by K. R. Smith
Now was the moment, I looked from Gran to Mum as I announced, “I’m wondering what it would be like to study History at Cambridge.”
Suddenly Grandfather dropped the carving knife which clattered loudly onto the table as he, Uncle Julian, Dad and Grandpa looked my way in alarm.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea!” Mum said brightly. “I always wanted to study Literature at a place like Cambridge but I couldn’t because it was too soon after the War.”
“It still IS too soon after the War!” Dad said indignantly.
“No it’s not.” Mum disagreed.
“Yes it is.” Uncle Julian agreed.
“No Julian, it’s not.” She glared at her brother.
“It is, Jess.” Grandpa said seriously.
Mum looked in surprise his way and then to Dad whom she next asked, “why is it too soon?”
“Come off it Jess!” He sounded annoyed. “Eighteen years ago you took us to Blythe Castle in England to scare off looters from attacking your English family! Now you’re going to let our daughter live there?”
“It’s not safe.” Grandpa frowned.
“But the Worthall’s haven’t had problems with looters for years.” She tried as next she looked at her English cousin, “it’s safe now, isn’t it Danika?”
“It’s safer than what it used to be.” My Aunt shrugged. “When I talked to Mum last month she said that since the reinstatement of the police force; crime has really cut back.”
“Sweetie.” Uncle Jules turned to his wife, “we don’t think it’s a good idea that B leaves tribal lands.”
“But why?!” Mum cried out in frustration.
“Because Jack was killed by the bad element in Alma, the same kind of people who could be in England.” Grandfather said unhappily. “The same kind of people would see a healthy young woman who is unaffected by sickness or starvation and try to claim her like they have tried to the other lawless towns about this planet.”
Mum’s face fell as she deflated at her father’s words.
“It doesn’t mean that B can’t study.” Dad was quick to put his hand on her shoulder. “She can study while living here.”
“Yeah I mean, if Cambridge University has opened up then surely it or other universities would, have courses people can do via correspondence.” Uncle Julian shrugged.
But my mother wasn’t going to be dissuaded easily and she kept up the fight.
“B,” she looked my way, “what did it say about safety at Cambridge University? I mean if students are going to study there, what did it say about that?”
“That half of the Colleges at Cambridge like Holy Spirit College which are open again, have extra security in the dormitories… like state of the art alarms and locks.” I recited from memory. “And the University has security guards walking around campus 24 hours a day.”
“Oh yeah, I feel better now.” Dad said sarcastically. “I’m really going to be able to sleep well, knowing that an alarm is able to fight off attackers for my daughter.”
“So far the crime rate in Cambridge is keeping down.” I told him. “I mean if it wasn’t then I doubt that the University would have opened again.”
“Nor would it be attracting any students who were afraid for their lives.” Mum glared.
“I could ask my my mother when I talk to her tomorrow night via satellite phone about the safety of Cambridge.” Aunt Danika offered.
“No.” My father put his foot down. “If B is going to study History at Cambridge University then it’s going to be done via correspondence!”
“No!” My mother fired up. “B is a free young woman, who can’t be chained to a kitchen sink or tied to her parent’s apron strings! She’s nearly 18 years old! She’s intelligent and she’s good at studying. If she wants to go to University then she’ll go to University!”
“Jess!” He growled at her.
“Hunter!” She growled back.
Frickin’ hell, my parents were fuming at each other! I’ve seen Mum fire up at Dad plenty of times and usually he could calm her down or use jokes to diffuse the situation, but not today.
As all of this went on, I noticed that Great Grandma remained silent as she usually did. She calmly continued to serve herself then she patiently waited for Grandfather to finish carving up the meat.
“It’s not safe Jess!” Dad said adamantly.
“How would you know if it’s safe or not in Cambridge?” Mum crossed her arms.
“Because I’ve patrolled these lands for the past twenty-one years since the War and I’ve battled what’s on the outside trying to get in!” He said vehemently. “And you should remember what is trying to get in, Jess! You should remember very clearly what nearly happened to you nineteen years ago!”
“THAT was nineteen years ago!” She shot back. “So what now, Hunter? Is my daughter now going to be victimized because of what happened in the past? I’m not going to let her turn into a prisoner!”
“Um, guys?” Uncle Julian put up his hand. “Besides safety being the main issue here, how about money?”
“Money?” Mum echoed. “What money?”
“Exactly.” Grandpa said pointedly. “What money can be found to pay for Cambridge University?”
Now Nana looked sad over this topic, “I had a savings account before the War which had a couple of thousand I inherited when my grandparents died. I was saving it for Hunter’s future.” She passed her son a rueful look. “It could have been used for B. But with the collapse of the economy after the war and the bank going bankrupt? I think everyone’s in the same boat.”
“Money wouldn’t be a problem.” Gran said simply.
Everyone but Grandfather looked on in surprise.
“Why won’t it be a problem, Mum?” Uncle Jules queried.
“There’s one multinational corporation that survived the collapse of the world’s economy and it’s under Circulate control.” She continued.
“Hodge Endeavor?” Grandfather guessed.
“Hodge Endeavor.” She confirmed.
“Hodge Endeavor!” Mum’s face lit up. “Of course! Whenever I fetch Vincent from Circulate HQ on Mars, to take him to Blythe? He says he sends commands to the company. He’s said he’s even sat in a couple of the board meetings in London!”
Dad moaned as he rubbed his face hard, as a sign of frustration.
“So if B wants to go to University in Cambridge or study elsewhere, then it won’t be finances stopping her.” Gran passed a smile my way.
I grinned back as I allowed myself to feel hope. Grandfather sighed loudly as he knew his wife long enough despite their deceptively young appearance; that once Gran’s mind was made up there was no changing it.
“But can we please make sure that Cambridge University is safe first?” He tried.
“Of course. I’ll ask Mum tomorrow and I’ll get back to you immediately.” Aunt Danika promised.
Phoebe looked from her mother to her grandmother who was sitting on the right from her grandfather.
“Can I go to Cambridge too?” She asked brightly.
“Of course you can sweetheart.” Gran declared. “When you’re 18 years old and you want to do a degree too? We’ll support you in whatever decision you make.”
Now Uncle Julian let out a loud groan, “thanks B, thanks Jess and thanks Mum. I think you’ve just doubled the work load for the Lokoti Werewolves because now we won’t just be patrolling Lokoti land? But we’ll also be patrolling Cambridge University as well.”
I accidentally let out a snicker as I briefly pictured my topless and changed Werewolf relations, stalking across the University campus at night. Then so did Phoebe when she saw what I was imagining.
“What is with the men in this family?!” Mum snapped. “Why do you think it’s only the Werewolves that can protect my daughter? Has everybody forgotten that they also have two Circulators with a silver sword each and the access to advanced weaponry?”
Again Dad moaned as he rubbed his face hard with both of
his hands… Again Uncle Julian groaned… Grandfather and Grandpa remained quiet as they wore grave expressions.
“Oh great, this just keeps getting better and better.” Uncle Julian shook his head. “Now it’s not just B and Phoebe who will need protection off tribal lands but it’s my sister and mother too!”
“I don’t need your protection, I can kick your butt!” My mother turned on him. “I can fight more men than you can without supernatural strength or claws!”
“Oh we can see that Jess.” He smirked. “After all, we see you do it every day to poor Hunter.”
Just then Dad burst out laughing, as did Grandpa, Grandfather and then the rest of the adults at the table.
“Shut up Julian.” She picked up her bread roll to throw it at his head.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9th September 2084
I waited to cross the road as a familiar black jeep drove past. Behind the wheel, Grant gave a friendly wave and I was quick to return it.
Grant Elm is a nice guy and was one of the few 28 year old men in the tribe who were still unmarried. Since he’s an old family friend, he even babysat me once when my parents went to Australia with my grandparents to catch up with our relatives. He was also one of the pack and changed after the death of his father, who died fighting the European Werewolf which changed Declan. He had the Elm sense of humor, but as Uncle Ian was loud and boisterous, Grant was more of the polite type.
Once his jeep was well away, I crossed the quiet road since there was no further sign of traffic. I walked up Derik’s driveway and to his front door. When I rang the doorbell, nothing happened. Yep, it’s still busted.
I was just about to knock instead, when all of a sudden the door swung open. Declan stood there, looking on unimpressed. I guess he heard me with his Werewolf hearing?
“Oh, it’s you.” He said flatly.
“Hi Declan.” I rolled my eyes as I pushed past him.
“Please, come in.” He said sarcastically, slamming the door shut behind.
I walked through their small entranceway and looked into their living room but I couldn’t see Derik. So I turned down the tiny hallway to walk towards his closed bedroom door.
“Help yourself.” Declan muttered as he watched me go.
I ignored him as I knocked loudly. I could hear loud grunge music playing on the other side, which instantly turned down before the door opened. Derik’s eyes immediately lit up when he saw me.
“B! Hi!”
“Hey Derik.” I smiled whilst I walked into his bedroom.
I could feel Declan’s frown as he watched me go into his little brother’s room. Derik immediately shut his door behind to ensure our privacy as I went and sat on his bed. I pulled out my laptop from my bag as soon as I was seated.
“I have to show you.” I said as he moved to sit beside.
I rested my computer on my lap after dropping my bag. I turned it on and instantly opened up the wireless connection to the internet. I went to my ‘Favourites’ and selected the Cambridge University website as Derik looked over my shoulder, interested.
“Mandy was right.” I told him excitedly. “Cambridge is open again and has been for a couple of years now. We can apply if we wanted to!”
“Really?” His eyes widened.
“And check this out,” I went to the History Department’s page, “I’ve read the entry requirements and with the War, not many people have a High School Diploma. But they’re accepting copies of the applicant’s academic work like essays and stuff with the application papers to review them case by case!”
“Oh my God…” he looked impressed, “…that’s ah, that’s something.”
“We could apply together!” I gushed. “We could even start studying there next year!”
“Um, B?” He pointed out something on the screen. “It says here the University currently doesn’t have any scholarship programs, that they only accept cash upfront. Um, we don’t have any money.”
“Derik, money doesn’t matter.” I said as I knew he was talking about his family specifically.
“It doesn’t?” He gave a funny look.
“No because you’re a Sabre.”
“And?”
“You’re part of the Circulate too.”
“Er, what does that mean?”
I shook my head impatiently, “it means that your Great, Great Grand Uncle Mike Sabre was a Circulator. He was a member of the Circulate and they have access to Hodge Endeavor funds!”
“Who’s Hodge Endeavor?”
I huffed as I went to my ‘Favourites’ again and next I opened the homepage for the multinational company. Then I had to smile at his gaping as he read about the large corporation.
“How the hell do I have access to THAT company’s money?” He asked in disbelief.
“The Circulate controls Hodge Endeavor!” I punched him on the shoulder as if he should have known. “Your Great, Great Grand Uncle who was a Circulator, sent your family here to live with us. Hodge Endeavor will pay for your education!”
“It will?” He looked on in amazement.
“Sh-yeah!” I punched him on the arm again.
“Oow!” He laughed as he punched me on the arm back. “That hurt!”
We laughed as we began to play fight, with the two of us whacking each other. Abruptly there was a knock on the door and Derik immediately jumped up from the bed to answer it. When he opened the door, I found Aunt Susan standing there.
“Hi B.” She customarily smiled warmly.
“Hi Aunt Susan.” I smiled as I gave a little wave.
“I thought I heard your voice.” She walked into Derik’s bedroom. “How are you?”
“I’m good, thanks.” I nodded.
“How are your parents?”
“Good thanks.”
“How is your Great Grandma?” She asked next, smoothing back her graying blonde hair as her blue eyes sparkled.
“Good thanks.” I nodded.
Aunt Susan didn’t have to ask about my Gran or Grandfather, as she saw my grandparents on a regular basis with teaching. Grandfather may not have taught in a classroom, but in the summer months he wasn’t adverse to taking the younger members of the tribe on nature walks, through the National Park.
She looked at her watch before she looked back, “you’ll stay for dinner, won’t you B? It’s getting close to that time.”
“Um…” I frowned, as my parents were expecting me home.
“There’s tiramisu for dessert.” She taunted.
“I’m in!” I said quickly.
She and Derik laughed at how quickly I snapped at her bait.
“Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes.” Aunt Susan announced before she left his bedroom.
“Thanks Mom.” Derik saw her out and closed his door behind to give us privacy again.
“Why didn’t you tell her?” I gave him a funny look.
“I’ll tell her and Declan over dinner.” He shrugged, before coming to sit beside again. He looked momentarily at the website for Hodge Endeavor before he looked back my way. “So, how is this big corporation going to give me money again?”
“Gran is in contact with them.” I explained. “She’s always remained in contact with the company. She even has a special liaison that sees to any of her requests, kinda like a PA or something.”
“She does?”
“She’ll tell the liaison about you.” I shrugged casually. “The liaison will sort out both of our course fees.”
“You’re kidding.”
“No.”
“Just like that?” He marveled.
“Basically.” I shrugged again. “But we may both have to write formal letters with our applications, like a cover sheet explaining why we want to study at Cambridge.”
“What courses can we do?” He angled my laptop his way.
“I’m going to do Ancient History.” I said gleefully. “What are you going to do, science?”
“Um,” h
e hesitated before he answered, “I’d be interested in studying Medicine.”
“Medicine?” I echoed in surprise.
“Well, yeah.” He admitted. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while now.”
I looked on in shock as Derik is my best friend and I never knew this!
“Why didn’t you say anything before?”
“I was going to tell you soon. Grandpa Wisetail said he would take me on as his apprentice and our tribe could have two Medicine Men. But if I could do an Undergrad course in Medicine first, I would be stoked!”
As I watched his excited expression, I started to piece it all together. Derik was always particular to Biology as well as Chemistry. I recalled him talking to Grandpa in private a few times at tribal gatherings, or family dinners when the Sabre’s were invited to mine or my grandparent’s houses. He’s even lent my best friend a couple of medical books upon occasion.
I looked on impressed, “Derik that would be awesome!”
“Thanks.” He chuckled. Then he looked at my computer for a moment before he looked back my way. “So this Hodge Endeavor would really pay for me?”
“Sure.” I verified. “Remember, you’re related to the Circulator Mike Sabre. I wouldn’t be surprised if Hodge Endeavor already knew about you guys. I’m sure all my Gran would have to say, ‘Mike Sabre’s family needs this’ and they would open up the company vault immediately.”
“Yeah, right!” He snickered, before he looked on with this funny expression on his face. “You and I could actually live at Cambridge together?”
“Yeah.” I smiled. “Cool, isn’t it? Even though we’ll be on the other side of the world, we’ll still be best friends and still together.”
Derik looked downwards as he picked up my hand in his. “B, I’ve seen you more than just a friend for two years now.”
I felt my face start to heat up as nervously I glanced away. I felt awkward when he talked like this, or looked at me that way. It’s hard to think of him romantically other than ‘the brotherly type’, which really made me feel awkward.
He lifted up the computer from my lap to put aside so he could have all of my attention. However my eyes remained downcast, as Derik moved in closer and then he gently cupped my face. He pressed his lips against mine as I forced myself to remain still, although I wanted to pull back.
