Blue at Midnight Read online

  Sick of my mind being bombarded with all these sad memories I decided to get up and get out of here. Better than lying here feeling sorry for myself waiting for that time bomb to enter through those hospital doors. Pulling my strength together I pushed myself up and out of the bed, only to find myself feeling a little light-headed. Slowly, I walked towards the ugly orange chair sitting on the left side of the room, next to the side table, and grabbed my coat. Even though I was wearing my blue and white pyjamas, I still thought if I kept my head down I’d have a good chance of walking out. Naomi had taken all of my clothes to her car as they must have smelt awful after being drenched in that murky sea-water. Carefully I turned the squeaky door handle moving my ear towards the opening, listening for the hospital staff.

  “What the hell was she thinking? Is she stupid?” shouted a highly frustrated man. This could only be one person.

  “Calm down Mr Hibbs. You must understand that Isabelle is in a very fragile state of mind right now,” explained Dr Bennet. As usual my dad wasn’t paying any attention to the doctor’s advice.

  “Look, you need to go in there and find out if she’s going to do it again because I don’t think she’s right in the head. I mean she was always distant when her mother was alive but since then I feel like I don’t even know her anymore.”

  “I understand your concern but this is not the right approach Mr Hibbs,” replied the patient doctor.

  “Well at home, every time I walk into the room she walks out and when I ask her something she either gives me a vague answer or sits there with her headphones in, so forgive me if I’m losing patience doctor!” It was obvious my dad was trying to indicate that the distance between us was due to there being a problem with my mental state. According to him, I couldn’t cope with the daily stresses of life and losing my mother threw me over the edge. I was shocked that he would use my mother’s death as an excuse. She passed away due to ill health three years ago. Even though it was the hardest time of my life it made me realise how short, unexpected and fragile life could be. My blood was boiling from listening to my dad’s ridiculous comments and what made it even worse was that it was behind my back, to a stranger, after I’d nearly died.

  Suddenly their voices started to get louder which indicated that they were making their way to the hospital room I was in. Like a mad woman I ripped my coat off my back and flung it across the room. It bounced off the hideous pea-coloured wall and landed perfectly on the orange, wooden chair. As they entered they saw me leaning casually on the bed, half sitting, with a tissue over my face, pretending to wipe my nose.

  “Hello Isabelle, I’m Dr Bennet.” He smiled and looked straight through me as if he knew exactly what type of patient I was. Quietly, like nothing had happened, my dad walked in, followed by Naomi.

  “So when do you think I’ll be discharged?” I was sick of waiting.

  “Well that depends on how you’re feeling. Have you eaten something?”

  I explained that I was feeling fine and that being in hospital was a bit extreme as I could easily recover at home. After answering a few questions about what I was doing at the beach and how I felt about being rescued, the doctor decided to discharge me. Thankfully, after a chest X-ray and a disgusting hospital lunch I was free. Throughout the past two hours my dad barely spoke. I suppose he said all he had to say outside, behind my back. This explained his annoying, hovering, fly-like behaviour; he couldn’t wait to leave as this visit was not on his priority list.

  Chapter 5

  “What happened to you? Have you suddenly remembered that the elders have set us a task which we must complete?”

  Christian tried to avoid eye contact; he couldn’t find the courage to look at his brother after what he’d just done. All he kept thinking about was whether someone had seen him. His actions would be seen as an insult to their world. Saving a human was forbidden.

  Trying to block the guilt, he started to shift large rocks on the sea-bed, to create the pathway to the Room of Rituals. Maybe if he kept himself busy this whole episode would just be forgotten, leaving him to focus on his task. Little did he know that Cale had been observing him since he’d returned and sensed that he was different.

  Occasionally, Christian would redo what he had done. Something was distracting him. Cale had hoped that Sebastian’s visit would have encouraged his brother to pull himself together. However, he seemed more unlike himself and that was dangerous in Orsa, as being distracted was a sign of weakness for a Rourke (soldier of Orsa). Under no circumstances was Cale going to let his brother affect the completion of this task. This was Cale’s chance to show the elders that he was stronger, which would convince them to grant him permission to enter onto the land and redeem his soul.

  Not all Children of Orsa chose this path, however redeeming your soul was risky as you would need a human to fall in love with you. This was the soul you would sacrifice, so under no circumstances should you fall in love with this human otherwise you would be taken back to the waters by an elder and punished. You would be destroyed, killed during the ritual of forgiveness, which would be performed by the elders, also known as the first ones: Estran, Sebastian and August.

  Once the human life had been sacrificed, the empty shell of a body would be left somewhere on the land. A group of Rourkes would make it look like some sort of an accident. Only then can a child of Orsa live as a human with no one to rule over them: they would be free. A child of Orsa had a month to build this bond with a human otherwise after a month they would start to age rapidly and within a year they would be facing death. Either they died like this or they’d go back to Orsa, where failure was not accepted. It was their duty to uphold the numbers and Cale knew Christian understood that.

  The temperature started to drop considerably and the night sky formed a blanket of darkness, pierced by the twinkling of stars. Three hours before midnight. Midnight was the hour of life as this was the moment a sacrificed human would lose their soul and a child of Orsa would redeem theirs.

  It was now time to eat, otherwise known as ‘savoc’. It was a custom to eat together, and if any of their kind were travelling through the area they would join a local group for savoc. Savoc took place in the most colourful part of the sea-bed where the magical colours of the coral reef swayed in harmony. Delicately the reef surrounded the various sizes of natural stone, which had been carved and positioned to form a vast dining space. In addition to this, you would be entertained by music played on stringed instruments (the last remains of the damned souls). Myths of beautiful mer songs sung by mer people were created by humans but the reality was the opposite. The music was only fuelled by Orsa to spread harmony and tranquillity amongst their world. Amongst all the serenity Cale’s patience with Christian was wearing thin.

  “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you eating?” Christian was shocked. He wasn’t aware that Cale had been watching him. Just how long had he been observing he thought? Paranoia followed by panic was starting to crawl upon him like a deadly rash.

  “The barsa fish doesn’t taste like it usually does,” he responded, staring at his plate, avoiding Cale’s stare. Before Cale had the chance to respond, he walked off, agitated.

  Moving swiftly, he tried to blend in with the others. As he was about to leave savoc he a felt sudden chill as a heavy hand pressed into his shoulder. Even from behind, it had the power to stop him cold. Taking a deep breath he composed his expression then turned slowly, only to lock eyes with a tall, muscular man with a strong jaw line, wearing a wooden expression and piercing emerald eyes.

  “In a hurry Christian?” asked Sebastian.

  “No. Just not hungry.” Sebastian glared at Christian suspiciously before taking a step back and smiling.

  “Good, I would like to introduce you to Lameer... an explorer from the easterly waters.” In front of Christian stood a lean, slender Rourke, skin like sand and hair the colour of chestnut, holding a strong posture, just like a typical soldier thought Christian. His movement was very agile as h
e stepped forward and held his hand out to Christian.

  “Good to meet you Christian.” Even though he seemed harmless Christian was confused by the unnecessary force Lameer applied to the handshake. It almost seemed as if he was challenging him. The two Rourkes stared deviously at each other before Sebastian interrupted, ordering that a space for three be cleared for savoc.

  “I really should leave; I need to get back to completing the Room of Rituals,” explained Christian sternly. Sebastian would never let a soldier interrupt him and get off so lightly but as it was for a task he had set, he nodded gently and dismissed him. Rapidly, Christian walked off feeling a little wary. As he looked behind curiously, his eyes caught a glimpse of Lameer who just happened to be looking straight at him with a curious expression. Clearly there was more to Lameer than meets the eye.

  Chapter 6

  I’ve got everything I need: keys, debit card and phone. One last look in the mirror, take a deep breath and just walk out of the front door.

  As I opened the front door the cool, damp air washed over my face and the morning rush buzzed through my ears. I tried to ignore the fact that I felt like a lost child entering a booming city, filled with unknown possibilities. Rapidly, I slammed the front door shut and marched down the street to the bus stop, which was a two-minute walk from my house. Hopefully, this time next year I would have saved enough money to buy myself a car. Focusing on the route ahead my eyes were firmly fixed onto the pavement and my hands were curled up into small fists, digging deep into the pockets of my black and grey trench coat.

  Same bus driver, same old passengers, it’s as if the past two weeks had never occurred. Miraculously, I had survived from drowning in the sea, my family think I’m crazy and suicidal, yet nothing in this town seems to have changed. If I had drowned everything would have carried on, as if I never existed. Why shouldn’t it? I thought. People die all the time and the world just carries on, right?

  As the bus drove closer to the high street it dawned on me that maybe this was too big an adventure for the first day outside the house. I’d barely stepped out of my room over the past couple of days as I didn’t want to deal with my dad’s ignorance and my sister’s awkward silences. I needed to move forward from this and focus on myself by getting back to work, focusing on my studies and being around different people.

  As the bus slowed down to a halt, the anxiety building up within me was making it difficult to breathe. On top of that was the nauseating stench of cigarettes, bad breath and cheddar that flowed throughout the bus. However on a more positive note, soon I’d be escaping this and inhaling the fresh outdoor air.

  With my head down, I trudged along the hectic high street decorated with high fashion boutiques whose shop windows were enchanting, tempting me to wander off my path and enter. Shopping without a worry in the world was certainly more exciting than facing my boss. However, I would not be able to relax unless I faced my fears and got this day over with.

  Swiftly, I approached the end of the high street. I could see Coffee Time merchandise elegantly displayed in an outside seating area, whilst Hugo (the manager) was skipping around the coffee house like a bluebottle. As I entered, my arrival was summoned by a bell that blended in with the lively conversations of customers and rustling newspapers. Surrounded by tiny, modest lighting, a mixture of comfortable armchairs and high wooden seating areas I stood, waiting for Hugo to catch my eye. I could have easily stormed into the stock room taken my apron out of my locker and started serving at the coffee bar. Even though so much had changed in my life everything in front of me was the same, yet still I couldn’t just stroll straight in. Not without an explanation.

  “Isabelle,” cried out a middle-aged Italian man as he gracefully floated towards me, with a warm smile. Startled, I responded with an uneasy smile, absolutely petrified at the thought of having to explain my absence, if he hadn’t heard already.

  “Hello Hugo,” I responded timidly.

  “I’m glad you came in to see us. How are you?” he beamed.

  “I’m fine thanks.” This was always my automatic response to that question. There was a slight pause as Hugo stood there smiling, waiting for me to elaborate as he usually did.

  “Oh, I was wondering if I’m still employed here. I know I haven’t been in work lately but...”

  “I understand. Your dad called. I just want you to know that we are all here to support you but my dear, are you sure you’re ready to work?”

  “I am definitely ready to come back. This is exactly what I need to be doing.” My response was firm as coming back to work was the one thing I was definitely sure about.

  “Well if you’re sure my dear, how about you do the evening shift tomorrow – 5:30 till close?”

  “Yeah that’s great. I will be here, ready.” I almost fainted from the relief that washed over me. I was determined to make Hugo proud by proving that I was serious about work. More than ever I was desperate for the money and I didn’t know how long I could carry on like this, knowing that my dad had been speaking to everyone about my ‘suicide attempt’. All I could do was just move on positively and successfully like the real me, not like a person with suicidal tendencies, not like the weak person my dad kept on making me out to be.

  However, Hugo had been my boss for almost two years and he had always been really understanding and supportive of me balancing a part-time job with my studies. Hugo never was one to judge and I only hoped that whatever my dad had told him wouldn’t change his impression of me.

  As soon as I left to go home, I found myself power walking down the high street, not realising that I’d walked past the bus stop about ten minutes ago. I decided to continue as I didn’t fancy facing all those faces on the bus again plus it was only a 25-minute walk. The autumn air stroked against my cheeks like a soft make-up brush; it was refreshing. Focusing on the weather, rather than the tightness in my chest and the fear of bumping into someone I knew, was the plan. Being outside and amongst people after everything that had happened, felt strange. I felt exposed.

  Thankfully I was able to get my job back and had the rest of the day to pull myself together, in the hope that I would have gathered the courage to face college tomorrow!

  Chapter 7

  Night time was the only time Christian could be alone with his thoughts. Starlight filtered through the waters, an effect that Christian found quite tranquil, enabling his mind to flow with ease. Magically the stars would highlight the array of colours from the coral reef. In Orsa this was equivalent to a rainbow, embedded with the beauty of sapphires, pearls, gold and lost treasures from above. All of these beautiful surroundings made up their world and no single one of these riches was given a status more valuable than the other; they simply lay where they lay.

  This was how they believed the world was meant to be. Also that the environment should stay natural and respected, not exploited or used for personal gain. Christian understood why the Children of Orsa had the right to replace a human as he believed that they were on the right side and would eventually restore the Earth as it was meant to be (a natural, warless paradise).

  However, the image of Isabelle’s face as she fell wouldn’t leave his mind. This made him question why their aggressive yet strategic methods would need to be used to replace such a frightened soul. What injustice could she possibly bring to the world, when she could barely fight for her own life? Suddenly all that he had been trained for and everything he had been taught about the human race was under question. That was after meeting just one of them. Christian tried to block these ideas but his mind just wouldn’t stop. He believed that everything the elders had been teaching them was the truth, until now. If the teachings were correct then why couldn’t he sense the ugliness of humanity when he met his first human? Instead he was touched by the sadness and vulnerability that she unknowingly expressed. Were these the qualities of a destroyer? This was a word that Sebastian often used.

  Such thoughts were highly forbidden and would be given the sen
tence of death but Christian could not fight himself any longer. For the first time in his life his heart and mind were telling him one thing. To find her and seek the truth for himself!

  Adrenalin was pumping through his veins. Was it possible to secretly leave Orsa without betraying his world? The answer was no: he would be disobeying the elders just to pursue his curiosity… a human. Sebastian was in charge of all of their training and he was ruthless. If he were to ever find out he would take it personally. He always said that Christian had the potential to be one of the finest soldiers ever born in Orsa. Christian reminded him of himself in his younger years. However, the pressure of being one of Sebastian’s favourites was taking its toll as all he’d been doing lately was fulfilling his every demand. He was becoming a puppet.

  With a thunderous thud Christian crushed his heels into the ocean floor. Followed by a cloud of dust, he launched himself up towards the surface of the sea. Blue moonlight lit up the sea at the hour of midnight and Christian was slicing straight through it, letting the moonlight bathe him.

  On the surface the waters emitted calm and a silence that was unexpected. The beach lay untouched. The sands whispered innocently as the cool breeze glided upon it. Painted in the shades of the moon and ocean everything appeared blue at midnight. Suddenly, the sands became as still as frost. Instantly the breeze disappeared and there wasn’t a single ripple in the sea. Silence was permanent. Time stopped...

  A tall dark figure emerged out of the waters. The water parted out of its way almost as if it was apologetic for its presence. This powerful figure continued to rise further upwards. Elegantly the dark figure started to levitate. As it walked towards the beach, the water rose every time he lifted his foot, forming a step for its master. Its pathway ended as soon as the stranger placed his footing gently upon the fine grains of the sand, which became crushed under his feet. At this very second the breeze started to flow again. Ripples appeared in the sea, in awe of their master. The night returned to its journey towards day. Time continued…