Chapter Six (Niall)
1583 Words
Next morning, I didn’t open the food truck. I needed to talk to Tommie but I noticed that I didn’t have her number. Well done, Niall. So my only way to catch her was to go to the only place we had in common: university. We weren’t studying the same topics: I was studying to be a teacher while she was learning about politics and journalism. Two entirely different worlds in two different parts of the campus. This, and the fact that I was a part-time student, was the reason why we barely spoke to each other since we’ve started uni.
I spent all morning chasing for her. I figured that if I asked, people wouldn’t tell me where to find her so I sat at the building entrance and waited. Time was exactly what I needed to sort out all of this. Tommie and her friend – Oz if I’m not mistaken – gave many informations yesterday but I still had many questions. I opened the door to a dark new world and I doubted I had what I took to survive in it. I didn’t possess Tommie’s magic or obvious training nor Oz’s supernatural strength. What should I do if monsters kept coming after me ? Why were they doing it in the first place ? I was missing big pieces of the puzzle and counted on the witch to fill me in a bit more.
« What are you doing here ? »
I rose my head to meet Tommie’s gaze. She had switched last night’s black gear for a grey jumper, denim blue jeans and a pair of black boots. Less threatening but perfectly suiting.
« Hi. I needed to talk to you. »
« You could have texted », she frowned
« Not really. I don’t have your number. »
Her lips formed a silent o when she realised I was right.
« Sorry. I didn’t think about giving it to you yesterday. »
« It’s okey », I assured. « What about we grab lunch ? I’m starving. »
It was true. I had a huge breakfast this morning and yet again, it was like I wasn’t satisfied. How strange.
« Sure », she said. « Where do you wanna go ? »
« I know a place. »
It took us less than five minutes to reach my favourite place to eat: the Red Coat Pub. People might think that food is average because it was a pub but food quality was above the sky. I knew, I was cooking for a living.
I greeted Ollie the bartender and led Tommie at a small table in a corner. Better be in the safest spot while having this delicate conversation. A waitress – Jane – immediately came around.
« Hi guys ! It’s good to see you, Niall. You haven’t been around much lately. Everything’s alright, love ? »
Jane was Ollie’s sister. The whole pub was a family affair handled by a very sweet family. They’ve always been nice to me. They’re nice with anyone as long as people behave. And when they don’t… let’s see that being on Mama McCallister’s bad side wasn’t a good idea at all.
« Nothing », I lied. « I’m just really busy between school and work. »
« Don’t overdo », she advised with her Edinburgh accent. « So, what can I get you ? Today’s special is lamb with mashed potatoes and mushrooms. »
As she spoke, she was handing us menus.
« I’ll take the usual ».
« Make it two », Tommie said
« Any drinks ? »
« Ginger ale please. »
« I’ll just have water », I added
« Great. I’ll bring you that in a bit. »
She went back, her red ponytail bouncing. Finally alone. I looked at Tommie. It was time to get into it.
« So », she started. « What is it about ? »
« I’ve got a few questions. Well, a lot to be honest. »
My elbows were resting on the table, my fingers crossed, as I was searching for my words. Tommie on the other side was laying back on her chair, no sign of tension across her face. She was looking at me like we were having a normal chat. How could she be so calm when I was so agitated ? And God, what was that pull I felt to touch her ? I cleared my throat and started:
« I know that you said to move on with my life but I can’t unsee what I saw last night. And being aware of what could happen to me, it would be safer if I knew more about it, don’t you think ? »
« I guess. What do you want to know ? »
« Everything. »
She laughed and it shook me from the inside.
« Okey, I’ll do my best to satisfy your curiosity. There is the world as we know it full of humans and endangered species, and there is the Alter World, the supernatural one. There is a reason why humans don’t know about it. It would be dangerous for both side. Obviously, we have our fair share of outlaws and other rulebreakers so people like me have to step in from time to time. »
« How often ? »
« More than I’d like to admit. Let’s say my evenings are busy. »
I nodded and she get going.
« Alter is ruled by the witches. They are said to be the keepers of the balance, sent by our Goddess. Our job is to lead and keep the peace between the other factions. No piece of cake really. I guess ruling can’t never be easy. A queen is governing us all – witch queen obviously. »
« And how does someone becomes… part of your society? »
Tommie was about to answer but Jane came back with our drinks. I smiled and thanked her. Once I was sure she was too far to hear anything, I turned to Tommie again.
« Well, you belong to the Fair People by blood and by blood only. You can’t be transformed. A vampire can turn you into one of them. Same goes for werewolves and others wereanimals but you can be born with the genes, if you’re from an Alter family. As for witches, most of the time it’s by blood but some rare times, it just happens. Someone is born with magic et voilà. »
« So magic can’t alter my kind. You saving me can’t turn me into a wizard. »
« No », she confirmed. She added with a smile « You’re not a wizard, Harry. »
« Very funny. So, how do I keep safe ? »
She stared at me in silence for a few seconds. No need to be a genius to figure that she was pitying me. Her eyes were sadder than few moments ago. She put a lock behind her ear and said:
« There’s no real way. Without magic, you can’t identify monsters before it’s too late. »
« Can’t you, like, train me ? »
« I could but like I just said. You wouldn’t have time to use your training. »
Silence felt between us. It coincided with Jane’s return with our plates. Meat, gravy, vegetables and mashed potatoes were waiting for me to devour them but I’d lost my appetite.
« Look », Tommie said at some point. « I won’t let anything happen to you, okey ? I’ll discover if the monsters are really after your and in the meantime, we’ll work something out. »
I let out a sour laugh. I wasn’t as confident as she was about the rest of this.
« How would you do that ? You’re going to bodyguard me ? »
« Oz and I could take turns. »
She was serious about this, it was obvious.
« I really don’t know what to say right now. »
« That’s a lot to take in », she said with a soft tone. She was trying to cheer me up. Did I look that pathetic ?
« I know I may not look like it but I’m really skilled and powerful. I can protect you.
« I don’t doubt you », I corrected. « You already saved my life twice. You have nothing to prove to me. »
« Then what is it ? »
« I feel powerless and that not very enjoyable. I can’t even repay you for half of what you already did for me. »
She gently took my hand and sparkles ran through the touch. Wow. Was it a reaction to her magic ? Tommie looked just as shocked as I did. She clearly wasn’t expecting that. My heart speeded up once more and the hunger started to caress the back of my throat. Not the food one. The blood one.
« What are you making me feel ? », I whispered underneath my breathe
She looked even more puzzled, her cheeks had taken a lovely pink color and her eyes were more luminous than those of a human being. She was reacting to me just the way I was reacting to her.
« Is that another side effect ? »
« Well, well, well ! What do we have here ? » asking a voice that I knew oh too well.
- Writer
