by Gina Keliher
Chapter Fifty Five
“We told you, I don’t need a babysitter anymore.”
I’m in bed and Robbie is in the chair in the corner. Poppy and Stefan have gone out to watch a movie.
“Look at me, sleepy, going to sleep.”
“It’s not that I think you’re going to run off and see him Alice. I’m more worried about him coming here.” Robbie says.
“He is not some vampire who’s going to miraculously fly through my window Robbie. Besides, it’s locked. And the alarm is set. So please reset when you leave. I’m safe and tired so please?”
He comes and sits on the bed. “I’m worried about you? Is that so bad?”
I know he’s really worried about Luke and I don’t blame him. Luke is a great kid. “You must be missing Luke. Why don’t you head home so you’re there in the morning when he gets up?” I try.
“Adrian is with him, he’ll be fine. But you do look exhausted.” He smiles at me. “So you’ve decided to go tomorrow?”
I sit up, I know he’s not leaving anytime soon and if he wants to talk that’s OK with me. I owe all of them that. “Yes. The service is at ten and I’m not going to the wake after. Jason has already said he’ll drive me straight home.”
“That’s good then. Everything OK with you and Jason?”
It feels weird talking to Robbie about this but he’s the first one to ask. He really does care about Jason after he saw the way he protected Luke at the party.
“It’s OK. We saved him, anyone can see that. His Being is back to the pale grey it used to be when he was twelve. But do I love him? No. In time, I imagine he’ll do what David is doing. He’ll decide to move on. I’ll miss him but,” I shrug, “it just wasn’t meant to be.” I lie back down. It’s sad. His friends die, others move away and he’ll realize I don’t love him. Not a good year for Jason.
“One day Alice you’ll find the right person.” Robbie has lain down beside me and looks so comfortable around my Being. “You deserve to be happy but promise me it’ll be with one of the good guys?”
I laugh. “Only if you promise me the same thing?”
“Deal.”
“Robbie? Will you hug me?” I say, drifting off but rolling over.
“Sure. Now go to sleep.” He puts his arms around me.
“I’ll never let him hurt you.” Are the words I fall asleep to.
Chapter Fifty Six
Jason collects me at 9:30. The drive to the church is quiet. Not much to say on the way to a funeral. We get there a little before 10 and Adam’s parents are stood near the door.
Jason hugs them both and murmurs something in their ears.
“I’m very sorry for your loss. I’ll always have fond memories of Adam.” I say, biting my own tongue. Should have followed mums golden rule, ‘If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.’
We sit down and the service begins. No matter what your thoughts of the deceased are, funerals are a time for respect and fond memories. But I can’t help it, I have neither for Adam.
I can hear people crying softly in the pews ahead of us. I wonder how many funerals I will cause in my lifetime. How much heartbreak will be my fault? I suddenly want to get out of here. I’m feeling claustrophobic and I’m worried I’m going to stand up and say ‘I killed him but it wasn’t my fault. He deserved to die.’
What if the next funeral I attend is Poppy’s or a family member? I couldn’t live with myself.
People get up and tell stories. Funny stories. I wonder are we at the right funeral. I see Jason laughing at a couple of the things said. I guess he has fond memories of his own.
A little after 10:30 it’s all over. Jason pays his respects to a few more people and I stay silent. We’re making our way back to the car.
“Still can’t believe it. Nineteen years old. Whole life ahead of him.” Jason says.
“Mm.” What else do I say?
We get in the car and turn our mobile’s back on. I have a message from Poppy ‘Everything OK? Text when you need kettle on.’ I smile and am about to reply when Jason speaks, breaking the silence.
“We have to make a quick stop. I just got a message from Ian. He didn’t even know. He was out of the country. He’s at my place waiting.”
No. He knew. He was just patiently waiting for the right time. He knew I’d go with Jason to the funeral. My head is screaming a trap.
“Jason, this has really upset me. Can you drop me off home first?” I try.
He looks at me impatiently. “Alice, one of my mates just found out we buried a friend today. Can you not wait five minutes to go running off to your friends?”
“Sorry, I’m just,” I let out a fake sob, “what if that had been one of my friends? I want to see them Jason please? And I think you should talk to Ian alone anyway. You’re his friend, and he’ll need you.”
He holds my hand. “I’m sorry too. I’ll drop you off.”
I wave as I run to the front door. I’d text Poppy and she flings the door open.
“Oh you’re safe. Phew.”
“Close though. Ian is at Jason’s. Jason tried to get me to go over there but I made some excuse and got him to drop me off first.” I pant.
“Wow, honesty. Refreshing change.” Poppy says but then smiles. “Wanna go over and kick some butt?”
“Yes, but I don’t want Jason caught up in all of this.”
Poppy says, “I think he already is.”
“Yes, but I don’t think me killing his last friend in London in front of him is a nice thing to do. It would be crazy. Nice try Ian, but you’ll have to try a little harder than that.” I say.
“That’s my girl. Tea and we’ll phone Adrian? I guess Ian will want your answer soon so the wait’s almost over.”
Chapter Fifty Seven
Jason called today. We’re going to meet in the park and try to have a more successful picnic than last time.
“I’m going to tell him though.” I tell Poppy.
“I know sweetheart, but it’s for the best. Better to break up with someone if you’re not in love. You’ve done the right thing. His Being is lighter. He’ll find a nice girl and you’ll remain friends.”
“I hope so. I do like him but if I don’t love him what’s the point?”
“There isn’t one. Now go and have a nice day and don’t forget lasagne tonight so don’t eat too much.” And with that she heads to the shop to get the ingredients.
I haven’t seen Jason since the funeral. It’s only been a few days and I was a little worried for him after he had met with Ian, but it appears Ian kept his promise. No one has died since. I’m surprised I haven’t heard from Ian to be honest and maybe a little disappointed also.
I head out to the park early. It’s a beautiful day, one of those days where you need to be outside. As it’s a school day, the park is not crowded and I guiltily play on the swings killing time. With ten minutes to spare I head over to the benches where we’re going to meet.
I can see a couple on the lake and can hear their laughter carried on the wind. I feel a little awkward about breaking up with Jason today. Should we have the picnic first or do I just get it over with. It’s almost five past two when I get the text.
‘Something came up, I’ll be 15 minutes late. Wait for me J?’
I smile at my phone. No problem. Have I got time to play on the swings for ten more minutes?
I swing around from the bench and there He is.
“What are you doing here?” I back away. Don’t come anywhere near me.
“Jason told me he was meeting you but I desperately needed him to replace my flat tire so I guess he’ll be a little late.” He shrugs. “This gives us just enough time to have a little chat. Please, sit back down.”
I look around hoping to find a ‘Gifted’, a pure Being anyone. But of course there’s no one close by. And what would I do if there were? Scream evil person? So I sit.
“Do you know there was once a ‘Gifted’ that fell in love wi
th a dark ‘Taker’?” He begins.
“Heard it. All ended very badly. That won’t happen here. Because I’m not in love with you Ian. I’m in love with Jason.” OK, it’s a lie but maybe…
“That’s very disappointing. So I guess I have my answer. We’re not going to live happily ever after?” He chuckles. Damn. Still very sexy.
“You didn’t really believe we would, did you? Right from the beginning this was all just a game to you. Find the weakest of the group, target me, make me doubt my ability. Confuse me. Well, it’s quiet today.” I stand up. “Besides, no one gets involved these days over two people arguing in public. So get up and fight me right now. Let’s finish this once and for all.” I mean this with all my heart.
He doesn’t move. Doesn’t get up and I’m feeling a bit stupid standing here with my fists balled and my legs apart.
“Get up Ian.” I insist.
“If you wish, but I’ve told you we can’t kill each other Alice and frankly it’s too beautiful a day for a murder in the park.” He stands up but doesn’t move.
I swing for him. Punch him straight in the jaw. It doesn’t knock him out but it does knock that stupid smirk off his face. He straightens up and that smirk just comes right back.
“You’re not going to fight me then this should be easy.” I swing my left arm this time and punch him on the other jaw. The smirk doesn’t even leave.
“Is that your best shot?” He says as he steps closer.
I can’t punch him now, he’s too close for me to get a good swing in so I twist, lean back and bring my heel right into his stomach. He plops down on the bench.
“Good one.” He wheezes.
“Thanks, now get up and fight.” But for some reason I don’t feel it anymore.
“I can’t and won’t fight you. I’m in love with you Alice. From the first moment you kissed me, even before that, I knew I would never hurt you. I have to remove the pure Beings and the ‘Gifted’ but I’ll make you see things my way. When I remove all of your friends, everyone you love and I am all you have left, we will be together.”
I plop down on the bench beside him; all fight has left me now. “See, that’s the part that’s never going to happen, Ian. I’m very flattered, honestly, and I see what you’re saying about it’s not easy to kill each other. But next time we meet I’ll have one of my friends with me. They won’t have this problem. You’ll die. You’ll never get to them through me.”
“Then I will return to my group of ‘Takers’. So remember Alice, next time I see you the same can be said of you. My group will not have a problem with your death.”
So now what? We shake hands and part. He looks sad and I’m feeling the same way. As long as no one was getting hurt it was kind of fun. But we know it can’t go on this way. Battle lines have been drawn and we both know firmly what line we stand behind.
“Well, I’d love to say it was nice meeting you but…” How to say goodbye?
“I wish it could have been different.” He says.
We both stand up and ridiculously I stick my hand out. He looks at it and laughs. OK, so it was stupid but I wasn’t exactly going to hug him was I now?
“So, this is it?” I ask.
“Yes, this is goodbye for now. Watch your back Alice.”
“Will do. Promise me you won’t do the same?”
Sexy chuckle again. Stop that because it’s making me want to do… this.
I grab him as he grabs me. My arms are around his neck and his are around my waist. This is better than either kiss before. Why can’t we run away? If everyone is safe why can’t I live happily ever after? What was wrong with my deserted island dream? I pull away for a minute and look into his dark eyes.
“Why?” I ask.
He shakes his head, he has no more answers than I do.
Chapter Fifty Eight
Have we been kissing for hours, days or weeks? I don’t care as long as it never ends.
I think of Annabel and Glen, how happy they were together at the party; Stefan and Poppy always teasing each other. They’ll all be fine without me. Luke will be safe so Robbie won’t have to worry about me anymore. I think of the look on his face as I walked down the staircase, him telling me he’d never seen anything more beautiful. That day at the park with Luke; him saying ‘I’ll never let him hurt you’ the other night as I fell asleep.
Why am I thinking of Robbie?
I break away. What the hell am I doing? I fall backwards off the bench in my haste to get away.
“Finally noticed I was here did you?”
I turn around and Jason is stood there. I scramble to my feet, my eyes darting between the two of them.
“No, no, it’s not what you think.” I say realizing how pathetic it sounds.
“Well why don’t you tell me what I’m thinking Alice?” He turns to Ian, “And some mate you turned out to be.”
“Sorry Jason, but you’ll never understand this one. But I will.” He says smugly.
“Shut up Ian. Look Jason, this wasn’t the way it was supposed to be.” I’m walking up to him slowly but he’s walking towards Ian.
“Oh Alice tell him the truth. Tell him about you and me; tell him about how you killed Adam.”
“How did you..?” Too late I catch myself.
“What! What did you just say?” Jason is flipping his head between the two of us but it’s me his eyes rest on. “You killed Adam?”
Someone help me. I look at Ian and he’s enjoying this. I feel so much hatred inside me right now I’d be amazed if my Being hadn’t turned dark.
“Jason you don’t understand. Step away from Ian and I’ll explain everything. Please.” I’m begging and starting to cry.
“Who are you Alice? What kind of monster?”
It’s not me it’s him. He’s the monster. I’ve got my arms outstretched. Please Jason. How do I explain?
“What is going on?” Jason asks Ian having got no response from me.
“I’m sorry about this mate. I really am. But this is how Alice wanted it.”
What is he talking about?
“To cut a very long story short, Alice and I will be together one day. We knew it from the minute we met. Unfortunately we’re two very different Beings,” he draws the word out, “which means there are going to be casualties along the way. Adam for instance.”
Jason is looking at us as if we’re both crazy. One minute he’s walking towards Ian, the next he heads in my direction. I think he’s trying to decide who poses the least threat.
“That’s not how it has to be.” I’m full out sobbing now. “Jason please let me explain.”
Out of the corner of my eye I see something glisten and time slows down.
Jason is still looking at me, begging me to help him understand what’s going on.
Ian has pulled a blade out of somewhere and the perfect sunshine is reflecting off it.
And I think of me. That stupid lie ‘I’m not in love with you Ian. I’m in love with Jason’ and his words ‘When I remove all of your friends, everyone you love and I am all you have left, we will be together’.
Jason is closer to Ian than he is to me.
“You needed to know the truth.” Ian says as he plunges the blade into Jason’s stomach. I see the blade tear up. I’ve been taught this technique. Jason will bleed to death before help can arrive.
Ian pushes Jason away and I catch him as he falls.
“Oh god no, please no. SOMEONE HELP ME!” I scream.
But there’s no one else around.
“Call an ambulance, do something.” I yell at Ian.
“I love you Alice, but let the games begin.” He says and calmly walks away.
Jason is looking at me and as he tries to form the question ‘why?’ blood pools from his lips.
“Ssh, don’t talk.” I’m holding his insides in with one hand whilst stroking his hair from his face with the other. “I’m sorry, Jason. I’m so sorry.” Tears stream from my eyes, but I can still see his Being, as pu
re as the day he was born, “I was just trying to save you. I thought I could save you. But in end, I may as well have killed you myself.”
He frowns at me, the life slowly ebbing away. I feel his hand tighten around my arm, “Forgive, me?” I ask.
His hand squeezes my arm again. A smile touches the side of his eyes, and I cradle him in my arms until the end. There is nothing more I can do. I can’t save him. I guess I never could.
I cradle Jason until his Being slips away.
Epilogue
The police released me a little after six. They’d called mum and dad and they’re here waiting for me. Mum rushes up and hugs me but I can’t hug her back. My arms are dangling uselessly at my sides. I don’t ever want to wrap them around anyone again.
Mum steps back confused, her hands go up to her mouth. I can see she wants to do something, make the pain go away but she can’t. Dad puts his arm around her and she starts sobbing. I can’t cry anymore and I envy her the release.
Dad nods at me and leads mum back to the car. I follow. Mute.
I look out of the window as he drives. Mum is sat beside me holding my hand but I can’t feel it. I can’t feel. People outside my window are carrying on with their lives. Jason can’t. And it’s my fault.
Poppy opens the door to my parent’s house. She’s been crying. She takes one look at me and turns to Stefan whose arms go protectively around her. The hug makes me want to scream. I see Annabel and Glen on the couch. She’s still crying. Just make them all go away.
Adrian is stood in the corner. He takes a step toward me but something in my expression causes him to stop.
Robbie walks in from the kitchen. Has he been doing dishes? A tea towel in one hand and a plate in the other. Weird.
Everyone is looking at me with expressions of pity and sadness. What do I do, what do I say?
