The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20

by Jacqueline Druga

  “You did?” Ellen questioned. “I was trying to stay out of view.”

  “I know that. I figured you didn’t want Dean to know you were going to the Social Hall . . .” Robbie swallowed. “Like everyone else.”

  If Ellen could have raised her hand high in the air and yelled out with the enthusiasm of a thousand dollar jackpot ‘Bingo!’ she would of. She saw it in Robbie’s eyes, heard it in his voice, and picked up that hard swallow of hurt. Her search in town also informed her of what was happening at the Social Hall. “The Hall?” Ellen laughed. “Well, yeah, I stopped in. But . . .”

  “But what?”

  “Don’t say anything all right? I don’t want to start trouble.” She shook her head. “There’s this dick . . .”

  “Dick?”

  “Yeah, some little dick, in there. Little guy, like Dean, blonde hair, and he thinks, you know, he’s this . . .” Ellen fluttered her lips. “This rock star. He’s singing, playing, dancing. He has our women and the lesbians going nuts. For what? All because they’re watching a bunch of Texas Town Hillbilly women, who don’t know any better, get all wet . . .”

  “El.”

  “Sorry.” She cringed. “But that’s what’s happening. These Hillbilly ‘I’ve been without real men and electricity for so long’, haven’t any idea what talent is. They’re all weird over him. They’ve got our people started thinking he’s all that.”

  “El . . .” Robbie spoke softly. “He is.”

  “No, he isn’t.”

  “Uh, yeah.” Robbie nodded. “He sings, dances, entertains, plays, and is damn good looking. He is all that.”

  “He sucks. Andrea hates him. She stormed out, holding her ears. She wants to ban him from the Social Hall for obscene crotch motions..”

  Robbie snickered. “Thanks, but I know you’re lying.”

  “OK, maybe about the crotch thing, but he really isn’t that good. And he’s a dick. You know, I caught them at the end of the set. I approached him and asked if he knew that old song you always play me to brighten my spirits.”

  “Things You Do.”

  “That’s the one.” Ellen nodded. “He says no. I tell him it’s simple. He scoffs and says ‘then why would I want to do a simple tune?’.” Ellen rambled faster. “I said, ‘Hey pal, a simple song can give a lot of soul and he told me ‘little woman, go away . . .”

  “El. Stop.” Robbie, with a smile, held up his hand. “You never went into the Hall did you?”

  “No.”

  “I knew it.”

  “I heard though.”

  “And?” Robbie asked.

  “Not much. I had no desire to go in there. I knew it wasn’t you and I was upset that Paul allowed this guy to steal the show when it is your band. Like Henry.”

  “Henry was upset?”

  “Very. That’s probably why he downed the power to the Social Hall.”

  Robbie nearly choked on his laugh. “Henry downed the power to the Hall? That’s so cool. I’ll have to thank him.” He smiled. “But I bet the band played on . . . acoustically.”

  “Yeah, but you know every egomaniac will find a way,” Ellen said.

  “Thanks, El. Thanks a lot. I feel a lot better.”

  “The night’s not over yet.” Ellen bent down for the night goggles and cage. “Help me find Majestic and we’ll head back to my house. That’ll take your mind off of things.”

  “Oh yeah? Am I getting lucky?” Robbie tried to pass off his tone as serious until Ellen turned around lit up by her goggles and he laughed. “That . . . works for you.”

  “Thanks and who knows. I may be winking right now but you can’t see.” Ellen started to walk.

  “Cool. You know El, you don’t even have to hook me up. You just have to help me out. I lost my jerk off hand.”

  Ellen skidded to a stop and thoroughly enjoyed the ornery smile on Robbie’s face. She shook her head. “Let’s just find my bunny.”

  A few steps into his following of Ellen, Robbie thought he heard a slight grow. At first he thought Ellen’s stomach was making that noise until he spotted it. “Oh, shit.”

  “What? What do you . . .” Ellen’s tone picked up and she flung the goggles off. “Oh!” Excitedly, she darted the way of the rabbit. “Baby.”

  Questioning with an odd look, Robbie silently repeated. ‘Baby?’

  “There you are.” Ellen picked up that rabbit. “Say hello to Robbie.” She lifted one of Majestic’s legs in a wave.

  “El, that rabbit has three legs and one eye. How does she get around?”

  “Very well.” Ellen moved closer.

  “Oh my God.”

  “What?”

  The teeth. Robbie’s eyes looked at the bottom teeth of the rabbit. There were fangs that shot upward and didn’t fit into its mouth. “Oh my God, and she’s been eating.”

  With a giggle, Ellen removed a feather from the rabbit’s mouth. “Wanna pet her?”

  “Um, no. I only have one arm left and I’m not risking losing that one.”

  “You’re funny.” Ellen bent down to the cage.

  “No, I’m serious. Has Frank seen it? He will love it.”

  “You think?” Ellen locked up the cage.

  “Sure.” Robbie joked. “It will be his new pet.”

  “That’s a good idea.” Ellen lifted the cage and started to walk. “Domesticate her. I’ll speak to Frank.”

  “El.” Robbie hurried to catch her. “I’m joking.” He tossed his hand up in defeat while speaking to himself. “The demented thing is Frank really would make it his pet.”

  ^^^^

  “Ah.” Frank grunted out with relief as he rose from the bed in Josh’s room. “It feels good to be back home, Dean. It has that warm welcome feel here.”

  Dean crossed his arms, leaned in the archway, and nodded. “You do know this is short lived?”

  Frank walked to him. “Sure.” He winked.

  “I’m serious, Frank, for numerous reasons, especially your health, both physical and mental.”

  “Dean, I can understand you wanting to watch my physique, however, my mind will be fine.”

  “Will it Frank?” Dean asked. “Seriously. You haven’t dealt with it yet.”

  “I will.”

  “When.”

  “I don’t know. When I’m ready. I sort of dealt with it already.”

  “No, Frank,” Dean argued. “Leaning over the roof of a building, with an aimed revolver in your hand, in the just after revelation of your son’s betrayal, is not coming to grips. It’s touching the surface.” Dean saw Frank staring. “You understand?”

  “No. I haven’t any idea what you said. It doesn’t matter. You don’t need to monitor that part of me. No one does.”

  “Yeah, Frank. That part affects the physical part.”

  “How do you figure?”

  “Stress affects your heart. Stress effect your desire . . . your . . .”

  “Say it,” Frank stated. “My desire to drink. I’m not gonna drink.”

  “You have.”

  “I won’t again.” Frank raised his eyebrows. “It’s under control and speaking of under control, I have that situation in the living room to control.”

  “Please.”

  “I’ll just get some coffee, sit down . . .”

  “No. You won’t have coffee.” Dean stopped Frank as he started to leave the bedroom.

  “Tea?”

  “No, that’s not what I . . .”

  “Dean.” Frank snickered. “Tea is so feminine. Wait, that’s a good idea. So is Andrea.”

  “That’s not what I mean, Frank. You will watch your caffeine intake.”

  “Right,” Frank scoffed and reached into his chest pocket as he moved into the hall. He pulled out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. But before he could light it, Dean took it. “Hey.”

  “And these.”

  “Dean, you can’t be mothering me like this.”

  “I’m doctoring. Your heart needs to heal.”

 
“Dean, there is nothing wrong with my . . .” Frank grunted, cringed in pain and with a slight hunch over, grabbed for his chest.

  “Frank. Oh, shit . . .”

  Frank stood up straight with a cocky smile. “Got ya. Give me that.” He snatched the cigarette from Dean’s hand, lit it, and walked away before Dean could respond.

  Andrea stood from the couch with a sniffle and a wipe of her tears when Frank walked in the room.

  Perturbed, Joe shook his head. “Andrea, can we go home.”

  “I just need to know, Joe.” She walked to Frank. “Did you think about it and why are you smoking?”

  Pausing in confusion, Frank deciphered the odd question. “Yes I did and Dean said it’s OK.”

  “So you’re coming home?” Andrea asked.

  “Andrea,” Joe grumbled and reached for her.

  Swiping his hand away, Andrea sniffled again and peeped out the word. “Frank?”

  Frank let out a heavy breath. “No. Dean wants me here.”

  Titled head, with a hurt look, Andrea lifted her hand. “I have a hard time believing this was Dean. I’m capable of monitoring you. Is it me? I come back and you leave.”

  “Andrea,” Joe tried to interrupt.

  “Joseph, please.” Andrea spun to him, then back to Frank. “I don’t understand this decision. Robbie is happy there. You boys should be together. Why can’t . . .”

  “Christ, Andrea!” Joe snapped. “He’s a grown man. We had him living in a closet for crying out loud. If he wants to move out, he can move out.”

  Again, Andrea turned to Joe. “You had something to do with this.”

  “What!” Joe blasted. “I did not. Ask Frank. Frank, did I have anything to do with your decision to move in here?”

  “Yes.” Frank nodded. “Coffee?” After a flash of a grin to Dean, Frank walked to the kitchen.

  “Asshole,” Joe grumbled.

  Andrea gasped. “I knew it. You kicked your own son out of your home in his weakened state?”

  “Yes, Andrea. Yes, I did. I raised him all those years, so I’m pretty much done with him now.”

  Releasing another gasp, Andrea stormed to the door and flung it open. She stepped back when Robbie stood there. “Well, at least one Slagel loves me. Don’t you, Robbie.”

  “Oh, yeah.” Robbie grinned. “You know it.”

  “See.” Andrea lifted her head in a snobbish manner to Joe and tapped Robbie’s cheek. “Not too late,” she said as she walked out.

  “What’s wrong with Andrea?” Robbie asked as he walked in with Ellen behind him.

  Grunting, Joe waved out his hand. “She’s dejected because Frank moved in here.”

  Ellen’s eyes widened. “What? Frank’s in the clinic.”

  “No.” Joe pointed back with his thumb. “He’s in the kitchen getting coffee and before you ask . . .” He pointed to Dean. “Your husband moved him in.”

  Frank emerged from the kitchen. “It’s easier to share our wife that way. But I refuse Dean to give into kinky sex. Well, maybe not too kinky.”

  Dean winced, “Frank.”

  “I’m out of here.” Joe walked to the door. “Good luck, and Robert, not too late.”

  “Dad,” Robbie scoffed a snicker. “I’m a big boy. I can stay out late.”

  “Where do you live?” Joe asked.

  “With you,” Robbie answered.

  “My house. My rules. One hour.” Joe walked out.

  Shaking his head with almost a childish snicker, Frank, carried his coffee and walked to the sofa. “And you wonder why I sought my independence. Better watch the time, Robbie, you might get grounded.” Positioned nicely, cigarette in one hand, Frank raised his cup to his lips.

  Dean took it. “What did I tell you? And this . . .” He snatched the cigarette. “No smoking. Low caffeine. No exertion. You’re still recovering.”

  Robbie laughed. “Better watch it, Frank. He may ground you.”

  “Dean.” Frank stood up. “You will not take what little pleasures I have in life away from me.”

  Ellen stepped forward. “What if Frank did them within reason?”

  “Reason?” Dean laughed. “What does Frank ever do within reason? Monitoring and watching him is exactly why I moved him in.”

  Frank took his coffee and cigarette back. “And to give me Saturday and Sunday nights with you, El. We share you.”

  Ellen turned quickly to Dean. “Are you dividing me up like a possession now?”

  “No!” Dean snapped. “I never said that.”

  “Ha!” Frank pointed. “Yes, you did. You said, ‘Frank move in here. I’ll share Ellen with you.”

  “I said no such thing.”

  “Yes, you did, Dean. You even said, I’ll share my wife and you can have my bed.”

  “Frank . . .”

  “Why do you think I was so quick to take you up on your offer? Nope.” Frank halted Dean when he opened his mouth. “You said uh-uh-ah. Made the offer. Can’t take it back now, Dean. Hey wait . . .” Frank sat back down. “It’s Saturday. Dean, did you want the couch?”

  Dean’s mouth dropped open. “Where in . . .” He turned to a snickering Robbie. “Oh, you think this is funny?”

  “Yeah, pretty much so.” Robbie smiled. “Frank, is there any more coffee?” Getting a nod, from Frank, Robbie walked toward the kitchen. “El, this is exactly what I needed.” He stopped right before going in. “Although temporarily replacing my jerk off hand for an evening wouldn’t be bad.”

  “Great.” Frank shook his head. “Ice age. Meteor, El sleeps with one brother, jerks off the other.” He peered up to a speechless Ellen. “And don’t think I forgot about that little you and Hal incident.”

  “Frank?” Ellen questioned, confused. “What is wrong with you? You’re worse than usual. Did something happen to you when you were in that coma?”

  “Besides looking younger?” Frank asked. “I’m psychic now. Speaking of psychics, El, did your parents ever lick you as a child?” He ignored the ‘lost for an answer’ look Ellen gave. “Hey, Dean, how old would you say I look now?”

  “Twenty-two.”

  “Yes.” Frank grinned.

  “And you’re encouraging this?” Ellen questioned. “I don’t mind Frank being here . . .”

  Frank whispered ‘because she wants me’

  Ellen grumbled. “But you en . . .”

  “Ellen,” Dean halted her before she could argue. “He just came out of the Salicain. He just emerged from a coma. A lot mentally is going on with Frank that he isn’t smart enough to realize yet.”

  “Thank you, Dean,” Frank said sincerely.

  “So, I am going to do what I have to do . . .” Dean continued, “to ensure this man gets well. If I have to knock him back under the Salicain, I will. I don’t want to. So I thought I’d watch him, monitor him, and keep him in control.” He looked when Frank laughed. “What’s so funny, Frank?”

  “Dean.” Frank laughed again. “In this house, yes, but you can’t keep tabs on me all the time. You’ll never be able to do it.”

  “You don’t think?”

  “I know.”

  “What makes you so sure?” Dean asked.

  “I’m Frank.”

  “Yeah, well, I’m Dean.”

  “OK. So.”

  “So?” Dean scoffed. “Frank, I’m smarter.”

  “Dean, I’m psychic and I’m twenty-two years old.”

  “You are not.”

  “You said.”

  Ellen tilted her head. “You did, Dean. I heard.”

  “Me, too,” Robbie added as he walked in.

  Growling, Dean did a pivot turn in aggravation. “Do you two mind!”

  Outwardly, Ellen gasped with dramatics. “Fine. Come on, Robbie. We’ll go next door and bother Joe.” She moved to the door.

  “Do we have to, El. He’ll make me stay in.”

  “It’ll have its perks.” With a nod, Ellen showed Robbie her hand and walked out.

  Grinning with an or
nery, ‘see ya’, Robbie followed.

  “See, Dean.” Frank stood up. “Now she’ll be employed as his new hand. Oh!” Frank laughed. “Get it. Hand job?”

  Dean cringed, perturbed. “Frank.”

  “You scared away our wife, Dean.”

  “She’s not our wife. She’s my wife. My wife!”

  “You moved me in here to share her.”

  “I . . .” Dean pointed. “Moved you in here to monitor you constantly.”

  “Which you can’t do.”

  “You don’t think.”

  “I know. No way. It won’t work. You’re bluffing.”

  “What!” Dean laughed in confusion. “What won’t work?”

  “What you’re planning on doing.”

  “How the hell do you know what I’m planning on doing?”

  “I’m psychic.” Frank said proud.

  “Yeah, right.”

  “I know what you’re thinking, Dean.”

  In ridicule, Dean snickered. “Oh, you know what I’m thinking.”

  “Yep.”

  “You’re a mind reader too.”

  Frank closed one eye and tilted his head. “I think so. Yeah. Yeah, I am.”

  “Right, Frank. You can’t read a children’s book let alone my mind.”

  “Dean, I’m telling you.”

  “And I’m telling you. Fine!” Dean, with arrogance, tossed up his hand. “All right, youthful, psychic, Swami Frank.” Dean’s chin went up with attitude. “You’re so telepathic. Read my mind, Go on.”

  “Shh.”

  Dean laughed. “Read it.”

  “All right.” Frank closed his eyes, then shook his head.

  “What?”

  “Dean,” he said with a snicker. “No matter how much you wish, you’ll never be quite as big as that squash.”

  Dean was barreled over and he lost his breath. At first his eyes went wide, then if he could have dropped to the floor, he would have. Stumbling back, Dean gave a twitch of his head. ‘Oh my God.”

  “Yep.” Frank sniffed. “But don’t tell anyone. I can’t do it all the time and I don’t want them being subconscious or holding anything back.” In arrogance, he sniffed and sat back down. “You aren’t gonna tell anyone, are you, Dean?”

  Still in shock, Dean shook his head. “If this is true, then, no, I won’t.”