Free Waiting in the Shadows by Trish Moran Page B

a few wisps of white cloud drifting across it. On the opposite hillside a herd of black and white cows were dotted around a field. Among them several sheep also grazed, both species living side by side peacefully. Ruby wondered how many of the animals would last until the end of the year. Neither species were ever aware they were to be sacrificed to satisfy the human species.
    She picked a handful of daisies and started to string them together into a chain, as she used to when she was a child. She was so engrossed, she didn’t notice Keith until he sat down beside her. She looked up at him and smiled.
    â€˜I wondered where you were at lunch,’ he said. ‘Johnny told me you had headed up this way.’
    They sat silently for a few moments.
    â€˜Ruby. What Abel told us; I know it is difficult to accept; especially for you …’ his eyes scanned her face. ‘But you do know that it is necessary, at the moment, anyway, don’t you?’
    Ruby remained silent for a while, stringing the daisies together carefully.
    â€˜I do know that, Keith. But, like you say, I find it very difficult to accept,’ she finally replied.
    Keith took one of her hands, ‘You must forgive me for asking you this, Ruby, but you must also understand that I must put the Labs first,’ he took a deep breath. ‘Is there the slightest chance, the very slightest, that you will feel you must betray us, the Labs, to protect Non-Labs?’
    Ruby looked at his face and felt a tear trickle down her cheek.
    â€˜No, Keith, there is not the slightest chance that I could ever betray any Lab,’ she whispered.
    Keith brushed the tears away from her cheeks gently, ‘This dilemma causes you sadness. Let me hug you.’
    They sat for a long time in silence. It was getting dark when they finally rose to go back to the house. Ruby looked down at the daisy chain she had made. Already it was wilting. She tossed it gently into the grass and turned away.

Chapter Four
    â€˜Well, Simon, you’re looking in great shape! Have you completely recovered from your last accident?’ the television presenter said to the young man sitting beside him.
    â€˜Yes! Right back to normal again!’ the young man grinned. ‘Thanks to modern medical developments!’
    â€˜So, are you planning on slowing down a little now?’ the presenter continued.
    â€˜Not if I have anything to do with it! Although my mom and dad aren’t too keen on me going back to motor racing, unfortunately!’ Simon Armstrong shrugged.
    â€˜And you say you’re planning a longer trip to England soon, to look around colleges in central London?’
    â€˜I’m really keen on taking a postgrad course in London! The course looks great. And the social life! But don’t tell my dad I said that!’ he laughed.
    Celia got up and turned off the television.
    â€˜It wasn’t a replacement for a Lab, was it, the last time?’
    Keith shook his head. ‘No.’

Chapter Five
    Though Ruby was feeling more confident about her driving, she had decided to take the train on her first visit to the newly set up house in Manchester. The twins were accompanying her and were very excited travelling by train.
    â€˜Johnny, sit down!’ Ruby whispered to him. ‘Don’t touch those switches!’
    He sat down as Leon arrived with cans of soft drinks and several bags of crisps. He pulled out bags of sweets from his jacket pocket as he joined them. Both boys eagerly tucked into them.
    â€˜Celia would go crazy if she saw you now!’ Ruby said.
    â€˜She can’t see us, though!’ Leon grinned, tossing a sweet up and catching it in his mouth. Two teenage girls nearby looked around at him and giggled. Johnny gave them a wink.
    â€˜Johnny! We are on serious business today!’ Ruby reminded him.
    He leaned forward, ‘Don’t worry, Ruby. We know. They’ll need all our help getting used to their new