Not Yet

Despite everything being seemingly perfect, sometimes her mind would wander to that parallel world known as, what might have been, Claire was married to David, whom she had met one evening, because she her car was being repaired because the steering had been playing up, and the trains at decided to stop running because of some inconvenience she could never figure out.

“Perhaps it was all part of a plan?” she told herself, driving to university to study her course in Quantum Physics, the car obviously working well, now that matters had been settled.

David had noticed her, walking in the rain and offered her a lift. At first she hesitated, his voice was firm and seemed to contradict the apparent kindness of his words. However something told her it was alright and so she accepted. They got talking, and one of them, “She could not remember whom.” suggested they meet for a meal, and so they did, and this line of existence came into focus and time changed things, Claire married David and they had so far ben together for thirty seven years. Now however she was becoming more uncertain about the decision she had chosen to make; Or perhaps it had been made for her?

The course Claire was studying was about time, how it worked, what was it's purpose, and did time really exist, or was it merely an illusion created by clocks, and daylight and night time, the Sun and the Moon, incidents arranged and forced upon us by unseen forces, and what happens when time splits, when a decision is made that causes two different outcomes, creating what was known in effect as a Parallel Universe. That was one of the subjects studied in this course, parallel universes.

Claire wondered if by marrying David she had somehow created one, for reasons that were soon to become clarified.

The man giving the course was called Professor Nigel Sanderson. He was in his mid-fifties with a somewhat regular flow of greyish hair, that was tufted in an odd pattern around the sides, yet flat on top, he was not very tall yet for some inexplicable reason , the fact he seemed to stoop though did not actually do so, seemed to make him more so. He had craggy lines around his forehead and a somewhat reddened glow on his face. He usually wore a brown tweed sports jacket type outfit along with a red shirt that seemed as out of place as some of his theories. Claire has blonde hair, somewhat flat and silky, yet white-ish, her figure is slendour and she has green eyes. It was clear to everyone including Claire how attractive she was, and it was also clear that she was popular, not only with the other Students, but also with her teacher, Professor Nigel Sanderson, whom had never married. Claire did not mind, David however did not feel the same.

“Does he have to stand so close to you?” David had once inquired, at an end of term celebration, just before Christmas, that the Students were allowed to bring their friends and family too;

“He's just being friendly.” She said. Anyway, I thought you'd like being seen out with an attractive young woman?”

David had smiled, whilst still holding his cheap glass of wine, the other Students and teaching staff along with all the other staff were mingling in the distance. Claire felt alone and somehow out of place, she did not like this part of David's character, in fact over the years there were many things she had grown to dislike about David, sometimes she even wished she had never met him,

Yet, he had never physically harmed her, although he could be somewhat intimidating, what with his size, he was six-foot three, and his bulky yet athletic physique. And he did shout a lot when he lost his temper, and he seemed to do that mostly whenever anyone did anything to upset him, especially when he was behind the wheel of his car. Claire sometimes wondered what would have happened if instead of having to walk home that night, she had decided to take the car, and the brakes had caused her to somehow interact with David's car and they-”

“Claire, are you alright, inquired one of the students a young man in his twenties called Gavin, we have to go in!”

“I'm sorry.” replied Claire, realising she was blocking the door, and she turned to allow Gavin to enter the classroom, and then flowed suit the door naturally having been left open.

“Ah Claire.” Stated Professor Sanderson, holding a piece of chalk in mid-air amidst a very impressive though complex drawing of Parallel Universes complete with words and number equations, Please take a seat, I'm about to explain how sometimes despite incidents of time bringing about change, they sometimes revert back.”

“Revert back to what?” thought Claire, as she took her usual seat, and took out her note-pad and study course, she then placed them on her desk, the other students had already done the same.

The theory it seemed, was that even if time itself had gone in two different directions thus creating two different outcomes, if these outcomes were slowly being changed to their original first option, then that original outcome would be put in place.

Professor Sanderson gave an example, “Suppose a woman is about to audition to be an Actress and at the last minute, because of some incident she has to cancel, so she does not get the job. However because time had ordained it, time is split in two, thus creating a Parallel Universe where she does get the job. Now what if later on, that same woman who turned down the audition decides to go for another one, with the intention of becoming an Actress, and what if she gets it. Does it affect her other self? Does her other self begin to see her work dry up so to speak Does she choose an alternative form of employment, are the two worlds somehow in conflict with each other?”

This played on Claire's mind, so much so that she became unable to concentrate, not on her work, more so, on the drive home. She began to apparently see things. The night was illuminated only by somewhat faded yellow street lights, made even lesser by the ongoing heavy rain. It seemed to slither down her windscreen, causing lined patterns like strands of thick cut glass. It was as if her windscreen had been smashed, and now, Claire could see the rain drops turning to crimson, a dark bloody crimson, and in some far away world she was beginning to see strands of hair. Her colour hair, even recognisable despite covered in thick red blood. In the distance, despite the night being silent, she could hear screaming, it sounded like her husband's voice. It was the same tone he used when hew was angry, especially whenever someone upset him when he was behind the wheel of his car.

“This is stupid. thought Claire out loud as if she needed to reassure herself, David has never harmed me, he's not like that.”

Claire stopped her car a few yards from her and David's suburban home. Situated in a spacious street amidst other houses, all seemingly unconnected amidst a long winding grey road, as if part of their own individual yet parallel existence. She stopped outside an all night Cafe that was frequented by the more higher class persona, although anyone whom could pay was welcome.

Claire sat alone and picked up a menu. However loyalty to this particular time and existence caused her to check her watch. She usually got home about six, however she was convinced David would understand if she was a few minutes late, and anyway, she felt safe here with people she knew, and so she did not mind the idea of being stuck in some Time Warp where no one could harm her, unlike the world she now lived in, that she was convinced could change at any minute.

Then it happened again, the Menu seemed to turn into a hospital chart with her name on it, and she was convinced a male Doctor in a white coat was standing in front of her. “He even called her by her first name, “Claire.” he stated, Are you alright? We don; t usually get you coming here in the evenings, you and David mostly come at lunch time, is anything wrong?”

Claire looked up, it was Patrick, he was wearing his usual Black outfit complete with matching white shirt that all the waiters wore. She smiled and reassured him everything was fine;

“What would you like?” he inquired, will David be joining you?”

Claire now felt awkward at the situation. She obviously ate with David because they were married, in fact David insisted on it, they took turns doing the cooking and it was her turn tonight, David could become very possessive, another of his traits she did not like.

“I just wanted to come in because I felt a bit tired, she lied, could I have a cup of tea and a piece of cake?”

“What kind, Chocolate, Plain, Jam and Cream-”

“Erm, Just plain.”

“I'm not surprised your tired, stated Patrick, I mean that course you take seems very complicated, something to do with time and it's effect on us all isn't it You know, how the outcomes are decided by the decisions we make, You met David because you attended a business conference and didn't take your car, if you had things might have turned out different!”

“Yes, muttered Claire solemnly, they might have,” And then raising her head she smiled one of her warm and David would call enticing smiles and stated:”Thank you Patrick.”

He smiled and she added, “Would you care to join me.”

“I'd love too.” He smiled, unfortunately we're very busy this evening; Besides what would your husband say?”

“Oh don't worry about him.” smiled Claire. However deep down she was beginning too.

Patrick left to take her order.

“What is my other self doing, in her own little world, thought Claire, Is she still alive? Are things improving for her, has she done something to cause the changes in mine?” “Why hasn't he killed her yet.”

Then it seemed to happen again, this time it was the customers as well as the Waiters and staff, they appeared to be taking part in a busy hospital, and two men appeared to be wheeling in a figure on a stretcher. Claire could not see who it was, however it turned to one man wheeling the dessert trolly and the hospital scene turned back into the cafe.

When Claire got home, it was 7:30 and she felt more ashamed at her suspicions than she did so originally. Especially when David embraced her in a way that showed genuine concern.

“Claire, what happened, I was worried, are you alright?”

She smiled, I stopped off at the cafe?” She stated, I just fancied a piece of cake.”

“Why for goodness sake, we've got Chocolate cake for dessert, you made it remember.”

“Did I? Oh yes, so I did, I'd best check the chicken, I'm afraid dinner's going to be a bit later than usual tonight!.

“Claire are you alright?” David inquired.

However she had now gone into the kitchen to get away from this conversation and to give herself time to think what to do next!

A few moments later she was startled by David entering and brushing past her to get to the sink as if she was viewing him from a different world.

“What you doing?” Inquired Claire, almost flinching back as if she expected to be attacked.

“I'm getting a glass of water.” He stated, taking a glass tumbler and holding it up by means of indication/

“Well can't you wait, the dinner won't be long!”

“Sorry, I didn't know there was a hose pipe ban. What you looking at me like that for It was only a joke;

She stared at his face, it was smiling as if it was trying to reassure her, the way he usually did.

She was having none of it, this time she wanted answers.

“David, have you ever been in an argument whilst driving? I mean, with another motorist;

“Claire, I argue with everyone it's my way;

“No, I mean, “She paused, feeling somewhat embarrassed as well as threatened.” have you ever been in a physical confrontation?”

“Not with another driver, a few close shaves but it's best to avoid them.”

There was a silence then he stated:

“I'll be in the dining room.”

Claire watched him leave and got on with the dinner.

At the table she was quiet, despite David smiling in the hope of starting a conversation she remained silent, her mind on the Parallel Universe, the one with the other her, the one who was trying to change things.

“The car's playing up again; he stated.

“What one?” she inquired, almost accusative.

Claire had decided to keep her car after she had married David, he had done the same with his.

“Mine, ironically the same thing that happened to yours when we met has happened to mine. You remember, you told me about it when I gave you a lift. Just think, if you'd taken the car things may have turned out differently.”

“Yes.” She stated.

Claire decided not to press the conversation, she knew the answers she wanted were more likely to be at the course she was attending. So far she had a vague idea of what was going on, the two universes were in conflict with each other, and she had to make certain things stayed the way that she believed they should.

She stopped her car outside and entered. It was a large building that offered many introductory courses, Claire made her way up the steps and through the large oaken brown doors with the silver pole handles and the fitted glass that looked contradictory. “Like two universes out of context.” Muttered Claire.

She watched a few male and female students walk past to their classes, then she saw Professor Sanderson. Claire decided to approach him.

He smiled the way he usually does, or rather the way he usually does with her and stated:

“Hello Claire, I'm just about to start my class, what's wrong?, You look a bit worried.”

“It''s the theory you told us about how when decisions are sometimes made time go off in two different directions, and that sometimes when circumstances occur they sometimes try to revert back; Like with the Actress you told us about who misses her chance then gets another one. You said it could affect her other self! “Claire paused, then continued, Do you mean in a bad way?”

“Well there are many ways. For instance her other self could be killed, or she might retire, or become something else, such as a Director. Or she might become a Television Actress and decide to leave the theatre or move to America to find work, since the British film Industry's almost rundown! Why'd you ask?

“My husband loses his temper when he's behind the wheel of his car sometimes-”

“He hasn't hit you has he?” Inquired Professor Sanderson, jumping in and touching her arm at the same time.

“No, but I keep thinking what would have happened if I'd taken the car that day when it was playing up. I know this is going to sound stupid, but I've seen things, images, of me, a bloody windscreen, a hospital ward, and now the same-thing is happening again with the car, although this time it's his car not mine! I feel she is trying to change things,

There was a silence and Claire clenched Professor Sanderson's arm realising how this manipulation could be interpreted, then moved closer and deliberately smiling said, “Please, you won't tell anyone, I do trust you, and I just need you to explain things to me;

“Claire, I think it would be best if we went in, and I spoke with you after class; Stated Professor Sanderson opening the door for her.

Claire nodded as if she had been reassured and took her usual seat at her desk.

It was not clear whether Professor Sanderson had decided to change his lesson to emphasise matters, however he began by explaining, “Somewhat reasuringly Claire thought” That all Parallel Universes follow the same time line, so if her other self had suffered fatally at the hands of her husband's other self, then she could not be able to change the course of events!

“Unless of course he hadn't killed her, thought Claire. In which case I am still in danger! Unless I can prevent matters from alternating.”

Professor Sanderson had drawn the usual flows of chalk lines on the board to represent the conception of Parallel Universes, and was now explaining how some universes seemed to be connected in a way that meant their outcome could affect one another. Claire knew he was trying to reassure her, however she knew she would have to discuss matters with her husband, and yet she was becoming more uncertain what the outcome would bring forth.

Claire waited till after the class had finished, then she and Professor Sanderson went to the canteen.

Fortunately there wasn't many people there, and so they found a more secluded spot, whilst Professor Sanderson went and got two teas, after inquiring if Claire wanted a cup. He paid for them both, Claire knew what her husband would say about that, she knew he could be very suspicious. He had never been abusive to her, although sometimes when he raised his voice she did feel threatened, and now she couldn't help wondering what might have been, and she feared somehow it would still occur.'

“I did see the woman, stated Claire, it was me, she was bleeding, she'd been in a car accident I know it'.”

“What are you going to tell your husband. If anything?” Inquired Professor Sanderson, taking a sip of tea.

“Maybe you could talk to him?” She stated, leaning across and clenching his arm.

He looked up. Yet she could see by his face he was confused.

“I'm not certain that's advisable at the moment, I do know what he thinks of me.”

There was a silence, then he stated:

“I would like to help you though.”

She smiled.

That evening Claire arrived home, with the intention of explaining to her husband, exactly what her concerns were, no matter how unusual they seemed; She was convinced that if she made herself seem uncertain of what was happening he was bound to empathise, and maybe that would give her the reassurance that she needed!

David was working late at the office on a business procedure, otherwise he was usually home before she was. Claire would prepare the dinner more or less in the morning, since she worked different hours to her husband.

She heard the car door closing, followed by the sound of David inserting the key into the lock, and stating: I'm home, is everything alright?

“I need to talk to you, she stated, feeling somewhat embarrassed. “It's very important;

“Alright, “He stated coming in, What you want to talk about?”

“David, You know I take a course on quantum physic, and that one of the subjects is the hypothesis relating to Parallel Universes, and how they effect the outcome of events?”

“And you want to know if your the Queen in any of them, well you'll always be mine.” He went over and kissed her face in reassurance. However she remained somewhat uncertain as she inquired:

“David, would you ever harm me?”

“Why you ask me that for? Claire what's happening? It's that bloody course isn't it? Is it that Professor Sanders, I've seen the way he looks at you, if he's been trying to-”

“David, I keep seeing, she paused then stated: I see me, I see me from another universe. Except in this one, I\m bleeding. There's been some sort of car accident. David you remember how we met, I'd forgotten my car and you gave me a lift, except in another universe I didn't and something happened!

He seemed confused,. Claire waited a second then continued.

“I don't know for certain if you and I got into some sort of argument, or what have you, however I keep seeing images of myself covered in blood, and I'm afraid it might happen to me here! That's why I need your reassurance that you will never do anything, intentionally or unintentionally to harm me in anyway whatsoever.”

“He was silent, somehow as if struggling to find the words, She felt an uneasy presence, yet it was she knew of her own making, and she felt even more confused when he inquired:

“Have I ever harmed you? I mean physically; And even when we argue am I not the first to apologize?”

She nodded tight-lipped in silent confirmation as if trying to prevent tears from forming.

“Did you discuss the matter with Professor Sanderson?”

“Yes, he told me not to worry, he wants us to stay together; She stated, as if he was now the one that needed reassuring.”

“Does he?” Inquired David, before turning to go a wash his hands

Claire looked in the mirror on the dresser, and saw herself She was seated in her car, blood covered her face and clothing, she wondered what she should do next?

The End

Author Intrusion

In a small hotel room, with a narrow view apparently overlooking Majorca, an English woman sits at the hotel computer. Elegantly dressed in blue chiffon her mind drifts along the imaginary journey of an English Countryside. Thickened air wafts in Emily Bronte fashion, towards a precipice, the fresh grass ladled with white Hydrangea flowers a snowy essence of loyalty, friendship and-, Whirr, thud, murmurings in Spanish, Ellen turns half round. She is there, again, vacuuming, loud noise, moving papers, drafts. Ellen tries to focus on the two main characters, yet they fade with the reality of the noise And-”

“For God's Sake Señora Mencheso, please, wait, She rises amiably as only a refined English woman could and steadying with hands on shoulders, states:

“Please, Seniora, my Agent has promised the Publisher I will have the book finished at the end of the week. And I do not mind telling you, I am struggling. My heroine Lady Charlotte Featherwell longs to marry the dashing and brave Mr Dericote, however she is trapped in a brutal and loveless marriage to the despicable Lord Cedric Blackstone, A violent yet rich and influential drunkard whom took advantage of her when she was poor and threatened to evict her unless she succumbed-” And now, unless murder becomes an option, I cannot see a solution.

Seniora Mescheso pauses, and so Ellen commutes stating:

“He is a ruthless and powerful man, and my hero Mr Dericote, although brave and loyal, cannot succumb to darkness and impurity in the hope of rectifying a solution, so you see my dilemma.

“Ah, I understand, states the elderly portly cleaning woman, her hair a bundle her outfit as appropriate as the characters in the Victorian Romance, Ellen is desperate to complete.

“I clean quieter, I move papers from here to-”

“Please, states Ellen dreading the thought of her notes being scattered, can you just leave-”

“I clean, I use polish, no papers get wet, I-” Ahhh,

She trips, catching her hand on the computer desk, the papers spew across the floor, the double door window blows open like a cliché, the papers begin to blow. Senora Mescheso begins to pick them up, muttering in Spanish, whilst Ellen rushes to close the window before important documents are scattered to the wind. Locking the double door window, Ellen turns to see Senora Mescheso, place the papers in unnumerical order onto the bed, and begins to clean, moving the control, she somehow manages to disconnect the computer screen. Ellen rushes over, shouting “My draft, my notes, Oh please, “She gently though frantically pushes her out the way, and sits at the computer.

There is a thickened tension, the Spanish cleaner waits, whilst Ellen relieved she has not lost her manuscript and it has only been moved to an unofficial location, manages to save it, just as her mobile phone rings. Ellen presses Save and answers, it is her Agent, he states:

“Ellen darling, good news, they' re prepared to up the advance, however it must be finished by the end of the week-, Whirrr” “Ellen darling what in God's name is that-”

“Please. Shouts Ellen, I am trying to answer the phone will you stop bloody vacuuming-”

“I clean room/”

“Ellen, Ellen your breaking up darling; Ellen can you hear me sweetie; It's not a very -” Whirr,

“Hold on David, I'm going to take it outside. For Goodness sake, Senora, please do not mess up my writing, understand?

The Spanish cleaning woman pauses or so it seems, Ellen goes over and announces in Spanish,

“Deja los Papeles dende estan: Leave the papers where they are.

“Ah Si. I leave papers-” I clean room”

Frantically Ellen rushes out, worried about the deadline for her book, among other things.

In the hotel dining room, Ellen manages to find an empty table, fortunately it is not yet time to eat, and she explains her predicament to David. “I need to find a way to free my heroine, so she can marry Mr Dericote, however Lord Blacksword would never allow such a thing, all Ellen has at the moment is her precious Hydrangea flowers, a symbol of appreciation for what has been received in acknowledgement.

“And they are blue, like your dress/”

“Yes, and they grow in moist porous soil, an excellent place for a secluded Victorian setting , complete with suppressed townsfolk and precipice, but how to end my story-? Oh David I do not think I can do this! She is so annoying, you do not know this past week what I've had to put up with' Only last Monday, she accidentally deleted a whole chapter, and it was chapter five. How she managed it I do not know, but it completely confused me-”

“Ellen, you must stay calm and concentrate, Now I've already promised the Publisher and if he does not get the manuscript by the end of the week, I'm afraid it will not do much for your reputation/”

“David, I am trying believe me; It's just that, well I'm stuck, I don't want to change the way my chapters act, and yet, if I cannot find a solution, I'm afraid I may have to forget the whole thing;

“Ellen darling you can't be serious. Look, why not get some rest, it may help you to concentrate'

|I'll try/”

“Alright, I have to leave now, call me back when you're finished. Good luck .

“I will.” stated Ellen, and clicked off her mobile and went back into her hotel room, only to find Señora Mescheso, struggling with the vacuum cleaner wire, the cord having got caught, and now Ellen watched in horror as the computer crashed literarily off the table, causing her to scream/

“Can't you stop bloody interfering. Oh For God's Sake, here let me, you've got the wire-”

Ellen begins to tug, the Spanish Cleaner has gotten tangled., there is a tooing and froing, then with one sharp pull, Ellen frees the wire from it's socket, causing Señora Mescheso to be swept backward, her bopdy crashes through the double door windows that fly open as if a welcoming embrace, she screams her body falls and lands dead a stain on the pavement like a preverbal inkblot.

“Ellen reinstates the computer. Fortunately it is working and nothing is broken or mislaid. Then she pauses in thought and states:

“That's it. She is followed by him in one of his drunken moods and he slips on the hydrangea flowers and falls to his death from the precipice caused by the moist porous soil on a rain swept evening. Oh thank you Señora, now I can finish my book' You have been helpful after all/

The End

Demon Lover

Dear ladies of amiable virtue, before you seek to condemn this young woman for what has befallen, let us carefully observe the details as they unfold. Watching closely as she goes through the ritual of change that many young girls will witness in their arousal. Crawling off the bed, her nightdress unbuttoned she wearily grabs her small bag with it's contents and proceeds in hesitation towards the bathroom. The passage is dark and so she feels secluded from those that dare to judge what they cannot understand. Once inside she locks the door and stares at the image within the mirror.

She breaths a temporary sigh of relief, for knowing she has already been penetrated, and that in a reversal of fortune her stomach feels drained, No youthful existence will therefore flourish. For childhood dreams have never been born, And the embryonic existence she once knew has finally been crushed. She stares at herself as a woman, allowing her nightdress to fall. Whilst studying her milkened flesh that he has drunk from. Her breasts sag yet they will be renourished as the desire comes upon her. Yet as the dark clouds form and the Moon shines brightly, she knows it is time for the test to begin. In anticipation she reaches in for “The Book” the small torn and battered holy scripture that has guided her so well until now, yet maybe there is hope?

She watches as two thin lines of blood trickle from her neck and fall upon the blackened leather. She reaches out and attempts to brush them off with the slenderness of her fingers.

The pages burn, they turn blue, the flame shows the test is positive. Though she prays she has not been cast aside. And as the pages lay scattered in a heap of charred remains, she reaches in to the bag and knows there are two more tests to perform. The small bottle of holy water; Here fingers begin to unscrew the top, and as the water begins to trickle she allows it to break free of it's contents, causing her to scream, the burning sensation upon her neck, the steam that hisses as she drops the contents, watching as her water leaves a puddle over the bathroom floor, mixed with the blood to create a more darkened result.

If you seek to condemn in anticipation of the outcome, then dear ladies, may I announce they will fade along with the image within the mirror. No longer reflected of a long forgotten mortal existence, she stares at nothingness. Her innocence has left her, she tastes the soft blood stained upon her canine teeth. The arousal taken from her has begun to return, knowing that when she embraces, she will control the body in it's splendour, causing it to become rigid in fear and anticipation of the outcome. Uncleansed and unchaste she unlocks the bathroom door, clutching the marks on her neck in acceptance as she crawls along the corridor, until she reaches her bedroom and flings open the window. The cold air penetrates her warm body as she reels in shame at the chain and crucifix that now lay on the floor. She is distracted by the flapping of wings as if being called to a new existence.

And so dear ladies, she lays upon her bed, in acceptance of what she is, knowing that her Demon Lover will return

The End

The Cheese Course

“There is something pleasurable in discovering a delicacy, that has been overlooked, rather than extravagantly denied.” Exclaimed renowned Bostonian food critic Clarence Farnsworthy, seated in one of the more exclusive Manhattan Restaurant whilst preparing another review for The New york Times.

Although food critics usually traveled incognito, so as not to be duped like some unsuspecting tourists, his companion on this excursion was his live in girlfriend and literary assistant, Judith Cresler, a woman twenty years younger to his sixty five, yet knowing that mature things give back more in the long run, instead of the quick thrills sort by the lesser Epicureans. However the evening was to be somewhat regrettable yet again. For having enjoyed a fine meal with his companion of

Lobster Newburg accompanied by a few glasses of Albarino from Gallicia in the Northwest corner of Spain

Veal escalopes with lemon and a garnish of sautéed potatoes, to which they drank a glass of Rioja

and finishing with Apple and Thyme Pastry Tarts with Cinnamon Ice cream. With that he drank water and she orange juice.

The reason was to be made clear as indeed was to be his disappointment yet again. For one of his major passions was the delicacy “As he referred to it” known as cheese. Clarence had a somewhat renowned knowledge of cheese, that went well with his knowledge of wine. Especially Spanish and Italian wines and his desire for strong cheeses, such as Stilton, Cashel Blue, proper English Cheddar, and Casu Marsu. He beckoned the Waiter, whom approached with an inquiring look, the Restaurant itself was half full with various clientele, except for a well dressed man seated in the alcove where he could watch and not be seen. He studied the look on Clarence's face as a somewhat limited cheese selection was placed in front of him and his companion, and it was obvious by the disappointing look on Clarence's face that he was hoping for something more elaborate, which the man was prepared to offer. Seeing Clarence discard the somewhat limited and processed selection, even the blue cheese that was merely coloured powdered to effect. The man waited, until Clarence and his companion were about to leave having settled the bill, then he approached and stated in a somewhat refined English accent, though with compliant New Yorker. “Excuse me, Your the food critic Clarence Farnsworthy-”

:Yes, but I'm with a Colleague, so if you want a quick autograph I can oblige, however I'm afraid I cannot stop and-”

“Oh no, you misjudge me; I saw the way you correctly discarded the choice they put before you. If you ask me, most Americans know as much about cheese as they do about chocolate; Cheese is a delicacy, it has so many flavours and textures and I believe I can be of assistance”

The man produced what looked like an old crumpled map from his trouser pocket, as if he wanted directions, however he pointed to a red circled spot on 5^th Avenue and explained that the place in question sold proper cheese delicacies, including Casu Marzu.

“I heard your choice of wines, I think you will find the cheeses there quite Moorish.”

“Isn't Casu Mazu banned? Inquired Judith, pleased at the chance to show her knowledge, and prove that this was a partnership and more than a culinary one at that, Because it-”

“Contains worms? Said the ma., Yes, but as you probably know the place I refer to merely looks like a discarded paint peeled maroon door. Resembling some failed city project that no one investigates. There is a number at the top, if you phone them I assure you they will be most cooperative;

Clarence thought for a moment then stated, “I don't want to find out that this is some gimmicky processed cheese, popular on Halloween, with pieces of mushroom, or Quark or whatever they use to represent living bacteria; If it is, I will be disappointed!

“What have you got to lose? If you don't like it leave.”

And being curious about everything, especially food, Clarence and his companion. Thanked the man in polite literal terms and set off.

To make certain of no further disappointments, Clarence used his mobile to announce he was arriving with his companion. An elderly distinguished sounding man with a gentle American-british accent stated that they would be expected. They were to announce their arrival for security reasons, having already been asked to give their names, they had both complied in doing so.

To be certain they both took a Taxi, and after paying the driver tip included and he thanked them before driving off. They both found their selves standing in front of the maroon door that seemed to blend in with the brickwork. The only part that had no graffiti. “As if it was cleaned regularly to keep up appearance.” thought Clarence to himself. There was no knocker or buzzer, so Clarence decided to phone the man yet again, whom answered and on hearing whom they were went and let them in, closing the door behind him as he did so.

The place had a light woodish appearance concerning the walls. The floor was a dull unpainted white consisting of easily noticeable floorboards. It was as if they had stepped into an old decrepit house that had never been painted, let alone started on. The man was somewhat roundish in appearance and about five foot two wearing a white coat, red shirt and black trousers. He had tufted white-ish hair, and his lined face seemed to smile pleasantly as he announced: “How may I be of assistance to you you both?”

“My name is Clarence Farnsworthy, I'm a food critic, with a love of cheeses. I was told you have some acceptable delicacies, and we were wondering if we might discuss purchases?|

“And do you have any particular cheeses, either of you are interested in?

“I was told you may have Casu Marzu, though we would like to try some of your other delicacies if we may?”

The man glanced at the three wooden steps in the distance, leading to a slightly higher level, where a warm light shone a yellowy glow as if this was necessary.

“If you would both care to follow me?” Stated the man.

They did so.

There were two displays, or rather one, the first was the typical sanitised appearance in cheese shops good, bad or indifferent, the other was the kind kept behind the grey steel door with the somewhat dusty glass,. Clarence tried to look inside, getting a glimpse of a circular object that seemed to have white moving line,, “This he told himself was where the best stuff was kept.”

“And where would you both like to start?: Inquired the man, smiling pleasantly. Perhaps with some cheddar or a little brie?

“Enjoy the starter before the main, announced Clarence glancing at his companion. We'll try some strong English cheddar, and then perhaps a little French Brie.'

“And would you both care for a glass of port? We have a fine selection on offer to go with all types of cheese selections,?”

:It might be worth trying, stated Judith, holding onto Clarence's arm as if they were discussing an anniversary present, We are expecting some guests from the Food Writers Guild and it doesn't hurt to impress.” She smiled at the man as if to include him in the statement.

“Indeed it does not. he stated, We have a rather nice Sousao, or would you prefer a Tinta Roriz, both from the Douro Valley Portugal, that would blend nicely with a mild blue, or even a soft Brie.”

Clarence thought for a moment then inquired, again, “I was told you sell Casu Mazu, is that correct, I mean it is banned in the States for obvious reasons. Not that I'm implying anything you understand.”

“None taken Sir. We did have some Casu Mazu, however our supply has not yet arrived, for various reasons. I can however offer you a yet unnamed cheese, that has a somewhat mild yet lingering after taste, somewhat similar to Tante Moine from Sweden, though somewhat stronger in flavour.

It does also contain Maggots, if that is what you desire?”

Clarence noticed the dubious look on his companion's face as she clung tighter to him as if fearing some unexplained event was about to occur.

“It's alright. He reassured her with a glance, They are quite harmless. I've had Pecorino and Casu Marzu many times on my travels.”

“I've only been with you to certain regions, she stated, however if you both say it is safe.”

“The acid in your stomach kills them Madam. Stated the man, then seemed to whisper softy, “Apparently.”

:Alright; she stated.

“And the Port, a Tinta Roriz perhaps? If your interested our cheapest prices range from $25's to our most expensive at $70500's .”

“We'll both take a glass; smiled Clarence, smiling at his companion in reassurance.

“I won't be a moment Sir; Stated the man, opening the steel door with a rusty key of many on a circular keychain, closing it loosely, and returning with a somewhat runny circle that seemed to be leaking a pool of lavae that smelt of rather strong odours, and could clearly be seen incorporating while strands, wriggling as if inquisitive. The man placed the mound of cheese on a wooden bench like table. The cheese was on a clean white plater, although the ooze had somewhat exaggerated parts of it's appearance. A cheese cutting knife was already situated, the holes are to prevent the cheese sticking to the blade and therefore prevent any unintentional effecting of it's flavour.

They waited whilst the man went to get two glasses of port and a small plate consisting of four biscuits. When he returned he set the small silver tray with the lattice pattern and it;'s contents on the table and prepared to cut a piece of the cheese, Firstly for Judith to try.

“And where is this cheese made?” Inquired Clarence.

“I'm not certain Sir, confirmed the man, It's somewhere between Area 51 and parts of The Yorkshire Triangle, Madam, he stared placing a piece on a biscuit, if you would care to try?”

The worms seemed to be entwined within the cheese, like amoebas coming out of a primordial existence. She let her tongue first taste the firm slightly hardened texture, then the runny melting companion, as she felt the gelatinous flesh sliding onto her tongue, she took a small bite and immediately felt a somewhat euphoric reaction within her brain, combined with the lingering yet pleasing nutty texture. There was a somewhat moist flesh like taste of the maggots, with traces of well cooked meat, or so she would have described it.

They both waited in anticipation of her reaction, and were equally pleased when smiling to herself she took another bite. At which point with already perceived intentions Clarence decided to join her.

They settled on a package of the unknown cheese and two bottles of Tinta Roriz, as well as some English Stilton, some French ripened Camembert, Italian Taleggio, a slice of Vermont Bonne Bouche, a piece of Dehesa De Los Llanos from Spain as well as a Cabrales, and a mild Garotxa Cantalonia all three from Spain. The cheeses and Ports had been neatly packaged and they had each been given a leaflet advertising popular choices for holidays such as Christmas, with a 10% discount off a rare bottle of Paxron and Whitfield Tawny Port, said to go well with Stilton or even a good Tetilla from Spain, excellent for dessert with it's lemon texture. Effective for a citrus pairing of Christmas flavours.

Whilst in their somewhat lavish apartment in the more high priced secluded area of New York 42cnd Street. Clarence set about unpacking, whilst Judith was instantly on the phone to her gourmet friends as she referred to them, though only to Clarence and by means of hierarchical importance, Explaining what had happened and longing to see them for another dinner party.

It was whilst talking to a woman named Claire that Judith felt the insatiable urge to take another bite of the unknown cheese. And seeing it was unpackaged proceeded to do so. Clarence did not seem to mind, in fact he was rather pleased that she was taking such an interest.

He smiled as she took a piece, and eating it went back to the phone, apologising and regaining the conversation. Whilst Clarence continued with his unpacking.

It was getting somewhat late, and having already eaten at the Restaurant, they decided to relax in the comfort of their home. after Clarence had put the cheeses and Ports away. He had placed the unknown cheese in a separate plastic container within the fridge at the warmest part, to keep fresh so that the worms would not go off. Since they had to remain fresh to preserve the taste. Now he was looking forward to taking Judith with him, on his next visit to Italy and impressing her. She was very attractive and he had been afraid of losing her company, since other men had been paying an interest in her, and he had been worried she was finding his excursions into the world of food somewhat mundane. Now as he watched her leave to enter the kitchen, he knew like him, she was a true Affineur, a lover of cheeses. He slumped back in the armchair whilst she proceeded to make two cups of English tea, and considered booking a flight to Italy for both of them as a surprise, since it was coming up to her birthday and he wanted to keep her occupied so to speak.

At about 1030 Judith exclaimed that she was feeling tired and that she was going to bed. Clarence said he'd be up soon, “After watching the news. Probably all that Port and cheese; he smiled, I feel a bit tired myself.” He watched her leave. He thought he heard her in the kitchen, however he ignored this, since Judith always liked to snack, and the cheese was indeed some of the best he'd ever tasted, He decided at about 11.07 to check for himself. By then Judith was already in bed, and on entering the kitchen, he decided to see what she had consumed. He took out the container and on opening it, noticed it had become more runny, it seemed to contain lavae, that was somehow integrated along with the cheese itself and the maggots, it was as if the cheese had the same connection to the worms as eggs to a chicken or milk to a cow, as if they were producing the cheese their selves. He dismissed this, assuming the cheese had just gotten more runny, “Probably due to the fridge temperature being messed up or something.” he muttered, helping himself to a runny piece before putting back the container and tightly securing the lid. He then got undressed in the bedroom where his pajamas were kept on his side, and got into bed. He kissed Judith on the face, even though she did not stir, then he too fell asleep. He was somewhat disturbed in the middle of the night by Judith getting up, He checked the alarm clock noticing it was 3:13 and assumed she was going to the bathroom. Instinctively he turned on the table lamp that was on her side, even though he too liked to read, and noticed there was a tiny drop of blood,

“Judith, are you alright? he inquired, have you been cleaning your teeth too hard again?

He got out of bed and decided to talk to her in what he assumed would be the bathroom, however she was not there. Noticing the light from the kitchen he went to find out if she was alright, perhaps she was getting a glass of water to wash out the blood. She was holding the carton of cheese, he noticed she seemed to be consuming it's contents as if she was addicted. She did not notice him approach, he tapped her on the shoulder and called out her name,

Instinctively as if startled she seemed to drop the container and he thought he heard tiny voices state, “Leave us alone”

“Clarence?” she muttered as if she was unaware of her surroundings.

He stared at the runny contents that now oozed on the floor, the maggots crawling through the cheese lava, though now there was stripes of red, he turned to Judith, whom was now becoming tired. “We need to get you back to bed.” he stated, taking her arm with both his in order to guide her. He would get rid of the container afterwards, he would wash out its contents and flush it down the toilet. “Perhaps I am over reacting; he told himself, as he got her back in their bed, however it's best to be on the safe side,”

Clarence decided to keep on the lamp light, so he could watch Judith and make certain she was alright. “Maybe it was her gums bleeding because she had rubbed them too hard? He told himself, maybe I did imagine the voices; However he decided he would throw away the cheese, “And then what? he inquired to himself as he went into the kitchen, the larvae seemed to have increased, he went to get some kitchen roll to scoop it up back into its container,, then taking it over to the sink he began to fill it with water in order to destroy its contents. Quickly before anything he assumed could happen he took it into the toilet and poured the contents down the pan, the sound of the chain pulling now seemed in unison with Judith's coughing and what sounded like spluttering. Clarence dropped the now empty container. Rushing in to see what was occurring. He then noticed that blood was on the sheets. Judith had been sick violently, and not only that, she seemed somewhat dazed, as if her body was responding automatically, whilst her mind was not.

“Judith, he called going over to her and noticing the blood soaked worms and larvae that was crawling out of her mouth, Oh God. I'm going to call an ambulance! Judith can you hear me? I'm going to get help”

Going into the passage where a telephone was kept on a brown oaken one legged table with a white lattice cloth for decoration, Clarence picked it up and dialed 911. The Operator a woman, inquired of the emergency and he stated:

“I need an ambulance, it's my girlfriend, she's eaten some cheese, she's being sick;

:It's probably mild food poisoning; They are very busy at this time of night, however I will put you through, Hold on please.”

Clarence waited for what seemed like ages, the only sounds being the ringing of the tele[hone and Judith's coughing and vomiting in unison. He became concerned that she was losing too much blood and that very soon she would hemorrhage! It was then he heard a man's voice state:

“Ambulance, what seems to be the problem?”

“It's my girlfriend she's eaten some cheese and now she can't stop vomiting, she's bringing up blood and she has maggots coming out of her mouth;

There was a pause then the man stated:

“Sir, we are very busy. We do not have time for this sort of thing, we have serious cases to deal with.”

“This is serious, for goodness sake; I am not making this up! Please you must come I think they're aliens.”

The phone went silent.

“Hello, hello are you still there? “Idiot.” shouted Clarence slamming the phone down in frustration. He ran into the bedroom. Judith was now on the floor. She was laying on her back and the blood had now become a trickle, yet her eyes had turned a dark galaxy black without the stars, and the worms were still crawling out of her mouth.

Clarence helped her up by placing an arm around his shoulder and taking the unconscious Judith into the kitchen, where instinctively he began to mix salt water, forcing it down her throat in order to make her sick and destroy the maggots. He was trying to get her to drink the liquid as she kept coughing, some of the larvae and their adult species had dropped onto the floor, yet the salt water was also coming out too quick. Clarence knew he needed to try something else. He sat her on the chair, her body still slumped and unconscious, whilst he contemplated making some coffee. He noticed that now they were dropping out of her mouth, yet he knew it was not yet over. He needed to get help.

“Judith, I won't be a minute; he stated, I'm going to phone some of our friends, they can help us.”

He then added that he was putting the kettle on, and poured some coffee via five spoonfuls into a large cup, in the hope it would revive her because of it's strong contents. Then he went into the Dining Room in order to dial, two men and a woman whom were also renowned food critics and close friends of him and Judith. Their names were, Jack, Toby, and Amelia, who is American English. Her Mother is a Newspaper Editor for a upperclass food magazine in London and her Father an American Businessman who owns a Catering Service. It was Amelia whom answered since he had dialed her first, and after explaining clearly what was occurring, he heard her say she was coming round and that she would bring the others as he had requested.

“It's going to be alright?” she reassured him, go see how Judith is.”

On hearing the kettle click, he went into the kitchen and poured some strong black coffee before putting back the kettle. He then went over to Judith and seeing her mouth conveniently open, forced her head back and began to pour in the coffee. She still spluttered yet at least it was going in, and some of it was remaining. He put down the cup and placing his arm around her shoulder began walking her round, talking all the time about things they had done as a couple and places they had been too. He kept asking her questions about places and things as if trying to get her to respond to his questions. She was mumbling and he was certain he could hear the tiny voices, yet some of them were becoming fainter. It was then he heard two cars drive up.

“They've arrived. Judith our friends are here; You stay on the chair I'm going to let them in.”

He slumped her on the chair and rushed to open the door. Jack and Toby stood there with their wives and Amelia with her husband, they were all dressed as if they had just returned from a dinner party, the men in suits and ties, the women in blue dresses.

“What's going on?” He inquired, have you all been somewhere?”

“They've been to the cheese shop.” he heard a voice state.

Clarence turned to see Judith standing there, the blood had stopped dripping from her mouth, yet her eyes were galaxy black without the stars. She was moving towards him automatically.

Instinctively he turned to the others, their eyes were the same.

“Judith told us all about the cheese shop.” said Jack, as Judith grabbed him round the neck, her strength having increased as if by some extra terrestrial force. We'd like you to sample some with us,” continued Jack. I have some in my car. Running a catering business, I believe I can put it to good use.

Clarence began to struggle, as Toby and Amelia grabbed his arms holding them with both their hands as if on a warped date. They all began to drag him, literarily kicking and trying to scream as Judith tightened her grip around his neck, causing him to slump, When he awoke he found himself seated in a chair at the head of the Dining Table. They were forcing his mouth open, and Jack was presenting the cheese on a silver platter, the maggots were breeding in front of him and now Jack was forcing the cheese into his mouth. He could hear them saying you will soon be one of us, and as he adapted to the taste, he could hear their voices inside his head, explaining why.

The End

Bland Logic

Sometimes he felt strange, seated alone in the phone in studio, waiting for their calls, wondering what he would say to give reassurance to those whom needed advice. Before it was easy, almost as if he had memorised a script, like it was some miniature chip within his brain, activated to correspond to whatever advice his callers needed. However the questions were getting more debatable. He knew that despite what was now happening, for once he did not seem to have all the answers.

“This is NightCalls, My name is Alan Babbage. We're discussing how people react to different problems. And what part logic plays when your under stress; “Whom do we have on line seven?

The man in the News booth stated that, “We have Charles on line seven, who wants to talk about the war.”

“Alright, put him through, go ahead Charles your through to NightCalls what do you have to say?”

“Well first of all, I'd like to say that, my son was killed in the war-”

“I'm sorry to hear that!”

There was a silence so the phone in presenter continued by stating:

“Do you want to elaborate on what happened? Please take yourb time and tell us in your own words how you are feeling!

Alright I'll tell you, because it ties in with what your talking about when it comes to how people react, or rather how they are programed to react!”

“Please go on!”

“Well my Son was a Fighter Pilot. He was shot down, his plane exploded before it even landed according to Army Reports! However what I want to say is, you sit behind your desk, taking our calls for advice and, after a while it all seems like a set of quick response answers, you know, if a guy wants to date a girl tell him to dress smart and pluck up courage to talk to her. If your being picked on, then learn to be more assertive, if your having problems at work or home with your job or marriage then try and understand the other person's point of view, learn to empathise! Except people don; t empathise, unless to their selves by lying!

He seemed emotional, however the phone in Presenter knew it was best to allow his callers to express their selves when they phoned in with their problems,

I'll give you an example, my Son and all those who risked their lives, “with many of them being killed” knew they were going out to fight with real human beings, whilst our leaders chose to sit behind a desk with their Croupier type sticks, moving military toys, such as tanks and planes and soldiers, so that it reduced human beings to inanimate objects, far lesser than machines. Something we both understand! And all that matters is the outcome, not the effects it has on people,, or their families, merely a bland logic response!

Charles tried to remain calm whilst stating,:

“I mean sometimes you get turned down on a date. And when you try to stand up for yourself it doesn't always work out the way you wanted. And when you try to solve a situation using bland logic people don't always take your advice! When the peace talks broke down that's when the only irrational response came into place, and that's when things got out of hand, and I'd just like to say, why didn't they listen to you? I mean isn't that why you're here? Isn't that what you were given the job for, to make us think logically, so that we'd reach a solution? I would just like to know what went wrong?

“Well, I suppose in theory anyone can be logical, it's just that when emotion, fear and prejudice get in the way, all of the intelligent arguments go out the window. And fear causes those in question to try and find a solution that will solve the problem, whilst not thinking what will be the full outcome; Because as you said,”All people are interested in is a quick solution to their problems, or as you put it, “Bland logic.” Thank you for calling. If you want to you call please leave your name and phone number and one of our trained Councilors will get back to you. It's coming up to 10.0 P.M. it's time for the news!

Alan switched off the sound and motioned to The NewsReader to join him outside, whom immediately put on a recording of the news he had made earlier before agreeing to do so.

Outside bodies lay dead in the street, amidst burnt cars and houses. Big Ben could be seen in the distance, it's left side destroyed by a bomb blast, yet somehow it's mechanism was still working.

A paper blew against The phone in Presenter's leg, wrapping itself around as if for warmth, he picked it up and read it the headline Stated:

MIDDLE EAST TALKS BREAK DOWN, CHINA RESPONDS WITH NUCLEAR ATTACK ON THE UNITED STATES AND ITS WESTERN ALLIES ACCUSING THEM OF TRYING TO FORCE ECONOMIC PRSSURE TO BRING ABOUT CHINA'S DEMISE.

WESTERN AND UNITED STATES FORCES TO RESPOND WITH NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

WORLD WAR THREE HAS BEGUN!

“Why didn't they listen to us? Inquired Alan, I mean what was the point of wanting our advice if they weren't going to listen!|

“Maybe they should have given us a wider range of empathy and not just a mass of wires and circuits!” Stated The NewsReader.

The two men pressed a button on their left wrists covered buy their artificial flesh, their faces clicked open to reveal a mass of wires and circuits and pingpong balls that when their faces were closed looked like eyes, as was intended.

The two men pressed their wrists again and their faces went back to normal by closing. Now they looked human. A tear ran down the Presenter's face, when he considered what might have been, if people had only listened to the advice they'd sort.

The En 

A Zoo By Anyother Name

People. Some short some tall, some fat some thin, all of them observed by me as I stared out of the window of the night bus. The time was now three in the morning, my body clock had allowed me to sleep for a couple of hours and having spent time drinking up the west end had helped to drown my thoughts, but now my instincts were reverting back and the desire for sleep was beginning to return

. My name is Neil Hendon, I am twenty five and live in one of those rundown inner cities filled with rising tower blocks that seem to lock people in like they had been confined for observation, with only their family for company and a few chosen friends that had got passed the instincts that lead to mistrust and suspicions. I also have a few friends, one of them I was hoping to see tonight! In fact, I had been hoping to see her now for the past month. At first, we were very close but then she slowly stopped returning my calls! I expected it was to do with the pressure of things, you know her being a young person like myself and worrying about getting a job! “Her name’s Melanie by the way” yet I did not see that as an excuse not to return my calls; however that would have to wait until morning.

My house is on the fifth floor, most of the neighbors had become known only by sight, except for the few that had chosen to be courteous, the rest of them hid in their little cages for their was no other word to describe it,. When I entered having used my key, I saw there were some letters. Three to be exact, no doubt bills, yet I was tired and did not want to be troubled any further, after all Melanie was not in her usual bar and having texted her three times I had still not received any reply,. Summoning my strength I washed my face in the bathroom, then changed into pyjamas and fell asleep.

The next day I awoke at 11.06 the alcohol obviously contributing to my state. Yet somewhat wearily I made my way out of bed and decided first to confront the three letters before preparing to start another day. I was right, there was a bill, this one from the council, there was also a Dear Sir you have won a list of prizes, although I did not think it would help me with the oncoming bills that, if like me you were unemployed, made things far worse! Especially having a drinks problem and desperately looking for work.. The third one had my name and address showing through a plastic window, the letter itself was bright yellow, I tore it open it read:

Dear Mr. .Hendon

My name is Toby Tiger and me and my pals have all come to live at the Zoo,

Since you are my pal also I have enclosed a five pound voucher for you to enjoy when you come to visit us. Your first visit is free, the usual prices are £6.Adults and £3 for children with a discount for Students and the elderly. We are open weekdays 9.0 till 5.0 and weekends 12.0 till 4.0.

Please come and visit us we look forward to seeing you there, we hope you enjoy your visit!

Your Pal

Toby Tiger.

It was signed with a paw print at the bottom, no doubt to give it an air of authenticity, there was also a map showing me how to get there, this was enclosed on a separate piece of paper. I began to study it, “Strange, that area is completely empty.” I told myself, “Nothing but rubble and a corrugated fence, it was like that when I walked past it this morning on my way to the job centre!” I had hoped to see Melanie there, however no such luck!

Of course, I was curious! And because I did not fancy another day watching television I decided to make an afternoon of it, and besides I was a bit short of cash and when you have no money and no job, you’re grateful of whatever help you can get!

I set off around mid afternoon, expecting it to be a mistake! “They couldn’t have got things built that quickly!” I told myself, “Not with this bloody council and all the cut backs they’ve been making;

I was wrong! There as if it had appeared almost magically was the zoo, it had a curved entrance complete with an attractive blonde woman inside the booth who allowed entrance through the turnstile. I could see the usual glimpses of cages in the distance and a café with white tables and chairs where I hoped to get something to eat! The woman smiled at me and inquired:

“Good afternoon Sir, can I help you?”

“Erm yes, “I began taking out the letter, I received this and I thought I’d give it a try so to speak!”

She extended her hand somewhat politely, her fingernails were bright red and the fingers although long and slender seemed almost primitive! I ignored this, “Probably still half asleep from last night.” I told myself. Finally having confirmed the information she handed it back to me and stated:

“This is a brochure, it shows where all the animals are kept, plus the local café and the wash facilities!” She handed it to me and said, “Enjoy your stay Mr. Hendon!”

I was then allowed to enter through the turnstile and having done so began studying the brochure like some tourist in a strange environment. This was not as unusual as it sounded! first, there was a rather disturbing coldness about the place, a sort of malevolent presence that my instincts told me to flee from, however I was curious and my stomach had overruled my head, so ignoring this I began to look around using the brochure to help me to bide my time!

Of course the first thing I wanted to see was Toby Tiger. This was described as a rare Persian Tiger cub who lived with his Mother and was going to celebrate his one year old birthday in a few weeks, there was even a picture drawing of him wearing a pointed gold party hat complete with red streamers surrounded by cakes and a bottle of bubbly reddened liquid. There was a baby elephant holding a ice cream cone and also a monkey waving and holding a banana!

“What else?” I muttered.

“Ah, the Prince of Persia.” muttered a well to do sounding gentlemanly voice, I turned instinctively and was confronted with the image of a well dressed city gent in his late sixties, no doubt retired , wearing a blue pinstripe suit complete with bowler hat and umbrella, “My name’s Cartwright!” he exclaimed, extending his hand!

“Neil, I said, shaking it firmly, “Neil Hendon.” “There doesn’t seem to be too many people, “I stated, looking around” I only heard about this place. From this letter”

I showed it to him, he looked at it for a moment as if it was some sort of legally binding document and then he handed it back and exclaimed:

“Oh yes, we’ve all got one!” This is a very select place, you should consider yourself most deeply honoured, they don’t just accept anybody, whatever you may have been led to believe!”

I paused at his somewhat cryptic remark and then he stated:

“Come on, I’ll introduce you to the others, just so you know you’re not alone.”

I followed him as he swung his umbrella as if it was a sword, swishing at air as if cutting through a battlefield, I thought I heard him say “That’s another thing they want you to believe.” However I chose to ignore it!

There were other people. first of all their was the young newly wed couple, a man and a woman both twenty six, smartly dressed and sounding as if they’d just come out of college. He wore a black suit and blue shirt and red tie and had short blonde hair, she had auburn hair in half ringlets and wore a yellow cotton dress that showed off her arms. They both shook hands with me and to my surprise the woman kissed me on the side of the face! Her boyfriend who greeted me afterwards did not seem to mind!”

“Hello.” He said in a somewhat polite sounding accent, “You must be new here, my name’s Charles, this is my wife Charlotte, we have only been married a few weeks!”

He held up her hand to indicate the ring, she had her fingers outspread obligingly, “Very nice!” I stated, “Looks like real diamond.”

It was gold with an item of petrol type blue.

“It is!” He replied, “Very expensive, now all we have to do is sort out our bills!”

“When you get the job!” she replied, now clinging to his arm as if they were walking in lovers’ lane.

“Well that shouldn’t be too difficult, I just need to know there’s people I can rely on when I need them!” he replied, looking at me as if he’d made a comment and was now ahead on points .

“What do you do?” She inquired.

“I’m unemployed.” I replied, trying to make it sound neither one thing nor the other.

“Cartwright here works in the city, he owns his own business, going through a bad patch I’m afraid, isn’t it?”

Her voice had sounded somewhat mocking to me, yet if he noticed he refused to rise to the bait. Instead, he replied that the company “was indeed” going through a bad patch and that he had had to make some people redundant. He then spoke of his wife whom had divorced him a few years back because he was spending too much time at the office.

“Fortunately not in a double entendre!” he muttered, come on, let’s go and meet Analese and Clinton her son, there probably over by the walrus enclosure!

I followed them, included but distant ; the young married couple lovey dovey in a false display of affection, Cartwright taking it out on his invisible enemies with every swish of his umbrella, the place seemed warmer, it also seemed darker, and although I was with people I considered to be my friends, it felt very isolated.

We took the guided tour on Cartwright’s insistence, then when we arrived at the walrus enclosure I noticed there was a middle-aged black woman wearing a grey coat and having a motherly persona, the small black child of about seven holding her hand seemed to emphasise the point.. I was introduced to them and the child inquired how long I’d been coming here?

“This is my first day?” I stated, “I got an invitation from Toby Tiger!” “Do you like animals?” I inquired, not knowing what else to say to him.

“I like Tigers, and I like the Walruses.” “My Dad used to take us before-“

He stopped,, I sensed there was something he found difficult to explain, however his Mother offered a response by stating:

“His Father walked out on us, we come here quite a lot”

There was an unusual silence and then I noticed Analese clutch her son’s hands as if this was a prompt and state:

“Come on, we have other things to do!” “It was nice meeting you!” she added.

We all watched them leave and then feeling hungry I decided to do the same, nobody inquired where I was going, it seemed they were all engrossed in there own problems.

I went to the café and ordered an all day breakfast and a slice of fruitcake for £3.50 I considered this a bargain, especially since they were also offering a free cup of tea..

I assumed this was a promotion gimmick although I was not complaining.

Afterwards I brought an Ice cream and a paper, which used up my voucher, and then I walked around admiring the animals in their cages, eating my ice cream and holding the newspaper in my other hand. It did however seem strange that there was nobody else in the Zoo! I looked all around and found no keepers or any other visitors. I know these places don’t always do as well as intended, however usually there are people on hand in case of any incidents, however apart from the blonde woman on the turnstile there seemed to be none! After a while I became bored and thoughts of Melanie began to occupy my mind! Her Parents lived not far from here and I decided to pluck up courage and go and inquire if she had come to visit? I did not consider the consequences as I was only interested in understanding what had happened and why she was refusing to return my phone calls!

“Are you coming back soon Mr. Hendon?!” Inquired the woman on the turnstile as if she knew me.

For some reason I felt a feeling of disturbance, it was not unusual to try and entice a customer with professional courtesy, however there was something about the way she said it that I did not like! Infact despite her smile and typical blonde good looks, I did not like her instinctively. There was something about her smile and her nails that made me aware she was not what she seemed!

“Yes.” I said, I probably will, when I’m not too busy!”

“Well we’re always here for you?” she exclaimed smiling.

Melanie’s Parents lived a few yards away on a rundown estate that was far worse than where I lived. They were a nice couple and I assumed it was because me and Melanie had studied at the same college that we all got on so well! They told me of their hopes of going to live somewhere else; however, they were both unemployed and no doubt were relying on their Daughter to get a job.

“Not much chance of a job in these parts!” I muttered, as I made my way up the steps till I reached their house. I knocked and a few moments later her Mother answered.

“Hello Mrs. Creswell, Is Melanie in?” “I’ve just come from visiting the zoo.”

“I’m afraid she’s not Neil! “She stated. I didn’t know there was a zoo in this area!

“Who is it?” Inquired her husband shouting from the frontroom.

“It’s Neil; he wants to know if Melanie’s here?”

“Tell him we haven’t seen her, she hasn’t even phoned!” “Ask him if he’d like to come in and wait just incase?”

For some reason I felt this might be intrusive and so, I smiled and stated:

“That’s Ok Mrs.Creswell, when Melanie comes tell her I called!”

“We will!” shouted her Mother, looking directly at me as if she shared the concern about her Daughter. “If she rings I’ll phone you!” she added.

“Thank you.” I said, smiled and walked off,

I still held the paper under my arm,. There was wasn;t really much to do. I could go and visit Melanie I suppose, but something told me that when she was like this it was not a good idea to rush things. So I took a bus, where to? It does not really matter, however I read the paper, I read of the increases in unemployment, of people finding it hard to cope together under stress with the loss of jobs and finances. Then I read about increases in crime and domestic violence, whilst all the time looking out for the zoo!

It was there, yet it seemed shrouded it an aura of darkness, that appeared to blind anyone else to it because when I looked they all seemed unaware! It was as if I was the only one who could see it.

When I got home I checked for letter, Bills, “Always bills>” “You can rely on bills!” I told myself . However, it seemed I could not rely on Melanie. Not yet anyway.

So I drank a couple of beers and watched television. I had an urge to return to the zoo.

The next day I awoke and instinctively decided to phone Melanie. The phone rang, it kept on ringing and I knew instinctively two things. One, that she was there and two that she was not going to answer. I became angry, and not just at her.the news was talking about more and more people enclosed in inner cities, cooped up like animals, I glanced around at my own personal cage and knew I needed to get out!

It was 12.07 when I finally left, I had wasted time because there wasn’t much else to do when you were in my situation. However, the zoo was still there. Or was it, people walked past it as if they did not notice and when I glanced for them to see they looked at me as if to say “What is it?” We can’t see anything.

“Hello again Mr. Hendon.” It’s nice of you to join us, “I’m afraid it’s the usual fee now, although you’re always welcome here!”

I paid her the money and smiled silently. She seemed to know by my body language what I really thought of her and smiling replied: “You’re friends are waiting for you!”

I went to visit them. However, this time they seemed different, I could sense it, there was even something telling me, something that was part of the zoo! Analese and her son were by the walrus enclosure as usual however there was something different about them. Her son was away from his Mother his head bowed low, his face had a reddened mark on it and his Mother was leaning over the walrus enclosure with her hands on the black rail.

Clinton noticed me with an half turn and I began to approach, instinctively his Mother turned and as if in compliance to some primitive instinct shouted:

“Get away from us.” “Go to your own space, we belong here not you!”

“What happened?” I enquired, plucking up the courage to do so.

“You’re just like your Father aren’t you?” she shouted at her son, useless, can’t stand up to responsibility, you come over here and I will kill you!

I watched the savage look on her face and wondered whether to fight or flight. Something dark yet reassuring seemed to say, that it would never be that bad, that there were barriers even in this place! “For whose entertainment?” I muttered as I turned and walked away.

“So you didn’t get the job!” You can’t do anything, I don’t know why I ever chose to marry you!

It was the woman, she was screaming and it seemed to be coming from the Avery! This was confirmed by the flapping of wings and her husband’s response of “Shut up!” “Shut up you bitch!”

“Bastard.” Can’t keep a job!” “Can’t keep it up!” “I hate you; it’s because of you they brought us here!”

I was running when I heard the sound of a heavy thud mingled with an half scream silenced in mid sentence. I could see the winged birds of non-dangerous species flapping around, the young man was standing over his wife whom was lying on the floor. I rushed in just as he was about to kick her in the stomach shouting” I’ll see to it you don’t have any children at all, I know all about your other men you filthy whore!” “That’s why you want me out of the house isn’t it?”

This time instinctively I did interfere, I lashed out with my fist punching him in the face, I felt something silent as before this time urging me on, I knew instinctively what this place was and why I had been sent here. I was about to follow up with another blow in line with his stagger backwards, however I felt his wife grab my legs and force me over on the floor. The birds were flying faster as she began to climb on top of me, her fingers poised like talons aiming for my eyes, they reminded me of the woman on the turnstile.

“We’ll kill you!” shouted her husband, now circling around as if trying to kick me this time and not his wife!

I was holding her hands back yet she was hysterical and it was somehow increasing her strength, I felt her husband was ready to kick me as hard as he could and that if he did so he would not stop, none of them would. I raised my knee into her stomach, somehow managing to force her off my hands steering her wrists for guidance. His foot kicked into her back and she screamed more like an animal than a human. Whils he was confused I got up and ran out. I could see Cartwright in the distance, he was standing near Toby Tiger’s cage, he was screaming and laughing hysterically banging the cage with his umbrella. I could hear a roaring that was of a fall grown animal and not a cub.

“Come on, I’ll take you all on!” “Do you think you bastards can walk all over me, take away my job, my wife my money?” “I’ll kill all of you!”

He turned to look at me, his face reddened in demonic urge!

“You want to see Toby Tiger?” he muttered, “You want to see him, take a look!” he held up the point of his umbrella, it was covered in what looked like thickened red rope.

I looked in at the cage, Toby Tiger was dead, his stomach was ripped open, blood was pouring out of it and his Mother was lapping it up with her tongue as if it was milk. I glanced in horror and then turned to Cartwright’s umbrella as if I needed confirmation. I was right. It was the animal’s intestines.

Cartwright came at me swinging his umbrella shouting. “You want some?” “Come back here and I’ll kill you!” “You hear me?” and then he began laughing hysterically.

“The woman on the turnstile seemed to know, as I left she smiled and stated:

“See you tomorrow Mr. Hendon!”

“No, I muttered to myself, I’ll see you this evening!” I had to know what this place was.

When I got home I phoned Melanie, again she did not answer. I became frustrated and even started swearing at her even though she had not yet responded..

I decided to watch television until ll.0 when I knew what I had to do. I did not know if there was any irony but I watched a program about Deer, and how they responded in the rutting season, I wondered if humans had similar stress levels moved on by similar means.

I waited, I knew the zoo would be empty, it always was. Except of course for the blonde woman on the turnstile that I now know only a selected few could see!

At 11.0 I made my way out into the street, I was careful not to make contact with anyone, especially drunks or gang members, the zoo had heightened my sense of awareness, that was one good thing at least!

I kept my head down, avoiding people, covered by my own personal darkness’ that awaited me. I arrived outside the zoo. The gate was locked and this time the blonde woman was not there. However, it was not going to stop me, I was determined to discover the truth. I glanced around instinctively, yet I knew somehow I could not be seen, then I began to climb over the fence. I could sense a strange presence as I began to make my way along in familiarity. There was silence, yet I sensed their presence as I walked slowly, staring at the cages as I did so. Then I began to hear growling sounds, they were coming from the animals’ cages, except this time, it was not the usual sounds but exaggerated, as if they were somehow being impersonated by something that had taken possession from within. I stopped to listen and then the sounds became growls and the growls became roars. The animals began to throw their selves against the cages, baring their claws and fangs as if to get at me. There were even sounds coming from the walrus enclosure and the Avery, infact anywhere they were. I knew they were trying to get at me, that very soon they would tear the cages apart and then I would remain in this hellish place forever!

I ran, I ran to the fence and began to climb as the sounds became more ferocious combined with the aggressive roars. I turned to look back and saw the hideous looks on the animals’ faces. They were exaggerated like a distorted mirror and somehow it reminded me of the faces on the humans I had seen at the zoo! I climbed over just as I heard what I believed were the cages being forced open, and then I ran swearing never to return to that place.

I did not want to go home just yet, I needed a drink to calm my nerves, so I went to an all night café.! Coincidently Melanie was there. She was sitting alone at a table in the corner, there were other people in the café but they were choosing to ignore her! However she noticed me and smiled. I waved palm up and made my way to the empty seat opposite!

“I’ve been worried about you!” I exclaimed, holding out my hand, “Why haven’t you returned my calls?”

She clenched my hand in a confirmation of a greeting and looked up at me and stated:

“We need to talk Neil, I think you already know what it’s about!”

She indicated at her arm, she was wearing a short sleeve yellow dress. I looked down at her arm. Her arm was covered in scratches!