Chapter 56
The remainder of that week, Kevin spent most of his time with Amber and Anna. They all went shopping for necessities, went to the park together, saw silent films together all while Levi was at work ending the day with all of them having dinner together which Anna always ensured was on the table right as Levi arrived home. One night after Levi had returned home and they'd all had dinner together, Kevin stayed up with Levi drinking coffee after Amber and Anna went to bed for the night. When it was just the two of them, they began making plans to do what Levi had been suggesting they do from the day Kevin arrived.
"I don't work on Saturday, so perhaps tomorrow night after I return from work, I can take you out to a Beer Hall at last."
"That sounds like a good idea. I've been looking forward to that."
"Perhaps before you have to leave, we can all go out together too. We can go to the Kabarett. We can have dinner and see a show. It'll be on us."
"I look forward to it," Kevin smiled. "I know I popped in on you guys unexpectedly, so I appreciate you going through all the trouble to entertain me."
Levi chuckled, "It's no trouble at all. We did technically invite you to Amber's Bat Mitzvah, so you certainly weren't showing up uninvited. Amber's enjoyed having you with us. It'll be a shame when you have to return home."
"I know," Kevin said sadly. "I don't know when I would be able to visit again after this." Kevin's expression dampened further. "It might be years again."
"At least you two can still write one another," Levi said. "If you ever do have the opportunity to visit again, you're always welcome to stay with us again."
They continued to talk for a while, but the word 'if' kept rattling around in Kevin's head. He thought about when would be the next time he would be able to come and it wasn't going to be any time soon. With that thought on his mind, he inevitably said he was tired and the two agreed it was time to go to bed for the night. They agreed that when Levi returned home the next day and they all ate dinner, he and Kevin would walk to a beer hall near them and have some beer. Levi walked ahead of Kevin on the stairs and they said goodnight to one another before Levi stepped into his room where Anna was already in bed appearing sound asleep and closed the door. Kevin glanced at Amber's room for which the door was slightly open and walked over. He glanced inside and saw that she was still reading. She'd started with Sense and Sensibility and appeared to already be halfway through. Kevin gently tapped on the door and Amber looked over and smiled.
"You can come in," she said, putting a little piece of torn paper in the book to mark her place before closing it and sitting up in her bed.
"What are still doing up?" Kevin smiled after stepping inside. "It's late."
"I know, but I got engrossed. Mr. Willoughby had left Margaret so suddenly and now they're all on their way to London. I want to know if they see each other again."
"The outcome will still be in the book tomorrow night," Kevin teased.
"I know, but I want to know now."
Kevin chuckled and sat on Amber's bed beside her, "I guess I could just tell you what happens."
"Don't you dare!" Amber smiled while crossing her arms. "I want to read what happens."
"Alright, I won't say a word. Do you want Margaret to end up with Mr. Willoughby?"
"I'm not sure," Amber said. "I know Colonel Brandon loves her, but he's so old."
"He's only 30," Kevin chuckled.
"Yes, and Margaret's, what, 16? That's gross."
"I've got news for you, Amber, that's a lot more common even today than you seem to think," Kevin chuckled. "I've told you my mom is about 22 years older than my dad, right? By the time they got married, I think my dad had just turned either 18 or 19 and my mom was 41."
"That's different," Amber protested. "Your mom's not really human, so age doesn't matter."
"Is that so?" Kevin chuckled. "Alright, if you insist. Do you think Miss Dashwood and Mr. Ferrars will end up together?"
"They can't, though. He loves Miss Steele doesn't he?"
"It does appear so," Kevin nodded. "I suppose they won't."
"Well, do they or don't they?" Amber asked impatiently.
"I thought you didn't want me to spoil it," Kevin chuckled and Amber sighed.
"Fine. Not another word, then," Amber grumbled. "I have some more reading to do, so you can go to bed."
"You need to go to bed too, Amber. It's 10 at night."
"So? You're usually up all hours of the night anyway. I know you've snuck out of the house in the middle of the night once or twice. I overheard you leave," Amber teased. "What are you doing anyway?"
"Just going to the woods to shift for a bit," Kevin answered. "When we're in our wolf forms, myself and the pack can hear one another. It's just my way of letting them know everything's alright. I promise, I always come right back as soon as I've talked to my dad, brother and Embry. Junior and Senior."
"When I have kids, I'll never name my son after his father," Amber said. "It gets too confusing."
"It does," Kevin chuckled. "There is a reason Embry's named after his dad, though. Embry's actually Caevia's 6th child."
"I thought he was the oldest of 11."
"He is, but before Caevia was with us, she had a rough life with her tribe in the desert. She had lost five children for varied reasons until she was sold, passed around until she ended up with my mother and her family and then with Embry Sr. at our tribe. My friend Embry was the first child she ever got to hold in her arms let alone that lived. Embry Sr. had given her a life she never thought she'd have, so she decided she wanted to name her first son after the man that made all this possible."
"That's very sweet," Amber smiled. "In that case, I think it was a good choice."
"I agree," Kevin smiled.
"What made you come up with Amber?" Amber asked suddenly.
"For your name?" Kevin asked and Amber nodded. "Your hair," he answered bluntly. "It reminded me of the hardened tree sap that's a golden color. I thought it suited you. Besides, I didn't know what your mother's name was. I know now it was Charlotte, but I didn't know that at the time. I don't think Charlotte suits you anyway."
"Why not?" Amber asked.
"I don't know," Kevin shrugged. "When I think of a Charlotte, I think of a dreamer with her head in the clouds wearing her finest pearls while dancing around a penthouse in New York with her rich husband. I never saw you like that."
"You don't think I'm a dreamer?"
Kevin chuckled, "Not one that wears her finest pearls while dancing around a penthouse. I think of you more as a survivor. Someone that beat the odds and came out stronger for it. Like amber. It starts soft when its released from the trees, but sometimes, against all odds, it hardens and takes a piece of history with it."
"Do you mean that or did you just make that up?" Amber asked, blushing a little.
"I mean that," Kevin smiled. "I might have found you, but you survived by yourself. That's not a Charlotte. That's an Amber." Kevin glanced at Amber and noticed she was beet red and staring at the book.
"That's very nice of you to say," Amber finally replied, appearing extremely bashful.
"And I mean every word," Kevin replied. "Now get to bed." Amber simply nodded and placed the book on her nightstand.
They said goodnight to one another and Kevin left to go to his own room for the night. Amber blushed a little while longer, feeling touched by Kevin's words. They even instilled her with a fresh new sense of confidence. However, when she heard Kevin go to his room, she grabbed for the book and proceeded to read on, the moon her only source of light. She read further until he was made known that Mr. Willoughby had not only left Margaret, but had left her for another woman with money. She put the book back down, sad about the new development, and went to bed. The next morning, she ended up waking early, overhearing her mother downstairs making breakfast. She remembered her saying she wanted to make something special this morning. Mushroom tarts if she remembered correctly. Levi loved them and, having heard about them and loving mushrooms himself, Kevin requested them one day while he was visiting. Amber disliked most food, but especially mushrooms. They were mushy in her opinion as the name implied. She got dressed and walked out of her room glancing at Kevin's room. The door was slightly open, so Amber walked over and gently knocked. She didn't receive an answer. She glanced inside and saw that Kevin was still asleep. He was rested on his side with the pillow between his head and arm. The blanket was only up to his hips, so Amber noticed Kevin was shirtless and she blushed a little.
It was a strange feeling when it occurred. Eventually, she rationalized that she only blushed because she'd simply caught Kevin in a compromising position and felt bad for doing so. Then she gently opened the door and walked over to the bed, Kevin sleeping the whole time. She was about to place her hand on his shoulder and wake him for breakfast, but decided it would be rude and left, allowing him to sleep. Amber went downstairs as Anna was putting the tarts in the oven. When she saw Amber come downstairs, she seemed to sigh a breath of relief.
"Oh, good, you're awake. Amber, do me a favor and go to the shop for some bagels. They should be open now. Just take my purse. There should be enough money."
"By myself?" Amber asked, a little surprised.
"You're right," Anna said suddenly as if realizing she'd said something stupid. "Never mind, I'll go. You can keep an eye on the tarts."
"It's alright, I don't mind going," Amber was quick to say. "It's just you've never let me go out by myself before."
"And I'll not now," Anna said in a grumble. "What with all your father's been talking about, I'll not have you on the streets by yourself."
"Talking about?" Amber asked.
"It's nothing, dear. Just political factions. Seems there's one rather vocally anti-Semitic group that's been gaining popularity among the drunks. They seem to be pestering the communists more than anything right now, but I'll not have you walking around without me or your father."
"Maybe I should go with you," Amber said.
"No, honey, one of us needs to make sure the tarts don't burn. I'm sure it's just your father exaggerating the conviction of a bunch of drunks at a beer hall." Anna grabbed her purse, gave Amber a kiss on the cheek and left the house to go to the shop for bagels. Amber stayed in the kitchen and waited for the little timer Anna had set to go off. Once it did, she removed the tarts from the oven and delicately removed them from the tray and placed them on the plate. She heard Levin come down the steps just as Anna had returned with a bag of bagels. "Oh, good, they're done," Anna said.
"Just out of the oven," Amber answered.
"They smell delicious, Anna," Levi said and the two kissed as she walked past him into the kitchen.
"I'll start some coffee for us and get the table set. Amber, go ahead and check on Kevin. Silly boy seems to sleep like a log," Anna teased.
Amber nodded and went upstairs to the guest room. Kevin was still asleep when she checked and she let herself into his room. He was just as she'd left him and it made her smile just a little. Amber placed her hand on Kevin's shoulder, blushing a little but she ignored it, and gently rocked him back and forth.
"Kevin," Amber said. "Breakfast is ready." Kevin mumbled a little in English before he rolled onto his back and opened his eyes.
"What time is it?" Kevin asked, speaking German again.
"It was 7 last I looked at the clock," Amber said. "Mom made mushroom tarts and got some bagels. They're ready downstairs."
"I love mushrooms," Kevin smiled and sat up. "I'll get dressed and be down in a moment."
Amber smiled and walked out of the room returning downstairs to relay the news to Anna and Levi. Kevin was downstairs five minutes later and they all sat together to eat breakfast. Kevin and Levi confirmed they would be going to a beer hall after Levi returned from work and they had dinner. Amber glanced at Anna, who seemed less than pleased with the idea even if she wasn't saying anything.
"What's the matter, Amber?" Kevin asked, realizing Amber was staring at Anna, concerned.
"Nothing," Amber said, but she looked at Anna again, who sighed.
"I told her there were some drunks at a beer hall that were anti-Semitic. Remember, dear? The ones you were telling me about?"
"You mean the National Socialists?" Levi answered, then shook his head. "We aren't going to that one, Anna, I assure you. What had even brought that up?"
"I realized I'd forgotten to buy bagels and I was about to ask Amber to get some but-"
"Absolutely not," Levi interrupted. "I'll not have her out by herself with those thugs about."
"Thugs?" Kevin asked.
"Yes," Levi sighed. "Since the fall of the monarchy, we've had our fair share of political groups popping up all over the place. The National Socialists are one of them. I've heard friends call them Nazis. Regardless of what they call themselves, they have nothing productive to say. Only a loud mouth Austrian that spouts their ideas so the back of the room can hear. And now they have a handful of goons they toss around to get into fights with communists when they see them."
"How do you know he's Austrian?" Kevin asked.
"His accent," Levi answered.
"Oh, right," Kevin answered. "You've heard him speak?"
"I did one time," Levi said bitterly. "A colleague of mine asked me to join him for a drink and the man was speaking at that beer hall. I don't think we remained for five minutes once the man started yelling. That's all he does is yell."
"What's his name?" Kevin asked.
"Hitler as I recall," Levi said.
"You're sure they're just confined to that beer hall?"
"I've not heard of them spreading anywhere else," Levi said. "All I know is he gives speeches to feed the egos of the desperate that want to blame anyone possible for the loss Germany suffered during the war."
"So they take issue with the Treaty of Versailles? Hell, who hasn't taken issue with that? Damn thing was nothing short of petty and unfair." Kevin asked.
"It's not the damn treaty they take issue with. They're trying to claim the loss of the war was the fault of the Jews, ignorant sons of-"
"Levi," Anna interrupted sternly. "Please, not at the table or in front of Amber."
"I'm sorry," Levi sighed. "I need to get to work." Levi stood from the table, leaving a portion of his breakfast untouched. He'd lost his appetite following the conversation. Anna ran to get Levi's lunch and met him at the door. The two shared a moment where Anna asked Levi to breath and calm down. Levi agreed, the two kissed goodbye and Levi left for the day.
"I'm sorry," Amber said. "I didn't mean to bring that up."
"It's not your fault, Amber," Anna said, patting Amber's head. "You didn't bring it up, I did. I am sorry about that, Kevin. You're here to enjoy Germany and here we are talking about our problems."
"No need, Anna, I understand," Kevin said. "I can complain about my problems if it will even things out."
Anna finally giggled and sat at the table. "Yes, please do. It may reassure me that things aren't quite so bad."
"We have our own hate groups in the states," Kevin said. "They're hatred, as far as I'm aware, is a little more broad."
"How so?"
"I want to say the most prominent group calls themselves the Ku Klux Klan. Supposedly, the name comes from the Greek work Kyklos, which roughly translated means 'circle' I believe. They hate Blacks, Jews, Native Americans, Catholics, Italians, I'm sure they hate the Irish and Scottish too."
"That's dreadful," Anna said.
"It's an unfortunate consequence of forcing the south to relinquish slave ownership. That's not to say the practice was at all good, but it's not a stretch to think these people would need to vent their anger on someone. Though Blacks tend to be their main focus from what I'm told."
"So is it a group that's only in the south?" Amber asked.
"Mostly," Kevin said. "It'd be naïve of me to assume it's only in the south. I'm sure there's a group right in Connecticut, but it's far more a southern sentiment given the recent history. The north's economy grew to be based largely on factories and the backs of underpaid immigrants. The north didn't grow to 'accept' blacks as citizens so much as the need for slavery became obsolete and enough people said 'maybe owning another person isn't right'. Though, believe me, the north is hardly innocent in any of this. The south abuses the black community, the north abuses the immigrant community."
"And here I'd always thought America was the land of opportunity," Anna said pessimistically.
"It is," Kevin defended. "You just need to know what hoops to jump through and how to do it. In my case, I saved two of my commanding officers from certain death and they were indebted to me. Truthfully, were it not for that, I would have been sent home after the war with nothing to show for it except jumping when I hear someone close a window or any loud noise."
"Well, thank God you did save those men," Anna said. "I suspect Native Americans are not treated well in your country?"
Kevin huffed a cynical laugh, "No. My tribe got lucky thanks to my mother and her family. The rest of the tribes? Not so much."
"Maybe you can make some changes," Amber offered. "You're getting a degree in law. You can do something with that."
"I plan to," Kevin smiled and rested his hand on Amber's shoulder a moment. "Even if all I can do is defend my tribe to the death in court should it come to that, I will."
"How much longer before you obtain certification?" Anna asked.
"Another two years," Kevin answered. "I'm going to stay in Connecticut with Kyle while he finishes his schooling."
"Medicine, right?" Anna asked.
"Yes, he's going to be studying medicine."
"Another excellent profession," Anna praised. "Hopefully, once you've finished with school and are working, you can start looking for a wife."
Kevin chuckled, desperate to avoid an awkward silence that would otherwise be there. "We'll see," was all he said.
"You can enjoy being a bachelor for now, Kevin," Anna teased. "But you'd best get yourself settled down with a nice girl. Such a handsome thing like yourself won't remain single for long. Why, I'm sure you've already got dozens of young ladies lined out the door ready to marry you should you only ask."
"If I do, I've not noticed them," Kevin said.
"Oh dear," Anna giggled. "Being oblivious is a man's worst enemy."
"It wouldn't be obliviousness," Kevin smiled. "I just wouldn't want to marry them."
"Goodness," Anna said. "I'd be intrigued to meet the young lady that would win your heart."
It took everything in Kevin not to look at Amber. It wasn't appropriate or even relevant at the moment. "All I know is she had better know how to make these tarts. These are delicious, Anna."
"Let me know when an eligible young lady has made an impression and I'll be sure to send the recipe with Amber's letter."
"Unless she speaks German, I'll be sure to translate it," Kevin chuckled. Anna and Kevin shared a laugh while Amber sat at the table suddenly really uncomfortable for a reason she couldn't quite pin down. "So how far did you get with Sense and Sensibility after I went to bed?" Kevin asked Amber.
"What?" Amber asked, having not been paying attention.
"How far are you in Sense and Sensibility?" Kevin repeated.
"Oh," Amber said. "Mr. Willoughby was engaged to another woman for money and Margaret didn't take it well. They were on their way to someone's home when I'd put the book down."
Kevin chuckled, "Yeah. Poor Margaret."
"Does she at least get an explanation as to why?"
"Of course," Kevin answered. "It's not a redeeming reason, but it's a reason. I'll not say another word unless you want me to spoil it for you."
"No, I'll wait," Amber said.
That day, Kevin joined Amber and Anna at the Synagogue helping set things up for a young man's Bar Mitzvah that would be that coming Saturday. The boy had decided he wanted the event to be a very strict 'family only' event save for two of his friends, so the Dymeks would not be in attendance, but they had agreed to help the boy's mother get set up and Anna had even agreed to help make some food for the event that she would prepare tomorrow and bring to the Synagogue before noon. After decorating, the group went to a little shop to have lunch before Kevin, Amber and Anna returned home. Later that night, Levi returned home and was in a far better mood than this morning. They all sat down to dinner together before Kevin and Levi left, promising they wouldn't be out too long. There were still some people out at that hour, mostly couples it seemed. Kevin also saw large groups of men appearing to go in one direction, but he and Levi ignored them. They finally arrived at a little beer hall closer to the bank where Levi worked and when they stepped inside, Levi smiled.
"Oh, good," he said. "Arnold's here."
"A co-worker of yours?" Kevin asked.
"Yes," Levi answered. "He's a fellow accountant. He fought in the war, actually."
"You didn't fight, am I right?" Kevin asked.
"No, I didn't," Levi said. "I was not drafted due to my job. Arnold on the other had was still young when the war began. He was 19 and old enough to fight, so he was sent to the Eastern front." Levi and Kevin approached the table where Arnold sat and when he noticed Levi, he smiled and stood to greet him.
"There you are," Arnold said. "I ordered a few drinks. They should get here soon. You must be Kevin Black." Arnold extended his hand to Kevin and the two shook warmly and Kevin smiled.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Arnold, correct?"
"Arnold Leitz," Arnold nodded and they all sat down just as three drinks were brought out. "I've heard quite a bit about you in recent days. You're the American that saved Amber back in France are you not?"
"I found her in the village when Chateau Thierry was set upon and I brought her to a Synagogue for safety. Levi and Anna were kind enough to adopt Amber."
"So you're Jewish?"
"No, I'm Catholic," Kevin answered, though in truth he really was Catholic in name only. "I had seen her mother standing outside the Synagogue and when I found Amber and realized where I'd seen her mother from, the Synagogue seemed like the right place to take her. Are you Jewish?"
"My father is," Arnold answered. "I was raised within the Jewish faith, though my mother preferred to keep me within Protestant alignment I suppose you could say."
Kevin chuckled, "Sounds similar to how my siblings and I were raised. We were Catholic by my mother, but we were raised more towards spiritual understanding of the world around us."
"I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that," Arnold chuckled as well.
"My father is Native American," Kevin clarified. "Our people believe that natural spirits live among us and join us in everyday life. They're called Tricksters rather than gods. Sometimes they're good or bad and in other cases it just depends on the story."
"Interesting," Arnold said. "Do these Tricksters have names and special jobs?"
"Names, yes, special jobs, not exactly. They have traits that make them prone to certain actions but we don't have a 'sun god' or a 'earth god' like what you might imagine ancient Egyptian or Greco-Roman gods to be like. They do what they want and sometimes it's a positive, negative, or ineffectual contribution."
"So 'God' is a very strong term for them?"
"It's an exaggeration of what they are, yes," Kevin smiled. "'Influential Figures' might be closer to the truth. I am baptized as a Catholic, though."
"No harm in splashing water on a baby's face I suppose," Arnold said and they all shared a laugh. "So tell me, Kevin, you rose to a rank of Sergeant did you not? At a young age no less, or so I've been told."
"I was a Sergeant at 15," Kevin answered.
"15? What in the hell were you doing at war to begin with at such a young age?"
"I wanted to make more of myself and when America joined the war, I saw it as a chance to do just that. I befriended a man named Sergeant Stanley who I'm still good friends with even now. He embraced me a little like a son I guess you could say. Then during a particularly long battle with the Germans, I saved his and his nephew's lives. I was promoted to Sergeant and given a Medal of Honor for my bravery. When I returned home, Lieutenant McCarthy had made arrangements with his father who happened to be a Dean at Yale University and earned myself a spot at the school to study law."
"Sounds like the American Dream if I ever did hear it," Arnold smiled. "Things are going well in America I hear."
"Financially, yes," Kevin nodded. "We're having a bit of a boom. My 'rags to riches' story is becoming more mainstream and women are starting to cut their hair short, wear more makeup. I hear they're called 'flappers'," Kevin chuckled. "Also, as of June 4, 1919, women can vote in the United States. It's a big step in the right direction."
"Yes, it's the same here," Levi nodded. "Some good certainly came after the war. Now if only the economy would improve."
"We can't all have a nice little post war boom like the United States," Arnold sighed. "Things will get better, though. We just need to be patient."
"I suppose that's all we can do," Levi said. "But then, it's easy to 'be patient' in our positions."
"I suppose it is," Arnold agreed. "Your Synagogue raises money for the poor does it not?"
"We do," Levi nodded. "We're never given a word of thanks from the charity that accepts the donations, but we do."
"Don't let it bother you, Levi," Arnold said. "It's post-war and we're demoralized. It's only natural people would be upset at anything there is to be upset about. It will pass."
"I hope you're right about that," Levi answered. "Also, Kevin, I didn't get a chance to apologize to you about this morning."
"Nothing to apologize for," Kevin assured. "I understand how you feel, I really do. Frankly, if I looked like my dad the way my little brother Nathan does, I can't imagine the obstacles I'd run into. Sometimes, I can just pass for white and I don't hear a word of complaint unless someone I've met knows I'm half Native American."
"'Passing'," Arnold repeated the word. "Is that common?"
"A lot more common than you might think. Because of our mother, my little brother Kyle and I don't look at all Native American. If we don't say anything, no one assumes it. I know of a few people that are black, but they're so fair skinned that they just pass as white. They just have black hair and fair enough skin that they can just argue they're of Southern European decent."
"American's used to own blacks as slaves did the not?"
"Yes, 'used to' being the operative statement. Blacks were released from captivity following the Civil War. It wasn't without a great deal of resistance, even to this day, though."
"I can imagine," Arnold said. "How old are you now, Kevin?"
"I'm 18 this year," Kevin answered.
"Is it safe to assume you're the youngest student at the university?"
"One of," Kevin answered. "Most of the men I attend school with are in their late twenties or thirties. Hell, most of them are married."
"You have time," Levi said. "Don't let Anna tease you so much. You're young. Besides, what would you be able to offer a young woman right now? It's best to wait until you've established yourself and have a good job. That's what pays the bills and for the children."
"I don't imagine I'll be married for a while," Kevin answered.
"Oh, that's no way to look at it," Arnold said. "I'm sure there are plenty of nice young ladies among your people that will gladly marry you once you've returned home."
"I suppose," Kevin answered and shrugged.
"Your father is chief isn't he?" Levi asked.
"Not yet," Kevin shook his head. "My grandpa is still chief. My father won't take over until my grandpa passes away. We're hoping that won't be for a very long time. We just lost my uncle not long ago and we'd rather not have another death for a long time."
"I'm terribly sorry," Arnold said. "How old is your grandfather?"
"I haven't the vaguest idea," Kevin smiled. "If I had to guess, I know my father is 37 roughly. My aunt Rebecca and Rachael are at least five or six years older than him if I remember correctly. I know my grandpa and grandma were really young when they married. So if I were to assume they were 18, that would put his age around 61 or so. That is, of course, an estimation. I don't know how close I came."
"Would you know how long he was chief?" Arnold asked.
"Dad guesses that his grandpa died when he was about 13, give or take. So that would mean my grandpa has been chief for about 27 years. It's not the longest reigning chief we've ever had, but then, our longest reigning chief ruled for over 100 years with three wives throughout his life and at least 30 children between all of them. Or so the stories go."
"A 100 year rule?" Arnold chuckled. "Had the man located the fountain of youth?"
"Of course not," Kevin chuckled a little awkwardly. "He was just in remarkably good health I'm sure. Besides, it's almost certainly exaggerated just a little," Kevin said.
"I'm sure," Arnold chuckled again. "Don't feel bad, young man. I'm sure most of our stories are highly exaggerated too. But then, exaggeration makes the story better."
"Indeed it does," Kevin smiled. "I would argue, though, that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction."
"Of course," Levi agreed.
"So how have you enjoyed Germany, Kevin?" Arnold asked. "It must be more enjoyable to look at without a Gatling gun staring you in the face."
Kevin laughed, "Far more pleasant to look at without the Gatling guns."
"And how did you learn to speak German so well? Save for that accent of yours."
"A friend of mine," Kevin answered. "His family was cousin to the Archduke Ferdinand and he grew up in Austria. He's been attending Yale since before the war."
"That explains it," Arnold teased.
"In his defense, it's improved since he arrived," Levi smiled. "Besides, when my wife and I first met him, he only spoke French."
"It's a language," Arnold chuckled. "So how long are you staying?"
"Another week," Kevin answered. "Then I'll have to return home."
"Don't want to go home, do you?" Arnold teased. "Yes, I can see Germany's made quite the impression on you."
"It certainly has," Kevin answered knowingly and drank the last of his beer.
"Let's refill these shall we?" Levi chuckled and called over a waiter asking for three more beers, his thumb, index and middle finger indicating the requested number.
Not wanting to discuss having to leave just yet, Kevin swerved the conversation to work and listened to Arnold and Levi talk about the bank for 2 hours. That and Kevin's schooling. By the time they finally left, Levi was sober enough to stand, but was wobbling. Arnold was in a similar state with Kevin being barely in better condition. However, seeing as he was the most sober of the three of them, he helped walk Arnold home where his wife had been waiting and had fallen asleep in the chair downstairs with a toddler resting in a little bassinette. Levi joked he'd 'get it in the morning' and walked away from the house with Kevin's assistance. As they walked, Levi started to sing the German national anthem and proceeded to teach it to Kevin. By the time they got back to the house, Kevin and Levi were laughing and singing the anthem together, Kevin singing as if he'd known the song all his life. Had they not been about to enter the house undoubtedly filled with sleeping people, Kevin would've started teaching Levi The Star Spangled Banner. They could always save that for another day. Kevin warned Levi that they were entering the house, so Levi stopped singing and opened the door.
"That was a lot of fun, Levi," Kevin barely managed. He was too drunk to remember all his German and anything he couldn't remember was replaced with French. Levi started laughing.
"I'm too drunk to speak any French, Kevin," Levi chuckled. "I'll talk to you in the morning. In whatever language you want."
Kevin laughed, "Good night, Levi."
Levi mumbled a goodnight back to Kevin as he walked up the stairs to his room and closed the door, presumably plopping right into bed in his clothes. Kevin meandered upstairs and made his way straight to the guest room. He absentmindedly pushed the door behind him and was about to take off his shirt for bed when he heard the door stopped with a mild thud. Kevin looked behind him and saw Amber, apparently fighting not to laugh.
"Sounds like you and daddy had fun," she said.
"We did," Kevin smiled back and sat on the bed. "What are you doing up this late?"
"Reading," Amber answered. "And waiting for you and daddy to get home. Mom said she'd be staying up too until you got back. We just wanted to make sure you both got home safe."
"Well, we're alright," Kevin chuckled. "We dropped his friend off home and Levi taught me the national anthem while we walked back. I'll have to teach him an American anthem later."
"You can always teach me one," Amber said, sitting next to Kevin on the bed. "I'm always happy to learn a new song."
"It's too late for that, Amber. You need to go to bed."
"I'm not the one that's drunk," Amber teased. "How many beers did you have?"
"Too many," Kevin laughed. "Far too many. I somehow managed to get us home while the world kept spinning."
"I'd feel terrible for you, but you brought it on yourself."
"Indeed we did," Kevin smiled. Then he plopped back onto the bed, his eyes closed, and started to sing.
O say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
"You're not a very good singer when you're drunk," Amber said bluntly when Kevin was done.
"I'm not a good singer when I'm sober," Kevin said in English.
"I don't speak English, Kevin, I need to you to repeat in German. I'll also accept French."
"How about half and half," Kevin said, speaking in a strange combination of French and German. He stuck with German grammar, but the sentence came out strange to say the least.
"One or the other," Amber said sternly yet unable to help but smile.
"French, then," Kevin said in French. Amber giggled and leaned down to hug Kevin.
"I'll just let you get to bed," Amber replied back in French. She gave Kevin a kiss on the cheek and sat up to leave. "Goodnight, Kevin."
"Night," Kevin mumbled and just closed his eyes. He was asleep in seconds and Amber giggled again before leaving Kevin's room to return to her own. The following morning, Kevin awoke with a throbbing headache the likes of which a good smelling breakfast couldn't even get him out of bed. He stayed in bed until he heard the door to the room open.
"Morning," Amber said in German. "Is German alright, or do I need to continue in French?"
"German's fine," Kevin groaned and sat up. He looked down and realized he was still in his clothes from the day before.
"You are planning to bathe right?" Amber asked.
"Yes, mom," Kevin attempted to tease, but his headache was preventing humor in his voice.
"I'll get a peppermint bath ready for you," Amber said. "Peppermint's supposed to help with headaches."
"Thanks," Kevin answered as Amber left the room to start that bath for Kevin.
Levi received much the same teasing from Anna that morning. Levi could barely stand to drink a cup of coffee and insisted he stay in bed and sleep off his hangover. Kevin felt better after his peppermint bath, but the strange tingling all over from the oil had him feeling strange. Wanting to avoid light and noise as much as possible for the remainder of the morning, Kevin stayed with Amber while she painted a basket of kittens one of Anna's friends had requested.
"I finished Sense and Sensibility," Amber said, quieter than she normally would.
"What did you think?" Kevin asked.
"I loved it," Amber smiled. "I didn't think I would be, but I'm glad Margaret married Colonel Brandon and I'm glad Elinor and Edward ended up together."
"Which one are you going to read next?"
"Which do you think I should ready next?"
"Persuasion," Kevin answered. "It's shorter. It has very little dialogue compared to her other novels, but it's good."
"I'll read that then," Amber said. "Actually, do you suppose we could read it together?" Amber asked.
"I thought you were too old for bedtime stories," Kevin teased.
"I figured I could read it to you," Amber said.
"I suppose that might be nice," Kevin said. "But I already know what happens."
"Well, I don't, so not a word out of you. I'm looking forward to reading it."
Kevin chuckled, "I'll not say a thing." Kevin opened his eyes, having been near napping in a chair with his head in his hand. The background of the painting was completely done with Amber working on flowers surrounding figures that weren't painted it. "Do you always started like that?"
"Yes," Amber said. "I always start from the back and work my way to the front. It ensures the fewest mistakes. And fur's really hard to do, so I'm saving that for last."
"What color are the kittens?"
"I think it's called 'calico'. It's mostly white with splotches of black and brown."
"That sounds cute," Kevin said.
"Are you sure you don't want a painting?"
"I'm sure, Amber," Kevin smiled. "Not unless you'll let me pay for it."
"No painting, then," Amber giggled. "Though I suppose I could make it for you and send it to you through mail. You can't very well pay for it that way."
"So we're playing that game, are we?" Kevin chuckled, ignoring the pain in his head. "I suppose I could always send you a gift back."
"I'll agree to that," Amber answered. "In that case, I'll make you a painting before you have to leave and you can buy me a nice present as 'payment'." Amber freed her right hand and extended it. "Deal?"
Kevin accepted her hand and they shook, "Deal."
"Pleasure doing business with you, Sgt. Black," Amber smiled and returned to painting. "So what would you like?"
"I love it no matter what you paint," Kevin said.
"Well, that's not very helpful," Amber said. "What does your house look like?" With a smile, Kevin pushed the image of his home into Amber's mind. "Make that two paintings for two gifts. You need more color."
Kevin chuckled, "It's not that bad."
"I can tell you live alone. I'll leave it at that," Amber teased. "I can only help Kyle has a better sense a style."
"I guarantee you he doesn't," Kevin chuckled. "So what kind of gifts do you want?"
"I'll love whatever you give me," Amber smiled.
"Well, that's not very helpful," Kevin threw back with a smile.
Kevin and Amber both started laughing while Amber returned to her painting. By the following day, both Kevin and Levi were in far better health. Their headaches are gone away and they were finally back to normal, just in time for Kevin to go with them to the Synagogue for a service. He couldn't say he'd been to a Catholic Sunday service in his life much less a Jewish service, so he was looking forward to the new experience. The Synagogue was still largely dolled up from the Bar Mitzvah the day before. Some of the service was in German, but any and all readings of the Torah were entirely in Hebrew. Following the completion of the service, Kevin requested permission from Anna and Levi to take Anna to a store so she could pick out her gifts in exchange for the paintings, promising they would return in less than two hours. They agreed and Anna promised lunch would be ready by the time they returned. Amber led Kevin to the shop ready to ask for more soap. Kevin did buy her soap, but insisted that wasn't a 'gift' and that they would need to keep looking for something else. Eventually, Kevin was able to buy Amber a new dress and a pair of shoes that she liked, affirming that in fact qualified as a gift. Once they returned to Amber's house, Amber showed off the dress and shoes Kevin had bought her and then got to work on his paintings. Sadly, Kevin would need to make his gifts from that day the last thing he spent a lot of money on. He was getting to the end of his funds and he still needed to buy train and boat tickets to get back home.
Back home, Kyle had started acclimating himself to the new location and to the school. Kevin had given him a tour at least twice, but he wanted the chance to walk around by himself. He encountered two people that were, evidently, classmates of Kevin and instantly could tell Kyle was his little brother. He spoke to them for a bit and they even took him with them to a bar they knew the password for. That aside, he had a chance to meet Sgt. Stanley while Kevin was away. Evidently, he'd forgotten Kevin was gone and had come to visit. Thankfully, Kyle was there to entertain the man. It was nice to make a new friend, especially since Kyle was already getting just a little homesick. Renesmee had told Kevin and Kyle that, as soon as they were able, she expected a picture of the two of them together at the university so she could add it to the house's growing collection of family photos. Edward had even made arrangements to have a phone installed in the house so it would be easier for them all to talk. During their summer visit, the Cullens began the project of ensuring each home in the tribe had a phone. Phones were even installed in the General Store and Hailey's and Leah's house. It was something, however, the kids had little interest in. That summer, Embry and Caevia also had a serious talk. Caevia had just put the baby and youngest children to bed for the night and was getting ready to go to bed while Embry was preparing to leave.
"Embry," Caevia said before he could leave.
"Yeah? Is everything alright?"
"Everything's fine," Caevia said. "I just think I want Zephyr to be our last child."
"Oh," Embry said. He walked over to Caevia and sat on the bed beside her. "Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes," Caevia smiled. "I think 11 is plenty, don't you?"
"I'm happy to have as many as you want," Embry said. "But I'm happy to stop too. Do you want me to talk to Carlisle in the morning?"
"Yes," Caevia nodded. "Best to get it done while they're visiting. Unless you would prefer I have a surgery."
"No, I'll do it," Embry said. "When Jacob had it done, he was good as new before the end of the day. I'll be alright." Embry leaned over and gave her a kiss. "First thing in the morning, I'll go to the Cullen house and get the surgery. I'll be home before midday."
"Thank you, Embry. Not just for this but for the family you gave me. I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Neither would I," Embry smiled and they kissed again. When Embry Sr. finally got out and was a wolf, Embry junior pouted and feigned sadness.
Oh, he protested, I was hoping for at least ten more brothers and sisters. Everyone had a quick laugh at Embry Sr.'s expense, Embry Sr. of course laughed with them, and they continued their night as usual.
As promised, the very next morning after patrol, Embry went to the Cullen house where Carlisle had been informed minutes prior of Embry Sr.'s arrival and what he was there for. Carlisle inevitably teased him, asking if he was positive that he and Caevia didn't want to have eleven more children for good measure. Embry laughed, agreed the eleven they had was enough, and he breathed in the chloroform to go to sleep. By the time he woke up, it was all over and it was as though nothing had happened. Carlisle explained the requirements: masturbate a minimum ten times and in a month's time, he would perform a test to confirm Embry was sterile. It was late morning by the time Embry left and went he returned, Caevia was sitting with Charlene on hers and Seth's patio while Seth was playing with Uileila at the beach. Peta, Gaeli, the twins and Aiya were all playing on the beach too. Zephyr was sound asleep on a little blanket at Caevia's feet. Renesmee stepped outside followed by Jacob, Quil, Claire holding Izzy, and Henry walking beside Claire holding onto her dress while Claire held coffee cups. They were all seated by the time Embry reached them and he stepped onto the porch, sat beside Caevia and gave her a kiss.
"I just got back from the Cullens," Embry said.
"How are you feeling?" Caevia smiled.
"Like nothing happened," he answered.
News of the sterilization spread amongst everyone quickly. Aidetzi heard about it from Embry that morning while the two of them walked into town together. Embry was going to work and Aidetzi would be visiting Bernadette. They'd agreed to meet at the General Store and would go about town from there. Hailey was already at the shop by the time they arrived and Jae was already there helping out, despite still not being tall enough to work.
"Did you spend the night here or something?" Embry asked when they got to the shop and he saw Jae getting some inventory organized.
"No, I just woke up early," Jae said. "I didn't want to step on your toes, but I was wondering when you were going to get your butt to work."
Embry shoved Jae as he walked passed him and earned a laugh, "Shut up kid."
"Relax, Embry. You're on time, so I'm happy," Hailey said. Then he looked at Aidetzi. "What brings you to town?"
"I'm visiting Bernadette. We're meeting here."
"Oh," Hailey said. "What plans do you two have?"
"We haven't decided yet," Aidetzi said. "I'm sure we'll figure something out."
"So, Jae, have you heard the news?" Embry asked.
"What news?"
"Mom and dad decided they're done. Dad got fixed this morning."
"Jesus fuck, it's about time," Hailey said. "Those two have made too many as it is."
"What made them decide to stop?" Jae asked.
"Dad said mom just decided Zephyr would be the last. So there won't be any babies in the immediate family any time soon. Unless, of course, Aidie, you happen to be working on that," Embry teased.
"No, Embry," Aidie leered playfully. "What about you? I don't see you making an effort to get yourself married."
"Weren't you seeing someone?" Jae asked.
"Yes and no," Embry said. "'Seeing' one another is a strong word. We slept together a few times and that's about it. Hell, that was months ago."
"Wait, who? It wasn't someone from the tribe, was it?" Aidie asked.
"No, it was someone from here and I'll not say her name."
"Now I have to know," Hailey said.
"Believe me, Hailey, I'd love nothing more than to tell you, but she expressly asked I keep quiet. God forbid her husband found out."
"Wait, she's married?!" Hailey asked.
"She is now," Embry said. "She wasn't when we were sleeping together. I know her current husband was in the picture, but I don't know if he'd proposed yet. Either way, that ended months ago."
Hailey appeared to think, wracking his brain for anyone that had married recently. "That boils it down to Jennifer Colt and Helen Sheridan." Embry chuckled but said nothing. "So who was it?"
"Not a word," Embry repeated with a chuckle and got to work.
"Well, whoever it was, she's kept quiet about it. Bernadette would've said something by now if she'd heard any gossip."
"Hell, I would have said something by now," Hailey said. "Fucking town's turned me into a damn busybody just like the rest of you."
Jae laughed, "You've lived here over ten years, Uncle Hailey. Time to accept it."
"Fuck, it's been at least fifteen," Hailey said and sighed.
"Sounds like you're getting old, Hailey," Embry said.
"Keep that up, and you may find Jae will be taking your job sooner than expected," Hailey said and Embry laughed.
Aidetzi waited roughly an hour at the shop before Bernadette waltzed in with a big grin on her face. She took Aidetzi by the hand and brought her along with her as they walked around town. She brought Aidetzi to the park that had recently been added to the town by the mayor. Aidetzi and Bernadette were lucky enough to get two free swings and sat next to one another to talk.
"My parents won't be having any more kids," Aidetzi said when she had the opportunity to speak.
"That's good," Bernadette said. "I would say your parents have sufficiently created an army."
Aidetzi laughed, "I would say so. You're certainly in a good mood today. What has you so happy that you refused to just tell me on the way to the park?"
"Oh, just that I met someone," Bernadette said. "He's a Captain."
"Oh, is he?" Aidetzi smiled. "Good for you, Bernadette."
"I can't wait for you to meet him, Aidie. He's so handsome! He's in the Navy and his family's from California."
"He's got more going for him than just being handsome I hope," Aidie giggled. "A handsome man is a dime a dozen, Bernadette. What matters is whether or not he's a good man."
"Well, that's what courting is for," Bernadette said. "He wants to take me on a date to the city. The city! Why, you know I've never been out of Forks."
"I assume your parents would like me to chaperone?"
"Well, no, not just you," Bernadette giggled. "They were actually hoping Embry might be able to come. They want someone 'intimidating' to be present so the Captain doesn't 'get any ideas', to quote daddy."
"I suppose I could talk to Embry," Aidetzi said. "Does this Captain have a name?"
"Captain John D. Presley," Bernadette swooned and sighed a girly sigh. "Oh, Aidie, you should see him. He has light brown hair and beautiful blue eyes. He's so charming too. When I first met him, he introduced himself so politely and spoke to me the whole time mom was in the shop. Later that same day, he came to our house with two bouquets of roses, white for mom and red for me."
"Two questions," Aidetzi said. "What's he doing in Forks? There's no Navy base here. Two, how does he know where you live?"
"Don't be so pessimistic Aidie," Bernadette scolded. "He was here on business and we met while we were at the shop. As far as how he knew where I live, obviously he asked someone. The Navy base is closer to the city, but he has a car that he used to get here."
"A car? Aren't we fancy?" Aidie smiled. "When did you two meet?"
"About two weeks ago," Bernadette said. "When he came to the house with flowers, he sat down with me and my parents and we all talked for hours. The second time I saw him, he came to the house again and played cards with me while mom made dinner. This will be the first time he's taken me on a real date. I'm so excited! It'll be Friday night."
"I'll talk to Embry," Aidetzi said again. "Do your parents have any second choices if Embry says no?"
"I suppose so long as it's a relative of yours that's big and tall and scary like Embry, I'm sure mom and daddy will be happy."
"Scary?" Aidetzi laughed. "Embry's about as scary as a mouthy rat."
"Perhaps to you," Bernadette said. "We know Embry's nice, but when most people see him, any of your relatives for that matter, they see a giant that could snap you in two if you look at them wrong."
"I guess that's true," Aidetzi said. "Does Captain Presley know my brother and I will be joining you on your date?"
"He knows daddy expects a chaperone to be present but he doesn't know it'll be you or your brother. I know daddy said he wants someone 'intimidating' but please be very nice to John. I don't want to scare him away."
"Bernadette, if my big brother scares him, then he doesn't deserve you," Aidetzi said. "But we'll be really nice."
"Thank you," Bernadette said, giving Aidetzi a hug.
"Are you sure he won't be upset that 'Indians' are joining you?"
"I'll correct him if he protests," Bernadette smiled.
"'Correct him'," Aidetzi smiled. "I appreciate the wording."
"Well, I appreciate you coming with me on my date."
Aidetzi and Bernadette had a good laugh and moved on to talk about what they would possibly be doing and what they would wear. Aidetzi didn't have anything particularly fancy, but confirmed for Bernadette she was sure she'd be able to procure a dress. Since the Cullens were still in town visiting, she was more concerned about ensuring the dress Alice would provide her with was appropriate. Knowing Alice, she might just as easily give Aidetzi a ball gown to wear. Aidetzi and Bernadette spent most of the day together, spending time at her house as well. Despite their initial aversion to her, Bernadette's parents had grown quite fond of Aidetzi and even went so far as to call her a 'good influence'. They were especially happy to find out that she'd agreed to join Bernadette on her date with the Captain, even if Embry had yet to agree. When Aidetzi left, she managed to catch Embry just as he was leaving the shop for the day.
"Good, I wanted to talk to you," Aidetzi said after catching up to Embry and the two began to ride their bikes home.
"What did I do?" Embry asked.
"Nothing that I'm aware of," Aidetzi said. "Bernadette's got a date with a Captain come Friday night."
"Good for her I guess?" Embry said, raising an eyebrow and unsure why she was telling him about this.
"I'm telling you because her parents would like us to chaperone."
"Why?" Embry asked.
"She'd said her parents wanted someone 'intimidating' to go with them. They date's in the city and they want to make sure he 'doesn't get any ideas'."
"Why can't you just go? You're off-putting enough." Aidetzi punched Embry in the shoulder, causing him to nearly swerve off the patch, but he regained balance and caught up to her.
"I figure we can bike up to the Cullen house and find something nice to wear. We would meet them at Bernadette's house at five."
"I never agreed to go!" Embry protested. "I especially don't want to go now that you've punched me and made me nearly fall off my bike."
"Oh calm down, you would've been fine," Aidetzi said. "Bernadette thinks we'll be going to dinner and a moving picture."
"Hurray," Embry said sarcastically. "Why can't her dad just go? I'm sure he'd be far more intimidated by daddy with a shot gun than the friend's disinterested brother that doesn't want to be there. How do you know I won't just buy them a hotel room myself?"
"Firstly, because you're too cheap for that, and secondly, even if you weren't, I would never let you. Think of it this way: we get to have a fun night in the city on someone else's dollar. Now that's a win if I ever did hear it. Maybe we'll even get to go to one of those 'night clubs' we keep hearing about."
"And how, exactly, will this Mr. Captain react when he finds out he's taking his sweetheart on a date with a pet Indian and her brother in tow?"
"I'm not a 'pet', Embry. I'm a friend. And I imagine he'll react by knowing better than to behave inappropriately."
"Sure he will," Embry said sarcastically. "Fine, I'll go, but it had better be a lot of fun. And I'll be damned if I have to wear a suit."
"You should at least dress nice," Aidetzi said.
"Fine," Embry said. "I'd better have the time of my life come Friday night."
Back in Germany, as the week progressed, Amber worked on Kevin's two paintings. She wanted to make something that would suit the space, but she also wanted to make something she knew Kevin would like. Yes, he would love anything she painted for him, but she wanted to make him something that he'd actually like and that would actually suit his home. Yet, she also refused to make anything mono-chromatic. He needed color in that little townhouse. Then she had an idea: a night sky with orchids for one painting and a painting of home for the second. Kevin had shown her his home a few times and one thing he always showed her was the beach. He missed it so much. There was a bluff he'd shown her many times where he and Embry had jumped off for cliff diving many times when they were kids. She started with her outlines and worked on both paintings the remainder of the week, ensuring Kevin did not see them. When she wasn't painting, they were reading Persuasion together. She found she loved the book as much as she'd loved Sense and Sensibility and when they reached the ending, Amber swooned over Captain Wentworth's letter to Anne declaring his undying love for her and how he couldn't stand any more to pretend he didn't still love her. She even found herself feeling very jealous.
"Do you think anyone will write me a love letter one day?" Amber asked absently after they finished reading the book.
"I'm sure you'll receive a love letter someday," Kevin said with a smile. "I assume you enjoyed Persuasion?"
"I did," Amber nodded. "All that's left is Pride and Prejudice. I know we can't finish it, but do you think we could start it at least?"
"Sure," Kevin smiled. "We'll start it tomorrow. Right now, I think you should get to bed."
"I am in bed," Amber said, wearing her nightgown and resting her back against the headboard while Kevin was sitting next to her.
"Aright, fine, but you need to go to sleep," Kevin chuckled and stood up from the bed. "When do I get to see those paintings by the way?"
"When they're done," Amber said vaguely as she got under the covers. "Don't worry, they'll be done soon."
"If you promise," Kevin smiled. "Now go to sleep."
"You too," Amber said back and the two said goodnight to one another before Kevin left her room for the night.
The following day, Amber woke up early to get to work on Kevin's paintings, eager to have them finished and to show them to him. Anna, after preparing some breakfast and coffee, took Amber away from her early morning excursion to sit at the table with everyone. It was Kevin's last Friday with them, so they all agreed that Levi would come home early that day and they would all go to the Kaberet together. They would, of course, need to dress up for the occasion. After Levi had left for the day and all the dishes were cleaned, Amber rearranged the easel that way she'd been doing so Kevin couldn't see what she was doing and he took a chair in the art room and began reading Pride and Prejudice out loud while Amber painted. She stopped him, however, when Kevin read Mr. Darcy's first opinion of Elizabeth.
"He's certainly rude," Amber mumbled.
"He can be," Kevin smiled and was about to continue reading, but Amber stopped him.
"He doesn't even know her and he's calling her 'tolerable'? For a man of 'breading' he certainly is lacking in manners."
Now Kevin laughed, "He doesn't like social functions. Try not to judge Mr. Darcy so readily."
"How can I not?" Amber asked. "He's had one dance with poor Elizabeth and already calls her plain and everyone's swooning over Jane. What's so special about Jane?"
"She's pretty," Kevin said bluntly. "I'm sorry to say, in high society, 'pretty' is often all you need to land a good husband. Though you should also have a good dowry. It was the problem Elinor and Edward ran into. After her father's death, all the money went to their half brother and he cast them aside essentially, so she had no decent dowry to offer. Of course, Edward decided he wanted to work in the Church and lead a humble life, so all his money was shuttled to his brother Robert."
"Yes, but he married Lucy! They both married poor, so it's not as though Robert 'deserved' the inheritance."
"I imagine she was just in a situation where she'd already reassigned the money to her youngest son and there was nothing she could do to correct the situation anyway. Of course, dowry isn't the issue in this story per se. It's the issue of making false assumptions."
"Well, thinking a character is cruel for such rude behavior is hardly a 'false assumption'," Amber grumpily proclaimed and Kevin chuckled again.
"Let's just continue with the story," Kevin smiled.
They stayed in the art room for hours while Amber painted and Kevin read. As he expected, Amber fell for Mr. Wickham and his story about Mr. Darcy denying Darcy Sr.'s will and refusing to give Mr. Wickham the Parish that he was promised. Amber simply did not like Mr. Darcy. Not to mention how he cruelly convinced Mr. Bingley to end his relationship with Jane. Kevin chose to say nothing of her opinion, only smiled, and continued to read. In truth, the story was about 'prejudice' so perhaps it was best to allow her to assume the worst of Mr. Darcy as the book intended and then learn the truth by the end. They reached the part of the story when Jane fell ill and was staying at Netherfield Park when Amber finally finished both paintings.
"Okay," Amber said once Kevin finished reaching the chapter. "They're done if you want to see them."
"I can't wait," Kevin smiled and marked their place with a stray piece of paper. Amber placed both paintings upright, one on the easel and the other right below it, and stepped back so Kevin could came around and see them.
The painting beneath the easel was of a field of purple orchids bathed in the light of a full moon. There was even the silhouette of a blonde girl facing towards the moon appearing to hold an orchid in her hand. Amber's name was written in cursive handwriting that his grandpa Edward would be proud of. The painting on the easel was a scene he knew instantly. It was the bluff from home. There was a wolf of his coloring laying on the bluff looking out into a sunrise with the night sky being pushed away by the light. He could see the small island where only chiefs were buried and it was outlined with deep pinks and purples from the light of the sun. It instantly reminded him of home as if he were looking out onto the beach through a window with Amber's name written just as beautifully in the corner of the large canvas. Both paintings were huge and would fill a good portion of the wall he placed them on. It was still wet, so he didn't touch it, but he wanted to.
"Do you like them?" Amber asked, waiting for Kevin to say something.
"They're perfect," Kevin smiled and finally looked at Amber. He was really touched, especially by the painting that looked like home and Amber couldn't help but smile proudly and blush just a little. "I love them."
"Really?" Amber asked, staring at the ground blushing with her fingers laced behind her back swaying side to side.
"Really," Kevin answered and came over to hug her. Amber hugged Kevin back and he stood up and took Amber with him. "Thank you, Amber."
"You're welcome, Kevin," Amber replied and rested her cheek on Kevin's shoulder.
