Doorways Chapter 4a

“Well there's not much to get in touch for, is there? It's a shit-hole. Don't let it get you on a guilt trip, Mister Hawk. Even if you took everything from your cupboards into the Minor Sector, all they'd do is beat each other up so the greedy set would get it, then they'd sell it for treble it's worth. They'd do that even though no bugger's got any money. At least you shared this willingly with me, and free of charge. If it was the other way round I'd have charged you twenty credits for this lot and even then you'd have had to fight me for it.” Alexandria laughed.

“I think I'd be missing breakfast, in that case.” Darius said dryly. “Come on, eat your oatmeal before it gets cold. That bacon smells wonderful, Netty.”

Alexandria was fighting to keep the food down as she waddled after Darius into the study. It was a light, airy room that was lined from ceiling to floor with books. Darius had appropriated a large wooden desk and two chairs to put in there, especially for Alexandria's lessons.

“Thank shit for that. I thought you were going to stick me infont of a computer.” Alexandria said in relief.

“You don't like technology?” Darius asked, getting out a selection of pencils and paper.

“Oh I like it alright but I saw Mister Bowles whizzing around his computer. I'll never be able to do that.”

“You will, in time. Obviously you have to learn to read and write first. My artwork is woeful, truly woeful, so I'll let you do the illustrations to aid your memory, as well as the writing.” Darius smiled. They began with Alexandria's name, which she cursed and swore about because of the number of letters in it.

“Why couldn't I be called Dan or something.” She frowned in concentration as she finished the final 'a'. “There now. Um ... it's a bit big.” The word took up half a sheet of paper. Pretty soon, Alexandria had her letters scaled down and she'd mastered quite a few simple words, the name 'Darius' among them. She also drew all the cats, dogs, shoes, balls, cups and pens herself. Netty interrupted them just before lunch with a message from Dean Figgis.

“Blast.” Darius swore. “I'd forgotten about that. Alexandria I have to go out for a few hours. I'd completely forgot about these wretched parent interviews.”

“That's OK. I'll just practice my words here. If that's OK?” Alexandria nodded.

“It's better than OK, it's fantastic. Netty's around if you need her.” Darius pulled on his jacket and disappeared. As it happened, Netty had to pop out to, grocery shopping, but Alexandria didn't mind. She was quite enjoying herself. Her studies were interrupted by the sound of the door tone and Alexandria answered it to see a tall, slim lady with lovely blonde hair tied up in a plait.

“Who the hell are you?” The woman asked rudely. Alexandria bristled straight away and did her best to control her temper. “You deaf? Simple? I said who are you?”

“I'm a guest of Mister Hawk's.” Alexandria tried not to snarl.

“Oh you are, are you?” The woman tapped her foot. “Where is he?”

“Out. Can I give him a message?” Alexandria asked shortly.

“How old are you?”

“None of your sodding business.” Alexandria snapped. “Look, girlfriend, he's not in, OK? He's at the University at a meeting.” She went to close the door but the woman sidestepped and dodged into the room. “Mrs Ling will be back soon.” Alexandria sighed. “She can deal with you. I'm busy.”

“I asked you a question, kid.” The woman said nastily. “Who are you and why are you here?”

“Nope. You just added that last bit on. I'm a guest here, I told you that. I'm not sure why you have your panties in a bunch, but Mister Hawk knows I'm here.” Alexandria said confidently and praised herself for her self control. If she was back on the Minor Sector she'd have floored this bitch by now.