Being Grey (Beings Trilogy)

by Gina Keliher

  When I get downstairs, Poppy is sitting at the kitchen table yawning. “Did he wake you up too?” she asks sleepily.

  I nod.

  “This had better be good!” she grumbles, “I was dreaming about Johnny Depp.”

  We hop off the train at Waterloo and make our way slowly out of the station. The London Eye is less than a five minute walk from here. And it’s a beautiful day for it. I’ve only been once before. When I was 10 my dad brought my sister Lisa and me. It had been open for less than a year back then, and millions of people have been on it since. Some originally saw it as an eyesore, but I always looked at it exactly as it is – a really huge Ferris wheel.

  Poppy leads the way to the ticket booth and introduces herself, “I’m Poppy Howard. Penelope. I’m meeting some friends here.”

  The woman behind the glass smiles. “That’s nice for you, love. £8.50 each please.”

  I burst out laughing – can’t control it – only to be tapped on the shoulder by a security guard. “You and your friend are to follow me please.”

  Poppy smiles, “Yes Sir, of course! Did Adrian send you?” She really is pretentious sometimes, but that’s her charm.

  The guard, however, ignores us and stomps away leaving us having to do a little jog to catch up. He leads us into a VIP area, where the rest of the gang is waiting. I check my watch thinking we might be late, but it’s only ten to. I guess they’re eager to hear the latest.

  Adrian, looking exquisite in a suit and open necked shirt, smiles warmly and says, “I thought this would be nice for a change.”

  I can tell we all agree, though Stefan is pulling one of his ‘I’d rather be in the pub’ faces.

  A man in a navy suit and pink tie enters and asks us if we’re ready. Adrian nods and we all follow him out of the room. Before we know it, we’ve skipped the queue and are being herded in to a pod. Adrian must have rented the whole pod for us, as no-one else gets on behind us.

  It’s eerily quiet as we start to make our slow assent. It hardly feels like you’re moving, although I do remember that my sister got motion sickness when we were younger.

  “I need to tell you all about Jason.” I say. I know we only have half an hour in here, and if I’m to get any answers, I can’t waste any time. A few minutes later, I’ve given them the shortened version.

  “Well, you couldn’t do subtle, could you Alice!” Stefan laughs. “If you’re like this all the time, remind me never to ask you out. Cold.” He tease referring to his temperature changing ability.

  “Leave her alone, Stefan.” Poppy snaps, “She happens to really like this guy!”

  “Really?” Annabel asks, “I mean, really? After that story you still like him?”

  “He sounds like an idiot.” Robbie adds.

  I have nowhere to run so I simply turn my back on them and look out over the Thames. The people on the boats look tiny and we’re not even half way up yet. The guys behind me have fallen silent. I’m not angry at their comments, as I know they’re all justified. They just didn’t get to meet the old Jason. They’d have all liked him.

  “It does sound like there is an influence.” Adrian’s voice is thoughtful. “What do you think we should do, Alice?”

  I don’t think I’m the only one shocked by the question. “What?” I ask as I turn around to face them all.

  “What do you think we should do?”

  Why does he think I have the answer? “Well, I don’t know!”

  Adrian waits patiently.

  “We stick with the original plan with Poppy’s birthday. If I can keep Jason sweet, perhaps I can check out his friends before the bash?” I’m starting to feel more confident as the conversation progresses.

  “Do you think that is wise?”

  “Yes. Because we could always happen to go to the same place that Stefan and Glen are hanging out in.” Nod to Stefan. Help me out here.

  “That’ll be the White Heart then!” Stefan laughs, saving me. “That way, if there is a ‘Taker’, he’ll know he’s outnumbered by 2 to 1 at least. He shouldn’t dare try anything then.” He nods back at me.

  Our pod has reached the top of its journey and we slowly start sinking back down to Earth.

  “It could be anyone. How will we know who before the party? There’s going to be hundreds of people there and we can’t watch every single person as they’ll be milling around in the grounds.” Poppy asks.

  “No ‘Taker’ would ever walk into the unknown unprepared. It would be very naïve of him.” Adrian comforts her.

  “But surely he won’t be able to refuse the invitation either,” Robbie says from beneath his fringe, “no ‘Taker’ could refuse a peek into the lions den?”

  What I’m thinking is one ‘Taker’ and a damned Being we can handle, but what if there are more?

  Chapter Twenty Five

  It’s Thursday and the last couple of days have passed without incident. I hadn’t heard from Jason so I decided to take the initiative. Stefan is meeting Glen in the White Heart tonight so I’ve left Jason a message telling him I’ll be there with friends if he wants to come along. I didn’t mention Adam. If Jason shows up great, if he’s with friends even better.

  “What time did you tell him?” Poppy asks brushing her hair into a ponytail.

  “8 o’clock, but you know he hasn’t called me back.”

  “Then why am I ready to go at 6:45?” Poppy asks as the doorbell rings.

  “That’ll be Annabel.” I yell as I run downstairs to open the door. “We want to be there early so we all look like a casual bunch of friends who just happen to be there.” I’m still shouting as I open the door to Annabel.

  “You have no couth Alice.” Is her greeting.

  “Sorry, was telling Poppy, who’s upstairs, you know?”

  “Are you both ready?” She asks as Poppy runs downstairs. “Good, traffic is a nightmare, let’s go.”

  It’s a 25 minute drive normally but traffic is bad and by the time we find parking it’s almost 7:30.

  I’m only 17 so am a little young to be in a pub but I look older. I don’t drink anyway and as Annabel, Stefan and Glen are all old enough no one questions it. I suppose Poppy still has 2½ weeks before she’s legal too.

  We join them at a big round table in the corner and fall into casual conversation easily.

  Glen is filling us in on his job. Stefan has met him since we last saw him so knows most of this and is focusing on the door to see who, if anyone, shows up.

  However, Stefan’s ability is making me and Poppy drool. Stefan gets hot with pure Beings around and freezing in the midst of damned Beings. With Glen around he’s burning up and the jacket came off first, followed by a sweater and he’s down to a very tight t-shirt that leaves nothing to the imagination. I think Poppy and I are starting to burn up a little just looking at his physique.

  “I still can’t believe they have me working on a variety of laboratory tasks and experiments, including immunology and virology protocols, data analysis, and laboratory management tasks. I never thought I’d get an entry job as a research assistant. I thought I’d have to start at the bottom of the ladder.”

  I look at Poppy who has the same expression as me. What language was that?

  “It sounds fascinating.” Annabel says leaning forward. Is she flirting? “So the basic focus is on how flu viruses avoid pre-existing immune responses and on the development of new flu vaccines?”

  Poppy and I roll our eyes at each other. Trust Annabel to know the language he was speaking in.

  Those two carry on with their conversation that no one else can join.

  “Anything Slappy?” Poppy asks as Stefan.

  “Nobody yet. I don’t know what either of them look like but truthfully it seems like a good bunch in here. I could do with cooling down.” He laughs.

  Poppy and I eye one another, thinking the same thing but about every female in the bar. They’re starting to gravitate towards our table.

  “Well it’s only just after
8. I’m going to the bathroom and I need another diet Pepsi. Anyone want anything?” I ask getting up.

  “Nope, No, I’m good. Sorted.” Are the responses so I wander to the bathroom to make sure I look ok should Jason show up.

  There’s a queue of underage girls (who am I to talk!) so by the time I wiggle in to the bar another 10 minutes have passed. I wonder if he’ll show up.

  “Diet Pepsi please.” I smile at the bartender.

  “And I’ll get three pints Jack. Put that one on mine.” I hear over my shoulder.

  I turn around and it’s Adam. Quickly I tone down my ability. He’s suffocating me he’s so close.

  “Ah, you found her.” I hear Jason behind him.

  “Ha ha, did I scare you Alice? You look like you’ve seen a ghost but I’m alive.” Unfortunately. “Come and join us.” He's grinning and if not for the dense black fog surrounding him, he'd look like a fun guy.

  He grabs two of the pints and passes them to Jason then picks up his drink and mine. They both turn away and start walking to a table the other side of the bar from where my gang are. I can’t exactly run away so I follow them, slowly, texting 999 to Poppy.

  We reach the table and there’s someone else there who is introduced as David, Jason’s roommate.

  Jason puts his arm around my shoulder and I’m starting to feel out of my depth. Adam is the only person of the three with a damned Being but who knows who else is lurking nearby?

  “Well,” I stammer, “It’s nice to meet you David, and hi again Adam.”

  “Well look who’s here!” I hear the squeal from behind me. She air kisses Jason and then turns to face Adam. “Well look at you,” Poppy says, “all grown up. How are you Adam?” She says this as if she’s talking to someone who just stepped in one of her horses poop. The smell must be driving her insane. “Who are you?” She turns to David.

  I admire her so much for this. She got my text and just ran straight over. Behind her I notice Stefan has propped up the end of the bar. I give him a little nod, whilst noticing the sweater is back on. I can see Annabel and Glen somewhere the other side of the bar, still engrossed in conversation.

  “D..David.” Everyone stammers around Poppy the first time. It’s not nervousness; it’s more a case of meeting something you’re unprepared for.

  “Hi David I’m Poppy. Has Jason invited you both to the party?” She looks between Adam and David. “You’re coming aren’t you Jason?”

  I’m relaxing against Jason now. The tables have been turned.

  “Yes. I guess so.” Jason says, having been put on the spot.

  “Sure, sounds fun.” David says looking like he just fell in love.

  “When have I ever missed a party at the manor?” Adam states.

  Jason, myself and Poppy all turn to him. You’ve never been invited jerk.

  “Oh don’t be a pooper Adam.” She gives him a teasing slap on the shoulder, whilst still looking a little as if he is a pooper, or poop. “Better late than never. It’s on the fifth, a Saturday,” Poppy begins before literally throwing my diet Pepsi off the table.

  “Oh sorry honey, can you get me one too? Let me fill in the guys on the plans.” And with that I’m dismissed.

  I wander over to Stefan and with my back to the group lean forward to order more drinks. “Is she ok?” I ask Stefan who still has a good viewpoint.

  “She has them completely enthralled.” He sounds so proud. “First impressions?”

  “No ‘Taker’.” I say disappointedly.

  “Agreed. Need me?” Stefan asks.

  “I think we’re good, but give us 5 more minutes and then come over and tell us if we want a lift home we have to go?”

  I take the drinks back to the table. Poppy is still talking and Adam looks like he finally got the Christmas present he’s waited all his life for, an invite to the Manor.

  “Thanks honey. Good news. I’ve persuaded the boys they have to come and bring any of their other mates. It wouldn’t be the same without them.” That’s for sure.

  “We’ll be there.” Adam states.

  “Great and the more the merrier.” Poppy reiterates, sounding excited about this.

  “Well if we don’t see you before then, we’ll see you then. Sorry, got to run. We only came in as Jason wanted to see his bird quick.” His ‘bird’?

  The three of them pick up their pints and finish them off in one or two huge gulps.

  “Yes, sorry girls, Ian just circled the block. We wanted to drop in to say hi but can’t stay. I’ll call you tomorrow?” Jason looks at me. “Walk me out?”

  “OK.” I give Poppy a look that says I’m ok. Nothing’s going to happen tonight and I can see she agrees.

  “Bye boys, I’m excited. No need for presents.” Poppy waves over her shoulder as she goes to join Annabel and Glen.

  We open the door to the pub and I walk outside.

  “Sorry it was so brief, but that went ok I think?” Jason is looking at me in that old way. The way he did when I was the only one that mattered.

  “I was on my best behaviour.” I smile. “I’ll speak to you tomorrow?”

  I can see Adam and David getting into a car across the street. Jason is closing in for a kiss. I feel weak kneed. He brushes his lips against mine and turns and walks to the car. I still feel weak kneed. No, that’s not it, I feel like I’m going to pass out. Was I drugged? I can see Jason getting in to the car and I try to call out but I’ve lost my voice. Slowly the whole world seems to be turning upside down.

  As the car pulls away the driver’s window goes down and someone I’ve never seen before waves.

  He is gorgeous. I’ve never seen anyone like him in my life. Dark hair, dark eyes and the whitest teeth ever. Enthralling. Captivating. Magnetic. He’s smiling as he’s waving. Does he know me? No, that must be Ian. I can’t think straight. I feel like I’m losing it. I lean against the wall and start to slide down it slowly.

  The driver is turning the corner and almost out of sight. He winks and blows me a kiss. Instead of the kiss coming to me I feel as if I’m moving towards the kiss. As if I’m being sucked in. My last conscious thought is of my entire Being sucked into that kiss.

  Chapter Twenty Six

  “What happened?” Someone is roaring. Is that Adrian. Adrian?

  I’m not moving my mouth and I can only hear my voice in my head. I can’t move. Did I get hit by something? Am I in hospital? Where’s mum? I’m paralysed or in a coma and all I can hear is people shouting. I thought they were supposed to hold your hand and tell you happy things? I can hear Poppy crying softly. Don’t cry Poppy.

  “I swear we only left her for a second. She went outside, we regrouped and all left within seconds.” Stefan is screaming but I can hear panic is his voice.

  “Can everyone please lower their voices.” Hi Glen. He’s not shouting. Must be the doctor thing. Well, not a doctor but biologist or something. Same thing.

  “I wasn’t paying attention, it’s my fault.” Annabel is crying too.

  “I’ll kill them. Kill them all. Just let me out of here.” Who you going to kill Robbie?

  It’s just too much to think about and everyone sounds mad. I slip peacefully back into unconsciousness.

  “She’s coming around. No interrogation please. Let me handle this for now.”

  “Hey Glen.” Is this what a hangover feels like? Whoa, I’m never drinking again. Was I drinking?

  “Hi Alice, how’re you feeling?” He’s looking deep into my eyes and his pure Being is making me feel better already.

  I try to sit up but he holds me down for now. “Lay down for a minute. I think you had a nasty fall but I couldn’t find a bump.” He sounds confused.

  “I feel OK. A little woozy but OK. I need to sit up Glen, please.”

  He rescinds but adjusts the pillows behind my back. As I sit up I notice the gang crowded around. I’m sat on Adrian’s couch. There’s not one person who doesn’t look like they’ve been crying. “I miss a sad film?” I question.


  Poppy snorts. A cry, laugh of relief sound as she runs to me. There’s no way Glen can hold her back. She’s small but nothing can keep us apart. She almost crushes me in a hug.

  “I thought you were dying.” She sobs into my hair.

  “What happened?” I look at Adrian and then the others in turn.

  “We were hoping you could tell us.” Adrian replies.

  “I’m so sorry Alice. We were right behind you. It was seconds. I’ll never forgive myself. If you’d….” Stefan can’t finish.

  “I’m fine. Fine. Honestly.” I do feel fine. I get off the couch much to Glen’s alarm to show them I’m OK. “But a cuppa wouldn’t hurt.”

  We’re out on the patio. Its dark, a mild night but we’re all snuggled up in blankets. Glen had to leave for work tomorrow. They’ve given me time but I can see all the expectant looks on their faces.

  “I walked outside but started to feel faint immediately. I think I may have been drugged.” I begin.

  “We drew blood; Glen is going to do some tests tomorrow. Not really his thing but he knows a man…..” Annabel pipes in.

  “There was a man. Outside. Magnetic.” I try to continue.

  “All this drama over a man? You fainted over a ‘magnetic’ male. I’m leaving.” Annabel huffs.

  “Shut up and sit down, let her go on.” Robbie.

  Robbie and I are cuddled up next to each other. I can feel how taut his muscles are. He wants action.

  “I don’t really remember too much except I thought he knew me. Or I knew him. He waved. Guys I feel ok but I want to go home. Can you give me a little time? I know this is important” I pat Robbie’s knee, “but it’s coming to me in pieces. Tomorrow?”

  They don’t object so Stefan drives Poppy and me home.

  “I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone.” This is killing Stefan.

  “It’s OK. This isn’t anyone’s fault.”

  He sees us to the door and Poppy and I go inside and upstairs.