Crayons

by P. S. Power

  “I'm... sorry.” Her voice wasn't a whisper this time, and while she didn't look pleased it wasn't rage on her face. More of a flat mask. “You're right of course. I'll do better. I... didn't think you were that up on everything. Did Mercy tell you...”

  It took a half second, but he got it eventually, feeling slow on the uptake, she'd moved from flirting to fishing for information without hesitation.

  Ah.

  That took more awareness than he'd thought she had too. Meaning that she was smarter than he'd thought. It didn't pay to underestimate anyone. Well, a surprising day all around, wasn't it?

  “No, she didn't say anything in particular to me. It's obvious though. Look at the frequency of meetings and who's involved. The players are key pieces of information here. Regardless, please don't hit on me anymore, or flirt or whatever. I don't want to alienate you, we should even be friends, but come on, seriously... I'm sixteen. Get caught doing that and your whole life could fall apart in an instant. Worse, it could affect a lot of other people too. Fix it and don't make me repeat this conversation later.” Legal or not it was just true.

  “Seconded.” A soft voice said behind Laura. It was Meridith. Next to her, looking half ready to fight, something that Josh had never seen from her before he realized, even in improv settings, stood Amy with her arms crossed and fists clenched.

  “Thirded.” She didn't move, her breath coming in sharp pants. She'd seemed angry the night before, now she looked... Ready to actually start hurting people.

  Their mother stood without moving for a bit, then relaxed with a gust of breath. She looked at Josh as he stood and turned to face them all. Then at her own daughters. Out of the group, Josh realized with a bit of a start, he was the only one not worked up overly. Oh, a little put off by the adult woman hitting on him, more so because in a different situation he'd have probably said yes without thinking about it. If Joanie was cute enough to consider, Laura Billings was gorgeous enough to get past a lot of things. Maybe even her being married. But promises were promises and he wouldn't break his word. Especially not to Amy.

  Plus, really, the idea that she hardly knew him and was obviously making a play was off putting. He wasn't even good looking, so it wasn't like with Anthony where taking a chance might get her something special. What kind of mental problem did you have to have to justify that kind of behavior? Josh didn't know but the woman nodded coolly at Amy, then Meridith.

  “We were just having a little talk about... political necessity, girls. No need to get worked up.” Then she walked away, leaving him to fend for himself. Yay. This wasn't going to lead to uncomfortable things at all, was it?

  Oddly enough, it didn't. Not really.

  They both walked around the sofa and sat by him, one on either side, but Amy moving close, first giving him a hug, then taking his hand possessively.

  “You actually came? All that way? For me?” The words were happy and amazed sounding as if walking a few miles were a big deal.

  Her sister nodded.

  “Yeah, seven miles in the snow, he was caked with it when he came in. For a few seconds I thought Frosty the snowman had come to get his magic hat back. I wish I had a boyfriend like him. For that matter I wish I had a boyfriend.” She reached out and touched his right shoulder making Amy growl at her just a little, then they both laughed.

  “Mine. I saw him first.” Amy's hand tightened on his and she pulled him a little closer, but she gave a low happy giggle at the same time.

  That got an exaggerated hand gesture from her sister.

  “I know, don't worry, but did you hear what he said to mom? Out of like ten guys she's gone after this is the first one that actually did something other than roll over and beg for it. A few said they wouldn't too.” She shook her head hard enough to make the pony tail bob a bit. “Don't let go of this one too easily sis. I won't poach, but if you drop the ball I'm grabbing him up if I can. Someone you can trust like that...” Meridith shook her head slowly. “Not someone to take lightly.”

  The whole time Amy's hand got tighter on his. Looking at the other girl Josh shook his head.

  “Um, I really like Amy. I mean... I love her. Even if that's too soon and stupid of me to say. If she “drops the ball” meaning me, if I get the reference right, I probably won't be able to just switch to her sister. I mean if I was just interested in her it would be different, you're pretty cool but...”

  Both the girls stopped and stared at him. The blood rushed from his face as he got that something he'd said was wrong, or too stupid. Neither looked angry, but they didn't look away either. Meridith started that head nod thing again, a kind of continual bobbing motion that indicated she was thinking the whole time.

  “Right...” The older of the two girls said, finally switching her gaze over to Amy. “Seriously sis... Don't hurt him.”

  It was an odd thing to say, but might fit if Amy was really just playing with him. Was this all just a game to her? She did kind of go through boyfriends pretty fast. Maybe it was something other than what he could see? Amy didn't look away from him for long though, leaning into him instead.

  “I won't. I waited too long to mess this up now.”

  “Good. I'm going to go make some hot chocolate. I'll be back in a bit. Remember Bill's rules sis, no boys in the bedrooms. You two can talk here, I think. I won't spy. Not too much.”

  The girl practically ran from the room, walking briskly and with firm steps. Amy shook her head at her sister's back, but didn't speak until she was gone.

  “Thank you.” Her arms went around him and soft lips found his, which must have still been cold from being outside, since hers felt hot. Smoldering.

  He kissed her gently, trying to remember what Joanie had showed him the night before, after a minute she sat back, eyes wide.

  “You got better... How did you get better so fast?” She looked suspicious and possibly jealous of all things. That was odd. Maybe he was reading her wrong?

  “Joanie made me practice on a peach. So, did it work? I have to say it was awkward as all get out at the time, so if it didn't I want my money back.”

  “Oh yeah. It worked. As long as you weren't practicing on her I'd say it was a good plan.” They kissed again for a while, then finally came up for air. She moved so that her legs were across his lap and snuggled in until she was too. The sweats she wore were comfortable looking but not exactly clothes he was used to seeing her in. Not at school. There she always dressed really well, if a bit goofily from time to time. Now, he always looked like a clown, Josh knew, but that was just him. She shifted on his lap, pressing her weight against him. Then she leaned in.

  “You really walked all the way here?”

  It wasn't really a question, because she kissed him, then, moving enough on his lap that he was rock hard already, and it was clear that she knew too. Kind of hard to miss, pressing against him like she was. Which was fine, even kind of thrilling, until Meridith came back in holding a tray with three steaming cups on it. Each had a pile of tiny marshmallows heaped up and a single metal spoon in it. She started to hand them out, but Amy took his and sipped it first, making a face.

  “Um, Meridith? I don't think Josh... drinks.” She sounded worried about it, which made Meridith blush.

  “Oh! Sorry... Used to making this for dad's friends, so they each get a shot of something extra. I just used Irish cream in these, but I can get you another one if that's alright? Duh. It was the talk of politics earlier that did it. How did you know all that stuff?”

  He shrugged.

  “Just paying attention. I doubt I know anything in particular to tell the truth. It's all just basic common sense. If political stuff is going on then we all probably have to keep to a low profile for a while. As to the chocolate...” He looked at the clock on the wall, a fine shiny wood thing with gold hands and a face with roman numerals instead of Arabic numbers. It was nearly one thirty already.

  “Well, I have to head home soon, so we might as well skip the extra work. If
I could have some water though?” He really needed it, because of the walk earlier, but he also wanted just a bit more time alone with Amy.

  Meridith got the idea, or at least that she was playing hostess and hopped up. The look and small smile she shot him over her shoulder said a lot though. It was happy, saying she was glad he'd come.

  Amy didn't move for a bit just hugging him tighter, not wanting to let go.

  “I love you.” She said it softly, sweetly. It poured through him like liquid sunlight.

  So of course it was probably also fake. People didn't feel that way about him. Still, he was good enough at improv not to mess up a scene by rejecting it.

  “I love you too. More than you know.” That was simply the truth.

  The kiss was sweet and lingering, not stopping until Meridith cleared her throat. Twice. Laughing she handed the water over carefully, standing behind the sofa. He drank it without stopping, even though it was a large glass, clear and cold. Nearly too cold, but he really did have to go soon, if he was going to make it back in the daylight. Mainly. As it was he'd be out after dark already, the trip in had taken longer than he thought it would and the one back wouldn't be easier. No huge thing as long as he made it back by seven. It would get colder the longer it took, so he'd need to hurry a bit, that was all.

  Amy held his hand as he went to the door, and hugged him every few seconds. It was cute and nice of her.

  “Call when you get home?” This came out as a question and at first he wondered at it, but then agreed. It would let her feel better knowing that he didn't get lost in the snow, she wasn't looking for some long conversation or anything. Which was good, since his day had consisted mainly of walking so far and really would by then. All he'd have to talk about was the snow.

  After five minutes of goodbyes he started, trying to push his pace a little. The snow was deeper now, which slowed his steps, and the work of moving felt harder, but it was worth it. Just to sit with her for half an hour. Totally worth it.

  The kissing and closeness was just a bonus. It was all just extra now. Smiling he pushed onward, toward home.

  Chapter ten.

  When he tromped into the apartment he found it lit up with Christmas lights in at least seven colors. It was garish and tacky. Really over the top.

  He loved it.

  Sure, it lacked a lot of the class that he'd intended for the place, but it sparkled with real cheer. The whole place looked warm and happy now. Glancing over at the clock he realized it was still before seven, even though he'd had to walk for nearly an hour in the dark, the snow nearly a foot deep outside now. It pretty much meant that the city would be shutting down for a while. In the last six years they'd had snow on five days. Three years passed without anything sticking at all. Now they paid for the extra greenery by having to deal with the fact that they didn't have a clue as a city how to handle the white powder outside.

  That was fine as long as he could get to a store to get Joanie a present. What that would be he had no clue. None at all. She was so eclectic that it was hard to pin down just what it was she liked. It would probably end up being something lame then. Josh didn't want that though. He wanted to get her something that said “welcome to the family”. What she'd probably get was socks. Everyone needed them, but they made kind of a lackluster gift.

  It's what you got people you were supposed to be close to, but didn't really know. He had to do better.

  Well, he'd pin her down on it later.

  “So? How did it go?” Mercy asked him, looking fairly hopeful. He nearly dodged the question but then shrugged. Either he was going to communicate with her or not and so far so good as far as that went. Josh dove into the story, which got a wince from both her and Joanie when he mentioned the thing with Mrs. Banister.

  He could see that, given who the boss was, but that wasn't why they reacted that way.

  “Are you... alright?” Mercy said as if she thought Laura had raped him or something.

  “Sure. Both her daughters are a little put out by her behavior, but it has little enough to do with me. Really if she didn't have a history of doing things like this no one would have probably cared overly. I just hope she doesn't decide I'm the anti-Christ now because I took her to task like that.”

  His mom gave him a funny look, nearly a cringe.

  “What... exactly did you say?”

  Repeating it word for word got her eyes to go wide, then as he finished, she started laughing. Hard. Joanie had to help hold her up as tears started coming out of her eyes, which got the blond to start in as well. Josh couldn't see how it was all that funny. Really the whole thing was dangerously sad. He just smiled and waited for them to finish. It took a while. Finally Mercy walked over and gave him a hug.

  “Oh, perfect. Bill's thinking of running for Governor in two years. It's not a done deal yet, but... Well, she does have a bit of a reputation. It's a real problem. Hopefully that little talk you had with her will help... Probably not though. There are some real issues there I think. Not just with her. I'm a little worried about the girls too. But at least they have you right now. They need someone stable...”

  She shut up hard then and started walking around the apartment, pretending to tidy up.

  “Oh, your dad called earlier, obviously you aren't expected at dinner tonight. He'd like you to come over soon, maybe on Christmas? If the roads clear?” She looked anxious about it.

  That wasn't enough information to go on at all. Why would she be anxious?

  “I was planning on being here, at least early in the day. If I can manage it I'd like to spend some time with Amy, but, really, we may not be leaving here other than on foot for days. At least the Kroger's is close by. Is that how you got the lights?” He looked at them and smiled. They really did look happy. Festive.

  “The only ones left?” He asked, his voice serious, fighting a smile from his face through shear willpower.

  “That obvious? Though we could have picked all blue as well.” Joanie winked at him.

  Since that would have been oppressive, that much blue, or any single color, except white or gold, he just had to nod. This would do.

  “Ohhhh, the tacky lights gotten at the last moment reminds me, what do you want for Christmas? Since I think we have the whole vast empire that is the store down the street to choose from. Unless you want me to make you something. My skills there are limited though, so unless you really want a picture made out of macaroni...” Josh tilted his head meaningfully.

  Frustratingly she just waved the idea away.

  “Oh, I don't need anything. It's enough to just have a family. I... It's been a while.” This seemed genuine, which was sad, but didn't help Josh at all.

  Josh pinned her with a glare and crossed his arms tightly. Then he “hmphed” at her.

  That should be enough to show what he thought of her “I don't need anything” idea, shouldn't it?

  “Really? You think you can sell that here? I mean, family, yay, I get the idea, but come on, there's nothing you want or need? Shoes or bread? Maybe a new pillow for when you sleep here or new towels? Um...” He was out of things to list off.

  Joanie got into it then, which raised his hopes for about half a second.

  “I know, how about five cans of Reddi-whip, some chocolate syrup and a jar of cherries. That could be fun. Or a gallon of honey? They don't carry little whips there do they?” She made a tiny whipping motion. Complete with little sound effect.

  Josh rolled his eyes and then looked at the ceiling for a moment, while she kept making lewder suggestions. Mercy actually blushed and finally he put his fingers in his ears.

  “La, la, la... Can't hear you. Dum, de, dum...” He smiled though and she finally, laughing, waved him back to normal.

  “OK, seriously... Um, really I don't have a clue. Socks?” She kept her face straight, but it was a joke, he knew.

  “Right, candles it is. Or dried flower arrangements. If you don't like that, well, I'll keep the receipt and you can exchange t
he seven-fifty I spent on it for something else.”

  The banter went back and forth for a while, until they retired to the living room to actually watch television, something they didn't do that often as a group. Joanie started to sit in her normal chair but Josh grabbed her arm and pointed at the couch, giving her a funny look. They didn't have to pretend not to be together anymore. After a second she dropped her head and mumbled at him.

  “Thanks. I keep forgetting. You know now and don't hate me for it.”

  “What shall we watch?”

  That turned out to be something that Joanie and Mercy did every year, which was watch the Rudolph animated Christmas special together. For the real feeling of the tradition they'd have to go to the law office and sneak into the lounge there, but this was nice too, they assured him. And at least as cozy. What with the snow it would have taken a lot of work to get there anyway. They'd gotten there earlier, but only for a few hours. It was a bit of a walk. Nearly two miles each way.

  He felt tired early, a bone weary thing that he hadn't expected. It wasn't the activity or being out in the cold, though that couldn't have helped. No it was something else, the tension and worry about the future?

  Yeah, that would... probably suck.

  Plus he was going to miss being with Amy over the next couple of days. He could, maybe, walk over again, but what if she just didn't want to see him? He'd been around a lot for a couple of days, so maybe she was bored by now? He wasn't but love would do that, wouldn't it? She might feel differently though.

  As hard as it was to do, Josh decided to give her a day or two without having to worry about him. It would be less than fun for him, but he probably should, just to let her think about things. Part of him wanted to just stay with her constantly so she couldn't do that, as if that would keep her from realizing that her pain was still there. The situation was going to be there with or without him. Remembering his promise he jumped up suddenly.