Solstice - The Goddess Awakens

Friday night in Ballyvalley was always a busy night, but the football final had brought people in from all over the district and surrounding towns. This meant the local nightclub, Chariots, would be very busy. On Fridays at Chariots there was a Golden Oldies night, with the DJ playing sixties and eighties music. Wednesdays and Fridays were the main nights at the club and during the summer months, it was the place to be. Lola, Ruby, Clara and Orla were there without fail every week, but this year it would be different since the girls were in Cape Cod all summer.

After paying in at the door, Lola made her way up the long dark corridor, which was lit by blue and white floor lights into the main disco. There was a huge crowd in tonight and she had to negotiate her way through the throng. She headed towards the cocktail bar, where she knew her teammates would be. Sure enough, as she entered the circular room, with its cushioned booths around the perimeter and a bar at the centre, she could see the cup which they had won being passed along a sea of hands, the liquid contents sloshing out of it as it went. Lola made her way over to her brothers. As she passed through the crowd she felt random pats on the back from well-wishers she had never seen before, congratulating her on her performance. Thanking them as she went, she finally caught up with her brothers who were in high spirits.

‘Sis, there you are,’ slurred Christopher as he threw his arm around her shoulders. ‘Come, on and try some of this stuff – it’s rocket fuel,’ he laughed.

Taking her by the hand he grabbed the cup from one of the entourage and handed it to Lola, urging her to take a drink. Not wanting to offend, Lola took a mouthful of the cocktail and forced it down her throat.

‘What is in that?’ spat Lola, trying her best to hold down the volatile mix. ‘That’s so strong. I think I need to go and get something to wash it down with.’

‘Okay,’ laughed Chris. ‘We’re going to head to the dance floor, meet you there. I’ll be the one busting the moves.’

‘Then I’d better call an ambulance, Chris,’ jibed Lola, ‘because that could get quite messy.’

Laughing, Lola headed for the bar which was ten deep with people. Patiently waiting in line, she finally spotted an opening, as a girl made her way out of the crowd, drinks in hand. Lola was about to slip into the empty spot, until she was obstructed by the same girl who was now gazing doe-eyed at someone behind her.

‘Oh hi, do you want this spot?’ she asked smiling as if her life had depended on it.

Lola was about to protest, when she heard a familiar voice decline the invitation.

‘Thanks very much, but I think that girl was ahead of me.’

The girl turned to look at Lola, as if she had not even noticed she was there, shrugged her shoulders, and made her way out of the crowd. There was a loud drumming noise inside Lola’s head, the same sound that she always heard when Alex Stein was around. She was sure he could sense this. Pretending that she hadn’t noticed Alex, Lola waited patiently for the barman to take her order. All the while she could feel Alex close behind her. Finally the barman got to her. Lola ordered a cranberry juice and then waited for what seemed an eternity before it was set in front of her.

‘That’ll be two-thirty please,’ said the barman.

Lola was about to hand over the money, when she felt a hand on hers.

‘It’s alright, Lola, I’ll get this,’ said Alex. ‘Just try not to throw this one all over yourself – that’s a lovely dress, you wouldn’t want to ruin it.’

Lola could hear the humour in his voice, but she didn’t offer any reply. She was momentarily stunned by the touch of Alex Stein’s perfectly smooth hands on hers, and by the electricity that erupted throughout her entire body. Still with her back to him, she pulled her hand away and paid the barman, who was now looking impatient.

‘It’s okay, I’ll pay for it,’ she smiled, handing the barman a ten-pound note. She waited for her change.

‘You still playing hard to get, Lola?’ laughed Alex, with his usual confident delivery. Lola paused to collect her thoughts before turning to him.

As always, he looked extremely handsome, dressed in loose jeans and a designer navy cardigan, with a crisp white t-shirt underneath. Lola took a drink to settle the butterflies dancing about her stomach.

‘Playing, Alex? I don’t play,’ she said beaming up at him. ‘I am hard to get, and, unlike the women you’re used to socialising with, I prefer to pay my own way. But thanks for the offer.’

Smiling serenely, she left Alex Stein at the bar and headed for the dark of the dance floor as quickly as possible, her heart still in her mouth. The crowd in the club had doubled since Lola came in and it was a struggle to find her brothers. After a few laps of the dance floor, they were nowhere to be seen. Tired, she decided to call it a night and left.

The cool night air offered a stark contrast to the over-crowded and sticky heat of the club, so Lola decided to make the most of it and walk the short journey home. She crossed over the river, making her way towards the most popular take-away restaurant in town. There were already a lot of people outside the shop eating their chips and hamburgers; some looked as though their night had ended early, having had too much to drink.

Lola was walking past the restaurant when she heard someone calling her name. Turning around, she smiled when Sebastian emerged from the chip shop with a large box full of chips and chicken. It smelt delicious, reminding Lola that she hadn’t actually eaten all day.

‘Want a chip?’ he grinned, sticking the box under her nose.

‘Are you heading home early tonight, Seb?’ asked Lola as she plucked a few chips out of the box.

‘Yeah. You could hardly get moving in there tonight. Are you walking home on your own?’

Lola was oblivious to the subtle implication in Sebastian’s voice. When it came to boys and her, she usually was a bit slow. She could never see the signs, or tell if they liked her, unless they made it really obvious. Lola’s mouth was full, so she just nodded until she finished her chips, they were delicious.

‘I’m just heading home now, I’m so tired. It’s been a long day.’

‘Well done by the way, you were amazing,’ enthused Sebastian, his dark almond eyes glistening.

Lola, as always, fobbed off the compliment by changing the subject to work and the paper. Suddenly their conversation was interrupted by the loud roar of an engine as a flash black sports car accelerated towards the chip shop. Lola took a quick glance, rolling her eyes in distain as she turned back to Sebastian. She was never impressed by the boy-racer type, doing laps around the town at night in their fancy cars, trying to impress members of the opposite sex.

The car pulled up at the kerb just behind them, and the crowd outside fell silent admiring it. Lola tried to see what the fuss was about, but the people around the car, most of whom were male, obscured it and the driver from view. It must have been quite a car judging from the ‘hmmms’ and ‘aaahs’ that were being uttered.

A tall ginger-haired boy came out of the shop with a mouth full of chips, the contents of which dropped to the floor when he saw the small black streamlined car crawl to a stop at the kerb.

‘Oh my God,’ he spat excitedly, ‘a top of the range Audi R8. No way! Move over there, lads, let me get a look at that thing.’ Pushing his way through the crowd he began to touch and stroke the car like it was some ancient priceless treasure.

‘Idiots!’ laughed Lola, bemused at the notion that a piece of metal with four wheels could evoke such emotions. ‘Listen, Seb, I’d better get a move on, I’m starting to wish I had worn a coat.’

‘You can’t walk back on your own, it’s dangerous, let me walk you home.’

‘Don’t be silly,’ laughed Lola. ‘I’ll be fine, it’s two minutes up the road. Anyway, you live on the opposite side of town. Who would be walking you home?’ joked Lola, unaware that she had given Sebastian the brush off.

Clearly disappointed by her gentle snub, Sebastian accepted defeat and returned to his friends, who had all been watching the car intently. As Lola made her way up through the centre of town, the car that had everyone transfixed was on the move again, its loud purr echoing off the shop windows on both sides of the street.

The car was slowly moving alongside the kerbside giving Lola a chance to look at it. The windows like the paint were black, save for a red flash at the side of the car running from the roof to the back wheels. She couldn’t see the driver as the windows were tinted. Feeling a little self-conscious that whoever was in the car could see her, she put her head down and continued to walk, trying to ignore it.

Suddenly there was a toot of the horn, making her jump slightly. Refusing to acknowledge it she lifted her head and tried to cross the road, but the car accelerated, forcing her back onto the pavement. Setting her foot tentatively onto the road again, the car jutted forward, causing Lola to jump back.

‘Wise up will you, if you’re going, then go!’ shouted Lola at no one in particular.

Reluctant to walk out in front of it again, she tried walking around the back of the car, but the driver put the car in reverse. Then it dawned on Lola that there was only one person that she knew who would be so annoying and rich enough to own a car like this one. Just as she realised this, the electric window glided down, revealing an amused Alex Stein.

‘Can I give you lift, Lola?’ beamed Alex, clearly impressed with himself.

Lola struggled to keep a smile from spreading across her face; he was beginning to wear her down, and if she was honest she was quite enjoying the attention. Even though every part of her being was propelling her towards the car, and the gorgeous Alex, something else was holding her back. It was like she was fighting a bitter-sweet force field every time she was around him, and like the forbidden fruit, it was tantalising.

‘Thank you, but I’m fine. It’s a lovely night and I don’t mind the walk.’

Just as she spoke those words the treacherous sky betrayed her and the heavens opened up with rain. In a matter of seconds Lola was totally saturated, her pink dress almost transparent as the relentless rain continued to fall.

‘Lola, stop being such an idiot, and get in,’ pleaded Alex. ‘You’re going to catch your death out there!’

Reaching over, he flicked the handle and the passenger door swung open. The seats were very low and Lola struggled to get into the soft white leather seat with any elegance. She had hardly the door closed when Alex hit the accelerator and headed towards the Scarvagh Road. The seat was heated and while she welcomed the warmth of the car, the window began to steam up as the damp rose from her wet body.

‘How do you know where I live?’ asked Lola, as Alex headed in the right direction.

‘I don’t,’ he smiled. ‘Just a lucky guess I suppose.’

Alex continued to look at Lola from the corner of his eye, examining her shapely legs. Her skin was pale, but it suited her and he liked it. The rain had soaked her dress through and her underwear was clearly visible through the thin pink cotton, another reason why he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

‘So where to now?’ asked Alex as he hit the volume button on his sound system, the Arctic Monkeys booming out. They were one of Lola’s favourite bands and it was their first album he was playing.

‘You like the Arctic Monkeys?’ asked Lola clearly impressed. ‘I didn’t think that would be your thing at all.’

‘So what did you think would be my thing?’ retorted Alex rolling his eyes, clearly anticipating Lola’s insult.

‘I don’t know,’ she laughed. ‘I suppose one of those manufactured boy bands – something you could relate to.’

‘Do you ever quit, Lola? Are you always going to be this impossible?’ said Alex, his cold blue eyes seeming to soften as he held her gaze.

Lola wiped the window and realised that they were now halfway up the Scarvagh Road, just as her favourite song came on.

‘Now that’s what I call timing,’ laughed Alex. ‘That song suits you perfectly.’

‘I’m not a Mardy Bum,’ said Lola, a bit defensively.

‘Whatever you think, Lola,’ smiled Alex. ‘Where to?’

‘Oh just on up the road a bit. You see those two small gatehouses on the right-hand side of the road, just turn in there.’

Alex could feel the tension in the car. He could not quite place the feeling he was experiencing, the same feeling he had every time he was near Lola. It was like she was drawing him in, he could feel her energy, and he could feel how pure and strong it was. Checking out her legs again he could see the tiny white particles that still clung to a certain spot – it looked like magick to him, but he couldn’t be sure.

‘Did you hurt your leg?’ asked Alex.

The question was already out before he’d even thought about it. There was no visible evidence to suggest that she’d had an injury. He cursed himself as Lola’s reaction gave him all the confirmation that he needed.

‘No, no, it’s fine! Why, what made you ask that?’

‘I just thought there was a bit of bruising on it, that’s all.’

‘Are you looking at my legs, Alex?’ mused Lola mischievously, trying to embarrass him, but her question did not have the desired effect.

‘Yes I am,’ replied Alex serious now as he stopped the car at the large gateposts.

The rain seemed to intensify with his stare, and Lola couldn’t break away from it. What was she doing? How did she get herself into this situation? They sat in silence. Lola kept telling herself to get out of the car, but her legs and body refused to move. Leaning in closer Alex could smell her hair, which smelled of apples. Stroking the side of her face he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Lola couldn’t move; it was like he held her in some sort of trance. She sat hardly breathing now, as Alex gently cupped her face in his hands, he moved closer, his tongue tracing a line across her lips, unsure if she was going to reciprocate. But despite what her head was yelling at her, Lola didn’t recoil. She couldn’t restrain herself, lifting her hands she ran them along his muscular shoulders and neck, pulling him closer. She could taste his hot minty breath as she returned the kiss.

Every part of her body began to explode, and her lips reciprocated with the same intensity. Alex ran his warm tongue along her mouth, sensing that bitter-sweet thrill of submission and resistance running through her body all at once. Lola could no longer hear the rain pelting on the roof of the car, all she could hear was the pounding of her own heart as it nosily filled her ears.

Finally breaking apart, it took them both a few seconds to reorientate. Lola felt embarrassed and vulnerable, the game was up, and Alex Stein had won. He had gotten to her, broken her down bit by bit, but there was no trace of his victory on his face. He lifted Lola’s chin up to meet those intense blue eyes, which were now glowing.

‘You’re not blushing are you, Lola?’ he smiled gently.

‘Just a bit,’ replied Lola honestly. ‘I didn’t put up much of a fight, did I?’

‘You lasted longer than most, but they all come round in the end, so don’t beat yourself up.’

‘You are so full of yourself,’ laughed Lola, hitting Alex a punch on the arm playfully, before jumping out of the car to open the gates. The rain had eased up, but Lola was still soaked through, and her body began to shiver as she fumbled with the key trying to use the car’s headlights to her advantage.

It was only when the car door was open that Alex sensed the force field around the large estate. It hit him immediately. He began to panic, there was no way he would be able to cross the threshold. Sitting rigid in the driver seat, he watched as Lola unlocked the gates, trying to figure out how he was going to get out of this one. Starting up the engine again he noticed a large dog trotting up the path towards Lola.

‘Cuchulain, you big wolf, what are you doing out on a night like this?’

Looking straight past Lola, at the car, the large Irish wolfhound’s ears pricked up. Arching his back he bent into a predatory crouch snarling at Alex. Lola had never seen Cuchulain react so aggressively towards anyone before, and she stood momentarily shocked, as the normally placid hound lurched towards the car snapping his teeth and barking.

Alex closed the door of the car quickly, as Lola tried to restrain the dog.

‘Cuchulain, stop! What’s gotten into you? You silly mutt,’ said Lola, as Aibgrene appeared suddenly at her side, helping her to pull the dog back. It took all their strength to restrain him. Aibgrene strained to see the person inside the car; she knew that the dog sensed something was not right. As Lola approached the car apologetically, Alex wound down the window, the concern on her face breaking his concentration momentarily.

‘I’m so sorry, Alex; I don’t know what’s got into him. He’s never like this.’

‘Don’t be silly, Lola,’ grinned Alex. ‘He’s just protective, that’s all.’

Lola was embarrassed, she had never witnessed Cuchulain behave like that before. ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’

‘I am, Lola,’ reassured Alex. ‘I’m fine. I better go, I’ll see you soon.’

Alex exchanged a brief glance with the girl who was still straining to keep the dog at bay. He could tell that she was curious about who he was, and when he saw her face he understood why.

Alex turned the car, and sped off up the avenue. Closing the gate behind her, Lola caught up with Aibgrene and Cuchulain, now transformed back into the temperate creature Lola knew him to be.

‘So who was that?’ asked Aibgrene.

There was something in her tone that put Lola on the defensive straight away.

‘Oh, just a fella I know, he gave me a lift home,’ replied Lola flippantly.

‘So, does this fella have a name?’ continued Aibgrene.

‘Alex, Alex Stein,’ replied Lola.

Aibgrene had thought she recognised him and judging by the car it made sense.

‘Do you know him?’ enquired Lola, detecting from Aibgrene’s reaction that she might. Ruby was right, thought Lola, everyone knew Alex.

‘I know of him, and his father. Not a bit of wonder Cuchulain went berserk, he must be a good judge of character.’

Again that wave of embarrassment came over Lola. After all, this was the second person in as many days that she’d spoken to about Alex Stein, and they both seemed less than impressed. Just as she had been the first time they had met, she began to think that perhaps her gut feeling about Alex was right after all.

‘Don’t you like him?’ asked Lola trying not to give her feelings away.

‘They own Stein Corporations!’ said Aibgrene, as if she had said something bad. Lola remained silent letting her explain. ’Well, Stein Corporations is a large development and regeneration company, and I use the term regeneration very loosely,’ scoffed Aibgrene. ‘All they really care about are their coffers and making money. We used to have our shop in North Street Arcade, but it was mysteriously burnt down, and then all of a sudden Stein Corporations bought the complex for redevelopment.’

‘Do you think they were behind it?’ asked Lola, a hint dismissively.

‘Judging by the way Cuchulain reacted to your friend I wouldn’t be surprised,’ suggested Aibgrene, wondering again, as she had done many times before, what special qualities Arthur had seen in Lola. It was obvious that she had a beautiful soul, her light energy was clear for all to see, but she was naive about the world she was living in.

‘He’s not as bad as you think,’ defended Lola lamely. ‘He’s okay when you get under all that arrogance and pretence.’

It sounded as though she was trying to convince herself more than anyone else.

‘And you’ve clearly managed to do that then,’ laughed Aibgrene, nudging Lola gently with her elbow.

‘Behave, Miss Moone!’

‘Well come on, dish the dirt. I couldn’t really get a good look at him, but from what I did see, he’s certainly handsome and rich,’ commented Aibgrene. ‘That’s a top of the range R8 he’s driving and those things retail at about one thousand k.’

Lola looked at Aibgrene, feeling a little bemused.

‘Aren’t you quite the little petrol-head? I thought a car like that would go against your green morals? You being a big tree hugger and all that!’

‘Humph, you’re one to talk. I thought a boy like that would be against your morals, you being a socialist and all that!’ countered Aibgrene.

‘Touché,’ conceded Lola smiling.

‘Well, we’re all allowed our guilty pleasures, Lola. Muscle cars are mine, and arrogant rich boys seem to be yours. Come on, we may get you inside before you catch your death! No wonder he couldn’t take his eyes off you, you can practically see through that dress! Here put this on,’ said Aibgrene in a motherly tone, as she handed her coat to Lola. Slipping her arms into the padded jacket, Lola was grateful for the warmth. ‘While you’ve been out courting, Ms Paige, I have been a very busy girl, and I may have a bit more information about Arthur’s master plan.’

Over the last couple of weeks, with the football final and her work at the newspaper, Lola hadn’t been able to spend as much time with her new friend as she would have liked, or maybe she was only fooling herself. Maybe it suited her that way. Aibgrene must have anticipated an oncoming apology, because before Lola could speak, she shook her head to dismiss it.

‘There’s no need to apologise, Lola, you will come good. I know it. I understand how very hard all this must be. You deserve to let your hair down and pretend your life is normal every now and then,’ said Aibgrene soothingly.

She had completely understood how Lola was feeling, but Lola knew that she couldn’t hide behind things forever.

‘You are glowing tonight,’ declared Aibgrene, as she looked around Lola. ‘You must really like this Alex Stein.’

‘I think I might,’ giggled Lola, as she led Aibgrene and Cuchulain in through the door.