12782289 twilight saga inspired sunrise

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Sunrise K L A U D I A K A R B O W I A K

Copyrighted © by Klaudia Karbowiak 2009 All Rights Reserved



PREFACE

H ow would you feel if you knew that you were your love’s life

and death at the same time? How would you feel if the only way to killyour soul mate was by getting killed yourself? You would dread thethought. And so do I- standing face to face with death. Death is walkingtowards me and there’s no way to stop it, no help around to come. I lookinto its eyes- giving it a hateful look… It smiles at me and now I hate iteven more.

I didn’t know what happened but all I was able to see wasblackness…I was sure that I haven’t died because I could feel pain. Icame back to consciousness. That proved to me that I wasn’t dead.

I opened my eyes and I didn’t like what I saw. The love of my lifefought with effort to save our lives. I hoped that my love would not giveup and fight, however death was stronger in many ways. Could we hangon and survive this ordeal or would we become just another two namesticked of death’s endless list?

It was then when I saw the determined cerulean eyes when

something crossed my mind; I realised that there is a way to save thetwo of us with as little fight as possible.



CHAPTER 1

I was finally moving. After living in rainy England for what

seemed as endless six years, I was finally moving. My dreams of lounging under the baking hot sun and dreams of the golden beaches

were now becoming true.

I was moving into the vicinity of Sydney, Australia. I canremember when I was six and I still lived in Poland, my parentspromised to move to Australia but when I was about ten we moved toBritain instead. In Britain we lived in a medium sized town calledRotherham. There we lived in one of those old terrace houses numberedwith a big, decorative fourteen. The house was nearly one hundredyears old, and to be honest it looked like it.

We had a small garden with many flowering plants. We had a

bush of full, white roses- they were my favourites. In fact the garden wasone of not many things I liked in England. The other thing I liked was theschool. Yes, I surely liked school. Most of people called me weird justbecause I liked it. I bet they would have understood me if they wouldhave ever studied in Poland. It was way more enjoyable and easier tolearn in English than in Polish schools.

Poland. Warm in summer and in most of the spring. Cold in thewinter and some of the autumn. It snowed every Christmas. Whycouldn't we have stayed? Oh, of course politics and all that. I can't evenbegin to express how much I hate politicians for their greed. It's their

entire fault that I've spent six years in Britain, in dreadful conditions. Andmaybe I am exaggerating but that is a result of my anger.

I'll always miss my friends from Poland. There's no one to missfrom England though. I've spent most of the time in the school libraryand I didn't make any true friends. I actually somehow didn't want anyfriends. I guess it's because I was turned down so many times when Itried to make friends with someone. I was always that weird and



annoying Kate Burney to them. In Poland I was always liked andeveryone said I was beautiful, and then in England I was always calledugly. I didn't understand it.

Now as a seventeen year old girl I was moving to a new placeand I was hoping that it will be better in Australia than in Britain. I

wouldn't be able to stand being an outsider in a place I've alwaysdreamed of.

I felt the plane set its wheels on the rough, solid route. It was arather unpleasant sensation that made my stomach flip. Then all of thesudden people started cheering and applauding, I joined with them. Iwas thankful that the flight was over. I wonder why I was so scared thatsomething bad would happen. Anyway does it matter, we've made it. Allfour of us. The whole Burney family- my parents, my sister and me, haveofficially arrived to Australia after a particularly long and boring flight. Islept nearly the whole flight. Two flights actually - from London to

Singapore and from Singapore to Sydney. Both seemed to last forever.

As I had been expecting, my auntie and uncle were waiting for usoutside the Sydney airport. I don't know how we found our way out of theairport building, which seemed like an endless maze of corridors andsigns, in the very first place.

I've only seen my auntie and uncle in pictures before. They lookexactly the same in real life, even though the only pictures we've got of them are from about five years ago. That was strange, worthyquestioning, even though I knew that I would never be brave enough to

ask anyone about it.

My aunt Sarah is a really skinny person with a golden tan andlong, straight blonde hair. She looks really young even though she is inher late forties. Her husband Logan is a muscular man with a dark tanand black, neatly brushed back hair, also in his late forties. He is a fewinches taller than Sarah.

Sarah waved her slim hand welcomingly and then she ran withLogan in our direction as gracefully as if she was dancing; she didn’thide her excitement. She looked as if the happiest thing in her live has

just happened, perhaps even as happy as if she has won a lottery.

As they approached us, I could finally study their features closely.Sarah had really kind looking aqua blue eyes with long eyelashes. Tomy surprise, what seemed as fake lashes was actually real. She hadlaugh lines and her nose was little and straight. She probably could be amodel if she would want to, I thought to myself. I also thought that she isa trustworthy person who you can go to and tell everything that bothers



you and she will always find a way to make you feel better. She is like amother figure- caring and helpful. Not over caring like my mum Mariethough- whom I love anyway.

"Hello! I hope you had a peaceful journey my dears." Sarah said

in a sweet, kind voice and then she hugged each one of us. I saw tearsof excitement and happiness in her aqua eyes. Yes, she definitely was akind and caring person.

Her grip was strong, like she didn't want to let go of us or like we werereally slippery and would slip out of her hold at any moment. I thoughtthat it was the warmest welcome I've ever had in my entire life.

Once Sarah unwillingly let go of us, her husband approached in asteady pace to also welcome us.

"Hello." Logan said loudly but rather shyly in a deep, warm voice."May I take your baggage?" Now I could see that his eyes were a

beautiful, hazel colour. Like Sarah's, they held an incredible kindness inthem. His lips were tight and he had laugh lines just like Sarah."Oh don't bother, we can manage to do it ourselves, but thanks

anyway." Was my dad's (Andrew's) automatic response. He was a sortof person who wanted to have everything done by himself. He thoughtthat it was the only way for something to be done properly. It was one of those points of view that I have inherited from him.

"I'm sure you had a long and tiring journey. Let me take it for you."Logan insisted and before my dad had even time to think of how toanswer him, he took our bags and started carrying them somewhere

around the corner where I suppose his car was. He really was strong, Ithought with amazement.

"Let's go my dears. The cars are just there, around this corner."She pointed. It took us thirty seconds to get to the cars. One was a blue,shiny Citroen with a big boot and the other one was rather small silver BMW. Both of the cars looked new and expensive. Well what have Iexpected- Sarah and Logan are both successful lawyers after all.

"We don’t have a six-seater so we brought two cars with us."Sarah explained the whole situation with a kind smile on her face. In factthis smile seemed to never fade away.

"We thought that in the Citroen Logan will take your luggage andthat I’ll drive you back to our place in the BMW." She carried onexplaining. Kindness was not fading away from her face still.

Out of sudden I found myself being hugged for the second timetoday. It was a lot more delicate than the other hug though- as if I was aprecious and breakable thing.



"I've been waiting for you lot to come for over twelve years. It's myentire fault that it took so long. After all I was supposed to be a goodlawyer." she said, her aqua eyes going glossy behind her longeyelashes. She was hugging her only brother now- my dad.

"Sarah, you know we would have come earlier if not our language

problems. So don't blame yourself." he comforted her."It's not your fault that it took us so long just to learn basics of English, and now let’s get moving. We can't stand here forever." my dadsaid as politely as he could. Sarah couldn’t and didn’t complain.

I knew that my dad Andrew didn't like showing his feelings muchand that he felt the same way as Sarah- if it comes to happiness andexcitement.

We got ourselves sat comfortably in the BMW with Sarah behindthe wheel. I felt sorry for Logan who had to drive on his own.

"Maybe I should go with Uncle Logan? I will keep him company." Isaid, for I did enjoy making people happy especially when all I had to do

was to keep company. It was so simple at the moment to makesomeone smile."That's a great idea dear. I bet this will greatly satisfy him. You

are such a good child." answered my aunt in a grateful tone. I wonderedhow many things my parents would have told her about me and mysister, Angela, when they talked to her on the phone. I know I am a goodperson but she couldn't have stated that without knowing me more.

I got out of the silver BMW and marched towards much bigger blue Citroen. For a fraction of a second I felt like I was going to regretthe decision I made but as I opened the passenger door, Logan

welcomed me with a warm smile and such thoughts escaped my mind."Hi. Did Sarah send you as a messenger?" he said. From hisvoice I could tell that something was bothering him.

"No. Aunt Sarah has nothing to do with it. I, um, decided that Ishould keep you company; that you shouldn't drive by yourself." Ianswered honestly. I saw his hazel eyes get warmer; if that waspossible. He seemed more relaxed.

"Well... Thank you. I'm a rather sociable man." after these words Isat myself on the passenger seat. To my surprise it was morecomfortable to sit in here than in the other car.

The whole way to my relative's house, I chatted to Logan aboutEngland and told him how much I hated it there. I also asked manyquestions about Australia (aiming to get as much information from himas I could) that he was more than happy to answer. I found out that heand my aunt have already found a school for me. I was going to go toSouth Sydney High School in Maroubra. I was to get started thefollowing Monday. To be honest I was scared that I won't be liked, thatI'll be an outsider in a country of my dreams- just like I was one in



England (which obviously wasn’t anywhere near my dreams). I still hadtoday and tomorrow until Monday though so I've got time to mentallyprepare myself. I would have never thought that talking to Logan wouldbe so easy and pleasant. I mean if I started on something he could go nabout it for quite long without getting me bored.

We were driving behind the silver BMW and eventually we foundourselves on a street with big and expensive houses on both sides of theroad. Each one of them had it's own garden, at least two garages and aswimming pool. We stopped in front of the biggest house on the street. Ithad two garages and beautiful windows- every window was decoratedwith stained glass at the upper part of it which was really effective inattracting attention to itself. The door was made out of honey colouredwood which composed well with the sunflower yellow paint in which thehouse was painted. Unlike the other houses, it didn't have a swimmingpool or a garden (that I could see).

"This is going to be your home for some time until your dad findsa job and a house of his own. We will help him with that so it will bepretty soon." declared Logan.

"Oh" was all I could say because something about the housemade me not even want to think about moving into a different one.

"Where exactly in Australia are we now?" I had to ask- I waspurely curious.

"In Maroubra in New South Wales. Maroubra belongs to the localarea of the city of Randwick. It is placed ten kilometres South-East from

Sydney central business district if you wish to know. Maroubra also is apart of Eastern suburbs region." He answered in one breath. Then wewent through the honey wood door inside where others have beenwaiting- after Logan has parked his car safely in one of the garages.

"What took you so long out there?" asked my mum withunnecessary concern in her voice. Her chocolate brown eyes that Isometimes envied searched for any signs of injury on me. She definitelywas over caring. I wonder what she thought- probably that I hurt myself on something in the garage which, in fact I couldn't blame her for,especially considering the fact that I can hurt myself on anything . I'm amagnet to blood spilling situations.

"We were talking about Australia.” I answered. I said it half-heartedly because I suddenly felt tired. My mum seemed to realise that.

"You need to rest dear, ask aunt Sarah for the way to your room.By the way, I think that you will like it."

"Okay mum." I moaned- I didn’t want to sleep yet, even though Iwas tired.



"She is upstairs by the way." my mum added quickly before Ivanished from her eyesight.

I went up the stairs. There was a long corridor with four doors. I

jumped as one of them opened and my aunt came out.

"I've just been setting up your room dear. I hope you will like it.Come and have a look." She took my arm in her bony hand and draggedme towards the creamy door she would have came out from earlier. Theroom was small with sky blue walls. It had two windows- both on theceiling- one over the comfy looking single bed- which means that I’mgoing to have a nice view at night.A cupboard was opened with a small pile of my clothes on one side andmuch bigger pile of clothes that I didn't recognize on the other.

"Whose are these?" I pointed at the unknown to me neat pile of clothes."All yours dear. It's just one of your Australia coming presents."

She announced."Wow, you really shouldn't have. Thank you so much." I

answered. It was one of my Australia coming presents. My thoughtstangled around the last sentence."We wanted you to feel welcome here. And now tell me how do you likeyour room?" Her aqua eyes flickered with interest as she said that.

"I love it. I absolutely love it and I always wanted to have windowsin the ceiling. And sky blue paint has its charm. It’s perfect! Thank you!" I

smiled and then gave her a big hug. Her eyes were flickering withgladness now."I'm going to leave you on your own now dear. I'm glad that you're

happy. You need to wake up early tomorrow if you want to seesomething amazing and I'm saying no more. Sweet dreams dear." shestated and before I could ask her anything else she was gone, leavingme with my thoughts.

I just realized that next to my bed, in the left corner of the roomwas another creamy door. I opened it and I found myself in a smallbathroom. I looked around. The floor was covered in perfect white tilesand the walls were covered in pastel pink. There was a beautifullyframed mirror on the wall and a small window. I really liked it all.

I came up to the mirror. There was a small, neat note stuck to it.

This bathroom is all yours for the time you will spend here somake yourself comfortable. Sarah Rail xxx



I smiled as I read it. They really thought about everything: school,bedroom, bathroom, clothes and who knows what else. I was sograteful. I wondered whether I was worth it all.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I had a rather pale skin,-

from the lack of sunlight- literally silver eyes which were duplicates of mygrandmother’s, my dad's round face and medium sized nose and mymum's beautiful lips. My hair was brown with blond streaks. It wasnatural- I've never dyed it or even planned to. My hair was special- Icould have it either with streaks or without streaks at any time. It was allup to where I put the parting on my hair. When it was on the left side, myhair was medium-dark brown and when it was on the right side, my hair was light brown with blond streaks. My mum envied the thickness of myhair and the way it shone. I was what my family and people from Polandcalled beautiful.

I had a long and relaxing bath and then dressed myself in short-sleeved pyjamas then I quickly blow-dried my hair and brushed myteeth. After those routines I went to bed and quickly drifted into a deepsleep. I had a dreamless night.

Next morning someone woke me up. I gave out a long yawn andthen stretched myself. I saw blurred but familiar face in front of me. Itwas Sarah. She was grinning- showing her perfect, straight teeth. Her aqua blue eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

"Wake up Sleeping Beauty! You have to hurry- amazing thingsdon’t last forever.” She grinned.

“Get yourself dressed quickly but be quiet because everyone elseis still asleep." she reminded me. I stood up and took a blue dress (theAustralia coming present) from the cupboard and changed quickly in thebathroom. I tied up my tangled hair; I wasn't really bothered to doanything else with it now.

“Are you ready yet?” I heard a voice coming from downstairs.“Well if you are come here then.”

I quickly ran down the stairs, trying to be as quiet as possible but Ialmost tripped on the last step. I grabbed myself on the banister in thelast fraction of second. I was lucky not to fall over but also unlucky; therewas a little piece of nail sticking out and it scratched the tip of myforefinger at my right hand. Blood started oozing from the wound. Igroaned and put my finger in my mouth. It was an automatic response.

“Here you go.” Sarah passed me a strip of plaster- she must haveheard me groaning and guessed what happened.

“Do you want to see that amazing thing or not dear?” She lookedunsure. She gave a quick glance at my dressed finger. There wassomething I haven’t seen before in her eyes. She turned away from me



quickly so I couldn’t examine them closer but from what I caught aglimpse of, a silly question aroused in my head:

Could it have been…hunger in her eyes? No, it must have beenconcern- I corrected myself.

“Of course I want to. Please lead the way.” I didn’t want a tiny cut

to spoil whatever amazing thing was waiting there for me. She led us outof the house into the garden which I haven’t seen before because itwasn’t seen from the road. It was the biggest garden I would have seenso far and the most amazing one.

“W-o-w.” I thought I was dreaming. There were birds of variedhues and sizes wherever I rested my eyes. There were different tints of blue feathery balls sitting on one of the tree branches and variousshades of red ones on a different one. There were different colours alsobut those stood out the most.

I didn’t recognize any of those birds except from a lonely pair.“Wow. A pair of Rainbow Lorikeets.” I pointed at the loveliest birdsout of them all. My aunt smiled warmly and her aqua blue eyes sparkledwith what I knew was happiness.

“Yes, that’s right.” She confirmed.“You seem to love this?” It was more of a question than a statement.

How could she believe that I wouldn’t like such an amazing thing?“Sarah. How can I not love it? It’s something I’ve never seen before.

It’s amazing .” That seemed to have convinced her.“I thought I was dreaming when I saw it all.” This made her glow. She

looked so young. And she doesn’t behave like other people of her age

that I know- moan about everything and keep on repeating that she istoo old.

“We need to feed them.” She said.“There’s everything ready on the kitchen table. Can you bring it here,

please?” She asked and I nodded.I quickly ran to the kitchen table and picked up a bag of seeds

and another bag full of wriggling worms- which made me flinch- and ranback to the garden.

I passed Sarah the bags. She opened them and started chucking thecontents all over the place. Birds became more animated, fighting for food.

“Let’s go. They are quite dangerous when they fight for food. I gotscratched few times.” She pointed at the few scars she had on her righthand.

When we came back in everyone was up and Sarah started makingbreakfast.After I ate the breakfast I drifted away to my bedroom. The clock said



that it was only ten past seven in the morning. I had a lot of time so Ipicked up a book “White Fang ” from the shelf. It was about wolves. Iwould have read it few times before, because it was the sort of book thatusually took me a day to read. The point of it is to keep my head awayfrom thinking about tomorrow.

Reading the book took me the rest of the morning and wholeafternoon with breaks for lunch and dinner.

In the evening, just after the supper, I finished the book and allthe thoughts I kept from my mind, inevitably rushed into myconsciousness.

‘What if I won’t be liked because of my appearance or because of the way I talk- my accent? What if I’ll say something stupid as it oftenhappens? Or what if they don’t like people from other countries?’ Thesame thoughts circulated my head. It was time to sleep but I couldn’t

close an eye. Everything seemed so loud, - a buzz of a fly, murmur of the wind against the leaves- every little rustle seemed to keep me fullyawake.

Everyone was asleep except from me, so I tried ‘counting the sheep’-to my surprise it worked. I finally found myself in ‘Dreamland’ but withoutdreams.



CHAPTER 2

I had a dreamless night. I guess I was way too worried about

school to let my mind produce any kind of dream.

My sleep was so light that I roused when I heard my mum’smeant-to-be quiet footsteps. She must have thought I was still asleepbecause she started shaking me violently.

“Kate! Wake up or you will be late to school.” I heard her whisper urgently.

“I was already awake when you came.” I remarked. She rolled her eyes and walked out of my room to give me some privacy.

I stood up and stretched my stiff muscles. I picked up someclothes that I had chosen from the ‘Australia coming present’ pileyesterday night. I ran to the bathroom and combed my hair slowly and

then I parted them on the right side to show off my blond streaks. I leftmy hair loose but I put a hair-bubble around my wrist just in case I hadPE today.

I got dressed quickly. I rushed downstairs (trying not to trip over like yesterday) for my breakfast which was waiting for me on the kitchentable. I chewed the crispy toasts with jam fiercely and then brieflyslurped the milk from the glass.

I thanked Sarah and mum for making me some breakfast andrushed up the stairs. I picked up my brand new rucksack, equipped with

notebooks, exercise books, pencil case and a planner- which was auseful thing for a person with memorising problems.

“Kate! I’ve got something for you!” Sarah cried out from thekitchen.

‘It must be another ‘Australia coming present’ or something alongthose lines’. I thought as I ran back downstairs with the rucksackhanging over my shoulder. I went down to the kitchen where Sarah



stood, her eyes flickering with curiosity. She pointed at two bundles thatlay on the square, mahogany kitchen table.

I picked the first one up, unsure what to expect. It was wrapped insilvery wrapping paper. I tore the paper off with one swift movement. I

found myself holding a little, black gift box that jewellery is given in. Iopened it, I was curious indeed.

I examined the item in my hands closely. It was beautiful. It was agold necklace with a flower shaped charm that had a carving of Maryand baby Jesus on it. It made me smile. It reminded me of the necklacefrom my favourite grandmother that I’d have lost few years before. Itused to be my personal source of good luck.“I picked this one with your mum on the internet. It is for good luck dear.”She gesticulated towards my mum and smiled- showing her perfectteeth.

“Anyway, unpack the other one.” She was so excited. She lookedlike she is going to jump over the moon (if it there was one out- it wasdaytime after all).

“Okay.” I responded smiling, also excited.

I’ve put the necklace on before I reached for the other bundlewhich was wrapped in golden paper and tied with a scarlet ribbon thatstood out beautifully. I froze as I tore the paper off. Here in my hands Iwas holding - shimmering in a profusion of sunlight- car keys. I wasamazed and second time since I’ve been here I had to think whether Iwas worth it all. What is the point of ‘Australia coming presents’ anyway?

Is it to keep me here? To help me settle?

I’ve been brought back on Earth as Sarah grabbed my hand andpulled me towards the front (honey wood) door.

“You’ve got to see it. Your dad said that this is the car you wantedto get in the future.” She almost chirped those words in her excitement. Ienvied a little the way her beautiful eyes sparkled happily, in harmonywith her feelings.

We stopped outside the house where the car was parked.“But… could it be-? “ I was so amazed. The car I wanted so much

is parked right here, ready for me to sit in it comfortably and drive it.

It was a Peugeot 307 convertible. And if the car wasn’t enough init’s own grace, it was painted a fiery orange metallic colour. It wasexactly the colour I would have dreamed about to have my car painted.

“You must be kidding me! The car of my dreams in a country of my dreams? I’m being greatly spoiled here.” I teased my aunt. She



smiled a wide grin of perfect teeth back at me. Her eyes sparkled likenever before. She seemed to glow and looked happier than ever.

Sarah’s long blond hair was tied up in a neat bun (it was like thatonly when she was doing some work- whenever at her home office or in

the kitchen). That reminded me of everything that was to happen today-me having to put up with school and her going to work.“I got to go to school.” I hesitated slightly. I was about to ask who

will drive me there which sounded silly now when I had my own car. Ididn’t know where exactly the school was and that was the only problem.

“Have a nice ride then dear.” My aunt smiled and kissed mycheek for goodbye like aunts often tend to do. I stiffened at the thoughtthat I will have to drive on my own.

“Don’t worry dear. I wouldn’t let you drive to school without youknowing the way.” She said convincingly as if she read my thoughts.

“Just look inside your car. I’m off to work now. Bye Kate!” She

chirped in her warm voice.“One more thing Kate; this car has been chosen by Logan andyour dad with a bit of my help. Logan wanted to give it you personallybut he had to go to work earlier today.” She added and shortly vanishedfrom my sight. I have to remember to thank Logan and dad later.

I was about to open the door of my new fiery orange convertiblebut my mother, Marie had cried out for me urgently and rushed out fromthe house with my little sister clenched to her side.

“Yes mum?” I asked- watching her gasping for breath.“Please take Angela to school. Her school is on the way to yours

so it shouldn’t be a problem. Can you do that for me?” She requestedonce her breathing went back to normal.“Sarah was supposed to do it but she had to go to work. She was

already running late.” My mum explained.“Ok mum, that’s no problem as long as I know the address.” I told

her.“All the needed addresses are already saved on your GPS, love.”

She winked.“Wow. GPS. I should have thought that mum.” I grinned. Logan

and whoever else was it that helped choosing this car has really made itperfect for me in every detail.

“Angela lets go.” I sweetly smiled to my cute six-year old sister and seized her delicate hand. I led her to the passenger side. She wasfaster to open the door. She sat herself on the creamy leather seat andclipped her seat belt straight away. I shut the door behind her and strodetowards the driver’s side.



The door opened smoothly. I settled myself comfortably on thecreamy leather seat that shone with its newness. It was so nice to sit onthis seat, so relaxing.

I gave a quick glance at the inside of my car. There was a sticky

note stuck to the white, furry steering wheel. I quickly recognisedSarah’s neat writing.

All the addresses you’ll need are already typed into your GPS. I hope you like your car dear. Enjoy the ride! Sarah Rail xxx

My aunt and my uncle are the kindest people in the universe. Iwas certain of that. The car had a wooden dashboard and an automaticgearbox. It had air conditioning which I set to room temperature. In oneword it was… luxurious. It was something I would never had before.

I was really glad that just after my sixteenth birthday I had passeda driving test. Now I was seventeen and able to get wherever I want toon my own. I smiled to myself for making a good choice at my sixteenthyear of living on this world.

I’ve put the keys into ignition and turned them swiftly. The car gave a silent purr as it came to life. Now, the most important thing:GPS. It was attached to one of the air conditioning crates. I pressed thered button with some force. The screen lighted up and a computerisedvoice welcomed me. I would have dealt with satellite navigation beforeso I knew what to do. In the menu I chose ‘addresses’ and then picked

one marked as ‘Angela’s school’. The way was surprisingly short andeasy. It was barley two streets away from Sarah’s house.

I didn’t talk to Angela as I drove her to school and if not the radio,the silence would be crushing.

I didn’t know where I gained so much concentration from.Probably I gained it subconsciously from the part of the brain that fightsfor survival because it was the only part of me that didn’t worry abouttoday… it will get to worry later on though- when I won’t have toconcentrate on my life- I believed.

I turned right- just as the computer male voice told me.“You’ve reached your destination.” It told after a while of driving

straight forward.

I searched for a parking space.“Kate, there!” pointed Angela at the space between a red

Mercedes and a black Jeep.



“Thanks. Do you know where to go?” If she doesn’t then that canbe a problem because I don’t know where she is supposed to go either.To my relief she nodded but I couldn’t believe a six years old childstraight away.

“Are you sure? Maybe you want me to come with you?” I wouldn’twant to get in trouble with my parents. She nodded again.

“Look Kate! It’s there where these kids are playing.” She pointedat a group of kids- probably of her age. Now I could trust her for sure.

She unclipped her seatbelt, kissed me on a cheek smiling and ranoff to the place where youngsters were jumping about happily. I hopedthat her day will be good. She turned around and waved goodbye withher delicate hand. She looked so cute in the pink knee length dress. She

had her mum’s eyes- chocolate brown and she had my dad’s brown hair,which curled into little rings. I grinned back at her, also waving goodbye.

I watched her for a while- running towards her new class mates,and then I changed the destination on my GPS to ‘My school’ and droveaway listening to the radio and the computer voice at the same time.

My school wasn’t as close to Sarah’s house as Angela’s but itwas not far away either.

‘My school is four point four kilometres away from Angela’sschool, so it is five kilometres away from Sarah’s house’ I made a quick

calculation in my head.I drove slowly- just over thirty kilometres. My nerves were inshreds…first day at school. I will get to know if Australia is as good as itseemed so far or whether my (worthy a reputation of nightmares)thoughts are true.

How good that the golden sun was out. If the weather would beworse, my mood would surely match it perfectly. The sun certainlyhelped a lot. I was extremely scared but with the sun’s help I was alsosomehow eager and excited.

‘Oh God, bless the sun!’ I thought. It’s so magical how thishanging on the sky ball of fire can affect me and many others around.No wonder that Sarah and Logan are always in a good mood- fifteenyears in roasting sun with only a few drops of rain throughout the year iswhat I call a paradise or at least a part of my imagined paradise.

I felt my throat going suddenly dry but it wasn’t because I wasthirsty…I could see the school. It was surrounded by a thick, dark forestand green hills. I could see its extensive pitches. There were two football



pitches with people playing football on them. There was one pitch that Iknew was especially designed for running and other athletic activities. Iwas a good runner and I knew that I will enjoy spending time on thatparticular pitch. That was one good thing that I could spot already.

The computerised voice told me that I’ve reached my destinationand made me toot my horn by accident. It made all the pedestrians lookmy way. I tried to look as if nothing happened- as if it wasn’t me who justtooted the horn. The one thing I hated the most was being stared at as if I was an exhibit in the museum… I’m going to dislike today. Obviouslyeveryone will glare at me. I’m new in this school and already I’ve done asilly thing. I bet that everyone will be like ‘Oh it’s that new girl who tootedher horn for no reason’ but on the other hand it was just an accident… ithappens. I can’t be too nervous about it. I have to calm down. It wasn’tthat humiliating experience anyway.

The crowd of students, whose interest was gained by my horn,now continued striding toward the school gates. I realised that all of them were tanned. This was no good- it will make me stand out with mylight, peachy skin but what else could I have expected? Australianswithout a tan? All of them to be albinos?

I drove slowly toward the arch-shaped gates of my new school. Iwas really stiff and tensed out of sudden- it was sign of great stress.

The gate was pastel green in colour and looked quite old. I drovepast the gate… getting tenser with every second because now it was

time to look for a place to park (which I was no good at). I was lucky;there was a free parking space next to a big, white sign announcing‘South Sydney High School’ in green letters. There also was a telephonenumber given and the school motto- ‘Let us be known by our deeds’. Itotally agreed with the motto, I was judged too much by appearance inEngland. I hope that students in here also agree with it.

‘You can buy beauty but knowledge you’ll be never able to buy.’-My dad would have repeated so many times. He is a great father. Strictbut great. He always wants the best for me. He would have told meabout the mistakes he made and he would have changed the way I lookat the world. One of his biggest mistakes according to his stories wasthe one to choose not to continue with his education. He told me that Ishouldn’t ever follow the path he took. He said that if he would havegone to college, he would have had a better job now and that our familywould have had been in Australia a lot sooner.

My mother would have told me the same type of stories- alsowanting me to have a great future and to choose a correct path. She is



the believer in our family. She believes that I will have an easier future.She is what anyone could call a motherly friend.

I love my parents. I shall never let them down. I own them toomuch to leave them disappointed after all their effort they’ve put inraising me.

I parked my car next to the sign and silenced the engine down.An urge of panic washed through me, giving me goose bumps. I didn’tknow where I was supposed to go. I was very nearly hyperventilating inthe car. I took a few deep breaths to clear my mind and calm myself down then I closed my eyes to concentrate on planning something out.

After a minute of thought I figured out that I should get out of mycar and find someone who could help me. It was a simple plan. When Ifind someone who is kind enough to help, I’ll ask him or her for the wayto reception and then I’ll ask the receptionist for the map of the school

plus my time table.

I opened the door slowly, concentrating on my plan. I grabbed mybag and stepped out of the car. I gave a quick gaze at my surroundingand locked my orange Peugeot with one click of the button. I was in acar park (obviously) and I had to find someone who looks kind andhelpful.

My legs shovelled forward with struggle. In fact they only movedbecause they had to, not because they wanted to. I searched for thatsomeone who hopefully won’t mind helping me.

There was a group of people laughing and messing about around thecorner but they didn’t look welcoming so I carried on searching. My eyesstopped on a lonely girl sitting on the bench under the protective shadeof a hefty tree. She was reading a book but I couldn’t see what the titlewas. She had a cinnamon carnation and black, shoulder long, wavy hair.I could feel that she wouldn’t mind giving me a hand in need.

I started walking towards the bench. There was a plenty of room leftwhere I could sit. The girl didn’t look up as I sat myself next to her. Icleared my throat- that caught her attention.

“Hi. My name is Kate” I smiled kindly.

I just realised one thing about the girl, she had the most intriguingeyes I would have ever seen. They were a unique emerald green.

“Hello. My name is Calla. Nice to meet you Kate.” She smiled shylyand then tucked her hair behind her ear.



“I was just wondering if I could ask you for some help?” I hesitatedslightly. Why would this girl want to help me anyway? I was surprisedwhen she smiled kindly.

“Of course, no problem.” Was her answer. Now I had to tell her what Iwanted.

“Um, can you show me where is reception in this school…please?” Istated. She smiled and nodded.“No problem, lets go.” She shoved the book that I’ve interrupted her

from reading into her bag, then she stood up and hung her bag over her shoulder. She was as tall as me (about 5.4 feet). She was as slim as metoo. Her shoulder long jet black hair seemed to radiate in the sun.

Calla started walking and I followed. We were walking towards a smallwhite, separate building with blue door. As we came in I could tellstraight away that she led me the right way. There was a big, tall deskbehind which sat three women typing something fiercely on the

computer keyboards. One of them looked up from the computer screen.

“How can I help you?” She asked interested and somehow surprisedby our visit.

“I’m new in this school and I don’t have a time table for my lessons.” Iinformed the plump woman behind the desk.

“And…What is your name Miss?” She asked. She looked impatient.

“I’m Kate Burney.” The woman whispered something to the womannext to her as I told my name. The other woman whispered in to the ear

of the one with round glasses and now I had all three of them staring atme curiously.

“Are you Sarah and Logan Rail’s niece by any chance?” Questionedthe one with round glasses. I answered her question with a single nod.

The reaction I witnessed was really unexpected; all three womenstared at me wide eyed with their mouths slightly parted. Have they seena ghost? I turned around to check if perhaps it was something behindme that they were looking at. There was nothing interesting, just a noticeboard and the blue door I came here through. I raised my eyebrows inconfusion.

“So I’m Kate Burney the niece of Rails and now can I have my lessontime table please?” I asked quite rudely because I was getting inpatient.The women shook themselves and two of them went back to typingfiercely on the keyboards. One of them, the plump one printed outsomething and handed it to me, then she also went back to typing.



I glanced at my time table. I had science first today. I was inclassroom S5. I had no idea where was that.

“Do you need help finding your way to your first lesson?” Suddenly amelodic voice came from behind me. I turned around only to realise it

was Calla. I nodded my head in acceptance.

“I have science in S5 first today.” I informed and then passed her mytime table so she can have a look herself. She looked amused as shechecked for herself.

“What is it?” I creased my forehead.“You’ve been holding this upside down. You don’t have science but

English in E3 first today.” She explained and we both laughed at mysilliness. From now on I was sure that I and Calla are going to be goodfriends.



CHAPTER 3

T he bell rang deafeningly, making me cover up my ears.

“I’ve only just realised that you’re in my teaching group!” Callamanaged to shout over the noise of the bell.

“I have English in E3 first today. I’ve checked on my time table. Wealso have other lessons together. Isn’t that good?” She told me after thebell finally stopped informing us that we should move on.

“Yes that’s great and thanks for your help.” I smiled at my new friend

and she, as I expected, beamed back at me in return.“Aw, that was nothing.” She stated with a big grin across her face.

“So you are Rails’ niece?” She asked and her expression suddenlychanged from happy to unreadable.

“Yes… Is there something wrong with that?” Why did people react sostrangely about the fact that I was Sarah and Logan’s niece?

Calla seemed to realise that her question made me suspicious andconfused because she was smiling again whilst shaking her head.

“No there’s nothing wrong with that…They are both really good

lawyers and everyone respects them.” Calla assured me but I felt as if there was something she was trying to hide from me or that her wordshad a double meaning. If she was someone I knew for longer then Iwouldn’t mind asking her but she practically was a stranger and therewas no reason why she would want to tell me anything so I figured outthat I should just let the subject drop.

“Let’s go to E3.” We both said at the same time and then laughed atour coincidence. Calla beckoned for me to follow and I started walkingbehind her. She walked as gracefully as a model- that was somethingmy eyes would have missed at first. I could only follow and envy,

realising how very ponderous were my movements in comparison tohers.

We stepped into E3. We were just on time; the classroom was alreadyfull. Everyone was busy chatting and the teacher was nowhere to beseen. Calla walked towards her seat- next to a muscular, red haired boy.



I felt quite self-conscious to stand in the middle of the classroom.Suddenly everyone quietened down as the door behind me opened,making my heart beat faster. Everyone was sat down expect from me, itwas really humiliating- everyone was gawking at me and some girls inthe corner were holding back their giggles.

“Miss Burney, as I presume?” Asked a male voice from behind which Iknew belonged to a teacher.

“Yes sir. That’s me.” I confirmed as I faced a rather attractive tall manwith a thick, jet black mop of hair and thick moustache.

“You must be Rails’ niece then, right?” He hesitated slightly and Inodded in response. I could almost hear all the faces in the room tenseas if I’ve announced someone’s death. Third time today people reactedstrangely at the fact that I’m Sarah and Logan’s niece. Now there must be something that slipped through my mind past these two days or

there’s something that hasn’t been mentioned to me.

“Um, can you just go outside the classroom so that I can speak to theclass…? It shouldn’t take long. I’ll call you back when I’m finished.” Hemurmured under his breath. I was out of the classroom after giving him ashort, affirming nod.

My head was tangled in thoughts.‘Why did I have to walk out of the classroom? Why couldn’t I’ve just

stayed when he was talking to them? Why do people react so strangelybecause of who my aunt and uncle are? Why does everyone go

suddenly quiet when someone mentions them?’ These were thequestions on my mind; always beginning with ‘Why’. I needed someoneto answer them for me before I become insane.

I didn’t have to wait long (not long enough to clear my mind) until myEnglish teacher’s head appeared from the gap between the door.

“You can come back in now Miss Burney. I’m Mr. Roger by the way.” Iheard him say.

I stepped back into the classroom full of gawking people. I felt as if Iwas an exhibit in a museum. Mr. Roger gesticulated towards an emptyseat, where I would have seen the red haired boy sit previously. I wastold to sit next to Calla and that certainly was a good start. At least Ididn’t have to sit next to a stranger.

I was welcomed by a warm smile as I sat next to Calla, then thelesson began and I had to concentrate on what Mr. Roger was trying toteach us.



The annoying bell rang the second time today; informing us to go toour next lesson. I and Calla will be having geography in room 1.3 now.

We walked or shall I say practically ran to our next lesson. Calla toldme that there isn’t much time given to get to our next subject class,

that’s why we had to be quick.

As we walked in, a female teacher with shoulder-long, brown, curlyhair noticed me and beckoned me with her long finger. She looked as if she was from Italy.

I’ve let my legs carry me towards her. She asked if I was Kate Burney,Sarah and Logan’s niece. I nodded my head and for a glimpse of asecond her face was unreadable. She shook that expression off andthen told me that she was called Mrs. McCrea.

“You can sit there Kate.” Mrs. McCrea pointed at a free seat next to abrown-skinned boy who was just pulling his jumper off, showing hisripped chest in the process of it. I could feel a slight blush spread acrossmy face and I barley ever blushed.

I walked slowly towards my table. The boy looked up at me. I wasawed, frozen; something punched my insides, making my stomach flipand my heart to beat frantically. The boy, despite his dark skin tone, hadsparkling, cerulean eyes. They were more beautiful than Calla’s, Sarah’sor Logan’s eyes added up together.

The boy had chestnut hair that was neatly spiked up. His face wasvery angular and chiseled. He was so perfect… so beautiful and angelic.‘No, no, no, he isn’t! He is just an average boy. Don’t get too excited

because you’ve got no chance with him anyway.’ I’ve thought to myself.This way of thinking worked well and convincingly. What chance did Istand with him, especially if to consider that he was a stranger and I wasthe ugliest person in the whole universe?

I took my seat quietly and tried to concentrate on the lesson, but Icouldn’t with the unknown boy by my side. I was glad that I somehowmanaged not to peek at his perfection.

“Work with the person you sit next to and together make a distributionmap of Australia.” Mrs. McCrea set us a task and once again I felt a faintblush spread on my face today. I felt really self-conscious. The unknownboy glanced at the teacher with his cerulean eyes wide open in disbelief.Humiliation spread around my body like a poison.



I realised that there was something familiar in his beautiful eyes,something I saw somewhere before. I wasn’t hundred percent surewhether I saw it in England or in Australia but I knew that I will recall itsometime.

The teacher gave the stranger next to me a harsh but meaningful lookwhich made him groan. The boy looked at me with eyes full of hatredand I felt myself shrinking in the chair. Did I do something to this boy?He was eyeing me as if I have had killed all the members of his family ina savage way. He made a famous phrase jump into my mind- ‘If lookscould kill’- if they could, someone would be arranging a funeral for meright now.

Mrs. McCrea handed out sheets of plain A3 paper and square boxesfull of colours for each table.

For a while neither I nor the boy reached out for the given equipment,and then everything happened in a rush. First thing I knew was that weboth reached for the same thing at the same time and our handstouched by accident for a fraction of second. The second thing I knewwas that there was nothing but an overwhelming blackness spreading inmy head like ink spreads in the water.

As the blackness covered my thoughts completely, it vanished andwas replaced by complete nothingness. I didn’t know for how long itlasted but it did seem long.

Suddenly the blackness appeared again followed by the ability to think

clearly. What has happened and why has something happened?

“Mrs. Dove, she’s waking up.” I heard a familiar melodic voice comingfrom the left side of the room. I was pretty much sure that it belonged toCalla.

I opened my eyes and saw Calla and a petite woman who I suspectedto be Mrs. Dove. Both of them were examining my face for some reason.

I tried to sit up to show them that I was fine but I underestimated myabilities and tried to sit up too fast which ended up not only in dizzinessbut also in an, nearly unbearable, ache on the top of my head. Imanaged not to groan in pain and to keep my face straight. I must havehad banged my head and I must have had hit it hard.

“How do you feel?” The petite woman (probably the nurse) asked,glaring at me with concern.

“You’ve hit your head really hard Miss Burney.” I already figured thatout without her needing to tell me. All I needed to know is what



happened and why did it happen- I knew the outcomes, in fact I couldfeel them and they were painful.

“I’m fine.” I lied, ignoring the growing pain on the top of my head. Iwas a really convincing liar. I always used my acting skills when telling

lies.“What happened to me?” The nurse looked like as if she hoped Iwouldn’t ask that question. How foolish of her was that.

“Well…” from her expression I guessed that she was looking for theright words. She seemed concentrated and tensed. Does she have badnews?

In one instance her expression changed into more relaxed- she musthave found the correct words to express herself.

“You’ve fainted-““Why?” I didn’t even let her finish the sentence.

“Because your brain didn’t get enough oxygen. It’s no big deal…You’ll have to stay here and rest for a while though.” I sighed- I didn’twan to stay in here.

‘It’s no big deal…’ I repeated these words in my mind. My aching headsomehow didn’t want to let them sink in. It was probably because Icouldn’t understand how fainting away was no big deal. Never before inmy life would I have passed out, ever, but surely it was no big deal!

“I’m going to get you an ice pack for your head dear.” Said the nurseafter a while and was shortly gone out of my sight.

I was using every tiny bit of my concentration, trying to remember what lead me to passing out.

Then it struck me…it was the most vivid flashback I would have had inmy life. First the mesmerizing cerulean eyes then the Geography pair work and finally the touch of the unknown boy’s soft, naturally tan skin.

I creased my forehead in thought and confusion. I would have faintedwhen our hands touched by accident. Didn’t I breathe because of that or what? That was unlikely especially if to consider that I never faintedbefore, even though I had more than one good chance to do so. I’venever fainted even when others around did, no matter what was thesituation.

“There you go love.” The nurse came back with an ice pack clenchedin her hands. She passed me the ice pack whilst smiling at me warmlyand then disappearing from the sight.



I put the ice pack on the place where my head hurt. It was a greatrelief; I smiled slightly from the comfort I felt.

“You felt and banged your head on the table quite hard Kate.” I lookedup at Calla who was seated on the wooden chair, in the corner of this

small room.“That’s how you’ve hit your head.” She informed. Her expression washard to read but it looked like as if she was lost in thought.

“Do you want to go?” She asked and she had a hopeful look in her beautiful emerald eyes. As an answer to her question I nodded andsmiled widely, that gained me a warm smile in return.

I didn’t mind getting away from this small rectangular room. Therewere a few wooden chairs in the corner and one small window throughwhich only a few rays of sunlight came in. This room made me think of England- a place I want to forget about.

I wanted to go not only because the room was too dull to exist inAustralia but also because my head stopped pulsing from pain now.

Calla stood up and walked out of the room leaving me on my own. Iwaited patiently and after a while I heard nurse’s voice drifting closer.

“Yes, I think that Miss Burney can go home now and have some rest.”

The door opened and the nurse entered with Calla who was widelygrinning at me behind her back. I couldn’t help but to grin back. As Igrinned at Calla, the nurse turned around and Calla pulled an innocentface on. The nurse rolled her eyes and turned back to face me again.

She was smiling sweetly.

“You shall go home now and have some rest dear. If your head hurtsthen get yourself a pain killer. If there are any problems like disorderedvision or dizziness then contact your doctor immediately.” I listenedcarefully to what Mrs. Dove had to say and tried my best to memorise it.

The nurse now faced Calla with a serious face.“Miss Gravelle, can you make sure that Kate gets home safely?” So

Calla’s surname was Gravelle… I really liked the way it ringed in myears. It sounded quite serious yet so beautiful- it suited her, well thebeautiful part did, I wasn’t so sure about the serious part. Calla wasn’t aserious type of person (as far as I knew); she was a shy human being.

“No problem.” She told the nurse, her cinnamon skin radiating fromhappiness. She reminded me a lot of Sarah for a moment. Mrs. Dovenodded her head as a ‘thank you’ to Calla and left the room without afurther word.



Calla smiled and motioned her hand in a way which I guessed meantthat I shall stand up.

“Have you got a car?” she asked.“Yes” I answered. Calla pulled an expression which I thought meant

that she wanted me to continue. I creased my forehead.

“What make is it?” so that’s what she expected me to tell her.“It’s a Peugeot 307 convertible…its fiery orange.” I told her the colour just in case she wanted to know that too.

“Great, now give me the keys. It’s not good for you to drive after whathappened today.” Did she really think that I wasn’t capable of drivingmyself, just because I’ve banged my head? And how will she get homeafterwards?

“I think I can drive-“I started but Calla interrupted me.“You’ve heard the nurse miss Burney- I’ve got to make sure you get

home safely.” When she finished pointing out what job she was given, I

figured out that there is no point of arguing any further and passed her the keys to my beloved car.

We walked outside in to the dazzling, roasting sun, which I love somuch. I felt cheerful as the profusion of sunlight and warmth hugged myface and my bare shoulders delightfully.

“How will you get home though?” I couldn’t help asking, walkingbehind her as I often did today. I didn’t want to cause any trouble tosomeone who is going to pick her up.

“Don’t you worry; everything has been taken care of.” She assured as

we turned around the corner of the building. Her graceful movementsmade me have a hit on my self-esteem. I wondered how many days itwill take me to learn my way around this school and stop feeling sillywhen following Calla.

I could spot the shapes of cars in the distance ahead of us; I couldalso see the hefty tree where I would have met Calla this morning.

My eyes searched for any glimpse of the fiery orange paintwork butcouldn’t find it anywhere. I tried to remember where I would have parkedit. We were half way through now and I still didn’t recall it. I startedpanicking- how good that Calla was walking in front of me or else shewould have realised my strange behaviour.

‘Hang on… there was a sign. Yes, there was! A white one, withschool’s motto and name written on it in green.” I finally remembered. Irelaxed and smiled- obviously pleased with myself. I grew even happier as I spotted the white sign that I would have just recalled.



I gasped and jumped up as I heard a tooting sound out of the sudden.It didn’t take long to spot the car that made this noise. It was certainlythe easiest car to spot especially if to consider that it was a bright yellowLamborghini Gallardo. I strode towards us so fast that it looked blurry.

The car stopped- sideways to us and then the door opened and outcame him. The boy that I was sat next to on Geography- the reason of me fainting.

My heart beat was so fast now that it seemed as if my heart is goingto escape my chest. He didn’t look at me; he was looking at the housewith his expression unreadable.

“Hi Nicolas.” Chirped Calla towards dark skinned boy- he was stillstudying the house.

“I told you to call me Nick and now we got to go.” So his name isNicolas but he prefers to be called Nick. I will remember that, I know Iwill. Our eyes met for a glimpse of a second and I smiled shyly- without

return.This was the first time I would have heard this angelic boy speak. Hisvoice made me think of melting chocolate with it’s sweetness but yet itwas slightly bitter. It was very smooth and the sound of it melted myinsides. I was in some sort of trans at the very moment and I reallywished that he would speak again but he didn’t. Instead they both swiftlygot in to the car, just after Calla waved me goodbye and they were goneout of my sight without another word in a matter of seconds.

I was left with one unanswered question- Is Calla Nicolas’ girlfriend? Ishook my head, hoping that this way I might dump this question from my

head. There were more important questions to be answered but I knewthat I would never bring myself to ask many of them. These were thequestions like why people reacted so strangely today and why did I faintafter Nicolas touched me. These were a lot more important; a lot moremysterious.

The house was silent when I entered; everyone was at work (exceptfrom Angela who was still at school).

It was lunch time and I had nothing to do so I made myself somethingto eat; then I watched TV until everyone came back home (I wasn’t reallypaying attention to the TV because my head was spinning around theeventful day I had).

First to come were my parents with Angela by their sides. After themcame Sarah with Logan- as cheerful as always. I was shocked that noneof them realised that I would have came home early. It also was a relief because I didn’t feel like being tormented with questions.

I was just about to go to my room when I was caught into a tightembrace by Sarah. Her aqua eyes flickered with curiosity and



excitement. She asked me how my school was and I lied to her that itwas good. What else could I have done? Bombard her with questionsthat sounded rude and out of this world even in my head? I told her thatI’ve met Calla and that teachers were quite nice. That was the only truththat could be revealed.

I told my parents the same stories and lies.

After the quiet supper I ran into my bedroom, relieved for not having topull a happy face any longer- just to not to make anyone suspicious.

I’ve let one tear escape at the thought of Nicolas and Calla together. Iwas haunted mostly by this single thought since the yellow Lamborghinivanished from my sight. I gave out a loud sigh.

I couldn’t understand why it bothered me that much. It’s not like Iknew this guy for a long time. I didn’t even talk to him and the way helooked at me at Geography… as if I killed his family… as if he was about

to kill me in revenge.

I took a quick shower and quickly went to sleep. I didn’t have aproblem with falling asleep today. I was glad I didn’t because it meantthat all the thoughts are going to get silenced out for the night time.

CHAPTER 4

I was sat in a scarlet armchair in the middle of a small, circular

room. The room, from what I could tell, was build mostly in a Greekstyle. I figured that out because of the columns that had Greek key



printed over them and because of the marble statues of Greek gods andgoddesses placed along the walls of the room.

The door creaked but I ignored it even though I heard clearly how itmade a sound which to me sounded like thousand people screaming at

one in shrieking voices.

I was sat in front of the fire place, watching the fiery tongues of fireflicker cheerfully. The amber-coloured fire was the only source of warmthand light in the room. It was just warm enough for a human being to feelcontent but not light enough to be able to study the surroundings closer.

I raised out of the comfortable armchair and seized a burning twig outof the fireplace, careful not to burn my fingers. I held the twig firmly andthen started exploring the room.

My feet were bare and I could feel the comforting softness of the fluffy

carpet, I could feel it tickle me between my toes. I couldn’t help smirking.I walked towards the wall, willing to see what it felt and looked like.As I came closer and closer the shapes on the wall became clearer.After a while I could finally confirm that the wall was covered inmagnolias which were drawn on a cerulean background. I stopped infront of the wall awed because the drawings looked so realistic. Ireached out my hand to prove to my stubborn self that what I could seewas just a pretty picture. I touched the flowers and their petals seemedsilky just like in reality. I reached for the tree’s bark and it was just asrough as real. I reached for the cerulean background and I felt sunrayshugging my skin. I didn’t know how could anyone on the world paint

pictures that are so alluring to the human eye.

I shoved my feet unwillingly from the intriguing wall towards one of thestill, cold sculptures. I felt the icy carving. I felt how rough, grainy anduneven the surface was.

I felt the fire on the twig getting dangerously closer towards thesurface of my pale skin. I ran towards the fireplace and placed the twigwhere it would have come from. After that I dropped myself in to thearmchair and closed my eyes.

Sudden realisation struck me. I recalled that earlier on I’d have heardthe door make a creaking sound. I wildly gawked all over the place. Myeyes locked on a tall, manly figure. I could tell it was Nicolas by the buildand the dark skin tone. He had his eyes shut tight as though he washaving a battle inside him.

His eyes flung open and I saw a flash of cerulean in the dull light fromthe fire. He squinted his eyes at me. It was a stare so full of hatred that I



started regretting that I haven’t simply kept on watching the fire flicker happily in the fireplace.

I was just about to open my mouth… just about to ask why does hehate me so much but then strings of silvery mist started to circulate at

one spot and then the contours of a woman became clearer and clearer until the mist disappeared and in the middle of room stood emerald eyedCalla.

She walked towards Nick in that graceful motion that always mademe feel so ponderous. She slowly wrapped her arms around his neckwith a big grin of satisfaction spreading over her face. He was leering ather. He looked at her as if he was about to turn into a kitten and give outa loud satisfied purr.

I wanted to swivel away so that the couple can have some privacy.Calla is my friend and I felt happy for her… and a little jealous. My body

seemed to have frozen in place; I couldn’t even twitch my little finger.

The couple started kissing passionately, not paying any attention tothe fact that I was in the room, glancing at them.

I felt outraged that they didn’t realise that I was in the room.

Out of sudden everything vanished from my sight into the wild spinaround me. I was falling into the world of complete blackness…the worldof inevitable blackness. The hole I was falling into seemed to have noend at the moment.

I was surprised when I reached the ground, landing with a loud thud.

I opened my eyes and I was lying on the floor, beside my bed. It wasall just a dream… more of a nightmare than a dream but it still didn’thappen in reality. I began to feel relief wash through my veins and body.

The only part of the dream that seemed to have been true was thefact that Calla, my friend has a relation ship with Nicolas, the boy whomade me lose my consciousness.

I stood up from the hard, wooden floor, tossed myself carelessly backon to the bed and then rubbed my temples. I gave a quick glance at thesilver watch on the wall. It was only five o’clock in the morning. I couldfeel that I won’t be able to sleep for any longer. I wasn’t tired and thestorm of racing thoughts from yesterday made a buzzing sound insidemy head. That certainly wasn’t helping me to fall asleep.

It was a nonstop, dull and weighing down sound. The sort of soundthat could make anyone go insane, but I wasn’t going to let it takecontrol of me.



I pulled out of the blankets, concentrating on repeating one intentionin my head. I was practically shouting it over the buzz of my tangledthoughts.

I have to find a jogging suit and I have to do it now. Now! I rantowards the cupboard full of clothes. It didn’t take long to find what Idesired. I pulled off my sandy brown, lacy pyjama and quickly gotdressed into a purple jogging suit.

I tiptoed downstairs, took a pen and a piece of paper off themahogany kitchen table, and started scribbling a messy note.

Don’t worry about me. I just needed some fresh air. I went for a little jog.I’ll be back at seven. Love, Kate.

I left the note on the table.

I was just about to open the door but I heard someone’s steps comingfrom upstairs. I became as solid as a sculpture out of stone. I turnedaround to face Sarah.

I sighed in relief. If it was one of my parents they would tell me to goback to bed. Sarah wasn’t like that- I could tell straight away that sheapproved to the idea of jogging at five o’clock. She was fully dressed insports clothes. She beamed at me showing off her perfect teeth and Icould see her wonderful aqua eyes sparkle with excitement. She mademe think of a little kid being excited about Christmas.

“Going for a little run? Mind if I join?” She said playfully, grabbed the

note that I left on the table and added a few sentences in her neatwriting. She folded the note and stuck it on the fridge.

“Sure, I don’t mind.” I smiled back. I didn’t know where I wanted to goand Sarah, as far as I know her, knows spectacular places.

“I know a great place to jog. You’ll love it!” She chirped cheerfully, gothold of my arm and pulled me out of the house- into the fresh air of themorning.

It was five o’clock. The Sun was a perfect shade of orange. It was justrising- it’s fiery rays warming up anything that dares to stand on their path.

It was the warmest and the most pleasant morning that saw in my life.The kind of morning that made it easy for you to predict what the rest of day will be like.

‘The rest of the day is going to be cheerful and exciting. Nothing badwill happen.’ It seemed to whisper in a voice that sounded like bells.



The constant buzzing noise in my head seemed to have quieteneddown and now was just an unnoticeable background whisper. I haven’teven started jogging but I felt better already. Pleased, I smiled to myself.

“Come on Kate! Follow me!” shouted Sarah who already was good

ten metres ahead of me.“I’m coming.” I ran towards her as fast as my legs allowed me to.“You seem so full of energy dear.” Laughed lightly my aunt when she

saw how fast I ran to catch up with her.“Well…I guess so.” I smiled cheerfully. It felt so good and refreshing to

have the wind blow in my face, making my eyes produce tears. It alsofelt good to have wind play with my hair.

I normally hate for the wind to mess with my hair but whenever I run, itdoesn’t bother me. My heart rate was getting faster and my breathingdeeper.

“I love running.” I explained happily.“Why?” She asked casually. She reminded me a little of a young kidthat bombards others with millions of questions but most often with‘Why?’

Even though asking ‘Why?’ to me sounded childish, I smiled to her and answered her question.

“Because it frees me from bad thoughts.” I answered honestly.“And what bad thought are you trying to escape from today?” concern

was very clearly visible in her aqua eyes. I should have predicted thatshe would ask me this. She is too kind to not to be saddened that some

bad thoughts are bothering me.She is my only relative in Australia (except from my parents, mysister and Logan) and she wants me to be content in here. She wantsme and my family to settle here easily. No wonder she wants to knowwhat’s bothering me; she probably thinks that it’s something to do withAustralia, and what else could it be about anyway?

I will have to lie to her. Not that it’s something I’ll be proud of doing or something that will help me get some answers, but I’ll have to.

On the other side I could tell her the truth. I could demand from her totell me a reason behind everyone’s reactions when her surname getsmentioned. Also, I could ask her things about Calla and Nick.

I need to make a quick decision.

“I just wonder why do people react strangely when someone mentionsthat I’m your niece?” There was something fierce in her eyes like shewas ready to listen to any names I mention and pounce on those peoplefuriously for giving my a hard thinking time… but I didn’t mention anynames.



“And how exactly do they react?” Suspicion mixed with anger waspresent not only in her eyes that didn’t sparkle but also in the tone of her now hoarse voice.

I started regretting telling her the truth but if I wouldn’t have, then I

would get nowhere near any answers. Also, I have to finish what Ialready began.

“Well…” I hesitated, thinking of the right words.“Well everyone gets suddenly quiet and starts gawking at me with

those… unreadable expressions on their faces.” What a sweet relief I feltwhen I saw smile paint over Sarah’s face. She even laughed radiantly.

“Well it’s all caused by my job. I’m well known and nobody messeswith lawyers.” She showed off her biceps muscles in a superman waywhen she said the last sentence. That made us both laugh.

Another question popped into my head.“So people react like that because they fear of you?” I watched my

aunt’s face carefully for any sign of change, which didn’t occur.“I guess you can say so.” She giggled.“You wouldn’t want to mess with anyone whose relatives are very

nearly the most important people in the local area, right?” she asked,even though- I was sure- she knew the answer. I shook my head, shewas right and I felt silly for troubling myself so much earlier on.

Especially, I felt ashamed of myself for not letting what she said ever run across my mind at any point all this time. We both widely grinned at

each other and carried on jogging.

We jogged quietly for a while and I was still considering whether toask Sarah another question. The one that will confirm whether Calla dosor does not go out with Nick. I couldn’t make a decision so Iconcentrated on studying the surroundings.

The sweetest scent hung like a mist in the morning air. It was ahoney-sweet scent of flowers. My head sunk unconsciously in the mostadorable scent in the world. I nearly tripped over the sticking out of theground roots because I was so absorbed by the scent.

There was a different kind of plant wherever I rested my eyes. Theplace was painted in all colours of the rainbow. It was like a dreamlandor like a paradise.

There weren’t many flowers that I recognised. In fact I only recognisedFreesias, Orchids and bushes of Telopea which are also known asWaratahs. There also were full of majesty mighty trees, rising above thebushes and beautifully scented flowers. I didn’t know what species didany of them belong to.



“Did you know that Waratah means beautiful?” My aunt asked as shefollowed my gaze. Her blonde hair was loose and tousled by the warmbreeze from our running.

“No, but from now on I do.” I grinned widely at her.

We jogged always to the same rhythm, making the leaves under our feet rustle. We were an addition to the music of this forest where birdssang, streams murmured softly and insects buzzed.

As I listened to the sounds of nature I made my mind up about askingSarah another question.

“Do you know Calla Gravelle?” she looked up at me to show she waspaying attention.

“Isn’t she a daughter of Alistair Gravelle?” it sounded more as if shewas asking herself rather than me.

“I think she is.” I answered but I wasn’t hundred percent sure.

“She has great parents.” Sarah said out of the sudden. I looked up ather. Her eyes were out of focus as if she was trying to spot somethinginvisible. What is she thinking about?

“Mr. Gravelle works for the local hospital for mentally ill people. Hedoes a great job there by the way. His wife, Anjali doesn’t work but Ithink she does a great as a housekeeper.” Sarah informed me. I foundeverything very interesting to listen to. Every little information about theGravelle family felt precious to me because I wanted to know more

about them.

“Anjali looks after the house and children. Calla, your friend is her step-daughter and Nicolas is her son.” That explained a lot.

“I think that Nicolas also goes to your school, have you met him byany chance?” Sarah chirped out, I gave her an affirming nod because Iwasn’t able to say a word.

The fact that that Nicolas might be just a relative to Calla never stumbled across my mind and now I felt quilt show up. It was the type of quilt people feel when they judge someone incorrectly.

“Do you come here often?” I pointed at the astonishing surroundings.Sarah grinned widely.

“Yes, it’s my favourite jogging location… It’s so peaceful and alluring.Don’t you just think?” She answered in a dreamy voice that caused meto smile uncontrollably.

“Yes, it’s really alluring indeed.” I grinned and in return I gained a sightof Sarah’s eyes sparkle from joy.



“Yes…indeed but unfortunately…it’s time to go.” Sarah said after checking the time on her golden watch. Her face fell slightly as if shedidn’t want to go back yet. If that really was what she felt then I feltexactly the same way. Why would anyone want to leave a place that in

description is closer to a paradise than to anything else?

“Do we really have to?” I couldn’t help wincing.“Yes Kate.” She whispered as if saying it quietly will make everything

better.“Ok then. Let’s go.” I sighed and then took one bigger sniff of the

sweetly scented air. I savoured every little bit of the fragrance, squintingmy eyes with pleasure in the act of it. Sarah did the same.

“Come on Kate. It’s quarter to seven. You got to go to school at eightand I bet that you would like to take a shower before you go out.” She

told me.“Yeah, shower would be good.” I chuckled. I was clammy with sweat.Little beads of perspiration hung to my forehead, I could feel them slowlyslide down on the surface of my face until they reached my chin anddropped to the ground. Sarah passed me some tissue to wipe my faceand then we started running towards home.

We ran in silence, breathing deeply and fast. We breathed in throughour noses and out through our mouths because that is the correct way of breathing when exercising.

“How was school yesterday Kate?” I was surprised that Sarah askedme a question that I would have answered yesterday.“I told you yesterday. School was great.” I lied but I didn’t make an

eye contact.“Then why did you come home early yesterday?” So she has realised.

That’s a bit of a slip-up. What on Earth am I going to say?“I, um…was told to go home.” I stammered. My lying skills were

suddenly gone.“Who by?” she raised her eyebrows, scanning my face as we ran. I

pretended to clear my throat so that I could have at least few seconds tothink. Too bad, I’ll have to tell her everything, except from my opinion of why did I faint- that I’m going to keep to myself.

“By a nurse… Mrs. Dove I think.” I answered and waited for morequestions to come because I was sure that my aunt won’t let go of thistoo soon.

“Why? What happened?” her aqua eyes winded form concern andsurprise.



I can’t deny and so I won’t that I’m extremely proud of myself for making a very fast progress. ‘From confusion to precision.’- as I call it.

It was Sunday morning and it was raining. I was woken up by theannoying tapping sound on the roof and the windows that I hoped I

would never in my life have to hear again. I simply had to groan. I startedgrumbling and complaining silently under my breath.I cursed the rain about hundred times before I tightly shut my eyes

and pulled the blanket over my head- trying to get at least five moreminutes of precious sleep.

I fidgeted in the bed- trying to get as comfy as possible. I turned fromone side to the other; no matter how I would have laid myself on the bed,I could not feel content so I had to turn once more and then again andagain.

After about two more tries I gave up, sat up and sighed- listening to

the constant dripping of the rain that after a while became deafening.

I did not have a clock to check what time it was because my sister,Angie would have smashed it one morning when the sound of alarmclock would have annoyed her. She got really done by my parents. Tobe honest I felt sorry for her. I myself find clock alarms not suitable for waking people up. People should be wakening up in a delicate, subtleway; therefore I don’t exactly blame Angela for killing my clock; in factI’m quite glad she did because I didn’t like that clock much anyway.

The only problem that bothers me with the lack of clock is that I haveto guess what time is it and that can never be accurate.

I stood on the bed and pressed my face against the cold roof windowto see where the sunshine was visible behind the clouds. The sun rayswere cutting through the clouds just above the burgundy roofs of thehouses on the opposite side of the road. I estimated the time to beabout ten o’clock in the morning.

I sighed. I was tired. Yesterday I would have gone to sleep at two atnight. That is because I was observing the golden stars with the brandnew telescope my parents bought me yesterday. I always found spacefascinating and mysterious. Something deep inside me pulled metowards the moon and stars. I love tracing shapes on the sky andmaking up my own constellations.

When I was little I used to have a telescope but I broke it. I’ve never owned another telescope until yesterday.

It was nice and warm last night. The sky was cloudless and theshinning stars stood out perfectly on the indigo backdrop.



I jumped off the bed on to the icy floorboards which squeaked as Ilanded on them. I slowly moved towards my cupboard and put on my oldclothes because they were warmer than the ones I received as anAustralia coming gift. After that I sluggishly went downstairs to makemyself some breakfast. I’ve made two sandwiches with jam and a cup of

steaming hot cocoa. I ate and drank reluctantly. When I eventuallyfinished I washed the dishes, dried them with a soft cloth and then putthem where they belonged to.

I was half way back to my bedroom when I reminded myself about theneed of knowing the time. I hurried back to kitchen and glanced at thebloody-red numbers on the digital clock. It was nine in the morning. Theimagined clock in my head was one hour late- I realised. It wasn’t a verybig difference if compared to my previous comparisons of my estimatedtime to the real time. I was getting better at this every day.

I quitted the kitchen and dashed into my room which looked a far cryfrom the usual due to the change of weather. It wasn’t as bright andcheerful now but dreary in every possible way. Generally the walls werepainted my favourite colour- sky blue but today they seemed gray as if the colour was sucked out of them. Even the air seemed different. Itwasn’t as light and refreshing. If I was to describe it to someone I wouldsay that it was mind-clouding.

I sat on the armchair, beside the desk, and spun around on it.Everyone was still asleep after a week that was filled with heaps of hardwork. I craved to be able to fall asleep whilst it rained. I covered my

mouth with my hand as I gave out a long and loud yawn.

A few minutes have passed and I started reminding myself of the pasttwo weeks. I thought about the next day after I fainted. I get to knowCalla better. For example I found out that her favourite colour is scarletand that she and her family aren’t from Australia but from America andthat her ancestors were Native American. I found out that she was justlike me in many ways. We practically talked non-stop on breaks. Calladefinitely is one of the kindest people I’d have met as far as I live.

On the same day few people introduced themselves to me. I don’tremember their names because I was never particularly good atmemorising anything especially if something did not interest me toomuch. It might sound unfair or nasty but if to think about it many peopleput what matters more to them in the first place.

The only thing I can remember is that five people introducedthemselves at once. It was two girls and three boys but I can’t describewhat they looked like because through the two weeks time I never spoketo them again.



The rest of the week would have been fine if not the fact that everyday there was at least one person less in our class. It worried mebecause of all the stares I gained (if they could they would pierce mewith their intensity and hatred). I was shot with stillest from the eyes of students walking past in the corridor since the first PE lesson. On PE

boys and girls have PE together and on the first lesson couch Martin toldus that we will be running fifteen hundred metres. (Couch Martin wascertainly the nicest PE teacher I had. He is very lean and athletic. Hehas honey blond hair and pale skin as if he is an albino. He does notmoan and shout at everyone.)

I was send outside so that couch Martin could talk to the rest of theclass. I have no idea what he had declared to them but when I cameback in everyone except from Calla was giving me death stares. (Theway Nick glared at me stung the most) I wanted to fly out of the window

just to get away from the pack of gazes that were fixated on me

. I was trying to get away from the gawking people too vigorously andtripped over someone’s foot when I was going back to my place. As Itripped my knee slid along a sticking out floorboard. When I stood upwarm blood was tricking out of the small wound. The mood in the roomchanged into indescribable. Everyone was staring at the wound with thesame expressions on their faces as my aunt when I hurt myself.Everyone looked as if hey were suddenly hungry and frustrated at thesame time- if I read the expressions right which I hoped that I did not.

“Can someone take Miss Burney to the nurse to disinfect the injury

and get a plaster?” Whispered coach Martin just

loud enough to beaudible to the whole class.“I can do it.” Murmured Calla just as quietly (more to herself than to

anyone else) then jumped up towards me and gripped my arm.“Thanks Miss Gravelle.” Answered the coach just before we vanished

from everyone’s sight.

In the nurse’s office my knee was taken care of by Mrs. Dove. I didn’tthink that the plaster was necessary but she insisted to put it on anyway.

So after that everyone begun to avoid me. (That is everyone exceptfrom the teachers, Calla and Nick.)

There was one thing that made me smile as I reminded myself of thefirst week of school. It was the day when Nick officially introducedhimself to me. He even smiled (I realised that he rarely smiles) as hesaid hello. It was lunch time when that happened. (He always sits withme and Calla at lunch times, with headphones placed in his ears.) Hisvoice was so beautiful as he spoke and so mind-boggling… simply



unforgettable. It is hard not to think about it and his breathtakingcerulean eyes. Sometimes I catch myself craving for the sound of hisravishing voice.

Interesting things not only happened in the school but also in between

my family. On the last Friday, for example, I was told that Sarah boughta new house for my parents.Another thing is that there’s more to it; not only has she bought a

house for us but she will be our neighbour because she bought thehouse from the opposite side for herself.

‘New house.’ As I’ve been told. I like the sound of it and myimagination is simply exploding with ideas of how the ‘new house’ maylook. The house has got possibilities. It can be small but very comfy or itcan be big and beautiful and so on.

When I tried to insist on the grown-ups to tell me what is the ‘newhouse’ like, they would only smirk and tell me that I’ll see in my own

time. Of course Sarah came up with her ‘You’ll love it dear.’, andwhenever those words came out of her mouth, I was never disappointedso I imagined the ‘new house’ almost as a castle- obviously knowing thatI was pushing my dreams too far. I laughed internally at all thosethoughts.

“Kate! Kate!” I heard my mum yell, nearly on top of her lungs.“Are you there Kate?” I rolled my eyes at the unnecessary concern in

her voice.“Yes mum. Do you want something from me?” I heard her respire

deeply from relief. I rolled my eyes once more; I wondered where has

she been thinking I was. I realised that she became more caring (if thatwas possible) since we came to Australia.I was lost in thought for a few seconds but then I heard footsteps and

a fraction of a second later, the door opened and in came my mother.She tucked her mid-neck long black hair, which was getting in her face,behind her ears.

“There you are love!” She sighed, making me roll my eyes in mythoughts.

“I don’t want anything from you. I was just worried that you ran awayor something.” My eyes nearly popped out of their places as Marie, mymother said this. I was more than surprised to hear that my mum wasexpecting me to have a reason to run away.

“Why would you think that I would want to run away?” I asked quietly.“Well, I don’t know. People of your age do all sorts of different strange

things.” I laughed at her and she grinned widely.“Mum I don’t know whether anyone has told you, but you’re very silly!”

I exclaimed. Marie clicked her tongue and giggled, and then she left meon my own in my room.



I had this idea going on in my head that nothing interesting willhappen today so, as I always did when I had that feeling, I took “WhiteFang” off the shelf and started reading. I knew that I won’t finish thisbook today because I started reading it too late but to be honest thisbook became my favourite. All the description in it is so realistic; it

almost comes alive with every word I read. The wolf, White Fang, issuch a strong character. Sometimes when I was younger I wished I hada wolf as a pet. I was always amazed by their beauty, wilderness andstrong spirit.

The rainy morning quickly past and was followed by a lovely sunnyafternoon. When I wasn’t reading I was either eating or thinking aboutthe new house. At dinner time my parents announced that we will bemoving in the next month. This obviously associated with helping myaunt and uncle to pack up. We were to start packing from Monday.Sarah went to town to hire some vans and to buy boxes and sticky-tape

for packaging. The excitement could be clearly felt in the house. Themost excited was my little sister Angie. She practically could not stayseated for more than five minutes and she kept on prating about how willher room look like and which room will it be and what will be the gardenlike and all those things that I quietly wondered about too.

It was nine o’clock in the evening and time to go to bed. I was positivethat tomorrow something will happen. I couldn’t guess if it will be a goodor a bad thing but I simply knew that it will be something memorable.

After taking a quick shower I went to bed, closed my eyes and wasimmediately lulled by the peaceful voices of the grown ups coming from

downstairs.

The next morning I was waken up by my dad. I was quite surprisedbecause usually it was either Sarah or Marie who did the waking up inthe whole house.

“Time to go to school sweetie.” My dad said in a sing-song voicegrinning; he reminded me of my childhood, when I was only six years oldbecause when I was little it was always him who was waking me up andhe always said the same thing: ‘Time to go to school sweetie.’

I yawned, stretched widely and whilst grinning I pulled the covers over my head. The next thing that I knew was that the covers were gone andthat I felt cold.

“Time to go to school sweetie.” My dad chuckled and I playfullysmacked him on the arm. We always got along well. I sometimes thinkthat I gained most of the humour from him.

“Will you tell me about the new house?” I pleaded in a voice nearly assweet as sugar.



“Yeah. It’s amazing, you’ll love it.” He said this every time I tried to getsome information out of him; it was very frustrating to hear the samething over and over again.

“What if you’re mistaken? Why can’t I know? What if I don’t...?” He cutme off at midsentence with one loud ‘Shhh’.

“Rule number one: dad is always right. Rule number two: if daddoesn’t seem to be right, then look up rule number one for help.” A wellknown phrase of my conversations with dad. I rolled my eyes and thenhe playfully poked my ribs. I couldn’t resist laughing and poking himback.

“Ok, that’s enough. You got to get ready. Come on; don’t make medrag you out of bed and wet you with ice cold water.” At the words ‘icecold water’ I technically flew out of the bed at the speed of light, straightto the bathroom. I could hear my dad chuckle loudly for a while; and thenI could hear his heavy steps when he was going downstairs.

I hurried under the warm shower. I washed my hair with coconutshampoo that I loved so much. I have an obsession with coconutfragrance. Nearly all of my cosmetics smell of coconut; there are someexceptions because I have a cream that smells of chocolate and amoisturiser that smells of almonds.

After showering I blow dried my hair and dressed (in skinny jeans andshort sleeved purple baggy top with a drawing of galloping horses on it)and packed for school; then I ate some breakfast which was a bowl of honey cereals with warm milk. I went upstairs one last time to brush myteeth and then, I patiently waited in my car for my sister Angie to come.

In the mean time, I was thinking about how to start a conversation

with Nicolas- I was feeling awkward to have him sit on my table and saynothing. Sometimes I felt as if he wasn’t listening to music buteavesdropping to my conversations with Calla; therefore, I have this ideaweighing my mind that he probably knows more about me than I abouthim. I’ll talk to him on a geography lesson, and if not, then I’ll talk to himwhen he sits on my table on lunch.

I was dragged back on Earth as the passenger door clicked andopened wide, and in came Angie. She grinned and then she kissed meon the cheek.

“Are you ready to go then? Have you got everything you need?” Iasked because she tends to forget her belongings.

“Yes. I’ve checked twice.” She chirped in her childish, cute voice.“Fine, but don’t blame me when you realise that you are missing

something because I have asked.” She rolled her eyes and then I stuckmy tongue out at her; then, I turned the keys in the ignition and theengine silently purred to life.



On the way to school I switched the radio on and my sister startedsinging along with the song, I joined her but I was lip-singing becausemy singing skills are unbearable.

After ‘byes’ have been said, I kicked the gas peddle and speededtowards South Sydney High School.

I parked at my usual spot near the big sign. I was late to school,therefore no one was around.I was just opening the door, just setting my foot on the ground when I felteyes of a stranger on me; perhaps I wasn’t alone after all. I automaticallylooked around and saw them. It wasn’t hard to spot them anyway. Theywere stood near the lamp-post on my left, six parking spaces away fromme. They were all intensely observing me. It was a group of four people-two males and two females. All of them had skin as white as porcelain;that’s why it was so easy to spot them. One of the women had charcoalhair and green eyes; except that her eyes weren’t like Calla’s warm

emerald ones, but poison-green as eyes of a viper. She was shorter than me; as far as I could tell from the distance.The other girl had ginger hair; the colour of roared up pieces of coal.

Her eyes were raven black and filled to the edges with hatred. Both of the women had the looks of top supermodels.

The male part of the group was just as beautiful and just as full of bitterness. The two men looked like brothers. They had exactly the sametousled golden blonde hair and exactly the same ice blue eyes that werefilled with the same amount of aversion. I could tell that they were twins.

I stared at the lot of them for a long time. (Only because I had that

feeling that if I will take my eyes of them, they will jump past all the sixparking spaces down to me and tear me apart limb by limb.) I could notbring myself to turn away.

I blinked and then I gasped because it took them less than a blink togather around me. I was surrounded by four faces of the strangers thatwere everything but friendly. How did they manage to get over here soquick?

“What is a little vulnerable person like you doing here?” The womanwith poison green eyes asked in cold voice that made my insidestremble in a warning sign- that the person talking to me is no onepleasant. The taller of the men grasped my hand but then he let go veryquickly with a surprised look on his face.

“She is too cold to be human Jenifer.” True, my hands always areinhumanly cold but so were my mum’s when she was of my age. If Iwasn’t human then what else could I be- I thought sarcastically.

The woman who the taller man called Jenifer (she was the womanwith eyes of a viper) loudly sniffed with her nose.



“Nonsense! Blood is flowing in her veins. I could smell it from there.” Istood there not being able to move even though I knew that I should runas fast as possible away from these queer beings. How on Earth couldshe smell my blood? They either have all gone mad or they are trying toscare decent people off… whichever it is I would be gracious if they

would leave me alone. I prayed silently to God that when I close myeyes they will be gone as fast as they came.“W-what do you want from me?” I stammered when they were still

there after I blinked.“Oh nothing sweetie. We are just about to have a little snack.” The girl

with hair colour of roared up pieces of coal giggled unpleasantly. Ilooked at them all, full of suspicion and unpleasant thoughts.

“Do you really have to have a snack all gathered around me?” Iwhispered faintly but angrily. I could feel my heart beat faster than wingsof a hummingbird; my breathing became uneven. The group laughed ina sinister way and then, all four of them pounced at me. I was knocked

down on to the ground. There was a fight going on around me and I wasthe prize apparently.

Something very unexpected happened then and I don’t think that Icould have ever been more joyful at the sight of Sarah. She wore a whiteknee-length dress with short sleeves and her blond hair was freed fromher usual tight bun that she wore to work. The group of pale people that Iwas knocked down by has vanished out of sight. It was as if they havedissolved and became nothing other but air. Sarah who looked like anangel ran up to me and helped me to stand back onto my legs.

“Goodness me, I only came to tell you that we are moving in next

weekend but I’ve ended up saving you from trouble. How good that Ihaven’t listened to Logan’s urges of telling you after you are back fromschool.” She boomed out with a frustrated voice. She kept on waving her hands in distress as she spoke as if the words weren’t sufficient to fullyexpress her feelings at the time.

“Thank you Sarah.” I beamed a honest smile, hoping that her eyescould prettily sparkle again.

“No problem dear. Hmm, I think I’ll have to speak to your headmaster about what happened. Next time if such thing happens someone couldget badly hurt.” She gave me a serious look. I groaned inside my mind atthe idea of being centre of attention in school; if people haven’t seenwhat has happened through the classroom windows then if Sarah tellsthe head master he will mention it in assembly and everyone will get toknow.

“Sorry sweetie but I really have to do it.” She looked at meapologetically.

“In fact I will go now but I’ll walk you to your class first to tell your teacher why you’re late.” ‘ Oh what a great idea.’ I thought sarcasticallybut kept a smile on my face.



CHAPTER 6

T he piercing eyes of my classmates were on me when, after a trip to

reception for a new time table (the receptionists have been exceptionallykind and swift at their job when they saw Sarah), I entered the Scienceclassroom with none other but my aqua-eyed aunt. She quietlyexchanged a few words with my teacher as I sat in my usual place andthen she turned on her heel and walked out through the door which sheshut without making a sound. I bend over the table and hid my face inthe warmth of my arms.

Copyrighted © by Klaudia Karbowiak

All Rights Reserved 2009

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