by P. S. Power
“That sounds about right. I’ll do that. In a bit, however, since there is no way the Bat-Girl is up for the day yet. Thanks. See, I knew whining at you would help. Anything to report from Avery-Land?”
“Not really. I have lessons with Bente and school. Work at the node and all that. A reading of the new script, to see if I can act at all, for Krista and the others on Friday. That’s been what I’ve been doing for the most part.” It felt insufficient for a moment, like it couldn’t be important at all, until Eve screwed her face up and repeated it.
Differently.
“Yeah. Greater Demon lessons that no one gets except for them and us. Going to school as the very first one of your kind that’s out. Having a real chance at being on what might well be the most successful spin-off program in modern history, if Krista doesn’t blow it… As well as having one of the most difficult and prestigious jobs in not just the world, but hundreds of realities. Sounds like a lot.”
She hadn’t meant it that way, but the Vampire wasn’t being sarcastic, just commiserating.
“Don’t worry, right now it’s mainly meditating and sewing while living my life. Thanks for the food, by the way. Hey, do you need any new clothes? I’m going to need to make a lot, in order to practice. All kinds of things as well. Really, I should just bring a tape measure and pad with me and start getting that kind of thing from everyone I know.” She was joking, since that would be weird.
Even she could understand that one.
Her friend nodded, however.
“I could use a nice evening dress. Not that it comes up a lot, but on occasion I have to go to parties, and Bey has been suggesting some nicer things for that. Apparently slacks and a t-shirt isn’t good enough for world leaders? Who knew?”
Getting up, Avery measured every bit of her buddy, so closely that she nearly thought that there would be biting involved at a few points. It was really how it was done, if you wanted the best clothing however. At the end of it, Eve giggled.
“Well… Now that we’re going steady, I think I should get on with my day. Steve is coming in at six, so I need to meet him there. Hey… Would you be up to take Lenore Hawthorne to a few places? She’s been hinting at me for a bit, but refusing to just ask. Since she kind of has a whole Zack in her pocket, that means something. My guess is that she wants to get something for him, without him taking her for it directly. Not that he won’t understand as soon as they touch. You get that, about the Greater Demons?”
“How they drink your life in, the memories of it, with a touch? Yeah. It’s interesting. Not something I can do. You can though, right?” It was there, inside of the memories she held.
Eve looked at her, almost scandalized.
“What do you mean? Only Greater Demons can do that. That and line travel without great cost. It’s almost the defining traits of that kind of being.” She was actually trying to be sly, acting by using the Greater Demon trick of actually believing it to be true.
It really did work, Avery saw. She nearly bought what was being said, even knowing that it wasn’t that way at all. Rather than call her friend on the lie, she finished the last of the donuts, carefully, since getting jelly on her new clothing would be foolish of her.
When that was done, Eve still sitting there, Avery looked at her watch.
“Five minutes until six.” Without saying more, Eve was simply gone from the house. Moving at speeds so great that Avery didn’t even hear the roaring from the movement of her body. Which meant that it was something different than running really fast. Otherwise the house would have exploded, most likely.
Cleaning up carefully, she sat back down and did her schoolwork, quickly, then used the shortcut in the back yard, one that Eve had clearly made herself, to get to class in a timely fashion. The day itself was kind of normal, as far as school went. The only real difference was that she got a note from her home room teacher to go to the Principal’s office just before lunch.
Probably so that the man could give her a work assignment. She’d been kind of wondering when that would happen. Commander Hart had always kept up with her personally, but also had given her meaningful work, so that she could earn her place at battle camp. That the same would be required of her there made sense. She blinked, thinking about how odd it was that Phillip had the same last name as the Commander, but Tarsus ran the numbers for her instantly, which showed that she’d run into things like that about once every fifty people she met.
Names, birthdates and other things had a limited number of permutations after all. At least within a given culture. Chances were that she knew people that actually had things in common like that, which she’d never even heard about before.
The thought did remind her that she needed to get with the Commander soon, to check in. After all, for years he’d taken care of her as one might a granddaughter. Simply because no one else had been there for her. That needed to be repaid, somehow. It also couldn’t be, of course. The old man didn’t need anything from her, in particular. Still, the point wasn’t in the doing, but the trying, so that he’d know how important his efforts had been to her at the time.
It did occur to her that he might like a few new shirts, or a warm jacket. He lived in the south, but the winters could be chilly and even a Commander would be expected to dress as a civilian part of the time. Now that she wasn’t living there at the camp, it wouldn’t seem like a bribe, just a gift.
She made a mental note of that, and when it was time for her to report for the day, did it as efficiently as possible, without seeming out of place. That meant going to the secretary, so that she could be announced, and being shown right in to the man, who had a camera crew with him.
That beat the armed military men that she’d half figured could be using him to get to her. Instantly, taking charge, she started to shake hands.
“Hello! I’m Avery. Avery Rome. Dragon Shifter. Line walker. School girl. Have you come to get a report about how my first month went? I think that I’m doing well enough, in my classes so far. Principal Moffet?” She deferred to him, since he had a file in his hand. Her name was on it and while it was clear that her battle camp records were in it, there was also the edge of several new sheets visible as well.
He smiled, since there was a camera on him. It seemed relaxed, but she recognized that he was actually acting for the news team.
“That’s what I’ve been told. So far Avery is getting A’s in everything. Well, except Art. She’s getting a B in that… It seems you need a few larger projects to bring that grade up.” That was spoken to her, which got a nod. The others did tend to attempt grander things than she did, occasionally.
“I’ll get to that as soon as possible, sir.” She made a point to seem like a regular school girl, but knew that her body language was too stiff for that at the moment. So, she tried to act, which meant being open and seeming like everyone else would, if they were with friends.
There was a Human woman who stood there, holding a microphone out to catch what was being said. Holding it back toward herself, she nodded.
“That sounds good then. We were told that you have a role in Red Rain, as Bethany Spires, who happens to be a Dragon Shifter. Are you excited about that?”
Avery nearly froze, until Tarsus prompted her. She smiled, meaning it, and nodded.
“Of course. I hope that the part, even if it’s dramatic and interesting, will allow people to get used to seeing Shifters as real people. A lot of that will come down to my acting abilities, which might not make the cut. In that case… Everyone should know that it’s my failing, not anyone else’s. I’ve been working on that, acting, but this is all new to me. In fact, the role might end up going to someone else, if I can’t show that I’m worth having for the part. In that case I’ll probably be brought in for the shape shifting portions. I hope I can do it correctly, given that will look better for me.” She looked at the camera, smiling, since that was what people would expect from an actress. Her being bold and putting herself out there directly.<
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At least she had nice clothing and makeup on that day.
There were more questions, which she kept answering as if they were really about how nice and similar to Humans Shifters were, day to day. A lot of that was actually true, so it wasn’t that hard to sell to anyone. Then she thanked Principal Moffet for allowing her to attend the school, her classmates for being so accepting and wonderful to her and was about to praise the school lunch program when the reporter, or whatever she was, put the microphone down.
“That’s good. Thanks, Avery. Mr. Moffet. We should be able to make this into something useable. Now we need to see if our other team managed to get anything out of Judy Swan. Have you met her, Avery?” The words were casual, but the camera was still on her, recording. That meant she was still supposed to be acting. Also, that it was a trick, of some sort.
“I haven’t yet. She’s my favorite actress though. Krista is my second favorite. I have met her. I know Judy’s family though.” That wasn’t totally secret now, according to the memories in her head. People understood Judy was an Alede, which to them probably meant sex fiend, not succubus.
There was a sly look, as the woman leaned in, the microphone held down, but still coming closer as she did it.
“She’s different. Are you planning to have sex with her?”
That was an odd question to ask anyone. Which was the point. Tarsus put up several options for her, but the first one was what she went with. It was kind of a basic thing, rather than specific to the case at hand. Still, it would probably work, more or less.
She laughed, making it fake, but almost real.
“That’s a great idea. We haven’t met, so… I don’t know that it’s in the cards, but I’ll let her know that you suggested it?” That had just the right amount of acceptance and blame in it that the woman stepped back, trying to think of how to needle her next. Being too hard and harsh would backfire. Avery had kept her answer short and positive as well, so that if it was ripped apart, it would be harder to use against her.
Not that this lady would really want that. She wasn’t a bigot, trying to harm Shifters or the Alede. Not that Avery could tell from her body language and questions. No, this was a person that simply wanted a story that would make a big impact on television.
They talked for a while longer, Avery keeping herself professional and accepting, no matter what was said, even when Donald the producer was brought up.
“We have news that you were seen talking to him at Tyler Gartner’s Halloween bash. In fact, there were reports that you two had a fight?”
Avery thought for a bit, then nodded.
“Not that violent, and he took it in good humor. He kept asking me to do things with him so it was recommended that I toss a drink in his face, to help him learn not to do that so boldly. I had to do it twice. I used water, so it wouldn’t stain his clothing.” Then she stopped, since it was really about the end of that story, unless she wanted to tell about how Kait had gone off with the man later. After she’d introduced them.
Finally, and it was a very telling thing, Principal Moffet sent the cameras away. When they left, after much shaking of hands and speaking kind words, he closed the door and then let his eyes follow suit. Just standing there, breathing deeply for a few moments.
“Sorry about that, Miss Rome. I don’t normally allow that kind of thing at the school. I was ordered to, by the school board superintendent, since it’s good exposure for us. You know, the whole we’re making history here thing? I’d honestly thought that it was going to be about that, not outside projects. That part was interesting. You’re an actress as well?”
She shrugged, but then smiled up at the chubby man.
“If I can make it happen. Mainly, I think, it’s about Krista wanting to have real people from other groups in on things. I haven’t gotten to look at the script yet or anything, so I don’t know what it will involve for me. Probably changing shape and lifting heavy things.” It had been presented that way to her at the party. “Fighting as well, since I know how to do that.”
Moffet nodded, patting her on the shoulder. Then he pulled his hand quickly away. Like she was burning him.
“Sorry. Anyway, I’ll try to stop this from happening again, or at least warn you first next time. This kind of disruption isn’t great for the day to day functioning of a healthy learning environment.”
Then he moved to open the door, standing back so she could leave.
“You have lunch now? Or… The last ten minutes of it.”
Which by the time she got to the room, meant the last three minutes, her friends weren’t even there, probably having left already. The art trio were at the lesson, however, which was nice. Terra complimented her clothes even. She knew there was a lot of improvement needed there, but it was nice to hear anyway.
Phillip just worked intensely during class, since it was a weight lifting day and that was his way, most of the time. At the end he waved at her.
“Missed you at lunch. Everyone did.” It wasn’t an accusation at least. Then, he was clearly in a very deep trance state. It had shown in how much more he was able to lift that day. Nearly fifty percent, over what he’d been doing before.
“Reporter ambush in the Principal’s office. Are you coming to the mall later?”
That got a smile and a nod.
“Wouldn’t miss it. About six? For real this time. I need to get home a bit earlier tonight, or my mom will pitch a fit.”
She nodded, understanding that kind of thing. Parents were supposed to control what their children did. For their own good.
“See you then!”
Chapter eleven
The evening was a lot busier for her than the night before. Mainly because they had more pickups, in a lot of different locations, and Zack was working books that night. So was Kaitlyn. That meant Avery was the only line walker on duty, the whole time.
Interestingly, at about five both Ben the Vampire and Tyler Gartner came in. She had to go get Tyler, so understood that he was dressed to work that day. Ben was as well. Both started right in on the books, as if that made any kind of sense at all. Roberta and Felicia were there, but they spent most of their time either cleaning or servicing people in the side rooms. Right until six, when Zack brought Phillip into the node room, and waved at her.
“I’ll take the next hour. Get some food and handle this part of things. He got here in three shortcuts today. That’s better. Keep that up and I’ll have to hire you to run errands for me.”
The meal was hurried, since they didn't have a lot of time and when she started to worry about what to do with her boyfriend, Kait jogged over to save the day. Except, of course, she also recalled what she’d mentioned the day before, so once they were there, the whole thing turned into a very different situation. One that probably made perfect sense to an Alede.
Avery found it a little more trying, because she’d never done that kind of thing before. It was part of her assignment and not evil, though it was hard for her to recall that consistently as she followed Kaitlyn’s demands. Still, twenty minutes later Phillip had his clothing back on and while she hadn’t done a perfect job, he seemed pleased enough with her first efforts to kiss her soundly for a few minutes.
After he left, still in the side room, Kait shook her head.
“That was… Not great, really. Sure, he got off, but you could have done better. I’ll get you a book? Also, some lessons. After all, one of the things you can be sure of in life is that men and women are going to want to have sex with you. Taking that option off the table is insane. Especially since it’s so much fun.”
Then, as if it made any sense, they worked on kissing for ten minutes, with actual tips and hints being involved the whole time. It was clear that she was really expected to do better as well, since Kait was actually demanding of her. It wasn’t that interesting, but no worse than sewing really. Avery tried to look at it in about the same light. Both were skills that could be improved. Also, that she wasn’t being given
a real choice in either one, since her instructors were requiring the duty of learning from her. As was their position.
She only had to work until ten that night, so that the books were all on the shelves when she left. That meant Pretty Plus was closed, so to get the work done there she needed to enter through the node in the back. There was a pile of things to sew, which she did there, taking only about an hour and a half. When she got home, there was more work to do, since she needed another outfit, as well as to do the work faster. That meant high level focus, to slow time around her, perceptually.
By morning she had a cute skirt and top for herself to wear to school, as well as a nice evening gown for Eve that would probably be a bit too revealing for the Vampire. At least Avery had never noticed her walking around in clothing that left that much skin visible. All of her memories told her it was nearly perfect for Vampire parties however, so it was what she made.
That day was predictable, but in the afternoon she didn’t have to rush off to work at the mall, so got to go on a walk with Phillip. That took them several states away, and back, before they parted ways at his door. He didn’t suggest they do more than kiss there, even though she was willing enough to try and repeat what she’d done the night before. It was a chance to practice, but apparently there were other people there, inside, which was a known thing. Even to him, with his Human hearing.
“Bye. We should… Go do something, soon?” He sounded odd, so she figured it was about sex, but Tarsus corrected her, seeming to think she was being dense on purpose.
Which might have been true.
“Like see a movie or something? We can do that.” It was, it seemed, the right answer. They hadn’t had a real date or anything. Mainly because she didn’t know how to do that kind of thing.
Still, even if it was only four-ten or so, the door opened and a rather square looking woman who didn’t seem that old, but did seem a bit doubtful of her, opened the door, wearing a smile so fake that even youthful Vampires wouldn’t have tried it.