Undying Read Online Free PDF

pulled it open.
    “Ahh!” I screamed in pain as I fell backwards to the floor, hitting the back of my head on the end of the timber bedpost, doorknob in hand. The pain shot through my head, immediately throbbing. It was unbearable, I felt sick. I held on to the back of my head, applying pressure while trying to moan quietly. With one hand on the back of my head and the other helping me crawl across the floor, I headed back to the door.
    What have I done?
    I tried to put the doorknob back in, but it was useless. The pain was forcing me to shut my eyes; I couldn’t focus enough to put it back in place. I got onto my knees and with both hands carefully attempted to fix it. I then noticed there was blood on my hand. Panicking, I accidentally pushed out the handle from the other side into the hallway, making matters worse.
    Damn it!
    Displeased with myself, I sat down on the floor in front of the door and held onto the back of my head to stop the bleeding. My cursing was interrupted by a quiet knock on the door. If the pain wasn’t going to kill me, my humiliation surely would if anyone heard or saw me right now.
    But it was too late.
    “Is everything alright?” asked a troubled voice from the other side of the door.
    “Um… Ahh… No not really… I… I can’t get out,” I admitted.
    “You wouldn’t happen to have the other side to this doorknob in there?” the voice asked, tongue-in-cheek.
    “I do!” I cried, looking into my hand.
    I turned towards the door, still on my knees, and put my side of the handle back. The mystery man put his side of the handle back too. Once the handle was functional again, the door opened slowly. I was still on the ground, and struggled to get out of the way as it opened. I was too embarrassed to face the mystery man who had just witnessed my incredible display of stupidity.
    I found it difficult to get up off the floor, so I sat there. The pain was still severe. I didn’t want to raise my head to explain to whoever was there what had happened.
    “Please… allow me,” he said as he bent down to help me up.
    I wish I were a horse; the honourable thing to do right now would be to shoot me.
    “I’m so sorry, I am so embarrassed. I tried to open the door, but it seemed to be jammed – I am so embarrassed!” I muttered quickly, finally able to raise my head, which I regretted immediately.
    The man was very handsome, making it all the more embarrassing. His eyes were strangely familiar, making it difficult for me to look away. I was sure the dumb-founded look on my face was doing nothing to make me look less of a fool. I closed my eyes and put my head down again. I felt sick.
    “You’re bleeding! Wait here,” he ordered.
    “Miss Kent!” the voice yelled further down the corridor.
    “What is it? Is everything alright?”
    “Catherine has hurt herself. Please go and get Dr Simons and have him come to her room immediately,” the gentleman calmly requested.
    “Yes, of course, right away!” I could hear Jules shuffling quickly past my door and down the corridor.
    I lifted my head again and opened my eyes. This time he had a comforting smile on his face, but his eyes were full of concern.
    “Who are you?” I asked. I could feel tears in my eyes start to well. I wish I could take back today and start again. Between the pain in my head and the humiliation, I felt stupid and clumsy.
    He didn’t answer. He continued to stare at me like he was expecting me to say something.
    What was so hard about the question? Surely he knew who he was!
    “Who are you?” I repeated, shocked at my tone and impatience.
    He let out a heavy sigh and straightened his posture.
    “I am James Barclay, the college principal.”
    The principal! He’s the principal? What in God’s name have I gotten myself into? I can’t look at him without my heart thumping and he is my boss!
    I couldn’t look away from him, even though I’m sure I was making him uncomfortable. “Catherine, there is nothing to be