In every color
Chapter 10. Pearly mist

Behaving normally after that cost Jubal a triumph, but he really didn't think it was a good idea to take things for granted. Especially when he noticed that Isobel became very reserved again as soon as the others were around them. Jubal decided he had to be cautious.

In addition, Jubal soon discovered with concern that another problem had grown to critical mass, suddenly requiring his full attention. They were just setting about preparing dinner, when Tyler and Tali, who had been outside alone for a while, came in the kitchen. And they looked unexpectedly upset. The boy seemed dejected and guilty while the girl was red-eyed and was giving him spiteful glances. Jubal's alarms went off. Jess' suspiciously worried expression made him decide to act. When no one was looking, Jubal grabbed Tyler by the arm and pulled him out the kitchen door.

"Dad!" the boy protested at the rough way he had dragged him.

For his part, Jubal tried to calm his nerves before saying anything. "Ty, what have happened with Tali?" he asked straightforward and sternly, but in a controlled manner, as several undesirable scenarios ran through his mind.

"It's just Tali..." Ty said flushed and crestfallen, causing Jubal even more uneasiness. "...it was she who asked me out."

Jubal blinked, snorting in sheer relief and sudden frustration. At least that was nothing like he had feared. Nonetheless... Right, of course. Jess, Tyler, and him brooding, avoiding the situation, making decisions, and in the meantime making the blunder of forgetting that Tali had interests and will of her own. But… then why was Ty so sad and Tali so angry?

"I didn't do anything, like we talked about yesterday," Tyler hastened to say, misunderstanding his father's confused frown. "I just tried to be, you know… a gentleman."

"OK. But I don't understand. If she asked you, what's the problem?"

The look on Ty's face was bleak. "I said no."

Everything finally made sense. Jubal studied his son's downcast expression. "You might change your mind. I can talk it over with Jess."

"What?" A glint of hope rose and died in Ty's eyes in a way that was even more heartbreaking. "No. I still don't think I should. I don't want Tali to have a difficult time because of me..."

His determination sounded very adult. Obviously, it was a decision that Tyler sincerely thought was the right one but that had cost him a lot to make, that had hurt. Jubal admired that he wanted to stand firm even knowing he was sacrificing more than he initially believed. And yet... "Wait. When you told her no, what did Tali say?"

"At first she was very sad. But when I explained it to her she got very angry and called me a lying idiot," Ty muttered, remembering in distress, and suddenly he was just a kid again.

Clicking his tongue in exasperation, Jubal rubbed the back of his neck with the palm of his hand. He felt sincere pity for Tali, who had had the courage to expose herself, probably encouraged by Tyler's gentle demeanor, and had run into that wall of rejection. His son was mature for his age, but he was still only fourteen. Ty had not been able to reevaluate the situation.

To be honest, maybe it wasn't a matter of age. Jubal couldn't help but think about his doubts towards Isobel. It's always easier when you're not the one things happen to...

"Ty, I'm really proud of you for sticking to your decisions, but I think in this case you should think it again." This time it was Tyler's turn to be puzzled. "Has it occurred to you" Jubal added, seeing him so lost, "Tali is already having a hard time? I'm afraid she thinks you've just given her a bad excuse to reject her."

Tyler's eyes widened in horror. "B- but- but that's not-" he spluttered.

"Of course not. But that 'lying' thing kind of gives me the clue," explained Jubal with a distressed grimace. As the idea took hold, Tyler became the spitting image of unhappiness. "The good news is that I think it's up to you to fix it…" Jubal tried to encourage him.

"No," Ty replied in anguish. "That does not change anything. I am still sick."

Jubal already knew Tyler was going to say it, but that didn't make those words hurt any less. Still, he did not allow himself to be discouraged. "If you get worse, Tali is going to have a hard time anyway. Her taking the step changes everything, don't you see?" Jubal reasoned, "Now... Now I think it's worth a try, Tyler" He made an assertive movement with his head. "There's still time."

On this occasion his son, instead of replying, kept silent while he thought again. Jubal let him take his time. When at last Tyler raised his face, the sadness had disappeared to give way to great insecurity. "What if...? What if now Tali no longer wants to...?" he murmured.

"It would be her right, but that's always been the case," Jubal said with a shrug.

Tyler nodded in agreement. "What about Uncle Jess?" he asked, but his eyes had lit up and his tone was more strategic than defeatist. "I'd like to invite her to the movies next Friday. Do you think... Do you think it would be possible? I could talk it over with Uncle Jess," he offered, determined.

Smiling in deep relief, Jubal acknowledged his courage. "Sounds good to me, son. But let me pave the way for you, okay?"

·~· ~·

However, upon returning inside, it was Jess who wanted to talk to Jubal aside. The two of them went to the living room. Sarah and Isobel followed them.

"Jubal, when I asked Tali what was wrong," said Jess, "she locked herself in her room. Now she says she won't come out. Any idea what's going on?" he asked, gravely alarmed and casting a frowning glance in the direction of the kitchen, where Tyler had remained with his sister.

For their part, Isobel and Sarah looked very concerned too.

Jubal exhaled and told the three of them what he knew. When he finished, Jess' expression had changed quite a bit, his eyes filled with empathy for the boy.

"So I really think this can be fixed," Jubal concluded. "I told Ty I'd talk to you first, but he has every intention of asking you himself."

Jess shook her head. "Thirteen years old. She's just a child..."

"I can accompany them," suggested Jubal. "Neither of them will appreciate to bear a chaperone, but would it make you feel better?"

"It's still too early."

"Excuse me for butting in," Isobel suddenly interjected. "Jess, you're being obtuse. Tali was the one who took the initiative. A trait of bravery, by the way. Don't you think she could do it with another boy? Someone you haven't known since he were little and don't know if he can be trusted?

Jubal's heart skipped a beat at the vehemence in her words advocating for his son; he gave her a slight, grateful smile.

In the meantime, Jess's face twitched at the possibility. But he denied it again. "Tyler is a good kid, but he's fourteen," Jess replied. "I remember well what I was like when I was fourteen."

"Oh, is that so?" said Isobel somewhat rhetorically. "Well, I remember what I was like at thirteen, and I can assure you that my father didn't know half of what I was up to."

"Really?" asked Jubal. "You have to tell me about that," he whispered to Isobel, amused.

She suppressed a smile without much success. "Besides, would you prefer a sixteen-year-old?" Isobel added. "Because that could also happen."

Jess's terrified face told it all. In the end, it was Sarah who managed to get the situation back on track.

"Jess," she said, holding his hand affectionately, "your daughter is crying in her room right now. What you should be focusing on is listening to her. That's what she needs at the moment, not you forbidding things."

"Besides, maybe you can help clear up some of the misunderstanding?" proposed Jubal.

Jess looked alternately at the three of them, as if he felt cornered and it bothered him. "All right. I'll go talk to her," he grunted, but came to his senses.

Sarah, Isobel and Jubal returned to the kitchen, where Tyler was waiting impatiently. He was ready to go talk to father and daughter immediately. Jubal had to hold him back. "This is not the time. Let them talk."

When Jess and Tali returned, the girl seemed indignant and somewhat embarrassed but somehow vindicated, and tried to pretend nothing had happened. Jubal suspected that, as a teenager, she had not been amused by adults meddling in her business. Jess must have said something decisive to her anyway, because as she looked at Ty, Tali's eyes filled with eagerness and uncertainty, not resentment, as before. She seemed to be dying to talk to him, but apparently she was able to push that aside and regain her good spirits.

Looking sideways at Isobel, Jubal felt relate.

·~·~·

After dinner, as Jubal had suggested the night before, they armed themselves with flashlights and headlamps to go in search of salamanders and newts. Since the temperature was a little cooler that day, Sarah prepared cocoa milk to keep warm. She added cinnamon and cloves at Isobel's suggestion, and they took it away in a couple of thermos.

As they reached the trees, Jubal saw Tyler take a short run to walk alongside Tali. Jess went to catch up, but Jubal stopped him. The kids needed to be able to talk and it should be enough for their respective fathers to watch them from a distance. They couldn't hear what Tali and Ty were talking about, but although at one point they seemed to be engaged in a heated argument, by the time the two reached the edge of the creek where the stream ran, Tali was smiling again and Ty was looking at her with a goofy look on his face. Jubal found it amusing that this, in addition to being cute, was appeasing...

"Are you going to let them go to the movies together on Friday?" He asked Jess casually. "Or will Tali still be grounded?"

"No, she is no longer grounded. I talked to her. You were right," Jess admitted honestly. "We've been to the creek so many times at night that she didn't think she was doing nothing wrong."

Jubal was very glad that Jess had taken his advice.

"The other thing ..." Jess added, "I'm still thinking about it."

"That's enough for me," said Jubal, smiling with satisfaction.

"Well, and what about Isobel?" Jess blurted out point-blank.

And treacherous and with nocturnality, thought Jubal, startled. And probably with malice aforethought too.

He felt inclined to deny everything, but realized that with Jess, it was a lost cause. "Working on it," he just said. "Am I that obvious?" he added, suddenly uneasy and somewhat embarrassed.

"Were you even trying to hide it?"

"Haha," he growled humorlessly.

·~·~·

Careful to light their way, they descended to the bottom of the creek. There, fireflies surrounded them like small, restless lanterns. Tali, who knew where to find the little animals, guided them through the misty riverbed, using red light so as not to scare them away. She showed them as many as four different brightly colored species, including a rare blue-spotted salamander, which Tali said was very rare to see. Also, to Abi's delight, they saw several little frogs and a large toad.

Of course, they just watched them and didn't bother them more than necessary. Tali was very strict about that, although she didn't have to insist too much: Abi and Ty behaved in an exemplary manner.

·~·~·

It was not a long trail, but it was somewhat demanding due to the rugged terrain. Before returning, they sat in a circle in a clearing at the edge of a shallow pond, resting, drinking hot cocoa and commenting on everything they had seen.

While the kids talked animatedly, Jubal allowed himself to gaze captivated at Isobel; seated opposite him, her face illuminated in expressionistic brushstrokes by the light of the flashlights and fireflies. During dinner, it had been agony to have to dissemble, but now he took advantage of the shadows to look at her as thoroughly as he wished.

Isobel had apparently had a much easier time keeping her composure at the table. She had behaved with him as she would with anyone else, in a manner similar to how she usually did at work. Her change in attitude from the rest of the weekend caused Jubal a certain anxiety. Despite what happened at dusk between the two of them, he began to fear being much more involved than she was.

As she drank her cocoa, however, Isobel seemed to feel Jubal's eyes on her. Instead of averting her own with reserve, as was her wont, this time she cast over the rim of the aluminum cup a long, warm, caressing glance at him, which set Jubal's pulse racing; it abruptly replaced his incipient uneasiness with an effervescent eagerness almost impossible to quench.

·~·~·

By the time they were on their way home, shreds of pearly mist had settled among the trees. Surreptitiously but deliberately, Isobel stayed behind, letting the group pass, to then called out in a quiet voice.

"Jubal."

He stopped and turned back at once. He could not have helped it even if he had wanted to: Isobel's solicitous tone pronouncing his name had an absolutely bewitching effect on him. She waited for the others to move away before she approached him, looking him in the face, and placing a hand on his cheek. The openly affectionate gesture made him shudder, but Isobel seemed nervous. Jubal worriedly stroked her other hand, where she carried the flashlight.

Isobel studied his face in the gloom. It was clear that during those days a bond had appeared -or strengthened- between the two of them. Ah, yes, she couldn't forget the incendiary and quite unmistakable episode in the pantry. Okay, and what did it mean? What was it? Now we are... what? I should bring it up, shouldn't I? That's what I should do. Meanwhile, Jubal's gaze was becoming clouded with longing, and it completely distracted her.

For a few seconds that seemed interminable to Jubal, Isobel looked as if she was about to say something. But then, she sighed in rapture, and kissed him. Tentatively at first. As he received her, Jubal did his best to subdue his anxiety and keep it soft and sweet, but it didn't take long for him to put his hand on her waist and gently drew her close. The intensity increased by itself. In response, Isobel slowly advanced to prop him against the trunk of a nearby tree, and leaned slowly but decisively against Jubal, who exhaled in surprise and ignited by the sensation, as he embraced her. Before he knew it, Isobel's lips were impatiently battling his for more contact. Thirsty for more, she teased him by parting them. It was impossible for him to play hard to get. Isobel's mouth tasted of chocolate and spices, and Jubal simply felt intoxicated.

A little voice in his head pointed out he could not let himself get completely carried away out there in the middle of the woods, especially when Jess or his children might come back looking for them. But for the moment, Jubal couldn't help himself and ignored the alert to continue enjoying that unprecedented, fiery side of Isobel. He clutched her ardently against him as he allowed the searing sensations she was rising in him to spread throughout his body.

Only sometime later, with a strenuous effort, he managed to slow down a bit, reducing it to more restrained kisses, although full of feeling, which somehow made them even more addictive.

After several unsuccessful attempts, the two of them finally managed to stop, breathing heavily. Surrounded by faint mist, they glimpsed each other in the little light that reached them from the flashlights, which had been left on, lying on the green grass. Jubal stroked Isobel's cheekbone, his eyes enthralled, and she made up her mind at last.

"What now?" she whispered apprehensively, "How...? How does this work?"

Jubal had no trouble understanding her unease, because he was feeling the same way. "I don't know..." he admitted honestly. "But maybe that's the least of it. As long as you don't want to pretend nothing happened on Monday..." he joked, although Isobel was able to sense the raw fear hidden in his words.

"I wouldn't-" she interrupted herself before saying 'I wouldn't do that' because, being candid, it was what she had been doing all weekend. No wonder Jubal had his doubts. Isobel hesitated a moment and cupped his face affectionately in her hand. "No... I'm not going to do that," she assured him, looking into his eyes.

He managed a smile and tried unsuccessfully to hide a sigh of relief. "Then don't worry. We'll figure it out as we go along. Together," he declared.

For a few seconds, Isobel was on the verge of not answering and keeping her damned reservations to herself. Her walls were once again reluctant to let him in. They had been there too long. But that afternoon she had shared with Jubal things about her past that few people knew and that she had never confided to anyone else; shown herself vulnerable and he offered his support as no one had ever done before... Isobel decided she shouldn't let that be forgotten, and forced herself to open a crack in the door again.

"But I don't know what that means," she protested, openly expressing her concern. "I don't know how we can fit..." she made a frustrated gesture, implying them, their jobs, their lives.

Unfortunately, for Jubal, what it seemed was that she became exasperated. He had the feeling that this was continually happening with Isobel. They would take three steps forward and two steps back. He tried not to get disheartened.

"We don't need to know how... Just that we want to," Jubal replied with a conciliatory tone and his usual sharpness.

Dammit, he's right, Isobel had to admit. He almost convinced her. Almost. She opened her mouth to argue, but Jubal beat her to it:

"Look, I just know that you are very important to me. This," he gestured between the two of them, "is very important to me. I won't to let it to mess up," he said with firm vehemence.

Okay, there it was. It was as clear as he could leave things without saying more explicit, rash words that would surely make her uncomfortable. Still, it left him quite exposed. From the surprised look on Isobel's face, Jubal wasn't the only one aware of that. Her eyes became elusive, making his angst even more pronounced. A lump rose in his throat; he swallowed hard, suddenly fearful that he had made a fatal mistake.

The risk Jubal was taking overcame Isobel's defenses like a well-aimed parabolic artillery shot. The impact left her disoriented. For a moment, her heart rebelled and it was even willing to go down to the wall personally to make way for him. Heartbeat rampant, Isobel managed just enough presence of mind to do so in a controlled manner.

"I care a lot about you too," Isobel murmured in a shaky voice, but looking him bravely in the face to say it.

That sent Jubal into orbit, especially since this time there was no 'but' behind it.

Stunned by his own euphoria, Jubal could find no more words. Instead he simply kissed her with awe-stricken tenderness. And Isobel marveled at the soothing effect his touch had on her.

·~·~·

They only let go of each other's hands as they emerged from the trees into the garden of the house. The others were sitting on the porch waiting for them, Abi falling asleep on her brother's shoulder.

None made the slightest comment, although Jess and Sarah were smiling slightly. They all said their goodnights.

Part of Isobel wanted to kiss Jubal goodnight, but she really did not feel ready for public displays of affection. He seemed to understand and didn't even make the attempt. In fact, he seemed perfectly content with the sweet look Isobel gave him as she wished him a good rest.

Walking toward the barn, Abi wrapped her arms around Jubal's waist, yawning. "It took you a long time..." she complained.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I hope I didn't worry you..."

"No. Uncle Jess went looking for you both and came back telling us to leave you alone, that you needed to be alone because you had to talk."

Jubal cleared his throat in embarrassment. He doubted Jess had seen them 'talking' precisely. It was not what they had been doing most of the time.

"Did you do it?" asked Abi matter-of-factly.

"What?" replied Jubal, taken aback.

"Did you talked?" Ty clarified, amused.

"Oh! Yes, yes," Jubal replied, still dumbfounded. "We talked."

"And?" Abi asked.

That made Jubal laugh softly. Since when was his sentimental life a conversation his children were interested in? The three of them went into the barn. "And I'm not going to discuss this with you now."

"Sure, sure," said Tyler. But the two kids exchanged a knowing look and smiled at each other.

Jubal stifled a laugh and pretended not to have seen it. "Come on. Go to bed."

·~·~·

The next morning, after breakfast, they prepared to set out on their way back.

When they had packed up the car, Jubal said goodbye to Sarah and Jess, while Isobel said it to the children.

"Thank you for everything. We had a great time," Jubal thanked him, and gave Jess a brotherly hug. "I'm curious," he then added. "When you invited us both here for the weekend, did you know this was going to happen?" He didn't need to clarify what he meant.

Jess chuckled under his breath. "Jubal, I'm good, but not that good. I had hints, not supernatural powers."

Jubal gave him a scrutinizing look. "You do realize that that still means you did it on purpose, don't you?" he blurted out, a little annoyed at the frame-up.

"Fifth amendment. Any complaints?" Jess replied with a wry smile.

Jubal glanced over his shoulder at Isobel, who was talking to Abi about meeting up on video from time to time to practice Spanish. He reflected on it, noticing the warm feeling he felt in his chest every time he looked at her. Jubal began to smile.

"No."

Then he saw that beyond that, Tali and Tyler were talking in low voices. Red-faced, the boy squared his shoulders, as if making up his mind suddenly; he turned on himself and approached the two parents with determination. Behind him, Tali chased after him; she didn't seem happy.

"Ty, I told you I'll talk to him," she said angrily behind his back through gritted teeth.

Tyler ignored her and addressed the girl's father directly. "Uncle Jess, I'd like to take Tali to the movies next Friday," he said without further ado, his throat tightening. "I know this is something you'll have to discuss with her about." That seemed to surprise and please Tali. "I just want you to know that I'm not fooling around. I really like Tali." His face blushed even more. "And I assure you I won't do anything stupid."

Jess glanced at her daughter, who had also flushed but looked impressed. Studying the lad gravely but appreciatively, Jess pursed his lips, thoughtfully.

"I'll talk it over with Tali and we'll let you know."

"Thank you," Ty replied and walked toward his father's car, not wanting to look back at Tali, as if he suddenly was afraid he had screwed up.

She followed him and stopped him. To the boy's surprise, Tali kissed him briefly on the cheek. Ty's open mouth made it clear that it was the first time she had ever done so. She said goodbye with a smile, leaving him dazed.

Tali also gave hugs to Abi and Jubal, who refrained from making any comments to her.

Getting into the car, Abi gestured toward Isobel.

"Aren't you going to tell her anything, Dad?" she said reproachfully.

Jubal frowned, considering. He had thought about calling her in the afternoon, when the two of them would have privacy to talk calmly, when they wouldn't be surrounded by people watching them, but he really didn't want to part with her without even saying goodbye.

Isobel had already gotten into her car. Feeling five pairs of eyes on him, Jubal took a deep breath, walked over to her open window and leaned against it with his elbows.

"Be careful on the road, please," he asked in a quiet voice.

"Don't worry," Isobel answered, smiling, with a touched look on her face. "You too." She hesitated for a moment. "Aahm... Do you have plans for tonight?" she asked with a casual air.

More than her words, it was the warm, hopeful spark glittering in her eyes that gave Jubal the final push.

"No... Actually, after I've dropped the kids off at their home, would you like to-?" He had to clear his throat and start again. "Would you like to go out to dinner with me?"

Isobel's face shone up as if lit from within. "You bet I do".

~.~.~.~

Next chapter: the first date ;)