by K. M. Link
“Tia, stop that,” he pushes her finger away and looks around.
“Get in the car before someone sees.”
“Alright, Mr. grouchy pants Leporem,” she huffs as she wobbles into the back seat. Javan slides in beside her and shuts the door. The car moves forward. Tia leans over the seat and stares at the driver.
“Are you Jacob?” she asks.
Javan pushes her back into the seat and buckles her seat belt. His hands scrape her side, and she lets out a cry.
“What’s wrong?”
“My stomach hurts where my boo boo is,” she pouts. He doesn’t utter one word to her, just pulls out a cell phone and dials, “Yes, Allison. Our patient has a little problem.” He glances over at Tia with anything but amusement. “My hotel, I guess. Yes, thank you.” Javan hangs up and remains quiet, his hand on his chin, staring out the window.
“Allison will meet us at the hotel. Unfortunately, I am in the middle of a very important meeting that I was pulled away from. I can’t stay with you. She will attend to you.” He is silent for the remainder of the car ride.
As before, they enter the back door of the hotel. Javan saves time by carrying her up the stairs to his room. She absorbs the scent of him as she clings tight to his shirt. Javan remains cold and quiet on the way up.
Once they are in the room, he places her on the bed. “Don’t leave. I want to have a word with you when I get back.” With that note, he exits the hotel room. Tia begins to cry, unsure why his anger is directed towards her.
She lays there for a few minutes, letting her hot tears streak his pillow that smells too much like him to make her feel any better. She wishes she didn’t need his help. Finally, Allison arrives. Tia answers the door, and Allison frowns at the sight of her.
“Are you alright dear?” she inquires, concern across her face. “You must be in a lot of pain, then, if you are crying.” Allison enters the room and sits down on the couch with Tia.
“Where does it hurt?”
“My stomach, where the cut was. Someone bumped it, and I’ve been in pain ever since,” Tia responds, drying her eyes.
“Let’s see the damage,” Allison suggests calmly, lifting Tia’s shirt. “It looks like you irritated it quite a bit today. I was afraid of that. I’ll get you some pain reliever. It also appears to be infected, so I’ll see if I have any antibiotics.”
Allison pulls out her bag, which appears to be a small pharmacy. She leans down revealing a mark on the back of her neck.
“You are Regnumian?” Tia pries, not filtering her thoughts. Allison doesn’t remove her concentration from her bag. She just answers, as though it is a common question, “Yes, I am.”
“How did you earn a degree in medicine?” Tia poses. Realizing it is probably rude to ask.
“I didn’t. I have healing powers as well as an extensive background in medicine. I studied in secret.” Allison smiles, pulling out a small bottle of pills.
“So, you taught yourself?” Tia is fascinated by this woman.
“Yes,” Allison responds, reading the label to herself. “Even though I can not use my powers to heal you, I am able to treat you as a regular patient.”
“I’m really sorry to bother you so late at night,” Tia remarks, feeling mournful of what she must be doing to Allison’s schedule.
“Not a problem at all. My hours constantly change to the needs of whichever leader is in the capitol. I was lucky to always have leaders who were thoughtful. When Mr. Tersus passed away, Mr. Leporem made sure none of us lost our positions. He didn’t think it was fair that we had to change where we already made a life, just because a new leader took office.”
“Oh, that is nice of him,” Tia responds, her heart melting.
“He is a gentleman. Though, I admit, I miss Mr. Tersus. He was the best leader we could ask for,” Allison remarks, opening the bottle. Tia is surprised to hear a Regnumian talk about their leader in such a positive tone, without it being forced.
“These should work for you. Take one now, and I will leave the bottle. I suggest drinking lots of water to drain the alcohol from your system.” Tia hangs her head, her face pink. “I can tell you had a few drinks, my dear.” She hands Tia a pill and the bottle, then stands up.
“Thank you, again,” Tia utters, then swallows her pill.
“You are very welcome,” she responds. “I must be leaving, though. Will you be alright?”
“Yes.”
Allison nods and walks toward the door. She pauses momentarily, “I really like you and think you are a sweet girl. Although, if what is going on between the two of you, what I think is going on, I advise you not to drink like that again. At least not around Mr. Leporem.” With that comment, she exits.
Tia sits on the couch, puzzled by Allison’s words. What does she think is going on between us? Her hand rubs her chin, she begins to feel tired. Not moving from the couch, she lays her head down and is out within a few minutes.
Day 5: The Bidding
Chapter 13
“Tia, wake up!” Javan startles her, as he stands above her in his hotel room. He slowly comes into focus.
“What time is it?” she asks, rubbing her eyes and sitting up.
“It’s midnight,” is all he responds as he folds his arms. Tia realizes she was only out for twenty minutes, but it felt longer. His jacket is off, and he is donning a black collared shirt and black pants. The sleeves are rolled up, exposing his forearms.
“Tell me something. What were you thinking this evening?” he questions her. Tia can tell by his face that he is not pleased with her, still.
“I was in pain, so I needed Allison. I didn’t know how to reach you but through that necklace. I’m sorry to bother you during a meeting.” Her eyes are dry, but she senses tears coming on.
“I’m not talking about that. Why were you out drinking that much, when you were alone? Especially, considering you’ve never drank that much before, not knowing how your body reacts to something like that. Not to mention, you were kidnapped just last night. Don’t you think they are still watching you, looking for ways to take advantage of you in a setting like that?!” he is almost screaming.
“How did you know I’ve never drank like that?” she defends.
“Now is not the time to ask questions, Tia. You haven’t answered mine. I need an answer!” His anger is beginning to boil her blood as well.
“I wanted to spend some time with people and enjoy what could be the last few days that I actually get to see my friends. Excuse me for wanting to be young and foolish. I know you don’t understand how to have fun and act your age, but it doesn’t mean you have to stop me from doing it as well.” Immediately, she regrets her words. The alcohol made her a little more outspoken than she realized. He is silent. Tia is almost more frightened of his silence than his yelling.
“I see,” is all he responds, then enters the kitchen area. It looks like someone kneed him in the stomach. Tia wants to apologize, but her fear of him keeps her quiet. Javan grabs a bottle of wine. He pours himself a glass and drinks it, then pours another. “You want to have fun? Let’s have fun.” He downs the second glass, his eyes glued to Tia.
“Javan, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that,” Tia responds, wishing he would stop.
“No, you are right. It’s been a long time since I’ve acted my age.” Javan begins to nurse the bottle. His eyes focused on a random object in the room, as though he is in a haze. She stares at him, her eyes beginning to welt. Javan turns his attention back to her.
He struts toward her and places his hand on her cheek, gently. “Tia, you have to realize something. For the first time, in a long time, I have someone to worry about.” Before Tia can respond, bile rises in her throat.
She races to the bathroom and throws up everything she drank that evening. I feel like death. She lays on the floor for a moment, sensing the room spinning. Tia rinses her mouth out with mouth wash, then enters the room again.
&n
bsp; “Come on, we need to get you back. We both have a long day tomorrow, which is already today,” Javan remarks.
Tia nods, wondering what the sudden shift in attitude is about. She follows him down the back stairs and out to a car. They both scoot into the back seat and are quiet for the remainder of the car ride.
All she wants is to crawl into her bed and sleep, hoping that tomorrow Mr. Avery will bid on her, instead. At least that way she could stay with people who are always there for her. She wouldn’t have to start a life wondering what might happen with Javan. Then, something else tugs at her heart. In a short amount of time, she feels a closeness to Javan. She doesn’t want to leave him. No, I must not become attached to anyone else, she thinks.
The car stops outside the entrance of her hotel. She climbs out and turns to him, handing back his necklace. “Thank you for taking care of me, this evening.” Without a response, she struts toward the hotel entrance. Then, she hears the car door shut.
Turning back, Tia catches Javan running towards her. He doesn’t utter a word, just pulls her close to him, his hand around her waist. Then he leans down, his breath caressing her mouth, just before he kisses her.
As his lips touch hers for the first time, Tia’s whole body melts. This is what it should feel like, she thinks. Her arms wrap around the back of his neck, as their lips move in rhythm. She is lost in him, every inch of his mouth feels like it belongs. He slowly releases her from his embrace.
“I’ve wanted to do that since the first time I saw you,” he remarks, placing the necklace in her hand again. Javan turns and walks back over to the car, leaving Tia speechless on the sidewalk.
Tia lies awake, tracing her lips with her index finger where, just hours before, Javan kissed her. Her attempt at sleep is futile, considering the congestion of events from this evening and the lingering uncertainty of tomorrow’s outcome.
She tosses and turns for several hours. No position is comfortable enough to erase the thoughts cluttering her mind. No matter where she ends up, tomorrow, she will lose someone. If she is not chosen by Mr. Avery or Javan, she will miss out on both opportunities for any happiness. So much for not being attached, she thinks.
Tia attempts to close her eyes once more, taking deep breaths and clearing her mind. I have no choice in it, anyway. A tear slides down her soft cheek as her body surrenders to slumber, imagining her mother’s face, her one comfort right now.
It’s seven-thirty when Tia awakes to a knock on the door. She moans and crawls out of the bed, towards the entrance. Through the peep hole, Tia finds Allison waiting in the hallway. She forgot about her visit, this morning. Tia opens the door, greeting her with a smile.
“Good morning,” Allison salutes, entering the room.
“Thank you for coming over. Would you like some coffee or tea?” Tia offers, her eyes still slightly shut.
“Coffee would be great, thank you,” Allison answers. Tia enters the kitchen to turn on the pot.
“Please, make yourself comfortable,” Tia advises Allison, who is still standing. She appears the same as usual, her hair in a bun and her glasses hanging on her nose. Tia wonders if she is married. If not, Tia feels Allison would be a great fit for her father. They both sit down on the couch. Tia lifts her shirt slightly, revealing her stomach.
“The swelling reduced some. It is definitely still infected, though. Keep taking the antibiotic. I’m going to check your other cuts, just to ensure there is no further damage.” While Allison surveys her arms, Tia has a burning question.
“Why doesn’t Mr. Leporem like when people drink? I mean, I’ve seen him drink champagne with dinner and scotch on occasion.”
Allison stares at her for a moment, then continues examining her arms. “He doesn’t like drunks. It’s not alcohol necessarily he hates, it is the excessive use of it. It appears your arms are almost cleared up. Are your bruises gone?”
“Yes, I didn’t even notice them last night, so I think they are completely healed.” Tia responds, a little disappointed she didn’t receive a more detailed answer.
“Does this hurt at all?” Allison gently presses on Tia’s stomach.
“Only slightly,” Tia responds.
“That is to be expected. Just keep taking your medicine,” Allison comments. “The pills are working, just taking their time.”
“Oh, I didn’t get you your coffee. Stay a while, we can chat.” Tia walks over to the coffee pot and pours them both a cup.
“Thank you,” Allison replies, accepting the mug. “I have to say, I hope Mr. Leporem chooses you. I think you would be a great part of our team.”
“Honestly, I just hope I can make it through the day without having a nervous breakdown,” Tia answers, taking a sip of her coffee. She is slightly surprised at Allison’s comment. After last night, Tia assumed she was annoyed at her.
“Fate will determine where you are meant to be.” Allison smiles politely. “I am originally from Solum, myself. I thought the world was ending when I had to leave my family. Although, if I had not been sold to Mr. Tersus, then I would not have met the love of my life. We shared so many wonderful years together, that is, before he passed away.”
“How long ago did he die?” Tia pries, sipping her coffee.
“Last fall. He was a human, actually. A doctor. Which provided, of course, another learning opportunity.” She stares down at her cup.
“Do you still miss your family?”
“Every day, but I wouldn’t trade my time with John for anything. That is just how life works. You eventually need to move away from the protection of your family to learn how to watch after yourself. Doesn’t mean you love them any less. Just means it is a new chapter.” Allison drinks her coffee now that it has cooled some. They sit in silence for a few moments, absorbing the calmness as well as the company.
“I can’t stay long, but I do thank you for the hot drink.” Allison eventually stands, placing her empty mug on a table. Tia walks her out.
She decides it is best to not waste any more time and showers. In the drawer marked Day Five, Tia finds a white collared shirt with a black pencil skirt and a beige cardigan sweater.
The candidates are required to meet down in the lobby by nine-thirty for their individual meetings with the leaders. Tia arrives a few minutes early, out of nerves. The meeting is another part of the Electus that Tia is concerned she will fall short in. Interviews are just a more intimidating social situation.
Everyone in the lobby is dressed in similar attire. The girl’s sweaters are all different pigments. The boys wear kakis with a variety of collared shirts. Tia spots Delilah who dons a red cardigan.
“How you feeling this morning?” Tia inquires.
“Well, I am never drinking again,” a very groggy Delilah answers, with a groan. “Where did you disappear to last night? I saw you leave for the bathroom, then you were gone.”
“I took a cab back to the hotel. It made me pretty tired and sick,” Tia replies, hoping that Delilah will drop the subject.
“Yeah, I wasn’t feeling too hot, myself. Nathan and I rode back together, then hung out at his room for a while.”
“Oh?”
“Not like that.” She glances at Tia, who wears an evil grin.
After all of the candidates arrive, they are escorted to an extra room in the hotel where food set up for the candidates to partake in. Tia is too nervous to eat. She realizes it might be safer to wait until after her meeting with the leaders, so as to not have the same problem as the first day of the Electus.
When her name is called, Tia enters the conference room of the hotel. The leaders sit behind a long table in their usual order. A chair is setting a few feet away, facing the leaders. Tia’s mouth is dry and her heart races as she sits down.
“Welcome, Miss Trumble,” Mr. Avery greets her. “Any relation to Osborn Trumble?”
You think he would know that by now, she thinks to herself.
“Yes, he is my father,�
�� Tia responds. Her voice is small in front of them. Even Javan, who Tia grew close to during the past few days, appears intimidating amongst the other heads of the capitols.
“Today’s meeting is designed to inform you on your scores during this past week as well as allow us to interview you for certain positions in our companies,” Mr. Avery informs, folding his hands. Tia nods, too afraid to speak.
Mrs. Pusillus is next to speak, “During the first day of the Electus, all of the candidates are presented to us for purpose of creating a first impression. Your performance during the first stage was, to say the least, unprofessional and, quite frankly, gross.
“However, contrary to public knowledge this stage does not play a role in the score determination for the Electus as clearly written in the original rule book. Keep in mind, Miss Trumble, that we still hold every right to take this into account for the bidding ceremony.” Tia nods in response.
“It’s been a pleasure watching your performance this week,” Javan starts. “For each round, the candidates are awarded points by the panel of leaders. At no point are we to divulge these scores, to any one person, until the bidding ceremony. Not even between the five leaders, are we permitted to share our scores for each candidate. This ensures all points are objective.”
The next leader is Mr. Kramer, head of Maior. He is a lanky, dark skinned gentleman with deep, brown eyes. “Miss Trumble, at the end of this meeting, today, you will be awarded your points. You must treat this information as confidential and sign a paper that states as such. Once you have read your results, place them somewhere secret until the bidding ceremony commences.”
Mrs. Winslow, the leader of Solum, crosses her thin legs and leans back in her chair. She has short hair and a hooked nose. Mrs. Winslow is slightly younger than Tia’s father, so her hair is barely showing hints of grey.
“We will now conduct the interview. These questions will need to remain in this room should we choose to ask similar questions to the following candidates. Before we begin, though, do you have anything you would like to ask us?”