Angels of Moirai (Book One) (6 page)

Hayley’s Facebook page opened up by default and I could see messages from Poppy come up on the screen through the little chat box.

I didn’t have Facebook of my own, or any other kind of social media. I was that weird teenager who wasn’t very good at technology, and as much as social media was a great way to interact with other people, I was old fashioned.

I couldn’t help my curiosity though, as I looked to see what Poppy was messaging about, especially when I’d seen James’s name being mentioned.

Poppy- I can’t believe James saved your sister like that today! Apparently, he picked her up out of the pool like she weighed nothing. I’d do anything to have those muscles wrap themselves around me!

Hayley- Hell yeah! He’s so freakin hot!

Poppy- I’ve tried to find him on Facebook but I can’t find him anywhere…??

Hayley- Weird. Maybe he goes under a different name?

The sound of new message rings out on the laptop speakers.

Poppy- I’ll ask Dale tomorrow, maybe he knows.

“You okay?”

I clicked onto the address bar quickly and typed into the bar to get away from her Facebook page.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just trying to get into my email.”

I didn’t go back into her Facebook page. I knew I shouldn’t have been snooping like that, but part of me just couldn’t help myself when I’d seen Poppy talking about James. I suspected everyone would be talking about what happened today. What I found strange was that James didn’t have Facebook, or possibly anything else for that matter. Sure, I didn’t have it, but James didn’t seem like the kind of guy who would have trouble with anything, especially technology.

I finished sending my email and said good night to Hayley. I would normally have stayed up late working on assignments or study for upcoming exams, but after today, I decided to call it a night and welcome the many hours of sleep that I would get before school tomorrow.

***

Thursday felt like it went at a hundred miles an hour. I’d been so engrossed in my classes and study that I’d almost forgotten about everything that had been happening, and when I say almost, I mean
almost
. Maddison and her clique continued to glare at me every chance they got, and I found myself on more than one occasion searching for James. No matter how hard I tried to push him from my mind, a part of me just couldn’t stop thinking about him.

I decided that it was a good day to go to the library and catch up on some assignments before I created any more drama for myself. Not many people came to the library anymore, especially at lunchtime, so I was pretty much alone. Everything could be found online these days, but I liked to read from the pages of a book rather than a computer screen. There was just something about holding a book in your hands, the smell of the pages, and the texture of the paper…

I found my usual spot in the corner of the library and began working on the many assessments that needed to be done. With only a few weeks until graduation, I had to put in as much study as I could. However, not too long into my study, I was interrupted, and I knew all study I had planned had gone out the window.

“Pardon my intrusion.”

I was startled when I looked up to find James standing over me.

“May I sit with you?” he asked as I stared at him dumbfounded.

I couldn’t find any words at that point, so I just nodded.

I looked around the room while he sat down, wondering why on earth he wanted to sit with me. Maybe there wasn’t any other seats anywhere else?
But of course there was.
I was the only one in the library, so he must have only wanted to sit here because he wanted to sit with me.

Oh crap.

“I hope I’m not interrupting?”

I shook my head.

Come on brain! You need to speak or you really will look like a complete idiot!

“What are you studying?”

“Math,” I replied.

There you go, now that’s a start
, I coached myself.

I took a deep breath, trying hard to concentrate, but feared I was failing miserably as his eyes met with mine, and crushing all hope that I was going to remain calm and collected.

“What are you doing here?” I blurted out more abruptly than I had hoped. I quickly cleared my throat and continued calmly, “I mean, did you need something?”

A smile crept onto his lips and he shook his head slowly.

I pulled my gaze from his and searched my papers, for what, I had no idea, but I knew staring at him would get me nowhere.

“Is something troubling you?”

I stilled myself. I wasn’t going to accomplish anything if I continued to be rattled by his presence, so the best I could do was at least try to gain back my confidence, even if I didn’t think I could around him. At least I could pretend.

“Are you always this intense?”

He paused before answering. “Do I make you uncomfortable?”

“Honestly?”

He nodded.

“Yes.”

He frowned. “I’m sorry,” he apologised, standing from his chair. “I do not wish to make you feel that way. I’ll go.”

“No, stay,” I said quickly, “I don’t want you to leave.”

Honesty never hurt anyone, did it?

I feared that with every moment spent near James, I wanted to be near him more and it scared me. The thought of him walking away now didn’t sit well with me. He was doing something to me, which I couldn’t explain.

“Okay,” he said and sat back down. “Can I ask why it is that you feel this way around me?”

“I…”

I thought about what I should say. Was it him in my dreams? How did I come to know his face? Was he the reason why all these strange things had happened to me?

“Have we met before?”

“The first time I met you was at school, earlier this week. Other than that, I don’t think we ever have.”

“Just at school?”

He continued to stare at me. “Is everything okay? Is this why you feel uncomfortable? Do I remind you of someone?”

I shook it off. I was being stupid. Of course, he hadn’t been in my dreams. I needed to come back to reality.

“Sorry,” I said apologetically, “I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”

He smiled. “It’s quite alright. Anything I can help you with?”

“Any good at math?” I jested.

“Actually, I am.”

I smiled in reply and thought,
what the hell, I might as well milk this for everything I got
. So we spent the next twenty minutes or so going through my math study and he was right, he was good at math, very good.

He listened to my concerns and explained everything to me in so much detail, and on a level that I could understand. He didn’t look down on me for not knowing, but quite the opposite. He was happy to help and the uncomfortable feeling I’d felt slowly eased.

The way he spoke was different though. Although he used slang every now and then, it didn’t seem to come natural, it was almost forced. He spoke with sophistication and distinguished. It was mind-bogglingly weird.

“Thank you, James.”

“You’re welcome,” he said sincerely as he sat back on the chair he’d moved closer to mine.

There was silence between us as I played nervously with the pen in my hand, as my feet tapped the ground rapidly.

“So what are your plans after you finish school?” James asked, still calm and collected in his chair.

“Nothing set in stone. Still trying to figure out what I want to do career wise.”

“I see.”

“What about you? What are your plans?”

“Depends.”

“On…”

“On where we’re told to go.”

I frowned. “By who?”

“It’s complicated. We go where we are needed.”

“For your parent’s work?”

“Something like that.”

“Okay… Is that why you transferred here so late in the school term?”

“Yes, although I’m unsure if the transfer was the right thing to do.”

“Why’s that?”

“I didn’t intend on facing so many obstacles.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“It’s complicated.”

Okay…

I decided I wasn’t going to get any further with this conversation, so I started to pack up my books, as lunch would be over soon.

“Will you be going to Dale’s party on Saturday night?” James asked.

“I… uh…”

Jackie had told me about it earlier on in the week, even Dale had been texting me asking me to come. I hadn’t really thought about going, it wasn’t something that really interested me… that was, until James asked.

“I’m not sure.”

“You should come.”

Before I could reply, I spotted Jackie out of the corner of my eye approaching our table.

“Hey,” I said smiling towards her.

Her eyes lit up at the sight of James.

“Hey, to you
two
,” she said cheekily towards James and I.

James stood from his chair and greeted Jackie. “Hi, I’m James.”

“Jackie,” she replied.

“I’ll leave you ladies to it then,” James said looking at Jackie, then me. “See you soon.”

I nodded as he started to walk away.

“What was that all about?” Jackie asked with wide eyes when he was out of earshot.

“He was just helping me with my math.”

Although I was still confused by James’s secrecy, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as I finished packing up my things and walked out of the library with Jackie. I could still see James as he talked with some of the seniors close by.

Before Jackie could question me anymore, the bell rang, and lunch was over.

“I better go,” I said quickly.

“You are so telling me what happened with James after school!”

I smiled at her and shrugged.

I liked the idea of seeing James again, but I was also baffled at his weird secrecy and short answers when I asked him questions about himself.

She rolled her eyes and started to walk in the opposite direction of me.

“Oh, and Jackie?” I called out after her.

She turned to face me.

“I think I’m going to Dale’s party on Saturday too.”

“Oh really?” she replied smugly. “I wonder why?”

4… LONELY

Jackie was quick to remind me that night that I promised to tell her about James, not that I needed reminding, he was always on my mind. I had no idea how one person could change your life and consume your thoughts until I met James…

Jackie- Do u recon he purposely went to the library to find u? Or was he just there and saw u so decided to chat?

Lila- No idea. He is weird though, like really mysterious. Do you recon he is like that with everyone? Or is it just me?

Jackie- Not sure. U could talk to Dale about it. They seem to be close.

Lila- Talk to Dale about James? No thanks.

Jackie- Hey, ur the one that wants to know more about him.

Lila- mmmm

Jackie- Speaking of boys… I got a date to the school formal
…


Lila- Nooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lila- Just kidding. Now I’ll be the only one going solo *sob* so who’s the lucky guy? Someone in our grade?

Jackie- haha sorry! Nope… His name is Jacob and he goes to the state school. He’s in grade 11.

Lila- Dating a younger guy hey ;)

Jackie- haha barely!

Lila- How’d you meet him?

Jackie- At work. He’d been coming in when I was on and a few weeks ago, he asked me for a movie suggestion… So when I was showing him some of the dvd’s he could hire, he asked me out.

Lila- Just like that?

Jackie- Just like tha
t


Lila- *squeal*

Jackie- He’s soooo cute! I’ll show u a pic of him tomorrow.

Lila- You’re up to taking photos of each other? OMG!

Jackie- haha yeah although we haven’t officially said we’re bf and gf, I think we pretty much are.

Lila- OMG

Lila- OMG

Lila- Why the hell haven’t you told me about him before?!?!!?

Jackie-I didn’t want to jinx it. Plus u had enough on ur mind with ur parents and Hayley.

Lila- NEVER I REPEAT NEVER THINK I’VE GOT TOO MUCH GOING ON TO NOT TALK TO YOU ABOUT THINGS LIKE THIS! OK?

Jackie- lol ok.

Lila- Good. You’re my best friend. I don’t want you to keep things from me.

Lila- I’m so happy for you!

Jackie- I’m pretty happy to
o


Jackie and I texted until late that night talking about boys and Dale’s upcoming party. Being Jackie’s friend was easy. I never had to worry about upsetting her or any of that other high school drama. We just got each other and our friendship worked. I was really going to miss her when I finished school…

I didn’t see James anywhere at school and when I arrived at my first class for the day, Mrs Hughes, our art teacher, was standing outside the classroom door.

“There’s been a change of plans. We won’t be doing our standard class today. Apparently,” Mrs Hughes said with a spike of irritation in her voice, “the school doesn’t think art is very important and decided to replace today’s lesson with dance practice for the upcoming school formal.”

A few of the students, including myself, groaned at the very mention of dance lessons.

“But never worry,” she continued, “this will be the very, last time this happens. I can assure you of that.”

We all followed Mrs Hughes to the school’s indoor sports hall, where we met a professional dance teacher named Cindy. She looked like she’d just stepped out of a stage production. Her hair was in a tight bun on the top of her head, and she wore a black leotard with knee length skirt and leg warmers. She looked serious and it scared the shit out of me.

Another class joined us, and together, we all stood against the wall and waited for further instructions. Some of the girls looked eager to get involved. I was planning my escape.

“We are going to start off with a simple waltz. You will need to pair up. Boy, girl, please.”

Instantly, everyone started walking towards his or her ideal partners. I wasn’t a good dancer, and dancing in front of people was not something I ever,
ever
, wanted to do. I crept backwards, scanning the room for a way out.

Maybe there was a door that I could sneak out before anyone noticed.

The girls giggled as they found their partners and quickly, the wall of protection of people around me was disappearing. Some of the guys were more courageous than others, and were going straight up and asking the girls to dance.

I lowered my head and tried my best to avoid all eye contact. There was nowhere to escape to, so I’d thought maybe I could just make myself invisible and they’d forget I was even there…

One could be so hopeful.

There was no hiding and soon enough, I was left standing against the wall while the rest of the class had all successfully paired off.  When I thought the situation couldn’t get any worse, it did.

Cindy looked straight at me and my face burned red with embarrassment. “Looks like you’ll have to learn solo until we can find you a partner.”

I sighed as the class snickered towards me.

“Great,” I mumbled.

“I’ll be her partner.”

Everyone’s head shot towards the voice at the stadium doors.

“I apologise for being late. I hadn’t realised art was now dance class,” James said as he walked towards Cindy and I, placing his books and pencil case against the wall.

“You and me both,” Mrs Hughes snapped.

“Dance is art,” Cindy said proudly.

Mrs Hughes rolled her eyes and walked out of the stadium doors in a huff.

Cindy ignored her and turned towards the rest of the class and said, “Well, now that everyone has a partner, let’s get to it then.”

“Shall we,” James said, as he nodded towards where the rest of the class was standing.

I smiled in reply, walked over to the other students, and waited for Cindy’s instructions. I tried to ignore the stares and whispering, instead, I focused on the instructions from Cindy. I needed as much help as I could get if I was going to make it out of this with at least some of my dignity intact.

After a few minutes and some demonstrations, Cindy turned the music on and we were to begin dancing. I turned towards James nervously. My heart was racing; my breathing rapid, as I recalled over and over in my head what Cindy had just said.

One, two, three. One, two, three.

“It’s going to be fine,” James reassured me, “it’s just dancing.”

“That’s the problem,” I replied solemnly.

James smiled. “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you. Follow my lead.”

“Okay.”

“Trust me.”

I nodded, and for some reason, I did trust him.

“Now, keep your eyes on me. Don’t look down. I’ll lead and you follow.”

I nodded again.

He held his hand out, reached out, and gently placed his hand on the small of my back. I reached out and held his hand. The heat radiated through my body from his touch. I could feel every small detail on his hand and it sent shivers down my spine.

I didn’t dare look away. I couldn’t even if I tried.

I stared into his eyes and saw something so deep. I couldn’t explain it, but they told a story. A story of love, compassion, need and…. desire.

I’d forgotten about everything, where I was, who I was. All I could see was James. All I could feel was James, and I was lost. Lost in the moment, and lost in him.

I had no sense of time. We could have been dancing for hours or only a few minutes, I wouldn’t know. All I knew is that I felt safe. It felt right. I didn’t think about how I was dancing, or the steps my feet needed to take.

I can’t be sure what happened in that moment, whether it was us or purely incidental, or if it was something more, but with a loud crack, lightning struck the sports stadium and screams erupted, breaking the trance we were in.

Instinctively, I grabbed hold of James. The power went out and everyone scuttled to hide. We both looked outside and the weather had turned foul very fast. The rain came down hard and heavy, thunder rolled in, shaking the ground around us. 

“I have to go,” James said, pulling himself away from me.

I didn’t move as I watched him run out of the stadium.

“I think we might leave it there today everyone,” Cindy announced as everyone went to grab their belongings and made their way out of the building.

The sky had turned black and there was an eerie feeling around. We all ran under the overheads of the buildings trying not to get wet. I clutched my sketchbook tightly in my arms as my eyes looked for James in the rain, but I couldn’t find him.

The way the skies had turned so quickly; the lightning, and the way we’d danced together, it sent shivers down my spine. Something wasn’t right. Whenever James was around, things were different… I yearned for an explanation, but deep down knew there was a very good chance I wouldn’t get one. Some things just couldn’t be explained in this world, and maybe this was one of them.

***

I barely slept that night, and with Hayley at Poppy’s house, I’d never felt more alone in the house. My emotions were all jumbled by the week I’d had. I didn’t know what I felt. Scared? Confused? Intrigued? How could you justify and make sense of something in your head that you didn’t understand yourself?

I waited until the skies had cleared and made my way out to the Jetty late in the afternoon. I decided to get ready early for the party; a task that I’d hoped would calm my nerves, but it hadn’t worked. It was nearing summer, so the nights were just as warm as the days, and I decided to wear a plain white cami with a high-waist, soft, baby pink skirt that fell to my ankles. I thought the pink might have clashed with my copper hair, but was pleasantly surprised when it looked pretty good. I dressed it up with a long gold necklace with a key on the end and plain pearl earrings. I plaited my hair loosely to one side and kept with minimal make-up. Although I was only going because of James, I didn’t want to drag Jackie into this mess, so I wanted her to believe I was going to have fun; I had to act the part. I couldn’t risk her involvement, or anyone else’s.

When I finished getting ready, I still had a few hours to spare, so I decided to clear my head and try to focus on something else. I was the worst at jumping to conclusions and coming up with ridiculous explanations to things, so I thought it would be best that I relax on the Jetty and draw.

I spent the solid part of almost two hours sketching the landscape around me. I had drawn it a hundred times before, but every time it was different. Whether it was natural growth of the trees and lake around me, or the natural interference of man, it was always changing, and those changes were the parts I loved to draw. My hand worked fast to try to keep up with the vision in my head. I pushed the hair back from my face hurriedly, not pausing until I finished. I breathed softly and deep looking up from my drawing for short intervals to help my visual representation. I focused on the intricate details as my hand sketched wildly on the paper, until I finally felt like it was complete.

I pulled my pencil from the paper and looked down at my work, and a little taken aback at the finished product. I looked back up at the forest and lake that surrounded me, although it was still cloudy, there was still a bright and peaceful feeling associated with it, however, when I looked down at what I’d just drawn, it was something very different. The landscape was the same, but everything was…
darker
. I managed to make my harmonious and placid surrounding into something slightly disturbing. The shading was dark and the edges were sharp and cut into the paper. I frowned and tossed the sketchbook and pen next to me, and lay down on my back on the ridged timber jetty. It wasn’t comfortable, but I didn’t care.

Without even realising, the perplexing thoughts that puzzled me greatly had made their way back into my head without intention. I had gone for peace, and instead, found unease.

I welcomed the sporadic bursts of warmth from the sun as the clouds drifted in the sky, and I closed my eyes. I recalled one of the earliest memories I had of when we first moved into this house. We spent the day unpacking our belongings and I came to the jetty for some chill out time. I had wanted to go for a swim. At ten years old, I didn’t care that it was in the middle of winter and the water would have been freezing cold, but my mum had convinced me against it. Instead, she had laid down next to me on this exact same jetty and told me stories of when she had been younger and went swimming at the beach with her parents when she was twelve. Only to have her swimmers completely fall off in the ocean after the dumping waves; leaving her red faced and naked in front of everyone. I loved the way she told stories. Even if they weren’t funny ones, she’d always find a way to make you laugh…