1. Innocence.

Elspeth is a young woman who appears average in every way. She attends college & has a good group of friends; But she's not quite human. El is split between 2 worlds, teetering on the edge in both.

 1. Innocence. 

 
 

“Elspeth! Eli!” 

I sat bolt upright. 

“Are you alright?” My mother perched at the side of my bed with a damp flannel and a glass of water that was fizzing madly with some sort of vitamin no doubt. 

“I'm fine.” I choked on my words and disproved my point. 

“Here drink this.” She smiled and held the glass out to me. 

“I said I'm fine, mum.” I shook my head and wiped the sweat from my brow. 

“That looked like a nasty one... It’s alright to say that you’re not okay Eli.” Mum got to her feet as I tore the covers from my aching body and climbed out of bed. 

“Well I am. I just need a shower.” I sighed. “What time is it?” I asked as I grabbed my towel, iPod and speakers - the essentials for a shower. 

 
 

“I called college, told them that you would be off today because of a sickness bug.” She smiled. 

“Great.” I sighed realising I was already nearly two hours late. 

“I can give you a lift in, I’m only going for afternoon coffee with Fran today...” 

“I’ll get the bus, it’s fine.” I said as I closed myself in the bathroom. 

“Okay dear. Do you want some breakfast?” She called. 

“No thanks.” I called back, then put my music on so as Radiohead drowned out her constant fussing. I had the quickest shower I could manage, then climbed out to hear mum on the phone in her room. 

“I am worried, they seem to be getting a lot worse... Oh could you Fran? Yeah that would be lovely.” I rolled my eyes, quickly shoved on some make up and left the house. 

 
 

- 

 
 

“I knew it was a phantom sickness bug. What’d ya do, smoke one too many spliffs? Get well and truly wankered when you realised that today, is the first day that we return to hell in 2014?” Solomon got to his feet when he saw me move across the canteen. It was ever so noisy in there, well, more so in my head. There was little conversation happening, most of the noise was through the thoughts of the majority of the other students. I smiled as I approached and shook my head. 

“Your imagination is running a little too wild there Sol.” I laughed. 

“I thought it was pretty accurate...” Em winked at me, then threw her arms around my shoulders. “Your...” Mason pointed to his head and widened his eyes to me “...Playing up again?” He asked, trying to be sensitive and completely failing. 

“You could say that, yes.” I sighed as I sat down. 

 
 

“I would say I know what you mean, but seeing as I’ve only ever had 3 or 4 visions, I don’t.” Sol shook his head. 

“You would remember exactly how many you’ve had.” I laughed and shook my head at him. 

“How many have you had this week so far then babe?” He raised his brows. 

“9 since 12am on Monday morning.” 

“Woah, that’s quite an increase from 7 all week last week.” Mason frowned. 

“Yeah, that is a lot... Have you spoken to anyone about it? You’re dad might know a thing or two, he works at that prep school doesn’t he?” Em tried to be helpful. 

“None of my family get visions.” I shook my head. “And I would rather avoid talking to my dad at all costs.” I sighed. 

“You should probably get it checked out though...” Sol eventually said, seeming to snap out of his ways for all of about 30 seconds. 

 
 

- 

 
 

“I was thinking El. Maybe you wanted to pop by the building later... One of my brother’s mates gets visions...” 

“It’s fine Em really, nothing to worry about.” I shook my head. “Thank you though.” I add a smile. 

“Are you sure... Because that’s what you said when your dad was cheating on your mum; and just before you ended up in hospital last year...” 

“Em...” 

“Sorry... I just worry, that’s all. You hear all about people like us rejecting our abilities all the time.” 

“If anything they are becoming too fond of me.” I laughed. “I’m fine.” 

“If you’re sure.” Em looked to her feet but nod her head. 

“So what are you doing tonight?” I asked in an attempt to change the subject from the one that had been hovering over me all day. 

 
 

“Just having a night in with Nate...” She smiled. 

“That will be nice.” I smiled back at her, glad that her brother was spending more time with her now. 

“Yeah, I hope so... He’s not been around much recently. He’s stepped up at The Company, works away quite a bit.” Em sighed. 

“Stop worrying Em.” I rest my hand on her shoulder. 

“I know he’s been promoted because he’s good at what he does, but... I’ve got a really bad feeling about it.” She shrugged. I had a funny feeling too, but I didn’t mention that to her “Your ride’s here.” She said, pointing to the bus at the stop just ahead of us. 

“So it is.” I nod my head. “Want me to wait with you?” I asked. 

“No, get home and get some rest. You look as though you need it.” Em smiled and hugged me tight. 

 
 

- 

 
 

“Mum?” I called as I opened the door to our flat. “Mum you home?” I closed the door behind me and moved into the lounge. It was silent throughout our small flat. I walked into the kitchen and noticed a note on the side. I picked it up and read out loud: 

“There are some ready meals in the freezer, careful with the microwave though, you know it’s a bit temperamental. I shouldn’t be gone for long, will be out of the country though so don’t wait up for me or anything. Hope you’re feeling okay. If you’ve got any problems then you know what to do. Frans number is on the fridge with Theos, and so is your fathers if there is a real emergency.” My voice broke and crackled a little as I was reading it. I missed off the ‘love you sweetie’ at the end of the note and screwed up the stupid piece of paper. I was upset with her, more cross though. She was fussing over me this morning like a lunatic, and now she’s taken off on a job again as if I don’t matter. I wish there was some sort of happy medium, but it’s one extreme to another; that’s the way it’s always been. 

 
 

I picked up the phone and dialed my brothers number from off the fridge. It went straight to answer phone. I sighed and threw my bag onto the floor then went to lay down on the sofa in front of the TV. To my surprise, my phone in my bag began to ring. 

“Hello?” I picked up slightly excited, despite the fact that it was a blocked number. 

“Hey Peth, why’d you call?” My brother sounded out of breath. 

“Mum’s away and I have f**k all to do. Just wondered where you were.” I sighed. 

“I'm at The Company. Got my physical coming up.” He said, sounding proud of himself. 

“Then you’ll officially work there?” I raised my brows despite the fact he couldn't see me. 

“Yep.” Theo sounded proud of himself, and I was too; but it seemed like everyone worked at The Company. “It will be a bit weird having my best mate as my boss, but I'm looking forwards to it.” 

“That’s good.” I sighed. 

  

“Everything alright Peth?” I hated the nickname that he had used since we were kids. 

“Yeah, yeah everything’s fine. There’s just nothing on TV and I have no work so...” I shrugged to myself. 

“You can come down to The Company if you like. I don’t mind you sitting in on my training.” He offered. 

“Nah, you’re alright Theo. Keep working hard.” 

“Yeah, will do. You coming to dad’s interview meal thing on Friday?” He asked. 

“I'm supposed to be, but I might give it a miss.” I sighed. 

“Ahh come on Elspeth... He needs some moral support with this campaign he’s running for.” 

“Yeah well he can get it from someone else. I don’t give a s**t about his stupid campaign.” 

“Suit yourself Peth. Don’t know when I’ll see you next. Enjoy being in the flat on your own.” He hung up on me. My brother has always been a little sensitive. 

 
 

- 

 
 

“Elspeth, what’s your opinion on the legislations we've been talking about?” I looked up to where my lecturer was stood, and had no idea how the hell I had gotten into college. 

“Erm...” my heart was pumping in my chest, and somehow my vision was pumping with it. Sol shoved a sheet in front of me, I glanced down and then back up to the stick thin woman who was looking at me with an expectant face. “I'm quite shocked that the disabled were discriminated against for so long after the other pieces of legislation were passed.” I said. 

“Yes, as was I.” She nod her head and expected me to expand. 

“I'm sorry... I need some air.” I got to my feet and stumbled across the classroom. Everything felt heavy and was throbbing. Flashes of light were before my eyes, then splurges of red. 

“El?” Sol followed me from the class and pulled me round to face him. “S**t.” He sighed, then I was over his shoulder. 

 
 

“Where’s your phone?” He asked. 

“In my bag.” I sighed as he stood me by the sinks of the girls toilets. I looked up to him, my eyes stinging. I rubbed them, and then there was blood on my hands and I couldn't see a thing. “Sol?” I panicked. 

“It’s okay, wait here and I’ll get your phone.” He said, stuffing soft paper into my hands and then holding them up to my eyes. “Toilet’s out of order ladies.” I heard him call. I stood, blind and feeling a chill on my legs. There was a whisper, someone whispering my name... Then there was a hand on my arm. I panicked and shoved the person who was there. 

“El it’s me, it’s fine.” Sol held me firmly in his arms. “Who do you want me to call? Theo?” 
“Please.” I nod my head, still not able to see. 

“Okay, it’s ringing. El, stand up... come on... Elspeth?” 

 
 

- 

 
 

“Eli honey...” 

“Don’t touch me! No! Don’t touch me!” I shrieked as my father reached out to me. I scrambled back urgently and fell out of the other side of the bed. I got to my feet instantly and moved as far away from him as I could. 

“Eli, it’s me... your old dad.” He smiled. 

“Don’t come any closer! I know what you do. I've seen it.” I held my hand to him and backed up to the wall. I was shaking like mad 

“Sweet, it’s alright.” He kept the nasty smile on his face. 

“I said don’t come any closer!” I yelled as he moved towards me. He reached down and pressed the red button at the side of my bed, and a team of nurses in white rushed in. 

“No! Get away from me! Get off!” I broke free from 2 of them, but the other 3 clamped me against the wall, and then there was a sharp pain in my neck before I blacked out. 

 
 

- 

 
 

“Eli, honey.” My father was at the end of the bed, smiling. I refrained myself from flinching. 

“What happened?” I asked, sitting myself up with my shaky arms. 

“From what your friend said, you had a nasty vision...” He sighed. “Do you remember what you saw?” He asked. 

“No.” I shook my head, and he looked a little taken back. “I don’t normally remember, only after it starts to happen...” I sighed. 

“Okay, well not to worry Eli.” His soft expression returned. “Where do you think you’re going?” He got to his feet as I climbed out of the covers. 

“I'm going home.” I sighed. 

“No, you’re not. The doctors need to conduct some more tests. We need to make sure that your body isn't rejecting your abilities...” 

 
 

“What would you care if it was?” I snapped. 

“That’s not fair Elspeth.” He shook his head. 

“Life isn't fair. Deal with it big man.” I shoved past him and left the room. 

“Eli, you need rest.” He followed me from the room. 

“No, what I need is to get out of here.” I shook my head. 

“You’re not thinking straight.” He looked me right in the eye. 
“That doesn't work on me so don’t even bother trying.” 

“What are you talking about Eli?” 

“You can’t manipulate me like you can everyone else. Now leave me the hell alone.” 

“Why do you dislike me Eli?” He grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him. 

 
 

“I don’t dislike you... I loathe you, I hate you, I despise you. Now let go of me and leave mum and I the f**k alone.” I snatched my arm from his grasp and walked away. He didn't follow this time, just stood and watched me go. 

“Is everything alright?” There was a voice down the corridor that I zoomed past. I ignored them and got out of The Company as fast as I could. It was a place filled with bad memories and fear; right to the brim. It was pouring out now, oozing down the sides of the vat of terror in thick, disgusting globs. I shuddered as I moved through the force field that hid that huge building from the eyes of the Anthropoid, then walked back home in the dark. I was frozen by the time I got there, but I was so tired all I could think about doing was curling up in a ball and sleeping in my soft bed. However I had no key and no energy, so I curled up in a ball on the doorstep. I drifted into a deep sleep as soon as my head hit the floor. 

 
 

- 

 
 

“Just pick up the phone Peth, I know you’re in and listening to my messages and making stupid faces as you mouth along with me talking...” I stopped that instantly. “...but I really think you should come to the dinner come interview thing tonight for dad to apologise for what you said to him this last night. He’s been grumpy all day. I'm sorry for being short with you and I hope you feel better now, just... F*****g hell Elspeth pick up...” 

“Can I have a friend?” I asked, and by the long pause, Theo hadn't been ready for me to actually pick up the phone.” 

“Yeah, Em can come too.” He said, knowing who my choice would be immediately. 

“What’s the dress code?” I asked in a very formal tone. 

“Smart, please be smart. Dress, heels, whatever you girls do.” He said. 

 
 

“Don’t pretend that you don’t know.” I teased him. 

“Tegan is wearing heels that make her about as tall as me, and that necklace and earring set that cost me a limb; follow her lead.” He said, trying to defend his manly honour in which he was severely lacking in. 

“Okay, where and when?” 

“I’ll book you a taxi, it will be at the flat at half 7, okay?” He sounded satisfied. 

“Fine...” I sighed. 

“What made you change your mind?” He asked after another pause. 

“Instinct.” I said bluntly. 

“Oh God... Don’t cause any issues will you. I’ll be keeping close tabs on you.” He sighed. 

“I will behave. Don’t you worry.” I smiled down the phone. “See you later brother.” I hung up. 

 
 

I jumped as there was a knock at the door. 

“Who is it?” I called. 

“It’s only me dear. Just checking up on you.” Glenda sounded rough and more frail than usual. 

“I'm fine, thanks for letting me in this morning.” I laughed, feeling a little embarrassed that she had found me curled up on the door step. 

“Oh it’s alright. Remember your key next time.” She laughed too. 

“My friend has my bag...” I shrugged. 

“Tell you what, I will leave my key under my mat for you, that way you’ll always be able to get in.” Glenda smiled and brushed my face with the back of her hand. “What I’d do to be young again... I'm staying with my son this weekend... I don’t think you have met Ben have you?” She looked up to me. 

 
 

“I don’t believe I've had the pleasure.” I shook my head. 

“Oh you would get on well. He loves to cook, just like you Gail.” Glenda smiled and was on her way. “See you soon duck.” She called. 

“See ya.” I smiled, then closed the door to the flat. I made my way into my bedroom and grabbed my coat from the wardrobe. I paused in front of the mirror once I had pulled it on, and brushed the side of my face with the back of my hand. I was the spitting image of my mother, Theo was, too. We had her wavy blonde hair and deep green eyes; the pale skin and thin lips... I shook my head and made my way into town to stop by the shop where Em worked. It was like a mini B&Q type place, quite a handy place really. She got mum discount on a lot of stuff for the kitchen and the garden. Em smiled brightly when she saw me, and so did her boss. I was a bit of a regular, normally on the weekends though. 

 
 

“What a surprise to see you here.” Mandy joked, patting me on the shoulder. She was a small woman, one for the sarcasm. “Do you want to go on your lunch Emery? I’ll wait until 1.” Mandy smiled. 

“Oh, cheers.” Em looked a little shocked. “I’ll be back down in a second El.” 

“Sure.” I nod my head and moved out of the doorway. 

“How are you feeling? Emery said you had a funny turn yesterday.” Mandy generally sounded concerned. 

“Yeah, I was a little dehydrated.” I sighed. “I'm home alone again, not looking after myself properly.”  
“You teenagers.” She shook her head. “No doubt I’ll be seeing you again soon.” She smiled as Em skipped down the shop. 

 
 

“You look good.” Em smiled as we moved into the warmth of the coffee shop next door. 

“Oh, thanks.” I laughed. We ordered our hot chocolates, then sat ourselves down at the table in the far corner of the coffee shop. 

“Sol said you had a nasty vision...” She said in a small voice. 

“Yeah, it was a bit gross to be honest.” 
“How was it gross?” Em looked intrigued. 

“The old blood from the eyes...” I shrugged and sipped at my drink. 

“That is gross...” She sighed and pulled a face. “Did you speak to anyone?” 

“My dad... kind of shouted at him, which leads to why I'm here...” I laughed. 

 
 

“Oh God...” 

“It’s nothing to worry about. I've just got to go to some meal interview thing to make up for telling him that I loathed, hated and despised him, in that order. Wondered if you would come with me...” 

“You have exceeded yourself there... Well done El.” She did a slow clap and pulled a sarcastic face. 

“Alright, I'm aware... So? You coming?” 
“I don’t know, I don’t want to intrude... it will be your family and their friends...” 

“There will be an open bar.” 

“And why that didn't come up sooner I will never know.” Em shook her head and I couldn't help but laugh. 

  

“I thought that might tempt you.” 

“Have I got to dress up? And are the hunky Williams brothers going?” 

“Yes and most likely.” I answered her question, sipping at my drink. 

“Yay.” She smiled the cutest smiled ever, then sipped her drink and pulled a face. “How are you doing that? It’s bloody hot.” 

“Elements...” I shrugged. 

“I still don’t get how that works, because you feel the cold, more than anyone I know.” 

“Ice isn't an element, Em...” I bit my lip. 

“Oh... Yeah.” She frowned and thought about it for a moment, then nod her head with a sense of finality. 

 
 

- 

 
 

“Taxi’s here!” Em called from the lounge; I cringed at the sound of her heels on the wood floor in the hallway. I took one last glance in the mirror, then took a deep breath. Em and I rushed out to the taxi and climbed in, not sure of where on earth we were going. 

“Does this look alright on me?” She turned to me, and tugged at the frill on the front of her burnt orange dress. 

“Are you kidding? you look amazing.” I smiled. 

“Thanks... and thanks for the shoes.” Em bit her lip and looked satisfied. 

“You’re welcome.” 

“I still think you’re brave to wear the light gold... especially with no bra.” 

“It’s only one shouldered, and I don’t have a strapless bra.” I shrugged. 

 
 

“Don’t you get any ideas sir.” Em pointed her finger to the taxi driver whose ears had perked up since the word ‘bra’ and ‘no’ were used in the same sentence. He averted his eyes immediately. 

“Good heavens!” I couldn't help but laugh at Em and her posh tone. “Filthy minds, that’s all people seem to have these days.” 

“I'm concerned that you haven’t had anything to drink yet and you are already slightly loopy.” I shook my head. 

“Well, you are in for an evening, I'm telling you. I think we should go out after your dads event thing. We haven’t been out in ages.” 

“Already regretting my dress choice.” I sighed. 

“Don’t be stupid, you look stunning therefore you should feel stunning. Simple as.” Em slapped my arm. 

 
 

- 

 
 

“You made it...” my father stood on the door of the hotel with a shocked expression on his face. 

“Theo talked me into it.” I looked to the floor. “Sorry for how I was last night... I was shaken up a little.” I said, then looked up to his hard, stern face. I bit at my lip. 

“I should think so too.” His frowned deepened. “I want you to meet some people, you can make up for it further.” He said sternly. 

“Fine.” I looked back to the floor. 

“Go find your brother. And I don’t want you messing this up Elspeth.” 

“Course not dad.” I chewed on the inside of my cheek as Em and I moved into the hotel lobby. 

“He didn't have to be like that.” She looked disgusted. 

“He’s always like that.” I shook my head. 

 
 

“Hey, I wasn't expecting to see you here...” Fran smiled and brushed her hand down my arm. 

“Bit of a last minute thing.” I shrugged. 

“Well it’s good to see you out and about Elspeth. And you look lovely.” 

“Oh, thanks...” I laughed. 

“I don’t believe we have met before...” Fran looked to Em. 

“No, no I don’t think we have.” Em smiled. “Emery Sanders.” They shook hands. 

“Do you have a brother?” Fran frowned after a moment. 

“Nathan, yeah...” 

“That is where I know the name from then, he’s a friend of my son, Miles.” 

“Oh really? I had no idea.” Em looked shocked. 

 
 

“I will let him know you’re here. How lovely.” Fran smiled, then looked over to the bar and rolled her eyes. “I shall find you later on Elspeth, Emery... If you’ll excuse me...” She sighed. 

“I have every idea they are related. Miles Williams, my God he can take me.” Em closed her eyes. 

“I'm going to get you a drink before you weird me out any more.” 

“Allow me. I’ll be more generous with the vodka than you.” Em winked at me then head over to the bar. I looked around the room, taking in everyone who was there. A load of family friends who didn't look very happy to be there, then a load of people who looked snobbish and up themselves. I rolled my eyes and tried to pick Emery out from the crowd at the bar. She seemed to be having trouble with the drinks. I made my way over, but Taylor Williams intervened before I could. Em thanked him and looked him up and down then turned back to me with a smile on her face. 

 
 

“Hey, Elspeth... You look really good.” He smiled, refraining himself from asking if I was alright seeing as he knew what the response would be. 

“Thank you... You know, I don’t think I have ever seen you wear a tie.” I tilt my head to one side. 

“It’s a rare thing, trust me.” He laughed. 

“Elspeth.” A stern voice caught my attention, and I turned to my father. 

“What is with him?” Em frowned as I sighed heavily and bit at my lip. 

“He’s always like that.” Taylor sighed and looked slightly angry. 

“See. He spends more time with him than I do.” I rolled my eyes. 

“Elspeth.” He sounded more stern now. 

“Want me to do the thing?” Em asked as I downed my drink. 

“Please, in 5 minutes.” I nod my head, smiled to Taylor and then head over to where my father was stood with the snobs I didn't like the look of. 

 
 

“Gentlemen, this is my beautiful daughter.” He smiled, holding his arms out to me. It was the first time I had seen him smile, and the first time he had paid me a compliment. 

“Hi.” I smiled to them all and set my empty glass down on the table. 

“What are you drinking, I’ll go and fill you up.” One of the men smiled. 

“Double vodka and cranberry.” I smiled politely “Thank you so much.” I nod my head to the bloke with the sleek black hair and moustache who departed to get me a drink. 

“Honey this is Barnaby Hudspith, commissioner of my new establishment, and that is Jack Foreman whose company I am linked with on the build.” 

“Nice to meet you Mr Hudspith.” I shook his hand. 

“Barnaby, please.” He smiled a creepy smiled and shook his head frantically, almost spilling his drink. 

 
 

“There you are kid.” Jack smiled down to me and resumed his cheesy stance next to my father. 

“Will your partner be joining us Henry?” Barnaby asked, tilting his head sideways, relaxing after his strange outburst. 

“She will be yes; no doubt she’s fussing over what she is going to wear.” Dad laughed. 

“Well, we all know what Angie’s like.” Jack winked at me after he spoke. A part of me wanted to shout out ‘yep, she’s a w***e, we all know’; but I was pretty sure that would tick the box of not behaving. I raised my brows to him then gulped my drink. 

“Careful with that, it will get you drunk.” Dad flicked my glass. 

“That’s why I'm drinking it.” I told him, and the other two men laughed. 

“She is a character.” Barnaby shook his head again, and Jack just smiled, sipping his own drink. 

 
 

“So you have barely spoken to me about this, remind me again what this event is in aid of.” I smiled to my father. 

“I can’t believe that he hasn't bragged to you about it.” Barnaby laughed, throwing his head back. 

“Very little, actually.” I said. 

“Well, you and your mother have been busy haven’t you...” He was hinting at something. 

“Oh yes. We were away over Christmas, just the 2 of us; it was lovely.” I smiled, and so did my father. 

“Where was it that you went?” Jack asked. 

“Lanzarote... Never been before.” I nod my head. 

“Oh really? did you go to the volcano place.” 

“We did as a matter of fact. Cooked our meal over the heat from the lava on the last night... Anyway...” I shook my head. “We are here about you this evening, dad.” I looked up to him. 

 
 

“That we are.” He smiled, and I was sure I saw surprise in his eyes. 

“So tell me all about this event.” I smiled to the 3 men. 

“It’s for your fathers new establishment for young children with abilities, as you know. He is providing them with a youth club, so to speak. It’s a brilliant project, something I am sure you will be able to appreciate being young and...” Jack seemed lost for words. 

“You will have to let your friends know about it, though I am sure they've already heard.” Barnaby smiled. 

“Oh they already know.” I nod my head. 

“Unfortunately Elspeth is slightly over the age it is aimed for, but I am sure she will be offering a helping hand here and there.” Dad was trying to get something out of me here. 

“I'm sure I will be able to.” I nod my head. 

 
 

“Extra hands will be needed, with the numbers of Anthropoids that will be attending as well...” Barnaby nod his head and didn't seem to finish his sentence. 

“Oh right.” I raised my brows. 

“Yes. We considered it in depth, and haven’t actually announced it as of yet, but we all know that you kids have Human friends that you include and, what your father is doing will offer the space for us to be us and the Anthropoid friends feel a part of it.” Jack nod his head. 

“How interesting.” I smiled, but really I was concerned. 

“Do you have any friends who have no abilities, Elspeth?” Barnaby asked. 

“I do, yes... They don’t know about my abilities though.” I shook my head. “It’s something I've always kept to myself.” I shrugged. 

“Fair enough.” Jack nod his head. 

“She’s quite a modest one, my Elspeth.” 

 
 

“Want to introduce me to your new friends?” Em bumped into my arm and sloshed her vodka and cranberry all down my front. 

“Oh s**t... Em how much have you had?” I laughed but tried to make myself look annoyed at the same time. 

“Some of them just can’t handle it.” Jack laughed. 

“Come on Emery...” Taylor took her hand and drink and pulled her away from us. 

“I had better go and get this out before it stains.” I sighed. “It was nice meeting you; no doubt I shall be seeing more of you in the months to come.” 

“Yes, it was lovely to meet you too.” Barnaby smiled and kissed my cheek. 

“Good luck with that.” Jack laughed, pointing to the red that was seeping into my light gold dress. He too kissed me on the cheek and passed me a small card as I pulled away. 

 
 

I made my way into the toilets where I met Em and Taylor, who didn't look too happy to be in the ladies. 

“Do you do that often?” He asked. 

“All the time.” Em jumped up and down. “It works every time too.” 

“Good luck getting that out...” Taylor grit his teeth. I shoved the card on the sink and got to work, using my much-loved elements. It took me a few seconds to clean myself up so as it looked as though nothing had happened to my dress. 

“What’s that?” Em picked up the card. “Ohhh got someone’s number already eh?” 

“Jack Foreman...” I sighed. 

“Yes, I can read.” Em nod her head. 

“That bloke gives me the creeps.” Taylor sighed. 

 
 

“Why?” I asked. 

“He runs this place in Coventry, teaches kids self-defence... strangely enough it’s smack bang in the middle of the area with the highest crime rates...” Taylor shrugged. 

“Sounds like a good associate to have.” Em shook her head. 

“Yeah.” I sighed. 

“Am I interrupting something here?” Tegan laughed when she walked into the toilets and slowed when she saw Taylor. 

“Drat we got caught. We’ll have to reschedule guys.” Em widened her eyes and elbowed Taylor in the ribs. We just laughed at her. 

“I've been dragged into a scheme of getting El away from Henry; literally dragged.” Taylor laughed and shook his head. 

 
 

“If you say so big boy.” Tegan punched Taylor in the chest then moved into a cubicle. 

“The whole truth and nothing but the truth.” He held his hands up and head out of the toilets. 

“Have fun sneaking out of the ladies, your brother and Theo are literally right outside.” Tegan called, laughing to herself. 

“F*****g fantastic.” Taylor shook his head. I followed him out, Em close behind me. 

“You came.” Theo smiled to me as we joined him and Miles who was watching me closely. 

“Of course I did... I'm not staying for long though.” I laughed, really wanting to scream instead. 

“Have you spoken to dad?” He asked. 

“He was so nasty.” Em screwed up her face. 

“He’s always like that.” Theo sighed. 

 
 

- 

 
 

“Do you like your father, Elspeth?” Jack asked 

“He’s an ambitious man.” I smiled. 

“You didn't answer my question...” 
“I know.” I told him. 

“You are a smart kid.” He nod his head after a slight pause. 

“I'm not a kid.” I didn't sound very amused. Truth be told, I was fed up. 

“How far would you go to prove that?” He lent into me and smiled. 

“I don’t have to prove it, to anyone, let alone you.” I shook my head. 

“Well I don’t believe you.” He teased. “I think there is some innocence in you.” 

“I think you’re confusing innocence with naïvety.” I laughed a sarcastic laugh. 

“Both are the traits of children.” 

  

“Neither of which I possess.” 

“I beg to differ.” Jack smiled. 

“If you grew up with Henry as a father, a role model; you would understand. Neither my brother nor I have ever owned any innocence or been familiar with naïvety. I think that possibly answers your question, Mr Foreman. Not that knowing a little truth about a bad man will make you change your mind about joining your companies up. Maybe it has enhanced the urge based on your history. Either way, it’s the money, your arse and your dick that you’re worried about. Why should the opinions of a kid matter to you?” 

“I believe I'm making a deal with the wrong Prince entirely.” Jack smiled to me. 

 
 

- 

Reviews

[ZcMorg]

This is a really interesting idea. I like the way you introduce little drops of information throughout your work, slowly revealing about abilities, visions, elements etc. I am now dying to know how all of these things work! On a less positive note, some parts of your writing don't flow very well, making it quite difficult too follow.nothing that can't be sorted when you revise though. All in all a good first chapter, though there are tweets that will need to be made. Keep doing what you're doing, this has potential to grow into something really interesting.