Iron & Wine (The Iron World Series)

by Osmond, Candace

  The change of clothes was a guy’s jeans and shirt, which was strange. Oh well, I was grateful for the clean clothes but not as grateful as I was for the toothbrush. I got cleaned up, rolled up the pants legs and tied the bottom of the shirt, and emerged back out to the condo where my boss was waiting for me with a glass of ginger ale.

  "You're a lifesaver Celadine. Thank you," I graciously said. "I haven’t got sick like that in a long time."

  "Do you often get sick from motion?" she inquired.

  "No, not really, only in enclosed vehicles. I can go in my aunts’ convertible and that's why I drive a bike," I explained. "I think it may be a claustrophobia thing or something."

  "Hmmm," was all she had to say. She must think I’m nuts. "I'm glad that you are feeling better," she added. "I have work for you to do."

  "Oh yeah, what was the big emergency?" I asked. "You sounded freaked out on the phone."

  Celadine looked a little embarrassed. "Well, I think it would be best if you just came with me."

  The big emergency was that an unexpected shipment of art supplies came in and the crates were all over the showroom. She had a local daytime showing here tomorrow and I was the only one who knew where the paperwork was.

  I spent an hour or so receiving everything and putting it away as I went. When I was done I headed to Celandines’ office to get her to sign off on it. She had my clothes washed and neatly folded for me when I entered.

  "Aw, thanks," I said. "You didn't have to do that."

  "It was the very least I could do after what you went through to come here for such a minor task," she assured me. "I am very lucky to have you Avery; I hope you consider staying here for a long time. I would be happy to have you work for me as long as you like."

  Wow, I was flattered. Of course I would stay here, for as long as she would have me. "Thank you Celadine, I’m touched. I feel lucky to have you too."

  She smiled. "See you on Tuesday then?"

  "Of course, you don't need me this weekend?" I asked.

  Her face changed then to a slight frown. "No, my brother is in from out of town and I will be spending time with him," she explained. “You have yourself a wonderful weekend sweetheart." And she pecked me on the cheek.

  "I will thanks, you too," I replied, and pecked her opposite cheek. I gave a brazen smile and wave to the Mona on the way out. She just glared at me.

  Chapter Nine-All Hell

  "So, it's Thursday afternoon, and your first major projects are due tomorrow. I know most of you will slap something together tonight and try to pass it as a piece of art. Let it be known, I can tell between a piece of art and a piece of crap. That's why I am the teacher and you are the students," Mr. Vanner warned. "So, being the nice guy that I am, you have the rest of this afternoon to work on your projects...or not work on your projects. Please, use this time wisely." He smiled then, and left the studio.

  I felt pretty good about my painting. The project was to create a dramatic piece using only black and whites. I painted a landscape of a dream I once had. I was walking through a big forest full of gigantic flowers that towered way over my head and the trees were only knee high. Everything was opposite. The grass was blue and the sky was a pretty shade of green. I couldn't portray that in my picture, but the size of the flowers and trees were for sure dramatic enough.

  I was almost done but decided to stay and finish it up for another hour or so and then head home for an early start to my weekend. I was meeting Julie and a bunch of people from school at a local pub for a few games of pool and some drinks.

  I noticed that the black paint was pretty low on my pallet, so I headed to the side of the studio where we kept the supplies. As I was turning back towards my painting, I dropped the bottle of paint. I bent down to pick it up, and that's when all hell broke loose.

  I guess Max was bringing her finished sculpture over to the kiln, which was right behind me, and she didn't see me bent over. When I straightened up, I knocked the sculpture right out of her hands! The whole room fell silent with one continuous gasp, and all eyes were on us just waiting to see Max's reaction. I looked down at the piece to analyze the damage. It was toast.

  I dared look into Max's furious eyes; she was going to kill me, literally. She never said anything, just screamed and tackled me to the ground while slapping and punching my face and pulling my hair. Once she began to repeatedly smash my head against the floor, I reacted. What could I do but fight back? So I did.

  I started punching her and trying to kick her off of me. After I began to tire, Max finally gave in and got up, but it wasn't over. As soon as I got up, she pushed me into the French doors next to where I sat. I fell through the glass and it shattered all around me as I tumbled helplessly to the ground. It was so bizarre, the whole thing felt like it happened in slow motion, probably because I couldn’t believe it was happening. I could see the glass shattering into a thousand shards but, for some reason, couldn’t hear it. I was in full panic mode. I moaned in agony as I felt every little shard in my skin like tiny bugs burrowing their way in.

  Max came running out after me like a crazy wrestler, ready to throw some more punches. She may look like a dainty and prissy chick on the outside, but she had a lot of force behind her fists. I quickly assembled myself the best I could and scrambled to stand up, specks of blood beginning to bleed through my shirt.

  "Max! Stop it! Look at the damage we've already done! Someone is going to seriously get hurt here," I pleaded with my crazed classmate, as I backed away. There wasn't much room for me to go. We were on the balcony.

  "Yes! You are the one who is going to be hurting. I’ve had enough of you Avery. You are a pain in my ass; I hate the sight of your damn face!" Everyone gasped at that. She was seriously working out some frustrations here.

  "This school is not big enough for the two of us." As she spoke that last cliché of a line, she charged at me.

  My spine felt like it broke in half as she slammed me into the stone railing. I could hear bits of the old stone falling to the ground below us as I howled in pain. I was pushing her face away from me, trying to get her to give in and back off. If she didn't, I was going to fall off of the balcony and drop about five stories down to my death.

  Just then, someone grabbed Max from behind and got her free from me. I gasped and choked for air now that I wasn't being strangled, looked over to see who had saved me and saw Will. Thank goodness, the relief was overwhelming. Max was kicking and screaming for him to let her go.

  "Are you okay?" he asked me. He had Max's arms bounded behind her back, but even Will could barely contain her, she was like a wild animal.

  "Yeah, I'm good. A few scratches, no big deal," I lied. "Thank you." I glared at Max, who was staring right back, madness in her eyes.

  "Hey, no problem, someone had to do it, right?" he spoke a little louder and looked around the studio as he said that. He was right; I can't believe that no one in my class bothered to get her off of me. Note to self: everybody in my class suck.

  I looked around at the chaos we had caused. The beautiful glass doors that I admired and sat next to everyday were shattered into a million tiny pieces, most of those pieces were sticking in my arms and back. I brushed myself off the best I could and grabbed my bag.

  "Where are you going?" Will asked, concerned.

  "Um, home, I need to get cleaned up and in some blood free clothes." Really I was going home to get all the glass out. I could feel each little piece pulling and tearing at my skin with every move I made.

  "Are you crazy? I'm taking you to the hospital," he demanded. "Just as soon as I get this one to the Dean's office," he motioned to Max. Strangely, she had given in and was just standing next to him with her head down as if she were ashamed.

  "No, really, I’m fine. I swear. No doctors please," I begged. Really I wasn't fine but God, I couldn't stand being in hospitals. The smell of everythi
ng made me sicker than being in a car. Just the thought of it made me dizzy.

  "Fine, but I’m bringing you home," Will insisted and he started to lead Max out the door. "Wait here, I’ll be back in five minutes."

  I looked around at my disturbed classmates and the mess that had been made. I couldn't stand to wait here, not even for five minutes.

  "No, meet me outside. I'll be waiting by my bike." He looked like he was going to disagree. "I think I need some air," I quickly added and he nodded.

  I waited outside for about ten minutes when Will suddenly appeared.

  "Okay, there is no way I can let you drive home yourself," he said. "I'll drive the bike and you just hold on tight, k?"

  "Okay," I agreed and climbed on behind him. I didn't want to argue because I think he was right. I was starting to get real nauseous thinking about all of the tiny pieces of glass in my skin.

  We were at the apartment in only a few short minutes, and Will helped me upstairs. Once inside, I made my way to the bathroom to get the tweezers and attempt to pluck out the glass. I was in there for a good twenty minutes before I realized that there was just too much, I needed help. When I came out, Will had started to make some coffee. It smelled wonderful. He handed me a cup, I took it and laid it on the table.

  "Um, this is going to sound weird and you totally don't have to do it," I started. "I got most of the glass bits out but I can't reach a few in the back..."

  "Give it here," he motioned to the tweezers. "You should have gotten me to do it in the first place anyways." He plucked out the rest of the pieces carefully, yet quickly, and I heard each one plink down on the granite top as he did. When he was done he sighed in relief. "There, all done. Take two Aspirin and call me in the morning."

  I laughed and slapped him in the arm, but I bet it hurt me more than it did him. "Thank you so much. You have no idea what you have done for me today."

  "Hey, no problem, what are friends for right? If they can't save you from maniac blondes and perform minor surgery at random times then what’s the point of having them around, right?" he joked. "I'm going to take off now and head back to get my car. Are you gonna be okay"

  "Yeah, I’ll be fine after a long hot shower," I replied. "See you at the pub tonight? You're going right?"

  "You bet. I’m meeting Julie there in an hour or so. See you later." With a careful hug and a wave he left and shut the door behind him. I scooped the shards of glass into my hand and threw them in the garbage. Maybe I should have stayed at school to talk to the Dean as well, in case I had to sign anything for the doors or give a statement or something. Oh well, I’ll deal with it on Monday. Right now I just want to forget about it.

  Chapter Ten-A Night for Introductions

  I entered the old Irish pub and scanned the place for Julie. I spotted her in the back with Will and a few other people. They had nabbed a pretty good table. Close to the washrooms but close to the bar as well.

  She saw me and waved me over. I headed towards them but then stopped after a few steps. A sudden shiver washed over my body, leaving a weird feeling like someone was watching me and, strangely, it was a familiar feeling. I glanced around to see if anyone was looking, but found no one, a few older men on slot machines and a couple of young people over by the juke box. I brushed it off and blamed my skittishness on my near death experience from earlier.

  As I neared Julie I could tell from her face that Will had told her all about the fight between Max and me.

  "Tell me everything! I can't believe you got in a fight with her," Julie exclaimed. "Are you okay though? Did you get all the glass out?" She was too over excited about this. Everyone was anxiously looking at us, waiting for me to dish the whole story. It was making me really uncomfortable.

  "Hey, I think she's had enough excitement for one day," Will interrupted when he noticed my face. "How about we talk about Halloween? What’s the plan? It's only a couple of weeks away." I shot him a thankful look and he winked and smiled back.

  Julie’s face saddened when she realized what just happened. "Oh, geez Avery, I'm sorry. I’m such an idiot sometimes.” She gave me a hug; it felt so good despite the small wounds that covered my back and arms. My day was filled with so much hate; it was comforting to be embraced by my best friend. "I was thinking about having a costume party at the apartment, actually," she mentioned, back on the topic of Halloween. "But only if Avery wants to."

  "I like the sounds of that," Will chimed in. "I can help with the party if you need a hand." They both looked at me for approval, almost as if it were rehearsed.

  "Uh, yeah sure, a party sounds fun. Is it okay if I invite Celadine?" I asked, suddenly thinking of my workaholic boss. She deserved to get out and party a little bit.

  "Yeah, that would be cool," Julie replied. "Would she come to a costume party?"

  "I'll make sure she does. Knowing her, she'll probably stay at home and work. I don't think she keeps that many close friends.” I thought of the great lengths she took to figure out what my favorite things were when she could have just asked. And I had never known her to spend time with anyone else outside of the gallery.

  So we all agreed on the party and began planning decorations, food and the invite list while shooting a few games of pool. After an hour or so, Julie stood with her pool stick in hand, waiting for her go, and turned to me. "Hey, do you know that guy sitting at the bar?" She motioned with her head.

  I looked in the direction that she was indicating. And my stomach clenched when my eyes landed on the jerk from the bus. He was turned around facing us with his back to the bar and his elbows behind him leaning on the counter. He was giving me a stupid look like he was about to laugh at me.

  "No. I mean, I've seen him before but I don't know him. He's that guy from the bus that I told you about last week," I said and grabbed the chalk square.

  "Well, you never said how gorgeous he was," she stated, practically licking her lips as she looked at him.

  "Sorry, I never noticed what he looked like. I was too busy trying not to hurl on the bus," I said sarcastically. That was a bit of a lie, I do remember him being cute. But not this cute, he was absolutely stunning now that I really looked. He had creamy, flawless skin and intensely dark blue eyes, almost like cerulean. His hair was an intentional mess of black silk and he wore what looked like designer clothing. Black fitted pants paired with a gray v-neck shirt and a black dressy jacket, but when I glanced down at his feet I saw that he sported a pair of black and white converses. Nice.

  I shook my head to get back into the frame of mind that I loathed this guy.

  "So what’s his problem anyways?" Julie asked.

  "I don't know, but I’m going to find out," I replied and handed her my pool stick.

  He didn't seem surprised at all that I was coming towards him. He just smiled that stupid smile at me. When I reached him, I slammed my hand on the counter and demanded answers. "What the hell is your problem? Do you find me amusing or something?"

  "Well, yes, actually I do," he answered as a matter-of-factly. His voice was sweet, and he had an accent of some kind, hidden underneath.

  I kept my cool face though. "Well, if you don't mind, I would very much appreciate it if you would go look for someone else to find amusing, because you're creeping me out." I turned to the bartender and ordered another drink in an attempt to hide my flushed cheeks. He made me nervous and annoyed all at the same time.

  "Now, why would I do that when I find you quite entertaining enough?" he asked. I stared at him in amazement. Did this guy ever hear of harassment? I grabbed my drink and left a tip for the bartender.

  "Maybe I'm not making myself clear. Leave me alone or I will call the cops," I threatened, and started to walk away.

  "Well, maybe we should get to know each other. That way I won't be 'creepy'. We'll be friends," he offered. "I’m Jack, nice to meet you." He held out a hand to shake with a
mocking smile.

  I was stunned. Was this guy for real? Or was he just making a big joke of me? “Look, Jack, I really don’t feel like ending up on a milk carton, thanks.” I spun on my heel and scurried over towards my friends, but could hear Jack chuckling to himself as I did.

  "I'm leaving Jules; I’ll meet you back at the apartment," I told her as I grabbed my jacket. "You walked here right? I'll leave my bike for you. I feel like taking a stroll anyways."

  "Okay, are you sure? How bad is this guy? Should I be worried?" she asked, concerned.

  I thought about it for a second. I should be scared that this guy would follow me, but I never got that impression from him. I wasn't afraid of him at all. What was wrong with me? Maybe I did want to end up on a milk carton.

  "Nah, he's just a jerk. I'll be fine," I assured her. "See you later?"

  "You bet," she replied. "We're just going to start another game and then I should be home after that." We hugged as we usually did and I turned to leave. I waved to Will on my way out, he gave me a 'do you want me to walk you home' sort of look and I just gave him a reassuring smile and shake of my head.

  Once outside, I thought about Jack, his piercing blue eyes and coy smile. Even though I told him to F-off, deep down I really did want to get to know him for some reason. He was oddly intriguing. Where did he come from? Why did he have this weird interest in me? Did he follow me to the pub? Did I care if he did? These thoughts annoyed the hell out of me. How can I loathe someone and find them interesting at the same time? I was so frustrated. I kicked a rock as hard I could and it landed in the bushes nearby. I was already at the park across the way from my apartment, but I stopped when I heard something in the bushes cry out.

  "Ouch! That was rude!"

  Startled, I walked towards the rustling to see who the rock had hit. "Sorry, I didn't know someone was in there." Why was someone in there? "Do you need some help?" I asked hesitantly.