Afterlife (Afterlife Saga)

by Stephanie Hudson

  Reed walked in, followed by a lackey student pushing a projector. I sighed in relief at the prospect of an afternoon off from Reed's droning voice.

  “Today's class is about the understanding of observation. You are going to watch this documentary on World War 2 and write a paper on your interpretation of the events. I want constructive views on what you think about the issues surrounding the lead up to the breakout of the war.”

  Everyone in the class relaxed as they thought of the same thing. An afternoon off from Dictator Reed! I on the other hand had thought of peace way too soon as Reed called my name.

  “Miss Johnson, a moment if you please.” The rest of the class turned and stared at me once more like I was a freak show. The only one who didn't seem surprised was Sophia. This had been the class that I had been dreading and for good reason...for this reason. I got up out of my seat and a hundred eyes followed. I even felt as if I should do a little dance down the steps for all their effort. The film had started and thankfully our conversation would be drowned out by the sounds of fighter pilots and gunships.

  “I understand you had an accident?” He said looking unusually uncomfortable.

  “Yes and I'm sorry I had to miss any lectures but the doct...” He cut me off waving his hand saying

  “Yes, yes, I know I heard all about it and I wanted to say that just because you have been fortunate enough to be in the good graces of the University’s headmaster and that he asked me to treat you differently...” This time it was me that was to interrupt.

  “I'm sorry but I don't know what you’re talking about, I haven't even met the Headmaster.”

  “Don't play coy with me Miss Johnson, I know that your employer is the University's benefactor and that you are somewhat of a favourite of his but that does not mean that you will receive instant A's without putting in the work!!” I think my mouth actually fell open, as I was stunned!

  “I don't know where you have your information from Mr Reed but I most certainly intend to work in this class and any grades I get I want to have received them fairly and above all legitimately. Mr Draven had nothing to do with my absence and why he thought it best to speak to the Headmaster on my behalf, without my knowledge is beyond me, so if you will please excuse me I am missing the reason for me being here...to learn!” I stormed off back to my seat shaking with anger. I couldn't believe that Reed had thought I was expecting special treatment and I was furious if Draven had implied so. What did he care and why go to the effort? My questions were soon going to be answered as I went back to sit next to the very person who could.

  “Are you all right? Did he upset you?”

  “I'm fine! Well actually I'm not fine. I would like to know why your brother decided it would be a good idea to speak to the Headmaster about me.”

  She nodded and looked over her shoulder at the boy behind. What did it have to do with him?

  “Sophia?” I said again trying to keep my voice down.

  “It was my fault, I asked Dominic to speak to him because I knew that Reed would kick off at you missing his lectures. I guess he took it the wrong way.”

  “Yeah, that's a bit of an understatement, he thinks that I should be getting all A's without any work and a pass in each class! Reed was furious at the thought.”

  “Oh... ok well I'll have it straightened out, but I'm sure that my brother wouldn't have asked for anything like that. The Headmaster probably has it all wrong.” I felt a pang of guilt as I had been ranting like a child at Sophia who was only trying to help me out.

  “I'm sorry, and I appreciate you helping me, I really do, it's just I don't want to be treated any differently just because I'm your friend. I feel bad enough that your brother has gone out of his way for me for being your friend but he really doesn't need to. I bet he thought life was a lot simpler before I turned up on the scene.” I lowered my head in shame at the thought. I was like a pest, or some virus that was clinging on. No wonder he didn't want me around, look at all the bother I had caused him already.

  “I sincerely doubt that.” She laughed before carrying on.

  “Besides, I like having you around and really my brother doesn't mind, you just need to relax.” She nudged my arm and I couldn't help but smile back at her.

  “Ok, but no more special treatment, from now on I'm just an everyday friend that doesn't expect anything but regular friendship in return.” She laughed and said,

  “Regular it is, only in my life I’m not sure I know what that is.”

  “You'll be fine, we will take it one day at a time, and it just means I don't expect you to keep doing me favours, I'm going to be your friend regardless.”

  “Well I like the sound of that,” she said and I noticed she wasn't the only one smiling, as the boy behind had also found something amusing in our not so secret conversation. Great, was this going to be added to the next lot of gossip!

  “So back at work tonight. Will you be ok?” Sophia asked as we exited the classroom.

  “Yeah, as long as nothing else goes wrong and I can refrain from making a fool out of myself for at least one night, then yeah sure.” We both laughed and the boy that was sat behind Sophia walked past me giving me a wink. I frowned wondering what to make of it. I mean why wink at me when I was stood next to Sophia. Surely that was like preferring a glass of Perry over vintage champagne.

  I said goodbye to Sophia and started to walk over to where I was meeting RJ. She had to chase up a book from the Library so I said that I would meet her at her car. I walked out and once again the cold hit me as it did this morning. It was still foggy and was going dark early. I pulled up my hood and zipped up my sweater. It seemed that I had done this just in time as the heavens opened letting down big drops of heavy rain. I started to walk faster but didn't know why as there was nowhere to provide shelter. I noticed the boy that had winked at me had now re-joined his friends and they all looked the same. Baggy jeans and hooded tops with rap star logos on the front. I tried to change my route but a large muddied green area was in my way so I had no option but to keep to the path. I walked past keeping my head low when I overheard the same boy talking about Reed's lesson.

  “Yeah man, it was weird, I was like totally out of it! Dude what did I drink last night?” He looked different than he had done in class and when I finally walked past, his eyes spotted me but there was not a hint of reaction, as if he didn't even recognise me. Had I got it wrong? Maybe he winked at someone else.

  The rain was getting heavier now, quickly becoming a downpour. The raindrops dripped off my hood onto my nose and I tried to shake them off when I heard footsteps behind me getting faster as though someone was running. I turned to see who it was but bumped into some screaming girls that were worried about their hair and holding books over their heads in a poor attempt to keep dry. I apologised but it fell on deaf ears and I continued along my path. Then I felt a hand grab my shoulder and I jumped in response.

  “Wow, hey Keira, it's only me.” Jack stood opposite me wearing a baseball cap that hid most of his face and the hood of his jacket over that for extra protection.

  “Oh, hey sorry Jack, guess I'm a bit jumpy.” He smiled down at me but I could barely see his eyes. He lifted a hand to my face and brushed my hair off my forehead that was covering the evidence of my fall. I blushed at the feel of his touch and one side of his mouth curved into a smile as he noticed.

  “That's looking better every day.” He let his hand drop and I shook off the drips that had rolled down my cheek from my hair. He linked his arm around mine and said,

  “Let’s get out of this rain you'll freeze in that jacket!” He was right, today was not the day to be wearing light weight material, especially one that wasn't waterproof. He led me over to the trees near where RJ had parked and we huddled close under a large overhanging branch that acted like a protective green canopy.

  “Look, about the other night, I'm sorry I acted like that, I was being a bit of a jerk.”

  “Only a bit?” I teased and light
ly punched him playfully on the arm.

  “Oh it's like that is it?” He said and his long arm reach up above my head and grabbed the branch above as he was about to shake it.

  “Oh no, don't you dare!” I reached above trying to grab his arm down before he could soak me, only it backfired. I lost my footing and fell into his arms making him shake the tree anyway, soaking us both. We giggled like kids and his other arm wrapped around my waist steadying me. He leaned his head down and said in a deep smouldering voice,

  “Do you know how cute you look, all wet like that?” I stepped back and shoved him gently backwards in the stomach.

  “Stop teasing me, or I will tell on you!” I threatened not being able to keep the smile from my lips as I tried to act serious.

  “And who might I ask, are you going to tell… umm?” He said as he took a step closer.

  “How about your sister?” His face changed and I continued, “Ha, I’ve got you there because I know that she can beat you up.” He held up his hands and placed them on his heart in a dramatic way as though what I said had hurt. I giggled back as he replied,

  “That's cold, I mean that hurts Keira, how could you be so mean?” He tried to look like he was about to cry but couldn't keep a straight face and surrendered to laughter.

  “What did I miss?” RJ's pink head came into sight as she moved an umbrella out of her way, seeing both me and Jack standing there laughing.

  “Apparently Keira here is under the impression that you can beat me up and she finds the thought very funny.”

  “Well naturally I can take you but that’s common knowledge.” He then lunged for her taking her off guard making her drop the umbrella. He got her head in a headlock and starting giving her a noogie.

  “Say the words!” He said as he dug his knuckles deeper into her head.

  “Never!” She said as she squirmed to try and get free.

  “Say the words Little Pink!”

  “You’re a homo!” She shouted

  “Now that racist RJ and not nice, just say the words and I will let you free.”

  “OK, ok ALL HAIL you, master of the rock, who can always kick my butt. You happy now Jack -ass?”

  “It wasn't your best grovel but I suppose it will do.” He released her and she swung round punching him in the stomach. It was like watching a Punch and Judy show at the beach. The rain had eased off a bit allowing us to get in the car without getting drenched. I waved goodbye to Jack and he winked at me as it seemed to be my day for them.

  Once I was home I started on my assignment for Reed as now I was even more determined to make the point that I didn't require special treatment. No matter who my boss was!

  I had made notes in class but considering I had already seen the documentary once before on the discovery channel I already knew what I was going to write about. The notes had been mainly ideas and a few reminders on important dates, so I got to work and before I knew it I was finished. The words had flowed right out of me as though I'd been having a conversation or debate about my views on the events. I realised, without really needing to think about what I was writing, that I had concluded the essay and looked at the clock to find I only had time to grab a quick bite to eat and enough time to get changed. I had wanted to get a shower before work but now I knew I would never have time.

  I examined myself in the mirror and thankfully my hair had survived most of the rain with the exception of a few curly bits around my face. My hair had a habit of going wavy when wet and it would tend to dry this way if not brushed straight. I let down my hair giving it the once over with a hair dryer and re positioned it up once more off of my face. I pushed the clip through but little bits escaped and hung down curling by my neck. I re-did it again and again until I gave up, as it obviously wanted its own way. I pulled the hair in front of my face hiding the now greenish yellowish bruise and a small cut that I was hoping wouldn't scar. My hair looked different but it did suit me with some tendrils hanging down giving me a softer look. I put on my normal uniform of black trousers and a long sleeved plain black top to which I added black fingerless gloves making it look part of the same sleeve material. And I was ready.

  The car journey was like the first time when I had a lift there. I was still as nervous, if not more so. I'd been trying not to think about it all day but the more I tried to push it to the back of my mind the more it just pushed its way back to the front line. My hands started to shake as I walked up the stairs to the VIP and I had to squeeze them into fists to stop them. The sooner I got this over with the sooner I would start to feel comfortable again. I took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

  I decided to walk in-between the other tables as I now knew where I was going and could get to the bar without having to walk past the top table. I noticed the other waitresses looking at me and the only one that waved was Rue. I was still dumbfounded that she knew it was me seeing that she was blind. Maybe it was my smell, but when I had smelled my skin before leaving (Checking I didn't smell of BO from not showering) my skin had smelled different because of the rain. It had given it a fresh outdoor smell with a kind of earthy tinge.

  Once past the scarier tables of people that seemed something more than just different I walked up to the bar to meet Karmun. I wondered if he ever took a day off?

  “Here she is, back to fight another shift, how's the noggin?” He pointed to his own head as if I needed an indication to where it was but it was sweet just the same.

  “Fit and healthy and ready to be put to work.”

  “Well ok, put your bag in the back and I'll get your first table’s drinks ready.”

  It didn't take me long before I got back into the swing of things and everybody had asked if I was feeling better. Apart from the obvious, the ones that weren't part of my table plan and of course Draven.

  I noticed him at his table surrounded by his usual entourage. There was his sister to his left and his brother to his right. I had never really noticed his brother before, only seeing him briefly when they first arrived, as I could never usually get past watching Draven. His brother was very handsome but that was no shocker there. Their gene pool must have come from bloody royalty!

  His eyes were a mix of Sophia's and a bit of his brothers, but I could never imagine anyone in the world having the same eyes as Draven's. He was fair-haired, unlike his sister or his brother. His hair looked like gold and it was cut short in a halo of tight curls giving him an angelic look. Only his eyes suggested otherwise. They looked cold and heartless when the person next to him spoke. He looked bored and not amused. I shuddered at the glare he gave them. His body was smaller, leaner than his brother’s but he too looked powerful. He also looked younger, with a softer skin covering his face and his chin was not as square as Draven's. But again his eyes revealed there was nothing soft about him. He too was in a suit but he didn't wear a tie or waistcoat like his brother did. His look was more smart/casual, whereas Draven's look clearly stated that he was the one in charge.

  Sophia once again looked radiant in a black dress that was cut across the shoulders and went down into a pencil skirt around her perfectly shaped legs. The others around the table consisted of a mixture of people. There was another beautiful woman with flaming red hair that reminded me of Libby only she was very tall and athletic looking. She had a long neck and amazing brown eyes that looked like dark chocolate. Her skin looked as if it had seen a lot of sun as it glowed a golden colour. She was wearing a red suit as if ready for a day at the office. I felt a pang of jealousy as though a snake had bit me and the venom was making its way round my body via the bloodstream. That was the life I would never have, so why did I even bother thinking about it.

  I pulled my eyes away from her perfect features and looked at the others. There was a Japanese man who wore a long black and red robe over black trousers. The material looked embroidered with red silk symbols that were encircled twice creating a pattern. He held his hands together in his long sleeves and looked content, not smiling but also not
frowning like the others. I counted one more guy and one other woman but they were out of my view so I couldn't make out any details.

  The rest of my night went by without incident or more importantly without any notice from Draven. My tables were cleared of empties and I was just serving the last one before it was time for me to leave. Like before, my night went by so quickly that I thought Karmun was joking when he told me that I only had fifteen minutes left. I went up to the bar to get my last tray of drinks when the blonde waitress, the one called Layla, pushed into me saying,

  “MOVE IT!” Her face scowled at me and I could have sworn I had heard her hiss. She grabbed her tray and flicked her hair back as she strutted back to the top table.

  “Whoa, what is her problem?”

  “Don't you mean what isn't her problem, it would be a shorter list?” I laughed at Karmun who obviously thought the same way about her as I did.

  I picked up my tray but before I could leave with it Karmun grabbed my hand and said the words to me that had my heart pounding in less than a second.

  “Mr Draven wants to see you out on the balcony before you leave.”

  Chapter 22 - Unknown territory.

  As soon as Karmun had said the words I found it hard not to shake. Since Saturday I had wanted nothing more than to see him again but now I was very tempted to just run away. He made me so nervous, just the thought of going out there had my palms sweating.

  As I went to deliver the drinks to my last table I noticed Draven was still at his. Well at least I could get out there first and get some fresh air. Maybe that would help steady my breathing. I handed out the drinks and as I walked past the bar put down my tray. I pulled my fringe down covering my damaged face and walked towards the balcony. The last time I had been out there unbelievable things had happened both shameful and blissfully wonderful. I opened the doors only to find myself not as alone as I had hoped as Draven was already there waiting.