Chapter One: Monday Morning, Red River City
The house at 2217 Malmsey Street was like the others: a two-story row house, painted dark blue, with a poplar tree in the front yard. Bicycle wheels whizzed past; the soft slap of newspapers hitting front steps broke the silence in the neighborhood.
Inside the house, in a room painted in ocean hues, a young man, sprawled across a bed, dozed. Dark mocha hair covered his face; an arm draped over the edge of the bed, where a calico cat strolled. He began to stir, and stroked the cat, which then leaped onto the mattress and nuzzled his neck.
"Habibi.what brings you here?" Zero Enna murmured, opening his eyes. Habibi meowed, nudging his shoulder. "Is it time already?" He glanced at a clock radio on a nearby nightstand. Quarter to six, huh? Oh well. I'd better get moving before Kizna starts yelling. He slipped out of bed, cradling the cat, and walked across the hall to the bathroom. Pajama bottoms rode the young man's hips; he yawned and set the cat on the floor. "See you downstairs," he whispered as Habibi scampered off to wake Kizna.
Once he had performed his morning rituals, Zero wandered down to the kitchen, in search of something to eat. He hummed to himself, and began rummaging through the refrigerator. Eggs, dried tomatoes, last night's ham. Where's the coffee? Nine-grain bread, butter, jam. Do I want strawberry, or boysenberry? Oh well, let's get going. He took out the items he wanted, found a bag of French roast coffee, and shut the door to the icebox. He pulled down a coffee grinder, poured in the beans, and set to work. Once that was done, he filled an electric kettle with water, and turned it on. He found a press pot in the draining rack, poured the ground coffee into it, and grabbed a small bowl from a cabinet.
A song popped into Zero's mind, as he whisked five eggs, and he started singing. "This one goes out to the one I love; this one goes out to the one I left behind. A simple prop, to occupy my time: this one goes out to the one I love. Fire! Fire!"
A memory took shape: in the relaxation room at GOA, a silver-haired boy, no more than 16, cradled him in his lap. "What's that you're singing, Hiead?"
"An old, old Earth song," Hiead Gner replied, gazing at his rival. "Something I heard when I was in the music library. Pretty, no?" Ruby and blue eyes met, as he lowered his head to kiss Zero.
"Beautiful," he murmured, before their lips met. Zero sighed, as Hiead's mouth pressed closer, his tongue just touching the other's lower lip. He parted his lips, deepening the kiss.
After several minutes, the kiss ended. "Could you teach me that song, Hiead? Please?" Zero breathed, smiling at his love.
"I'll write it on your heart," Hiead chuckled, as his hands wandered to Zero's sides, tickling him.
"Hey, Zero!" a voice chimed behind him. "Are you making breakfast, or do you just like to stare at Old Man Tiller taking out the trash?" Zero nearly dropped the bowl and whisk, but recovered, and set both on the counter. He turned around, and saw his fiancée, dressed for work, giving him a half-scowl.
Kizna Towryk wore a lilac-colored sweater, with heather-grey trousers and black shoes. She had grown taller, and was nearly Zero's height. Her strawberry hair had grown longer, and she often wore it braided. This morning, she'd tied it into a ponytail, cat ears peeking out of the strands.
After the final battle with VICTIM, the two had grown closer. Both went on to college, obtaining degrees in Education. They started as substitute teachers; once they received certification, Kizna began teaching English at Eleutheria Middle School. Her 7th Grade students could be live wires, but she persisted in teaching them about Shakespeare.
Zero found work at Red River High, as a gym teacher. In addition, he coached the Junior Varsity soccer team. The Varsity coach, Rioroute Vilgyna, encouraged him when he started out: "Just let them know that you enjoy the game. And they will, too."
Kizna walked up to Zero, snapping him out of his reveries with a kiss. "Still in your p.j.'s? It's nearly 6:30. You've got less than an hour if you want to get to work."
He kissed her back, a quick peck to the lips. "Guess I lost track of time. Want a ham and dried tomato frittata? I just need to get the skillet on the stove." Zero walked the bowl and its contents to the stove, reached into a shelf below the oven, and found a wide pan. "Can you hand me that plate?" he asked, pointing to one with slices of ham, dried tomatoes, and a hunk of Manchego cheese. "And bring me the oil, some garlic, and a knife."
She brought the plate over, then found a small knife, a garlic clove, and a bottle of extra-light olive oil. As he set the ingredients in place, and checked the electric kettle, Kizna sat at a small, square table and watched, mystified. We've always been so close. I still can't believe he asked me to marry him. I figured we'd just be housemates when we moved into this place. But that dinner party, last Christmas, changed everything between us. She gazed at her left hand, where a gold band with a single diamond sparkled in the kitchen light. Hello, I'm Mrs. Rei Enna, and I am so pleased that you could share this day with us.
The scent of eggs, garlic, and ham wafted through the kitchen. Habibi ran into the kitchen, and began nuzzling Zero's legs. "Hey, love," he said, "I haven't forgotten you. Just give me a minute and I'll get your brekkie ready." The cat meowed, as if to complain, and stood on hind legs against Zero's shin. Zero sprinkled chopped tomatoes on the surface of the frittata, then sliced the cheese. As he worked, he popped a sliver of Manchego into his mouth. Habibi meowed, a little louder this time, and stared at him with mismatched eyes.
"Kizna?" She looked up from her chair. "I need to give our little love here some food, or he'll start clawing the pajamas. Do we have any cans of salmon Whiskas?"
"I think so. Let me check the pantry." Kizna got up, and walked toward a yellow door. After scanning the shelves, she found the cat food. "Got it. Do I mix it with the dry stuff?"
"No, I'll do that when I come back for lunch."
"Easy for you to say. You live two blocks from your school." She found the cat's food bowl, opened the can, and poured it in, making sure to flake the salmon, then set the plate on the floor, near the pantry.
"Habibi---ya habibi, breakfast!" Kizna sang out, as the cat fixed an amber eye and a green eye on the young woman. The cat danced over, nearly pouncing on the food.
"I owe you one, sweetness. You joining me?" Zero asked, as he placed the skillet under the broiler. "Just about ready."
"No thanks, I'm just going to snag a Luna Bar and some juice. The District Superintendent is visiting, so I need to dash. And you, mister, get out of your pajamas!"
"As you wish," Zero replied, swaying his hips, hands moving down to the waistband. "Always knew you wanted me for my hot bod."
"ZERO!" Kizna shrieked, before bursting into giggles. "Get over yourself. And at least wait until I've gone."
"Your loss, darling," Zero said, a mock-pout curving across his lower lip. "What do you want for dinner, then?"
"There's a meeting after school, and besides, tonight's our monthly brainstorm session. I'll be home late," Kizna said, pulling a down jacket off a peg near the door to the laundry room. "Seen my keys?"
"Where you always hang them, on the fridge. Need a hand with the books?"
"I put them in the car last night. Your kettle's on the boil." Kizna grabbed the keys and put on her jacket.
"I'll get that in a second," Zero replied, as he walked behind her. "Come here," he purred, scooping her into his arms for a kiss.
"Zero, my lipstick! Now I have to redo my face."
"Nonsense. You're the picture of beauty," he murmured, kissing her neck.
"I have to go. And you have to get to work. If I'm late, don't wait up." Kizna pried Zero's arms away, and dashed towards the back. "Love you."
"Love you too," he replied, as she left. He removed the skillet from the oven, placing it on a trivet. After turning off the kettle, he poured the water into the press pot, and set his table while the coffee steeped. He turned on the radio, which he kept on a window over the sink.
"That was Stevie Wonder, performing 'Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing,' and before that, The Buzzcocks' 'Ever Fallen in Love With Someone.' In the next hour, listen for classics from Starsailor, Musiq, Neil Young, and Emmylou Harris. Next up, a dedication for Roose Sawamura, from Yamagi Kushida, here, on Radio Flora." The opening bars of "Got To Get You Into My Life" came up. Zero began humming along, then danced around the room, with Habibi joining in. He grabbed a spatula, and started singing.
"I was alone, I took a ride, I didn't know what I would find there; another road where maybe I could see another kind of mind there; ooh, then I suddenly see you, ooh, did I tell you I need you, every single day of my life." He sliced a piece of frittata, brought over a plate, and slid the gooey wedge onto it, humming again, as he sat to eat.
Habibi jumped into Zero's lap, rumbling. "Yeah, I was hoping she'd stay for breakfast, too," he sighed, as the cat burrowed deeper. "I know it's important for her to keep up with work. And we did promise to wait for the wedding night. But what I wouldn't give for a night, one night, with her in my arms."
He got up, startling Habibi, and poured a cup of coffee. He drank it, and ran upstairs to dress. Classes started at 8:00; he had to be there by 7:30.
Ten minutes later, dressed in a grey warm-up suit, with a white t-shirt and black athletic shoes, Zero Enna dashed back to the kitchen, and turned off the radio. He put the leftovers into the stove, where they would stay warm until lunch. The dishes went into the sink; he would wash up after lunch. He gave Habibi a final pat, grabbed his jacket from the peg, and after a final check to see whether he'd left anything on, he went out the back door, locking it. Once outside, he went toward the front, scooped up the paper, and sprinted off to Red River High.
Author's Notes
I just wanted to say hello, and thanks to those of you who have reviewed thus far. Kaiyo: glad you like! Hope this chapter whets the appetite, and I'll post more soon. Sandy: I'm working on the new stuff as we speak. Look for more on Hiead and Zero as Pilots. That will come along soon, I promise. #88: curiosity killed the cat, and satisfaction brought him back. I hope this chapter piques your interest even further. KLMeri: I'm bringing in more Clay and Saki as I go along. UE: again I say---spasibo, tovarishch. Your input means a lot. And to everyone joining in: thanks, thanks, and thanks. I welcome reviews of every stripe. Tell your friends. Tell your enemies. Comment, critique, feedback, praise and flames nourish this writer.
I don't own "The One I Love." REM has those rights. Nor do I own the rights to "Got To Get You Into My Life"; Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the heirs of John Lennon and George Harrison hold those. I just enjoy the music.
Here are a few definitions for fun:
Folie a deux---a shared madness. Habibi---"love" or "sweetheart" in Arabic. "Ya' Habibi" is, I think, an emphatic endearment. Manchego is a semi-firm, salty cheese from Spain, which is delicious on its own or eaten with olives, green grapes, or a good bit of bread.
Once more, thank you all so much. Until next time.
Antoinette (poetisa)
P.S. Check out "Ruby in the Shadows" (storyid 867153). Nozomi has taken the MK vampire story, and given it a fresh spin. Read it! Review! And check out the Hiead/Zero Mailing List at yahoogroups.com. It's a good little site. Hasta la pasta, y'all.
The house at 2217 Malmsey Street was like the others: a two-story row house, painted dark blue, with a poplar tree in the front yard. Bicycle wheels whizzed past; the soft slap of newspapers hitting front steps broke the silence in the neighborhood.
Inside the house, in a room painted in ocean hues, a young man, sprawled across a bed, dozed. Dark mocha hair covered his face; an arm draped over the edge of the bed, where a calico cat strolled. He began to stir, and stroked the cat, which then leaped onto the mattress and nuzzled his neck.
"Habibi.what brings you here?" Zero Enna murmured, opening his eyes. Habibi meowed, nudging his shoulder. "Is it time already?" He glanced at a clock radio on a nearby nightstand. Quarter to six, huh? Oh well. I'd better get moving before Kizna starts yelling. He slipped out of bed, cradling the cat, and walked across the hall to the bathroom. Pajama bottoms rode the young man's hips; he yawned and set the cat on the floor. "See you downstairs," he whispered as Habibi scampered off to wake Kizna.
Once he had performed his morning rituals, Zero wandered down to the kitchen, in search of something to eat. He hummed to himself, and began rummaging through the refrigerator. Eggs, dried tomatoes, last night's ham. Where's the coffee? Nine-grain bread, butter, jam. Do I want strawberry, or boysenberry? Oh well, let's get going. He took out the items he wanted, found a bag of French roast coffee, and shut the door to the icebox. He pulled down a coffee grinder, poured in the beans, and set to work. Once that was done, he filled an electric kettle with water, and turned it on. He found a press pot in the draining rack, poured the ground coffee into it, and grabbed a small bowl from a cabinet.
A song popped into Zero's mind, as he whisked five eggs, and he started singing. "This one goes out to the one I love; this one goes out to the one I left behind. A simple prop, to occupy my time: this one goes out to the one I love. Fire! Fire!"
A memory took shape: in the relaxation room at GOA, a silver-haired boy, no more than 16, cradled him in his lap. "What's that you're singing, Hiead?"
"An old, old Earth song," Hiead Gner replied, gazing at his rival. "Something I heard when I was in the music library. Pretty, no?" Ruby and blue eyes met, as he lowered his head to kiss Zero.
"Beautiful," he murmured, before their lips met. Zero sighed, as Hiead's mouth pressed closer, his tongue just touching the other's lower lip. He parted his lips, deepening the kiss.
After several minutes, the kiss ended. "Could you teach me that song, Hiead? Please?" Zero breathed, smiling at his love.
"I'll write it on your heart," Hiead chuckled, as his hands wandered to Zero's sides, tickling him.
"Hey, Zero!" a voice chimed behind him. "Are you making breakfast, or do you just like to stare at Old Man Tiller taking out the trash?" Zero nearly dropped the bowl and whisk, but recovered, and set both on the counter. He turned around, and saw his fiancée, dressed for work, giving him a half-scowl.
Kizna Towryk wore a lilac-colored sweater, with heather-grey trousers and black shoes. She had grown taller, and was nearly Zero's height. Her strawberry hair had grown longer, and she often wore it braided. This morning, she'd tied it into a ponytail, cat ears peeking out of the strands.
After the final battle with VICTIM, the two had grown closer. Both went on to college, obtaining degrees in Education. They started as substitute teachers; once they received certification, Kizna began teaching English at Eleutheria Middle School. Her 7th Grade students could be live wires, but she persisted in teaching them about Shakespeare.
Zero found work at Red River High, as a gym teacher. In addition, he coached the Junior Varsity soccer team. The Varsity coach, Rioroute Vilgyna, encouraged him when he started out: "Just let them know that you enjoy the game. And they will, too."
Kizna walked up to Zero, snapping him out of his reveries with a kiss. "Still in your p.j.'s? It's nearly 6:30. You've got less than an hour if you want to get to work."
He kissed her back, a quick peck to the lips. "Guess I lost track of time. Want a ham and dried tomato frittata? I just need to get the skillet on the stove." Zero walked the bowl and its contents to the stove, reached into a shelf below the oven, and found a wide pan. "Can you hand me that plate?" he asked, pointing to one with slices of ham, dried tomatoes, and a hunk of Manchego cheese. "And bring me the oil, some garlic, and a knife."
She brought the plate over, then found a small knife, a garlic clove, and a bottle of extra-light olive oil. As he set the ingredients in place, and checked the electric kettle, Kizna sat at a small, square table and watched, mystified. We've always been so close. I still can't believe he asked me to marry him. I figured we'd just be housemates when we moved into this place. But that dinner party, last Christmas, changed everything between us. She gazed at her left hand, where a gold band with a single diamond sparkled in the kitchen light. Hello, I'm Mrs. Rei Enna, and I am so pleased that you could share this day with us.
The scent of eggs, garlic, and ham wafted through the kitchen. Habibi ran into the kitchen, and began nuzzling Zero's legs. "Hey, love," he said, "I haven't forgotten you. Just give me a minute and I'll get your brekkie ready." The cat meowed, as if to complain, and stood on hind legs against Zero's shin. Zero sprinkled chopped tomatoes on the surface of the frittata, then sliced the cheese. As he worked, he popped a sliver of Manchego into his mouth. Habibi meowed, a little louder this time, and stared at him with mismatched eyes.
"Kizna?" She looked up from her chair. "I need to give our little love here some food, or he'll start clawing the pajamas. Do we have any cans of salmon Whiskas?"
"I think so. Let me check the pantry." Kizna got up, and walked toward a yellow door. After scanning the shelves, she found the cat food. "Got it. Do I mix it with the dry stuff?"
"No, I'll do that when I come back for lunch."
"Easy for you to say. You live two blocks from your school." She found the cat's food bowl, opened the can, and poured it in, making sure to flake the salmon, then set the plate on the floor, near the pantry.
"Habibi---ya habibi, breakfast!" Kizna sang out, as the cat fixed an amber eye and a green eye on the young woman. The cat danced over, nearly pouncing on the food.
"I owe you one, sweetness. You joining me?" Zero asked, as he placed the skillet under the broiler. "Just about ready."
"No thanks, I'm just going to snag a Luna Bar and some juice. The District Superintendent is visiting, so I need to dash. And you, mister, get out of your pajamas!"
"As you wish," Zero replied, swaying his hips, hands moving down to the waistband. "Always knew you wanted me for my hot bod."
"ZERO!" Kizna shrieked, before bursting into giggles. "Get over yourself. And at least wait until I've gone."
"Your loss, darling," Zero said, a mock-pout curving across his lower lip. "What do you want for dinner, then?"
"There's a meeting after school, and besides, tonight's our monthly brainstorm session. I'll be home late," Kizna said, pulling a down jacket off a peg near the door to the laundry room. "Seen my keys?"
"Where you always hang them, on the fridge. Need a hand with the books?"
"I put them in the car last night. Your kettle's on the boil." Kizna grabbed the keys and put on her jacket.
"I'll get that in a second," Zero replied, as he walked behind her. "Come here," he purred, scooping her into his arms for a kiss.
"Zero, my lipstick! Now I have to redo my face."
"Nonsense. You're the picture of beauty," he murmured, kissing her neck.
"I have to go. And you have to get to work. If I'm late, don't wait up." Kizna pried Zero's arms away, and dashed towards the back. "Love you."
"Love you too," he replied, as she left. He removed the skillet from the oven, placing it on a trivet. After turning off the kettle, he poured the water into the press pot, and set his table while the coffee steeped. He turned on the radio, which he kept on a window over the sink.
"That was Stevie Wonder, performing 'Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing,' and before that, The Buzzcocks' 'Ever Fallen in Love With Someone.' In the next hour, listen for classics from Starsailor, Musiq, Neil Young, and Emmylou Harris. Next up, a dedication for Roose Sawamura, from Yamagi Kushida, here, on Radio Flora." The opening bars of "Got To Get You Into My Life" came up. Zero began humming along, then danced around the room, with Habibi joining in. He grabbed a spatula, and started singing.
"I was alone, I took a ride, I didn't know what I would find there; another road where maybe I could see another kind of mind there; ooh, then I suddenly see you, ooh, did I tell you I need you, every single day of my life." He sliced a piece of frittata, brought over a plate, and slid the gooey wedge onto it, humming again, as he sat to eat.
Habibi jumped into Zero's lap, rumbling. "Yeah, I was hoping she'd stay for breakfast, too," he sighed, as the cat burrowed deeper. "I know it's important for her to keep up with work. And we did promise to wait for the wedding night. But what I wouldn't give for a night, one night, with her in my arms."
He got up, startling Habibi, and poured a cup of coffee. He drank it, and ran upstairs to dress. Classes started at 8:00; he had to be there by 7:30.
Ten minutes later, dressed in a grey warm-up suit, with a white t-shirt and black athletic shoes, Zero Enna dashed back to the kitchen, and turned off the radio. He put the leftovers into the stove, where they would stay warm until lunch. The dishes went into the sink; he would wash up after lunch. He gave Habibi a final pat, grabbed his jacket from the peg, and after a final check to see whether he'd left anything on, he went out the back door, locking it. Once outside, he went toward the front, scooped up the paper, and sprinted off to Red River High.
Author's Notes
I just wanted to say hello, and thanks to those of you who have reviewed thus far. Kaiyo: glad you like! Hope this chapter whets the appetite, and I'll post more soon. Sandy: I'm working on the new stuff as we speak. Look for more on Hiead and Zero as Pilots. That will come along soon, I promise. #88: curiosity killed the cat, and satisfaction brought him back. I hope this chapter piques your interest even further. KLMeri: I'm bringing in more Clay and Saki as I go along. UE: again I say---spasibo, tovarishch. Your input means a lot. And to everyone joining in: thanks, thanks, and thanks. I welcome reviews of every stripe. Tell your friends. Tell your enemies. Comment, critique, feedback, praise and flames nourish this writer.
I don't own "The One I Love." REM has those rights. Nor do I own the rights to "Got To Get You Into My Life"; Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the heirs of John Lennon and George Harrison hold those. I just enjoy the music.
Here are a few definitions for fun:
Folie a deux---a shared madness. Habibi---"love" or "sweetheart" in Arabic. "Ya' Habibi" is, I think, an emphatic endearment. Manchego is a semi-firm, salty cheese from Spain, which is delicious on its own or eaten with olives, green grapes, or a good bit of bread.
Once more, thank you all so much. Until next time.
Antoinette (poetisa)
P.S. Check out "Ruby in the Shadows" (storyid 867153). Nozomi has taken the MK vampire story, and given it a fresh spin. Read it! Review! And check out the Hiead/Zero Mailing List at yahoogroups.com. It's a good little site. Hasta la pasta, y'all.