Tempest

Tempest Chapter 8

Picture of Julian played by Chad Michael Murray >>>

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Mum placed a glass of orange juice in front of me. 'Doctor said to drink plenty of liquids!'

'Doctor also said I'm going to be fine,' I said. 'So you shouldn't make such a fuss!'

'Doctors don't know everything sweetheart,' She replied as she patted the top of my head. 

Julian walked into the kitchen. 'Morning Princess, now what would you like to eat? No. Let me guess. Poached egg with two buttered toasts.'

I stood up and gave him a cheese sandwich. 'Sorry Prince Charming, but I'm a big girl. I've already had breakfast.'

Julian frowned. 'I stay over for the first time, whilst being abused by your brother and you won't even let me make you breakfast?'

I gave him a quick peck on the cheek. 'Next time, wake up earlier.'

'There won't be a next time kids!' Mum said.

We shook our heads and ignored her. 

'Are you sure you should be going to college today? Don't you think it's best if you take it easy?' Julian asked.

I knew he would try to convince me to stay at home. But what was the point? I'm more or less okay and besides, I had a full day and I couldn't afford to miss that many lessons.

'No I'm okay. So not another word,' I said sternly.

'I'll skip too.' 

I gasped. 'Julian Robert Ambrosia! What would your mother say?'

Julian laughed. 'My full name. I see you've made your mind up. Nice.'

He grabbed my hand and pulled me outside to his car.

***

I stared at the ageing teacher as he sat in his chair. His dark hair was slicked back into a tiny ponytail and blackheads were dotted all around his nose. His pale blue shirt failed to do him justice as his sweat was very evident. Every time he waved his arms to emphasise a point, all the students' eyes were drawn to his underarms.

Suddenly he got up, switched on the projector and turned off the lights.

'Write down any facts and figures in your Global Hazards booklet. Make key notes on Peru and Australia,' he said in a rusty voice.

The documentary started. The calming music and the darkness reminded me of how little sleep I got. After the dream, I woke up on the floor in my room, Julian fast sleep. My mind was filled with questions about everything that happened and what I could do to find out. But I had nothing. Zero. Zilch. The only idea I had was writing all my dreams down, and reading that creepy old book. But I felt like I shouldn't. Reading the book may tell me things I didn't want to know, things I shouldn't know.

My eyelids became heavier and I struggled to keep them open, even though the calming music was over and was now the bellowing sound of a hurricane. I rubbed my eyes roughly but that didn't wake me up either. Maybe, I could just close my eyes for a few minutes. I could get my notes from someone else in a free.

'I have a gift for you.' 

Julian, not Will, stood before me. He ran a hand through his messy hair as he grinned at me, holding his hand behind his back.

I laughed. 'You shouldn't spend your money buying me gifts.'

'I know, but I wanted too.'

He bought out his hand and I saw that whatever he got me, it was wrapped in a large brown cloth. Julian took the cloth and put it in his pocket, hidden in the folds of his toga. It was a stunning gold headband with intricate olive leaves.