by Aria Sparke
Anya followed me into the kitchen while Flynn and Martin dished out the slices of pizza on the plates I’d given them. ‘Don’t worry about offering to pay for the pizzas. The family’s loaded with old European money.’
Excellent—whatever she meant by old European money. I now officially knew one extra fact about Flynn and his brother if I could believe Anya.
‘Where are your glasses kept?’ she asked.
I pointed to a high cupboard where we kept extra glasses, the one I needed a stepladder to reach. Anya was easily six feet tall and had no need of a ladder.
‘You and Flynn seem to be hitting it off.’
‘We’ve only just met.’
‘But you like him, right?’
I glanced away and hoped she didn’t notice my face going red.
‘Flynn’s special—caring and loyal.’
‘Yes, he seems lovely.’ Hmm, and kind and handsome and ....
Anya smiled.
I wanted to ask her questions about her relationship with Martin, but I hardly knew her. It would keep. In any case, it was probably more fun to see if I could work it out myself. Although they didn’t seem romantically involved, who knew?
‘Shall we join the boys?’ she asked before I had a chance to ask any more questions.
Anya had found a set of practice problems online for the biology exam, so after she read each one aloud, we discussed the possible answers before checking them. The problems were so long that my mind kept wandering before she’d finished reading. I was fighting a losing battle. When we’d finished the questions, Flynn divided a cheesecake he had brought and carried it into the living room.
I ducked back to the kitchen to fetch ice cream.
‘Flynn said you were applying to a local college in Wicklow,’ I said to Anya, who had followed me to get bowls and spoons for the cake.
She nodded enthusiastically. ‘He said you might be interested, so I brought the brochure they sent. There’s a web address too. Martin and I are thinking of making it our first preference.’
So were they a couple? After her scathing assessment of Martin Cooper in class, I was surprised she was talking about him in the same sentence as herself. Maybe she actually liked him although I hadn’t seen any evidence.
‘I hear you want to study medicine.’
Anya propped against the bench. ‘For a long while.’
I grinned.
‘You too?’
‘Forever.’
‘When I was little I used to operate on my dolls,’ Anya said.
‘That’s sick.’
‘Yes, but they lived.’ She squealed. ‘I can tell we’re going to be good friends.’
My spirits soared as I imagined us enrolling in the same medical school and being best friends.
For the next fortnight the four of us fell into a pattern of meeting at my house in the evenings and studying. I didn’t feel lonely at all and truthfully, I was having the time of my life enjoying the adult-like freedom. Although I felt guilty for doing so now that Mom had been moved to Piermont House. I’d drop in there after school to visit and then come home to study. I was comforted she was getting the help she needed and everything would soon return to normal once she was home.
With Dad’s death and Mom’s illness, I felt intensely proud to be coping like an adult.
A few days before the first exam, I asked Flynn if we could meet alone. I wanted to surprise him with dinner to thank him for his support and kindness. I’d also amassed a lot of questions that needed answering if our friendship was to progress. Or was it now a relationship? I needed clarity.
Not being a domesticated kind of girl, online grocery shopping was my chosen method of food gathering. One ideal I’d learned from my mother was that life’s meant to be lived and not spent trawling grocery aisles. She’s a wise woman.
When the groceries were delivered on Thursday after school, I set about making a steak and mushroom pie. It was my first attempt at a recipe I’d found online which didn’t seem too complicated and certainly looked impressive. Two hours later and moments after Flynn stepped into the kitchen, the pie ignited. When I checked the oven after retrieving the burning mess, I couldn’t recall setting the temperature that high. Flynn, who had followed me into the kitchen, fanned the smoke alarm. Flustered and embarrassed, I searched the freezer for a quick alternative but came up empty-handed.
Flynn laughed as he twirled me around and gave me a hug, almost lifting me from the floor. ‘Let’s go out.’
I liked his playful side. ‘Where?’
‘A mystery date.’
My heart leaped. ‘Okay, but no blindfolds.’ I didn’t need any convincing. ‘Do I need to change?’
‘Definitely not. Jeans and school sweaters are perfect.’
I laughed as I tipped the charcoal pie into the trash can before gathering my cell phone and purse.
We stopped for takeaway burgers and sodas and headed down the highway out of town. Life was exciting and unpredictable with Flynn, like nothing I’d experienced in my sheltered nearly eighteen years of existence. After following a road that narrowed and winded, we reached a lookout where Flynn parked before jumping out and opening the door for me.
‘Come on.’ He tugged my hand and led me to a vantage overlooking the valley to the east of Wicklow.
The night was clear, and the sky blazed with stars seemingly brighter and more beautiful than I’d ever seen. ‘It’s amazing.’ Feeling excited and almost reckless, I inhaled the possibilities.
‘This lookout’s my favorite place in Wicklow—that’s why I wanted you to see it. I love the night, the dark infinite sky, the stars and planets. If you’re interested, I have a telescope and I could show you some of them.’ He pointed at the northeast horizon at a brilliant cluster of stars. ‘Like the Andromeda constellation. The stars are beautiful, aren’t they?’
I grinned. Another fact I’d gathered about Flynn Cooper. He was interested in stars and planets.
‘You know a fair bit about me now, but you’re a mystery to me,’ I said.
‘Okay, shoot, ask me anything.’
‘How about you give me the highlights?’
‘Um, favorite color is gray; food is rare steak.’
‘What, that’s it? Gray doesn’t even count as a color.’
He grinned. ‘Sport is running; music is Beethoven ...’
‘Hang on, hold it right there—Beethoven?’
‘Call me old-fashioned.’
I laughed. I hadn’t seen that one coming, but now I was getting somewhere, so I decided to burrow. ‘Favorite book?’
Flynn drew me closer. ‘Wuthering Heights.’
‘Why?’
‘Why not?’
‘Tell me.’
‘An old friend introduced me to it and taught me to understand romance.’
‘Wow, a romantic.’ He was intriguing. ‘You and my mom will get along well.’
‘My parents are old-fashioned and brought us up to enjoy classical music and old literature.’ He regarded me thoughtfully. ‘What’s your favorite book?’
‘I have to confess, I don’t have one.’ Now I sounded dull. ‘Since I was a kid, I’ve been a non-fiction reader, especially science books. When I finish my studies in another decade or so, I have a massive list of novels to read.’ I hoped he wouldn’t ask me about my taste in music next because I had no memory for the names of songs and bands even when I loved them.
‘How do you do it?’
I looked at him curiously.
‘You know—stay so focused on a single goal like medicine.’
‘Since I was a kid, I haven’t imagined doing anything else.’ I couldn’t read his reaction.
‘You were born with the desire?’
‘I guess. Like an instinct.’
‘But why medicine? To help people?’
‘Um, yes although I’m not that saintly.’
‘For the money?’
‘The security would be a bonus, but my real reason is
to keep death at bay.’
Flynn chuckled. ‘That’s ambitious.’
‘As a kid, I lost a friend. I don’t want that to happen again especially to those I’m close to, so I guess it’s a selfish thing too.’
‘So, you’re going to save the world?’
‘Absolutely. One person at a time. How about you?’
‘Once I thought I’d like to study the stars, but that was years ago.’
‘Astronomy sounds great. You’re obviously good at math and science, so you could have a fantastic career.’
As Flynn brushed my hair back from my face, the soft fabric of his shirt skimmed my neck giving me goosebumps. Drawing my chin toward his, he traced my lips lightly with his fingertips making me tingle with delight. He leaned forward and kissed my lips, gently at first and then deeply and passionately.
I was dizzy with excitement. I had hoped for friendship but had never dared to dream of more.
When we stopped, he looped his arms around my waist and held me close. Resting my face on his chest, I inhaled a sweet waft of lime-scented cologne.
I shivered.
‘Cold?’ He pulled me closer so I felt the firm muscles of his arms and chest.
I shook my head. ‘Just happy to be here with you.’
We kissed again. When we came up for air, he stood behind me with his arms wrapped around me. Warm and safe, I stood with him and listened to the wind whistling through the trees in the valley below.
After pointing out various landmarks around Wicklow including the city center, our school, the three church spires, the mill and a disused water tower, Flynn pointed east. ‘Can you see that small light glowing on the hill?’
I squinted into the darkness until I saw a lit road that led to a group of buildings on a hill surrounded by forest.
‘That’s Anubis College.’
‘Why do you suppose they built it out there and not closer to town?’
‘Suited their purpose, I suppose.’
‘Anya spoke about Anubis College yesterday. I’m thinking I should apply there as a backup. It’d be the smart thing to do and I wouldn’t have to travel far.’
Flynn was still gazing into the darkness toward the lights of Anubis. ‘My home’s further along the same road in the next valley. We should visit there soon to meet my family.’
Meet the family? I wasn’t excited about the thought of meeting his parents and hoped he’d forget. To be honest, it was way too soon.
‘I’d better get you home,’ Flynn said. ‘You need plenty of sleep for the finals especially with all you’re going through with your mom.’
I felt disappointed because I was having fun and wanted the evening to stall and freeze in time. The novelty of being with a boy I liked was new and exhilarating. I’d only got to dig a little with my questions, but perhaps it was better not to rush it. For all I knew he might not like being questioned about his past—like me.
As we drove home, I remembered the article about the murdered woman. ‘I forgot to ask you whether you went to the police about that woman.’
He gave me an odd look I couldn’t quite read. ‘Didn’t I tell you? Sorry. They recorded my description of the couple and the car, but they said they’d already caught the guy and he’d confessed.’
‘So, was it her?’ I asked in a whisper as I pictured the silver of her gown and possibly her last moments.
‘Yes, I think so.’
A shiver ran down my spine and I felt sick at the thought that maybe we could have saved her. ‘The article said her name was Isabel.’
‘We weren’t to know.’
‘I can’t help feeling we could’ve done something.’ The evening descended into gloom as my mind refused to let her memory and my guilt go.
It was late when we finally drove into my drive. After talking about the fate of the poor woman, we were subdued. Half of me wanted to ask Flynn to stay, but I felt sad for Isabel and in some ways disrespectful not honoring her.
Once I’d carefully locked the house, I crawled into bed and promised myself I’d rise early tomorrow to study. I wasn’t going to jeopardize my chance of doing well in the exams. I’d worked so hard for the chance to study medicine and it looked as though Flynn wasn’t going anywhere in a hurry. There would be time for both dreams.
* * *
When I woke the next morning, I decided to stay home from school to study for my biology exam the following day. I texted Mom to let her know I wouldn’t be visiting until tomorrow afternoon. Relieved, these were my last days of preparation, I was also excited exams and school would soon be over, whatever the outcome.
While thinking about last night, I made toast and coffee and switched on the computer. I felt warm inside yet almost guilty to be so content given my mother’s situation. Although yesterday the doctors had assured me she was making great progress and spoke about releasing her next week. With luck that would coincide with my last exam on Thursday, so we’d have the summer break together to get back to normal before I headed off to college. I hoped it would be long enough for her to get back on her feet.
Before settling down to study genetics problems, I decided to check the Anubis College website, a few pages without any photos or videos. Impatient, I went straight to the application page, which was set out simply. All I had to do was provide basic personal details and check the box if I were applying for a full scholarship. They would contact Wicklow High directly for my academic record and let me know if I were successful. Compared to other colleges I’d applied for, this was a breeze. No essays or references. No doubt they’d grill the school for everything they needed.
After spending so much time with Flynn, Martin and Anya, the house felt still and lonely. Once I’d visited Mom tomorrow afternoon, I’d planned to go out with my friends to the movies. I couldn’t wait.
I checked my phone and was surprised to see a missed message.
Dearest Lily, good luck with the exam tomorrow. Don’t want to interrupt study. Tell me all about the exam tomorrow. I love you. Mom
Dearest Lily? I chuckled, thinking they must have upped her meds. I answered:
Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow. Hope you’re OK.
Lots of love, your dearest Lily!
The day passed quietly but uneventfully, so that by the end of it I was feeling quietly confident about the exam tomorrow. After having pumpkin soup and a chicken sandwich for dinner, I curled up on the sofa under a quilt and quickly fell asleep. At around eleven I was woken by my phone vibrating off the table. Entangled in the quilt, I tripped while trying to get to the phone before the ring tone stopped. As I staggered to pick it up, the phone went silent, but within a few moments rang again.
‘Hello, is that Lily Winter?’
‘Yes.’ A shiver ran down my spine.
‘This is Dr. Harold from Piermont House.’
‘Is everything okay?’ My throat was closing over.
‘I’m sorry Lily, but I have terrible news.’ The phone crackled and his voice sounded as though he was speaking under water. ‘There’s no easy way to say this.’
I gripped the phone and tried to take a breath.
‘Your mother died this evening.’ The voice came from hell.
‘Sorry, there’s something wrong with the connection.’ There had to be. ‘Would you please repeat that?’ Somehow he had to retract his words and change history.
‘I’m sorry, Lily, your mother’s dead.’
* * *
CHAPTER 5
Flynn: Shifting Times
It was close to midnight when Martin and I were sitting in the living room of our home watching an old movie after Anya and my mother had gone to bed. The grainy black and white movie images and the melodramatic conversations of the actors left me unable to concentrate.
Martin lit a cigarette and puffed on it.
‘Do you have to do that inside?’
‘What, are you worried about your health?’
‘Of course not. I just hate the smell.’
‘You didn’t tell me how your date went.’
‘With Lily?’
Martin chuckled. ‘No, the old school social worker,’ he teased.
‘It was good.’
‘Good? Hmm, that sounds like adequate or satisfactory. You’ve got to start loosening up.’
‘I have. I gave her flowers.’ He didn’t need to know we’d kissed.
‘It’s a start.’
‘I’m out of practice.’
‘It’s all that running, your healthy diet and too much self denial—like a grim Spartan.’
I shrugged. ‘Okay, so you’re the great role model. My way to happiness is obviously beer, cigarettes, sleep and women.’
‘Now you’re getting it. Why not enjoy the perks and lurks?’
‘What’s she like?’
‘Hmm, five foot six, slim, long dark hair, green eyes.’
‘I don’t want a verbal mug shot. Anyway, I know what she looks like.’
‘I don’t know. She’s easy to talk to, ambitious, studious ....’
‘Sounds like she’s a perfect Spartan match. Does she have any faults?’
‘Mmm, I don’t think so, but you might find her too intense about her goals, unworldly and naive.’
Martin groaned. ‘Sounds like you’re describing yourself.’
‘What do you want me to tell you about her?’
‘Forget it.’
I grinned and managed to avoid more probing because my cell phone buzzed.
‘Flynn, it’s me, Lily,’ she said in a wobbly voice.
‘What’s wrong?’
‘My mother’s dead.’
‘What?’ I sprung from the sofa. ‘She can’t be.’
Lily repeated her message and burst into tears.
‘Oh God, I’m so sorry.’ I paced the room with the phone stuck to my ear while wanting to reach down the phone and hold her. ‘It’s okay, Lily, don’t talk now because I’m coming straight over. Are you at home?’
‘Yes.’
‘Stay where you are. I’ll be there as soon as I can.’