relationship with others who were not matched together were sent to prison. Most of them were caught because someone reported, even by suspicion you can be reported, then the Protectors would be on to you or interrogate you and your invalid partner. I overheard once about a year ago from my parents that a close friend of theirs fell in love with his fellow worker and the woman felt the same way about him. The woman was married but was not fond of her match. My parents didn’t report them, they couldn’t bear the thought that they would have to die for the crime they had committed. However, they did warn them to exercise caution but eventually someone did report them, and no one knew who. I heard dad told mom that they were arrested, interrogated, and never heard from again. The match that the woman left behind never remarried for no one was ever allowed to remarry however manner they lose their mates. You only get matched once in your lifetime. I let out a deep breath; all this nonsense thoughts got me tired when I knew there was no possibility so there was no point on acting on it.

  The next day, I left the house early for work. I said my goodbyes to mom and dad and went out the door. The morning had a clear blue sky and sunshine. I was about to go on my way to the bus stop when I noticed the man again across the street. He was opening the bakery, and then he saw me and gave a warm smile. For some reason, maybe because of the thrill or stupidity, I smiled back, then left as quickly as I could realizing what a mistake that was. At the corner of my eye, I could see his expression turned from surprise to ecstatic while scratching the back of his head. I was riding the bus when I told myself tha
t it was only a friendly smile and nothing more. There was no law against making new friends. Get a hold of yourself Ellie! I would never hurt mom and dad so I needed to be careful not to send the wrong impression.

  I arrived at the Animal Clinic. Sarah wasn’t in yet so it meant that I was early. I helped the animal attendants with their morning feeding and care for the animals that stayed in the clinic while waiting for my shift to start. I was feeding a little kitten when Dr. Cook approached me with a worried look on his face.

  “Oh hi Dr. Cook, what’s up?” I greeted.

  “Ellie, Sarah left a message that she can’t come for work today,” Dr. Cook anxiously said.

  “Is everything alright? Did she said why?” I asked with concern.

  “Her son has the cold and she needs to take him to the doctor to have him check.”

  “That’s awful, I hope he will be okay.”

  It was funny that our pioneers had mastered the science of conception through blood and gene modification but they did not bother to give us the immunity from the common cold. I guessed despite all their knowledge, they themselves were not perfect to play gods.

  “I hope so too. Anyway, I came here to ask if you could do her rounds while she’s not here Ellie,” Dr. Cook requested with a pleading look.

  “Sure it’s not a problem Dr. Cook,” I offered willingly.

  “Uumm.. I was also thinking of her follow up services,” he hesitated.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Sarah had a follow up schedule with Lady Georgina’s dog this morning at Richmond Apartment and since she’s not here,” he reluctantly implied.

  “You want me to go to Richmond?”

  Dr. Cook had a pleading smile, “Please Ellie, I have no one and you know we can never cancel or postpone an appointment with an Elite. You’re one of the best I’ve got.”

  “Wouldn’t she be expecting Sarah?” I was trying to get myself out of this.

  “Well yes but you could explain to her why Sarah can’t come,” he suggested eagerly.

  “Why don’t you go instead doctor? You’re the best here.”

  “I can’t leave the clinic Ellie and you know that,” he was begging.

  Dr. Cook knew I was not fond of servicing the Elites but I cannot refuse him, he was the chief and the boss even though what he said sounded more like a request.

  “Fine,” I surrendered, “But don’t be surprised if you don’t hear again from Lady Georgina after this.”

  He was thrilled that I agreed, “Thank you, thank you, I’m sure you’d be fine.”

  I left the clinic that morning to catch the bus going to Richmond. I brought the medicine bag along and Dr. Cook told me the necessary details that I needed to know about Lady Georgina’s dog. The apartment was near the ocean where most of the expensive hotels and apartments were which was the lavish part of the city. It took me two bus rides to get there. I wasn’t excited; I dreaded arriving there that I hoped my bus took the wrong turn. The bus stopped near the apartment. The doorman opened the double door as I was about to enter. I approached the man behind the reception desk and told him who I was, why I was there and who I intended to visit. The man checked his list and nodded, meaning I was expected since Dr. Cook made the necessary phone call early this morning. He rang for the footman to assist and guide me to Lady Georgina’s floor. I followed the footman wearing a fancy long red coat who was willing enough to accompany me. Everything inside the building had a classic feel to it. There were paintings and sculpture that I imagined could feed a lot of families if sold. We rode an elevator made entirely of glass and it ascended to the top floors. We finally arrived and the lobby was exquisite made out of gold and marble and there was a large fountain in the middle. I had never seen such a magnificent room, I was both impressed and in awe. A butler approached us and the footman informed him who I was.

  “This way please,” the butler said with such courteous manner and motioned me to follow him.

  We went through the hallway, passing rooms which were as glorious as the next. We stopped at a room at the end of the hallway and the butler asked me to wait here as he entered first to announce my arrival. Once the Lady consented, the butler led me inside the room and left. I felt terrified all of a sudden, I did not know what to expect. There seated in a huge extravagant couch in the middle of the room was a woman with a black hair fixed into a bun. She was wearing a Lady’s dress, made with elegant and expensive fabric of red with pattern designs of black and gold, the dress had a three quarter length sleeves, and a wide skirt that was until the ankles. These dresses were only made for the Lady’s in the Elites to wear. A small white dog was lying on her lap which stared when I entered. I could sense that this Lady was born from a very wealthy and proud family by just the look of her and how she carried herself. I did not know what to do so I hesitantly curtsied; it was the only thing I could think of that was appropriate. The dog started barking, it had this annoying little bark but the Lady was not bothered.

  “I thought the girl who came yesterday was supposed to be here,” she declared with a stern and regal demeanor, her words came slowly and calmly and without the sound of care. She did not even look at me when she spoke; she just stared down at her dog while she gently stroke its hair.

  I felt nervous, searching for the proper words to respond, “Apologies my Lady, but Sarah couldn’t come in today because of a family emergency she needed to attend to,” I stammered, I could feel myself sweating even though the room was cold.

  Did I say it the proper way? I did not know how to act or what to say to them, she was the very first Elite I had talked to and met up close.

  Lady Georgina did not move or react to anything I just said. She remained unaffected and bored. She let out a deep sigh and finally looked at me and said, “And here I am asking for your services and you people couldn’t even send the very best,” she had a look of disappointment in her while she shook her head, “Very well, you will have to do,” she conceded like she did not had a choice. I was uncertain at first then I came close enough to where she was seated and placed the medicine bag on the floor.

  “May I?” I asked in a most polite way I could muster.

  The Lady did not answer so I assumed it was okay, I tried to gently pat and take the small dog away from her but it suddenly let out a loud yelp and almost bit me; but instead of Lady Georgina showing concern, she slapped the top of my hand.

  “What are you doing?!” she scolded.

  “I was just trying to…” I tried to explain but she immediately interrupted, “You fool! Little Chester doesn’t want to be touched by anyone, how dare you even tried,” she yelled.

  I stared at her in disbelief as if it was my fault. How was I going to treat the dog without going near it? And if she said sooner that little Chester was not friendly to strangers then we could have avoided all this. I had respect for Lady Georgina but she was starting to get on my nerves.

  “I knew this would happen, I can’t believe they sent me someone so incompetent,” she kept on ranting, only this time her face turned red and enraged that she started hyperventilating.

  I wonder how Sarah handled this, did Chester tried to bite her as well? I did not think Chester was harmful but Lady Georgina was. If there was someone who needs training, it was her. So I tried to calm her down and ignore her insults, attempting to be on top of the situation.

  “Lady Georgina,” I said as calm as possible, “I need you to let me hold Chester for a while so that I can administer the needed medication. I know I am not the top choice but believe me I am more than competent enough to know the difference between genuine concern and excessiveness. In the meantime, I am the best of what you’ve got for Chester or with all due respect I could leave and stop wasting your time, my Lady,” I tried to smile hoping I did not sound mean.

  Lady Georgina opened her mouth in disbelief. This must be the first time someone was blunt enough to talk to her like that, then she closed her mouth tight and was speechless. She star
ed at me then straightened her clothes and composed herself trying to regain her dignity. She then handed me Chester and I took him in my arms. Chester suddenly became calmed as if he too was shocked at what he heard. I placed Chester on my lap as I sat on the floor and took the medication out from the bag. I gave him the shot and he did not move at all so I commended him, “Good boy Chester.” He wagged his tail when I gave him a dog treat after. I returned Chester to Lady Georgina who accepted him and give him a kiss and a pat. I placed everything back in the bag and was preparing to leave. I felt suddenly bad for what I said to her. I should had known better and I should not have let my temper get the best of me. I looked at her once more and gave her a tight smile hoping she would consider it as a how sorry I was sign. I was about to exit the room when Lady Georgina out of nowhere said to me, “You know you’re different,” she paused and I stopped at the door not turning back to face her in fear that she might say something insulting again.

  “Someday it is going to get you in trouble…. or might get you far in life,” she continued in a softer tone. I turned around to face her, there was no hate on her face, and she was solemn as she stared back at me. I nodded silently in respond then left the room hoping that I would never return to this place again.

  I was looking forward to going home today, I did not know why, probably because of the stressful morning I had. I was walking on my usual route and as I was nearing my house, I saw the man from across the street again. I swear I think he waits for me whenever I go out the house or when I come home. He saw me coming and he was beaming while waving. I walked faster and glanced at him and I gave a little smile so not to seem rude then I ran to the door like I was afraid of him. I left my things at the living room and I noticed mom was already at the kitchen preparing our dinner. I was about to help her but I heard a knocked at the door.

  “I’ll get it,” I yelled.

  “Okay honey,” mom responded.

  I opened the door and there he was, the man from across the street holding something wrapped in a white clean cloth. I was surprised when I saw him, not only because how good he looked up close but also that he was there at my doorstep which was the very last place I wanted him to be.