Syncopated Rhythm

by Erik Schubach

  I shot her a look of thanks and escaped to the back room. Tears were threatening. No, I won't be a victim of my own life! I decide who can make me feel bad, not them! I grabbed a package of napkins and marched right back out. I defiantly restocked the napkin holders, shooting daggers from my eyes at the reporter while Millie escorted him to the door.

  She tilted her head at me and snorted. “Easy there warrior princess. We need those things in working order.” She winked as I realized I was just jamming the napkins into the holders. I blushed and she took over and I went to help the next customer. I looked back at her, grinning at her Xena reference.

  We closed down at seven and before I left, Millie said, “Oh wait Kylee, this came here today but it was addressed to you.” She handed me an envelope and I froze. The return address was to Mandy Fay Harris with Harmony Trax. Dammit. Just what I need is to have her pissed at me too.

  I smiled a smile I didn't feel. “Thank Mil. You have a good time with your family tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving.”

  She reached over and placed a hand on my arm and gave it a little squeeze. “Will do. I'll see you on Friday hon.” I nodded with a smile I did feel this time, and bundled up for the walk to my apartment.

  Once I got home and into some more comfortable night clothes, I sat cross legged on the floor of my empty apartment and tethered my laptop to my hotspot then jumped online for a little gaming to keep my mind off Amber. This would be the first time since I played with Sammie.

  The moment I logged onto Robo-Terror, Queen Destructo was pinging me for a chat. I smiled, at least I still have one friend. I put on my headset and entered the game and pulled up the chat on the side. “Sup girl?” I said into the mic.

  She sputtered out in a worried and annoyed voice. “Where the hell have you been Kylee? Everyone has been looking for you for a couple weeks.”

  I closed my eyes for a second and took a deep breath. I opened them again and took advantage of her distraction and fired a plasma cannon point blank into her battle bot, shredding its left arm and dropping her health meter to fifty percent. She snarled and said, “Hey! Cheap shot!”

  I chuckled and said, “I really don't want to talk about it yet, Reese. Sorry.”

  She was silent a moment as her robot dropped into a crouch and spun, taking the legs out from under mine and destroying my stabilization gyros, my health meter almost bottomed out. Damn. There's a reason she calls herself Queen Destructo. “Not a problem lady. Just promise you will talk with someone at some point.”

  I nodded to myself. “I promise.”

  She replied, “Good. Oh, and I'm also sorry.”

  I tilted my head and asked, “For what?”

  She laughed maniacally. “For this!” Her robot sprang back up and did a roundhouse kick, severing my robot's head from its body.

  I actually giggled. “Damn girl!” She kept me company for an hour as we played, and she didn't pry. Then I thanked her and logged off. She had taken me five wins to one in melees. But then we teamed up and slaughtered everyone in the city battlefield. Level up!

  I looked around. I didn't even have a TV. I was bored. I wish I knew what I had done with my iPad. Once I save up a little money, that will be my first purchase. Even though it is pointless now, I just HAD to work on my personal film projects. It was almost a compulsion. Hmmm... that reminds me. I think I should change my login info on my online accounts since my iPad has access to all my files.

  I betrayed my own convictions to forget about everything from the past few weeks, and move on, as I cued up one of Amber's albums on my iPod. I sat back and pulled up a word processor on my laptop, with a tear in my eye and an ache in my heart, then started a new screenplay that would never see the light of day. I snorted when I decided on what to write.

  All night, that envelope from Mandy Harris sat on the milk crate I was using as a table, mocking me. Hmmm, I'm going to need at least a chair and a bed in here. Maybe I'll use some of my limited funds at the thrift store Friday.

  I took a moment to look around. Well, this is my life now. Then I started writing like a woman possessed. The story seemed to flow out of me as I pictured the characters in my head. I didn't care that nobody would see this, I just had to write it, it was so different than everything else I had ever made.

  I don't even know when I had fallen asleep on the floor.

  Chapter 14 – Thanksgiving

  I woke up to my five o clock alarm. My laptop had gone into sleep mode to conserve battery. I hooked it up to the charger and unplugged my iPhone from its charger. I groaned. I better hurry, I had to open the Espresso Barn at six. I was quick to shower and get dressed including the uniform blouse for the Barn with my little Kylee name tag with a Tardis drawn behind my name. I grabbed my purse on the way out, stuffing Mandy's envelope in it.

  It was fairly busy for the first hour as everyone was heading to relatives for the holiday dinner. But then it was just trickle in customers. I was so bored by eleven that I was already doing all the closing prep. I'd just leave one espresso machine active. At eleven fifty I took a chance that there would be no more customers. I was cleaning the second machine and bringing the utensils to the back room to put in the commercial dishwasher when I heard the entry chime.

  Darn. I called out, “Be right there!” I heard a mumbled response.

  I washed my hands quickly and straightened my apron as I made my way back up front chiming, “What can I get for you today?”

  I passed to the front, nudged my glasses up the ridge of my nose, and stopped dead as a young smiling blonde teen with a shock of pink hair said, “How about an order of Auntie Kylee to go?” Her grin doubled at her own joke. Standing behind Sammie with similar evil grins were Skylar and Kimi Roth!

  I was still in shock and waited for my brain to re-route the circuit between my speech center and my mouth. Finally I broke out into a huge smile. “What are you guys doing here?”

  I ran around the counter and hugged each of them. Sammie playfully hung on and shook me side to side before releasing me.

  Kim cocked an eyebrow at me, her face may as well have been carved from stone, but it suddenly broke into a mirthful smile again. “Well, it seems that we are being used as messengers. We're supposed to get you to Terrace Ridge to see your mother by two o clock. Or Mandy Harris will... what was it Sky?”

  “End us. I believe that was the term she used, Flower,” Skylar said.

  Kim nodded. “Yes that was it, or Mandy Harris will end us. Soooo, we thought it would be prudent to do her bidding.”

  Sammie looked around. “So, it looks pretty bloody dead around here. When can we jailbreak you?”

  I shook my head. “Shouldn't you be having Thanksgiving with family and loved ones?”

  Skylar rolled her eyes, “That's what we are doing you silly bird, duh.”

  I blushed and looked at the women. “Well I was actually just finishing up the cleanup. We close at noon today. What is going on?”

  Kim cocked an eyebrow again. “Didn't you get Mandy's letter?”

  I looked at her blankly. “Oh... yes, I got something yesterday, it was sent here, but I was afraid to read it. It is in my purse now.”

  I looked around, it was a couple minutes early but I didn't think Millie would mind. “We can go now if you like.” They nodded and I brought the last of the implements back to the dishwasher and started it, then hung up my apron.

  The girls were waiting at the door, I shut off the lights and flipped on the 'closed' sign. We all bundled up except Kim, her light jacket was unzipped as we stepped out into the cold and I locked up.

  They all sort of looked at me as we stood there while I waited for them to lead the way to their car. It was a little awkward. Skylar finally spoke up, “Ummm... so, where's your car Kylee? It's getting bloody cold out here. We took a horrendously expensive cab here from the little airstrip in Spokane that Jane and Crystal dumped us at.”

  I blushed and looked away in shame, pushing my glasses up. “I... I had
to sell Baltar. For rent money. The guy ripped me off. I'm on foot now.”

  Kim's stoic expression changed suddenly to something that resembled rage as her eyes narrowed. I didn't miss Skylar's hand instinctively slipping into hers, instantly calming her. Kim shook her head. “That's not right. Something is going to have to be done about that.”

  She turned to me. “Well then, please lead the way to Terrace Ridge if you would be so kind 'Babette'. I'm quite fond of being NOT-ended.” It was like her anger never existed suddenly. She was so hard to get a read on, but I think I really liked that fact about her. Her unpredictability made her... predictable, if that makes any sense.

  As we walked and chatted, I noticed two things. One, they steered clear of the past two weeks in the conversation. And two, the cold didn't seem to affect Kim in the slightest. If anything she seemed to look a little uncomfortable in her coat, always shrugging and pulling at it like she was overheating.

  I caught myself in mid sentence a couple times about to ask about Amber, but I was too afraid about what they would say. They would all look at me with a strange expectant expression every time I did that.

  Before long we were walking up to the entrance at Terrace Ridge. When we entered, Wanda was there and seemed to be holding her breath in anticipation. “Oh good, you're here.” She didn't seem surprised nor phased at the presence of Satin Thunder.

  We unzipped our jackets and Wanda said, “She is in the rec room with the rest of the residents that are able.”

  I looked between her and the girls in confusion. Wanda covered her mouth. “Oh, you haven't told her. Sorry.” Skylar shot her a wink and Wanda led us into the recreation room. It was crowded with patients, their family members, and staff. There was a long table on one side with turkey sandwiches, drinks, and snacks. What was going on here?

  It wasn't a very good day for mom, she didn't recognize me. That always hurts the worst. You always hope that your connection is strong enough that your loved ones will remember, that damn disease takes that hope from you. But she always has a smile for me never the less. She likes to hold hands, I think for the human contact, giving her an anchor.

  I sat with her on the big couch that she favored, and Sammie sat on my other side with a plate of sandwiches for us and three cups of cola for us to share. Skylar smiled at mom and me. “We'll be just a moment. Wanda wrangled us into something.”

  Mom looked at me. “This is so exciting. It is Thanksgiving you know. I have a daughter, she may visit.”

  I smiled at her fondly. At least she knows she has a daughter. “That would be great mom.” I squeezed her hand.

  A minute later Kim and Skylar came out with a couple wireless microphones and an acoustic guitar. I could hear mild hissing on the intercom. This must be the Home's PA equipment. Wanda borrowed a microphone. “Could I get everyone's attention please?”

  There was some murmuring and everyone quieted down and turned toward her. She grinned. “We have a special treat today, to help us celebrate Thanksgiving. With some begging and pleading on my part, I got Skylar and Kimi Roth to agree to play a song or two for us. So please welcome, Satin Thunder.” Everyone clapped enthusiastically. I don't know why but I was as excited as I would have been at a live concert.

  Skylar, always the front woman for their band before they retired, took the lead. “Hi! How's everyone doing this afternoon?” There was some positive murmuring. She smiled. “Brill! Well I'm American only by marriage so I never celebrated Thanksgiving before I met my Flower, but we're bloody excited to be able to share the day with you all. Every single one of you is beautiful and unique in your own way, so with that in mind, we'd like to start out with Snowflakes.”

  She put the mic in the stand as Kimi started strumming a familiar tune. I should know, this has always been one of my favorites of theirs! Skylar started singing, and let me tell you, retirement has done nothing to dull the emotion her voice can magically evoke. She and Kim seemed to play with each other throughout the song and tinkered with the melody on the fly. Sky surrendered all the power notes to Kim.

  I've heard it said many times, that Skylar is the Satin and Kimi is the Thunder. This song punctuated that, and more. It was almost magical watching them together and how perfectly they meshed. It was amazing how fluidly Sky was dancing around on her artificial foot.

  I did a double take when a voice that sounded virtually identical to Skylar's joined in the song. My smile doubled as Sammie sang with her parents from the couch. I don't even think she realized she was doing it.

  I was impressed by the cheering at the end, especially because of the average age of the people here. There were smiles everywhere. Then they started singing Mirrored Souls. That was one of their later hits that became one of the most requested songs at weddings for years. You can feel Skylar's hand in that one, it is so emotional and full of love.

  They finished, staring into each others eyes, their faces inches away from each other. They whispered to each other, “I love you Flower.” “I love you Sky.” The applause was even louder.

  Then Skylar spoke into the mic, “Thanks for putting up with us today everyone. This was quite a pleasure.” There were more applause then Kim dragged Skylar over and pulled her down onto her lap on the arm of the couch. Sammie hopped up and ran to get them some drinks as Kim reached for a turkey sandwich.

  Kim suddenly smiled at us. “That was fun.”

  I grinned at her and Sky. “OMG, I still have goosebumps. You two are still beyond amazing.”

  Mom looked at them and tilted her head and spoke under her breath, “Are you two... a couple?” They nodded and mom fanned her face with a mischievous smile. “Oh my.” Then she looked around and whispered conspiratorially, “I think my Ky-Ky might be gay too.”

  I bumped her shoulder playfully. “Moooom. I came out to you in high school. And I'm bi.”

  She looked at me in confusion. “Kylee?” I nodded. Then she added, “You did?” I grabbed her hand and squeezed when I saw that familiar fear she got when she couldn't remember something. That seemed to relax her.

  I nodded. “You had a tough time with it at first, but you accepted it. I think you were afraid of how people would treat me.” I could see here trying to form the memories, but then she just surrendered and squeezed my hand back. She gave Sam a huge smile when she returned and handed her parents some cola.

  I turned to the Roths. “So, really, why are you here?”

  Kim shrugged. “We told you, we're here because Mandy threatened us with bodily harm if we didn't have you here by two pm and we are here for family. Sammie is convinced you are one of her endless supply of aunts... so, family. Thanksgiving, yay.”

  Sammie was comically nodding in agreement. Gawd she was cute, she was going to make someone a fine catch when she grows up.

  Skylar was scrunching up her face. “But no American Football right? You promised, Flower.”

  Kim shook her head and rolled her eyes. “No. No football Sky. That was just one time! I only made you watch a game one time because Seattle was playing. You're never going to let me live that down.” Skylar winked at her and everyone laughed.

  It was comical really, as we all chatted about various flowing topics, I would catch either one of the Roths or Wanda glancing up at the clock. What was really going on here? Then at five minutes to two Wanda got on the mic again, “Could I get everyone's attention please?” We all looked at her and she smiled at the room.

  She continued. “In honor of having Satin Thunder here with us today, we thought we'd give everyone a treat and share the special project they and other talented people have been working on this month. Today a new holiday album that benefits two local charities was released, and with that release, special music videos were made to help promote sales to farther the reach of the help that can be given to people in need.”

  I was getting nervous and shifted around in my seat. I saw where this was going as they lowered the movie screen at the far end of the room and the projector was s
tarting up with the music channel playing. I didn't want to be reminded of the project and the job I got kicked off of. It was too fresh, too painful. I stood quickly to escape only to be blocked by a semi circle of Roths, like they knew I'd try to bolt. Kim raised an eyebrow. “No you don't Kylee. Sit.” Sammie grabbed my hand and dragged me back down to the couch.

  Jimmy Blaine, the host of 'The Hit List' started announcing a special holiday treat. “With the release of the Callahan Foundation and the AWK's holiday benefit album with record sales that have already soared off the charts, we'd like to play a marathon of the music videos that had a simultaneous release. Available as digital downloads. Critics are raving over the compilations! So without farther ado, here's Rock the Angels!”

  The music started up as the camera was panning across the snowy valley. Tears were welling up in my eyes. I can't do this. I stood to bolt again but froze as a powerful, clear, and perfect voice rang out as the first soloist sang. I stopped my first stuttering step and my eyes snapped to the screen to see someone who had not stepped inside a recording booth since she retired, owned the screen, strutting trough the falling snow. Mandy Fay Harris was smiling as she sang that song of hope, just like in my presentation.

  I couldn't move. My eyes flicked from the screen to the smiling faces of the Roths, whose eyes were locked on me. The camera did a cross fade to the choir of all the artists I had come to know. I had heard the song many times on my iPad, but seeing it on the screen with the love and hope they all shared was emotional. The next soloist, a young, bald girl in a hospital gown holding on to her IV tree who looked sick and slightly bloated sang out in an angel's voice.

  I felt tears flowing down my cheeks as I watched the song progress, using every suggestion I had pitched. At the crescendo as the last power note of the choir was ringing out the camera went wide angle and Penny Franklin was there beside them, she arched her back and her trademark “Meeeooowwww!” punctuated the end of the number. Then the screen instantly cut to black with the song, album, and production company names displayed in the lower left corner.