"Hi Autumn." I chorused with the rest of the group. She looked uncomfortable and then sat down next to me. She looked at her crystal. It was clear, like a diamond,as if she hadn't touched it yet.
Lili and Oscar were quietly talking to each other, still in the fake hospital uniforms. I only caught a few words of their conversation, but they were enough for me to understand.
All I heard was "Didn't work" and "Something's wrong". I looked intently at their faces, seeing for signs of emotion. They were both blank, clear slated. They then quickly masked it with happy as they saw me staring. Autumn seemed to be drawing majority of the attention, away from Oscar and Lili's confidential conversation.
The dinner table was packed with people even though there was only eleven of us. There was a loud general murmur among the table, and when it seemed that most of us had finished dinner, Oscar stood to make an announcement.
"Hello, everyone, today we welcome the new comers, Bethany and Autumn!" There was loud whoops and whistles from everyone, cheering us as if it was good to be here.
Autumn and I stood awkwardly and accepted the applause. I sat back down, but Autumn continued standing. She started swaying and Oscar jumped up to catch her before she fell. She fainted into his arms and they looked like a romantic couple playing the trust game.
A pang if jealously shot through me. What? Why did I suddenly feel jealous. It's not even like I was dating him. I shook away the feeling then stood up to leave the table, taking the plate with me.
I walked into the dark kitchen and went to turn the light on. The switch wasn't there. I turned around to find the door gone as well. I felt around my neck for the crystal and grabbed it. Why wasn't it working. I felt something grab my waist. They felt like human hands.I slapped at them and they dropped.
"Stop!" I shouted at the darkness.
"Never." The darkness replied, I could hear the grin in his voice. He grabbed my thigh now, from the back. He traced his hand up my leg, brushing up to bottom of my shorts, but I screamed at him and he let go again. The light turned on and there before me stood Austin wearing nothing but underwear. I knew this was fake because Austin would never get this intimate. He had a strong, toned body that looked fit.
"Come on Bethany, don't you want to play?" I screamed at him to stop but he kept walking towards me, like a tiger approaching it's prey. He grabbed my shoulder and started kissing it, tracing the kisses up my neck. He came around my jaw and around to my lips. His lips met mine and he started pulling at the bottom of my shirt.
"Stop you creep!" I screamed and hit him with my plate. All of a sudden he vanished, and Oscar burst through the door.
"Bethany!" He ran up to me and hugged me. "Are you ok? I heard screaming and plate smashing."
"The crystal, why didn't it work?" I couldn't breath. I sat on the floor dazed, trying to catch my breath.
"I think it has something to do with Autumn. When she woke in the bed and touched her crystal, nothing happened. Colour didn't fill it and we've no idea why."
"What if her colour was clear?" I asked, still feeling breathless.
"Everyone has to have some sort of visible colour."
"Im tired" I said, feeling like all the worlds weight just fell onto me. I feel so over whelmed that I don't even realise that Oscar is carrying me to my quarters. He lays me on my bed, not bothering about pyjamas or the blanket. I fall into a heavy, deep sleep.
YOU ARE READING
The Ringmaster's Keeper
Fantasy"This year's challenge," Claudius said as the medieval bridge lowered behind him, "is them." He took a step to the side and gestured towards him. Austin. When Beth is sent to a magician's mind to retrieve her boyfriend's memory of her, she finds o...
