Antipodes- Crossroads

By T.S. Simons

Antipodes is a unique work of fiction, set in present-day post-apocalyptic Australia. Aimed at young adults who are disillusioned with our world, and concerned for the ecological future of our planet, Antipodes focuses on the values our society lacks-sustainability, inclusion, community and friendship.

Cam Mackint

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.S. Simons
• Release date: Nov 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716450105

T.S. Simons

T.S. Simons is an Australian-based author of Scottish heritage. Living in the alpine region of Australia, she believes in the values of integrity, sustainability, and community in a world where we place greater value on possessions than people. She enjoys posing philosophical questions that make readers think and reflect on the world we live in. The Antipodes series addresses the question-if we gave young people the opportunity to start over, would they replicate the mistakes of the past?She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees, post-graduate qualifications in governance and management, and is an accredited company director. She enjoys reading, traveling, mythology, and snow skiing while attempting to live as sustainably as possible. She is owned by a standard schnauzer and three rescue cats who co-manage her household. Recently, she added a fox-red Labrador puppy to the madness.The Antipodes series comprises Project Hemisphere, The Space Between, Infinity, Circle of Protection, and Sessrumnir.The 45th Parallel, which extends on the Antipodes series, will be released in 2023. This series comprises The 45th Parallel, Orenda, and Bifrost. She is working on an as-yet-untitled fourth book in this series.

Book preview

antipodes: crossroads

T. S. Simons

Antipodes 0: Crossroads

Copyright © 2020 T. S. Simons

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The information, views, opinions and visuals expressed in this publication are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the publisher. The publisher disclaims any liabilities or responsibilities whatsoever for any damages, libel or liabilities arising directly or indirectly from the contents of this publication.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is entirely coincidental.

A copy of this publication can be found in the National Library of Australia.

Published by Ouroborus Book Services

www.ouroborusbooks.com

Cover by Sabrina RG Raven: www.sabrinargraven.com

antipodes: crossroads

T. S. Simons

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‘Frey?’ Danica's enthusiasm was contagious. ‘Are you coming this weekend?’

‘Sailing?’ I asked hopefully, but my heart sank in the next second as reality kicked in. I couldn’t. I had an assignment due Monday, and the workload was horrendous in my last year. I couldn’t bring myself to accept low grades. That could de-rail my plan of a graduate program. I snapped my attention back to Danica’s voice, rabbiting on in my ear.

‘No, Hamish’s beach house. He is having an enormous party. Come on. It is February already. We won’t have long before it is too cold. Oh Frey, come on. You know you love it!’

She had me, and she knew it. Uni had only just gone back, and soon I wouldn’t have time for parties. Besides, I loved the beach in summer, the salty breeze in my face and warm sun on my skin as we lay out on the deck. The drinking, lounging around on the beach at night. Kissing random strangers under the stars only to be gone by morning...

Hamish’s parents were friends with my own. His parents were surgeons and rarely had time to visit their enormous weekend house down at Portsea. A showpiece located right on the waterfront with its own jetty. A large deck overlooking beautifully manicured lawns out to the ocean, with a fully stocked drinks fridge. A sparkling indoor pool and spa. I had attended many parties there over the years, all of them memorable.

‘Come on Frey, you know I still can’t drive. I can’t go without you and I so badly want to go…’ she cajoled.

Danica had lost her licence for drink driving on Christmas Eve and was struggling to maintain her social lifestyle. Uber wasn’t really Dan’s style.

‘Please Frey!’ she begged, sensing my reticence.

‘Alright,’ I agreed begrudgingly. ‘I’ll pick you up at four.’

Hanging up, I opened my laptop. There were several emails from the Faculty Head marked Urgent. I’d get to those later. It isn’t like anyone was checking my response on a weekend. May as well check the weather forecast before heading to the beach, I mused. I might need to pack something warm if the weather changed.

Sighing, I remembered that I needed to swing past my parent’s house and water the plants. I didn’t understand the fascination with plants. I mean, I know we need them for food and everything, but having them around the house needing constant attention? What is the point of that? Mum had always said I couldn’t have a pet as they needed too much attention, but it was ok for her to have a gazillion frigging plants that needed watering and fertilising every five minutes?