Her eyes grew wide. “Oh, cool. Does it shoot stun rays, or something like that?”
Ryan protectively put his arm around me. “If I’d known you guys were going to be such jerks, I wouldn’t have brought her here.” He glared at Brice. “You told me your squad would be cool.”
Brice held his hands up like he was surrendering. “I’m sorry. But you have to realize as much as we believe there are aliens out there, it’s another thing to actually meet one.”
Clark broke in. “I knew something was up. We’ve recorded hundreds of sightings of Aurora Borealis-type blue and green lights filling the skies all over Georgia and Alabama.”
Ryan nodded. “Palmer, the leader of the rebel aliens, must be trying to find a good landing point.”
I shifted nervously on the seat cushion. “Palmer is looking at spots in the South because of the high humidity. He’s planning on making Earth his people’s permanent home.”
Brice nodded. “From what you said that makes sense. I’ll tell our squad down there to keep a close eye out in case they send a shuttlecraft down.”
Had I just jumped into a Sci-fi TV show? Where was Fox Mulder when you needed him?
Ryan relaxed and tucked his hands in his jeans pocket. “Great work. Having them on board is really going to help us a lot.”
Clark glanced at the CB radio. “I’d really like to confirm your alien status before we risk the lives of our people.”
I sucked in a breath. “Like I said, I’m only half Katran. So I don't have the same abilities as my father.”
Trinity plastered on a fake smile. “Sorry to give you such a hard time, Taylor. But I’d totally believe you're an alien if you read my mind.”
Terrific. She thought I was Spock. The fate of Earth rested on my ability to pretend to be a Vulcan. I could read thoughts with the aid of the earpiece, but could I do it all alone? I concentrated on Trinity’s face, just like my father had taught me. Something popped into my mind. “I’m getting an image of something small on four legs that belongs to one of you.”
Neo laughed. “Must be talking about Brice’s hamster.”
Brice punched him in the arm. “What’s wrong with hamsters as pets?”
Tiffany smirked. “They’re for little kids.”
This was getting out of control. Luckily, another image popped into my mind. “No it’s a dog.”
Clark chuckled. “Oh, that’s an obvious guess. Most people have dogs.”
Father pulled me off my mission to meet with these guys? I thought he said they were supposed to be believers. What a tough crowd. “Does someone own a Chihuahua?”
Neo punched Trinity in the arm. “She does.”
Another image formed in my mind—a pet store. “Did you drop your Chihuahua off at the groomer before you came here?”
Trinity’s mouth dropped open. “O.M.G. She’s right!”
Neo clapped his hands together. “Crap, she’s talking about Peanut!”
Ryan turned to Brice. “Are you happy now? Will you help us fight Palmer and his men?”
In unison the UFO squad said, “Hell yes.”
***
If I could turn an RV full of doubtful UFO fanatics into true believers, I could face my mom and tell her the truth about my death and that I met my real father. She may think I was crazy, but I had to try. I just couldn't keep it bottled up inside any longer.
I grabbed Lucy’s collar and opened the kitchen door. “Sorry, girl. I have to put you out for just a bit. I need some private time with mom.”
She barked once in protest but soon settled down with one of her toys. I closed the door and marched into the family room where my parents were watching TV as usual. I wondered what would have happened if my real father stayed on Earth with my mom. How would they spend their time together? I doubted they would be doing anything so boring. My dad looked up from the screen. “Kid, you need something?”
My mom kept watching Scandal ignoring me.
“Yeah. I kind of need to talk to Mom.”
He nudged my mother. “Honey, take care of your daughter so we can watch the rest of the show.”
She threw back her shoulders. “Can’t it wait until the show is over?”
My step-dad grabbed the remote control. “Don’t worry, I’ll tape the rest. You can watch it later.”
My mom pushed herself up off the sofa like she weighed three hundred pounds. “This better be important.”
I trudged down the hall to my bedroom. Somehow telling her there made the most sense. It was my safe place in the house. I threw open the door and plopped down on my bed. She walked across the room and took the desk chair. Typical. My mother hated confrontation, so she moved as far away from me as possible.
She sat examining her French manicure. “You have my attention. What is it?”
Her idea of attention meant she was physically in the room, but that was it. I sucked in a breath. I needed to tell her fast, like ripping off a Band-Aid. “I know you’re not going to believe anything I’m about to tell you, but I want you to hear me out anyway.”
She nodded but didn’t look up.
“You know how I’ve been acting kind of strange lately?”
She nodded again.
“It’s because I died the night I went out with Jules. I’ve been in Heaven until yesterday morning.”
“Oh, Taylor, that’s ridiculous.” She stood up. “Unless you get serious, I’m leaving.”
I racked my brain for a way to make her understand I was telling the truth. I held up my wrist. “I know what my birthmark means.”
She reached for the doorknob. “Taylor, I’ve told you since you were little your mark is nothing special. It has no meaning.”
I jumped off the bed and stood next to her. “You know that’s a lie. Someone else has one exactly like it.”
Her face grew red. “I can’t believe you’d call your mother a liar. You’re grounded for two months.”
I reached over and took her hand. “I know about my real dad.”
She pulled her hand away and walked quickly over to the window. “You’ve been watching too many soap operas.”
Funny, from someone who was Scandal fan. “His hair is the same color as mine and he has the same exact birthmark. Oh, yeah, and he’s not human.”
My mom’s body shook like the room’s temperature had dropped twenty degrees. “You’re telling me you met Kenneth. He’s alive?”
So my father had a name besides the One and Only.
“Yes. And I know I’m part…”
“Is he all right?” She grabbed my hands. “You have to take me to him now.”
Who was this person falling apart in front of me? She certainly couldn't be my mother. I’d never seen her get this emotional for anyone, not even when her own parents died.
“Mom, you don’t understand, I met him in Heaven. I saw Gram and Gramps, too. They’re doing great, by the way.”
“Taylor, you don’t have to lie to me about my parents. Just tell me where Kenneth is. I’ve been waiting seventeen years for him to return. He’s the love of my…” She stumbled backward and landed on the bed. “I have to see him. Take me there now.”
“There’s only one way you can meet him.”
She took my hand and looked pleadingly into my eyes. “I’ll do anything.”
“Then you’ll have to die.”
Chapter Seven
Epic Fail
My mother’s face grew pale as she teetered on the edge of her chair. “What did you say?”
“I’ve been trying to tell you, Father is in Heaven. He kidnapped it for his people.”
She sat with a blank expression on her face, trying to process what I said.
“I know it sounds fantastic. But he thought Heaven would be a great place to live.”
Her mouth opened but nothing came out.
“Mom, did he tell you why he came to Earth? What happened to his planet?”
She straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath. “S
o Kenneth told you everything?”
“I think so. I know he’s an alien, why he came here, and that I’m his daughter.”
She swallowed hard. “And he told you this in Heaven?”
I nodded. “Why didn’t you tell me your big secret? I had to wait until I died to find out.”
Mom bit her lower lip and stood up. “I’m going to load the dishwasher.”
What? She had to be kidding. “That’s all you have to say?”
She jerked the door open and quickly walked down the hall. The clack of her heels on the hardwood floor faded in the distance while I sat on my bed, dumfounded. My mother had a history of avoiding dealing with serious stuff, but this was ridiculous. I call her out on her bad behavior and she bolts? There was only one way to deal with her when she was like this—head on. I marched down the hall and made a hard right toward the kitchen. I sped past the family room, trying to avoid my dad.
He called out from the recliner. “Everything okay, Taylor?”
I shouted out from around the corner. “Everything’s fine.”
My mother ignored me as she stood hunched over the sink rinsing dinner dishes. She didn’t bother to turn around. “If you're here to help, fine. But if you’re here to give me a lecture, leave.”
My hands balled into fists. I didn't know how much more of her cold shoulder treatment I could take. “I’m not going to let you play the avoidance game. Not this time. It’s too important.”
The sound of dishes clanking against each other filled the room as my mother shoved the plates one by one into the dishwasher. She stuffed a plastic detergent pod into the slot and slammed the door shut. With a flick of a button, the dishwasher whirred to life. She tried to move around me toward the family room, but I blocked her path. Out of respect for my dad, I whispered, “We’re going to finish the conversation about my real father.”
She pursed her lips and whispered back, “What’s more to say? You know the truth.”
“And you won’t take responsibility for not telling me or Dad?”
Mothers voice grew a bit louder this time. “No. I put the past behind me. Kenneth left and I married Bernie. He’s been a good dad, hasn‘t he?”
“Yes, to a point. But he is so crazy in love with you, I just don’t feel he has much left for me.”
Something tapped the doorframe, and then I heard the sound of someone sniffling. I peeked around the corner and there stood my dad. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough” He pushed past me and stood next to Mother. “So, did I hear things right? You were pregnant with another man’s child when I married you? Taylor isn't mine?”
My mother stroked his face. “It was a mistake. A very big mistake. I should have told you.”
He took a step back away from her. “I loved you too much. Maybe that’s why I was blind. Taylor’s birth date should have been a clue. We didn’t start dating until November. But I never thought you would lie to me.”
I wanted to disappear into the wall. Instead, I just stood there watching my parents’ marriage crash and burn like two cars colliding on the freeway.
My mother reached out to him. “Honey, please forgive me. I love you.”
A tear ran down his face. “Do you know that is only the third time you’ve said that to me in seventeen years of marriage?”
Mrs. Schwartz truly had made me whole. Before I would have felt sorry for my dad, but I wouldn’t be torn up about it. Now my heart ached for him. I raced to my dad’s side and hugged him tight. “I didn't mean for you to hear mom’s secret. I’m so sorry.”
He wiggled out of my arms. I looked into his tear-streaked face and knew our relationship would never be the same. The truth was out. I wasn’t his daughter.
***
My life was filled with contrasts. I’d gone from a home where no one talked to each other, to a home filled with laughter and love. Ryan’s family could pose for a Rockwell painting.
His mother greeted me at the door with a hug. “Taylor, so good to see you.”
Her pleasant smile and warm blue eyes made my shoulders relax for the first time in twenty-four hours. “Thanks for inviting me to dinner.” I pointed to the kitchen. “You need any help?”
“No, everything is under control. But you can help Ryan set the table.”
I glanced over at Ryan folding napkins into little fans. “Sure. Be glad to, though my napkin skills are nothing like his.”
He laughed and winked at his mom. “I had a good teacher.”
Noah came running up to me and took a napkin in his hands. “I can fold them into little tents.”
I patted him on the back. “I bet you can.” Staring into his blue eyes, I flashed on Ryan diving under the water to save him.
Ryan pointed to the mahogany buffet. “The good silverware is in the top drawer.”
“You don’t have to use anything fancy.”
Noah tugged on my denim skirt and smiled at me. “Only the best for Ryan’s girlfriend.”
Because of Noah’s near-death experience, had he suddenly acquired a sixth sense? Somehow Noah knew his brother and I had gone beyond friendship, without Ryan saying a word. I used to come to dinner at least once a month before he died. I was one of Ryan’s closest friends.
Ryan’s dad came into the room. He was handsome enough to be an actor with his chiseled cheekbones and muscular build. But he didn't waste his looks. He put them to good use as the top salesman at the BMW dealership in town. He reached over and gave me a hug. “Taylor, it’s been a while. Glad you could join us.”
Normally, Ryan’s family love of hugging made me feel tense, but after the blow up with my family, I sank right into his dad’s arms. “Thanks for the invite. Your dinners are always a treat.”
“I can’t take credit for the wonderful food. That’s all Sarah’s doing.”
I loved the way his parents called each other by their first names all the time. My parents only did it when they were mad at each other. The rest of the time they used the obligatory, “Honey.” The aroma of fresh baked bread wafted from the kitchen. “Your wife is an amazing chef.”
Sarah laughed as she entered the dining room loaded down with a basket of sourdough bread. “Thanks for the compliment, Taylor. But I’m just a cook. Never taken any lessons. Learned everything from my grandmother.”
“My gram is an amazing cook, too. Unfortunately, the fabulous cooking gene wasn’t passed on to my mom or me.”
She gave me a smile. “Anytime you want to learn, just give me a call. Ryan and Noah aren't interested in cooking. Just eating.”
Ryan finished putting the rest of the china plates on the table. “I know what I’m good at.”
His mother and I laughed. Then she left to bring more side dishes to the table. Ryan’s dad followed her into the kitchen. I loved how they were like a team, helping and complementing each other. Another contrast from my own parents.
Ryan pulled out my chair. “Dinner is served, my lady.”
I leaned back in the dining room chair and relished being in such a happy place. Ryan’s family clearly loved each other. I had hoped telling my mother the truth would bring us closer together. We both knew her secret now. But the whole thing had backfired.
Ryan nudged my elbow as he passed the garlic-mashed potatoes. “You okay?”
“Yep. Just relishing the yummy dinner I’m about to eat.”
His shoulders relaxed as he filled his plate to overflowing with roasted chicken and creamed corn. The family bantered back and forth while I sat back and enjoyed my food. It reminded me so much of Gram’s Sunday chicken dinners. I wondered how she and the rest of the gang were doing up in Heaven. I hoped they were making Palmer’s life a living hell.
Ryan’s mom passed the bread around. “So, Taylor, how are your parents doing?”
Oh jeez, she would have to ask me that. Had the neighborhood gossip mill spread to Ryan’s parents already? For some reason I felt the need to lie, to protect them. “Dad’s been work
ing really late hours, so it’s just us girls at home. Lots of chick flick watching and nail painting.”
She smiled. “Oh, that sounds nice. Quite the contrast from my house filled with men.”
Ryan’s dad puffed out his gym perfect chest. “I‘d be happy to paint your nails.”
Noah chimed in. “Yeah, and Mom, I‘d love to watch girly movies with you.”
A huge smile spread across her face. “That sounds wonderful, Noah. Daddy can paint my toenails while we watch.”
Everyone broke out laughing. Ryan’s family was perfect. Maybe they could adopt me.
His mother got up from the table. “I made one of my German chocolate cakes for dessert. Who wants a big piece?” Four hands shot up. “Wonderful. I’ll be right back.”
The boys quickly picked up the plates and the dirty silverware. Ryan leaned over my shoulder and whispered in my ear. “Can’t wait to make out with you on the back porch.”
Little prickles formed on my neck as he blew in my ear. “Me, too.”
Ryan’s mother returned with a massive four-layer cake dripping in gooey coconut pecan frosting. She cut everyone an enormous piece and started passing them around the table.
I turned to his mother as she put the piece in front of me. “You mind if Ryan and I have our dessert out on the back porch? It’s such a beautiful evening.”
“Of course, Taylor.” She gave me a knowing smile. “I’m sure you two want some time alone.”
I stood up from the table, balanced the heavy piece of cake in one hand, a glass of milk in the other, and headed for the back door. Ryan followed my lead. He placed his glass and plate on the kitchen counter and opened the screen door for me. “Meet you out there in a sec.”
I sat down in the rocker and quickly inhaled two big bites of cake. The coconut frosting and the moist chocolate cake blended in my mouth. I savored the home baked goodness. Ryan popped out with just a glass of milk. “Hey, where’s your dessert?”
He bent down and kissed my neck. “Right here.”
The sticky film of frosting on my neck told another story. “So you inhaled the whole thing before you even got out the door?”
Heavenly Returns Page 6
