Converted

Chapter Eleven - Cover up

I hurriedly but carefully put my shirt back on the pain had subsided but I didn’t know what could trigger it. Another thing I knew was I shouldn’t let on what I had seen on my back. It was probably nothing but if it was something I should probably keep it to myself or at least out the knowledge of those in control. Ciaran seems to have respect for humans well at least some and it would seem particularly me. This whole evening he has not used one display of force what so ever. Not even a reference to his power and the apparent superiority his kind believe they have to us humans. He has been calm and evaluative of everything taking in my side. Our side. The side of the humans. He appears open to suggestions and the idea of peace not dominance. I sighed. I needed to get home. The others would be worried and I did not under any circumstances want to be caught out by the searing pain again. I needed to be home and somewhat safe before I’m rendered helpless again. 

I darted out of the toilets to be met by Ciaran he was standing a few metres away from the entrance to the ladies bathroom. Close enough to show concern but far enough away to give me and whoever else could have been in there some privacy. For a human being right near the door would have been sufficient but with hearing like these people seem to have nothing would have been muffled at that close range. I gave myself a mental jolt. When did I start considering these creatures as people and not the monsters they seem to be? Ciaran was changing my perspectives or was he? I’ve never been the condemning sort. Always happy to see the best in everyone. I guess us humans would seem awful to other species on earth from their perspective.

I cleared these thoughts from my head and focused on the task at hand. Get home and leave Ciaran none the wiser as to what just happened. I smiled apologetically at him. “Sorry.” I mumbled not having to add strain to my voice. The aftershock from the pain was still there but I decided to hide it by suggesting that it was something else. “I done something to one of the muscles in my shoulder the other day I believe. Nothing major but enough to hurt a little. Then I felt ill.” My hands went to my stomach. In all honesty I did indeed feel nauseous. He came to my side instantly he reached his hands as if to touch my shoulder pausing to give me a look to say he wasn’t going to help me and also ask if it was ok. I stayed where I was intrigued to see what he would do. The concern and concentration on his face was puzzling. He placed his hands on my shoulder and began to massage the area. I was startled by how as soon as his hands made contact with my shoulder the lingering pain dulled to nothing. I didn’t know what that meant but I wasn’t sure it was a good thing. I felt much more relaxed. What if I was changing into one of them? That could explain why they’re interested in me and why he can affect me so. But it can’t be! Whatever they do to change you they haven’t done anything like that to me thankfully. I’ve heard the horror stories of the elaborate systems they use for the conversion. Your blood is taken and replaced with theirs. Their blood runs through your veins changing the tissues around them.

My skin had none of the blue-ish tinge of the newly converted so I couldn’t be one of them? There was no hint of exaggerated strength or intelligence either. No I couldn’t be changing but why else would he be able to affect me so? I dismissed the thought as being as it was ridiculous. I pulled away from his touch. “Thank you for your concern but I really think I need to be heading home. The nausea is getting worse.” I said. Everything I said at that moment was completely true my stomach was roiling. I couldn’t be certain that I wasn’t actually going to be sick any minute. Concern was clear in Ciaran’s eyes. 

“Let’s get you home.” He said taking my hand. Initially I was too preoccupied by the unusual and pretty colour of his eyes to move. Although I noted the stunning honey colour beforehand I hadn’t really thought about how unusual a colour it is. Apparently in the state I was currently in my brain was too focused on trying not to throw up than to do something other than taking in obvious facts and making pointless musings. I shook my head to clear the thoughts of his eyes from my head and nodded. The motion sent my head spinning.