Only Human by Maria Bradley Read Free Book Online Page B

such as ourselves. I might just add, that this is not a FREE, benevolent glimpse, of the decadent life of the Royal and First class segment of our world. Our parents have paid for this trip since the day we started school. The cost of the tour is deducted from their wage each month, until we actually arrive at the front door of the Ordinatio, in our fourteenth year. My parents have a second child, and so will continue to contribute until Zak embarks on this trip.
    Looking at the diamond encrusted doors , now opening in front of me; I can see that this system is flawed. Many of the third class in our society, exist in shanty towns, and live on a half a glass of blood a day. Where is the justice in that arrangement? OMG! Amica, if I live to adulthood, I will have to be a political, historical scientist, in order to fulfill my needs!
    The main hall is just as expensively impressive as the outside of the building. There are priceless paintings by people from the human era , (which I can’t remember the names of, because I’m not really into art). Modern Vampire sculptures of gargoyles drinking flute glasses of Clone blood, with only a napkin to cover their modesty. Ugghh, no-one said this would be a house of horrors!
    There are two more stooges, dressed the same as the guards outside, approaching Mrs. Greko now. They are collecting our coats and then they will be our guides for the evening, I think. I can’t see the boys anywhere; they really must have to be separated from us when we meet the Elders. I don’t think there will be a chance to speak to Garok tonight at all. If we can just get through this evening, everything will return to normal when we get home, I’m almost sure of it.
    We are going to tour the administration offices on this ground floor (boring). Who wants to see a load of stuffed shirts , typing and doing paperwork? I just want to see the Elders and get it over with.
    ‘ Are you ok?’
    Wow I didn ’t even notice Mrs. Greko coming over to me!
    ‘ Eh yes, Mrs. Greko.’
    ‘ You have gone a peculiar colour Aecia.’
    Oh no, I must be perspiring , and it’s melting the whitener. It’s the heat from those blasted furnaces outside.
    ‘ I, I think it’s something to do with the fever, Mrs. Greko, I’m sorry.’
    ‘ Don’t be sorry child, I was just concerned. This is all very unusual for a girl your age. I am considering ringing your parents.’
    ‘ NO, I mean, please don’t do that Mrs. Greko, they are both at work anyway. They wouldn’t be able to answer, and they would be so upset if they thought I wasn’t enjoying this trip.’
    ‘ Hmmm, well stay near to me then Aecia, so that I can keep an eye on you. If these are the symptoms of an extremely early dose of fever, then your behavior must be monitored, for the safety of the other children.’
    If I wasn ’t so terrified, I’d laugh at that last remark ; my behavior must be monitored, for the safety of a group of teenage bloodsuckers! They would drain me of life in a second if they knew the truth! Still, I don’t mind walking with Mrs. Greko for the rest of the tour. She is a nice person, and I’d feel safer standing next to her when we meet the Elders.
    We are to eat lunch in the gardens , within the grounds of the Ordinatio. I really will be glad to be outside in the fresh air. I am starting to feel sick again, but I don’t know if it’s nerves, or just that the blood isn’t agreeing with me anymore. If we are served blood cakes, or blood puddings, it might be easier for me to stomach. These are not entirely made of blood, and have some flour, bran and sugar, within them. They are quite expensive, but are included in the price of this tour so we should get some food of this type at lunch. I’ll soon find out, Mrs. Greko is leading us through the side door, out into the garden.
    Wow, this is pretty; it ’s just like the ornamental gardens of old, when human’s had festivals and celebrations to rejoice in the beauty of nature. There