Free Epiworld by Tracey Morait

can’t be any older than fifteen...’
    ‘I’m sixteen.’
    ‘I believe you’re fifteen. You shouldn’t have been left without support so young. I wouldn’t be surprised if social services and even the police aren’t on the lookout for you.’
    I stiffen. ‘What have the police got to do with it?’
    ‘Don’t frighten him, Dr Mac!’ says Mrs Fraser. ‘He’s not on the run, his parents have died!’
    ‘Even so...’
    ‘Anyway, I’ve had enough tablets to keep me going till now. It’s just that with me leaving home...’
    Dr Mac says nothing.
    ‘Well,’ says Mrs Fraser, ‘you can stay here as long as you like, Travis. Demi will be pleased, and Mr Fraser could always do with an extra pair of hands on the farm if you’re up for it.’
    I nod slowly, grateful for the opportunity of a roof, a bed, and regular food; but I’m wary now. I don’t like the way Dr Mac is looking at me.
    He leaves soon after that. I help Mrs Fraser by taking the empty mugs to the kitchen. Then we go out into the yard to feed the hens. I’m tense as I scatter the food.
    ‘Are you OK, Travis?’
    ‘Yeah. Sorry.’
    ‘I’ve been chatting away, but you’ve hardly heard a word.’
    I put my hand to my head. ‘I’m just a bit dizzy, that’s all.’
    It’s not a lie. I’m dizzy with nerves, expecting to be carted off by the law any minute.
    ‘Go and lie down, then, love,’ says Mrs Fraser, taking the bucket of chicken feed. ‘Go on. You’re not well yet, and you need to rest.’
    Love; who calls you that if they don’t like you? I can’t help it. I put my arms around her waist, and kiss her quickly on the cheek.
    ‘Travis!’
    Suddenly embarrassed, I run back into the house.

6. Chas
    I ’m happy enough to stay on the farm while I recover from my seizures – I have another the next day, accompanied again by that bright, golden light – but after only two days of family life I start to feel trapped. Having my freedom is great, but I’m not used to being this happy. It’s not long before I wish I’m back in twenty ninety-nine; this place, its people, are all alien to me. In a strange way I feel imprisoned.
    I don’t want to leave Mrs Fraser, though: I’m totally in love with her! I long for every minute when I’m in her company. I think about her, dream about her, and have fantasies about her. It’s because of her I can’t bring myself to leave, not yet.
    Mr Fraser says I can repay my keep by helping Angus with his work. Angus doesn’t say much, but he’s all right; he’s forgiven me for pinching the eggs. Dr Mac visits sometimes. I’m sure he’s still suspicious of me, but the ‘polis’ (that’s what some of the islanders call the police) don’t come. Like Mrs Fraser says, I’m not on the run, not in this world, anyway. I haven’t broken any law. Dr Mac has stopped talking about Alexander, too, but there’s something about him that I just don’t trust.
    Demi is devoted to me. She’s a good kid. I look out for her, treat her like a little sister. I get the impression by the way she acts that she wants more, but she’s not going to get it. She’s just a kid; I don’t fancy her. Anyway, her dad makes it clear I have to keep my hands off.
    ‘It’s all right, Mr Fraser, I’m not interested in Demi in that way,’ I assure him. I’m too busy thinking about his wife, anyway, but I can’t own up to that. ‘I already have a girlfriend; well, I had one. Her name’s Jenna.’ I sigh, thinking about Jenna. ‘I left her behind at home. You can trust me with Demi, Mr F.’
    ‘I hope so, son, because I don’t want Demi’s head being messed up with lads until she’s older,’ says Mr Fraser. ‘She’s far too easily led. I don’t want her getting into trouble like that lass in her school. She’s getting far too friendly with you!’
    He says all this to Demi as well, but she doesn’t want to know.
    No matter what Mr Fraser says, or what I say, Demi barely leaves my side. I can’t go into