Until I Sleep (Alora Chronicles Book 1)

by Lara Ann

  “Are good manners not important here?”

  I wasn’t sure how to answer that question. “Yes manners are important but lots of people don’t use them as much as they should. It’s difficult to explain. Perhaps we should tell people that one of your foster parents was a really strict teacher or something?”

  “Whatever you think best Ash.”

  I tore the tags off the clothes Wyn was wearing, and quickly paid for everything.

  Next we headed to the camping store. Wyn needed a good pair of walking shoes and so did I. After trying lots of different styles, I settled on a pair of low cut walking shoes, partly for comfort, and partly because they were still cute and were more girly looking than some of the others. Wyn chose some high cut leather boots that looked much better for serious trekking. I was sure Xavier would approve. I wondered what Xavier would make of Wyn, I still wasn’t sure if either boy felt more than friendship towards me. Not that it mattered in Wyn’s case anyway. Human-Elf relation-ships were forbidden.

  After shopping we were both hungry, so we decided to get some lunch. I wasn’t really familiar with Devonport, so I just picked a random cafe. We went in and found an empty table to sit at. I decided to play it safe and just order a burger with chips and salad.

  “I’m not really familiar with most of these foods, what would you recommend?” Wyn asked looking at the menu.

  “I’m just going to get a burger and chips. That’s meat and stuff, with a bun and fried potatoes.”

  “Oh okay, I’ll try that as well.”

  We chatted about our cultural differences until the food arrived.

  “It looks delectable,” Wyn announced.

  “That’s a perfect example of what we were talking about earlier. Kids our age would never say something looks ‘delectable’.”

  “What should I say instead?” Wyn asked.

  “I don’t know, just say it looks tasty or delicious or something. Just dumb it down a bit.” I wasn’t sure I was explaining myself very well. It wasn’t always easy to pinpoint how Wyn was so different. It was just everything about him. Maybe I could just tell people he was a bit eccentric. We ate in silence for a while, as the food really was delectable. I would have to remember this place for next time I was here.

  “What would you like to do next?” I asked Wyn, wiping sauce off my chin with a napkin.

  “There is one thing. Do you know how I can change my gold into your money?”

  “I actually don’t, I was going to look it up on the internet, but I haven’t had a chance to do it yet. Do you need money right away?”

  “I would like to be able to pay for the things I need. It is not right that you have been paying for everything.”

  “Well actually Dad gave me the money I’ve been spending. I’ll look up how to exchange gold as soon as we get home.”

  “Alright, that seems satisfactory. Perhaps we should head back then?”

  Wyn was impressed with my garage door clicker thingy, as I drove into the garage at home. We hopped out of the car as the garage door closed smoothly behind us. I led the way into the kitchen. Dad was nowhere to be seen.

  “Dad’s probably in his writing room,” I said to Wyn leading the way up the staircase.

  “I’m sure he won’t mind if we interrupt him, so I can introduce you.” I knocked on the study door.

  “Come in,” Tom called

  “Hi Dad, this is Wyn, all the way from Melbourne.”

  Dad turned around from his computer to face us. After a slightly long pause, and an odd look on his face he said, “Welcome Wyn. I’m glad to have you here.”

  “Thank you Sir,” Wyn replied.

  “Please call me Tom. Ash, do you mind if I have a quick chat to Wyn?”

  “Uh, sure Dad.” I slowly headed back downstairs. That was weird, why would Dad want to talk to Wyn alone? Maybe he just wanted to lay down the law without me there to hear.

  They both came downstairs after about fifteen minutes, looking relaxed. Good, I didn’t need to be too worried then.

  Chapter 8

  The next morning Dad drove both Wyn and I to school, so we could enrol Wyn at Emery High. Last night had been fun. Dinner had been much louder and more entertaining with Wyn there. We made Tacos, and after dinner played a stilly game called Bug in a Rug. You basically had to interpret another person’s pictures into a story and then write down what you thought the pictures meant. After everyone had a turn, you had to read the story aloud. I hadn’t laughed so much for a long time.

  We arrived early at school and headed to the office. Mrs Brown was as smiley and welcoming as I remembered. She ushered us into Principal Ford’s office, assuring us he wouldn’t be long.

  “Good Morning,” said Principal Ford coming in and sitting behind his imposing desk. He looked as cold and unwelcoming as ever. I’d heard from other kids, that it was best to have as little to do with him as possible.

  “Morning,” Dad replied. “Did you receive all Wyn’s paperwork that I emailed you yesterday?”

  ‘Yes, yes everything looks to be in order.”

  I was trying my best not to look too surprised. What paperwork? I knew Wyn had a fake birth certificate, but I didn’t think he had much else to prove who he was. I would have to ask him about it later.

  “So Mr Rivers,” Mr Ford said looking at Wyn. “Looks like you’re an overachiever, like Miss Somers here.”

  “I’d like to get into a good University,” Wyn replied, calmly ignoring the headmasters condescending tone.

  “Well, I’m sure Miss Somers here is familiar with our school by now. She can show you around. No need to bother any of the other students with ‘buddy’ duty,” he sneered.

  I couldn’t believe he was being this unpleasant, especially as Dad was here with us.

  “Mrs Brown will give you your timetable, and help you do something about your attire.” He grimaced at Wyn, who was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, instead of school uniform.

  “Good day,” Mr Ford said in obvious dismissal, not sounding at all like he wished us a pleasant day.

  “Well that was informative,” Dad said sarcastically. “Are you sure you’re happy with this school Ash? I’m sure it’s not too late to check out other options?”

  “It’s fine Dad, everyone else here has been much more welcoming. I’m not sure what Mr Ford has stuck up his butt.”

  “Ashlee!” Dad said scoldingly. “That’s no way to talk about that git of a Headmaster.”

  I laughed. Wyn looked bemused by the exchange.

  Back at the front desk, Mrs Brown gave Wyn his timetable. It was similar to mine, except he was doing Music instead of Art, and he had an extra science subject where I had Legal studies. I guessed he’d be joining Olivia and me in the library for our ‘study’ sessions. Mrs Brown was fussing over Wyn like a mother hen, as she sorted out appropriate uniform items. Before long he had everything he needed, grey pants, white shirts and a navy sweater. Wyn headed off to the bath-room to change. Dad handed Mrs Brown a credit card to pay for the uniform.

  “I just adore your books Mr Redding,” she gushed. “Do you think you could sign my book for me?” She said looking adoringly at my father. She pulled out a much-loved copy of one of Dad’s books, and put it on the counter in front of him.

  “Of course,” he replied, with a large fake looking smile.

  “Who should I make it out to?”

  “Oh, to Betty, if you don’t mind.”

  I grimaced, as I watched Dad sign the book. It was really weird watching someone fawn over my Dad. I understood a little better now why he might like to live off in the bush by himself.

  Wyn returned fully kitted out in the school uniform. Of course, he managed to make even that look good. Dad offered to take Wyn’s casual clothes home for him and quickly took the opportunity to leave. We agreed to meet him in the car park after school.

  We both had a free period, so we weren’t late for class. The first bell had just rung as we headed for the Hall and a d
ouble Drama lesson. I was glad it was Friday, only one day of school to get through before the weekend. Mr Davies gave Wyn the same spiel, asking Wyn what his dramatic strengths were.

  “Nothing really, just put me where you need me,” Wyn stated modestly.

  “He’s actually a really good singer,” I said, knowing he would never promote himself.

  “Great! He can understudy for the male leads.”

  “Don’t you need to verify if I can actually sing?” Wyn asked.

  “I’m sure Miss Somers is reliably informed, but if you like, quick, up on the stage and sing for us!”

  I wasn’t sure how Wyn would feel performing in front of a group of strangers. I was somewhat surprised when he gracefully jumped up onto the stage and began to sing. Everyone in the room immediately stopped talking to watch Wyn. He might not be a great singer on Alora, but here on earth, he was pretty amazing. He sang a couple of verses of a song I didn’t know about springtime.

  “A lovely rendition Mr Rivers,” Mr Davis said clapping. “It’s a shame we’ve cast all the roles, but who knows, maybe someone will have a nasty accident?” Mr Davies joked.

  Wyn and I sat down next to Olivia, while Becky was going through one of her solos.

  “Hi Olivia, this is my cousin Wyn. He’s come to live with us until the end of the year.”

  “Hi Wyn,” she said quietly.

  “Pleased to meet you Olivia.”

  We were soon joined by Will and Harry and I quickly introduced them.

  “Where are you from?” Will asked.

  “Melbourne for a while, but all over really,” Wyn replied.

  “What brings you to Emery? You do realise there’s nothing here?” Harry joked.

  “I like the bush. Anything to get out of the foster system,” Wyn replied, giving the answer we’d rehearsed.

  “Are you still going to Launceston this weekend?” I asked to get the conversation away from Wyn’s past.

  “Yep, it’s all organised. Are you coming?” Olivia asked me.

  “Not this time, Wyn only just got here yesterday. Maybe next time?”

  “Sure, we’ll probably go again in few weeks,” Olivia replied.

  At recess, I introduced Wyn to Xavier, who didn’t do drama, and Becky and Tali who had been too busy rehearsing for me to introduce them.

  “So, you’re cousins?” said Tali, looking appraisingly at Wyn.

  “Actually we’re second cousins,” I replied, feeling a stab of jealously.

  “You’re kissing cousins then,” said Harry.

  “What does that even mean?” said Tali, not looking pleased.

  “It just means, they can have a relationship, or whatever. You know, it’s not illegal for them to get married or have babies,” Harry said.

  I was studiously looking at the ground at this point, desperately hoping someone would change the conversation topic.

  “You’re so mature,” Becky said sarcastically to Harry. “Sometimes, I’m not sure what I see in you,” she added affectionately putting an arm around his waist.

  “It’s my stunning good looks and ripped abs,” Harry joked.

  Thankfully, the conversation moved on to other things. I was too embarrassed to look at Wyn, so I had no idea how he’d reacted to it all.

  After recess, Wyn had most of the same classes as I did, so I was able to show him around. I sat between Wyn and Xavier through English and History. After lunch, Becky and Tali offered to show Wyn to the music room. I tried not to be jealous as I watched Tali link her arm through Wyn’s to show him to class. All through Art, I tried my best to concentrate on my drawing project, and not on whether Tali was flirting with Wyn in music class. At the end of the lesson, I looked down at my drawing and decided I would probably have to redo it at home over the weekend. Sighing I added my sketchbook to my already heavy schoolbag. It seemed like I already had a ton of home-work. All I really wanted to do was spend the weekend with Wyn, not tedious hours doing schoolwork.

  As I walked into the Maths room, I noticed Wyn and Xavier had left me an empty seat in between them. I sank into it gratefully, wondering how music class had gone. I noticed Tali was sit-ting next to Becky. Well, at least it looked like music class hadn’t been as bad as I feared.

  “Did you miss me?” Xavier whispered in my ear.

  “Stalker,” I whispered back smiling. I knew I wouldn’t have responded that way if Wyn had asked, even if I was joking.

  “Not even a little bit,” Xavier said returning my smile.

  “Do I need to take out a restraining order?” I said with a laugh, which turned into more of a snort.

  “No, I think I’m good. I’m not really into chicks who snort laugh,” Xavier responded, and we both burst into laughter.

  “Do I need to separate you two?” Mr Clarke, the Maths teacher said sternly.

  “No Sir,” we both responded quickly. The last thing I needed on Friday afternoon was a detention.

  I looked sideways at Wyn, while Mr Clarke droned on about how to find the values of x and y. He was staring avidly at the board, a look of rapt fascination on his face. Huh, maybe Maths was more interesting if you hadn’t sat through endless hours of lessons. Mr Clarke had finished talking and was looking inquiringly at the class. Crap, I hope he didn’t call on me. I hadn’t listened to a word of what he was saying.

  “Anyone?” Said Mr Clarke.

  “Then y would be nine and x would be minus three,” Wyn said.

  “Excellent Wyn, I’m glad to see someone here has been paying attention. Does anyone have any questions? No? Alright, please work through questions five through twelve.”

  There was a sudden shuffling of papers and books, as everyone got to work. I used the general noise to whisper to Wyn.

  “I didn’t know you studied algebra.”

  “I have not studied this particular way of doing Mathematics, but it seems straightforward.”

  “Really? At least I’ll have a good study partner then. And here I thought, I’d be the one helping you with schoolwork.”

  “I’m sure we can help each other. There are still many things here that are strange and unfamiliar but numbers are constant whichever world one lives in.”

  I worked my way through the problems, checking all my answers against Wyn’s. Wyn had completed all the questions within the first five minutes, and was now reading through the next section of the book.

  “Has your cousin finished already?” Xavier whispered, still only halfway through.

  “Yep, looks like I’ll have my own tutor for the rest of the year,” I smirked.

  “You’d better tell him to slow down, or Clarky will have him in the advanced program, doing maths at lunch time.”

  “Yeah, that would suck. I’ll let him know.”

  At the end of the day, Dad was waiting for us in the car park. A group of younger students were standing around. I wasn’t sure whether they were admiring the Audi, or if they were fans of Dad’s books. Either way I doubted Dad would welcome the attention, so Wyn and I quickly got in the car, before they could gather up the courage to come any closer.

  “How was your first day?” Dad asked Wyn.

  “I think it went quite well Tom. Did you get much writing done?”

  “I did actually, I finished two chapters. That should keep my editor happy. How about you Ash? Keep out of trouble?”

  “No suspensions Dad, so I’m all good,” I joked.

  It started to rain as we drove home. Slowly at first, then harder. It was bucketing down by the time we pulled into the garage. I was thankful we could go straight from the garage into the house. Our townhouse in Sydney only had street parking. Coming home in the rain, usually involved get-ting totally soaked. I didn’t miss catching the crowded stinky bus home either. Mom I missed constantly. There was a constant ache inside me, even when I was happy, it was still there. I was glad Dad and Wyn were here. It helped me keep the pain at bay.

  Chapter 9

  The next morning dawned bright and
sunny. It smelled really nice here after the rain, kind of like eucalyptus with a briny ocean scent. Dad was going to write all day, so Wyn and I decided to go for a walk after breakfast.

  “So you’ve really only been to the beach twice?” I asked Wyn, as we headed out through the back door.

  “Yes, Emmelion is several hours from the coast. Most Elves prefer to live inland. They prefer still water.”

  “What, like a lake?”

  “Yes, our city sits on the edge of a beautiful lake. It is a magical place – I hope I can take you there one day.”

  “I’d love to see it,” I answered as we came out onto the sand. I turned around to see Wyn just standing there. His face looked beautiful as he gazed in wonder at the long sandy beach, with the towering mountains at the far end.

  “That’s how I felt too, when I first saw it. It’s amazing isn’t it?” I said smiling widely.

  “It is indeed spectacular. I have always been drawn to the ocean, more than most Elves. There is something about the power and vastness of the ocean that draws me in.”

  “Would you like to walk all the way to the end of the beach? I haven’t done that yet, but I’ve been dying to see where the rocks meet the water.”

  “It would be an honour to accompany you there.”

  “That’s exactly the sort of comment that people are going to look at you strangely for. But when we’re alone I love how you express yourself. It makes me feel special.”

  “I am glad I can make you feel that way. I’m not sure if I can change how I am. I will however, try my upmost to blend in, when we are in public.”

  “Well I guess it doesn’t really matter, it’s not like anyone is likely to figure out the truth any-way.”

  As we wandered up the beach, we occasionally stopped to show each other particularly pretty rocks or shells.

  “This is quite beautiful,” Wyn said handing me a bright blue piece of sea glass. Its edges had been rounded by years spent tumbling in the ocean.

  “I love sea glass! I’ve never seen a piece this pretty before.”

  “I’m glad to have found you something special.”