Being Grey (Beings Trilogy) Page 8

  “Yes, and I get it. I was just so mad. He used to be so good Parker. When we were young, I thought he’d die for me.”

  “So is some of this jealousy?”

  “No, of course not.”

  Parker looks at me with one eyebrow raised.

  “Well yes I am now you mention it.” I resign. I quit. I’d defend my friends to the death and I’m jealous Jason isn’t defending me anymore. “I still don’t think it’s that simple though Parker.”

  “Neither do I Miss Alice, neither do I. But we have to remove ourselves from the box, take a look at the bigger picture. You like Jason,” I don’t nod, but I don’t shake my head either, just stare stubbornly ahead “and when you met up with him again you were concerned for his Being. The rules haven’t changed. Miss Alice the big picture is the ‘Taker’. When there are a group of people such as the one’s you have described, there is sure to be a ‘Taker’ close by.”

  “Five young men, one now dead; the remaining four all have to have turned a little worse unless one of those in the car is the ‘Taker’. The one influencing them all. As much as you don’t want to hear this, Jason has become the pawn that will bring together us and them.”

  “He’s expendable isn’t he Parker?”

  Parker turns to me and puts his hands on my shoulders. He’s looking into my Being.

  “Miss Alice, Jason is a shade of grey. He can be saved. No grey is expendable. If we can remove the ‘Taker’ who is influencing this group of boys we can help. You have a very special talent. It is up to you to and only you to save Jason. Let the rest of us take care of the others.”

  I asked Parker to drop me off at the train station. He’d offered to drive me home but I needed time to think. I’d hugged him like I hug dad and I’d meant it. I’m glad I spoke to him. He may be ‘old school’ but at least he didn’t call in the gang. He did say he was going to update Adrian though and I hope that’s not going to be awkward but I couldn’t face Adrian today. I love him but am exhausted and can’t go through it again until tomorrow. I’ll call him when I get home and we can have a meeting tomorrow.

  Chapter Twenty

  “Hello darling. To what do I owe this pleasure?” Always the same greeting as she opens the door.

  “Hi mum. I love you and I’m exhausted. Can I stay here tonight?”

  Mums. How do they do it? She hugs me, sits me in front of the TV which means kicking dad into the study with a wink (and a smack on the bum but I’ll pretend I didn’t see that) and then goes upstairs to run me a bath. She has enough bubbles in it to fill the room and yet she still manages to navigate a cup of tea to my side.

  No questions. If I want to talk she knows I will.

  I get out of the bath, dry off and she’s left me one of her nighties to wear to bed. She’d whisked my clothes out of the bathroom, probably to launder them before I even wake up. It’s a beautiful cream silk knee length nightie. I’m not a little kid is what she’s telling me. I’m a young woman now.

  I’m curled up in bed in my old room before she brings me a refill.

  “I love you.” Is all she says as she leans over me and kisses my forehead.

  “Oh mum. I don’t know whether this is who I am, whether it’s called growing up or whether there’s something wrong with me. I’m happy sad happy mad. Up down and all over the place. I like Jason, I hate Jason. I’m eager, I’m scared. And today I’m thoroughly exhausted.”

  “Oh darling.” she says stroking my hair off my forehead. My mum has done this for as long as I can remember and if she ever thinks I’m too old for it my heart will surely break in half. “Sometimes I think being a teenage girl is harder than our job.”

  I look at my mum. So beautiful, so graceful but more than anything so protective of me and the rest of the family. Fight to the death protective.

  “Mum, I’m not thinking of marriage or anything but I do like him. I’ve liked him for a long time and I truly believe now that there’s a ‘Taker’ out there influencing them. Mum I spoke to Parker today.” Am I making any sense?

  “I heard darling. Parker called me as he knew you’d come home first. You’re tired, go to sleep and we’ll talk more in the morning if you want to.”

  “I love you, tell me a story.” I know I’m dropping off so my mum tells me my favourite story of all time.

  Before I even knew what my ability was, Lisa and I were at the zoo. To me, Lisa being older meant she had to know everything. We were in front of the elephants and I’d asked Lisa ‘do elephants bite?’

  I fell asleep to the sound of my mum imitating Lisa. ‘Only if you pick them up.’

  Chapter Twenty One

  It’s the night of my sixth birthday again, at midnight.

  So, there I was, all three foot nothing of me in my Thomas the Tank Engine pyjamas, wide eyed and excited listening to Uncle Thomas.

  A short while later mum had helped me change in the downstairs bathroom. Little jeans, purple jumper, pink winter jacket (our birthdays are in February) and my matching pink fur lined boots. It was cold and dark. No surprise there. And it was also snowing lightly. I was becoming more excited by the minute. Wide awake now, I wanted to build snowmen and make snow angels. Instead, I was herded into the back of the car.

  We started driving around London. I don’t remember where we went, but my excitement started to ebb after twenty minutes. The grown ups were silent in the front seats.

  Our destination was a park. No idea which one.

  There were others there. I could sense them. It was like a dream but I think I was awake.

  Mum parked the car and turned in her seat. “Stay here,” she said, “and keep the doors locked.”

  I wanted to protest, but something in the tone of her voice stopped me. Her and Thomas stepped out of the car and locked the doors. I strained to follow them as they disappeared from view, but I could still see the glow of their Beings, muted through the trees but still so bright.

  I was usually an obedient child but tonight everything I knew had changed so curiosity got the better of me. I unlocked the car door and crept in the direction mum and Thomas had gone.

  Somewhere in the park, a ‘Gifted’, like us, had caught a damned Being. I heard the story later that it was a young ‘Gifted’, coming of age, and he needed help ‘cleaning up’. That’s why Mum and Thomas had gone.

  Hiding behind a big oak tree I saw Thomas and mum approach a young man. I could see his pure Being so felt at ease knowing he was one of us. I didn’t sense any goblins.

  I noticed a pile of old clothes on the ground that Uncle Thomas approached. He picked them up and started walking towards me with them. I ducked deeper into the shadows and as he passed me I noticed it was not a pile of clothes but a man. The man was asleep but with his eyes open, and glazed over. I couldn’t sense a Being at all, either good or bad. He was empty now.

  I crept closer to mum as I could hear her talking.

  “You know what you did is right. You’re shaking. Are you in shock?”

  My mum had her hand on the young man’s shoulder, letting him know she was there if he needed her.

  “It’s not the shock of killing someone.” The young man stated. “It’s because I don’t feel bad about it.”

  “You shouldn’t,” mum replied, “you’ve taken the life of someone who was damned and saved the lives of who knows how many. It’s a good thing we do.”

  The young man nodded and looked comforted so I crept back to the car. I was asleep by the time mum and Uncle Thomas returned.

  Chapter Twenty Two

  “Good morning darling. You are staying for dinner aren’t you?”

  “Mum, can I have a cup of tea first?” Honestly, let me wake up. “What’s for dinner?” Hello, this is my mum, best cook ever.

  “Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, cabbage, peas, carrots, roast potatoes, boiled potatoes, sweet corn, roast parsnips and gravy.”

  Every Sunday my mum cooks a ‘Sunday Dinner’. I say dinner but it’s always served around
4 O’clock and then we all complain for three hours while watching a movie that we’ve eaten too much. Problem is it’s the best food you’ll ever eat. Especially when it’s roast beef.

  “Do you think we could squeeze Poppy in if she’s around?” This is said jokingly as there’s enough for twenty even if we don’t eat like pigs. Which we will.

  “I’ll peel some more potatoes.” Unnecessary. “I called Adrian after you fell asleep last night.”

  I’d meant to do that, hadn’t I? “Oh mum, I should have done that. Thanks though.”

  “All sorted, I told him you’d call him today. Now go see if Poppy’s home and I expect you back here by two to help.”

  I go home to an empty house. I should call Adrian first but as Poppy is my best friend, she’s my priority.

  “Hey, it’s me,” I begin.

  “Well hello stranger.” Pretty blunt.

  “I know you’re mad I didn’t come home. I’m sorry. It got….. complicated?”

  “I was worried about you Alice. You upset me. I didn’t know what to do so I came to see mummy. She called your mum and apparently you were in bed. Why would you do that? Why wouldn’t you let me know you were ok?”

  “Because I didn’t think.” I’m glad Parker didn’t reveal our chat. “I’m so sorry Poppy. When will you be home so I can fill you in?” I really do feel horrible.

  “Well what does Adrian say? I haven’t had the call to a meeting yet.” She thought she’d hear from Adrian before me. Wow, she’s really hurt.

  “You’re my first call Poppy. Can we talk about this? We thought you’d be here.” I say, sad that she isn’t.

  “Well if I’m your first call, who’s we?” Smart girl.

  “Me and mum. She’s cooking roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and you’re invited and I wanted to talk to you and…”

  “Your mum is cooking roast beef? I’m on my way. I’ll meet you there in two hours max.”

  Argument forgotten. Yes, mum’s cooking is that good.

  I shower, am now officially cleanest person in southeast, change clothes, even though have only had these on for ten minutes and call Adrian.

  “Sorry I didn’t call yesterday. Mum spoke to you?” It’s a question and a statement.

  “Are you ok Alice?” Is Adrian’s only concern.

  I am a complete idiot for thinking I’m the only one involved in this. I want to cry but at the same time I want to grow up. Right now.

  “Fine thanks. If it’s ok, can I call a meeting at your place tomorrow? Lunchtime ok?” I have a new found confidence. I can do this. I was born to do this. And I have more friends on my side than I knew about. There are more of us out there. If I missed Parker, how many more did I miss in passing? “I’ll let everyone know. Noon.” I almost say ‘toodles’ and hang up.

  “Sounds good Alice. You sound good.”

  Why didn’t I just go straight to Adrian yesterday? Six words that made me feel like I was worth a million. Six words that confirm I would fight to the death for any of my friends. All of my friends.

  I love my gang; I love my mentor; my mum; my best friends mummy, OK, Lady Howard; her mentor; Glen and his perfectly pure Being, wonder how his first week went? I love everything worth loving. I’m having an epiphany. Everyone is worth saving. We can do this. We’re the good guys.

  “I’ll make the calls, you make the cucumber sandwiches.”

  I need to work on my leadership speeches.

  Chapter Twenty Three

  We’d just got home after dinner. Poppy and I hadn’t talked about yesterday yet. It wasn’t that we were avoiding it; more that dad was in storytelling mode about the navy. That and the fact that dinner was so good we were too busy eating. Sis Lisa had come up for the day from Bath so it was just a really relaxing family day. Good food, good conversation and a good slob on the couch after while we let small portions of the huge intake of food digest.

  We’d said our farewells around 7 and walked the couple of houses home.

  “So what happened?” Poppy asks as she puts the kettle on. “Want to talk about it?”

  “Sure, but let me make a few quick phone calls. I want to see if everyone is available for a meeting at Adrian’s tomorrow.”

  I disappear into the lounge while Poppy makes the tea and I call the gang. Robbie had already known as he lives with Adrian but had appreciated the call. No problem with Stefan. I left a message on Annabel’s phone. She apparently has a life, who knew? She’s getting more fun by the minute.

  “I’m kind of glad we didn’t talk until now.” I say as I return to the kitchen. “It’s given me time to think.”

  “Think. You, that’s a first,” Poppy says. I’m glad she’s forgotten she was mad at me, “what are you thinking about?”

  I relive yesterday’s picnic for her. “I realize the importance of friends. I’m not saying I’d taken you all for granted but my first thought was that Jason was the biggest idiot ever. Now I think I overreacted. It’s still wrong what they did, cover it up, but I know now that I’d protect you at any cost.”

  “Oh, Alice,” she’s started to blubber, “I’d do the same for you. You do know that don’t you?”

  Poppy blubbering tears at my heart strings. “Of course I do. I just didn’t realize how much I loved you until someone pointed it out.”

  “Jason pointed it out?” Poppy looks confused. “You didn’t mention that bit.”

  “No not Jason, Parker. I know Poppy. I can’t believe you never told me. I’m not mad just amazed. How did I not notice?”

  “He never said!” Poppy exclaims. “Sly old fox. I’m so glad you know. Oh Alice he’s so much more than the butler slash chauffeur everyone assumes. He’s kind of retired but not. It’s almost like having a guardian angel looking out for you. He doesn’t hunt good or bad anymore, just keeps an eye on me and mummy. Apparently mummy is his pride and joy and they were inseparable as mentor and student so mummy and daddy agreed to give him a position in the manor. How did you find out?”

  I explain how I’d gone to the manor looking for Lady Howard and how the afternoon had progressed, including the conversation that more likely than ever there is a ‘Taker’ among Jason and his friends.

  “I’m still mad you didn’t just come straight home but I’m glad you know about Parker. But can we keep it quiet from the rest of the group? Not a secret, just a need to know kind of thing?”

  “But why, it’s so cool?” I’d be telling everyone.

  “Why draw attention to him if there are damned Beings or ‘Takers’ at the party? He’s getting old now. He’s done his duties, mentored the ‘Gifted’, let him live a quiet life now. Wouldn’t you want that one day?” Poppy asks.

  “Yes, I understand.”

  “So now the big question is, what are you going to do about Jason?”

  “I don’t know. The longer I leave it the more he’ll think I’m just a silly girl but shouldn’t we talk with the others first?”

  “Maybe, but I can’t wait and don’t even pretend you have one iota of patience. I know you better than that Alice. Call him now and don’t go in to the lounge, I want to hear this.”

  “Hi Jason, it’s me, Alice.”

  “I know who it is. What do you want?”

  “What do I want?” I whisper to Poppy with my hand over the mouthpiece.

  “To say sorry you dope” She whispers back.

  “I wanted to call and say sorry you dope.” Eek. “I mean I may have overreacted Jason.”

  “I’d say. What is your problem with Adam? You barely even knew him when we were younger and you sure as hell don’t know him now. I just don’t get it Alice and I don’t want to spend time with someone who doesn’t get on with my mates.”

  I’m scared he’s just going to hang up so I just blurt anything out to keep him on the phone. “I want to spend time with you.” No hang up yet. “I said I’m sorry, I guess I’m a little jealous,” too much I mouth to Poppy. She shakes her head, no. “There used to be a time when you stu
ck up for me like that.”

  Dead silence.

  “Jason? Are you still there?” I ask.

  “I don’t know whether to laugh or say goodbye. You’re jealous of my friendship with Adam?”

  “I guess.”

  “You are aware that what I feel for you is very different from what I feel for Adam. We’re mates, you, you’re…… impossible.” He sighs.

  “Can we start again? If you like maybe I could meet Adam and the rest of your friends this week?”

  Poppy is shaking her head an emphatic no. Too late I shrug. I’ve already asked.

  “I don’t know Alice. Maybe.” He laughs. “I didn’t ask the guys if they wanted to go to Poppy’s party after we argued. Perhaps I’ll do that and see if a party at the manor is still eating Adam away. And, well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt for you to meet them first. But can you promise me if, or when, you do meet, you won’t call Adam a murderer to his face?”

  “I can do that.” I say with a false confidence.

  “I’ll call you in the week. And I’m glad you called Alice.”

  “Me too. Bye.”

  I hang up and turn to Poppy with a big smile. That disappears when I see the look ‘how stupid are you’ on her face.

  “I’ll be ok and nothing has been agreed on yet. I’ve got to get them to the party Poppy. It’s the only way we can all be together. As Adam isn’t the ‘Taker’, well, we have to find out who is.” I say adamantly.

  “I know, but I don’t like it. Next time, no foray into the woods. Stay close and let me know where you are at all times ok?” She pleads.

  “Deal. Now let’s catch up on TV, before the meeting tomorrow.”

  Chapter Twenty Four

  I wake up to the sound of my phone chirping. I have a message from Adrian. ‘Change of plan. Meet at the Eye at noon.’

  I smile. He always was one for an adventure. Why go for a coffee at his when we can have a birds eye view of London instead?