The Awakening Ch. 01-10

Caliope: Hello, who are you?

Amra: I am Elaine's son, and you are Caliope, right?

Caliope: Yes... yes I am Caliope, nice to meet you Amra.

He stared at her and she felt the goose bumps rise on her arms and legs, it was as if his gaze drew some kind of magnetism that made her feel underbalanced. The phone rang. And it all stopped as soon as she looked for the phone, feeling the air was normal again, picking up the phone she turned towards Amra but he wasn't there anymore, nor anywhere else. She took a few seconds to finally answer the phone.

Caliope: Hello, this is the Clark's residence...

The other side was the front desk at the entrance of the building, they were announcing the arrival of Miss Clark's lawyer and he was coming up to meet her now. She ended the call with a frown and looked at the wall clock, it was 12:01

How could that be? A few moments ago she could have sworn that there was still 30 minutes left to noon. The elevator doors made a little sound and then opened, a suited grey-haired man walked in with a polite smile.

Lawyer: Miss Woodward? I am Chansey, Miss Clark's personal lawyer; I have brought your contract.

Caliope: Nice meeting you Mister Chansey, please take a seat, do you wish something to drink?

Chansey: Oh no, thank you very much, but I am in a rush, I need you to sign them and I am going to leave you alone, I have other clients to visit before going back to Miss Clark with everything in order.

He rested his briefcase on the small table located near the couch and opened it, taking out two sets of papers, and a pen.

Chansey: I was told you already read the copy and agree to all that is stated, so I only need your signature.

Caliope: yes, I have read it all, two copies?

Chansey: yes *nodding* one for you, one for Miss Clark.

He pointed to both copies of the contract and where she needed to sign, she quickly signed both. Chansey smiled at her and folded one for him, locking his briefcase, and then handling the other to her.

Chansey: Welcome to your new job Miss Woodward, now if you excuse me, I am going to help myself out. Have a wonderful rest of your evening Miss!

And just as fast as he arrived, he left quickly but graciously. She even chuckled and looked at her contract almost with disbelief.

After the papers were in her bag, she headed to the ready to serve Kitchen, opened the fridge and smiled as everything was organized, fresh lettuce drew her attention, some cheese and bread, and she had made herself a light lunch to hold until the afternoon. She asked herself if she should prepare something for Amra but neither yesterday nor today he had asked for anything at all, and today he only left his room for a few seconds, then he was gone. As she started to eat her sandwich, she reviewed the scene on her head, his presence made her feel strange, half scared, and half alert, perhaps she was surprised and nervous. He was older than she imagined, maybe even her age.

Once she finished her lunch, cleaned her plate, and grabbed a glass of juice, she went to Miss Clark's study and quickly found the paperwork she had mentioned. A stack of different reports on multiple real estate properties that offered large country houses for rent and sale. She wasn't sure what Miss Clark wanted to do with them but then she found a little note on the corner of the desk: "Please study the best offers, I need to buy at least 4 properties, make sure their prices are worth what they offer, the phone is free for your use."

Her eyes moved from one paper to the other, with some marked in red that looked like her first choices. She decided what Miss Clark wanted following the ones the market offered. She selected a few more then started to make the calls, asking a few questions and confirming at the end of 3 hours, that the best way to know if this properties were offering what they really wanted, was going to see them, but they were spread all over the country.

She wrote a report on her tablet, and saved it on a file, making a mental note to ask Miss Clark how to access a printer since there was not one to be seen in the room.

Later that afternoon, Miss Clark arrived with tired eyes to her residence, offering Caliope a gentle smile.

Elaine Clark: I hope your day was better than mine dear, tell me if you finished looking at my paperwork please.

Caliope: welcome home Miss Clark, I had gone over all of it and made a report on my tablet, but I haven't found a printer around. How can I get this to you?

Elaine Clark: *smirking* good old fashioned pen and paper could work as well Caliope.

Caliope: I will have it for you in the morning then if that is ok with you, Miss Clark.

Elaine Clark: Don't worry darling, you can print it and turn it back to me tomorrow, I was only teasing.

Caliope smiled and offered a glass of water to Miss Clark.

Elaine Clark: thank you darling, but I am going to take a shower and have some dinner with my son, have you met him yet?

Caliope: briefly, just before your lawyer arrived.

That got Miss Clark's attention and she turned her head towards Caliope with new found interest.

Elaine Clark: I hope he was civilized, if he wasn't, please accept my apologies.

Caliope: oh don't worry Miss Clark, he was very polite, we did not talk much, he did nothing more than to cross a few words then return to his room.

Miss Clark took a deep breath and nodded, smiling to Caliope and waving a hand softly, the tiredness creeping back on her fast.

Elaine Clark: Thank you darling, you can go now, see you tomorrow ok?

Caliope: yes Miss Clark, have a good night.

Elaine Clark: Good night Caliope, be well. ---------

Chapter 3

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After an uneventful night, Caliope decided to go to bed and take a nice rest. In the morning, she felt a strange sensation as if she was being watched, even though she was half asleep and slowly waking up, those feeling were creeping into her mind until she searched around her room to find everything was in order. She rolled on her bed a few times, then decided to take a long shower before preparing to go to work.

Just as she was finishing picking up her bag, she remembered to print the report from the day before. Then as she was heading for the door, her bell rang, announcing a visitor.

She felt some embarrassment after seen Miss Clark's driver waiting for her again. It was a very nice gesture to send him to pick her up every morning, but she felt it was a little too much for her role in Miss Clark's life.

During the way to the Clark's Residence, the traffic got unusually busy, for that early in the morning. As they were waiting for the cars to move, Caliope noticed a group of cats on the park fighting. Even though she knew street cats fight for territory or food, she found it awkward to see several fighting. The cars started moving, and as soon as they continued their route she had already forgotten about the cats.

Miss Clark was waiting below at the entrance, visibly upset. When Caliope walked down from the car, she was nervous to confront her.

Caliope: I am very sorry Miss Clark, traffic was heavy, I should have left earlier.

Elaine Clark: Caliope, I am in a hurry, do you have the report on the properties?

Caliope: Here they are, I hope you have a good day today Miss.

Caliope gave Miss Clark the folder which she quickly peeked into then closed it. A small tired smile on her lips helped Caliope feel better. On the door of her car, Miss Clark turned to Caliope again.

Elaine Clark: Caliope, I know you don't have control over traffic, so don't beat yourself up for this. I left you more paper work on my study. See you in the afternoon.

And with those words, the car door closed and left. Caliope felt relieved and entered the building with more confidence.

As she came to the main living room, she found several papers scattered around the main table. She thought Miss Clark would not be the kind of women who would leave things a mess. Then she remembered that Magna was not with her this morning, which could explain what she was seen. If Magna was in charge of doing Miss Clark's paperwork at night, and she was not around, trying to find something could result in frustration. Within a half hour she put the papers in order on Miss Clark's desk. A special folder with her name on the front drew her attention. They were lists of different research clinics that were sponsored by Miss Clark's company. A little note said "Find the one who invested the most time without good results".

Around noon, Caliope found herself making the difficult choices between DNA research studies that seemed to have stuck to the basics for years, and a cure for aggressive behavior with only inconclusive results. She took a break and went to make herself something for lunch. While she was having a chicken breast and vegetable sandwich, she started wondering why she was in charge of making decisions on new land acquisitions and investment possibilities when she was only an assistant. Didn't Miss Clark have a staff who managed such important issues? She was not going to complain as she felt very lucky to be getting such wonderful job experiences to build her future resume.

The next couple of days went on without any other notable events. Miss Clark assigned her some simple tasks one day, and more difficult ones the next, always including some choices to make.

Friday arrived and Miss Clark took the day off and went through each report with her, dismissing her earlier. Caliope found an envelope on the reception desk of the building with the week's payment, and a little extra to reward her good work.

Saturday morning, that strange feeling of being watched became stronger, enough to pull her out of her dreams. She could have sworn there were shadows near the window, but it was locked, and there were no platforms outside, making it impossible for anyone to be stand there.

About noon, Caliope went out to meet an old friend for lunch. The restaurant was very crowded and she could not find her friend. She sat at a table on the terrace so she could enjoy the view, and left a message for her friend to inform her where she was sitting. While drinking some water, she watched some distant buildings and the gorgeous park near her. A little gathering of people drew her attention and she noticed some animals fighting again. 'Twice in a week?' she thought it was more than strange, the people near the cats were both scared and curious. A small child tried to pull the tail of one of the cats and his mom quickly pulled him away. An older man threw some stones to break the fight with the cats angrily scattering. One of the cats scratched the old man's arm while running away.

Vanessa: well, aren't you a gorgeous sight?

Caliope: far from it! You are stealing the spotlight as usual!

Caliope stood up quickly, holding her childhood friend with a tight embrace. Both smiled, enjoying their reunion after a long time apart.

Caliope: it's has been too long, please don't go away too soon, give me time to enjoy you more.

Vanessa: *laughing* you always had the chance to come with me, you were just too stubborn to join me. And I am staying for one more week, then it is Paris.

Caliope: Paris? It seems work is treating you well!

Vanessa: It is wonderful to make these trips, I can live my dream of new worlds with each new destination, but then it gets boring so quickly *sighs*

Caliope: is that so? I thought you would be enjoying it more...

Vanessa: the meetings are long, I have to meet with the author or artist of which ever piece of art the gallery wants to acquire, then discuss the price, and negotiate... I don't like that part a bit...

Caliope: How about love? Any romance going on at any of your destinations? Any new rich boyfriend?

Vanessa: *laughing* I don't have time to fall for anyone, and the time is always too short...

Vanessa's phone rang and she excused herself, picking up the call and talking to someone in Italian, probably a new client. Caliope smiled and looked around for the waiter to order something to eat. Suddenly, a familiar face caught her eye, inside the main room, she knew she was not mistaken, even though she only saw him once, she recognized him.

Caliope: ...Amra?

Vanessa had just finished her call and heard her, turning her head to follow Caliope but could not see anyone she knew.

Vanessa: who is Amra?

Caliope: it can't be him, he should not be out...

Caliope stood up and looked again into the main room but he wasn't there anymore. This was not her imagination, she said to herself. And quickly walked to the door and right there, she saw him again walking down the stairs towards the exit. Vanessa followed her and pulled her by her arm.

Vanessa: what is going on Caly? Who is Amra?

Caliope: Amra is the son of my employer, and he is not supposed to be out, it is not easy to explain, but I need to go get him... can we meet later?

Vanessa: sure, just don't forget about me, ok?

Caliope: I won't, thank you! I am so sorry!

She kissed her on the cheek and grabbed her purse, turning to the exit looking around for Amra. She walked a few meters to one side then looked every possible way he could have gone. Far on the opposite side, he was sitting on a bench, in the park, a few meters from where the cats were fighting earlier.

Caliope hurried to meet him, and a few meters from getting to him, she felt that intense sensation again, the same one she felt that first time they met. Hair rising on the back of her neck, goosebumps on her arms.

Caliope: Amra, are you ok?

Amra: I hope you are...

Caliope: what do you mean? What are you doing here? Does your mother know?

Amra: is not too late...

Caliope did not understand what he was saying, but she didn't try to. Taking her phone out of her purse, she dialed Miss Clark's private number who answered at the third ring.

Elaine Clark: Caliope? I thought I gave you the weekend off.

Caliope: Miss Clark, there is no easy way to say this, but I found your son... he was at the restaurant I was, and I followed him to a park.

Elaine Clark: (silence) ...is he ok?

Caliope: yes he is

Elaine Clark: I am on my way, text me the address please.

Caliope: yes Miss Clark, right away.

Caliope hung up and texted her their location, then walked a few steps closer to him. He was still, staring at the grass without even blinking. She was nervous around him, but she did not want to lose him. Against all the warning signs she could feel on her body, the strange electricity and the heavy atmosphere, she carefully sat next to him in silence.

Amra tilted his head slightly, towards her.

Caliope: it must not be easy, to be always locked inside... did you miss the fresh air?

More silence, Amra listened to her but did not reply. Caliope did not push either. Then suddenly, Caliope heard Miss Clark's footsteps as she rushed to them. Amra smirked. Miss Clark rested her hand on his shoulder and took a deep breath, visibly worried.

Elaine Clark: I can't thank you enough Caliope, I am sorry if he made you interrupt any of your evening plans.

Caliope: It is ok Miss Clark, he is ok too, nothing happened.

Miss Clark was disturbed and upset but did not say a word at him. Caliope on the other hand, found Miss Clark's arrival extremely sudden, but then again, perhaps she was nearby.

Elaine Clark: We are leaving, again, thank you Caliope, I will see you on Monday.

Miss Clark rubbed Amra's shoulder and he stood up without looking at anything but the distant grass. They left to their car and the driver disappeared with them quickly.

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Chapter 4

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There was a loud sound and everything around Caliope was shaking. She crouched down on the sidewalk and felt some hard fabric and pieces of wood landed on her back. Kneeling down she curled in a fetal position. Everywhere, Caliope heard loud screams and cries.

She felt someone pulling her by her arm but couldn't move. Only a few seconds ago she was returning to the restaurant to look back for her friend when, just a few meters before the entrance, the building trembled and flames burst from inside.

The sirens from the police and fire department woke her from her trance. She opened her eyes and looked up, there was fire still coming out from the windows and doors. "A bomb! It was a bomb!" she heard someone scream to the cops. "Lady, are you ok? Are you hurt?" another person was asking to someone; no, not someone, her. She turned her head and a police man was holding her by her shoulders and was asking if she was hurt. Was she hurt? She started to look down at herself.

Caliope: no... I am ok... I don't feel any pain; I wasn't in there... but my friend! She was there! I need to find her!

Police: no Lady! Please! Let us do our job! There are some firemen inside as we speak, please come this way; we need to put you in a safer place.

Caliope kept staring into the building as the Policeman moved her behind the safety tape. She heard an ambulance pulling behind another one stationed close to her. Vanessa was all she could think of. "Caliope! You are safe!" she heard a familiar voice, turned her head to look around and saw Miss Clark stepping out of her car and running towards her, panic in her eyes as she observed the devastation of the restaurant. As soon as she got to her, Miss Clark held Caliope in her arms tightly as if she was a lost child. Caliope started crying.

Elaine Clark: we heard a really loud noise and we had to turn back, when I saw the fire I got so scared! Are you ok?

There it was that question again 'are you ok?' Her friend was the one caught inside and she needed to look for her.

Caliope: I... I am ok... I wasn't there yet when it happened. But my friend... I don't know where she is!

Elaine Clark: let me talk to the police, what is your friend's name? How does she look like?

Miss Clark was leading Caliope gently to the car, opening the door and inviting her in.

Caliope: She is tall and brunette, brown eyes, she had a green suit on... her name is Vanessa Crysser...

Elaine Clark: stay here, I will talk to the police...

She sat on the car and hugged herself tight, closing her eyes. A few seconds passed when she realized she was not alone. Opening her eyes she watched Amra on the opposite side. He wasn't looking at her, but he was quiet and tense. His presence was so strong, so intense; even in shock she could still feel him.

Caliope: Amra...

Amra: ...you are ok now...

Caliope's eyes widened and she felt how those words struck her. He said something similar before; or perhaps something close to a warning. Did he said he hoped she was ok? Did he know this was going to happen? Was he trying to warn her?

Caliope: did you know what was going to happen there?

Silence. Amra did not move or speak. Caliope felt nervous and upset, if he knew, why didn't he warn her? Miss Clark told her he was mentally ill, perhaps that is why he couldn't warn her, he did not know how, but she suddenly realized she didn't know much about Amra's real mental state. He knew this was going to happen? How he could possibly know? She was delusional; the shock was making her see things unclearly. She shook her head to remove that idea or at least set it aside for now. Miss Clark opened the door and came inside. She was a little tense but not worried. Pushing a little button the driver's window opened.

Elaine Clark: To the Epperson Memorial Hospital please.

Driver: yes Madam.

Elaine Clark: Your friend was not badly injured but she was unconscious and they took her there. We are going to look for her now, ok?

Caliope: thank you Miss Clark.

Elaine Clark: it is ok, please calm down, have a glass of water, we will be there soon and you can check on your friend.

They drove to the hospital and once there, much more relaxed, Caliope asked for her friend. The nurse took her to a private room, where her friend was getting some stitches. With relief she hugged her tight and felt as if she could finally breathe again.