Night School: Legacy

by C. J. Daugherty

  ‘Let’s do it.’ From across the table, Jo cut her off. ‘Defo. It’s been ages. Who’s in?’

  Everybody raised their hands except Allie and Carter.

  ‘I can’t.’ Carter shrugged. ‘I’ve got a meeting with Zelazny to talk about an assignment. There’s no escape.’ He glanced at Allie. ‘You should do it, though. You’ll like it.’

  ‘Yeah, come on, Allie,’ Rachel said. ‘You really should. It’ll be fun.’

  The others’ enthusiasm was hard to resist so, later that evening, she walked out into the cold with Rachel. But she still wasn’t convinced.

  As they pulled equipment out of a utility closet, Allie shivered. ‘It’s freezing. Why are we doing this?’

  ‘Don’t be so wet.’ Jo handed Lucas a racquet and a box of balls. ‘We’re doing it because it’s awesome.’

  Guiltily, Allie wondered if Jo had noticed she’d been trying to avoid her. Even now she stood three people away from her.

  ‘Yeah, Allie.’ Lucas threw her a tennis ball, but her reflexes were too slow and it bounced off her shoulder and rolled back across the ground to him. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be some kind of hardened athlete? I can’t believe you think this is cold.’

  When she sighed, her breath puffed out in a visible irritated cloud. But she didn’t want to be a wimp.

  ‘I’m not saying we shouldn’t do it at all.’ She swung her racquet awkwardly.

  As they hooted at her change of tone, Rachel put a loyal arm across her shoulders.

  ‘It is cold. But that makes it even better,’ she said. ‘Wait and see.’ As she turned to grab some netting though, she seemed to remember something. ‘Oh, one thing. I forgot to tell you that—’

  ‘Well, are we playing or just standing around?’ Katie Gilmore’s crystalline voice preceded her across the frozen grass. Her long red hair was pulled up in a smooth ponytail, and she wore a ski-style headband that covered her ears.

  With betrayal in her eyes, Allie turned to Rachel. ‘You must be joking.’

  ‘She invited herself.’ Wincing apologetically, Rachel hurried off with her equipment as Allie stared after her.

  ‘Oh, Allie. You’re not playing too, are you?’ Katie eyed her with mild disdain. ‘Where did you learn to play tennis? Do they even play tennis in Brixton?’

  ‘Oh piss off, Katie.’ Allie turned to follow Rachel across the lawn, but Katie stuck right on her heels.

  ‘No need to be vile, although vile does seem to be your speciality.’

  Allie glanced at her. Her ponytail was bouncing, the cold had brought colour to her cheeks and she looked quite cheerful.

  She loves this.

  ‘Why are you following me, Katie? Why aren’t you off eating brains with your friends?’

  Katie’s perfect lips curved up. ‘Oh, Allie. You’re so adorable. You know, I heard a rumour – probably a lie – that you’re in Night School now. It isn’t true, is it?’

  ‘I admire your optimism.’ Allie’s reply was as icy as the weather. ‘But if you think for one second I’m going to discuss this with you—’

  ‘It’s just,’ Katie cut her off, ‘I’m surprised you’d do it. I thought you hated it after what happened last year.’

  She sounded almost reasonable – maybe even genuinely curious – and Allie turned to look at her in surprise. ‘I have my reasons,’ she said slowly. ‘Whatever I’ve done, whether I’m in or I’m not in, I did it because I thought it was the right thing to do.’

  She could tell from Katie’s face that she knew perfectly well she was in Night School. The redhead arched one eyebrow as if to say she didn’t think it was the right thing to do, but she said nothing more. Allie glanced around – nobody was paying any attention to them and now she was curious.

  ‘Why didn’t you ever join … you know what? Surely you’d qualify.’

  ‘Because I’m already rich enough and I don’t like getting dirty.’ Katie started walking again, her expression enigmatic. ‘Let’s go and play some tennis.’

  It was a clear, starry night, and even colder than the night before. The wind had stilled, and the air felt frosty. Allie shivered – her thin jacket couldn’t handle these temperatures. The others were much more bundled up. Her parents hadn’t packed a scarf or gloves in her suitcase – maybe they thought the school would provide them.

  As they gathered on a flat section of lawn at the edge of the trees, Sylvain walked up, a striped scarf tied jauntily around his throat. ‘Room for one more?’

  ‘Absolutely not,’ Lucas joked, tossing him a racquet. The French student caught it easily. It looked comfortable in his hand – Allie got the feeling he’d handled a lot of tennis racquets.

  In fact, she was certain they all had. They seemed so completely at ease with the rules and equipment. She’d never have admitted it, but Katie was right about Allie’s lack of tennis background – she could only remember playing it as a child in the school gym on a rainy afternoon in PE class.

  Others began to join them now that the net was being set up. Zoe showed up at Allie’s side, wearing fluffy white earmuffs and matching gloves. ‘Frozen night tennis. I am so in,’ she said without being invited.

  ‘I know somebody else who would love to play,’ Sylvain said. ‘I’ll be right back.’

  Allie stood alone, watching as Lucas and Rachel strung a net between poles and connected wires to power outlets she hadn’t noticed before. When everything was connected, Lucas flipped a switch.

  On the other side of what was now a tennis court Zoe whooped and waved her racquet in the air. ‘We have lights!’

  One hand over her mouth, Allie turned around in a circle to take it in. Each thread of the net was strung with tiny fairy lights. It looked like a dew-covered spider-web caught in dawn sunlight. Around the court, all the trees were similarly wrapped in hidden webs of lights that now illuminated each branch with cool white light.

  As vivid racquet-shaped lights appeared around her, Allie turned hers over and realised there was a switch at the end of the handle that caused them to light up. Each was a different colour. Zoe’s was green, Jo’s purple, Lucas’ red.

  When she pushed a button on the base of her own racquet it instantly came to life, glowing blue.

  Across the court a glowing orange orb was suddenly whacked with a red racquet – the lighted tennis ball flew through the darkness. The players on the opposite side were virtually invisible – the lighted racquets and the ball seemed to operate of their own accord.

  Delighted, she laughed out loud. ‘This is crazy!’

  ‘This,’ Jo said, returning Lucas’ volley with the smooth ease of somebody who has been coached, ‘is night tennis.’

  ‘Come on.’ Rachel nudged Allie. ‘Let’s warm up.’

  ‘I’m not that great at tennis,’ Allie admitted reluctantly.

  Rachel pulled her on to the court with a laugh. ‘We don’t care, Allie. You’re not auditioning for the Olympics. You’re playing tennis in the dark in the freezing cold.’

  A glowing tennis ball whizzed by their heads and they both ducked.

  ‘My bad!’ Zoe’s voice called, but all Allie could see was her green racquet waving apologetically.

  ‘See?’ Rachel said. ‘We all suck.’

  But Allie knew that wasn’t true.

  While she tried swinging the racquet a few times, Sylvain returned, standing just outside the glow of the lights. ‘Does everyone know Nicole?’

  Allie squinted into the dark but couldn’t see the person with Sylvain.

  ‘Of course,’ Jo called. ‘Bonsoir, Nicole.’

  Musical laughter came from the general direction of Sylvain, and then a husky French voice responded, ‘Bonsoir, Jo. Your forehand is lovely.’

  ‘Ta muchly,’ Jo said whacking the ball hard at Lucas, who lobbed it back with ease.

  As Sylvain and Nicole stepped into the light cast by the net, her full lips curved into a smile. She wore a creamy cashmere scarf around her neck and an expensive-looking white wool
coat. Sylvain’s hand rested lightly on her back, and Allie was staring at them open-mouthed when the ball hit her on the side of the head hard enough to knock her down.

  Everyone rushed to her at once.

  Lucas vaulted the net. ‘Allie, are you OK? I’m so sorry. I thought you were ready.’

  Rachel held Allie’s head in her lap as Zoe knelt beside them asking, ‘What day is it? Who’s the prime minister?’

  ‘Sorry,’ Allie said. ‘I think I was more surprised than hurt. But then again, it could be brain damage.’

  She could hear a collective relieved sigh from the group. Rachel smiled at her and squeezed her fingers.

  ‘Don’t fall asleep,’ Zoe said urgently.

  Everyone turned to her.

  ‘I read an article,’ she explained. ‘If it’s a concussion you have to stay awake.’

  ‘I’m awake,’ Allie joked feebly, as Rachel and Lucas helped her to her feet. ‘But if I fall asleep playing tennis please call an ambulance.’

  ‘Yay!’ Zoe said, racing to the other side of the net. ‘Allie’s alive and we can play!’

  Rachel studied her face with worried eyes. ‘You really OK?’ she asked.

  Although she was still a little dizzy, Allie nodded. ‘I’m good. In a blindsided, cracked-skull kind of a way.’

  ‘That’s less good than usual,’ Rachel said.

  ‘True,’ Allie agreed. ‘So … I think I’ll sit out the first game.’

  ‘Somebody has to sit with Allie and make sure she stays awake and knows who’s prime minister,’ Zoe called from across the grass court.

  ‘What is your obsession with the prime minister?’ Lucas asked.

  ‘It’s a question people get asked when they hit their heads,’ Zoe said. ‘In films. I mean they’re usually American films and they ask who the president is. I guess brain damage knocks all the politics out. But this is England so there’s not a president. And you can’t exactly ask them who the Queen is, can you? She’s just … the Queen.’

  ‘I know who the prime minister is,’ Allie said sitting down on the frozen grass. ‘So you can all relax.’

  ‘Is it still that same man?’ Nicole’s voice came out of the dark right beside her and Allie jumped. ‘The one with the funny face?’

  ‘Yeah,’ Allie replied. ‘It’s still that one.’

  ‘I like him,’ Nicole said. ‘He seems very good with children. And that is a proven sign of kindness.’ As she spoke, Allie glanced over at her furtively – her expressive brown eyes were surrounded by thick lashes; her bone structure was as fine as a fawn’s. ‘I’m sitting out this game, too.’ Nicole’s French accent was more delicate than Sylvain’s; it seemed to curl around each word lightly before letting go. ‘I will help keep you awake. Sylvain will sit with us when he reappears. I don’t know where he’s gone.’

  But at that moment, he walked up with a bottle of water, which he handed to Allie before sitting on the cold grass beside Nicole.

  ‘How do you feel?’ He studied her with concern.

  Her head was starting to throb, but she knew if she said that they’d make her go and see the nurse. ‘OK, I think. A bit fuzzy maybe. But I think that’s an I-just-got-hit-on-the-head thing,’ Allie said.

  Rachel had been talking to Jo and Lucas on the court but now she joined them. ‘How are you feeling?’

  ‘Seriously, everyone.’ Allie held up her hands. ‘I’m totally fine. Except that I’m asleep and I’ve forgotten the date and the prime minister.’

  ‘That’s it. I’m calling an ambulance,’ Rachel said mildly, as the first ball of the game flew across the net, glowing like a meteor.

  It was entrancing to watch the disembodied, lighted racquets move in the darkness – hitting the star-like ball back and forth across the glittering spider-web net. Occasionally the ball would spin out of reach and the unseen players would laugh or groan. But beautiful as it was, it was freezing, too. And the cold seemed to penetrate to Allie’s bones.

  Shivering, she pulled her thin denim jacket tightly around her. ‘It’s so cold.’

  ‘You should be wearing gloves.’ Rachel looked critically at Allie’s clothes. ‘And a scarf. And … a coat.’

  ‘Here.’ Sylvain unknotted the scarf from his neck and reached across Nicole to hand it to Allie. ‘Wear this. I am fine without it.’

  As Nicole looked up at him with an approving smile, Allie realised they must be together. Like … together together. They were so close to each other. And now that she thought about it, they sat together at dinner almost every day, didn’t they?

  The pounding in her head was worsening – it made it hard to think. She considered saying that she wasn’t really cold. Or she didn’t really need it. But she was shivering, so she accepted the scarf and wrapped it around her neck and shoulders.

  A wave of his distinctive scent – coffee and spice – enveloped her and she had an instant flash memory of kissing him and breathing in that smell.

  She felt dizzy.

  ‘Thanks.’ She avoided his eyes. ‘I think my parents forgot to pack mine.’

  ‘Now you must sit closer to me,’ Nicole purred to Sylvain. ‘Because you will turn to ice.’

  He moved so that she sat between his legs, leaning back against his torso. He slid his hands inside her coat pockets.

  ‘There,’ she said. ‘Now I will share my body heat with you.’

  He replied in French, and she laughed that tinkling, musical laugh. Like champagne glasses clinking.

  Even with the scarf, Allie’s teeth began to chatter. She felt colder than she thought she really should under the circumstances. Cold from the inside out.

  Her thoughts whirled. When did they get together? Why didn’t I know? And why do I even care? Maybe I do have brain damage …

  The pain in her head seemed to be getting worse – her ears began to ring.

  Suddenly Allie decided she’d had enough cold pain and hot French girls for one day, but when she jumped to her feet the ground seemed to rock a bit. As she wobbled unsteadily, the others looked up at her in surprise.

  ‘I feel a bit funny,’ she said, steadying herself. ‘I think I’ll go inside and have a cup of tea and a brain haemorrhage.’

  Sylvain’s face creased with concern. ‘Do you want me to come with you?’

  Allie shook her head so hard she nearly lost her balance. She also thought she might throw up. ‘Rachel?’ She turned back to where Rachel had been sitting on the grass but she was already at her side.

  ‘Let’s go, girlfriend.’ She hooked her arm through Allie’s. ‘I’ll keep you awake, and you can tell me all about the prime minister.’

  The nurse greeted Allie like an old friend. ‘What on earth have you done to yourself now?’

  At least her injuries last term had been memorable.

  After shining bright lights in her eyes, taking her blood pressure and considering her temperature, the nurse told her all she really needed was something to eat and a cup of strong tea, but she told her not to fall asleep, and gave her something for the headache before sending her to the common room.

  Later, Allie and Rachel sat on a deep leather sofa in one corner, wrapped in blankets, drinking steaming cups of spiced tea and eating fresh cookies.

  ‘You should get hit on the head more,’ Rachel said cheerfully. ‘They give you things.’

  ‘Injuries are brilliant,’ Allie agreed. The pills had kicked in and her head was less painful. As she relaxed in the warmth, she wondered why it had felt so weird seeing Sylvain with Nicole. Yes, she’d forgiven him for what happened the night of the summer ball. She believed he was genuinely sorry, but she didn’t think she’d ever trust him like that again.

  So why should I care who he dates?

  She didn’t like that she cared.

  When Carter rushed in a few minutes later, she jumped to her feet in a guilty rush, wobbling unsteadily.

  ‘Whoa,’ he said, lowering back down. ‘You’re still a little shaky.’

  ‘I’m f
ine,’ she assured him with the confidence of a doctor. ‘The nurse said I’m fine.’

  ‘Actually, she said you should sit and rest for a while. And not go to sleep,’ Rachel said. ‘Zoe’s going to be so psyched that she was right about that.’ Turning to Carter, she added, ‘She doesn’t think Allie really has a concussion. She’s just being careful. But we’re supposed to keep an eye on her for a couple of hours.’

  Carter brushed Allie’s hair back to look at the faint red mark on the side of her head. ‘But you feel OK?’

  ‘Yep. No permanent brain damage,’ Allie said, leaning against him.

  ‘I’m sorry I wasn’t there.’ His lips brushed the place on her head where the ball hit her. ‘To pick up the pieces.’

  The light touch made Allie quiver, and she looked up into his eyes.

  Rachel stood and stretched. ‘I’m not sure my medical talent is needed now that you’re here, Carter. Are you fine to stay with her?’

  Carter’s eyes crinkled when he smiled. Allie liked that crinkle. ‘I’ll stay with her,’ he said.

  When she’d gone, Allie and Carter curled up together on the sofa. Lying in the crook of his arm, she told him what had happened.

  ‘Lucas feels terrible,’ Carter said. ‘I saw him before I came up here. You’d think he’d shot you. But I’d still be furious with him if you weren’t OK.’

  With a finger on her chin, he tilted her head up until she was looking into his eyes. Then he lowered his lips to hers.

  ‘So, I see you’re feeling better.’ The nurse’s dry voice might as well have been hands pushing them apart given how quickly they separated.

  ‘Thank you,’ Allie said. ‘Yes.’

  Looking amused, the nurse glanced at her watch. ‘Remember, we need you awake for a while longer. I suggest another cup of tea.’ As she walked away, Allie thought she heard her add, ‘And a cold shower.’

  Laughing soundlessly, Carter stood up. ‘I’ll go and get you some fresh tea.’

  ‘I don’t need any more tea,’ Allie protested. ‘I slosh when I walk.’

  But he was already on his way out the door. ‘Maybe I want a cup, too,’ he said over his shoulder.

  As she waited, Allie picked up a magazine someone had left on one of the tables. She was studying an actress in a £2,000 dress when a sound caused her to look up.