by Shelly Crane
“Well. That sounds interesting,” Merrick said looking amused. “So everything’s going good then? I know it’s fun but you are making progress, right? Learning something?”
“Oh yeah. I’m not saying I want to invite the Lighters to a tea party but...if we ran into one, I think we could probably take them.”
“Danny,” I chided, “don’t get cocky.”
“I’m not. I meant all of us, not me by myself. I’m not that dumb. But you know what, you should see Lily.”
“Yeah. She’s so stinking cute,” Celeste said.
“I came to watch a few times, when I had a minute. Why do ya’ll have to practice right before dinner, huh? I’m always in the kitchen and miss everything,” I say and feel a pang of guilt.
Everyone has their job and that’s mine. Someone had to take over for Mrs. Trudy.
“I know, little sister,” Danny says as he always jokes with me that way. I’m his big sister but by looking at how short I am, you’d never tell it. ‘Little sister’ has always been his endearment for me. “It sucks but it’s the only time when everyone is together and all the other stuff is done. Plus, we get to eat right after instead of raiding the kitchen when we get done for snacks. I am always famished when we get done,” he said and then remembered what we were talking about and sat up straighter. “But Lily is so focused. Miguel works really good with her, knows exactly what to say to get her riled up. So far, the only thing she can do is make the person she touches choke. But hey, that’s better than nothing. She did it to me once in practice. It really does feels like you’re choking. It was wicked.”
“Is it safe? To do that I mean. Calvin’s gift isn’t some minor thing. It’s serious. What if you hurt each other practicing, by accident?” I ask, picturing Danny choking and wondering if they had panicked or not.
“It’s ok,” Merrick said, sensing my anxiety. He pulled me closer to him and laced our fingers. “Calvin only practices after everyone else has left the room. Miguel is there and he’s trained as an EMT. Plus, they have to practice so they know who to control it. They are being very careful. Even with Lily. Miguel told me that he only let’s her practice on him now. Just in case. It’s alright.”
“I’m not just talking about Calvin and Lily though,” I said softly. “I mean, like Celeste. No offense, but you’re gift isn’t proactive is it? It’s a means for missions and spying and definitely an asset but how do you practice with the others? Are you always the target instead?”
“Don’t be silly, Sherry. I am the target sometimes, but I practice my gift too. See, I can only see a person by focusing on them so it’s not as cool a gift as I’d like but, I can alert the others to danger and things like that while they are fighting. I’m more of a scout. I’d be the lead on a mission so, it’s ok. It’s fun anyway. We all have our purpose.”
I sat a little stunned by her profoundness and cool demeanor. I thought for sure she’d get all up in a tizzy with me about the ‘your gift isn’t proactive’ thing.
“Well then. I just don’t want to see anyone get hurt, that’s all. Least of all you, Calvin or Lily.”
“I know. But believe me, Lily can take care of herself. She’s got the deadly choke fingers and she’s got the total blond babe thing going for her, plus the rosy cheeks.” She pinched her cheeks. “If they got past us and she was somehow compromised, just when they thought they had her she’d make them choke on their own stupidity and leave them laying on the ground like the heap of a loser they were. She’s gonna be frigging blonde awesome someday.”
“Uh, baby? You’re blond,” Danny said to Celeste, thoroughly enjoying the conversation.
We all loved to get Celeste riled up. It was quite entertaining.
“Yeah but not that kinda blond. She’s in a whole other class of blond. Babe blond,” she spouted while her hands were animated and her pointer finger wild as she explained.
I roll my eyes as Danny laughs out loud at her logic.
“Please don’t refer to her as a ‘babe’ just yet, ok? She’s four,” I said and could feel Merrick chuckling next to me.
“Hey. A babe’s a babe. She’s gonna be a heartbreaker. My miniscule ability to fool with the opposite sex will be nothing compared to that girl,” Celeste said it like it was the truth, she actually believes this stuff.
“Ok,” Merrick butted in, trying to stifle his laughter. “Well. I’m glad everything is working out. Speaking of babes. Sherry,” he chided, “Miguel said you’ve missed the last three lessons.”
“I have. Katie’s been sick this week and Kay is busy with the lessons and sweet Maggie tries to help in the kitchen but doesn’t get very far before she breathing hard. There’s not a lot of people left to do the cooking.”
“Well, Lillian’s here now. You can alternate or something. Everyone needs to take their turn with chores and get in their training and lessons,” Merrick suggested and gave me a firm look.
“Yeah,” Danny said as he got up to change the c.d. “and also the rest of the new ones aren’t doing much of anything either. I don’t think any chores have been assigned to them yet. What About Polly and Piper?”
“No thanks. I’d rather slave alone than be put to that punishment,” I say quickly.
“Oh yeah. Forgot about you and Polly’s little tiff,” Danny said as he sat back down.
Now, Ok Go’s ‘Here It Goes Again’ played behind us.
“Yeah. That,” I say and clear my throat uncomfortably looking at Merrick. He smiles at me and quirks his mouth in a half smile-half sympathy look. “I just wanted everyone to get settled in and comfortable first before I started dishing out rules and jobs. You know?” I sighed. “I’ll get Lillian and Susan to help in the kitchen with the cooking. Polly and Piper can be...dish duty I guess, though I’m not sure how many dishes we’d have left if they helped.”
“Why don’t you let me handle them,” Merrick suggested thankfully. “Piper can help Cain with the new garden and store trip stuff and Polly can be on...uh, cleaning duty?”
“Ha! Like that’ll go over!”
“I can tell her she’s in charge of it on Monday’s and Wednesdays.”
“But...our cleaning days are Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
“I know. But this way, she’ll be out of everyone’s hair. At least the place will be really clean,” he said and smiled.
“You’re a genius sometimes, you know that,” I said and his face lit with amusement.
“Yeah,” Celeste said, looking at her nails now. “She’ll definitely do it if she thinks she’s in charge. She’s a little nuts.”
“A little?” I said and we all laughed. “Ok. Thank you, Merrick. I’ll let Lillian and Susan know and I’ll be at practice, I promise.”
“Good, I’ll tell Miguel and I’ll join you. I haven’t had my butt kicked in a while.” He grinned at me and I glared at him for making fun of me. “What are we having for dinner tonight?” A subject change no doubt.
“Rice, baby! Rice and beans and more rice and beans,” I answered with fake enthusiasm.
“Yuck” Danny answered while Celeste chimed “Gross” at the same time.
“Welcome to the apocalypse you two,” Merrick said and stood up. He reached his hand to me to help me up as well. “Who has lunch duty today?”
“Uh, Laura and Margo. Why?”
“Come on, wife. There’s a little matter we need to discuss.”
“Is there?” I stopped in my tracks, thought real hard, trying to think if I’d be in trouble for something.
“Yes. I hear Calvin’s birthday is in eight days. Ryan said he’d like to do something for it.”
“That’s a great idea!” Celeste said and turned to place her feet on the floor.
“Well. We can try. It won’t be much of a birthday I’m afraid,” I say feeling glum about even attempting to pull off something like that.
Must stink to be turning twelve in an underground bunker. Also we had realized earlier that we had no idea when Lily’s birthday was bu
t already talked about it and figured she was probably four by now. Maybe we should make up a day for her and celebrate then.
“Calvin won’t care. We’ll all make a fuss over him and he’ll love it,” Merrick said, and he was right.
I knew he was. Calvin wasn’t shallow.
“You’re right. That sounds good. I’ll see if we still have the stuff to make a cake or cookies or something.”
“Good. It’s settled. I’ll let everyone else know. The ones who want to participate can. Lana will be pleased I think.”
“Yeah, she will. I’ll get her to help me. I want her to feel included in it too, you know.”
Merrick looked down at me and grabbed my face between his big warm hands. He smiled.
“My sweet Sherry. Always thinking about everybody else. Your sister is a real saint, you know that, Danny?” he said but never took his eyes off me.
“Uh yeah, I do. Come on, Celeste. We’re heading outta this love fest,” Danny said and Celeste giggled as he grabbed her hand and towed her away.
“That’s one way to get rid of him,” Merrick said laughing and then brushed his lips against mine before taking them completely.
When he finally stopped the slow delicious torture that was the kiss I spoke to him again.
“Did I ever tell you how much I love it when you call me ‘wife’?”
“Nope, but I knew you would.” He leaned closer and spoke in a loud whisper, like it was a secret. “I know everything there is to know about you.”
And to prove his point he nipped that little spot behind my ear that I love, making me shiver and giggle.
“I see. So you know just how to torture me,” I murmured.
“So, wife,” he said smirking, “you’re ok with Piper and all that mess, right? You know there’s nothing to worry about with her. She’s just bitter about being here. She’ll get over it.”
“No, I’m not worried about her. After all, I got you in the end didn’t I?”
“Nuhuh. I got you,” he whispered in my ear.
And then he kissed me again.
Big Bold Black Letters
Chapter 12 - Cain
“So, is that not the best P,B,& J you’ve ever had or what?” I asked Lillian as we leaned on the kitchen counter.
Biding our time until tonight. We’d just come from the garden and I decided to make us a snack.
“It was. Thank you.” She finished her last bite and licked her finger. “I didn’t think you could really make peanut butter and jelly better but you sure proved me wrong.”
“Are you cracking on me?” I asked and raised an eyebrow at her in jest.
“Nuhuh. I wouldn’t do that.”
“Are you sure? Cause it sounds like you’re cracking on me.”
She stifled a giggle with her hand.
“Ok. Maybe a little bit. But it was a pretty darn good sandwich.”
“Ha ha.” I bumped her shoulder with mine. “So, are you ready for tonight?”
“Yes. Eighty six percent sure that I’m ready.”
“Only eighty six? Not maybe say...ninety two?”
She laughed again and touched my arm across the kitchen island, making me smile even wider. It felt like forever since I’d genuinely smiled widely because I was actually happy about something and not just pretending. But I’d been doing that a lot this week with Lillian.
We’d spent everyday together in the garden and lots of time sitting and talking together inside, not always by ourselves but, still.
“Ok. Maybe ninety two. I guess I need to go get a shower. Thanks for letting me help. And for the sandwich. I haven’t had enough fun lately.”
“Well, don’t worry. Tonight will be great.”
“You’re not worried at all?”
“Me? Nope. Everything will be fine.”
“Ok. See you in a bit.”
“Can’t wait.”
And she walked away backwards before turning, tucking her hair behind her ear and smiling.
In a few minutes, Lillian and I will be walking out the door to head to town. I’m not really looking forward to it. I am but I’m just as not looking forward to it too. I told Lillian is was fine earlier but I got o thinking. I mean, I have her to worry about instead of just myself. What if something happens? What if I blow my cover at the diner? What if Lillian freaks? There’s a million what if’s. But we need this. We need the information.
And I need to freaking get out and have some fun.
This whole week I’ve worked in the garden or at the diner. Trying to keep busy and stay away from Sherry as much as possible. I’ve barely seen a single soul all week except Lillian. We talked about a lot. She told me about how much trouble they’ve had trying to find a place to stay. She told me some about her husband. I felt pretty good about her. She seemed to be pretty happy to see me most days.
But then, Miguel danced with her one night as Paul had cranked up the record player and she seemed pretty happy then too.
He’s into her. I can tell. She laughed and smiled but she does with me too. I don’t know what to think. She seems mostly oblivious to us all and all our affections. Just genuinely sweet.
And now, Mitchell is waiting at the stairs with me. Waiting for Lillian. Ugh. I can see it all over his smug Keeper face. Merrick, Jeff and Simon are here with me as well. Merrick spouting pointers but I can’t seem to focus tonight. I’m trying but too worked up. Too edgy.
Then we see Sherry, then Celeste, then Lillian.
Holy canoly.
Lillian is a vision in jeans and a blue top that matches her eyes. We knew the girls were getting her ready. She had to look nice and look like she dressed up so they’ve been scrounging for nice clothes and makeup and such to see what they could put together. And boy, did they put something together. She’s hot.
“Wow.” I hear Mitchell mutter and I want to punch him for stealing my line.
“Yeah, wow,” I say thinking how ordinary I look in jeans and a black sweater.
Lame.
“Thanks. Celeste had something I could wear so...”
“She does look amazing,” Celeste said, boasting her own skills I’m sure.
“Well, you ready? Let’s get this thing on the road,” I ask, holding out my hand.
I’m glad they left her hair down with big curls at the ends. I love long hair, especially the hair I helped to save, down and swinging when they turn their heads, ya know. Especially when they’re dancing, which I plan to do tonight. For research purposes, of course.
“Yes. Let’s. We have everything?” she said and took my hand and I realized she was shaking a little. “Nothing else we should remember?” she said, looking around to everyone standing around us.
“Just don’t talk too long to any one person. It would give you a better chance to say too much or the wrong thing if you did. Also, don’t think about the bunker remember? Don’t think about us,” Jeff advised.
“And don’t leave each other’s side. That way, you won’t have to worry about what the other has said to someone else. Plus, it’s just safer to stay together.” Merrick turned to look at me. “Don’t let anyone else dance with her if you can help it. Even if she goes to the bathroom, Cain, walk her to the door. Got it?” Merrick stared at me for confirmation.
“Got it,” I said, I realized I was still holding Lillian’s shaking hand so I squeezed it to soothe her.
I had to fight a smile when she squeezed back.
“And don’t leave too early. You have to seem like you want to be there. Drink, dance, have fun, do whatever everyone else is doing, but remember to look around and listen while you’re doing it,” Simon, my Keeper, chimed in. “And be cautious, Cain. Stay safe.”
“No problem.”
“And if they have flyers or material, make sure you take some,” Mitchell said and I nodded to him. Then he stepped closer to Lillian and framed her pale face with his tan hands, the contrast shocking. “Please, be careful,” he said softly and I thought he might kiss her, rig
ht there in front of all of us, but he reluctantly released her and stepped back.
“We will. I promise,” Lillian said and I liked how she said ‘we’.
I started to tug her towards the stairs and shouted down to them as we walked out.
“We’ll be back by 2:00 a.m. Have fun, kids.”
“Be careful, Cain,” Sherry yelled, and I couldn’t stop myself.
I turned to smile at her as I shut the trap door behind me.
I put Lillian in the passenger seat of my truck, climbed in the driver side and clicked on my seat belt. The radio blared when I cranked the truck and I fumbled to turn it down quickly. It was my Incubus c.d. and the song was ‘Anna Molly’.
“Sorry,” I muttered.
“It’s ok. I like Incubus.”
“Really?” I said, surprised that she knew who they were. “How old are you?”
“Twenty one.”
This shocked me a little.
“Really?”
“Yeah. Why so shocked?” she said but looked amused.
“Uh, you just seem older, I guess. And you were married so, I just thought you were...older,” I tried to explain as I pulled out onto the highway.
“I got married young. I’m a homemaker and somewhat of a homebody as well I’m afraid. I never was interested in the party scene. Tonight, you’ll have to coax me into remembering this is supposed to be dancing and looking like we’re having fun.”
“We will have fun. No coaxing or intervention needed. I promise.”
“Huh,” she said and covered his lips with her fingertips to stifle a laugh. “You’re sure about this?”
“Yes. Why?” I kept glancing at her sideways as I drove.
“I just don’t know you that well and you don’t know me. What if I hated dancing? What if I hated music? What would you do with me then?”
If my ears aren’t deceiving me...it sounds like she’s flirting with me.
“Let me worry about that. I promise you’ll have fun, no matter what. I’ll make it my mission, ya know, besides our other mission.”
She laughed out loud which made me smile and commit the sound to memory.
