Chapter 18
Author's Note: I've got good news and bad news. The bad news is I'm going on vacation so I won't be able to update for a week or so. But, if anybody is interested in reading more about Katie while I'm gone, I strongly suggest you read 'Family Ties' by Jezroll. Katie has a small (but important role) in that story. If you read it (which I hope you do) do me two favors: tell her that Katchu sent you and tell her to update soon.
Now, here's the good news. This is one of the longest chapters I've written in a long time. I really hope you enjoy it!
Random question: What's up with everybody changing their name? I've had 3 different people review me under two different names. Not that I'm complaining or anything. I don't care what you go by as long as you review!!
They sat out on the back porch finishing up supper. Katie had just polished off the last fish and was washing it down with a beer.
-Well, dad, you did a pretty decent job with the catfish.
-But…
-Sam's are better.
-I thought she couldn't cook?
-Let's just say she has a limited amount of possibilities when she wants to make something.
-Such as?
-Well, fish. Uh, spaghetti. Oh, and she makes a mean soufflé.
-I see. How about your fish? Aren't you the expert cook?
Katie laughed.
-I'm far from an expert. And, I don't really do fish.
-You don't do fish.
-Yah. I'm not real good with them. I can catch 'em just fine, but then I don't know how to make them taste good.
-Well, then, I guess it's a good thing you caught and I cooked.
-I guess so.
-Ok, let me get somethin straight here. You didn't get my hockey playing ability. Didn't get Carter's ability to cook a fish. Got all Carter's technical mumbo jumbo. Got your fish catching capabilities from who knows where along with your brilliance in the kitchen.
-Yah…
-So, is there anything good you did get from me? Besides my sharp wit and cynicism of course.
Katie smiled.
-There are some who say that's a bad thing.
-What?! Who?!
-Do you know how many times in my life I've heard 'Katie, why can't you be more like your mother? Why can't you keep your darn mouth shut?'
-Oy. Katie darlin', what am I gonna do with you when Carter gets back?
-Lock me in a closet?
Jack laughed.
-That's a great idea.
-Thanks.
-Well, we're gonna have to tell her when she gets back…
-Why?
-Um, because if we don't she'll figure it out on her own and that would be bad.
-Will she now? She is a blond remember?
Jack rolled his eyes.
-Yes, but she's no ordinary blond.
-That's for darn sure.
-Do you really think she wouldn't find out?
-Well, they say that the higher your IQ is the less common sense you have.
-Hmm. And she is pretty high up on the IQ scale.
-Yup.
Jack groaned with realization.
-Won't work.
-Why not?
-Your eyes. They're a dead give away, even to someone with no common sense.
-Darn it…wait, how about colored contacts?
-What?
-We can make my eyes coffee brown like yours.
Jack grinned.
-That's a crazy idea. But…it might just work.
-I know it will.
Suddenly Jack groaned again.
-Jacob.
-What?
-He saw what color your eyes were. He was suspicious, but hadn't figured it out yet. If we change your eye color, he'll know something is up.
Katie sighed quietly and then looked up at Jack with pleading eyes.
-Well, couldn't we just tell Jacob?
-You don't think he would tell Carter?
-Not if we asked him not to.
-I don't know…
-Oh please??
Jack looked at her queerly.
-Why are you so eager for Jacob to know?
Katie looked down, refusing to meet his eyes.
-Katie, talk to me…
She looked up, tears streaming down her cheeks.
-I want Jacob to know, because in my universe…he died 11 years ago.
-What? Oh, Kit Kat, I'm sorry.
He leaned over and enveloped her in a hug.
-We can tell him. You deserve to have a grandpa again.
-Thanks dad.
-Now, wipe away those tears. Let's go have some fun.
-What are we gonna do?
-I was thinking we should watch a movie or something.
-Sounds good.
They went into the cabin.
