by Aria Sparke
Summer was over and the fall semester was beginning. Anubis was a new college, so its appearance surprised me. After we emerged from a densely shadowed forest, we traveled through wrought iron gates between high stonewalls. As we drove down the snaking gravel drive toward the parking lot to the side, I was stunned by the beautiful lawn with its border of blooming, pale pink flowers.
‘It’s not too late to change your mind, Lily,’ said Martin in a strange tone.
‘Huh?’
‘Surely this dreary northern weather can’t appeal to a girl who grew up in a sunny state by the beach?’
‘I haven’t any choice. Anubis is the only college that selected me.’
‘Shut up, Martin,’ Anya said abruptly. ‘You can be so annoying.’
Martin sighed and pressed his face against the car window. ‘Wild tulips; see their yellow centers?’
I couldn’t fathom his moodiness or work out what he was getting at.
‘How did they get their flowers to bloom in the fall?’ I asked.
‘Not all flowers bloom in spring,’ Martin said. ‘Although they are tulips ... it’s a mystery, isn’t it?’
‘I don’t follow.’ I felt like I’d been left out of a joke.
‘Martin knows his flowers,’ said Flynn quickly as though trying to steer the conversation. ‘Ask him their Latin names.’
‘Maybe you should study botany,’ I said. Between Flynn loving old romantic novels and Martin knowing the Latin names for flowers, I assumed their upbringing wasn’t average.
‘Perhaps.’ Martin looked away again. It was characteristic of him, always dipping in and out of conversations, sometimes funny and engaging while other times, moody and distant.
Anubis College was an imposing gothic-style, three-story building built of gray stone. Lush, dark-green vines grew up over the first story softening the cold exterior. A few gargoyles peeked from the roofline of the building making me wonder if we’d come to the right place.
‘It’s beautiful but a little spooky,’ I said.
‘Atmospheric,’ Flynn said. ‘Bet it’s great inside.’
Anya squeezed my hand. ‘Aren’t we lucky?’
I nodded and hoped she was right. ‘The place looks old. What do you suppose it was before becoming a college?’
‘A seminary for training priests—I looked it up,’ Flynn said. ‘When numbers dropped, the religious order sold the place and moved east.’
‘What religion was that?’ Martin asked with a half smile.
Flynn glared at him. ‘No idea.’
Martin and Flynn were giving each other meaningful looks and making pointed comments, which must have related to some previous yet private conversation or disagreement. Anya ignored them, so I did too.
A long, thin woman dressed in a stiff-looking formal dress with cream lace at her neck and cuffs greeted us in the foyer. The dark outfit had to be uncomfortable and looked like she’d plucked it from the shelves of a Halloween costume shop. Like an ancient doll, she floated over the polished parquetry floor, her eyes skimming over our faces without any change in facial expression. No one else seemed to notice, yet she gave me the creeps.
‘Good afternoon, I’m Mrs. Hasham, the administrative officer,’ she said in a crusty voice. ‘Welcome to Anubis College. Names, please?’
Anya stepped forward and pointed to her name on the list before introducing each of us. After Mrs. Hasham had checked us off her master list, she handed us keys.
‘Ladies, your accommodation is on third floor and gentlemen, second floor. Classes will be held on first floor or in rooms behind the main building. Please check the map in your orientation package, which you should have already received. Meals are served in the residence to the rear of the main building across the covered walkway. Tonight you will be expected to attend formal dinner at 7 pm. Please dress accordingly. Any questions?’ She had already turned away to a newly arrived student before we had a chance to reply.
Eyeing each other, we stifled giggles like children.
‘Let’s go,’ Flynn said. ‘We can come back for the rest of our belongings when we’ve had a look at our rooms.’
We wandered up the grand staircase with its slippery and enticing hand rail. I hoped we’d get the opportunity to slide down it at some stage. Lately I felt like I had an unstable and feral animal caged in my skull, and it wasn’t helping that I was feeling stir-crazy with all the formality. Maybe I just needed to bang out a hard mile or two down the front drive and into the forest to clear the cobwebs in my head. I wondered if the Anubis hierarchy would object.
Flynn grabbed my hand and held it gently at first and then firmly as we climbed the stairs. ‘Will you be okay?’ he whispered.
‘Once we’re alone,’ I said quietly and smiled at him. Since my mother’s death, he was so good at sensing my restless insanity and I was grateful he seemed to know how to calm it. Eventually we parted to explore our rooms.
Mine was more like a luxurious hotel room than a college dormitory. It was spacious with a fireplace, private bathroom and study desk lit by a beautiful old-style lamp. The highlight was the window box with rose-print cushions scattered on the padded seat overlooking the back lawn. I could already imagine curling up with a book (or Flynn) on a cold night with the fire crackling in the background. After bouncing on the large four-poster bed, I lay back on the quilt that matched the rose-covered cushions. Closing my eyes, I smelled a faint perfume. It had to be my feverish imagination though because it was lily-scented.
Flynn and Anya burst into my room.
‘What do you think?’ Anya asked as she bounced on the bed beside me. ‘Mine’s pretty much the same as yours.’
Martin knocked on the door before joining us.
‘Hi Martin, it’s incredible, isn’t it?’ I said.
He sat on the window seat and stared out at the back lawns. ‘Yes, it appears quite beautiful.’
‘Oh come on, surely you can be more enthusiastic?’ I said.
‘I’ll try.’
‘This room’s ridiculously amazing,’ I said as Flynn and Anya bounced with me on the bed while laughing and giggling.
‘The mysterious European benefactor must have bequeathed all his billion dollars here in my room.’ It was so gorgeous; I couldn’t imagine ever wanting to leave. After wiggling off the bed, I walked to the window to see what held Martin’s attention. To the back of the school were more buildings and green ovals rimmed by trees. After undoing the latch of one of the arch-shaped windows, I threw it open, wanting to scream my happiness into the fall afternoon.
Martin watched. ‘You’ll close this later?’
I laughed, but he didn’t.
‘How do you know what’s out there?’
I suspected he might be a worried soul, a little too careful and pessimistic. ‘We’re on the third level. Who or what is going to wander inside?’
‘Martin’s right,’ Anya said. ‘There might be nightlife—strange birds, bats, who knows.’
Glancing at Flynn for backup, I saw his face was impassive. ‘Oh, okay, I’ll consult the prim Mrs. Hasham and check about the official college protocol for windows.’ I laughed, but no one else did.
Flynn, Martin and Anya retreated to their rooms to dress for dinner. After showering and changing, I chose the slinky black gown I had bought from the second-hand shop. I almost laughed at my reflection. I felt exposed by the silky gown which hugged my curves, leaving nothing to the imagination.
‘Who are you?’ I asked my reflection. I was exploring uncharted territory and even though it scared me, part of me of was exhilarated by this new experience. It was like letting go of the rail on a mad roller coaster and throwing your hands to the air as you traveled too fast upside down and inside out. But I was enjoying it.
When Flynn entered my room wearing a stylish dark suit, I was stunned by how handsome and masculine he appeared. My primitive self wanted to draw him into the room, lock the door and forget the rest of the world. We’d had so little t
ime to explore our physical attraction, but I kept reminding myself I needed to know him before committing to that level.
‘You look sharp, Mr. Cooper.’ And smell edible, I wanted to add.
‘And you are beautiful as always, Ms. Winter.’ He smiled. ‘In fact, you in that dress is driving me wild.’
We both burst into laughter.
Secretly I was thrilled with his reaction to my dress.
At the dinner I sat across from Martin and Anya and next to Flynn. Anya wore a blood-red gown that swept over her curves and matched her hot lipstick, yet Flynn didn’t seem to notice. She had the physique of a graceful athlete although I’d never seen her raise a bat or ball or even walk any great distance. Genetics unfairly favor some people. Surprisingly, Flynn kept his eyes trained on me during the entire evening. How, I’m not sure because she looked incredible.
There were around fifty students in our intake; half would be attending the arts program and the other, science with a little overlap in our course selection. We sat at the long tables overhung by grand chandeliers. White tablecloths, silver cutlery, sparkling glassware and bowls of pink flowers like those from the garden adorned our tables. The room smelled rich and floral and the music playing almost imperceptibly in the background seemed old, formal and foreign. I felt grown up.
‘You must be used to this?’ I murmured to Flynn.
He seemed surprised by my comment.
‘Sorry, I heard you and Martin come from a, um, good family.’ That was the problem with focusing on science, I wasn’t a smooth talker and my social banter needed refining.
He laughed. ‘Good? Do you mean wealthy?’
Was he making fun of me? I waved a hand at the table. ‘I heard you come from an old European family and I’d imagine this dinner is normal for you.’
He nodded but didn’t elaborate.
Nice try. Although I was curious to see what his family and home were like, I didn’t necessarily want to score an invitation to meet the folks. As brothers, Flynn and Martin looked very similar, yet they were so different in temperament.
‘Why were you and Martin in the same year at school?’
Flynn smiled. ‘We’re twins.’
Surprised, I waited for him to clarify.
‘Didn’t I mention it? Identical actually.’
‘No, but how could you be identical? You don’t look exactly the same and you certainly don’t behave identically.’
‘Martin’s thinner and taller—he said I kept him in the dark and monopolized the food supply before birth.’
‘Are you close?’
‘Yes, fairly.’
I’d seen no sign of it.
‘When you get to know him better, you’ll see he has a caring side and a sense of humor although it’s a bit dark at times.’
Had Flynn read my mind?
When the college dean arrived soon after we started eating our beef stroganoff, I caught his understated entrance through a doorway at the other end of the room. Tall and elegant, wearing a dark dinner suit, he almost glided to the head of the table and sat beneath a giant silver chandelier. No one seemed to notice. I could see his powerful stature and defined jawline from two full tables away. Before sitting, he caught my eye and in those moments I felt a jolt of surprise and alarm although I didn’t know why. Quickly, I cast my eyes to my dinner and didn’t engage him again.
When he stood and introduced himself, I guessed Dean Alexis Ruberio was no more than thirty, ridiculously young to be a college principal. He seemed powerful, tall and muscular although his complexion was pale. Maybe he was a dedicated academic who didn’t get out much, and his flawless skin and athletic build made him look young. Listening to his speech, I detected a faint accent while his words were from a past era in keeping with the overall feel of Anubis College. It also strengthened my suspicion Dean Ruberio was related to the college’s mysterious European benefactor. I wondered if the formality and accent were a deliberate yet weird marketing ploy. Mrs. Hasham was definitely in on it with her long formal dress and ancient lacy collar.
Dean Ruberio spoke about the college programs and expectations in a deep and authoritative voice. ‘If you have any questions or problems, my door’s always open. I will enjoy meeting each one of you. I regard your future success and happiness as my personal responsibility.’
Mrs. Allen from Wicklow High had an open door policy, but I’d thrown it in her face. This place was just far enough removed from Wicklow for me not to reject Dean Ruberio’s invitation—yet.
After dinner I returned to my new room, threw the windows open fearlessly and lay across the seat facing the night, amazed I had reached this point in my life. The tide of misery had to be turning. I thought of my parents but tried not to dwell on their memories. I couldn’t allow the brutal tide of grief to wash me away. Not now. Drawing my knees to my chest, I marveled at the sky of never ending stars buoyed by a beautiful sense of strength and belief in myself and my new college. Since crossing the threshold of this bright new world, my spirits were soaring. I’m sure Flynn, Martin and Anya felt the same.
* * *
CHAPTER 8
Flynn: Another Life
‘So when are you going to tell Lily?’ Martin asked me before sipping his beer. He sat with his long legs outstretched on the window box seat in his room.
‘How can I do it now? The shock would kill her. She’s been through so much already, and it’s only been a few months since her mother died.’
Martin sighed. ‘Flynn, Flynn, Flynn, you’re such a soft heart. I know there’s no easy way, but you have to start somewhere.’
‘What, so the ugly truth dawns on her gradually?’
Martin gazed at the night sky. ‘I’d start drip feeding information as soon as you can to help her understand.’
Outside the room, students called out to each other and doors banged as was usual for Anubis College, which sprang to life after midnight.
‘When the Piermont staff said her mom died of an overdose, it nearly destroyed Lily. How do you think she’ll cope with more disturbing news?’
‘You know it’s your job.’
‘My job?’
‘We can’t do it for you, and it will only get more difficult and awkward as time passes. It’s the right thing to do before she finds out for herself.’
I shook my head. ‘What do you suppose it’s like going from being completely ignorant to discovering it all?’
‘Crazy, shocking, insane ... I guess. Although how could we know?’
Martin’s room had a quirky, artistic atmosphere. On one wall, he had filled bookcases with novels and art books and on another wall, he had already hand-painted an abstract design. Lily had been blown away by his paintings, drawings and the quirky models suspended from the ceiling.
I examined a painting hanging on the wall depicting a windswept field with the silhouette of a castle on the horizon. ‘I haven’t seen this painting of Galdrar Academy for a while.’
‘I dug it up with a few of my older works to match the paint and decor. Do you find my room tasteful?’
I grinned, not really sure if Martin was being serious. ‘I’ll have to commission you to fix mine.’
‘What would you like your room to say about you? Um, let me think, I’m a thinker, an artist, a jock, an alpha male ...?’
‘None of the above. Anyway what’s an alpha male?’
‘Hmm, not really you. From what I can gather they’re boring steroidal Neanderthals with a need to dominate.’ Martin grinned. ‘Like dear old Dad.’
‘You should really keep going with your art.’ I moved to the next painting, a scene of a wild coast with surf crashing over a rocky shore.
‘Why?’
‘Why not?’ Martin was gifted but reasoned he would never have the ability of the great artists he had followed over the years. ‘Like Lily said you’ve all the time in the world to improve and discover your greatness.’
‘Maybe that’s it. I’ve no real imperative.’ He swung h
is legs around and drained the bottle. ‘Anyway, you’re changing the subject. How do you plan to tell Lily?’
‘Slowly and carefully.’
‘Not too slowly, or she’ll be annoyed with you withholding the truth for so long.’ He checked the window catch was locked. ‘And what about Emma?’
I groaned.
‘Lily will understand.’
‘I can’t fully explain it to myself.’
‘You were young and uncertain. That’s not a crime.’ Martin chuckled. ‘I’d go insane with your conscience.’
I shook my head at him. ‘Are you happy?’
Martin flipped his empty beer bottle into the open trash can near the door. ‘I live for the moment.’
‘I want more.’
‘Are you ready to pay the price?’
‘I don’t know yet. It’s too early to tell and in any case, it’s not only my decision.’
‘Okay, start with the bigger picture, and once you’ve managed that, the rest will be easy.’
I knew he was right and steeled myself to begin the process tomorrow. Lily was a beautiful person who didn’t deserve anymore angst or trauma in her life, so I would need to tread cautiously.
‘I’m heading off now. I’ve got to get to bed because I promised to meet Anya early to talk before we go to Wicklow.’
‘Good luck with that.’ Martin chuckled. ‘She and Mirela had a spectacular argument over the weekend. I almost had to throw my body between them. Anya can be verbally colorful when she gets her back up.’
‘Sorry, I should’ve been there.’
Martin shrugged. ‘Not a problem. After grabbing Gregori from the kitchen, we gathered the dogs and headed out for a walk. By the time we got back it had blown over. I honestly think Anya needs an audience to enjoy her conflicts.’
‘Like I said, I’ll talk to her and try and smooth things out.’
* * *
CHAPTER 9
Rain Walkers
Without much difficulty, I settled quickly into a pattern of lectures, labs and study. This semester I had chosen to take a standard science program of biology, chemistry, physics and psychology with Flynn and Anya. Martin shared psychology and biology classes with us but had opted for literature and history for his other courses.