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Great Writing - Home > Extended > Graffiti: Chapter IV
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Extended Work
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| Graffiti: Chapter IV | |
| By Kezzi | ||
| 14 July 2008 | ||
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Tabitha Walker is an outsider, shunned by the world after her life is
turned around by mysterious circumstances. But an eerie message on her
desk at school and a seductive smile change everything as the world of
the supernatural reveals itself...
-IV-
Luxuries The road to Andy’s house was a long one - almost the other side of town - but his company made the journey seem almost half the duration to Tabby. The sunlight was warm for November, and they found themselves strolling lazily side-by-side through avenues flanked by beautiful golden trees, their leaves crunching crisply underfoot. The sky was a perfect, clear, cornflower blue, with not a skittering cloud to be seen as they turned into a large, private housing estate in the redeveloped area of the village. The buildings here were grand and elaborate, with huge bay windows and an expanse of fresh green lawn surrounding each lot. Many of the gardens had swimming pools or large ornamental ponds, and Tabby suddenly felt very humbled and embarrassed as she thought of her own tiny house with its pathetic little weedbeds. “Is this where you live?” she asked in disbelief, eyeing up the house directly in front of them. At its foot lay a sparkling fishpond complete with a little wooden bridge and reeds, flanked by flowerbeds that were well-pruned and, Tabby could imagine, would be full of vibrant, tropical colours in the summer months. The building was three storeys high; modern and stylish, made of stunning sandy-coloured Cotswold stone. She could only ever dream of living in a place like this. “Yeah,” Andy admitted grudgingly, not looking her in the eye. It was clear to Tabby that, although he obviously loved living here, he was trying hard not to seem snobby or high-class - especially after visiting her own house. “You must have a lot of money,” she said wistfully, still in awe as they stepped up the garden path, the sweet smell of wintertime pansies wafting in their direction from the hanging baskets either side of the front door. “I guess,” he smiled sheepishly at her as he produced a shiny silver key from his pocket and opened the door smoothly while Tabby surveyed the driveway, which – her stomach gave a jolt of excitement - was empty. “Your parents not in, then?” she asked casually, following him into the linoleum-floored porch area and shutting the door carefully behind her. “Nah, they’re out buying a new bathroom suite,” he said, rolling his eyes as he removed his shoes and motioned her to do the same. “Sorry, they’re really fussy about the carpets. We’ve already got a perfectly decent suite, but mum’s been insisting it’s ‘not quite the right shade of cream’ - so dad gave into her, as usual.” He grinned and led her into the plush living room. “Fancy a drink?” Tabby’s jaw dropped as her feet trod cautiously across the soft white carpet. The furniture was sumptuous; ivory suede sofas and armchairs were positioned around a sparklingly clean coffee table, each facing the room’s centrepiece: the gigantic flat television screen on the wall. Around the ornately wallpapered walls stood numerous fancy dark-wood dressers, posh plates arranged neatly and painstakingly upon them. She sat down gingerly on the edge of one of the sofas, frightened of marring the soft material. “Um…just water, please,” she managed to blurt out, still struggling to take in her new surroundings. The house was almost too beautiful. Andy walked out of the room before backtracking to poke his head around the doorframe. “Try not to touch anything.” He winked before vanishing once more, and Tabby’s insides squirmed with fearful expectation as the clinking of glasses sounded from the next room. How long will his parents be gone for? And what are we going to be doing for two hours? Andy re-entered a few moments later with two glasses of what at first looked to Tabby like Ribena. He sat down next to her and handed her a glass of the deep crimson liquid, which she sniffed. It smelled sweet but not in the least bit like blackcurrant; sharp undertones of alcohol were present. “My favourite wine,” he smiled. “Don’t worry, it’s not strong. Thought I’d treat you.” He winked again and she blushed deeply, taking a timid sip. The concoction was delicious and fruity. “Careful not to spill any,” he grinned cheekily. Oh gosh, Tabby thought, trying to keep her hand steady as she drank politely, heart throbbing almost painfully hard. He’s flirting with me… When Andy swigged down the last of his wine and asked her if she would like to go upstairs, her stomach just about flipped over. “Sure,” she replied calmly, setting her half-full glass down beside his empty one on the coffee table and following him into the hallway. The staircase was very ornate, covered in beautiful gold-leaf carvings with a small cherub figure standing on the end of the long, curved banister. It would hurt to slide down that in the morning, Tabby thought, suppressing a giggle and feeling almost hysterical through nerves as Andy led the way to the first floor. Silence surrounded them when they reached the top – no one was there except for them, completely alone in this huge house. There was an array of identical doors leading off the landing, including another small set of stairs that Tabby assumed led to the second floor. “How many bedrooms do you have?” she asked in surprise. “Just the five,” he replied. Tabby’s eyes widened further and he grinned. “We have a lot of guests come to stay. Each room’s got its own en-suite, too.” “You lucky guy,” she breathed as he turned one of the door handles. Oh God, she thought desperately, heart battling to escape. What do I do if he kisses me? Or wants to go even further? The door slowly opened. This could be it… Andy’s room was painted in a glorious shade of blue, a perfect match for his eyes: the carpet colour slightly deeper. The furniture was very minimalist, with an ornate white dresser and wardrobe; but the centrepiece by far was the gigantic four-poster double bed. The pearly silk drapings hung artistically from the dark-wood frame, the bedspread below an elaborate pattern of blues. And sitting in the midst of all this, head propped up on the soft feather pillows, intently reading - “Hey, Ollie,” Andy said. Ollie looked up through his light-brown eyes and a smile immediately graced his pointed features. “Welcome back,” he said, placing his upturned book on the covers next to him. “Hey, Tabby.” Tabby’s lips twitched back at him automatically, her brain in a state of shock. All thoughts and possibilities of anything happening between her and Andy seemed to have flown straight out of the open window, and she felt a wave of anger quietly rising. What’s he doing here? “Ollie came round earlier to borrow that book off me,” Andy said as though he had read her thoughts, motioning towards the large tome on the bed, entitled Of Spyrits and Soules of the Departed. “And he ended up staying.” Tabby nodded slowly, disappointment taking over her anger. “I figured I’d walk with you both to the meeting,” Ollie explained quickly, perhaps sensing that Tabby was upset. She forced another smile. “That sounds great,” she said, then turned to Andy, barely able to look him in the eye. “Could I please use your bathroom?” “Sure,” Andy looked mildly worried even as he smiled. “Go straight through that door in the corner.” Tabby followed this instruction and found herself in a neat little room complete with a sparkling white suite and decorative deep green tiles on both the walls and floor. She shut the door behind her and leaned against it, running her hands over her face to calm herself. She liked Ollie, but felt annoyed at him for being there. She knew it was unfair to blame him, but it felt as though he was getting in the way of any relationship she and Andy might have together… Voices sounded from the bedroom and she blocked off her thoughts momentarily to listen intently. “She’s upset,” Ollie was saying in hushed tones. “If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, then-” “Oh God, you think she-?” Andy murmured back. There was a moment of silence, and Tabby assumed Ollie must be nodding. “I think maybe I should leave and let you two…er – talk.” Tabby’s heart gave a leap. Agree, Andy, please… “Ollie…” There was another pause. “No, I can’t, I need you here.” Her hopes sank once more, and she gave a soft sigh. What’s wrong with him? she thought crossly, padding quietly over to the toilet and flushing the chain so it sounded as though she had been. He surely can’t be too shy to make a move on me without Ollie’s support… - she hitched a false, unconcerned smile onto her face and turned the handle - after all, I’m supposed to be the shy one. The trio spent the early afternoon playing cards in Andy’s huge games room on the top floor. Surrounded by pool tables, pinball machines and even slots (“We just shove all our spare change in there and try to win it back,” as Andy had chuckled), Tabby’s mood began to lift. She had won several rounds of Blackjack and a game of Texas Hold ‘Em was now in full swing, and her pile of chips was mounting up. “Do you really mean to tell me this is the first time you’ve played?” groaned Ollie as she raked in another haul from the centre of the table. Tabby nodded, pleased. “Beginner’s luck, I guess,” she said, on the verge of finishing her third glass of wine. A small hiccup escaped her lips and Andy looked at her, concerned. “Her first time drinking alcohol too, by the looks of it,” he said, taking away her glass. “That’s enough for you, young lady.” Tabby giggled at him and leaned back in her chair, feeling relaxed for the first time that day. Things seemed to be picking up between them, even if her head did feel a bit funny. Her eyes began to wander as a new round started, falling upon a very realistic-looking, but stock still, white Scottish terrier in the corner. “He’s cute,” she remarked, nodding over to the dog, whose glassy eyes seemed to stare straight back at her. “That’s my old Scottie, Zeke,” Andy said solemnly. “When he died, mum sent him to the taxidermist’s. I thought it was a sick idea – still do – but I’m starting to get used to him being there now. It’s a shame he doesn’t play fetch any more, though.” Tabby turned away from the inanimate Zeke. “Oh…I’m sorry,” she said. She’d lost a pet before – her cat, Ziggy – and felt his pain. However, there was a word she hadn’t heard before. “Andy…what’s a taxidermist?” “Someone who mounts dead animals,” he replied. Tabby’s mouth dropped open in horror. “That’s disgusting! Isn’t that illegal?” she exclaimed in outrage, standing up and sending poker chips scattering in all directions. Andy and Ollie fell about laughing. “Not in that way, you daft kitten,” Andy said fondly. “As in stuffing them and putting them on a stand for display. I would have thought you knew that.” “Oh.” Tabby felt foolish as her cheeks flushed scarlet. “Sorry, I’m not thinking straight…” “I can see that,” said Andy, standing to catch quickly onto her arm as she wavered dangerously on her feet. Her head was spinning, thoughts jumbled and erratic as he led her slowly towards the door. “Let’s get you some water,” he said gently, then turned to Ollie. “Back in a sec.” Standing in the immaculate kitchen, Tabby began to feel the searing heat leave her face as she shakily sipped the cool water Andy had given her. He was watching her intently, and she felt a sudden rush of gratitude towards him as he slowly tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Thank you,” she mumbled, still embarrassed at her behaviour upstairs. He smiled. “Any time,” he replied. “But you really should have said you weren’t used to drinking, you silly thing. I’ve had about two glasses more than you and I’m fine.” As he spoke, he lost balance on his back foot and had to steady himself on the counter. “Well…almost,” he admitted as Tabby laughed. “Sorry,” she said in a more serious tone. “I just…I suppose if I’d refused, I would have looked like just a little kid…or something.” She furrowed her brow in confusion, still not able to think quite clearly. “I wanted to show you I can be fun without…without being a wimp.” Andy leaned closer and took her hand in his. “You’re not a wimp,” he said softly, his breath warm on her face. The sweet smell of the wine drew her even nearer to him and she found herself looking deep into his glittering blue pools of eyes. “You’re a beautiful and very desirable young lady, and you’re more fun than…” He thought for a second, smiling at her vacantly. Tabby gazed up at him eagerly, chest pounding. “Than a box full of fun,” he finished with a wink, and in one fluid movement he swept her into his warm arms and gently kissed her full on the lips.
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