by Rey, Solomon
“I agree! But, you know whatever happens to you, I’ll be there right beside you—forever. My biggest worry is that you get sick and tired of all my crappy jokes,” he said smiling at her.
“Hey, if I haven’t gotten tired of them yet, I probably never will,” she said playfully pushing him.
“I’ve got a question for you,” he said fervently.
“Yeah, what?” She’d known him long enough to know, he was ready to say something funny.
“Do you think Scott sucks his thumb while he sleeps?” They both laughed.
“Yeah, yeah…I imagine him with his thumb in his mouth, hugging a stuffed Barney,” they roared with laughter.
“And he’s wearing Barney pajamas.”
“You mean like you used to wear?” She giggled uncontrollably.
The smile ran from his face, “How did you know about that?”
“Your Mom showed me a picture,” she couldn’t stop giggling.
“In my defense I was only two years old and for a two year old Barney’s pretty cool,” he tried to keep a straight face, but it didn’t last, “Hey, what about you with your ‘Dora the Explorer’ everywhere?” He asked defensively.
“She was the coolest—at least she’s not a giant talking purple dinosaur,” she laughed, “Who sang lame songs.”
* * *
Richard lay in his bed, eyes lifted to the ceiling, with his fingers laced across his chest. Thoughts, which were intermingled, played havoc on his nerves.
The sound of Olivia and Derek’s mirth, yanked him out of his ruminations. He was grateful for the disruption, especially one so pleasing to his ears. It was reminiscent of the way things used to be; The way he preferred it. Their lives had radically changed in a matter of days, so dissimilar he barely recognized it. If only he could invoke a trace of normalcy back into their daily lives to help preserve their sanity. I need to keep things together, he thought, for her, for him—for all of us! I pray that I can.
Though the sound of laughter permeated the walls, Richard’s thoughts migrated toward Donna and their date. She’s the one, he told himself, I don’t want to waste another second. Why should I when I know she’s ideally suited for me—she’s perfect! But…I don’t want to do anything that might scare her off. What if I propose to her and it’s too fast? How would I deal with it—how would she deal—how would we deal. I sound like a hormonally-charged-adolescent. What the hell is wrong with me? I can’t believe, with all that’s going on right now, I’m considering tying the knot.
He dragged the idea of matrimony out of his mind—as it went kicking and screaming, he replaced it with Max Preston. I need to call him as soon as I get up, he thought, Oh…wait! He doesn’t get up till after 10:00. If I call him any sooner, he’ll be cross with me, which means I would have to work extra hard to persuade him to help us. I’m a bit nervous about calling him. He was my best friend and yet I walked away. With all my sanctimonious preaching to Olivia about being the best person you can be,--not turning your back on anyone—ever! I’m nothing but a hypocrite. I know he’ll forgive me, but I also know he’ll enjoy making it hard on me. He grinned.
* * *
Donna gripped her pillow and punched it, trying to shape it just right, but nothing she did seemed to work. Truth is—she was frustrated with the situation. She didn’t want to be in a bedroom down the hall from Richard; she wanted to be in his bed. Is it about sex?
She asked herself. No! It definitely wasn’t…well, maybe ten percent. It’s about lying in his arms, smelling the Grey Flannel cologne I love, and feeling his warmth and strength…okay! Maybe fifteen percent. I just want to sleep next to him, knowing that when I wake he’ll be there—forever. Alright! No more that twenty percent. She grabbed her pillow and screamed into it, “Ahhhh!” Then she stopped abruptly. Oh! I have to be careful; Olivia might hear me…that’s all I need…to have to explain why I’m yelling.
* * *
Olivia heard nothing. She was to busy laughing and having a good time with Derek. He yawned, exhibiting the first sign that slumbering would be in his immediate future!
“That was a good one,” she remarked, “You think you could open your mouth any wider?” Her tone−sarcastic.
“I can’t help it. I think I’m ready for bed.”
“Are you actually going to quit on me…really?” “Fine, be that way,” she said playfully.
“I will, but we’ll have fun tomorrow,” he assured her as he rose to leave.
“Okay, party-pooper…I’ll see you in the morning,” she said, as he turned to walk away.
He murmured softly, “Good night…Angel.”
“I heard that!”
“I know.”
The rest of the house would soon be sleeping soundly.
CHAPTER XXVII
Professor Saunders arrived at San Jose International Airport, via taxi, toting a mid-sized carry on bag, resembling a backpack, on schedule. Since 9/11 airport security around the country had been tightened; all travelers are required to check-in at least ninety minutes before scheduled departures. Depending on the quantity of passengers, busier terminals could require, as much as three hours advanced check-in.
Steve took note of the time on his watch, as he entered the air-conditioned terminal, trying to locate the nearest available counter. It was exactly 5:07 and travellers of all ages and sizes criss-crossed before him, each with pre-determined destinations.
He made a beeline for the Alaska Airlines counter, zig-zagging through the obstacle course of people. He approached the first available customer service representative.
“How may I help you,” a pert brunette with a glued-on smile asked.
“There should be a pre-paid ticket in my name for your eight a.m. flight to Portland, Oregon,” he said, sliding his I.D. across the counter.
She picked it up, “Thank you…Mr. Saunders. Let me check on that for you, it will only be a moment.”
“Thank you,” he said impatiently.
She typed so quickly, within seconds she had his information.
“Ah, yes…I have it right here…you’ll be flying first class to Portland, Oregon on flight 1107 out of gate 11. The flight will be arriving at 9:20. Do you have any baggage, sir?”
“I only have a carry on.”
“That will be fine. Boarding will begin at 7:45,” she reached over, brought back a printed ticket, handing it to Saunders along with his I.D. “We hope you have a pleasant flight, Mr. Saunders and thank you for flying Alaska Airlines.”
“Thank you,” He turned and walked away as his phone began to vibrate.
“Hello, Saunders speaking,” he said haughtily.
“Mr. Saunders, I’m glad to see you made it in plenty of time,” Ms. Sinclair said crisply. His eyes darted around the terminal—someone was keeping a watchful eye on him.
“Are you having me followed?” He asked spitefully.
“We’ve deposited fifteen million into your account, do you think we’re going to just let you walk away? We expect you to deliver; not like before.”
“I’ll do what is expected of me,” he assured.
“Good,” she said cooly, “We’ve set you up with a car once you’ve arrived in Coos Bay, it’s reserved for you at the rental booth. The GPS will have Osborn and the Red Lion’s address pre-programmed, which will help expedite things.”
She paused, then began, “Oh and Mr. Saunders…”
“Yes?”
“If you screw this up, there’s no where on this earth you can hide…we will find you,” she said coldly, sending tremors through his body.
The phone went dead.
Saunders found it difficult to swallow, he was sweating profusely.
Ms. Sinclair was good at her job. She was as cold and emotionless as a DMV employee.
* * *
Olivia woke at nine, to the heavenly sound and smell of bacon frying. She heard her Dad and Donna chattering away in the kitchen, while Derek sang out of tune in the shower. The noise resonating f
rom the bathroom caused her to wince. “Well, at least it’s not the Barney Song,” she said chuckling, “That boy can not sing…at all.”
She raised her arms above her head and stretched. She was conscious of every fiber in her body tightening; she felt the surge of power permeate through her muscles. It was exhilarating, to say the least.
“I guess I should get up,” she said, sitting upright, then placing her feet on the ground, stretching once more. “A shower sounds pretty good.” She searched through her drawers
gathering her clothes, making sure she had everything.
She reached the bathroom and yelled, “Hey, hurry up!”
“What?” Derek yelled back.
“I said hurry up!”
“What! I can’t hear you!”
“I said hurry up!” She called out even louder, becoming frustrated.
“I still can’t hear you,” he said, shutting off the water.
“I said hurry up!” She yelled.
“Okay, okay. You don’t have to yell.” he quietly towelled off, wrapped it around his waist, as he opened the door.
“Good morning sunshine,” he said sarcastically.
“You were taking too long,” she said sharply. She was not accustomed to waiting for the bathroom; it had only been her and her father for the longest time.
“Well, that’s how long I normally take.”
“Think about other people,” she said.
“Okay, sorry,” he started to walk away. “Oh…by the way I heard you yell the first time for me to hurry up,” he chuckled.
As he walked, still laughing, faster than he could see, she ripped the towel from his body, exposing his pale buttocks.
“Ahhhhh,” he screamed in a falsetto, trying to sound like a little girl.
She played along. “My eyes! My eyes!” She wailed, feigning pain as her hand quickly covered her eyes. It’s to bright! “It’s like looking directly at the sun,” she laughed hysterically.
“You have a distorted sense of humor,” he said jesting, as he grabbed the towel and padded to his room.
She continued laughing as she closed the bathroom door behind her. She stripped her clothes off, then stood naked in front of the mirror. This is going to take a while to get used to, she thought, I can see new changes.
Olivia saw subtle differences throughout her body: Her waist was thinner than it was the day before. She tightened her abdomen and a grid of muscles magically appeared to her surprise; Her legs were thicker, each muscle well defined; Her biceps and triceps bulged when she flexed. She was impressed with her exceptional physique, still looking at her body as though it were someone elses. She chuckled lightly.
Olivia showered, then joined the rest at the kitchen table. There was a buffet set out for her pleasure, all her favorites were represented: Pancakes, bacon, sausage, hash browns and oatmeal. Her mouth watered as she gazed upon the bountiful feast. It would have been complete if Hot Pockets, banana baby food and Nutella had been included.
She eagerly grabbed a plate and served herself.
“Uh…good morning, Olivia, “Richard said, “You seem to have forgotten your manners,” he said humorously.
“Oh! Sorry…good morning,” she addressed Donna and her father, but playfully leered at Derek. “It’s not my fault.” She grinned, glancing at Derek as she shoveled mounds of food on her plate, “I’m traumatized by something I saw,” She giggled.
Donna was familiar with their antics, making her apprehensive to hear any of the details. Derek opened his mouth to speak, but Donna put her hand up; shutting him down. “I don’t want to hear about it—just eat,” She ordered.
“So what do you guys have planned for the day?” Richard asked, as he ate a piece of bacon.
“What can we do? We can’t go into town, because I might be recognized,” she complained.
“I’m sure there is something you guys could do around here to keep yourselves entertained,” Donna said.
“If we get bored enough, Olivia and I can watch my nails grow,” he said sardonically.
“Not again!” She said playfully.
“You’ll figure something out,” Richard said.
“Hey, we can walk down to the stream and go swimming after lunch,” He said.
“Yeah…that could be fun,” she said with her mouth half full. “but let’s go after we eat.” She paused turning to her father, “Is that okay, Dad?”
“It’s okay with me, if it’s okay with Donna.”
“It’s okay with me,” Donna said.
Both kids stared at the adults. “What?” Donna and Richard said simultaneously.
“I’ll handle this,” he said to Olivia. She nodded. “So when did you two get married and why weren’t we invited,” he said seriously. Olivia stifled a giggle.
“One more word, Derek and you’ll be washing dishes,” Donna said grinning at Richard.
Derek stared at Olivia grazing.
“So you guys will go after you eat?” Richard asked.
“I don’t know,” he said, “Breakfast might not be over for Olivia till after lunch,” he chuckled. Richard and Donna joined Derek in watching Olivia annihilate mounds of food.
She raised her eyes and with her mouth full, “Wha! Ee naa ma faa!”
“What?” Richard asked.
She swallowed her food, “It’s not my fault!”
* * *
“Hi mommy!” Mark Ryan shouted, the moment he laid eyes on Sheila, who had just dressed in her own clothes, happy to discard the well-ventilated hospital gown.
She bent down and wrapped her arms around him tightly. Sheila was ready to be released with a clean bill of health with a scheduled precautionary check-up in two weeks. They were equally excited to see each other.
“Hi baby,” Sheila said pushing his hair out of his eyes, “Did you miss me?” He nodded, “I missed you so much,” she said squeezing him tighter.
Rhonda and Lisa hung by the door, watching for the mother and child reunion to conclude. The closeness the two shared, brought smiles to their faces.
Sheila, lifter her head to Rhonda, “Hi Mom! How was he?” She asked, “He didn’t cry or fuss?”
“No Mommy…I was good!”
Sheila and Lisa smiled at her, “No, he really didn’t have a chance. We were pretty busy.” Rhonda said.
“Really?” Sheila said, “What were you doing, big man?” She asked of Mark.
“The Angel!” He shouted.
She looked at Sheila and Lisa expecting some type of clarification, “What’s he talking about?”
“Your sister was almost hit by a truck over by Dairy Queen. She appeared out of nowhere, pushed the truck out of the way, then another was headed directly for Lisa−.”
“Are you serious,” she looked at her mom, then to Lisa, “Are you guys messing with me?” She asked dubiously.
“It’s true…she saved my life. First the truck, then she pulled me out of the way of a car. It was crazy!” Lisa said.
“Mark and I saw the whole thing. It happened so fast, we couldn’t even see her face. She was dressed in all black…the only thing she was missing was a mask,” Rhonda said.
Rhonda’s comment flew right over Sheila’s head. She had a look of confusion on her face.
“What Mom means is: All she needed was a mask and her costume would have been complete. She’d look just like a superhero.”
“This is amazing! Doesn’t it make you wonder?” Sheila asked.
“About?” Rhonda asked.
“Is ‘The Angel’ someone we know? I mean…three of us were saved within 24 hours of each other; that’s a very questionable coincidence, don’t you think?”
“I don’t know and I don’t care…all I know is I’m thankful. She saved my babies and that’s all that matters to me!” Rhonda said, emotions surfacing. She hugged Lisa then Sheila and Mark.
“I’m thankful too…believe me, but I still want to know who ‘The Angel’ is.
“I know ‘The Angel’,�
�� Mark said excitedly.
* * *
Olivia placed her plate in the sink, still chewing food.
“You want us to clean the kitchen,” she volunteered herself and Derek.
Derek held his breath hoping they’d sayd ‘no’.
“I think we can handle it. You kids go have fun,” Donna said.
“Yeah, we’ll clean up, plus it will give us time to ourselves,” Richard said, smiling at Donna, oblivious to the kids’ reaction.
“Ummm!” Derek joked, “I’m gonna tell your parents!”
Donna snatched a dish towel off the counter and chucked it to him. “Watch yourself or you may end up cleaning the kitchen and the bathrooms,” Donna feigned anger but they knew she was kidding.
“Okay, Okay, we’ll go,” he said. He and Olivia headed down the hall.
She turned to Derek, “Give me about five minutes and I’ll be ready,” she said. He acknowledged her with a quick nod.
“So you wanted sometime alone, huh?” Donna asked with a flirtatious smile, as she turned the water on in the sink.
“I tossed and turned all night. It took me forever to go to sleep, because I couldn’t get you out of my mind,” he said, gazing into her eyes.
From down the hall, they heard Olivia yell, “Uh…you might want to wait on the mushy stuff till I’m far enough away that I can’t hear you.”
“She’s right…we should wait until my nosey daughter is out of earshot,” he whispered. Donna chuckled.
“Not funny, Dad!” She shouted.
Three minutes, both kids entered the kitchen wearing tank tops, shorts and converse (black for Derek—Pink for Olivia)—beach towels around their necks.
