by L. J. Fox
The headlights came closer and closer.
Chapter 11
On Monday morning when Layne arrived at class, there seemed to be a buzz in the room. Girls were whispering, giggling and the air was full of excitement. She looked around trying to determine what she had missed. There he was – Gregory - sitting quietly at a desk looking up at her as she entered the room. Obviously, he was what the girls were excited about. The seats at the back of the room were all taken so she was forced to sit in front of him though several rows ahead. She would have preferred to be behind him. Funny but it reminded her of animals in battle, both sniffing out each other and not wanting to be in a vulnerable position. She would have to be the vulnerable one today.
She would learn that first week of his presence, that he was adept at always getting behind her no matter where it was. Even walking down the corridor, he would find a way of trailing her. Every class he would arrive early to get in the back of the room at a vantage point. Amity had said he was in many of the same classes as them. Amity and Layne had a few classes in common but not all of them whereas Gregory was in all of Layne’s classes. Every single one of them. She felt that was an extraordinary coincidence.
Her instinct with him was to avoid him, hide, run away and try to act as if he didn’t matter. She didn’t know if this was the right tactic or not, but she had to go with what her instincts told her. She had no one to talk to about this, not even her grandparents. As much as she would love to jump on the phone and tell them all about Gregory, she knew it would be a mistake. They would be alarmed and want her to come home. She couldn’t tell them.
At lunchtimes in the cafeteria, he managed to sit with her group which mostly consisted of Amity, Andy, Sarah, Jamie and Todd from her classes, although the group changed slightly depending on which classes in common they had.
Amity was happy with this arrangement, sure that Gregory was with them for her sake. Amity had tried very diligently to converse with Gregory, bump into him wherever possible, and sit with him or near him in any mutual classes. Layne hoped that this was the case and that he did have his eye on Amity and was not just using her to get at Layne, but somehow, she knew this was not the case. It was apparent to Layne that he was watching her.
Often, groups of girls would position themselves at a nearby table hoping for an opportunity to talk with Gregory. Amity thought this was hilarious and loved everyone thinking she was the lucky one who had caught his eye.
Layne felt safer when Andy was around though there was no reason to think Gregory would harm her. A normal person like Andy had no chance of overpowering someone with Gregory’s gifts. If Gregory was what Layne suspected, then he would have extra strength, speed and senses. Andy would not be able to overpower Gregory in a physical contest in any way, she knew that. Just Andy’s presence made her feel secure and at ease. There was something calming and pleasant about him.
They sought out each other during quiet times and even studied together, though in Layne’s case, study was not necessary. It was a good excuse to be near Andy and feel safe. He also made her laugh and he made her forget that she was different. He was the first real male friend she had ever had. Male school friends where she had grown up had been more acquaintances than friends, whereas with Andy she could feel at ease and just enjoy his companionship.
Another reason Layne felt that Gregory was not at the university for study was that in class he never appeared to be listening to the lecturer, writing notes, discussing the concepts with others, or even paying attention. She understood that people with their abilities did not need to take notes or try very hard, but Layne had grown up with her grandparents explaining how the real world worked and how she needed to fit in and not stand out. This made sense to her, and although her grades were perfect or near perfect, she always paid attention and took notes. No one had explained this to Gregory. She was sure his results would be perfect, yet it was so obvious that he was not paying attention or cared two hoots.
Layne had noticed that when not in class, Gregory spent a lot of time on his mobile phone, whispering quietly into it and nodding his head as if agreeing to what the other end said. He would always walk a great distance when the phone rang, knowing Layne had super hearing. Layne mused that perhaps he had a secret girlfriend back home.
He also spent a lot of time at the gym or jogging around the football oval. He had a good physique and he obviously was planning to keep in shape. Layne often saw a group of girls sitting around the oval to watch him exercise and she noted that a lot of girls suddenly became interested in physical fitness and were jogging around the oval daily.
Often at night in bed, Layne stared at the ceiling, picturing her grandparents and picturing her parents, and hoping she would continue to fit in, but now there were more things to contemplate. She thought about Andy, how genuine he seemed, intelligent and kind. She thought about him a lot more than she liked to admit. Is that how it had worked with her parents? She also thought about Gregory. Who, and what was Gregory? She hated feeling that there was some master plan in her life, and everyone knew about it except her. Damn Gregory. Why could things just go along as they were? She felt anger every night, an anger she had not felt before.
Chapter 12
Her grandmother phoned her to confirm their trip to Melbourne on the weekend and to tell her how much they were looking forward to seeing her. It was scheduled that they would pick her up at the campus and have lunch in town. She had been away from home for several weeks now although she had spoken with her grandparents on the phone every evening. She loved to hear about all the things happening on the farm that she had missed. She missed it and yet, she was glad she had gone ahead with the university dream.
Layne had missed seeing the smiling faces of her grandparents and was dying to tell them all about life at the university. She knew they were itching to find out how she was going and how she was fitting in.
She contemplated whether to tell them about Gregory or not. On one hand they should know as it may make them realise that there were others and she was not the lone super-human in the world, but on the other hand, it could panic them if they knew he was watching her and knew what she was. They may urge her to leave her studies and return to the farm where they could protect her. As much as she loved the farm, she needed her own life and a good education. Maybe they already knew about Gregory, or other people like Gregory. Naw. She didn’t believe that. Perhaps best if she didn’t tell them, not yet anyway. She really didn’t know much so there was not much to tell, just a feeling she had.
On Saturday morning Amity came bouncing into her room. Amity was dressed in activewear and runners. Her latest tactic was to hang out at the gym since she found out Gregory liked to work out. She looked so cute and elfin in her gym clothes.
“Have a great lunch with your grandparents. I bet you are excited to see them.”
“Yes. I have been looking forward to it all week. No need to ask where you will be.” She smiled at Amity.
Amity laughed.
“I will be fit and toned before long though it will kill me first.” She feigned exhaustion and sat on the bed.
“Don’t overdo it today. Those new runners have given you a blister. You should have put ointment and a Band-Aid on it.” Layne admonished.
“How did you know I had a blister?” asked Amity looking perplexed. She glanced down at her offending runner to see if the blister was evident.
Layne realised her mistake too late. Her mind had been on her grandparents and she had let this slip.
Oh. I thought I saw it yesterday when you had your sandals on.”
Amity nodded, accepting the explanation.
“Where are you taking them for lunch?” she asked.
“I was thinking of The Turtle cafe. They have nice lunch type food.”
Amity agreed. “You know ... I think Gregory likes you.”
She looked across at Layne’s face trying to read Layne’s reaction and trying not to look upset. Her face
had donned a serious look, which was most unusual for Amity.
“Why do you say that?” asked Layne determined not to slip up this time.
“Well ... he is always staring at you, and why wouldn’t he? You are so gorgeous.”
Layne took Amity’s hand and looked into her eyes solemnly.
“You have nothing to worry about with me. I am not at all attracted to him … and Andy and I are ... sort of ... good friends.” She finished in a rush.
She had managed not to lie and not mention that she was aware that Gregory stared at her. Did she say enough to ease Amity’s mind? She hoped so. She didn’t want anything to interfere with her friendship with Amity.
Amity grinned. “You know … I think Andy looks like a young Antonio Banderos. Have a great time. I have to go work out.” Amity smiled at her and bounced out of the room.
As Layne was walking down to meet her grandparents in the carpark, Andy jogged up to join her. He was dressed casually in jeans and t-shirt.
“There you are. What are you up to today?” he asked.
“I am having lunch with my grandparents. Just going to meet them now.”
She smiled at him to show how pleasing this was to her. He could hear the happiness in her voice.
“That’s great. Have a great lunch. Shall we catch up later tonight? I was thinking of pizza and cards.”
“Sounds good to me. Give me a call later and we will work out details.”
He squeezed her arm and then walked off towards campus. She stood he and watched him walk away. When she turned around to continue her walk, her grandparents were standing on the footpath staring at Andy as he moved away. She jumped slightly, feeling like a naughty school girl caught taking sweets from the hidden tin.
“Nana. Pop. I am so glad to see you.”
She embraced them both and gave them each a hug and a kiss. She breathed in their familiar smells and the farm smells. They fussed over her and both were close to tears. It felt like only an hour ago she had seen them and not weeks ago.
Over lunch she told them all about campus and classes, how well she was fitting in and of her new friends and a lot of detail about Amity. They were so pleased and asked many questions.
“Who was the young man you were talking to when we pulled up?” asked her grandmother.
“Oh, that’s Andy. He is part of the group I hang out with.”
She answered knowing they could tell she was holding back information.
“Is he more than just a friend?” asked her grandmother, always one to get straight to the point.
“We are just friends ... but I do kind of really like him.” She smiled at them coyly.
Her grandparents both nodded and smiled but she wondered if that was good or bad. There had not been many friends she had ever brought home from school, and especially no boyfriends. They may also be thinking about their son, Brad, who went to university and fell in love with her mother.
Suddenly, the hair on the back of her neck prickled. She didn’t need to turn around to know Gregory had just walked into the cafe. Surprisingly, he was with Amity who was all smiles and excited to be with him. Layne understood what had happened. Amity must have met up with Gregory at the gym and mentioned that Layne would be having lunch with her grandparents. He had then invited Amity to have lunch with him, at the same cafe. Poor Amity – being used again.
Layne signalled for Amity to come over and the two of them made their way to her table. She introduced them to her grandparents. Amity was her usual bubbly self and told her grandparents how wonderful Layne was and how grateful she was to have Layne as a friend and bath roommate. Gregory was very serious, shaking hands with her grandfather.
“Pleased to meet you” - before the two of them went off to find a table.
Layne didn’t need to look around to know that Gregory would have positioned himself so he could see their table, most likely behind Layne. She knew she would feel the neck prickles for the rest of the lunch and be aware of his presence.
After they had left, her grandmother spoke.
“She is a lovely girl.”
“Yes. She is.” Layne agreed hoping to keep her feelings on Gregory in check.
“She is so much fun to be around. Do you know she even painted my toenails purple?”
“Her boyfriend is a serious character” said her grandfather. He looked across at Layne.
“You don’t like him much, do you?” Nothing got past her grandparents.
This was her chance to tell them her instincts about Gregory, but she couldn’t do it. She didn’t want to ruin the wonderful experience of being at university and being part of a group. She felt that with Andy on her side she would be fine.
“No. I don’t like him much. He gives me the creeps” she answered quietly.
Her grandmother put her hand over Layne’s hand on the table.
“Trust your instincts darling. Trust your instincts.”
“Thanks Nana. I will.”
Chapter 13
Later that night Layne and Andy were sitting on the rug in Andy’s room eating pizza and playing cards. Andy’s accommodation was about 500 metres from campus in a student apartment block. It was a small one bedroom unit but had its own bathroom and kitchenette.
Layne rarely had pizza before as her grandparents were not fond of it. The only takeaway she was familiar with was fish and chips. She realised this was perhaps a generational thing. Many of the older generation had fish and chips once a week, whereas the more recently introduced takeaway such as Chinese food, pizza, Mexican, Thai and Kebabs were scary to that generation. One of the disadvantages of being brought up by her grandparents was that they were not au fait with technology, mobile phones, the internet and fast food.
Andy had ordered two pizzas with two toppings on each, four varieties to try. She liked them all though she did find the chilli a bit strong. Her extra sensitive taste struggled to get past the experience. Perhaps it was an acquired taste. She ate too much. Andy explained to her that many people thought pineapple should not be on a pizza. Layne couldn’t see what the big deal was. Pineapple worked for her.
Andy also had some wine for her and beer for himself. Pizza, alcohol and cards – she was certainly feeling her new life was miles apart from her old life. The wine relaxed her, and she felt so totally at ease with Andy. From always feeling like a child, now she was feeling like an adult.
“What do you know how to play?” he was asking.
“My grandparents often played cards, so I know a few games. I am happy to learn any new ones. Gin Rummy is my favourite.”
“Gin Rummy it is” and he dealt the cards.
Over the next two hours they played a few different games, sometimes Layne winning and sometimes Andy. Both had devoured the two pizzas and much of the alcohol. They were both lying on their stomachs, the card game between them.
Andy sat up and put on his serious face. He sighed and struggled for words. Alcohol giving him courage.
“Layne ... I kind of like being around you” he said quietly.
He was a bit nervous to look at her and was sneaking little glances at her eyes. She was lying on her stomach on the rug with the playing cards in front of her.
“Thanks. I kind of like being around you too.”
She answered, smiling up at him and feeling the effects of the wine.
“Sit up.” He gently took her arm to help her to a sitting position.
She sat up and looked across at him wondering if he was ok. He was acting a bit strange.
Slowly he reached across and tenderly turned her chin towards him with a finger, leaning down, he touched his lips to hers. He hesitated for a minute giving her the chance to pull away. She didn’t so he gently kissed her.
She was aware of his accelerated heart rate and slight sweat on his forehead. She was very aware of the taste of his lips, and the feel of his lips. She could taste the beer and the pizza on his lips. She could even taste the toothpaste he had used before he went ou
t. Internally, she giggled to herself that it was not very romantic to know he used Colgate Whitening toothpaste, Rexona deodorant, Armani aftershave and Herbal Essence shampoo and conditioner.
When he pulled back slowly, they looked into each other’s eyes. Andy – looking for how she may be feeling, Layne – looking for an understanding. The blue eyes of Andy meeting the aquamarine eyes of Layne.
She spoke first. “I have never kissed anyone before.”
“Really? How was it?”
He asked querying her, looking very serious as to what the answer may be.
“Well ... you taste like beer and pizza.” She laughed.
He laughed as well. “Next time I will clean my teeth first.”
“Shall I clean my teeth now?” he asked raising his eyebrows.
He stood to go to the bathroom. He saw her suddenly freeze and shudder. Thinking this was a hell of a knockback, he went to sit back down, completely crest fallen.
“Wait. Something’s wrong.” She said urgently, jumping to her feet.
He could see a stricken look on her face. Her eyes were moving rapidly left and right. Her shoulders were rigid and hunched. He had no idea what had just happened.
“Did you hear something?” he asked tentatively.
She had a look of panic on her face as she looked at him, and then raced to the door. Andy had no idea what was going on, but he hurried after her. She ran down the hallway, feet barely touching the ground, Andy on her heels. Holding her hands out in front of her, she hit the glass door which pushed outward, banging against the stopper.
The night was pitch black and the only light was from scattered solar lights around the garden. Andy was familiar with the gardens and paths, having travelled around for the past few weeks, but he wondered how Layne could run so fast and yet see where she was going.
She continued running down the concrete path and around the buildings. All Andy could see was the white of her t-shirt. Everything else was the black of night. He hoped there was nothing to trip over as he felt he was running blindly. She continued along the path, leaving the buildings behind them. Andy knew this path led to a park with a running track and a small lake of water. Students often sat here in the park to study on a fine day, or to have lunch.