Uncertainty

Harvey sat among the crew in the mess cabin, careful to keep a safe distance from as many people as possible. Talla sat at the head of the table and the seats near her were already claimed by the higher-ups of the ship. The doctor, while certainly in a well-respected position, could not pull rank to sit by the other person he knew aboard the ship.

The small-town medic nearly jumped when Diode plopped his tray on the table across from him and took a seat. "Good morning, Doc," the bird-in-human-form chirped happily as he shoveled a spoonful of the seafood stew into his open maw. Birds did not care much for table manners, Harvey realized. Then again, neither did much of the crew. "Finally got your appetite back?"

"I can keep it down now, at least," Harvey replied, eating a spoonful of the nourishing meal. At least the doctor could appreciate that the crew of this ship ate well-balanced, healthy meals. They even had a robust supply of vitamin C in the form of lemons, limes, and rosehips. Harvey wondered if that had anything to do with Talla or if the trading company that owned this vessel were especially concerned about the diet of their employees.

"Best to keep it down unless there are chicks to feed, friend," Diode chuckled, taking another large spoonful down his gullet. The man looked unnaturally pale, especially in contrast to the dark, sable waves of hair upon his head. Harvey supposed this was because his coloration was meant to match Diode's feathers. He was like a ghost when compared to the human sailors, but the albatross did not seem to notice.

"If you are here, then where are your chicks?" Harvey probed using the albatross' own vernacular to make conversation.

Diode sighed and grinned wistfully as his ink-black eyes glazed over, yielding his sight to his mind's eye. "The chicks are grown and my beautiful Xulan is out at sea on her own flight," he informed the human doctor. "I shall see her again on our little island come winter. If we're lucky, we'll have another chick to raise."

Harvey did not know much about birds, but he had not thought that some species did not always remain by their partner's side. What a peculiar way to live, to only meet for the purpose of breeding and go about their separate ways the rest of the year. The doctor considered if that was why some human couples divorced once the children were grown and self-sufficient. Perhaps this was better for some, in its own way. So long as the relationship was cordial. Still, Harvey could not imagine such a life for himself. He desired companionship that would not be fulfilled only a few months out of the year. Not that any women were lining up at the chance.

The man bobbed his head to one side in a way that reminded Harvey of a pigeon. "I know I'm not the one you wanted to dine with, friend," Diode stated sympathetically. He threw his head back slightly as he took another gulp of stew. "But Talla's a busy one, she is. Royalty among all sea-dwellers and sailors alike - at least, among those lucky enough to make her acquaintance."

Lowering his gaze, Harvey considered his feelings on the matter. Perhaps he was so disappointed because he had expectations that he had not shared with Talla. For example, if she was the one taking him across the ocean into unknown territory, the doctor assumed the syren would stay by his side. Not that she had left him alone entirely, but it was lonely without a familiar face around.

"No need to be jealous, lad," Diode assured the human physician. "The sea isn't something you can hold and Talla is just that."

Harvey was taken aback. "I'm not jealous," he insisted. "I-" The physician stopped abruptly and made a valiant effort not to panic as he felt his airways constricting. "What… is in… that dish?" he wheezed, tapping his spoon against his tray.

Diode's eyes were wide as saucers and he squawked in surprise as Talla materialized by his side, regarding Harvey with a curious look. The rest of the crew seated at the table seemed more interested in Talla's immediate reaction to their passenger's distress. "It has much of what the sea has to offer," she explained in a clear voice. She held up her hand and tapped her fingertips as she listed off ingredients, "Seaweed, shrimp, squid, crab, scallops -"

The bespectacled man cut the syren off, grasping at her forearm for support. "I'm allergic... to scallops!" Harvey huffed, shuffling his feet to get to his bag as quickly as he could without causing his body further distress. He needed a dose of epinephrine quickly; Harvey could feel his body going into anaphylactic shock. The mustached man berated himself for not carrying the EpiPen in his pocket. Admittedly, he had not expected scallops to be in the stew. Harvey had only ever encountered them as a main course in fine restaurants - never tossed in with the rest of the ingredients.

"What can I do for you, Doctor?" the teal-haired syren asked. Harvey had not even noticed that Talla followed him to his quarters.

"Big… clear... tube…" he gasped, pointing to his bag, which was still across the room in his hammock.

With a swiftness that surprised the medic, Talla rifled through his luggage and found the essential item. The merchant handed it to Harvey, who quickly took a seat, removed the blue cap, and stabbed his outer thigh with the autoinjector. After holding the medical device in place for a few minutes, he slowly felt his body relaxing. His tongue and airways were still a bit swollen, but not nearly so much as before. Harvey sighed, giving himself more of the oxygen his body so desperately desired.

"Thank you, Talla." The doctor exhaled heavily in relief as he gathered an additional precautionary remedy from his medical supplies and administered it himself. The demigoddess' sea-blue eyes watched his every movement, but for once Harvey did not have the energy to feel anxious under the scrutiny of her sharp gaze. "If you don't mind, I think I am going to rest now…" he announced, falling heavily into his hammock.

"I did not know that there were humans who reacted so violently to shellfish," Talla indicated in a flat tone that Harvey could not read without observing her face. "I shall be more cautious about the available fare. I would hate to kill our traveling doctor before we even step foot upon the shore."

The doctor nodded sleepily in reply before he felt himself already slipping out of consciousness. Surely, he was not that tired, even after a severe allergic reaction. Harvey's body felt warm as he sensed something soft blanketing his exhausted form. On the edge of his mind, the brunet could have sworn he heard the faintest of songs, like a tune from a dream he could only half-remember.

Harvey had never felt so serene.

The rain did not stop Marnie from visiting Fairy Rose Farm first thing that Wednesday morning. She dropped a letter requesting a bundle of amaranth to feed her cows in Violet's mailbox, then turned back toward Shane's house at the southwest corner of the farm. It was a sweet little home, a fresh start in a charming pine grove for her nephew. And that very same young man was now running for mayor! The rancher could not have been prouder of Shane.

Marnie rapped on the handsome green door and saw a light flicker in the circular window to her left. Oh, dear… Have I woken Shane?

In her wildest dreams, Marnie had not expected Emily to open the door. "Oh, good morning!" the young woman greeted the livestock farmer. "I was just making some breakfast; would you like to join us?"

The brunette was at a loss for words. Shane and Emily had not been dating long, but for her nephew's girlfriend to be at his house so early likely meant… She stayed the night?! Now, Marnie always did her best to be adaptable. Despite her initial complaints about Lewis wanting to keep their relationship secret, she did eventually give in, even if the relationship was in shambles now. Besides, Marnie was the cool aunt. This old girl could let Shane and Emily be happy without a fuss from one of the older residents in town.

"Good morning, dear," Marnie replied after a brief hesitation. "I've already eaten but thank you for your offer." Her chocolate eyes scanned the room as she entered the house, but she did not find Shane.

Emily quickly caught on. "Oh, Shane's sleeping," the barmaid explained in a hushed tone, tilting her head toward the bed before she went back to tend to the fire in the hearth. "I came by to make breakfast and help him prepare for the debate this Friday." Marnie noticed the camp grill over the flames covered in shining foil cylinders. "It's always best to start the day with good food to get you going."

"Oh, I didn't know you were a good camp cook," Marnie said as the smell of sizzling bacon wafted toward her. The rancher felt a little guilty for loving the fatty strips of meat when she was so fond of her own pigs back at home, but everyone loved bacon, herself included. It was just a fact of farm life that Marnie tried not to dwell upon.

Emily beamed. "I love camping!" the red-clad woman answered. "I heard that Shane's never been, so I want to invite him to go with me sometime soon. I think it would be fun!"

Marnie's curiosity got the better of her as she followed her nose toward the delicious scent of Emily's cooking. "So, what are you making, dear?"

"Breakfast burritos with farm-fresh ingredients!" Emily answered happily. "Shane mentioned he used to eat the frozen kind every morning and I wanted to show him how easy it would be to make them at home."

Marnie choked up a little as her eyes unexpectedly welled up with tears. This wonderful young lady was an excellent match for Shane. Sure, cooking on the fire would be nice for now, but she questioned how long it would take her nephew to get a kitchen added to his new home. Oh, a nice kitchen would make this place perfect - Marnie chuckled under her breath when realized she was getting ahead of herself.

Shane began to stir, likely due to the mouth-watering smells coming from Emily's burritos. "An old girl like me won't stick around to spoil your fun," Marnie declared with a wink to Emily. The brunette headed for the door. "I'll see myself out."

"Please come back again soon, I'd love to chat!" Emily appealed out in a hushed tone.

Marnie could not stop herself from feeling overwhelmed. She knew Emily was a sweet girl and meant every word. "Of course, Emily." When the brunette stepped back out into the rain, the world seemed different - like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Marnie knew that Shane was going to be okay now. No matter what happened in the future, her nephew was surrounded by people who cared. And Shane seemed to know it now. Things were looking up.

Marnie hurried home so that Jas would not wake to find an empty house. The child was not so little that her guardian could not trust her to be alone for a while, but Marnie did not want Jas to feel neglected. Inspired by Emily's efforts, Marnie fired up the stovetop and began making a hot breakfast for the beloved girl. Jas' obsidian eyes lit up when she woke to find such a lavish meal.

"Thank you, Aunt Marnie!" the sable-haired lass cried, digging into her scrambled eggs and buttered biscuits. The two spent a pleasant morning together playing simple games. With the rain outside, it was hard to tell how much time had passed. But, as midday slipped into the afternoon, the phone rang. Her heart rate accelerated at the memory of the last unexpected phone call she received, but Marnie knew that Shane was safe. "Who could that be?" she wondered aloud, knitting her brows as she went to pick up the receiver from the wall.

"Marnie?" a woman solicited the rancher in a small, pleading voice. It was Jodi. Marnie's heart sank. Oh, no…

"Oh, hello, Jodi," Marnie responded, trying to keep her tone neutral so Jas would not suspect anything was amiss. "How are you?" The widow had a gut feeling this call was not a good one.

"I'm sorry for doing this again, but do you think Vincent could play with Jas for a while?" There was a serious pause before she added, "There's someone here from the military and I don't want the boys to overhear. She's waiting at the Mayor's house right now until I can find somewhere for Vincent."

"Do you need me to occupy Sam as well? I could always ask him to move some bales of hay for me."

"Sam's already out with his friends at the saloon," Jodi assured her neighbor. "Asking him to take Vincent would make him suspect something."

Marnie knew from experience that when someone from the military paid a house call, it was not good news. How awful for them. No wonder Jodi was so desperate to get her sons out of the house - should the news make their worst fears a reality. "Of course, dear. We'll come by and pick up Vincent to play right away."

From the corner of her eye, Marnie saw Jas pout slightly at the prospect of putting an end to their quality time together, but the child was starting to learn some social graces and did not voice a complaint. In fact, she hopped off her seat and went to retrieve her rain gear.

"Thank you so much, Marnie."

Marnie's heart went out to her neighbor. She was far too young to be a widow, especially with a son Vincent's age. She prayed to Yoba for the best-case scenario. "Take all the time you need, dear…"

Haley felt the tap of each raindrop hit the hood of her raincoat. The rain was getting heavier, but luckily, she saved the houses closest to home for last. She crossed the muddy path that connected the Cindersap Forest back toward town, making her way toward Leah's house. The blonde noticed that the cottage roof stuck out more in fall once the leaves shed their verdant shades for warmer tones, but the smoke from the chimney pipe made the dwelling look more inviting in this weather.

Shane's campaign manager could detect the sound of hammering from the inside of Leah's place and waited for a lull in activity before knocking on the front door. That way, the photographer would lessen the risk of startling Leah into making a mistake on whatever artwork she was crafting and increase the likelihood that the sculptor would hear her.

Haley heard metal clanking against a flat surface and Leah's boots as she approached the doorway. The ginger's grey eyes widened when opened the door to find Haley standing in the rain. "Get inside! It's raining cats and dogs," Leah ordered her neighbor as she swung the door open fully and stepped aside so Haley could get shelter from the rain.

Leah offered to take Haley's rain jacket and hang it up by the door. The blonde hesitated. "I really shouldn't stay long," she uttered regretfully. "I have to get all these voter registration forms in by the time Gunther closes for the day."

The ginger's eyes widened. "I knew I was forgetting something!" Leah exclaimed in annoyance with herself. Rummaging around the room, the artist found the form and after fighting a pen for use of its ink, she began filling out the missing information.

"So have you heard anything about that photography contest?" Leah queried, her grey orbs not leaving the page as she scribbled in the necessary details in the correct boxes.

Haley sighed heavily. "We came in third," the photographer complained. Her cerulean eyes rolled in their sockets. "First prize went to a photo of a woman holding her sleeping newborn - it's hard to compete with a baby, I guess." The shorter woman scowled, "And second place was a dusky sky from a mountaintop with fireflies everywhere. I'll admit the lighting was fucking perfect, but apparently it was some nerd joke for the 'serenity' theme that one of the judges loved."

Leah straightened her posture. "Third place isn't nothing!" she insisted, capping her pen and tucking the form into the protective plastic sheet that Shane's campaign team provided in case of inclement weather before handing it off to Haley. "You placed and that gets you noticed in the art world."

The photographer's face contorted between dissatisfaction and agreement. "Uh, I don't know!" Haley threw her arms up in the air, scattering a few raindrops from the sleeves of her raincoat. "I just think you looked way better, okay?"

A laugh escaped Leah's lips. "I'm flattered," the sculptor laughed. "And you should definitely be proud of your work no matter what anyone else says."

While the blue-clad woman was not entirely convinced, she was not quite ready to head back out into the storm. So, she scanned the room to find an object of interest. "What's that there?" Haley questioned, indicating a wood sculpture in the corner of the room.

Leah smiled sheepishly. "That's for you, actually. I call it 'How I Feel About Haley," the suspender-wearing creative confessed. "I tried bringing it by one day when you weren't home, and I keep forgetting to make another attempt."

Knowing that the art piece was intended for her, Haley became more curious. It was a swirl of deep, richly colored wood that reminded her of the center of a bow before it was pulled into a knot, but then something else came to mind. "It reminds me of a loop in a roller coaster."

"I suppose that makes sense," Leah dipped her head in agreement. "You kind of throw me for a loop sometimes. I don't always know how to handle you." The artist took Haley's silence as she ran her fingers across the smooth, polished wood as a signal her words had insulted the blonde, so she made sure to clarify. "Not that it's a bad thing. It's kind of refreshing sometimes," Leah stated confidently. "It's like there are all these sides to you that I don't know about. I have to look at you from every angle to really understand…" Her words trailed off as she touched the sculpture, as if the object between them could properly conduct her raw emotion into words to make Haley understand her meaning.

It made Haley think of the photo she developed but did not submit to the competition. The young photographer worried it might come across as provocative and sensual because the judges were likely old men. Haley kept it for herself in the darkroom and admired it once and a while. The lighting was breathtaking - as well as the model sprawled out lazily among the wildflowers in the tall grasses, her eyes shuttered by long, thick lashes and her mouth slightly parted as if a flower in bloom, awaiting butterfly kisses. In the moment that picture was captured, Haley recalled the deep ache of desire to be such a butterfly. It was the photo - and that fleeting thought - that made Haley begin to question everything lately.

"L-Leah?" Haley stuttered anxiously, her baby blue eyes darting toward the corner of the room to avoid the redhead's stare. "May I ask a personal question?"

The artist seemed puzzled but shrugged her shoulders nonetheless as she leaned back to perch on her footboard of her bed. "Sure, fire away."

Her breath shaking slightly, Haley made her inquiry. "How did you know… that you're a lesbian?"

Leah scoffed, "Oh, that."

Haley panicked for a moment. "I'm sorry, it's probably not something I should - "

Fiddling with her braid, Leah shook her head. "No, it's fine. I just haven't had that question in a long time. It's something a lot of people in the LGBTQ community get asked." She flicked the tip of her braid between her fingertips absently.

"I guess I've always noticed other girls rather than the boys around me. All my crushes growing up were girls in my class, or women in sports or movies…" Her grey eyes focused on the well-worn leather of her boots for a moment. "Guys have never really caught my eye and the idea of having to fight someone's facial hair to kiss them sounds like more trouble than it's worth," she added jokingly, turning her gaze toward her guest.

"Ugh," Haley chimed in with disgust. "Chad Lendowski was trying to grow a stupid mustache and it was like sandpaper across his dry, crusty lips!" Haley complained with disgust from the memory.

Leah cackled, bending over herself as tears began to form in the corners of her eyes from her laughter. "Glad to know I made the right choice, then!"

"Yeah, you're probably right..."

Jodi watched Vincent splashing the puddles outside in his rain boots as Marnie gently prodded him toward the ranch like a mischievous calf. A tiny part of her felt relieved that Vincent would be well distracted for the rest of the day, but her body felt heavy with a sense of overwhelming dread. Once her youngest child was completely out of sight, Jodi picked up the phone and dialed the number for Mayor Lewis' house. Her voice shook as the woman who came to her door earlier answered.

"Is now a good time?" the stranger requested in an almost robotic manner.

Though the soldier could not see, Jodi stifled her emotions by covering her mouth tightly with her open palm. "...Yes," she finally managed to reply.

"I'll be there shortly, ma'am."

Jodi's guest arrived too quickly for her to prepare herself mentally for what news she might receive. But then again, would she ever be ready for what she feared this woman would tell her? The mother of two gestured toward the black sofa for her guest to sit. She did so, but the brunette sat as rigidly as the bun on her head, her hand placed on her knees and her back straight as a modern weapon of war. "I think it's best if you sit, ma'am."

The warm-toned brunette took a seat on the blue couch, diagonal from her distinguished guest. "I take it you have news about my husband, Kent?"

"The Corporal - your husband, ma'am - has gone missing," the dark-haired woman proclaimed with a sigh. "I regret to inform you that we have no idea where he is now."

Jodi began to form a rebuttal, that Kent would never go AWOL, so there must be a mistake.

"The entire platoon is MIA, ma'am," the woman clad in military regalia informed Jodi in a firm, but gentle tone. "All I can say is that they received orders to head further inland to rendezvous with other troops, but we got a brief cry for help over the comms before they made it to the check-in point." Her hazel eyes fixated on the burgundy rug on her feet. "It's been radio silent ever since."

"But no bodies were found?" the military spouse clarified, trying to give herself some molecule of hope.

The soldier shook her head. "Not your husband's, ma'am. We did recover several bodies, including Sergeant Tibbs, but the vast majority of those in the squads in question are still nowhere to be found."

Jodi recognized the name of the sergeant. He was Kent's direct commanding officer. But if her husband's remains had not been found, she had to keep hope alive somehow. "How long has he been missing?"

"It's been half a season now, ma'am. At this point, the military is willing to begin compensation as if your husband were KIA. If he's found alive, that will of course cease, but we think it's best to support the families of our country's soldiers." The woman paused. "Would you like to call your children back so I can break the news now that you know what it is, ma'am?"

The boys' mother shook her head furiously. "No, absolutely not," Jodi insisted, gripping a fold in the denim of her jeans as tightly as possible. "I don't want this to hang over their heads until we have something more concrete. I don't want them thinking the worst has happened until we're sure…"

Nodding in understanding, the woman stood erect and replaced her cap on her head. "You should receive an explanation of benefits in the mail in the coming weeks. If we hear news on the Corporal's location or well-being, we will pass the news along as soon as possible." The soldier saluted the housewife. "I'll be taking my leave now, ma'am. I'm afraid I have other families to visit today."

Jodi nodded, and all the bravery she had mustered for this conversation completely melted away. She felt the hot tears roll down her cheek as she quietly sobbed into her hands. "My apologies… I don't think I can get the door for you right now."

"I understand," the guest replied sympathetically. "I'll let myself out." The potential widow heard the raindrops plop to the ground in the enormous puddles forming outside, then the door clicked shut and all the sounds in the world were muffled by the cries of Jodi's grief.

"Now, the reason I called this meeting of raw, awesome talent here tonight," Sam began ceremoniously as he looped his guitar strap over his head and onto his left shoulder. "Is because I got us a gig for next weekend!"

"So… like at the saloon?" Violet speculated as she subtly turned her body closer to Sebastian and began to lean into his shoulder to rest her head.

"Don't dream so small, V!" the lead guitarist scolded. "In ZuZu!"

Abigail, who had also been kept in the dark about the exciting news until just now, jumped to her feet. "You mean we're gonna play for real people?!" the amethyst-haired woman exclaimed. "Oh, fuck, that's awesome!"

Sebastian's reaction was on the opposite end of the enthusiasm spectrum. "Okay, Sam. What songs are we going to play? We only have the three we can play right now."

Sam smirked and pulled a crumpled mess of sheet music from his back pocket. "Which is why we're going to need to do a lot of practice on these news songs over the next week." He tossed a copy to each person, including Violet.

Their host narrowed her dark blue eyes at the skater suspiciously. "Why am I getting a copy, Sam?"

"Well, naturally we'll achieve a more cohesive sound if our lead vocalist knows the words to our songs, V."

Violet glared daggers at the blond. "I never agreed to sing in front of other people!"

The aspiring rock star feigned hurt. "But the three of us in this room are 'other people' and you've already sang in front of us," Sam reasoned. "C'mon, V," the lead musician begged. "The band needs you." Sam's green eyes glanced toward Sebastian, "Your boyfriend needs you!"

"Don't drag me into this," Sebastian groused, tilting his head to rest on Violet's. Despite themselves, the corners of their lips curved upward. Sam liked seeing his friend happy, even if they were shy introverts.

Sam shrugged, "I mean, I'm sure Abigail would be cool singing a rock love ballad with Sebastian. Right, babe?"

The other three band members immediately voiced their objections and Sam smirked, knowing fully well he had everyone exactly where he wanted them. Sebastian was the first to catch on and cursed himself for not seeing his best friend's intentions from the start. "Fuck you, Sam!" the synth player growled in annoyance.

"Aw, c'mon," the guitarist pled. "You two are dating now, so where's the harm?"

"CONSENT, SAM!" Violet shouted, crossing her arm over her chest, and settling down into the couch gap between the couch cushions. "Aren't you mister 'consent-is-sexy?' You should know better!"

The blond held up his hands in defeat. "Alright, alright, fam. No one has to sing a love ballad." He tapped his sheet music. "But you gotta admit the rest of these songs are pretty sweet. And it would really help us get our name out there. What do you say, V?"

Violet looked to Sebastian for his opinion on the subject, but he only shrugged at her. "I agreed to be in this band with Sam. It's up to you if you wanna join," the programmer told her. "I won't get my feelings hurt if it's not something you're into." As far as Sam was aware, Violet did not know how to play any instruments, so singing was the only way she could participate. He was banking on the newest member of their friend group to join the band to spend more quality time with her boyfriend - and the two coolest people she knew. Win-win.

She looked back at Sam. "I'll think about it," Violet conceded in a huff. "Let's just see how we do tonight, alright?"

Sam beamed ear-to-ear. "Yeah, let's get this jam session started!" He strummed a power chord to emphasize his excitement.

The band, which was still yet to be properly named, practiced well into the evening when Sebastian finally had to call it quits. "I've got class tomorrow," he offered in excuse. "Like actual classes now."

"What do you mean?" Abigail asked with a chuckle. "Did you not have real classes earlier this week?"

Sebastian sighed heavily. "After taking some placement tests, I'm now enrolled in an 'accelerated program intended to earn both my bachelor's and master's simultaneously,' he parroted in monotone. He had probably heard that line a million times lately. "Turns out I'm basically the equivalent of an undergrad-level senior with the accumulation of my self-taught coding skills," he chuckled at the irony of how close he could have been to a degree, despite Demetrius' assumptions about his intelligence.

"If it weren't for some stupid bureaucracy that dictates how degree requirements are earned, they could have stuck me with a bachelor's degree after just one semester of formal instruction." Sebastian rolled his obsidian eyes as he folded the stand for his synth and handed it to Violet to put into a closet until their next band practice. "But I guess the university has rules against that so the best work-around they could find was to stick me in a dual degree program to give me the best bang for my buck."

"Aw, dude, that sucks," Abigail complained. "Can't you do an online program?"

Sebastian shrugged. "It wouldn't save money, except for gas to ZuZu. I may as well 'network' while I get this degree if I have to pay for it anyway, right?"

"Anything we can do to help, fam?" Sam inquired earnestly.

"Not unless you wanna pay all my test fees. They weren't as expensive as taking the actual classes, but they piled up faster than I thought they would," the programmer lamented, shouldering his backpack. Sam noticed Violet appeared contemplative for a moment, before she spoke up to the group.

"I'm going to walk Sebastian back," the farmer announced. "You can chill here in the living room for a while or let yourselves out." The pastel-haired woman turned her head to Bruno, who wagged his tail expectantly. "I'm taking Bruno with us, but no need to lock the door behind you if you decide to head out before I get back."

Sam saluted Violet casually, "Will do, V. See you all tomorrow."

Once the couple and their canine chaperone were out the door, Sam wagged his eyebrows at Abigail mischievously. "Sam, this is Violet's house!" his girlfriend objected.

He bemoaned his girlfriend's assumptions. "I just wanted to make out on the couch for a while!"