The Whispers of The Sprite (The Whispers series #1) (8 page)

‘
Yes, I remember that. I also remember how you slapped me yesterday when I tried to kiss you, and I ended up sleeping on the couch. I don’t understand – I thought we established that from now on we are together for real,’ he says, stretching his arms and reminding me of the handsome Sprite and the close contact that we had. George doesn't look discouraged at all and I am amazed that he actually remembers everything.

‘
You established that by showing up here uninvited.
I told you I would think about it,’ I say, folding my arms.
 

‘
I thought that’s what you always wanted – for us to be together?’ he asks, still not believing what I just said.

‘
Yes, I did. Unfortunately, you showed me too often that you didn't care. I will call you when I am ready. Can you please leave now so I can find out what’s going on with my housemate?’ I finish, hoping that he finally understands that I need time to digest everything and think about what kind of relationship we have.

‘
Fine. I understand what you're saying. I am going, but I will be back, babe, only for you,’ he continues, packing his bag and giving me a wink. I roll my eyes.

‘
That's fine, just not today. I have to take care of Amy,’ I snap.

‘
I will call you. I have changed, baby, and I will prove it to you,’ he insists and gives me a tight hug that I didn't expect. A few minutes later he is gone and I breathe deeply, worrying about George’s sudden change. He always had a problem with expressing his feelings. I was the one that was usually doing all the talking.

When Carl and Michael appear downstairs, we prepare to leave to check up on Amy. I think about calling my mother, but after considering all the pros and cons, I abandon the idea of informing my single parent about exactly what happened last night. I imagine the kind of lecture I will get if she finds out that I was so irresponsible. I call Amy’s mum to find out if we are allowed to visit her. She tells us that Amy is conscious and has asked us to bring her clothes to hospital, as she insists on being discharged today.

We leave the house around half past 12. I avoid looking at Gabriel, who is outside the house with a few other Sprites, staring at me as usual and making my heart accelerate. I drive in silence. The boys are staring at the scenery outside, lost in their thoughts. The memory of Gabriel's lips comes to the forefront of my mind. I quickly dismiss this image, feeling hopeless that I am unable to battle with my emotions and allow him to make me feel this way.

Amy’s mum is waiting for us outside in the reception. She looks tired, but she smiles when we approach her.

‘
How is she?’ I begin.

‘
She is better. You can see her now and I want to thank you again for coming here,’ she says. ‘You really didn't have to.’

‘
We live together, I couldn’t imagine not being here,’ I add. Michael and Carl nod in agreement.

Amy's bed is in the corner. Her Sprite is standing next to her bed and gazes at us when we walk in. A couple more beds are situated in the room and two of them are occupied by patients. I pretend that the extraordinary creature isn't there. My housemate looks exhausted; she has plaster on her forehead but her face lights up when she notices us.
 

‘
Amy! How are you?’ asks Michael, letting me sit next to her.

‘
I’m fine. I drank way too much, guys, and I am so sorry,’ she says, blushing slightly, her embarrassment obvious.

‘
It’s my fault, Amy. I should have been with you all the time,’ I say, squeezing her hand.
 

‘
No, it’s my fault. I think I should hold off on partying for a bit. I bet people on campus will be talking about this for a while,’ she says, looking worried.

‘
Don't think about that right now. You are okay and that's all that matters. Here, I brought you some clothes.’

I hand her the bag to try to take her mind off the uncomfortable subject.

‘
Thank you, Ania. I’ll go change,’ she says, leaving the room.

Both boys are silent when Amy vanishes into the bathroom. I look at Amy's Sprite who appears uninterested and walks out of the room, lost in his thoughts. A few minutes later, Amy appears in the room looking more confident, wearing her own clothes. We decide to wait for her in the car park, as she has to have a chat with her mother. While driving home, I don't want to approach the subject of the party, but I need to find out what actually happened without a witness around us.
 

‘
Do you want a cup of tea?’ I ask when we get home.

She declines my offer and instead heads to her room, as do Carl and Michael. I follow Amy to her room, making sure that she doesn't need anything else.
 

‘
Amy, can you please tell me what actually happened at that party?’

‘
I drank too much,’ she says, but she looks as if she doesn’t believe her own answer.

‘
The guy that you were with said something else. He admitted that there was someone else in the garden and that he did something to you?’ I challenge her reluctantly.

She stares at the wall, hesitating to say anything for a while.
‘
I can't tell this to the police and I don’t remember much, but this guy appeared from nowhere and came closer to me,’ she begins, swallowing hard. She is still staring at the wall, hoping to find an explanation. ‘He just looked at me for a long while and then pushed me away and I passed out, I think.’

‘
What did he look like?’ I whisper, my muscles tensing.

‘
I don’t remember,’ she says. ‘I can only remember his long ginger hair and his cold green eyes.’

Amy still looks a bit shaky a few days after the unfortunate party and doesn't leave her room. Gabriel hasn’t shown up in my bedroom again. I am glad that I don't have to deal with him at this point. I have been thinking about the guy that attacked Amy during the party, wondering if she would make this up, but the guy that she was making out with confirmed what happened. The description of a stranger with ginger hair and green eyes sounded unrealistic, but I can’t keep asking her to give me any more details. I am certain that he isn’t a Sprite; otherwise Amy wouldn’t be able to see him.
Gabriel's touch affects my mood
and I can't get him out of my head. I try to get on with my assignments, but every time I concentrate my mind brings up the image of Gabriel leaning towards me.

The week passes quickly and every time I leave the house, Gabriel is somewhere nearby. I have been fighting with my new emotions, trying to pretend that I don't remember anything from that magical night. Whenever our eyes meet his expression is always still and serious. The information from the library about Sprites is leading me nowhere, apart from the myths about changelings.

Despite all that happened a few days ago, George keeps calling me every day, reminding me about his proposal. My feelings for George are mixed; he is saying that he’s changed, but somehow I don't believe him. Amy keeps telling me to give him a chance, but my heart cannot make an agreement with my head. The phone calls won't stop until he gets an answer and I know how persistent George can be.

At the beginning of December, I begin seeing Gabriel everywhere I go, but he avoids talking to me in the privacy of my bedroom. I am not sure what I expect from him. He isn't a human, but I kind of hoped that the kiss meant something to him. I slowly get used to the fact that I am able to see him, but I am fooling myself thinking that his feelings for me are mutual.

Everything is so unclear and not knowing what to expect slowly begins to drive me crazy. I keep telling myself that he is a Sprite and he doesn't follow the same rules as humans. George calls once again, pleading with me to allow him to visit me again, but I can't make up my mind. My heart is torn between Gabriel, who I expect to make his move so he can explain what he wants from me, and George, the man that I always wanted to be with.

After the disastrous night out, Amy slows down with the parties and focuses on her studies; at least that's what she lets me believe. However, after weeks of staying in, she begins to disappear in the evenings. I know that she isn't drinking, as she still wakes up every morning and attends all the lectures with me. A few people keep teasing her about the party, but she seems to enjoy the attention and doesn't take anything seriously. We don't talk about this subject any longer. Every time I try to talk about it she instantly dismisses the question and I don't want to pressure her.

A week before the end of the term, on a rainy and cold Friday night, I struggle with the assignment for American Politics. The subject is dull and unappealing, but the essay is due within days. I complete it just before midnight, shutting down my laptop and stretching my sore arms. My empty stomach reminds me that I haven't eaten since midday, so I walk downstairs, searching for a snack. I make a cheese sandwich and go back upstairs, noting in my calendar that I have to do food shopping tomorrow. I curl up in bed, feeling even hungrier than before I had my sandwich. Takeaway is out of the question; I never eat this late, plus nothing would be open at this time.

‘
What’s wrong?’ asks a familiar voice, making me jump.

Gabriel is standing by the window looking relaxed, but his eyes flash with excitement. My heart begins to race and my breathing quickens. How could I not have noticed him when I came in?

‘
Nothing, I am just hungry,’ I answer in an unusually high tone. He is making me nervous. My body reacts and I blush instantly. ‘What are you doing here?’
 

I am trying to fight with my emotions, but my body is failing to comply. I have my night shorts and T-shirt on and he is wearing khaki trousers with a black cardigan, revealing his broad shoulders. His hair is tangled and messy and he moves closer to me, stopping by my desk. I stop breathing.

‘
I didn't want to come here tonight, but I can’t stay away from you,’ he answers and his eyes darken slightly. His voice is husky.

7

I can't stay away from you.
A wave of electric current flows through my body and I know that he can feel it too.
 

‘
You can't stay away from me?’ I ask, inhaling air deeply into my lungs.

My heart hammers in my chest and I can no longer lie to myself. I’ve fallen for this creature. He steps towards me, hesitating, and his eyes widen slightly.
 

‘
I felt that I had to be around you. The connection that we have is powerful,’ he speaks, moving even closer.

His eyes are still. He is damn sure of himself. My mind is hollow and I feel the blood drain from my face. I can't bear to be so close to him. The air around us thickens and we can both feel the stimulating connection that draws us in to each other. I gasp for air while my muscles clench inside me. He brings his hand to my lips and my body betrays me. I can feel that my cheeks are burning. Time stops when he leans down and kisses me. His lips are wet and warm, and before I can even react, his hips push me forward until we reach the wall, and I allow him to guide me. His lips press mine urgently, they feel for my tongue and I let him explore me further. His hands hold my head while my mind is spinning and I begin to feel bracing heat, which spreads inside my stomach. Then my subconscious begins asking me what the hell am I doing. Alarmed, I push him away.

‘
Stop!’ I shout, remembering to breathe again and I slap his cheek, losing control.

We are both standing a step apart from each other, disoriented. I drop my eyes with embarrassment, flushing. When I finally look at him again, his eyes are darker and his mouth is slightly open. It is the second time that I’ve slapped a man within the space of a few weeks.

‘
I lost control,’ he whispers. ‘I’m sorry I reacted that way, but I sensed that you were enjoying my touch.’
 

‘
Okay,’ I say, blushing again, not knowing how to respond.

I blow the air out of my chest and I purse my lips. He is still playing this supercilious game with me, so my regret for slapping him slowly fades away. I struggle to control myself, but I am no longer willing to show how deeply attracted to him I really am. His feelings for his fiancée aren't real, otherwise he wouldn't kiss me this way. ‘We should talk.’

‘
No, we cannot talk. We have to restrain ourselves. I am putting you in a grave danger if I continue to visit you,’ he continues, looking confused.

‘
Why not? You can't just come here, try to seduce me and then leave without any explanation. That's not acceptable even if you’re not a human!’ I shout, but I cover my mouth with my hands, wondering if anyone in the house heard me. I can hear noise from downstairs. I hope that it’s the TV. I look at him again with hesitation. His eyes are still and full of uncertainty.

‘
I am sorry, Ania, I have to go,’ he says, giving me an apologetic look and vanishing.

I exhale sharply. I hate him for being so perfect and I hate myself for not being able to control myself when he is around me. After a few minutes of recovering myself I look out the window, foolishly believing that he will be there, but he isn't. I cover my head in my hands, wondering how long this will go on. Looking outside again, I notice someone standing farther down the street. The figure is staring directly at my window and I realise that I know her. My room is brightly lit and I freeze. It is the woman that I saw in London when I was out late with Gosia. I draw the curtains and slide back into bed, wondering what the hell she is doing in Swansea, staring at my window in the middle of the night. I switch off the lights and wait a few minutes. However, when I look outside again, the street is empty once more. The mysterious woman has vanished, leaving me confused.

I begin to wonder why Gabriel has a habit of vanishing in the middle of a conversation. He can't stay away from me and I can't stay away from him. This night I don’t sleep well and the next day I try to get back to normality.

I spend all day in university and then later on I try to relax in front of the TV, until I hear Amy in the hallway.

‘Come in, I want to introduce you,’ says Amy, walking into the living room.

I am trying to concentrate on some kind of thriller, but I stopped following the storyline in the first twenty minutes of the film. Amy is holding the hand of a man who doesn't look like a student. She has changed her appearance, going for a more natural look. Her blond hair is completely straight and shiny. My housemate looks radiant and happy. I stare at the man who is standing next to her. He is almost six feet tall with chocolate brown hair and a petite nose. He looks much older and too serious to be in Amy's age bracket. I guess that he is in his late twenties.

‘Ania, this is Richard,’ says Amy.

‘Hi, great to meet you,’ I say. He looks very confident in his cowboy shirt and jeans.

‘I have heard a lot about you,’ he speaks in a deep, low voice.

I wonder how long Amy has been dating him. I am sure that they have been going out. She is staring at him with amazement in her eyes.
 

‘So Richard, where are you from?’ I ask.

‘South London, Kingsway,’ he answers.

‘Great, I’m also from Kingsway,’ I continue, pleasantly surprised. Amy walks to the kitchen, offering to make tea for all of us, leaving me with Richard who is looking around the living room.
 

‘Amy tells me that you are from Russia?’ he adds, directing his dark eyes at mine.

‘Yes, I moved here five years ago. So what brought you to Swansea?’

‘I decided to come back and do my Master's here this year. I am studying Psychology and I was lucky enough to meet Amy in the library. And here I am,’ he explains, while Amy hands me tea in my
favourite
cup. I study her for a while, wondering why she fell for Richard, who is older and so different from her.
 

‘Have you done the essay for war studies yet?’ asks Amy, breaking the silence.

‘Yes, almost.’

‘Richard helped me with mine,’ she adds proudly. Richard nods with approval.
 

‘That's fantastic,’ I say.

‘Ania, are your parents still back in Russia?’ asks Richard and I am stunned that he is so direct.

‘Ritchie, I told you already that Ania is here with her mum,’ interrupts Amy, but Richard doesn't look discomfited. He gives her a warm look and continues.

‘What about your dad? Is he also in Russia?’

I purse my lips, contemplating how to begin talking about my Father, who I have never met and am not interested in finding out anything about. I am not sure why he is so interested in me while his girlfriend is sitting next to him. Amy doesn't look discouraged. She is fiddling with her nails, appearing uninterested in our conversation.

‘My Father left when I was young. I never met him,’ I answer.

‘I’m sorry about that,’ he adds, still staring at me. After a few seconds, he looks back at Amy.

‘Amy, thank you for tea, but I have to go back to my essay,’ I explain. ‘Nice to meet you Richard.’

‘You too, Ania.’

I leave them and walk back to my room with mixed feelings about Richard. He is handsome and intelligent, and Amy is a great girl, but I don't believe that this relationship will last. His questions were too direct and he hasn't met me beforehand. I think that I might be a bit paranoid, or maybe I am overly suspicious. Amy seems happy and she has not been out partying for a long while.

Next week it's the end of term and I will be back to London for about a month. I am trying to take my mind off Gabriel and focus on my reading assignment, but every time I stare at the clock my memory recaptures that magical touch. I press my lips together, forcing his eyes out of my mind. My feelings for him are unpredictable and uncontrollable. George calls again, leaving me a voicemail, but I don't call him back, feeling deflated.

I sleep throughout the night like a baby. Gabriel didn't appear in my bedroom again; maybe he changed his mind about seeing me after losing control and kissing me the day before. After a morning shower and breakfast, I ignore text messages from George and leave the house.

It is freezing cold outside and the weather report has forecasted snow in the early evening. Gabriel isn't anywhere around and I admit to my subconscious that I wish that he would be somewhere close to me. A few Sprites pass me on my way to university.

The morning is relatively quiet. A lot of students probably finished up the term earlier than they should. I believe that many stopped participating in the last week of lectures and
favoured
sleeping rather than attending classes. The low temperatures could be to blame as well. I almost run to get to the building, hoping to buy a cup of tea, but I stop instantly when I notice Gabriel standing further away. He isn't alone and he isn't looking at me. He is too preoccupied kissing his fiancée, Rose.

I don’t want to look at them, but I can't move. My body stops responding. I want to run away, but I am standing there staring at them, entirely powerless. Betrayed; that's how he makes me feel, kissing her fervently without hesitation. He kissed me a few days ago with the same passion in which he is touching her now. I don't want him to know that I am watching them, so I force myself to walk away. My limbs are heavy, while an unknown pain spreads inside my heart. This feeling is uncontrollable. I try to recall seeing George when I caught him with another woman, but I can't compare the emotions that flow through me at this moment.

The tears start to stream down my cheeks while other people are glancing at me, wondering if I am all right. I can't stand any more confused looks, so I rush home. I allow myself to cry hysterically when I close the door in my bedroom. I have been used by a non-existent creature that doesn't care about my feelings. I am a human and I might be weak, but I won’t allow anyone to treat me this way.

How could I be so stupid as to fall for him? I take my phone and stare at the screen for a few seconds, then I dial George's number. He doesn't pick up, so I leave him a voicemail. George would appear to be the only one who could make me forget about Gabriel. I stop crying and feel sorry for myself. Gabriel is forbidden to have any kind of contact with me, but what I saw today makes me angry.

What kind of game is he playing with me? The silence is almost screaming in my ears. I walk downstairs to make a cup of tea. My hands are still shaking when I put the kettle on to try to calm my heavy breathing. I am not able to
analyse
what I saw. Emptiness begins to creep over my body and I begin asking myself repeatedly why I let him do this to me. I let another man break my heart.

‘Ania,’ says the familiar voice.

I turn around to look at Gabriel, who is standing in my kitchen in daylight. I drop the cup; it breaks, making a lot of noise.

‘What the hell is wrong with you?!’ I shout, looking at him while my I feel a lurch in my stomach. I am furious that he is seeing me like this. My eyes are still red. He obviously knows that I saw him with Rose and he shows up here to humiliate me even more.