expire

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The girl's name was Solstice.

And she was 140 years old.

“What happened when you..” the word dissolved on my tongue, sticking in my throat. 

“Died? I was in a car crash, like you. But a very long time ago. My father was a wealthy man; he ran his own business, and became very rich. I was just one of many children, but I didn't get along with any of them. I was the youngest, but the other's envied me of the attention Father gave to me, and not to them. I was his star; He loved me best.

“One day he sent me and two of my older sisters to collect some groceries from the village market three streets away. I remember that day, the feel of the harsh winds against me, and the way my sisters mercilessly teased everything about me; my clothes, my hair, my face. As we turned the corner, to cross the road, it was all turned up a notch; we were yelling and screaming at each other now, and I was fed up of it. Then my sisters, they started to chase me, and I ran away from them in my own defence. But by the time the car came, it was too late. To this day I do not know who I blame more; my sisters for chasing me into the road, or the drunken driver...”

“I'm so sorry...ah, wait...how did you know the driver was drunk?” It was an odd question, I know, but there was something about the casual way she said it that seemed out of place.

“Two reasons. One, his driving was totally out of control and manic. Two, I could smell the alcohol on him,”

"You must have an extremely sensitive sense of smell...”

“Oh no, I've just revisited that scene many times; I've been in the car itself, which was a totally horrid experience, knowing you were gonna die but not being able to stop it...” Her infinitive eyes stared unseeingly into some part of her mind, and for a moment, I thought I saw some flicker of hatred in her calm complexion; for the drunk driver, I guess. That accident must have seriously messed her up.

Just like my accident would.

I kept my questions to myself.

Then she rearranged her face into it's natural cool state, and shot me a glassy smile. It was more scary than comforting, but I guess it's the thought that counts.

“Anyway...I'd better get you signed in...everyone's waiting..”

“Who's everyone?” I asked anxiously.

“The rest of us...you're the 6007th member, if I recall correctly. But don't worry, you won't have to make a big entrance or anything...”

Her voice trailed away as she caught the look on my face; anxiety washed over me just as a wave of nausea swept through the insides of my stomach. All of a sudden I felt a nervous breakdown coming on – what on earth was going on? Who was I going to meet?

Would I ever see my family again?

Solstice glided forward and placed a cold but gentle hand on my shoulder.

“I know you're probably wondering what the hell is going on, but all will be explained in good time...meaning tonight, probably,"

Oh good. I could do with a question and answer session.

"You'll stick with me; I'm your buddy, if you like. Over here we're called Paladin's,”

I frowned, turning to face her. “A Paladin?”

“It just means I'm here to protect you...like a guardian angel would,”

“Oh.”

“If you have any questions, just ask...but I know you'll have heaps, so...” she padded further away, positioning herself adjacent to the giant screen, and softly pressed some invisible button in the wall. A blue circle of light glowed brightly around the button, illuminating her icy hand in a sapphire shadow. “...try to keep them to the minimum,” She flicked her fingers towards her, gesturing for me to come forth, just as a section of the black wall slid open to reveal a brightly-lit mirrored room, with a thin glass floor and ceiling. I stepped forward, noticing how the screen, the same one that only a moment ago was smeared with memories of my past, was now fading into the background; soon it became invisible against the dark wall. Just as I was about to tread inside the room, I caught Solstice by the arm, a question forming in my head. She spun round, her long hair brushing my face lightly, a feather-like touch, her angelic face confused. I blinked, and swallowed hard, trying desperately to get my mouth to form the words correctly. “When will I...when will I see my family again?”

It came out as some kind of pathetic whisper, so quiet even I could barely hear it, but she suddenly lowered her eyes, biting down on her bottom lip with perfect, transparent teeth. “I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that,”

I could physically feel my face fall as she said that, so I did my best to keep a neutral expression by taking a deep breath and following her through the entrance, ignoring the aching pain of loss inside. I didn't need, or want, to break down now.

But I couldn't escape the reflections haunting me from all four walls. I was right about my eyes. They were cold, bottomless pits of emptiness. Two round orbs of glass.

Just like Solstice's.