by K. M. Link
Delilah sits up, panicked. Tia takes a seat down on the empty bed beside hers.
“What do you want?” she interrogates, her one eye still slightly swollen.
“Just wanted to see how you were feeling,” Tia states, softly.
“I suppose I’m alright.” Delilah glances down at her hands, which are fiddling with the edge of her blanket.
“You hit pretty hard. I mean, that punch to my ear, the first time, I didn’t want to admit it, but it was a smart move, blocking another one of my senses,” Tia yammers, attempting to make conversation.
“Did you come over here to gloat or make me feel better?” Delilah spits out.
“No,” Tia stares at her feet, “I just thought, maybe it would be nice to be friends, you know, instead of ripping each other apart all the time.” Tia lifts her head up again. Delilah mulls over the idea for a while.
“I understand, though, if you don’t want to. I mean, I do have a tendency to piss people off easily.” Tia laughs, nervously. Delilah smirks and begins to laugh as well.
“Maybe a truce would be nice. I don’t really know anyone here, anyway. All of my friends back home are a year below me,” Delilah admits.
“I know what it’s like to not have a lot of friends, trust me. The only friend I have came with me to the Electus. He is pretty pre-occupied with someone else since we arrived here. In fact, I made her mad too.” Tia motions over at the bed where Kira sits. She is bruised and her face is contorted into a snarl at the sight of Tia.
“I’m noticing a pattern,” Delilah chuckles. Tia laughs, as well, and nods.
“Is that the girl who pummeled you this morning?” Delilah asks.
“Yeah, like I said, it’s a gift. I tend to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Someone really should put a filter on my mouth.” They both laugh, and for the first time since she met Delilah, she feels comfortable.
The nurse releases Tia, and she heads for her hotel room. Of course, not until she is forced to eat some ice cream. She feels better than she felt in two days, skipping up the stairs to her room. Everything is light and happy, she wonders what they put in that ice cream.
When she opens her door, she enters to find a gift on her bed. It’s a flat rectangular package, wrapped in black paper, with a white bow. Carefully, Tia shuts the door and walks toward it. She opens the package, unsure of what it is or who it is from.
It’s a plain box with a lid. Inside is a black, strapless, satin, knee-length dress with white, high-heeled shoes. Underneath the dress is a note. Out of curiosity, she unfolds the note to see who it is from.
Congratulations on your victory today, Miss Trumble. I wish to celebrate with you. Meet me out back of your hotel at midnight. Yours Truly, Javan Leporem. P.S. Wear the dress.
Chapter 6
Tia showers the mud, from earlier that day, off of her body. It takes a few rounds of shampoo to completely cleanse her hair. Afterward, she applies lotion to her skin, ensuring it is smooth to the touch. Tia notices a full length mirror hanging on the back of the door. Curiously, she inspects her body, wrapped partially in a towel. She beholds her cream colored skin, her toned muscles from years of physical training, and her soft curves. So this is what other people see, she thinks before opening the door.
Somehow the dress fits perfectly. How do so many people know my size? She dries her hair and decides to place it up in a loose bun, with some pins. It appears elegant, and she adds her mother’s necklace to make herself seem more feminine than she actually is. Tia remembers the mascara and lipstick that Fera gave her to use and attempts to apply it in the same fashion as before.
For ten minutes, she stares at the high-heels. It is a luxury that Tia could never afford, nor has interest in owning. Glancing at the clock, she sees it is eleven thirty.
“I have a half hour to learn how to walk in these,” she remarks out loud, climbing in the shoes. At first, she wobbles, trekking her hotel room. She falls once or twice, but catches herself on the bed or a nearby counter. With a little practice, she manages to glide in them, without appearing like a newborn giraffe.
To avoid injury, Tia rides the elevator down to the lobby. The sound of her heels echo off the sidewalk out back, as she enters the cool night air. She stands, waiting, no one appears to be out at this hour. Tia utilizes one of the benches, lining the curb, to rest her feet. A gentle breeze glides across her body, as she soaks in the sounds of the night.
At twelve, sharp, a limo pulls up to meet Tia. Mr. Leporem exits the back, dressed in a black suit, with a white dress shirt and black tie. He holds the door open, motioning for her to enter. Slowly she walks over and scoots along the seat. He closes the door and walks around the other side, crawling in beside Tia. His eyes meet hers, when he buckles his seat belt. Reality sinks in, and Tia wonders what she is thinking, accepting an invitation such as this.
“The Princeton hotel, please, Jacob.” Mr. Leporem commands smoothly. He turns to Tia who appears pale. Hotel?
“I see you found the dress I sent you,” he mentions, with a deep silk voice.
“Yes, thank you. Although, you know it is against the law for you to buy me this,” she states, as her foot jitters. Mr. Leporem places his hand on her knee, to steady her leg. Then he releases it. Her cheeks turn pink.
“I write the laws, Miss Trumble. I can break them if I wish.” The one corner of his mouth lifts slightly.
Tia’s palms begin to sweat, as she sits on the fine leather seats of the limo. Mr. Leporem pulls out a bottle of champagne and two glasses. She watches him move gracefully. He hands her one. His fingers are slender, with his nails, completely chewed to the beds.
“So,” he starts, pouring into Tia’s glass, “that was quite a show you put on today, Miss Trumble.” He finishes pouring his own. “I had no idea that you were so... diligent.” Tia sips her glass of champagne, uncertain of what to say. Instead, she asks the first thing that pops into her head.
“Nervous habit?” She points to his fingernails.
“You can say that,” he responds, glancing down at his fingers. “Tonight, I planned a dinner, for the the two of us, at the hotel where I’m staying. It’s a private room, where no one will bother us. Do you feel comfortable with that, Miss Trumble? If not, I can take you back to your hotel. I never allow a lady to feel as though she doesn’t have a choice, in my company.”
“That must be why you agreed to lead a capitol that enslaves them,” she adds politely.
“Good point, Miss Trumble. However, I would still like an answer about dinner.” Tia weighs her options for a moment.
“I will join you, on one condition.”
Mr. Leporem laughs. “She has a condition. What is that?”
“That you call me Tia.” She smirks and sips her champagne.
They arrive at Mr. Leporem’s hotel. He leads her down a hallway to a private dining room. He turns on the electronic fireplace, and walks towards the table. Mr. Leporem pulls out a chair for Tia. She sits at the small table, set up for fine dining. There is candle light, illuminating his face, as he sits across from her.
“I hope you like lobster,” he comments, picking up his cutlery. Her plate is arranged with lobster tail and asparagus with poached eggs and shaved parmesan.
“Yes, thank you.” Tia is so nervous, she forces herself to swallow each bite. “Are you enjoying your stay here, in Urbi?” she poses, still uncertain why he wants her there.
“It is a beautiful city. The country side is more appealing to me, though. Such a shame what happens to a planet, when creatures do nothing to preserve it.”
Tia is taken aback by the conversation. Humans do not usually talk like this. Other than her uncle, most humans Tia met discuss wealth or self-improvement projects.
“When did you have time to see the country side?” Tia inquires, taking a sip of champagne.
“I grew up in Vetus,” he states, “not far from Maior, actually.”
Tia is surpri
sed by his response. “How did you end up in Novo, then?”
“I enjoy traveling. It amazes me how similar this planet is to Earth. In my spare time I study the history of Earth and discovered that a majority of our culture is modeled after it. Such a tragic story, planet Earth, however it is worth the research if you ever get the chance.” He takes his last bite and wipes his mouth. “That was delicious. The cooks in this hotel have a special talent.”
“It was very good,” she repeats, finishing her meal as well. Her mind is still fixed on the fascinating idea of him growing up so close to her home. “What’s your favorite place that you travelled to?”
“Hmm, I would have to say the northern region of Otium.” He leans back in his chair, appearing relaxed as always. “There is a section of untouched land, with miles of forest. The color of the grass there has a hint of blue, enough that when you are standing far away, it resembles the ocean. The leaves on the white trees, are the same blue, and when the fog settles in, it’s a breath taking sight.”
“It sounds amazing.” Tia finds her chin resting on her hand, her elbow glued to the table. She remembers Mina’s parents advising her and Mina, once, that manners dictate, it is not polite to place your elbows on a table, during dinner. Tia quickly retracts it and sits up like a lady.
Mr. Leporem grabs the bottle of champagne and tops off both of their glasses.
“Are you enjoying the champagne, Tia?” She smiles as he voices her name.
“I like it. First time having champagne, actually.” Her face now pink.
“I guess I did not need to stress over what brand to buy.” For the first time, he appears nervous. Tia wonders what his plan is next.
“Why did you ask me to dinner tonight?” she finally inquires. He eyes her for a moment and smiles, as if he holds a secret.
“You interest me.” He sips his champagne.
“How so?” Tia pries. “I’m pretty ordinary. I mean, if you want to know about me. I grew up in a poor family, without my mother, mind you. Who, god forbid, anyone would tell me anything about. Some huge secret who she is, was, would have been if she stayed in my life long enough for me to figure it out.
“No one in school liked me, except this boy, who is my best friend. Well, was my best friend until he hit on me, and I don’t know what what to tell him. How can I get close to anyone right now, knowing full well I don’t have a choice in my fate. No one has a choice in their life except the damn humans. No offense.” Mr. Leporem nods as Tia continues.
“I never had a choice in my activities outside of school, because I had to prepare myself for one god damned event that determines the rest of my existence!” Tia exhales, exhausted from her rant. Then, swallows the rest of the champagne. Her body, now feeling lighter than before, quivers at the fear of his response to her outburst.
Mr. Leporem just smirks and says, “See. Interesting.”
Tia begins to chuckle. Out of nerves or because of the alcohol, she is not sure. A fit of laughter takes her over.
“I never realized I was such a riot,” Mr. Leporem remarks.
“You aren’t. No worries.” She continues to laugh. “Least humorous human being, actually.”
“You are full of complements this evening, Tia.”
She takes a deep breath, her ribs aching. “You know how to show a girl a good time, Javan.”
“What did you call me?” he questions, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh,” she straightens up, “sorry, Mr. Leporem.”
“No,” he grins. “I like the way you say it. Just not in front of the other officials, or candidates. Understand?”
Tia nods, unsure of what is going on. Why is he okay with me calling him that? Why am I even here? Before she can utter another thought, he stands and walks toward her. Tia is frozen in her chair, wondering what this strange man is going to do to her next.
“It’s okay, Tia,” he states, sensing her fear. “You can trust me.”
He extends his hand to help her out of her seat. She stands, much closer to his height with the heels he bought her.
“I actually did have something in mind for us, other than dinner, this evening,” he whispers, his face inches from hers. His scent tickles her nose, an intoxicating cologne mixed with a hint of mint. Tia is now shaking, thinking of ways to escape if he tries to hurt her. Then, he turns on the stereo.
“You need to learn how to dance, properly, my dear.”
Tia exhales and walks with him to an open area of the room. He places his one hand around her waist and the other in hers.
“Do you think this is wise with heels on and alcohol in my system?” she asks, nervously. She feels like jelly in his arms.
“I won’t let you fall,” his eyes are piercing through her again.
They start to dance, Tia watching her footing and counting as they go.
“Remember, Tia, to follow the music. You are too tense. It’s difficult to let yourself shine when you are worried about making mistakes.”
She decides to let him lead. She follows, without thinking, just feeling the beat as she moves.
“There you go,” he breathes. Tia’s pulse is beating in her fingers, toes, even her ears. She finds it hard to concentrate on anything but his hand around her body, his eyes calmly staring at hers. She must start talking, to keep her mind off of his mouth.
“How old are you, Javan?”
“Why do you ask?” His eyes move to her lips.
“You just seem rather young to be leading a city, and to have traveled so much.” She now turns her attention to his ear. Nothing tempting about an ear, she thinks
“I’m twenty-three,” he divulges, moving his gaze back to her eyes.
“Really?” she responds, feeling less guilty about how attractive she finds him at the moment. “You are so much more accomplished than I expected anyone to be, at that age.” Her mouth is agape, still in disbelief of his words.
“It’s easy, when you are bread your whole life for it.” His lips are un-readable, but Tia swears she sees a hint of unrest in his eyes. Javan takes a deep breath and closes them.
“I suppose I should get you back to the hotel,” he exhales, releasing Tia’s hand, and waist. Javan walks over to the stereo and turns it off, then turns out the fire. Tia stands still, waiting for him to make his next move. I don’t want to leave, she thinks briefly, then shakes her head.
He approaches Tia, again, inches away from her body. “It has been such a pleasure sharing your company, this evening.” Staring down at her lips, he whispers, “Tia.” They stand for a moment, neither knowing what move to make next. Javan breaks the tension. “Come on, I’ll ride back with you to your hotel.”
They travel back in silence, except when they arrive. Tia turns and imparts, “Thank you, Javan. I had a great time.” She then exits the limo and walks toward the doors. The limo does not pull away, until Tia is inside the lobby, where she finds Quade, waiting in a chair.
“Quade, what are you doing here? I thought you were going out with Dan.” She studies him. He appears tipsy. His hair is a little messy and he seems annoyed.
“Where were you?” He looks her up and down. “It’s two in the morning. After coming back from the bar with Dan, I went to your room, to see if you wanted to hang out. You weren’t there. I know you wouldn’t have gone out with someone!” Tia is taken aback by the outburst from Quade. She never expected him to become so upset about her heading out for the evening.
“Because I don’t have any friends, but you, right?” she sputters.
“Well, no. It’s just not like you to take off. Especially dressed like that!” He motions to her outfit. “Are those heels?”
“Yes, actually. They aren’t so bad,” she lies, her feet screaming in pain. However, she is too annoyed with Quade to admit it.
“Where did you get that outfit?” he quizzes her, now inches from her.
“I go out for two hours, and I get interrogated,” she sig
hs. “I went out, with a friend, who wanted to celebrate today’s victory. That’s all. I borrowed this dress from Fera and the heels, because she wanted me to have some other clothes for the Electus.” Lies are flying out of Tia, leaving a sour taste in her mouth.
“Was it a guy?” he asks, clenching his fist. Tia just now notices his arm is no longer in a sling.
“A friend,” is all she answers, starting to anger.
Quade turns and heads for the stairs. Tia, her feet aching, waits for the elevator. She curses him the whole way up to the fourth floor. In the hallway, they somehow intersect, stomping to their rooms. Neither of them speaking, they slam their doors behind them. Tia rips off her shoes and lets her hair down.
She hears a knock at the door. “Look Quade, I’m tired,” Tia snaps, answering the door. Quade grabs her and pulls her towards him, his lips planted on hers. They move inside the room. He closes the door as Tia runs her fingers through his hair. She feels a quake deep inside of her. His hands land on her back, tightening on every inch he can grab. Quade pushes her against the wall, his lips traveling down her neck. Everything feels fuzzy, her breath becomes shallow.
“Tia,” he whispers, “I want you. Please.”
She struggles with primitive urges and the uneasy feeling in her stomach.
“I can’t, Quade.” She attempts to push him away, “This is not how I want things to happen. Please.” She is begging him to release her from the wall. Tia knows she could never push him off, even drunk. He doesn’t stop, just continues to pry at her clothes and kiss her.
He rips her zipper down; she now feels her back against the cold wall, exposed. His other hand travels to the front of her, wandering inside her dress. Tia can smell the liquor on his breath; she is frightened, as he grabs her exposed breast. Finally, she slaps his face with a free hand. “Quade!”
He releases her from his grasp and stands in shame. His eyes are a bright red, which match his face. They both catch their breath. She pulls her dress back up and zips it. Tia doesn’t even recognize him, this is not the Quade she knows and loves. Hot tears slide down her face, she is frightened by what almost happened.