Adam had helped me buy this car, I remember the day we went to the car yard last year. It was either a corolla or this.
I went into the garage and flicked on the lights for the huge cold space. On the far side of the garage was my second hand dark green 1994 Holden commodore.
I know commodores are not very good cars but they are sort of strong and I was thinking about keeping it, though I wouldn't mind finding a car like, a 4WD BMW or something that was fast and strong. I was hoping to get my license by September so I could drive around myself and wouldnt have to walk in the cold. Its a small enough town so I dont think I would get in much trouble for driving around on my learners permit.
As I worked underneath my car, checking the brake pads behind the front wheels, I had the song I love rock n roll by Joan Jett blaring and I was singing along to the words. I felt my mobile phone vibrate in my pocket so I pulled myself out from underneath, wiped my hands clean and looked at the screen as I paused the song.
Private no. calling.
“Hmm, I wonder,” I murmured to myself.
I shrugged and answered it. “Hello?” I asked.
“Lays, are you okay?” It was Sam; he sounded worried and panicked.
My heart stuttered from the sound of his voice. “Im… Im fine,” I spluttered out. “Why?”
“One of the coven members are missing, they are not with the rest of them,” he rushed out, sounding frustrated.
My eyes widened in fear and my breath caught in my throat.
“Lays? Layla. It's okay, you are going to be fine,” he said, trying to calm me.
Obviously he could hear my rigid silence.
“I miss you,” I managed to whisper after a minute.
He sighed. “I know, believe me. It's like I feel empty on the inside, like you have my heart. But I can only bear it because it is for you, and you are my number one priority.”
“Will you be back soon?” I asked.
I wanted him to say he would be back tomorrow so I wouldnt have to struggle to get through without him. I cannot believe I had become so attached, it was like Sam brought out another person in me.
“We have to arrange a… a meeting with them, and we should be back early Saturday morning,” he said, his voice sounding soft.
I sighed. “This is so stupid, you are all risking your lives for me,” I said sadly.
It was stupid and ridiculous beyond belief, and I knew this.
“It is only ridiculous to you, but you are something I will not stand to lose and it is the same with the others,” he said, a little agitated.
“Sam?”
“Yes.”
“I know I love you,” I murmured into the receiver, feeling the words ring out from my heart.
He didn't answer right away, it was like he was gathering the courage to say the words again. “I love you too... and I will make you safe. The Warrigal coven pose a threat and we cannot have that,” he said, his voice was so soft I almost broke down in tears, but I had to be strong now, I had to be. “I'll see you when I get home,” he said.
“Okay, see you then.” Then I hung up the phone.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes to gain control of myself, bracing myself against the side of my car. I was strong enough to make it through this, I knew it, but the problem was dealing with these problems by myself. It was emotionally damaging.
“Lays, can I talk to you for minute?” Stanley, my dad asked.
It was strange to think that he was my dad, but it was true.
“Sure,” I answered lifelessly.
I entered the living room and found him sitting on the couch watching the rugby. It seems he was either on the couch or at work these days.
He turned the volume down and turned to look at me.
I wonder what he has to say tonight, by the looks of it, it can't be good.
“Take a seat sweetheart,” he said, gesturing towards the single seater.
I looked at him warily now, this wasnt like him at all. But I sat down slowly, watching him cautiously with guarded eyes.
“Layla, I'm sorry,” he mumbled.
That took me off guard, I wasnt expecting that at all. “Alright... where's my dad and what have you done with him?” I asked in disbelief.
He came over to me, kneeled in front me and took my hands in his, ignoring my comment. “I know I haven't been a very good father since your mother passed away. I haven't been trying. I pretty much gave up when she did pass and I could never get over it. I left you and your brother, and I regret it every single day.”
I stared at him, wonder and anger overcoming me. “Why are you just realising this now dad? You don't know how hard it was for me and… and Adam to live without both our parents,” I said harshly, struggling to say Adams name.
He looked at me with his old course blue eyes. “I'm sorry, I can't even say how sorry I am, but I guess I deserved that.”
I could tell he was struggling to get through this, but in someway I could tell he meant it.
“Dad, I'm not going to forgive you for years of struggle in one day,” I said.
He looked ashamed because he stared off and broke eye contact with me.
“But you will have to prove to me over time that you can be a dad again,” I amended, after all; he was my dad.
He smiled slightly, his eyes creasing in the corners. “That sounds fair.” He looked at me for a minute and I was feeling uncomfortable. Why did he just decide this? Hadnt he already made me go through years of struggle because he couldnt cope? What changed?
“You look so much like your mother,” he said quietly.
“I know. You know I'm kind of tired so I'm gonna head off to bed,” I told him.
This was becoming too uncomfortable for me, but it was… I have to admit, it was nice that he was finally, maybe, was going to be a real dad again.
“Okay,” he said, getting up off the ground to go and sit on the couch.
“I'll see you in the morning sweetheart, and don't ever doubt that I didn't love you and your brother. I have always loved you two,” he said neutrally.
“Okay. But wait, don't you have to go to work early?”
“Not anymore. I organized it so I don't have to be there till 8:ooam when ya leave,” he explained casually.
“Oh, okay. Night dad,” I said, getting off the recliner in wonder and astonishment.
“Night,” he called after me.
Okay, that was different beyond belief. Maybe aliens abducted him and probed him because he was totally different tonight. I wish I could read his mind to see what was different, what he just realised. Maybe if he had have noticed this problem earlier Adam might not have left.
I sighed, frustrated. Theres no point dwindling on the past.
I went and chucked on a pair of track pants and a skive, then curled up under the covers to try to sleep. I knew I was hopeless without it.
****
I love you so much, Sam said. And I don't ever want to leave you. He took my hand, his green eyes probing.
Then don't, I whispered, looking at him intently.
I have to, I'm sorry. Goodbye.
Sam started walking away into the dark, I tried to follow but he kept getting further and further away no matter how fast I ran. I stopped running when I couldn't see him anymore, I knew it was hopeless. I sat down and slumped over sideways, I could feel the cold hard ground beneath me.
Then suddenly I was standing in a bright white room with no doors, I rushed around the edges of the walls frantically; maybe there was a hidden door. But there was no door anywhere, not even a window. I turned around and someone was behind me in the corner, staring at me eagerly, they were covered with black and they started walking towards me, it was…
I woke up gasping for air. I was covered in cold sweat and my heart was racing.
My phone started ringing and I picked it up and slid it open.
“Hello,” I said, gasping.
“Hello Layla,” the person on the othe
r line replied friendly.
The voice didn't sound familiar to me.
“Who is this?”
“This is Tommy,” the voice answered.
Tommy? I dont know any Tommys. My logic struck and I realised this might not be a friend.
“What do you want?” I asked, slow and quietly.
I hoped dad couldnt hear this.
“Oh, not much I assure you. Just a little confrontation,” he said, his voice friendly and calm.
“With who?” I already knew the answer but I was hoping that he wasnt talking about that.
“You of course. Meet us on Monday at your school and we will go from there,” he said. “If you don't, we will track you down and hurt one of you friends, got that?”
“Got it. I swear if you touch my family…” I trailed off,
I knew he was probably getting enjoyment out of making me angry.
He chuckled. “See you soon then.” Then the line disconnected.
I put my phone down and started shaking. Fear was rushing through my veins and I wasnt sure how to handle this.
I looked over at the alarm clock and it was 5:00am. What was today…Friday. Right, that gives me three days until I have to meet them. Okay, let me think, wait Sams coming back tomorrow. They'll come with me. I should be fine, nothing to worry about.
I threw the covers back and jumped out of bed to have a shower. I first grabbed my uniform, then went to the bathroom, but I was way too tense not to stress.
I walked out of the bathroom after my shower and tripped over something, landing flat on my back with a huff.
“Oh, perfect,” I groaned.
I got up and looked around to see what I had tripped on. Nothing apparently, there was nothing on the stupid floor.
I rolled my eyes.
I must have tripped on my own feet again. I wasn't usually a clumsy person, but when my emotions got to me I was practically inept.
I went down stairs and dad was... I couldn't believe my eyes, he was cooking at 6 o clock in the morning. It smelt amazing, like when mum use to cook breakfast for us on the weekends. Pancakes and hash browns.
“Dad?” I asked, mystified.
He turned around and had a smile on his face. “Good morning, you're up early,” he said, putting a plate of food on the table. “Thought you might be hungry,” he said, taking in my expression.
“Thanks,” I mumbled and took a seat.
His cooking wasnt too bad, but I was still trying to figure out why he was acting like this. It didn't seem right to me.
“I heard you turn the shower on.”
“Thanks,” I said again with a forced smile.
“How did you sleep?” he asked conversationally.
“Fine, you?” I asked.
He came and sat down on the other end of the table.
“Good, good. How have you been going at school?” he said, picking up his fork.
“Ah, alright I guess,” I answered, surprised.
I examined him but he seemed to be fine, except for the fact that he wasn't a part of the living dead anymore. Definitely aliens, I thought to myself. I'd have to send them a thank you post card now.
“Ah, and how is your friend… Rosa?”
“Rosetta,” I corrected him. “Is good. How about Joey and Ron?”
“Yeah, Joey's good, hes still going strong, but Rons retiring,” he said.
It was silent and I needed to understand why he was acting so normal, it wasnt like him at all.
“Dad,” I said lightly.
He looked up at me, his eyes sad.
“Why are you doing this? Why now? I mean what changed?” I asked.
He was silent for a minute or two before he answered. “I realised last Friday when you walked out that door what could happen. If you had left me as well, I would have had nobody left,” he said.
I shook my head. “That's what it was like for me dad, when Adam left I had nobody. Why couldn't you have felt like this when Adam; your son and my brother, had left?”
“I don't know, but Lays I am trying to be a good father now. No more giving up, I promise you,” he said, getting up from the table. “I have to go to work now, but I'll be home early this afternoon.”
I watched him as he rinsed his plate and grabbed his jacket.
“Love you kid,” he said as he kissed the top of my head goodbye.
“Love you too, dad,” I said dully.
I listened for him to leave, and when I heard his car reverse down the drive I knew school didn't start for at least another two hours.
“8 o clock my arse,” I murmured to myself.
He said he was going to leave for work at eight, not at 6:30am. I guess the aliens cant be perfect.
“Dad?”
“In here Lays,” he shouted from the living room.
I walked into the living room to find dad sitting on the couch with the remote in his hand. “Hey, how was school kid?” he said while patting the seat beside him.
I smiled and sat down next to him. “Boring as usual, how was work?” I asked, looking at the TV.
Rugby was on and it was the All Blacks vs. the Wallabies.
“We had Rons retirement party at the office today and Joey is training our new driver,” he said, yawning.
“You look dead beat dad, maybe you should go to bed,” I suggested.
I was a little worried about him actually. For one thing he has been working overtime and hasnt been getting enough rest, and two: well two is one as well.
“Maybe you're right, Ill see ya in the morning ay.”
He kissed me on the head and started heading for the stairs before he asked me that off question. “Lays I was just curious, you're not dating any boys are you?” he asked.
I narrowed my eyes at him. I had to think of an answer that would get me away from the question. “No, I'm not dating any boys, why do you ask?” I lied, but technically I didn't lie.
Sam wasn't really a boy, he looked like a man almost, but better.
“No reason, it's just I've never seen any boys around here for ya, and you know, Joey brought it up at work today and he suggested that you might sneak off behind my back like his daughter did to him. But I know you Lays, youd tell me right?”
“Right,” I agreed straight away.
He smiled. “Alright, night kid.” He started up the stairs again.
“Wait, dad,” I said guiltily, stopping him from going up the stairs. “I might be dating one of the new next door neighbours,” I confessed, avoiding his eyes.
“Oh,” he said, surprised.
“I'm not sure yet, but were moving really slow. I just thought I better warn you,” I half-lied, waiting for a lecture.
“Okay, well I'm glad you told me. Ill see you in the morning.” He continued up the stairs, nonchalant.
“Night dad,” I called behind him, not believing my ears.
I wasnt really sure if Sam and I were going out, though I did get slightly offended when he said that no boys come around here for me. Was he calling me some sort of loser because I didnt have boys knocking down my door? Unbelievable.
I turned my attention back to the TV. The All Blacks were down by 2.
“Go the Wallabies,” I muttered with a sly smile.
I flicked through all the channels and settled for the news, and then I heard my phone ring.
Private no. calling.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Lays, don't leave the house at all, okay?” he rushed out.
“What? Why?” I asked, confused and excited by Sams voice at the same time.
“I'm sorry, we lost them, we almost had them but they just disappeared.”
I shivered. “When are you coming back?” I asked in a quiet voice.
“Were on our way back now, I'll come for you as soon as we drive into the boundaries of Forestville,” he said, calmer now.
“Hurry,” I whispered.
“I will,” he said determinedly, then the line disconnected.
&
nbsp; I closed my phone and stared at the TV screen without actually seeing it.
If the Warrigal coven had got away, the only place they are sure to come is… here, to Forestville. And they did want to meet with me on Monday so there was no doubt they could have already been here. This is ridiculous, I mean who am I? Nobody important. I know that I am supposedly very powerful but I just cant see it. I'm a nobody! There are people; family, risking their lives for me and its so… wait, I stopped myself in my tracks. It will be alright I assured myself. As long as I keep a clear head and stay out of trouble.
I watched TV until I fell asleep and when I woke up it was dark outside. I switched the TV off, locked up and went upstairs to my small room. I had a feeling I wasnt going to come back down here later tonight so I thought to lock up now, just in case.
I lay across my bed face down, thinking. If things had been different, if mum had never died, if Adam had never left, would I have ever met the people I know now? I doubt we would even be here in Forestville. I think dad only moved here to get away from any reminders of her. Mum was beautiful, inside and out. She was kind, loving and a free spirit. I look a lot like her but she had darker hair than mine, she was a lot shorter than me and had goldy coloured eyes, truly beautiful though.
I turned over feeling drowsy and I eventually drifted off to sleep thinking of mum. Oh how much Ive missed her...
****
I was screaming and crying. Sam was on the ground and bleeding to death. There were people all around us and there was a storm coming.
“Don't leave me, you promised,” I sobbed out.
“I love you and always will,” he whispered before he closed his eyes.
“No. Sam!”
I squeezed my eyes closed and I opened them again when the screaming had stopped and I couldnt feel Sam in my arms.
I looked around and I was on my bed, it was only a dream, I thought to myself. I laid back and closed my eyes, then something covered my mouth and was pinning me down. I opened my eyes and tried to scream.
10. Confrontation
The Hidden Revelations: First Light Page 19