by Lara Ann
Until I Sleep
Alora Chronicles Book 1
By Lara Ann
© 2017 Lara Carter. All rights reserved.
No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by Australian copyright law. For permissions contact:
[email protected]
Visit the author’s website at https://laraannbooks.wixsite.com/alora
First Edition
Cover design by L. Carter © 2016. Cover photo by L. Carter © 2016. Cover Model J. McNab. Used by permission.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any re-semblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 1
If I could go back in time, could I change what happened? If only, if only…it was a mantra that ran through my brain. Alone in the world, or so I’d thought, until the detective had told me my father was still alive.
The night my Mum died was seared onto my brain forever. If I closed my eyes I could still see the crumpled, twisted metal. The smell of petrol filled my lungs and made me gag. Orange flames ate hungrily at the trails of escaping fluid, like her lifeblood draining away. Screaming sirens pro-claimed it was an emergency, but they lied. Like she had lied. A life full of lies. Now it was too late to tell me why. If she wanted to protect me from my father it was too late now.
All I really knew about my father was that he didn’t have a criminal record (which did ease my mind somewhat regarding why Mum had kept knowledge of him hidden), and that he lived in a re-mote little town in Tasmania. Not much to go on really. We’d had one conversation on the phone, we’d both gotten quite emotional, but I was thrilled that he wanted me to come and live with him. Well, excited and petrified at the same time. When I talked to him on the phone, he told me that he was a writer, I loved to write and read just about anything. Perhaps it was something I had inherited from him? I know I definitely didn’t get it from my Mum, she thought the menu at a restaurant was too long to get through and just tended to order something random. She always said life was more fun with a few surprises.
My seat in economy was worn and dull. The vinyl released a soft puff of stale air as I sat. My sunglasses were easily accessible, I jammed them onto my face to avoid whoever was going to take the seat next to me. Mum had been everything to me, sure we’d argued but I knew she had my back. She loved me more than anything, I had to believe the lies had a purpose. My eyes glazed over as the flight attendant gave the pre-flight safety demonstration about what to do if the plane crashed. Would anyone actually remember any of it if there was an emergency? I think I’d probably panic along with everyone else. I guess I can rule out flight attendant as a possible career choice.
At least I’d managed to avoid conversation with the perky pink lady sitting beside me. She’d taken one look at my dark glasses and ear buds and instead started a meaningless conversation with the man on her other side. As the stewardess gave permission to disembark, the pink lady removed a hideous floral tote and pushed her way into the crowded aisle. All too soon the rush was over, I stretched and stood, ignoring the friendly farewell of the flight attendant, I slowly made my way to the baggage claim area to find my suitcase and the new authority figure in my life. Although at seventeen if I hated it here, at least it would only be temporary. That thought was not really very comforting, as it would leave me alone in the world. This was going to work out, I told myself firmly. I ran my fingers through my knotted dark hair, with shadows under my eyes I probably wasn’t going to make the greatest first impression.
Looking up, I saw him almost straight away. He was tall, definitely well over 6 feet, with black hair, surprisingly with no grey (perhaps he dyed it, although I hoped not) and of course the only per-son in the room staring straight at me.
“Hi Ashlee,” he said in a surprisingly deep voice as we gave each other a quick awkward hug.
“Uh hi. I prefer Ash if that’s okay?”
“Of course” he said lightly. “Let’s grab your bags and get out of here, I’m not big on crowds.”
Looking around, I could only see a dozen or so people in our vicinity, not exactly a crowd. At least not compared to anywhere in Sydney. I guess I had my first clue as to why he’d chosen such a remote place to live.
Luggage was already revolving in an endless loop, my two large suitcases were easy to spot with their frayed edges and colourful ribbons. Mum had said they’d be easier to find that way - not that we’d ever had enough money to travel. They contained my life, everything of sentimental value lay within their dark embrace. As I reached for them, Tom leaned past me and grabbed them both. Without speaking, he turned and started heading out of the terminal. Walking quickly, I followed him, surprised at how easily he carried the heavy suitcases. I was definitely used to a more female influence, Mum and I had struggled with lifting any furniture or boxes in our two-story townhouse.
He stopped at a fancy looking midnight blue Audi 4WD. I’m not very clued in about cars, but I could tell he was not short on funds if he drove something like this.
“Nice ride,” I said awkwardly, desperate for something to say.
“I like it, it gets me from A to B,” he stated casually.
A man of few words, my father didn’t look uncomfortable as he unlocked the car. Maybe we could just take our time and get to know each other slowly. I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to that. What was the house going to be like? I hoped he hadn’t spent all his money on a car and lived in a dumpy bush shack. Not that I’m spoiled like that, Mum and I never had much money, she worked from home as a hairdresser and we got by, but we never had any extra for luxuries.
“How long is the drive to get to your house,” I asked.
“It’s just over two hours, so get comfortable,” he replied as he effortlessly loaded my cases into the boot of the car.
Climbing into the front passenger seat, the plush leather gently caressed my aching body. My nose was immediately filled with a not altogether pleasant new car smell.
“What sort of music do you like,” Tom asked as he slid into the driver’s seat and plugged in his iPhone.
“I like old stuff like Simply Red and Crowded House.”
“You’re making me feel old,” he chuckled quietly. He quickly started the car and soon Fair-ground was filling the car interior with its demanding rhythm.
“Is there any music you don’t have on there?” I tend to babble when I'm nervous.
“Well if you said you were a huge Bieber fan we’d be out of luck, but the ‘old’ stuff I’ve pretty much got covered”.
Closing my eyes, I leaned back into the plush seat. This was going better than I’d expected. The car pulled out onto the highway and the scenery quickly began flashing by. I’d always wanted to go to Tasmania, so it was exciting to see something new. Everything was very green and lush. It re-minded me of England - well photos of Engl
and anyway. I’d dreamed of travelling to England, or anywhere really. I’m not quite sure how I feel about moving here, I’ve never lived somewhere where I didn’t know anyone. I’d had the same group of friends since Kinder. That has to count for something, even if we don’t have that much in common anymore. After my Mum died that gap had only widened into a gaping chasm.
Looking out the window again cows and sometimes sheep grazed contentedly on the lush pasture. There was even an echidna waddling along next to the road, I hoped he wouldn’t get run over.
“Where are we now?” I asked as we headed into another town. There was a large red and while ship moored in the wide river. It looked like the ferry that brought people over from the mainland.
“Devonport. We still have about an hour to go, do you want anything to eat or drink?”
“No I can wait till we get there.”
My eyes fluttered open as the car slowed and bounced over the uneven ground.
“Well here we are,” Tom announced as I heard the unmistakable sound of a garage door opening.
“I can’t believe I fell asleep,” I replied sleepily as I tried to see the house in the dark.
“Sun goes down quickly here in the cooler months. You’ll be able to have a good look around in the morning.”
We pulled into the large garage and I heard the door close behind us.
I got out and looked around the large space. There was one other car, a smaller red version of the same car we had arrived in.
Noticing my gaze Tom spoke. “That’s all yours while you’re here.”
My mouth opened wide in disbelief. “Really,” I stammered. “I think I’d be too afraid to drive anything so beautiful.”
“You do have your license?”
“Yes I have my P’s, I haven’t had that much practice though.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve added you to my insurance – try to be careful though won’t you?”
“Maybe I should just catch the bus.”
“The bus doesn’t run out here, you’ll realise that when you see it in the daylight,” Tom replied as if it should be obvious.
“Anyway let me show you the house,” he said, as he walked toward the internal door.
The door led into an open kitchen, about the size of our whole downstairs at home. I could feel my jaw dropping again as I admired the dark marble bench tops and gleaming appliances.
I followed silently as he led me through a large slightly sunken lounge room with big windows overlooking the ocean. The water glimmered slightly under the light of the rising moon. From there we went up a wide staircase and he opened the first door in a long hallway. There was a beautiful four-poster queen size bed covered in crisp white bed linen. Behind that was a huge window with another gorgeous ocean view.
“Through that door is the bathroom,” said Tom, indicating a closed door near a large wooden wardrobe.
“This is my room?” I was definitely going to need some time to adjust.
“I hope it’s okay? It was originally set up as a guest room – not that I have many guests, I hope you like it?”
“It’s beautiful, um thanks.”
Smiling Tom replied, “I’m glad you like it. I know it’s going to take us both awhile to adjust to the new living arrangements. I want you to know I’m very happy to have you here. I’m looking forward to getting to know you. I’m just sorry about the circumstances that led to us finding out about each other.”
Tears formed in the corner of my eyes, Tom must have noticed as he quickly excused himself un-der the pretext of fetching my cases.
I headed for the door that led to the bathroom. It was in keeping with the rest of the house with an oval bathtub and an open shower with one of those huge rain shower heads. Fluffy white towels hung from the towel racks. Sitting down on the toilet seat, I let the tears fall silently down my cheeks, I would give myself five minutes to cry, then I would wash my face and go back out.
When I came out of the bathroom, my cases were sitting on top of the dresser. Tom must have decided not to disturb me. I decided to quickly unpack before heading back downstairs. Looking at myself in the mirror above the dresser, I could see that I had gotten my angular features and dark hair from my father. My bright blue eyes and pale skin reminded me of Mum. It was nice to be able to finally see who I had inherited my other features from. I had, like all children who don’t know a parent, wondered what they looked like and what they had passed on to me.
After unpacking, I headed back downstairs. Tom had lit the fire in the lounge and was sitting on the couch with a glass of wine staring out at the ocean. As soon as he heard me enter the room, he turned to face me.
“How’d the unpacking go?”
“All done, at least until my other stuff arrives.”
“I’ve enrolled you in the local High School, you can start on Monday if you’re ready. If that’s too soon let me know and I can postpone your start date.”
“Monday should be fine, that gives me the weekend to settle in.” I didn’t add that it would also be a long enough time to spend together without a break. Building a relationship with someone I hadn’t known for my first seventeen years was going to take some time.
“Help yourself to anything in the kitchen at any time. I’m not much for regular meal times, although I’d like it if we could eat dinner together. Is 8 o’clock too late?”
“That’s fine,” I replied. It was later than I was used to eating, but I didn’t want to be difficult.
We had a casual dinner of salad and sandwiches that Tom quickly threw together, it was much nicer than I was used to. There was fancy lettuce and delicious Brie cheese from King Island. The conversation flowed quite well with Tom asking me about my life in Sydney, and I found out a bit more about his regular daily schedule.
“I work from home, so that means I’m in my upstairs office from about 7am until 3pm on a good day. Sometimes I write until around 11pm, but usually only when I have a deadline coming up.”
“How many books have you written?” It felt weird to not know these things about my father, but I had to keep reminding myself I hadn’t even known he existed a few weeks ago.
“I’ve had twelve books published so far, and about twenty rejected,” he joked, pausing to glance over towards the large bookshelf against the wall.
“You’ll find a copy of all my books there if you’re interested?”
“I’d love to read them, I like to write stories too, I guess it runs in the family,” I smiled shyly at him.
He returned my smile. “Your Mum seems to have done a great job of raising you. I hope I can be there for you now,” he replied, seeming somewhat unsure.
“I’d like that too.”
“Ah well, it’s getting late you must be tired after your trip?”
“Yes I think I will go to bed,” I replied gratefully, it had been a long and emotionally draining day.
Sunlight poured in through the partially opened curtains in the morning. I felt groggy and slightly disoriented. My dreams had been intense. Dark and foreboding, with someone chasing me. I had no idea what time it was, I reached for my battered old phone, it was 9:02am. That was much later than I normally slept. I tried checking for messages, but noticed I had no signal. That was new, I guess I hadn’t spent much time out of cell tower range. I quickly got dressed and headed down-stairs. There was a note on the kitchen table.
Ash
Writing in study, buzz me if you need anything. Take this phone with you if you go out, as you should be able to get reception just about anywhere nearby. I should be finished at about 3pm if you want to do something together.
Tom (Dad)
I was glad he’d put ‘Dad’ on the note as well as ‘Tom’, it made me feel like he would be happy for me to call him Dad when I felt comfortable. I picked up the phone, it was much nicer than my current one. I was definitely starting to feel a bit spoilt.
Exploring seemed like the best thing to do. Through the glass doors, I could see a
long open deck. I crossed the deck and went down the wide stairs onto a small grassy area. There was a narrow track leading through the bushes to what must be the beach. I walked down the steps and along the path, within about 50 metres the bushes ended abruptly and the smooth golden sand began.
The water was a brilliant turquoise turning darker as it got deeper, there were a few gulls wheeling overhead. Towards what I thought was the eastern end of the beach, (my sense of direction is pretty terrible), the mountains came right down to the water’s edge. It was quite spectacular. I gazed around me, apart from my new house, I could only see three or four houses towards the east, all quite some distance away. I had never before been quite so alone. Living in Sydney there was always someone nearby. Spinning around the sun warmly caressed my head and shoulders. Warm sand squished through my bare toes. I breathed deeply, fresh salty air filled my lungs. I was amazed at the freedom I felt from being truly alone. Maybe I would love it here after all, I just had to make it through School. I pushed the thought aside determined to enjoy the day.
I spent the morning and early afternoon walking along the beach and lying in the sun, I didn’t see another person the whole time I was there. Eventually, I started to get hungry and decided I should head in and have some lunch.
I walked into the kitchen, spicy herbs and garlic filled the room with their pungent aroma. Tom was putting the finishing touches on a large bowl of pasta. He smiled broadly, as I came in.
“Have fun?” Tom asked. “I could see you enjoying the beautiful surroundings out there.”
“It’s amazing. How long have you lived here?”
“Almost fifteen years now, although it doesn’t seem that long.”
We enjoyed lunch in companionable silence. I don’t think either of us were big talkers, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. I was beginning to realise Tom was a good cook, which made a nice change from my Mum’s cooking. She had been able to make even simple dishes taste bad. I had ended up doing most of the cooking from the age of ten or so. I used to watch cooking shows on TV to get ideas. I enjoyed cooking and Mum had been happy to clean up afterwards, so it had worked well.