Chapter Two

Dinner with the Dead

Irene Albion

My grandfather never made it as a poet, yet he adamantly wrote in his flimsy handwriting tales of grieving skies and passionate love. Lines of poor poetry stuck with me growing up, the way song lyrics played involuntarily in one's head. If anything, his poems sounded less artistic and more like an open journal with unlimited access to his hidden thoughts.

Now, as I lay in my bed many rehearsed stanzas flooded my head. This one, in particular, spoke of a moment when he found himself thinking too hard about what it meant to live.

Strange circumstances with strange people. Is that not life?

Envisioning his words, a small groan escaped me. I once was inspired by them, all randomly assembled in a small green case that I read avidly. Oh, how times have changed and the once peaceful invasion of his words now plagued me in my sleep.

I found it funny how I find his stupid phrases run free in my head once more, especially since it's been one dandy year since I'd read even a speck of his literature.

Mom would be so disappointed in me. The whole ordeal of sending me away to further my talent in creative writing was huge for a family like mine. I pictured her soft-spoken face as she held Delilah in her arms, as she normally did with my younger sister. For her to see me in such a sorry state would be crushing.

It would be better not to return at all.

Rolling over, I desperately clung to the little warmth underneath my blankets when I heard the low growl of a feral cat.

I didn't own a cat.

Forced to open my eyes, I was made aware of the faint smell of ginger and potatoes. Then the lack of warmth of my bed sheets, followed by the two silhouettes that sat across me.

Groggily, I attempted to sit up, placing my weight on my elbows as I lifted my torso to make sense of the strange circumstance I was in. The hard cushion on which I slept on was a couch, in a room that wasn't my own, in an apartment I didn't recognise.

"Good morning," greeted a raspy voice. As I squinted, I saw the larger silhouette belonged to a rugged man, almost twice my size bulked with the beefiest muscles I'd ever seen. His face twitched in an unsightly manner, and the closer I saw his ragged face, the more I recognised it as the scary person who caught me when I fell in a dream.

"Shit."

Cursing under my breath, I felt my hair stand on end as the fear returned. Due to the sudden electric rush, I rolled off the couch screeching weakly. In my tired state, my head just barely brushed the sharp edge of the coffee table.

Was I high on some drug? What a messed—up joke this was. I wasn't stupid enough to think this was a dream, for the floor was too cold and my heart too erratic for such nonsense. Taking a deep breath, I remembered how the characters in books did it and I calmed my frenzied mind.

Now that I was crouching behind the protection of the couch, I searched the room for any possible exits. I was most certainly in a stranger's house as the walls were matted grey with a rather worn-out wooden floor. The windows shimmered like a glossy sheet as daylight poured in, blinding me slightly. As my gaze landed on an open archway leading to what I assumed was the kitchen, two tall figures stood in my way.

Of the pair there stood a woman, domineering in every way. Red acrylic nails flickered in my vision as she waved hello. Her blonde hair tumbled in waves, the same way it did the night I stumbled into this… reality? Playfully, her lips parted into a smirk. "Good morning to you too."

My gaze slipped back to her companion— crouched forward with his hands clasped tightly. His huge stature should have intimidated me, much like his devilish face, however after I saw the flash of hazel eyes he cowered away— avoided my gaze like a child. Was he afraid? Ashamed?

Whatever it was, it was obvious they worked with one another and there were surely more of them.

I just had to figure out what the hell was going on, and what they wanted from me.

But as luck would have it, a three-tailed beast pounced onto my face knocking my body backward with a force equal to a brick; its white and feathery skin did little to muffle my trembling scream. Stumbling away from the creature, I lunged for the corner of the room and grabbed a lamp— ready to smash any threat to pieces.

The three-tailed creature graciously walked around itself, captured by its eyes of an enchanting royal blue. Its feline arrogance reminded me of a cat, however, the fantastical glow it projected suggested otherwise.

A slow shiver snaked down my spine.

Before anyone could speak, a handsomely tall boy rushed in with a spatula in his hand. Distressed, he asked, "Who's screaming? Did Nellie accidentally stab Medina again?"

My eyes lingered on his tall stature, drenched in sauce and flour as the blonde lady clicked her tongue, disgusted. "Yudai, wear an apron and watch over the food. If I find you've burnt even a crumb I'll strangle you myself."

His eyes widened at the threat. Using his free hand he ruffled his black and grey curls, blushing slightly. I don't know about this guy, but I wouldn't be flattered shy by a death threat.

The sudden slam of a door was enough to shake everyone's attention. Collectively, we all sensed the dominating presence of the woman who strolled in.

"Did you all have to cause such a racket? I could hear it from downstairs you buffoons."

She stepped out into the light, the girl whose hair was a thousand shades of sunsets, and fell in short, straight sheets. The warmth from the reddish brown blend reminded me of the earth during autumn: the crunching of dead leaves and the feal of a cool wind in your face. The serene calm that came during the changing of the seasons. All of what encompassed the season lay in the auburn hues of the woman.

I held my breath as she walked my way, her expression softened as she spoke, "Sorry for knocking you out like that yesterday."

I blinked, the memories flooding back. The disgusting amount of red surrounded by a dying field.

The blood.

"You must be confused," sighed the woman, "why don't you dine with us, we promise not to poison you." She then looked in the direction of where the boy caked in food retreated before adding, "At least not intentionally."

The lamp in my hand loosened as the woman slowly, and carefully settled it against the table without breaking eye contact. I nodded grimly as she guided me towards a dining table neatly prepared. The fear dissipated with every step I took, slowly feeling the lingering hospitality of the strangers, and for once in my short visit: I felt safe.

"I'm Archie," introduced the woman. Taking a seat at the head of the table, she gestured to the empty seat on her left where I briskly sat.

"This is Helen," she informed me as the blonde winked my way, "and the scary idiot is Medina."

I looked over at him, Medina, as he nervously played with a stray strand of his long, silky hair. He looked conflicted, thick eyebrows furrowed together intensely as if fighting some internal battle with himself. Noticing his hesitant nature, Helen lightly slapped the top of his head reassuringly. His head flew forward slightly at the impact and I struggled to hold in my giggle.

"She's more afraid of you scaredy cat, get over yourself."

Archie blew on her nails, "You're not helping, Helen."

As the banter ensued, I gleefully watched as Medina attempted to break up the volley of remarks. He failed expectantly and broke into a cold sweat. Like a mother, I felt the innate sense to comfort him— and protect his vulnerability.

The grey-haired boy —Yudai— crashed into a nearby wall, impossibly balancing two steaming plates of food as he rushed in. "Coming through, hot potatoes and chocolate fudge coming through."

My stomach growled in response to the savoury aroma, gurgling shamelessly as Helen slapped Yudai lightly. Was hitting people some tradition here or was she just naturally aggressive?

"Don't bother waiting for them," cooed Archie, sitting slumped and tired to my right. "Dig in."

Before me was a feast: baked potatoes, green salad, crispy steak, and a sloping mound of chocolate cake. Not waiting for anyone, Archie dumped spoonfuls of potatoes onto my plate before filling her plate herself. Following her example, I grabbed a fork and stabbed a slice of beef. Only after I had taken my first few bites had Archie's stare softened, as if relieved of some personal worry.

Soon after, the rest of the group joined in, stuffing their faces graciously. Helen's disapproving gurgles could be heard, as well as her hurried whispers towards Yudai who only gleamed happily at his unfavourable results. I suppose he really didn't burn anything after all. I also took note of the large slice of dessert on Medina's plate, and the twinkle in his eyes staring at the undercooked fudge. So the beast had a sweet tooth?

"It's undercooked, Yudai."

"Go to hell."

"No can do," he said, still chewing on a potato, "Satan's still got a restraining order against me."

"Haha, very funny."

"Sorry that sarcasm falls out of my mouth like stupidity falls out of yours."

"At least my stupidity is cute, no one likes an asshole," explained Yudai, animated by his words as his black eyes glossed over looking at me. "Especially Helen. No one likes Helen."

Helen looked as if she was caught between wanting to slap or punch the young lad. One look from Archie and she was back to poking at her plate.

Yudai's eyes twinkled, "Who's excited about tonight's new treat?"

"Not me."

"Shut up Helen, you have yet to teach me how to bake a creme brulee."

"While I'm at it, maybe I'll teach you how to respect your elders."

It was then I noticed how natural it felt to simply sit in their presence. Complete strangers. Friend or foe, I couldn't tell.

My grandpa's writing echoed lightly.

Life's boring until you meet those strangers.

Mentally swatting away his words, I observed them all briefly. The way Medina ate with lethal grace, the way Yudai hummed softly to himself. Helen's shockingly quiet demeanour regardless of her outlandish nature. But the hardest to read was the mysterious character to my right.

"You look great," started Archie, "in my clothes."

Instead of a school skirt and blouse, I was dressed in too—long pyjama pants and a hoodie. I was quick to drop my spoon and gasped loudly, embarrassed at the thought of someone changing me. Stripping me bare, free to examine my vulnerable state.

Helen whined, "Don't be so melodramatic, it was for your own safety little girl."

Archie was quick to counter, "You're smaller than her."

Helen's face reddened as if about to pop a vein, she yelled back towards an aloof Archie who continued to chew on her steak unfazed by the jarring volume that engrossed the room. "That's beyond the point!"

Look who's being melodramatic now.

I cleared my throat, "Safety?"

Archie remained silent, letting Helen answer in her stead. "From the Mavros Plague that swept through here years back. It just so happens that exposure to concentrated Aether blood increases your chances of catching it." She smirked, "You're lucky to have run into us when you did, or else you'd have been ghoul supper."

All I heard were words, all I understood was nonsense.

"Excuse me but what exactly are you saying?"

Yudai cackled, laughing hysterically. For such a feeble man, boyish in dimensions he surely was the embodiment of joy. Was this some joke I didn't understand?

"Do you know where you are?"

I shook my head, curious about the oblivious truth.

"The afterlife."

I blinked once, twice. Probably a third time before heaving a breath and bursting into a fit of giggles. Holding my stomach, I registered the shock displayed on all their faces — but Archie, whose snarky expression only widened.

I probably should have spoken, but as fate would have it my mind circled back to what haunted me most. And in a monotonous tone, I heard my grandfather call out to me:

Life's boring until you meet those strangers.