by Robin Roseau
Bluebell put her hands on Audra's shoulders. "You will go to college."
"Maybe I want to be, oh, I don't know. A hairdresser."
"Then you will go to college."
"You don't go to college to become a hairdresser."
"And yet, you will."
Mom watched this with some level of amusement evident on her face. I flat out grinned.
"We'll see," said Audra. "But if I go to college, I'll live somewhere like this."
"It can vary," I said. "At some places, you might live in a dorm, but you might live in an apartment. Or if you went to school near where I live, you might live with me."
"So I might live somewhere like this."
"Right."
She stepped away from Bluebell. She looked out the window then prowled through my books. She pulled out the chemistry book and paged through it. She put it back and looked up. "I don't want to be a hairdresser."
"Good," said Mom.
"I want to be a short order cook."
Mom groaned, and I knew Audra had said that just to push Mom's buttons. Audra grinned.
"I don't know what I want to be," Audra said.
"Join the club, Squirt," I said. "Neither do I."
"Really? So I'm not weird?"
"Well, you are, but on this, if you're weird, so am I."
She smiled. "We can be weird together."
After that, we showed them a few of the academic buildings, then Mom offered to take us to lunch.
"We have to go home to eat," I said. "There's no E.T. restaurant here."
"So? They eat human food."
"Yes, but they don't do it in front of humans who might freak out."
"Oh. I'm sorry. Of course."
* * * *
We spent the rest of Sunday at home. Mom and Azalea left to buy groceries, and Posey immediately asked, "Can we teach Audra to play Boardwalk?"
"What's that?"
"It's a game. I always lose. Now I won't be the only one."
She cocked her head. "I wouldn't mind learning a game."
"Bluebell?"
She cocked her head at us. "You know, I think I am going to do a little work, unless you really need me."
"That's fine, Mom," Posey said.
So four of us headed to the game room. We taught Audra how to play, and she admitted it was confusing, but she seemed to pick it up faster than I had.
I figured Violet would come after me, but it appeared that both of the Catseye decided to fight over Audra. I decided to see if I could capture Posey. As soon as she saw my intention, she tightened her defense, and I thought I'd have to hammer on it for a while, but I was mistaken.
She wasn't building a defense, she was building a trap, and a few moves later, I became her vassal, much to Audra's amusement.
The sisters must have come to some private agreement, because they left each other alone, and Violet focused on Audra, but she captured her slowly, letting her think she was almost going to escape before finally she was caught.
Then the two sisters began the tug of war over the humans. Audra understood enough of the game to laugh about it, all the while wrapped in Violet's tentacles.
"They're fighting over us!" she called out.
"Yes, Squirt. They are."
An hour later, the game was still even. Neither Audra nor I were traded away, and I couldn't have told you who held the stronger position. But Azalea showed up, glanced at the pieces, and laughed.
"Maybe a new player would like to join the game," Violet suggested.
"I don't think so. Skye, your mother hasn't said anything, and we can't read her. We don't know how much company she wants in the kitchen."
"We should go help, Skye," said Audra. "She'll want help."
"Audra, you know when she makes us help, it takes her longer than when she does it alone. She's teaching us."
"She is?"
"But you're right. She wants help." I looked up at Azalea. "She'll want Audra and me, but if there were more in there, I think she'd be happy. So it's really what everyone else wants."
"We can help?" Posey asked. "We won't be in the way?"
"If you are, Mom isn't afraid to tell you to leave. It might be your house, but once she's cooking, she takes command of the kitchen. If you can't handle that, stay out of the kitchen."
"I want to help," said Posey.
"Me too."
"You and Bluebell are welcome if you want, or you could stay near the edge and chat. Or just leave it to us," I said. "What do we do about this?"
"That game should have ended a half hour ago," said Azalea. "Posey and Violet just didn't want to let go of their vassals."
I laughed, and we put the game away. Audra asked if she could have lessons so she could get better. Posey immediately offered, and then we headed to the kitchen.
* * * *
We rose very early the next morning. We took a bigger spaceship than the jumper we'd been flying around in, with four seats across instead of two. Violet and I sat next to each other. Bluebell invited Mom to sit beside her. Azalea sat with Audra, and Posey was our pilot.
I was awfully impressed by that.
We took off and immediately headed east. We climbed higher and higher and higher. Soon the sky drew dark, and the Earth's curve became visible. I couldn't take my eyes off the view.
And still we flew, higher and faster, higher and faster. Far, far below us, the coast of Europe came into view. I recognized the Mediterranean Sea, and then we were over northern Africa and across the Indian Ocean.
I never stopped looking.
We passed over the south coast of Australia and then we were over the Pacific.
"Will we see Hawaii?"
"I'm sorry," replied Posey. "We're too far south."
We passed Central America. There was a storm in to our north, so we couldn't see the islands of the Caribbean.
We descended, but to our north, I saw ice, and then we were over Norway, our path curving south, and we descended and descended. We made a great curving descent, heading south over eastern Europe, then we were over the Mediterranean again, then lower and lower, passing over Italy.
"Rome is one hundred kilometers below us," Posey called out. And a while later, "Off our right side, Venice. Altitude is now fifteen kilometers."
Twenty minutes later we were on the ground high in the mountains of Austria. All the humans stared out the window, stunned, no one saying a word until Audra asked, "Are we astronauts now?"
"You have to be trained crew for that title," Posey said. "I'm sorry."
"But you're an astronaut, aren't you?"
"Yes," she said. "I guess I am."
Violet leaned over. "Don't let Posey's cool composure fool you. She's hiding it, but she's feeling everything you are."
I turned to look at her. "I don't even know what to think."
She caressed my cheek. "Earth is a beautiful planet."
"And we just saw nearly all of it," I said.
* * * *
It was a short ride to the chateau where we would stay, although it was full dark as we came to a stop. Still, with all the snow, we could see. The chateau looked like a mountain chalet you might see in the movies, and it was beautiful, utterly beautiful.
We carried our things in, and then Bluebell took over. "There are four bedrooms, and the beds in all of them are huge. Are you girls going to continue your slumber parties?"
"Yes," I said, and no one disagreed with me.
"Let's use the fourth room as a changing room, then," Bluebell said. "Well, for the four of you. That's a lot of you in one room."
We carried the suitcases to the rooms then all collected downstairs again.
"We are going to go to dinner," Bluebell said. "I know it seems like lunch. Then we are coming back here for a quiet evening in. Azalea and Carmen have a surprise for us for after dinner. We'll have cocoa and ice cream, then go to bed early. Tomorrow, we ski!"
"I don't know how," said Audra.
"None of us
do," said Bluebell. "We have instructors. We'll learn together."
"This is an E.T. resort, right?" I said. "You guys don't have to hide."
"Right," said Bluebell. "But we are high in the mountains in winter. Dress accordingly. But I want us to dress for dinner. It is not formal, but I want upscale from jeans."
"But your tentacles will be out, right?"
"Yes."
"Good," I said. I grabbed Audra and dragged her to our changing room. Once we were behind closed doors, I grabbed my suitcase, tossed it on the bed, and began going through it, hanging things up. Audra saw what I was doing and did the same thing. Soon everything was put away, but then I pulled out two dresses and held them up. "Pick one."
I'd been holding both of them in reserve. They were sized for me, but she'd be able to wear it. Her eyes bugged out, and she grinned and pointed.
"Good choice," I said. I turned it around. It was backless, but there was a jacket that went with it. She grinned.
So she got the blue one, and I wore the green one, and when we were done, we both looked amazing. I also had tights and for me, boots. I had more tights for Audra, and she had her own boots. I fussed at her hair then sat her in a chair and did makeup for her. And when I was done, she looked amazing.
She looked in a mirror, and her eyes misted a little. "You're treating me like a grownup."
"You're almost a grownup," I said, "and you're more mature at 15 than I was at 18."
"You're only 19 now."
"I matured a lot in the last year."
She laughed, then sobered. "Everyone is being so nice to me."
"It's kind of amazing, isn't it," I said. "They're being nice to all of us. Mom is so overwhelmed she doesn't know what to say."
"I don't understand why they're doing all this."
"I don't, either," I said. I paused. "Audra, if I tell you something, you have to promise not to tell Mom. If you think you can't keep a secret, I won't tell you."
She crossed her heart.
"I volunteered to be a mating candidate."
"What?" she screeched. "What about Violet?"
"This was last year. That's why Jasmine Brighteyes gave me the scholarship. She wanted me to have a better education. She made it so I couldn't fall in love with a human, but she said nothing about a Catseye."
"So... What?"
"Well, I really love Violet. You know how the mating candidates get a choice. They can offer themselves to a race that takes someone willing, or they can fight."
"They never win," she said.
"I know. Well, I think I've basically made my choice."
"You and Violet will get married?"
"I don't know, but I really love her, and she loves me. But we don't know each other that well."
"You've known her longer than the mating candidates know their possible mates."
"Yeah. Audra, I think they're hoping to get you, too."
She quieted then said, "I'm only 15."
"I know. You're too young, but so was I, even at 18."
"You matured a lot in a year," she said with a laugh. "So, what do I do?"
"Well, you don't have to do anything for a while. But how would you feel if they introduced you to some aliens?"
She smiled. "I wouldn't mind, as long as it's my choice."
"All right. I just wanted you to know. This is nothing you have to worry about for a while."
"Okay."
"But I want you to do one thing."
"What?"
"Do well in school."
"You know me, Skye. I like school."
"Yeah. We're alike that way."
She looked down at the dress then back up at me. "Skye, you're dressing me up."
"Yes, I am. I am making sure you have experiences. This is one of them."
"Oh. That's okay then, too." She grinned. "I like Posey."
"Posey is way too old for you."
* * * *
I made sure we could make an entrance, listening carefully until I heard people wonder where we were. "We go together," I whispered to Audra. "Leave the jacket off until it's time to go, but you're going to want it. It's going to be chilly."
And so holding hands, we slipped from the bedroom, paused at the top of the stairs, and then began our descent. I made sure my boots made noise on the wooden stairs, and we had everyone's attention by the time we arrived.
Violet, Posey, and Mom all stared at us. Bluebell and Azalea certainly noticed us, but they were busy watching everyone else. I pulled Audra to a stop then whispered to her, "Do a slow turn." And we slowly turned around, letting everyone check us out.
"What is it that Audra says?" Violet said.
"Oh. Em. Gee." provided Posey. She stepped forward, heading for my sister. "Audra Andrews, will you be my escort for dinner tonight?"
"Posey Beamer, I would be delighted, but only if you hug me now and promise to touch me often."
Posey smiled and gave the requested hug. And then both of us were passed around, taking hugs from everyone. Violet held me for a long time, and I knew she was tasting.
"You are so beautiful. I can't believe you're mine," she whispered.
I didn't think I was beautiful, but I certainly felt appreciated.
* * * *
Later, we collected around the fire. We got chocolate with marshmallows, and there was ice cream. Then Mom produced two decks of cards, and Audra began to grin. "We are going to teach you a simple human card game," Mom said.
"What is the game called?" Azalea asked, and I thought perhaps she already knew.
"It's called Bullshit," Mom said, and Audra chortled. "This can be played with a single deck, but there are enough of us that the games will be more interesting with two decks." She tossed a pack to me and another to Audra. We both opened them and began shuffling while Mom explained the rules.
"Wait!" said Violet. "We can lie?"
"You will certainly lie from time to time," Mom said. "If you need to play sevens, and you don't have any, you still have to try to play."
"Oh, no!" she said, laughing.
"Now, a word of advice. If you put down eight cards, you better have all eight, because if you don't, anyone who has a single one is going to call you a liar."
It's not a difficult game, but it can turn raucous. We arranged ourselves in a circle. Audra and I mixed both decks well, passing stacks back and forth, and then we set the big stack on the floor between all of us. Mom collected them, cut, and dealt.
With two decks and seven players, we had a lot of cards. Everyone but the dealer had fifteen; the dealer had one less. Violet caught that and complained.
"That's the way it goes," Mom said with a grin. "But when it's your deal, you'll have one less than the rest of us."
We went around twice without anyone calling Bullshit. But on the third time around, Audra laid down over half her remaining cards and said, "Five."
I immediately set my hand over the discard pile so that Posey wouldn't play, and then I studied my sister. I knew Mom was doing the same thing. Audra smiled sweetly at me and didn't say a word.
Then I leaned back, not saying a word.
"I'm really supposed to say that word?" Violet asked.
"If you think she's lying."
"It's a naughty word to humans."
"And yet, those are the rules," Mom said.
Violet paused, then she said, "Bullshit," in a quiet voice.
"What?" said Audra. "I didn't hear you."
"Bullshit! I'm holding three. I think you lied. Bullshit."
Audra leaned forward and, one by one, turned over the top five cards. Then she shoved the discard stack towards Violet, grinning.
"Now, here's the thing," I said. "You shouldn't have told us you had three. Of course, you might have lied and only had one or something. But at some point you're going to be down just to those eight fives. And as soon as you say you're playing a single ace, or whatever it is, we're all going to call bullshit on you, and you're going to have to pick up the who
le stack."
Violet sighed.
A few turns later, I lied. "Two."
"Bullshit!" Mom and Audra said together.
"What?" I asked.
The two looked at each other. "Age before beauty," Mom said. "Bullshit." I sighed, and suddenly I was holding far, far, far too many cards.
Beside me, Violet snickered.
"Three."
"Bullshit," said Azalea. Violet picked her cards back up. There weren't any more to pick up.
And that was how it went. I caught Bluebell lying. She tried three, but I had six of them. Bluebell caught Azalea, and two rounds later, Mom won the hand. Audra wasn't far behind her.
We played for an hour. I got caught every time I tried to lie. "I hate this game," I muttered. Audra and Mom chortled at me.
In the end, Bluebell, Mom, and Audra did the best, which pleased all three of them, but it was Mom who was the grand winner.
We collected the cards, separated the decks, and put everything away. Then Bluebell asked, "Who had fun?"
Everyone did.
"This is not the type of game we typically play," Bluebell said. "It is very simple, but I enjoyed it. Are there other games you'll teach us?"
"We have lots of games, but it's hard to find games for so many."
"We can play 500," I said. "Someone can sit in the middle and play two games at once."
"True," Mom said. "So yes, a few more games, and we want to play your games, too. I thought this would be an easy game for tonight."
"An excellent choice," Bluebell declared. "Now, I am declaring it bedtime, but I have surprises for everyone. Posey, there is a wooden box on the dresser in our bedroom. Will you retrieve it, please?"
Posey climbed to her feet. While she was gone, Violet and I took care of the dishes, and Posey had returned long before we were done. We all sat back down, and Bluebell tapped fingers against the box. It was a nice box, somewhat larger than a shoebox, maybe the size of two shoeboxes, rearranged slighty. "I want all of us to be able to sleep tonight," she said. "So I brought something that would help. Before I show you, I will tell you. This is optional, but I hope you will accept. These are not a gift. This is just something for this trip."
Then she opened the box, and nestled inside were seven pairs of the visors.
"These are from the center," she said. "And I have master control. They can be used to help you sleep. I think everyone should use them." She looked at me pointedly, and I smiled and held out my hand. She sorted through them and handed me one of the visors. I slipped it on and let it activate.
