Afterlife (Afterlife Saga)

by Stephanie Hudson

  I scribbled in my not so neat hand “no problem”. My handwriting looked as though it had been written by a toddler compared to her flowing calligraphy. The lecture continued and made History sound like a blurring bore. Something I love so much could easily be destroyed by this man’s voice. He made everything sound as though he was actually there and although there was clearly passion in his expression, it was still unnerving to witness the man smile with his own excitement. I don’t know how I was going to look at history in same way again.

  He continued on just like all the first lectures I'd had. The introduction to History was a little wasted on me as I had been studying it all my life. So, as his boring voice droned on, I let my mind drift to other thoughts. Those like working at the club tonight and the thought of being in the same building as Draven. Then I started to wonder would I really want a man like Draven to notice me? Well sure I would want him to notice me but the fact that he would was a bit of a joke, I mean what was there for him to even notice. As much as it had hurt what those girls had said in the toilets that night, they had still been right. Now if I looked like this stunning girl that sat beside me I wouldn't be having any worries about my self-esteem.

  The class finally drew to an end and I realized that I had missed most of it due to my daydreaming. I would have to pay more attention in future or I would definitely be caught out in the firing line. I was already an easy target in this man’s mind.

  I got up grabbing my books and as I was putting them in my bag I noticed a pair of doll like eyes examining me. I met them with a curious look of my own.

  “You have lovely hair, why do you wear it back?” Her question had thrown me off guard and I started to stammer my answer out.

  “Umm well...it...it gets in the way. But thanks.” I couldn't believe that this enchanting looking creature was complementing me when her hair looked like it had been styled ready for a photo shoot for Vogue.

  We both walked down following the mass of numbed students trying to escape before another word leaked from Reed’s mouth, when something caught my eye. Reed was talking with a student and they were both looking our way, but it was Reed’s expression that held my interest. He looked as though he was in shock. It was as if something the boy had told him was about one of us. No not one of us, it was about Sophia. He was staring but he looked utterly terrified.

  I shuddered as we walked out of sight and I realised Sophia was still smiling at me. I kind of felt as though she was studying me more than just looking curiously. Was there was something more behind the smile? She didn't seem to catch the same horror in Reed's eyes that I had or if she did, she didn't hold much consequence to them.

  “Thanks again for bailing me out back there, he's a real piece of work right?” She followed, never taking her eyes of me and people were staring at us in a curious manner.

  “Yeah, he's a bit scary but I think we handled it ok, but I bet next time we will get bombarded with questions.” She laughed at this and held out her hand ready to receive mine.

  “It was nice to meet you, Keira.” I placed my hand in hers and the warmth I found from her soft skin was comforting. She seemed to read my thoughts and smiled once more before she left. My hand tingled slightly then went very cold along with the rest of my body...Strange.

  “Who was that?” RJ's voice interrupted my strange mood and pulled me back to reality.

  “No one...how was class?”

  RJ went on about her day and I happily listened, not really wanting to tell her about my little run in with Dictator Reed. And I didn’t really know why I didn’t tell her about Sophia. I guess I just felt a weird connection with her at the end of class. I couldn’t explain it but I'm pretty sure she felt something as well, like some sisterly love. Maybe that’s why I had felt so compelled to defend her to Reed. In the same way when RJ asked me about her. I wanted to keep her friendship to myself in some selfish way and protect her from RJ's personal prying.

  We were nearly home when RJ's word by word account of her day had finished and my mind hadn’t retained any of it but luckily she hadn't noticed.

  “So what you up to tonight, ‘cause a couple of us are going to Afterlife, there’s this great group playing and.....” I stopped her mid-sentence before I forgot what she'd asked and we were nearly at my house.

  “I can’t but I will see you there anyway ‘cause I'm working. Maybe I can join you if I get off early.”

  “Oh my God you are so lucky you work there, I would have to keep sneaking a peek upstairs.” She giggled at the vision. If only it was that easy I thought bitterly.

  “Yeah right, have you seen the security they have, those guys give new meaning to steroid abuse… breakfast, lunch and dinner.” I said this last part getting out of the car turning to add “See you later.”

  Chapter 11- VIP

  I grabbed my usual black top and jeans only this time swapping long sleeves for short ones as it got quite hot in the club especially with lots of enthusiastic Goths swarming the bar. Of course I would wear gloves to match. I wore my hair in its usual knot, tied up by its usual clip. There was nothing to suggest that this wouldn't be just like any other night at the club but I had a strange feeling that was gnawing at my stomach. Maybe it was just after the weird effect meeting Sophia had on me or maybe I was just hoping something might happen, either way I just couldn't shake off the feeling.

  The club was quiet when I first walked in and the band had only just arrived. They were setting up ready for their set. I recognised the drummer to be the same guy RJ had given her number to on my first night here. No wonder she was coming again tonight. What was their name again...Acid umm...Acid Criminals. They actually weren't half bad.

  Mike and Hannah were both working tonight and another girl I hadn't seen before, but I knew her to be Cassie Jones. Hannah hadn't kept it a secret of her dislike towards the girl and I now stood next to her hearing even more gossip about her antics.

  “You watch she will be all over Mike like flies on shit. Not calling Mike shit of course but you know what I'm getting at. She will hang around him all night like a lost kitten digging her claws in ready for the attack! That girl is poison.” She said as if purifying me with a heads up. Of course she hadn't been the first to warn me about her. RJ, the “town crier”, had filled me in, knowing everyone in the town. Of course she had told me every little sordid detail. Was there anyone in this town she didn't know? Well I immediately thought of one and couldn't help looking up.

  RJ had used some choice words when describing Cassie, which had surprised me seeing as they were both Goths. But there was no comparison RJ informed me. Cassie wasn't a real Goth. She was now just the flavour of the month being EMO. She was one of those that just changed with whatever was “in” at the time. Apparently the number of alternative looking people increased this time of year due to the new arrivals, most hoping to get noticed and make their way in to the VIP area. Cassie was no exception and she wanted it bad. Her father knew some important people in high places and had wrangled her the job here. Of course she was still only seventeen and couldn't serve behind the bar, so she collected bottles as I had done on my first night here.

  RJ had said the difference between herself and Cassie was that unlike most, RJ was a Goth with style and didn't dress that way just to have an excuse to look like a slut like Cassie. At this point, Lanie had also jumped on the bandwagon adding her own story that included an older married man who also happened to be one of her teachers. This was a lethal cocktail destined for trouble. Luckily no one seemed to find out about the sordid little affair but the whole town still knew about it, which I found a little confusing. I really didn't understand how that worked, but Lanie carried on telling me more about the little hellcat.

  I now stood talking to Hannah at the other end of the bar watching as Cassie did everything but fling herself into the Mike’s arms. She flicked his hair and bent across him trying to show him more than just her cleavage. He clearly wasn't interested, trying everything
but smack the hormonal girl to one side. He shifted awkwardly trying to avoid her advances when he saw me. He winked and walked over leaving her mid-sentence, which had her almost shaking with anger. She saw me and looked like a bulldog chewing wasps.

  “Hey Kaz, how’s college? You had the dreaded Reed yet?” Mike had kindly forewarned me about Reed but to be honest I thought he was exaggerating with his description of him. Of course now I knew that if anything he hadn't said enough.

  “Yeah it’s going ok and wow you weren't kiddin', he really does put the Grimm Reaper to shame doesn't he?” He let out a hearty laugh that reminded me a bit like a pirate. Hannah had left us to talk about college with a smug smile on her face as she was enjoying the evil glares I was receiving from Cassie. She finally strutted her way over to us on impractical looking heels, her face like thunder.

  “Who's your friend Mikey?” He cringed at the sound of his name. He mouthed the word “sorry” before turning to face her.

  “This is Keira, Keira this is Cassie.” He clearly wasn't enjoying the introductions.

  “Hey,” was all her two brain cells could muster and I just nodded in response. She was clearly happy with herself that plain old me wasn't any competition. She turned her back to me rudely and carried on.

  “So Mikey, do you think you could sneak me up there tonight?” She asked as she flicked her bleached hair and pointed to the VIP area. I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips and she shot round giving me daggers.

  “YES... is something funny?” She had her hands on her hips like the spoilt teenager she was and it made it harder for me to keep a straight face.

  “Nope,” was all I said before turning to help Hannah with the cleaning. I felt sorry for the girl. I mean the very idea of her trying to sneak upstairs and getting mowed down by the massive security guys was almost too funny. Hell, it almost made me want to encourage her but that would have been cruel, after all she was clearly mental!

  The night got busy and I wasn't surprised that both Jerry and Gary were managing the club tonight. Luckily Gary was manning his station from somewhere else and Jerry was behind the bar with us. Although the bar was busy, we kept on top of it and it reminded me of old times. Jerry kept coming up to me and telling me what a good job I was doing and how impressed he was that I had picked it up so quickly. I reminded him that I had worked in a bar for years and that’s why I could juggle customers and remember large orders. After that he just kept coming out with comments like “Keep it up kid” and “She's a trooper this one” which was sweet and endearing.

  The large orders were mainly from the groups that occupied the many booths surrounding the club. Jack had come up to the bar with such an order. He had wanted to get someone else to serve him so not to bombard me with remembering eight drinks but I had impressed him with my multi-tasking skills. Of course the barracuda Cassie had helped him take the drinks to his table. Jack would be her next target but I could understand why. Excluding the VIP area, he was the most attractive person in the room and it didn't go unnoticed.

  The bar area quietened down for a brief moment and I made my move to the ladies but when I returned I found Jerry stood waiting for me with a crate in his hands looking impatient. I popped a look in to find bottles of green liquid with old foreign labels on them. He didn't look his usual calm self.

  This was when my night started to get very weird...

  “I need you to do me a favour, you need to take these up to the other bar.” Umm other bar? I looked blankly at him, feeling like an idiot.

  “You know.... up there.” He motioned with his head to the balcony and my mind went into panic mode. Was this a joke or a test? The one rule I was told by, hell the whole town knew, and now after less than two weeks of working here he was asking me to break it. Was this man insane?

  “Why me?” I said this last part out loud and then repeated it when he stared blankly back at me.

  “Why me, why not someone else...maybe someone who's been here longer, I know Cassie would want to...” What was I saying, was I really going to give up my one chance to finally go up there, especially to the Goth Barbie herself! I was torn as the Mr Hyde in me was screaming YES! YES! But the reserved Dr Jekyll was terrified at what a bad cocktail of events this could turn out to be!

  “That's why it has to be you, you’re the only one who doesn't go on about it...” No I just fantasise about Draven everywhere I go and dream about him almost kissing me in my bedroom every night, oh no, that wasn't worse, I thought sarcastically.

  “I need someone that won't do anything stupid and will be quick, in and out without umm... getting noticed.” He said this last part as if it had offended me but it had been the truth. I was the only one who didn't stand out. I played my last card in the hopes he would fold.

  “What about you or Gary, I could watch the bar and...” He cut me off, no doubt already anticipating that was what I was going to say.

  “I can't leave the bar unsupervised and Gary starts to wig out whenever you mention the VIP so that's a no go.”

  He thrust the crate in to my hands and left, taking my silence for a yes. I stood motionless for a moment contemplating what to do.

  At first I had wanted to call him back and tell him no but I chickened out. I also thought about just dropping the box and making a run for it but that wasn't a practical solution either. I liked this job and didn't want to lose it. I started towards the staircase wondering how I was actually going to make my feet move up each step. I was nearly there when Gary came out from nowhere making me nearly lose my skin from fright.

  “Not those stairs, there is a door around the other side of the stage, that's what they use.” He said this like they were some alien life force that didn't belong here.

  “O…k!” I said dragging out the letters as if I wasn't freaked out enough. He looked as nervous as I was. What the hell did he have to be nervous about? I was the one who was being thrown to the bloody wolves.

  I walked in the direction he had nodded to, when his hand reached out and grabbed my arm. His grip tightened as his face went whiter.

  “Be as quick as you can for your own sake!” Oh great! What was this, some cheesy TV show where you get humiliated? I half expected Ashton Kutcher to pop out with a filming crew for MTV (apart from the little fact that I wasn't famous). This just seemed too weird, and trust me, I knew weird.

  I carried on towards the stage and I could see the doors he had been talking about. No wonder I had never seen them before, they were well hidden. As expected there were two huge guys, one on either side and they didn't look happy. My nerves doubled. I walked up keeping my eyes away from theirs and tried to think of what I could say, half hoping they wouldn't let me up. But of course they just opened the door for me without saying a word. I walked through jumping as the door slammed behind me, sealing my fate.

  There was no going back.

  Once inside I took a moment to try and calm myself, as pretty soon I'd be hyperventilating. I began by trying to concentrate on my surroundings, a handy technique I had learned from my therapist. This worked as I started to take it all in. It was like something you would have found in a castle. The staircase was huge! So big you could have pushed a grand piano up it and still have room either side. It was all made out of the same stone as the rest of the building only instead of blocks it looked as though carved from one big piece. It was incredible.

  I put the crate down and straightened my arms and fingers. There were red marks and deep impressions across each finger. They then made cracking noises as I moved them in and out of a fist. My thin puny arms weren't up for the task as they ached and I had only made my way across the room. There was a door the same as the one I had walked through, opposite to where I stood. I was tempted to try it but the fear of being caught was greater than my curiosity.

  My feet moved up the ancient looking steps as if they had a mind of their own. It was as if they knew I couldn't do it so they wanted to help me out. The walls were bare but for the
wrought iron candle holders, only this time they didn't hold flickering light bulbs for effect. The light from the flames didn't seem as if it would be enough but there was an ample amount of light. I couldn't understand where it all came from. There was also a matching banister with twisted iron making its way up the staircase alongside me. There were two doors at the top of a small landing, mirroring the downstairs. I knew which door it would be but still had the same urge to try the other one as before.

  I could hear the hum of the Acid Criminals getting louder but my heartbeat was matching the bass. If anything it sounded louder. I stopped behind the carved wooden door and wondered what next? Should I knock or just walk in? I decided to just walk in. After all would anyone hear a knock? I held my breath, put down the crate and turned the ornate handle.

  It was as though I had walked into the dressing room for some Gothic production and everyone’s eyes were on me. I pretended not to notice, happy that the lighting was an ambient glow which hid my bright red face nicely. I could see the bar clearly on the other side of the room and a path through the chairs and tables full of the strangest people I had ever seen in my life.

  I looked around taking in as much as I could before getting out of here as quickly as humanly possible. The room was breath-taking.

  It was like something from a different era. Maybe more like something you would have found in a stately home hundreds of years ago. But there were also new, modern aspects to the place. The mix of old and new worked well together. There were the same twisted wrought iron fixtures that ran throughout the entire club but they were lit by candles instead of electricity. I doubted that this was to do with the electricity bill and more to do with the authentic setting.