‘You’re lying,’ Aiden said through gritted teeth.
‘Ask her yourself. I’m sure she’ll tell you all about it.’
Aiden let go of Marcus and pushed him to the floor, knowing full well that if he didn’t walk away, he’d kill him.
‘Oh, the most interesting part of our conversation,’ Marcus yelled, when Aiden was nearly at the bottom of the hall, ‘was when we got on to talking about you. I must say, your girlfriend isn’t the best at keeping secrets.’
Aiden didn’t turn around. If he had, Marcus would’ve known all about it.
The cool breeze blew crisp, orange leaves along the path, and Charley made sure to step on them; the crunching noise beneath her feet being one of her all-time favourite sounds.
She was nearing the car park behind Aldune Estate, which was normally filled with skateboarders and Emo kids, smoking cigarettes and showing off in front of their mates.
Charley and Abbie often hung out there. They liked to sit and watch, either from the rusty swing set next to the duck pond or from the roof of the old library building. They would gossip about which guys they thought were cute and laugh at the ones who fell off their skateboards after a few too many drinks from the hipflasks they kept stashed down their jeans.
She turned the corner and her heart sank as she saw the swings, unoccupied, swaying in the gentle wind. She’d thought – hoped – that Abbie would be there.
With all the punks and scene kids still in school, the car park was empty, apart from a stray dog that had decided to take up residence in an abandoned trolley.
What’s the point in having a car park when there are never any cars in it? Charley thought, heading towards the library. She went round to the back of the building and began to climb, using the lattice to help her scale the wall.
When she reached the top, she let out a sigh of relief as she saw Abbie lying flat on her back, staring up at the cloudy sky. Charley walked over and sat down next to her friend.
‘That one looks like a bunny rabbit,’ Charley said, pointing to a cloud that didn’t really resemble a rabbit at all.
‘What kind of creepy looking bunnies have you seen lately?’ Abbie asked, the words coming out in a croak. She coughed, trying to clear her throat. She looked exhausted.
‘I get them in my garden all the time. Three eyes, two tails, big teeth. I think they might be killer bunnies.’
Abbie snorted, but she didn’t laugh. Charley had never been very good at jokes; she wasn’t really a funny person. That was more Abbie’s forte.
‘Aiden told me about my gran.’
Abbie used an elbow to push herself up and said, ‘I never meant to lie to you, Charles. He asked for my help and I didn’t know what to do. I knew you’d be devastated about it and I thought if, maybe I could help somehow–’
‘I know,’ Charley nodded. ‘I understand why you didn’t tell me. Both of you. I guess I just felt shut out – my best friend and my boyfriend in cahoots together.’
‘You know it’s not like that.’
‘Yeah, I know.’
Abbie was quiet for a moment, and then she grinned and said, ‘You do realise you just referred to Aiden as your boyfriend?’
‘I did? And . . .’
‘And, you haven’t done that before.’
‘I guess not,’ Charley said, smiling.
‘You really like him, don’t you?’
‘I do, yeah.’
For a moment neither of them said anything, the wind and the noise of passing cars the only audible sounds. Abbie began to twist a lock of Charley’s hair around her finger, weaving several strands together into what was meant to be a plait, but looked more like a knot.
‘I’m sorry about your gran.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Aiden said you might be able to help her . . . is that true?’
‘I think so. I’m not sure to be honest. I didn’t speak to him for very long.’ Charley paused, a solemn expression on her face. ‘It was a lot to take in.’
‘Of course,’ Abbie said, putting an arm around her.
They stayed on the rooftop for ages, neither one of them wanting to return to the dramas of everyday life. Abbie began to shiver as a few drops of rain fell, and she pulled her mauve poncho around her tightly. Summer was definitely gone.
Without thinking, Charley gave a quick nod towards the sky and the rain stopped immediately.
‘Was that you?’ Abbie asked.
‘What? Oh, right. Yeah, I guess it was.’ Charley put her hand out in front of her and raised it ever so slightly, the bitter edge to the air disappearing as she lifted it higher.
Abbie, feeling warmer than she had done for weeks, let the poncho fall from her shoulders and said, ‘You’re getting good.’
‘I’m getting better,’ Charley said modestly. ‘Although I don’t think I’m meant to mess with the weather.’
‘Why?’ Abbie giggled.
‘I dunno. Something Aiden said. Maybe it was personal.’
‘I don’t wanna know,’ Abbie laughed. ‘The pair of you are way too complicated for me.’
Right on cue, as if his ears had been burning, Aiden stalked into the car park below. Charley could tell from the way he was holding himself, the way he was walking and from the scowl on his face that he wasn’t happy.
What is it this time? she wondered.
‘Chambers!’ she heard him yell, and not in the most pleasant tone she’d ever heard either. She pushed herself to her knees and let out a groan.
‘I think I have to go deal with this,’ she said to Abbie.
‘Deal with what?’ Charley nodded towards the angry looking teenager, storming across the car park. ‘Oh dear, what have you done?’
‘Beats me,’ Charley muttered.
‘Chambers, I need to talk to you!’ His voice was getting louder and she could tell he was losing his patience.
Charley made her way back to the edge of the roof and began climbing down the lattice, the same way she’d come up.
‘Can’t you just fly or something?’ Abbie said mockingly, although she did genuinely wonder if it was something Charley could do.
‘Don’t know, never tried. I highly doubt it.’
‘You’ll never know if you don’t try,’ Abbie said, mimicking her mother’s favourite phrase.
‘Yeah, try and then end up breaking my neck. I’ll stick to climbing for now.’
She climbed down until she was almost at the bottom and then jumped, wincing in pain as her feet hit the ground. She hobbled round to the car park, preparing herself for whatever Aiden was about to say.
‘I’m here,’ she yelled, and he turned immediately and began marching towards her.
‘What the hell have you done, Chambers?’
‘Excuse me? What are you talking about?’ she asked, startled.
‘After everything I’ve said about him, after what you’ve seen for yourself, you go to Marcus of all people and tell him what you,’ – he lowered his voice – ‘what you are.’
‘Yes, but you don’t understand–’
‘You’re damn right I don’t understand! Are you insane? Not only do you go and spill your own secret, you told him about me as well.’
‘That was a mistake, I never meant to–’
‘It’s done now,’ Aiden spat, his voice harsh.
‘Aiden, I’m sorry. I needed someone to talk to.’
‘So you thought blabbing this of all things was a good idea? How could you be so stupid?’
Charley was lost for words for a moment. That one had hurt.
‘It’s not what you think. If you would just listen. Marcus is like us.’
Aiden frowned and said, ‘He’s what?’
‘He’s like us. He’s a magician. He showed me . . . he had this light bulb and . . .’ Charley
teetered off as she saw Aiden’s expression change from one of anger and frustration to one of complete horror. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘There is one thing that Marcus Gillespie is not, and that’s a magician.’
He didn’t say another word to her. He looked at the ground, as if deep in thought, and then he turned and began running the other way. Across the car park, round the corner. Then he was gone.
‘Not go so well then?’ Abbie called, hanging over the edge of the rooftop.
‘Does it look like it went well?’ Charley yelled back. ‘Not sure how I’m going to fix this one.’
‘He’s crazy about you, he’ll get over it.’
‘I don’t think it’s that simple. He’s really mad.’ She sighed. ‘I’ve messed up.’
‘You always mess up, Charles. One more time won’t hurt.’
‘Gee, thanks. Some friend you are.’ She didn’t mean it though. Abbie was the best friend she could ask for. She wouldn’t have traded her for the world.
Just as Charley was contemplating whether or not to go after Aiden, she heard a sudden shriek from above her and turned to see Abbie toppling off the library roof.
‘Abbie!’ Charley screamed, running over.
Abbie was lying, face down on the ground, her body still. Charley put a hand on Abbie’s neck and she heard a soft groan coming from somewhere in the mess of auburn hair.
‘Abbie? Abbie! Oh, God, be all right. Please be all right. I’m gonna phone for help, honey. Don’t move, I promise it will all be okay.’
Charley got out her phone and called for an ambulance, then for Aiden. He didn’t pick up so she tried again. And again. And again . . .
As she pointlessly redialled his number, stroking Abbie’s arm at the same time, someone stood above her, looking down at the tragedy unfolding beneath them.
The figure smiled; an unpleasant smile. ‘You should watch who you’re messing with, little girl.’ As the shadow slowly disappeared, the words were lost on the air.
Newford Royal Infirmary was bustling with activity and Charley felt invisible as she sat on a chair in the corner of the waiting room, desperately hoping that someone would soon be able to tell her something – anything – about Abbie’s condition.
She’d been up and down to reception umpteen times to ask if they could give her some information, but the woman behind the desk had been no help at all. Now, every time Charley looked in the receptionist’s direction, she was greeted with a glower. She didn’t care; she got to her feet once again and marched over to the desk, clearing her throat to alert the receptionist, who was ignoring her on purpose.
‘Excuse me?’ Charley said, as the woman stuffed half a cheese sandwich into her mouth. ‘Have you heard anything yet?’
‘Look, kid,’ the woman groaned, wiping pickle from her chin, ‘if I’d heard anything I would have told you. I know about as much as you do.’
‘I doubt that.’
‘What?’
Charley ignored her. ‘Could you possibly ask someone for me? A nurse, a doctor . . .? I’ve been waiting for ages now and no one’s told me anything.’
‘Listen, the doctor will call you when he knows something. Now, take a seat.’
‘No, you listen,’ Charley said, raising her voice, ‘I’ve asked nicely, I’ve been patient and you’ve done nothing at all to help me. If you don’t get me a doctor now, I swear to God I’ll–’
‘Chambers, calm down.’ She turned just in time to see Aiden approaching her side, his hair messy from the rain outside and his breathing laboured, as if he’d been running.
‘What are you doing here?’ she demanded, but he could hear the relief in her voice and pulled her into his chest.
‘I’m sorry I missed your calls. I wasn’t ignoring you, I promise.’
‘It’s fine. I didn’t know what to do. She just fell, Aiden, I didn’t even see what happened. I saw her falling, but by then it was too late.’
‘How is she now?’
‘I’ve no idea. She won’t tell me anything.’ The receptionist glared at Charley, and Aiden raised his eyebrows at her unpleasant expression.
‘Look,’ – he glanced down at her nametag – ‘Doris, I’d appreciate it if you could find out what’s going on. Or at least let us talk to someone who can help.’
‘I’ve already told your friend, you will just have to wait for–’
‘Waiting isn’t an option. Either you get me someone I can speak to or I’ll go find them myself.’
Doris thought about it for a moment and then, huffing, pushed herself out of the chair.
‘I’ll be right back.’
‘How do you do that?’ Charley asked, wrapping her arms around his waist. For a moment, she was almost able to forget their fallout. But when he lifted her arms from his body and walked across to the other side of the room, she knew he hadn’t forgotten.
‘Experience,’ he said quietly, and he took a seat.
Charley joined him, sitting herself on the chair’s arm. ‘I’m so sorry, Aiden.’
‘I know.’
‘I still don’t see how it’s terrible news. I told you, Marcus showed me what he can do. He’s just like us.’
‘No, he’s nothing like us, Chambers. You need to remember that. I don’t know what he is, but he’s no magician.’
‘How do you know that? If you’d seen him do what I saw, then–’
‘And what exactly did you see? What did he show you?’
‘Well . . .’ – she thought about it for a moment – ‘he threw a light bulb into the air and made it float, just like you did with the baseball. Then it filled up with this black, smoky stuff and exploded, and the smoke turned into this sort of snake-like thing, as if it was slithering out the window and–’
‘Wow, slow down. Snake-like thing?’
‘Yeah, why? Is that important?’
‘Maybe.’ He paused for a moment. ‘Chambers, do you mind if I run home? I need to check something. I won’t be long.’
‘No, I don’t mind. What is it? You know something, don’t you? What was that thing?’
Aiden looked around and lowered his voice. ‘I think it might have been a nost.’
‘A nost? What’s that?’
‘Trust me, you don’t wanna know.’
‘Aiden . . .’
‘I’ll explain it all later. You sure you’re okay with me going?’
‘Yeah, it’s cool. Just hurry back.’
‘I will.’ He put his hands on either side of her head, tilting it upwards so he could kiss her. ‘Try to stay out of trouble until I get back.’
‘I’ll do my best.’
And then his hands were gone, the warmth from them leaving with him as he made his way out the door. She was alone again. Not even the snotty-nosed receptionist was there to give her the evil eye.
‘Excuse me? Are you here with Abbie Gibbons?’
Charley turned to see a doctor, standing next to dismal Doris whose expression was now stonier than ever.
‘Yes. Is she all right?’
‘I’m Dr Pomeroy,’ he said, holding a hand out for her to shake. ‘Are Abbie’s parents here?’
‘No. I’ve tried calling her mum but she’s not answering her phone. I’ve left a bunch of messages.’
‘All right,’ the doctor said, looking down at his clipboard.
‘Is everything okay?’ Charley asked impatiently. Why was everyone so reluctant to tell her anything?
‘She’s conscious now. She’s fractured her clavicle and there’s a cha–’
‘Clavicle?’ Charley interrupted, making a mental note that she had to brush up on her knowledge of anatomy.
‘Collarbone,’ he said. Doris smirked, but Charley didn’t notice.
‘Can I see her?’
‘Yes, of course. Now, we’re
going to have to wait forty-eight hours to rule out the possibility of paralysis, but in that event–’
‘Wait, what? Paralysis . . . are you saying she might not walk again?’
Dr Pomeroy pushed up his glasses. ‘Right now, she has no feeling from the waist down. We think she’s suffering from spinal shock syndrome. Now, it could just be impact from the fall, but we won’t know for certain until she either regains feeling in her legs or . . .’ The doctor tailed off.
‘Or she doesn’t,’ Charley said, finishing his sentence for him.
‘Yes, that’s correct. Because of the trauma and inflammation, it’s hard to make much of the scans or x-rays, not that there appears to be anything wrong, but you can never tell until things calm down. Don’t worry, we’ll keep a very close eye on her. I just feel it necessary to make you aware of this, so as not to panic Abbie. People find the word paralysis rather frightening, but at this stage, it’s just a precaution. If you come this way, I’ll show you to her room. Doris, try to get the girl’s parents on the phone. I want to speak with them immediately.’
‘Yes, Dr Pomeroy,’ Doris said, shuffling back to her seat behind the desk.
Charley followed the doctor along the corridors until they came to a room marked ‘26’, and underneath, on an A4 sheet of paper, someone had scribbled ‘Abbie Gibbons’.
‘She’s right inside,’ Dr Pomeroy said, offering Charley a kind smile. ‘She’s still quite groggy, so take it easy.’ Charley nodded and pushed the door open, rushing over to the bed as soon as she laid eyes on Abbie.
‘Oh my God, look at you! You really don’t do things by halves, do you?’
‘Charles,’ she said, her voice hoarse, ‘you have no idea how good it is to see you.’
Charley took Abbie’s hand in hers and said, ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Like I’ve gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson.’
‘What happened?’
Charley Chambers Page 12