3. Mew!

Tuesday, 5:45 AM.
Kim slid onto the bed next to her sleeping husband. William awoke to the sensation of Kim placing barely-perceptable kisses on his lips, while holding his hand.

William began to return the kiss, and his other hand slid to her waist. "Mmmm," he purred in an ultra-low morning voice while opening his eyes, "nothing better than rising to the world's sexiest alarm."

Kim sank against William and warmly embraced him - then pulled back a few inches, smiling warmly. "Good morning, my handsome prince," she said. "I turned off the alarm and let you sleep in for fifteen minutes, since you're now driving to work." She kissed him again. "I also have an omelette waiting for you, just as you like it...even the diced little green onions."

"You're up early," said William.

"Not so bad," replied Kim. "About 4 or so. I spent an hour answering some of the letters, and then started your breakfast."

"Just me? You're not having anything?"

"I had a little toast...I'm just not that hungry this mor--" Kim was cut short by a low noise from her stomach. She quickly rolled off the bed to her feet, muttering, "berightback!" and running into the bathroom, slamming the door. William rose to check on the omelette. As he passed the bathroom door, he could hear Kim in a fit of coughing. He continued to the kitchen, turning the heat down slightly, and returned to the bedroom.

Kim opened the door just as he passed it. She gave a bright smile and a "hi," slipping her arm around him.

"Are you alright, Kim?" William asked, the concern visible on his face.

"Yeah," she said. "I'm just not sure the egg roll yesterday quite agreed with me. I'm all like...errr..." she made a swooping downward motion with her hand. "Zoom."

"Ahh," he said. "Might have to watch that. Could be just the Tea Room's food that doesn't get along with you. I went in and turned the eggs down just a bit...and when I went by the bathroom, I thought I heard you coughing."

"Oh...yeah, I think I had a flake of toast crust caught in my throat or something. I'm better now."

William drifted the backs of a couple of fingers along Kim's cheek. "I hope so," he said. "I've been a little concerned since yesterday morning, before the test."

"I'm fine...really. Just an evil egg roll - no big, really. And yesterday? It was nerves about the test."

"Marcy asked about you too...after that thing in the office where you over-apologized. She's pretty easy going when it comes to stuff li--"

"William!" snapped Kim. William stopped mid-sentence, focusing his stare on her. "I said...I'm...fine," she continued with a pointed tone. "I can call Marcy later and tell her the same thing. Now, I know yesterday got off to a weird start - but it ended so perfectly. I don't think I want to eclipse yesterday with an argument today...do you?"

William stood for a second, still looking at Kim with a disbelieving stare. In all the time they had been together, this was the first time she had even shown a hint of anger or other negative emotion toward him. He wasn't expecting it - it was an instant and drastic change from her normal demeanor - and he didn't quite know how to process or deal with it. One thing he was sure of - he didn't want an argument. He said nothing, but turned quickly and walked down the hallway to the kitchen. As he passed through the doorway, he heard the bathroom door slam forcibly, startling him out of his gait. Once again he heard faint sounds of Kim coughing, mixed with a strained moan. He went to the stove and checked the omelette. It wasn't quite a light golden-brown on the outside, but it was done enough for him to eat. He grabbed a plate from the cupboard and slid the eggs onto it. He then took a fork from the drawer and sat at the table to eat.

Food was coming slow for William, as it was the last thing on his mind at the moment. He and Kim had been together for nearly seven months, and to his recollection, this was the first time they had encountered anything even approching conflict between them. The thing that was bothering him the most was that there was no warning - no sign - and no apparent cause for Kim's outburst.

Willliam was forcing a third bite of the omelette on himself and giving thought to emailing Wade from work to ask him to talk to the Cross Agents and see if there could be any long-term effect of the Flesher environment that could bring this about, when Kim came into the kitchen. Most of the expression was drained from her face, and what remained resembled William's mood of disbelief. The hair around her face was a bit moist, as if from perspiration. She slowly took the other chair, sliding it next to William, and sitting slowly, her eyes cast down onto the table.

"William..." she started quietly, "...you're right. There is something wrong...but the thing is, I don't know what. I just know that I'm...not myself. At first, I thought the moodiness was about the test...but once I got through it and saw how easy it was, the moodiness didn't go away. And now...this morning...it caused me to lash out at you - for no reason whatsoever." She took William's hand into hers. "William...I'm...scared," she said, putting her other hand onto his, clasping it. "I've never felt physically bad before...and I sure have never been angry with you about anything. And now...I'm more worried and scared about what you must think of me than I am about what's wrong with me...and, about if you can even forgive me."

"Well," said William, "first I'll say that it's not your fault if you're not feeling well. Next...yes, I do forgive you, Kim." She rose and moved into his lap, embracing him. They remained like that for a long moment, not saying anything.

Kim broke the silence first. "I'm going to email Wade while you're at work," she said. "Maybe there's something he or the Cross Agents can tell us about this."

"We're of the same mind," William said. "I was just thinking of mailing him sometime today. One thing I would add, though."

"Hm?"

"Ask about any similarities or differences in the internal makeup between Cellers and Fleshers...just in case you might have to see a doctor."

Kim made a sour face. "Ugh...I hope it doesn't come to that, but I'll ask."

"Anything is better than being sick," William said. "Trust me on this. I got the flu when I was 12, and I would do anything to get out of going to the doc. I had a temperature of 104 before I was finally too weak to fight any longer." William then kissed Kim again and motioned her off his lap while he stood. "I'll give you a call later today and see how you're feeling. In the meantime, take it easy today."

"I'll mail Wade after you leave," Kim said. "Then I might grab a nap."

"Good idea," said William as he started for the shower. He made it two steps before Kim stopped him by the arm. She motioned to the unfinished omelette. "No good?"

"No, it's up to your standards of exemplary cuisinary quality...just that when I sat down, I really wasn't thinking about food. Don't do anything with it, and I'll reheat it when I get out of the shower."

"Microwaved recycled omelette?" Kim winced. "So not. I'll keep it idling on the stove for you." She picked up the plate and slid the eggs back into the skillet, turning the burner to "simmer".

William walked over and brushed her hair back, giving her a kiss where her neck and shoulder met. "Wonderful," he said as Kim instinctively pressed toward his kiss, "that's what you are - wonderful."

"Even when I'm Mood Girl?" she said sheepishly.

"Shhh," said William, putting his finger to Kim's lips. "Be vewwy vewwy qwiet - Mood Girl is packin' fo' da curb, girlfwiend."

This sent Kim into a fit of closed-mouth giggles, and she settled her head against William's chest. "I just love you to bits, Mr. Hodge." She then turned him around. "Go shower...your omelette will be warm and scrumptious when you come back."

William took one step - and was smartly slapped on the rear. He let out a "Hey!" and whirled around to see Kim, her arms crossed and a devilish grin on her face. "Mood Girl?"

"William's Girl," she smirked. "See you in a few."

7:14 AM.
William walked into the kitchen dressed in a light gray suit, blue dress shirt, and a black-and-silver striped tie. Kim had turned on the stereo to the pop station, playing low, and was minding the stove, making sure William's omelette didn't overcook.

Kim turned as William entered, and her eyes widened as her jaw dropped. Then her face slipped into that dreamy smile. "Ohhh...baby," she said slowly, eyeing her husband up and down, "now we can both have breakfast - mine just walked in."

William chuckled, then presented himself with a turn and a pose, his hand on his hip, his face turned to a profile. Kim took in a breath between her teeth. "Oooo," she purred in a sultry voice while approaching him and slipping her arms around his waist. "You look just scrumptious...I think I'll save you for after dinner...so I can savor you longer."

"I...think I have enough preservatives to last that long," William smiled, softly stroking Kim's hair as her head settled against his chest.

"Speaking of preservatives," grinned Kim, leading William to a chair and turning for the stove, "yours is just as hot as before--" She slid the omelette back onto the plate and served it to William past his shoulder and handing him a fork - then sliding her hands over his shoulders and across his chest, her face sinking next to his. "--but not as hot as your waitress." She punctuated this with a soft kiss just in front of his ear - and just the softest caress of his earlobe with the tip of her tongue.

William responded by turning his head and placing a trail of moist kisses along the inside of her forearm, knowing this was one of Kim's erogenous zones. Kim took a long inhale, her eyes closing. "Mmmmm...pusssh the buttonnn, Rufusss," she slurred through a moan as one of the spaghetti straps on her white midriff top slipped to her upper arm. "I'll be simmering all day now, just like that omelette."

"As will I," William said, cutting a bite from his plate and slowly offering it to Kim.

She slid her mouth around the fork, melting further into that dreamy expression. "...can I cook or whaaat..."

"Indeed you can," he replied, taking a bite of his own. "...you make a pretty hot omelette, too."

"Mm-hmm," Kim giggled into his ear. She stood and went to the cupboard for two glasses, then the refrigerator to fill each with apple juice. She sat again at the table, setting one of the glasses in front of William. "Omelette still good?" she asked as William picked the last bite from his plate.

William held the fork in front of his mouth. "I'm not sure it's possible to apply the term 'not good' to anything you cook." He smiled and finished his meal. He then stood and took the plate to the sink, and glanced at the clock on the wall - 7:39. He walked back to Kim, taking her hand and leading her toward the front door.

"And now, I must leave my domestic paradise, full of charming, loving and simmering wife...and mount my new bristling sapphire stallion, to be whisked to Castle Meridian...and to the ivory tower which holds my occupational sanctum, where I shall once again perform the magic spells that make money fall from the sky, and into the funnel known as our checking account."

"Wh-hehe-what?" Kim tried to speak through a sudden giggle fit. "If I start feeling funny and quoting Shakespeare, I'll know that came from the juice. William Allen Hodge - you're crazy!" She wrapped her arms around him while continuing to laugh - then looked into his eyes - "Please don't change?"

William searched Kim's eyes. This was truly the woman he had fallen in love and vowed to spend the rest of his life with - "in sickness and in health." He started to remind himself that between the two of them, they could weather anything - and that they would, one way or another, defeat whatever was taking Kim on such an emotional roller coaster. He slid his hands to Kim's upper arms and drew down close to her face. "The only change I have planned...is to love you more than I already do."

Kim slipped from his arms, shifting hers to wrap around his neck, and jumping into his embrace. "I sooo needed to hear that," she smiled warmly, then pressed her lips to his for a lingering kiss.

"William?"

"Yes?"

"Please go to work now...before I don't let you."

William smiled and sighed in resignation, slowly letting his wife drift to the floor. "I'll call about lunchtime to see how you're feeling. On the way home tonight, I have to make a stop at the market."

"Drive safely, lover," replied Kim. William started down the walk to the street where the car was parked, shaking his head. "Shakespearean apple juice," he muttered loud enough for Kim to hear, and she responded with a high-pitched giggle. He flashed a "thumbs up" sign, and pressed the key fob to unlock the doors.

Kim watched in the open doorway as William started the car, giving a wave and turning over his shoulder to ease out into traffic. She then closed the door, stopped at the kitchen table for her juice, and went to the bedroom to mail Wade.

11:47 AM.
William rattled the key in the lock and opened the door, leaving the keys dangling in the deadbolt. "Kim?" he called out, laying his jacket on the chair near the door. "Kim?" he called again. He heard a faint noise from the bedroom, and he started down the hallway. "You didn't answer the phone, so I came home to check--" He stopped dead in his tracks at the doorway to the bedroom, a shocked look on his face. "Wh-where did you get that?" he stammered.

Kim had dressed in the replica outfit of her "mission duds," with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. Kim's clothing wasn't a high priority with William at the moment - he was more focused on the shotgun she was holding. "Came home to check on me," she said in a mocking tone. "Isn't that sweet...the doting husband, come home to wind up his little plaything and watch her click and whirr about, obeying his every whim..."

"Kim - what is this? What- Plaything...? What are you talking about??" he stammered.

"e-NOUGH, William," Kim barked. "Enough of your façade. Enough of your sick game....marrying the freak who came out of your mirror, and showing her off to the world...'look what I caught! Look what I caught!'...ordering her around the house like a little puppy...'make me dinner...make love to me'." She racked the slide on the shotgun, chambering a shell, and backed away from the bed to stand against the wall next to the nightstand. William was frozen in disbelief.

"Welllll, William..." she continued, "Your plaything is taking aallll her toys and going home. This is soooo over...you'll have to find someone else to play your game--" She hefted the shotgun to a vertical position, shifting her grip on the barrel. "--because I quit." With this, she brought the barrel down to rest under her chin.

William lunged from the doorway, catapulting himself over the corner of the bed. "Kim, NO!!" he screamed.

Just as he cleared the bed, Kim whipped the shotgun around. "PSYCHE!" she shouted, pulling the trigger. The recoil kicked her hard in the midsection as the report from the shotgun roared throughout the apartment. William's stomach exploded in a shower of crimson and he collapsed onto the floor with a heavy thud, his hand just touching her shoe. His words were faint as he gurgled them out slowly between gasping breaths..."whhhh-...whhhyy??"

Kim ejected the spent shell and chambered another, lowering the barrel until it touched against his forehead as he tried to raise up on his arms. He slowly looked up at Kim - a pool of blood forming on his shirt and the carpet. "...lovvve youuuu...K-Kimmmm..."

"So - NOT," Kim hissed through gritted teeth, punctuating it with another blast from the shotgun. William bucked once violently - then fell silent, another pool forming around his head.

Kim slowly let the gun slip from her fingers, clattering against the floor. She fell back against the wall, her hands balled into fists, and a growl escaping through her gritted teeth which quickly built into a blood-curdling scream. She pushed herself from the wall and ran three steps across the room, launching herself at the mirror. It exploded into silver shards and blinding light as she dove into it--

"WILLIAM!!!"
Kim sprang to a sitting position, heaving breath, her hair, shirt and pillow drenched in sweat. Her head sank into her hands as she slowly repeated, "noo...noo...nooo...," wiping the sweat from her face. Her head jumped up and she immediately looked at the intact mirror - then at the clean floor - then to the alarm on the nightstand.

11:47 AM.
Kim was settling herself, readying to gather the sheets and pillowcase for the laundry and then showering and changing clothes when the phone rang out. Kim jumped with a shriek - then collected herself and picked it up. "H-Hello?"

"Hi there," William said. "You sound a bit winded."

"I...I was sleeping, and the phone startled me." Kim said weakly. "Actually, your timing is pretty good...I was having a bad dream." She reached for her juice on the nightstand and took a long drink.

"Oh...don't do that," he said. "Nothing too bad, I hope."

"You so don't want to know. Let's talk about happy things. How is your day going?"

"Not bad. Things are running smoothly here, so I'll be home earlier than I thought. Marcy set up an account for me to have a cell phone. I have to go pick it up and activate the account. Then I need to stop by the market, like I told you this morning."

"Did you tell her you already have a 'celler' phone?" Kim giggled. Then, "Are you going to the grocer's?"

"I wasn't planning on it, but I can. Any requests?"

"Well, the apple juice this morning seemed to make me feel a little bit better...but we're nearly out of it. And...maybe a couple of apples? The big red juicy kind."

"Done and done. Anything else?"

Kim thought for a moment as she stood and slid the case off her pillow. "Hmmm...what would I have to do to talk you into making dinner tonight?"

"Well...you could try the direct approach."

"Hehe. Just something simple."

"How about some soup?"

"That sounds perfect. When do you think you'll be home?"

"Well, I'm leaving here shortly to pick up the phone. Once I get done with everything...I shouldn't be later than about 2."

"Okay. I'm going to put the bedding in the laundry. I woke up just swimming...kind of like when a fever breaks...you know?"

"Hmm," William said. "That might be good news."

"Let's hope. I might find something for lunch after I get things in the wash...and I'll take a shower. I'm just soaked."

"Okay," said William. "I'm outta here. See you soon...I love you."

"I love you, William," Kim said warmly. "Drive safe and I'll see you when you get here." She hung up the phone and took in a deep breath, exhaling through puffed cheeks. She sat on the edge of the bed, pulling the sheet from a corner, and thinking about the violent dream she had - and why she had it. She continued to reflect as she gathered the bedding and stuffed it into the washer, adding detergent and setting a cycle. Then she went to the bedroom, picking fresh sweatpants and one of William's "Meridian" t-shirts from the dresser, and into the bathroom to run a shower. She came out with a towel wrapped turban-style around her head. She felt much fresher than this morning - as if being cleansed of whatever might be troubling her. She retrieved her glass from the nightstand, and went to the kitchen, filling the glass with the last of the apple juice, and making herself a peanut butter sandwich.

2:17 PM.
Kim pressed the button to unlock the doors, and Angelica slid into the passenger seat of the Prius, hugging Kim warmly. "Hiya kiddo!" she beamed. "Wow, fancy wheels. When did ya learn how to drive?"

Kim smiled widely. "Just a few days ago. I saw this while William was picking out a company car...and talked him into the fact that we needed a personal vehicle. Isn't it neat? It's electric."

Angelica drifted her hand across the dash. "CD player...air conditioning...ya got it all!" She then cocked an ear toward the front of the car. "Electric, huh?" she aksed. "Then what's that purring I hear?"

"It's got a gas engine, too. It's probably charging the batteries."

Angelica then lowered her voice, speaking more clearly. "Kim...I don't have to tell you that you've pretty much set the Celler environment on fire with all the firsts you've achieved. Falling in love with a Flesher - then marrying him! And the breaking of the crystal...but I knew this about you. You were made to excel - no matter where you are...and you know that too, right?"

Kim sighed. "Lately I've been turned around and over so many ways...I feel so wierd...physically and emotionally...and I don't know why...I've even been having nightmares...horrible nightmares." She gripped the wheel as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Angelica reached over and caught the tear on the tip of her finger. "Aww, honey," she said, her voice returning to her usual "street" mode. "Ye're worryin' a lot about nothin'. This'll all pass, and you'll be back to normal in nothin' flat! Trust me!" She cocked her gaze at Kim. "I've never steered ya wrong, have I?" she said, nudging Kim's arm.

"No...you haven't," said Kim, giving a slightly resigned look. "In fact, the only other person who ever had such an influence and guiding force on my life - is William...and you're still guiding me - even if you're not here."

"What-cha-talkin'-'bout??" said Angelica. "I'm right here! And I ain't goin' nowhere! I'm here whenever ye're in need. I thought ya knew that by now. And if ya didn't - ya do now!" she laughed softly as Kim wrapped her arms around her friend. "You're my favorite baseball player," continued Angelica. "Just look at all the hits ya have under yer belt. I just wait a little bit - and BLAM! Ya knock another right out of the park!"

Kim smiled and blushed. "I think I have you to thank for that. After all, you're the one that set up my Cross to William."

"True...but I had no idea it would turn out THIS well...and something I've learned about ya...I never have to wait long for ya to get another hit. I mean, a JOB???"

"Hehe. I start next week," Kim beamed.

"I couldn't be more proud of ya," said Angelica. "Don't worry about the wierd stuff - like I said - it'll pass. I promise. Now...knock the dirt out of yer spikes and dig in - you're about to come up to bat to knock another one over the fence. Another long ball! Wheee!"

"I'm...not so sure I'm ready for another 'hit' right now," sighed Kim, lowering her head until it bumped against the steering wheel.

-mew-

Angelica giggled and pointed at the wheel. "CUTE horn!" she exclaimed. "Goes right along wtih the rest of the car. Did ya have that put in?"

"What the--" Kim stared at the wheel, puzzled. "No...I didn't. It's supposed to go 'beep' - not 'mew'."

"Try it again," Angelica encouraged, motioning toward the wheel.

-mewww-

"Happy Birthday, kiddo," beamed Angelica, hugging Kim tightly. "Now...get back to it - your other half is home. And stop worrying!" She reached up and tapped Kim on the forehead.

Kim awoke and scratched her nose. William was seated on the end of the bed, next to a rather large box. "Hi there," he said, with a broad smile on his face.

Kim started to raise her head - and a small white cloud drifted across her chest, nuzzling against her chin as it passed.

-mew-

Kim brought her hands up, caressing the kitten on her chest. "Awwww," she cooed. "Awwwww! Oh William...he's beautiful!" She sat up and swept the kitten into her arms. It reached up and softly batted at Kim's nose as she cuddled it against her face, purring loudly against her ear and talking to her in a continuous series of "mews."

"Ahem," said William. "She's just as beautiful as her new owner."

Kim slid across the bed, embracing her husband. "Is this what you had to go to the market for? You're so sneaky. You didn't say a word about her." The kitten tapped a paw against Kim's lips, and Kim turned to kiss her forehead. The kitten responded by swiping casually at Kim's hair dangling in front of her.

"Actually, I've been thinking about it since Sunday, when you said you were thinking of getting a pet," William said. "And, I've been doing a little more thinking. Your show debuted on June 7th of last year. I...kind of took the liberty of thinking of that as your...birthday...if that's alright. Think of her as a belated present."

Kim set the kitten on the bed for a moment - and threw her arms tighter around William. "She's perfect...my birthday is sooo perfect," she said as the happy tears began to flow. "I sooo love you, William...you're perfect...I love you so much."

William hugged his wife warmly - then motioned her to look at the desk. "Gonna blow out the candle on your cake?" He grinned. On the desk was a cupcake topped with pink frosting, candy sprinkles - and a single lit candle, the flame sparkling in Kim's tears. She rose, holding her hair to one side and crouching in front of the desk, pausing, her eyes closed. She then puffed - and the candle went out. She brought the cake back to the bed, sitting next to William. The kitten joined them, crawling onto Kim's leg, looking up at her with a "mew."

William chuckled. "Jealous already."

Kim giggled. "Any ideas on a name? And we have to get food and stuff for her."

I thought I would leave the name up to you," he said. "As far as the rest? It's already handled." He tipped the box slightly to show Kim; inside was a "Welcome Home Kit" from the pet shoppe - a bag of dry food, a few small cans of moist food, dishes for water and both kinds of food, a litter box, liners and litter, and a couple of small toys to bat around. "All she needs now is something to call her when she knocks things off the tables," William smirked.

Kim picked up the pure white fluff, studying her gold eyes for a moment. She then perked and looked at William, moving the kitten to his arms. "Say hello to Angel Mist," she proclaimed. "Angel or Misty for short." The kitten mewed twice, seemingly in agreement, and playing with William's tie.

"Hello, Angel Mist," echoed William, holding the kitten in one hand and beginning to dig in the box with the other. "Welcome to House of Hodge." He pulled a dish and the bag of dry food from the box. "The afternoon snack is now being served on the veranda, if you're hungry."

Kim reached into the box for another dish. "I'll get her some milk," she said, starting for the kitchen.

William placed the dish and Angel on the floor, tearing a corner from the bag of food and pouring a bit into the dish. Angel sat patiently as the dish filled, then cautiously approached it, picking one morsel from the pile and chewing.

"Nice apples," Kim called from the kitchen as she noticed the plastic bag on the counter with four large apples inside.

William took the bag and the dish in one hand, Angel in the other, and started for the kitchen, where Kim was looking through the drawer for a bag clip. "We should introduce her to her food here in the kitchen," he said, placing the kitten on the floor. She started padding about the kitchen, exploring her new environment. William set the food on the table and got a place mat from the cupboard, putting it on the floor between the counter and the sliding glass door, then putting Angel's food dish on it. Kim turned from the refrigerator, passing William the other dish with a bit of milk in it, which he put beside the food dish.

Kim walked to the placemat and crouched to the floor, making kissing noises. "Angel? Lunch is served. C'mere baby." The kitten perked and bounded across the floor to Kim and sniffed over the dishes, then began to lap at the milk. Kim stood and wrapped an arm around her husband. "This is about the best present anyone could think of," she said, resting her head on William's shoulder. watching Angel take after her food. "Welcome home, Angel," she said. "Hope you're planning for a long stay."

Angel looked up from her dish, seeming to affirm - mew! - and walking over to rub against Kim's ankles. Both she and William laughed, and Kim turned to embrace him tightly. She looked up into his eyes, a warm smile on her face. "Happy Birthday to me."

to be continued...