Only Human by Maria Bradley Read Free Book Online

evening, is not a pretty sight! I guarantee that Simone is at the front of the queue when I open this door!
    Here goes, this is where I find out if any of them noticed that I wasn ’t there when they bedded down this morning.
    ‘ Is this where you have been all day? You weren’t in your pit, that’s for sure! Were you hiding in here weirdo?’
    I ’m smiling, I can’t help it, and all I can see is you Amica, standing behind her and pulling faces, jeering at her perfect, hateful little face. I’m not going to answer her, if I could just get past and get to the breakfast room; I have more important things to worry about.
    ‘ I’m telling Greko you were out when we went to our pits. I’ll bet your ‘boyfriend’ was with you eh? Off having sex I bet! No, Garok’s not blind, and you wouldn’t know what to do!’
    They ’re all laughing now, they are children, babies; immature, clueless girls, with no idea about life, pretending to be adults! I’ve had enough!
    ‘ Shut up you bitch!!
    Simone ’s face is a picture as I shove past her and out into the passageway. I don’t feel afraid of her anymore. Why is that? She is petty, unimportant in comparison to the burden I have carried since the day I was born. The secret that has now been revealed to one, and somehow I feel that soon, will be revealed to more. I am more vulnerable now than I have ever been. I must speak with Garok, and soon.
    I am sitting next to Lunar at the breakfast table , staring at my glass of blood. I have decided that I like this girl Amica, she is quiet and unassuming, and she doesn’t join in with the BitchVamps. In fact, I have seen her become their victim on more than one occasion. I should have stepped in and helped her in some way. It is just that my parents have forever drummed into me the importance of being unnoticed, being subservient and agreeable. Well no more!
    ‘ Are you enjoying the trip?’
    ‘ Eh what?’
    She is so sweet; looking around to check that it i s her I am actually speaking to.
    ‘ I was just asking if you are enjoying this field trip so far, Lunar.’
    ‘ Yes, yes I am Aecia, thank you for asking.’
    Subservient, exactly like me! She is from a third class clan , and only got into The Manor School through a scholarship, she is a wizard at maths. The High Council will have her earmarked as an accountant for later years. She’ll be forced to become their crook, in other words, embezzling money from the people.
    I hear my parents and Uncle discussing various topics like this, sometimes after dinner. The fact that I look younger than my years, and their illusion that I am still two years old, allows them to speak freely around me. They think I don’t understand.
    Garok has j ust come into the room with Mr. Prados; he is late! What does that mean? He is looking over at me. Thank God he is smiling, he doesn’t look angry as he did this morning. Mr. Prados has gone to the end of the table, opposite Mrs. Greko, everything seems normal I think, at least so far.
    ‘ You haven’t drank your blood.’
    Lunar is speaking to me now. ‘We are leaving in five minutes, and you haven’t drank your blood.’
    She has a point, everyone else practically inhales their food , and here am I drawing attention to myself again.
    ‘ I’m not with it Lunar, too excited about going to the Ordinatio tonight.’
    I ’m gulping the vile blood down and trying not to heave. My tolerance is weakening each time I have to drink and it’s only going to get worse.
    Mrs. Greko is standing up and guiding us all out to the lift. I can’t see Garok now, he must have to sit with other boys on the coach to the Ordinatio, I wonder why? Are the Elders sexist, as well as cruel, greedy, and very old?
    I wanted so much to speak with Garok before we arrive at the Ordinatio.  He is human too , and is in as much danger as I am, when we stand before the Elders. I hoped to stand with him for moral support, but I can’t see that happening now. At least I