Yeah!!!!! Another chapter done! And just in time for Christmas. Well. .
.almost. I'm very happy to report that all my Christmas shopping is done,
I only have to wrap the presents, and I'm DONE! I'm also off work for the
next four days, so I might have a chance to get more written.
Reviews!
Sailor Elf: (snickering) Yeah, I could easily imagine the look on Rick's face when he found out he would be taking the part of the clown. Yeah. . .poor kid desperately needs this holiday. She loses no time in attaching herself to Ardeth, too.
Evywannabe: Thank you for your patience. . .the fun stuff starts in earnest with this chapter, but the hysterical stuff comes next. Promise!
Brunette: You know, that's why I always use the term, 'the thot plickens.' It doesn't sound like gravy, and it's somewhat amusing. You're quite welcome for the response. . .and the idea of Beni and Ellen together? Whoa. Definitely points for imagination on that one. And a nice change from the Rick's sister/cousin and Ardeth stories.
Part Eleven
From that dark beginning came the most wonderful weekend Anck Cortez could remember in her life, much less in her college career. And she liked to think the best was yet to come. She liked to think that her life was only just starting. The only dark spot was her lack of male companionship. It would have been nice, to share this with a special man. Whether Evy or Celia would admit it or not. . .they had feelings for the step-brothers.
While Anck. . .the only man who showed any promise was Emmett Tepper, and he was trouble. Anck didn't mind trouble, at least, not for herself. But she knew enough about college life to know that she could mean trouble for Emmett Tepper, and that wasn't something she was ready for. Besides, she was too young to really get involved with anyone, much less a college professor who probably wouldn't give her a second thought.
She denied any allegation that she was playing both sides of the fence by adopting that attitude for herself. . .and urging her two roommates to act on their feelings for the respective step-brothers. For one thing, she greatly enjoyed seeing how flustered and indignant Evy became whenever someone mentioned her feelings toward Richard O'Connell. For another thing, she thought a fling would be good for Celia. It didn't have to be serious. . .just serious enough to teach Celia that she *was* appealing.
Anck, on the other hand, was an old-hand when it came to boys and dating. In fact, she was enough of an old-hand to know that a boy her own age would never do for herself. Well, for that matter, she thought Celia deserved a man. Not a guy, not a boy, but a man. Fully grown, totally mature, and confident in himself that he could get silly. Whether Celia was ready to find someone like that was something else entirely. Ardeth was a grown man, not a child in a man's body. . .she just didn't know if he had the capacity to get silly.
Not at first, at least. As Galen Ferguson's houseguests went inside on that first night, their attention was preoccupied with the little girl curled up against Ardeth's chest. Her name, Anck learned, was 'Olivia Chase,' and she was four years old. Her brother was dying, and her father was an alcoholic who began spinning out of control when his son was diagnosed as terminal. Olivia's mother was struggling to hold the family together. . .with some help from her son's doctor, Galen.
At her mother's request, Galen took Olivia home with him. The cleaning lady who came in and took care of the house once a week kept an eye on Livvy, while Galen waited outside for his volunteers. Livvy's mother Rachel had the telephone number at the house. . .just in case. While Galen was outside, watching for Celia and the others, Rachel called to tell them that her husband was arrested a few hours earlier. The news that sent Livvy out in tears.
By the time they were all inside, Rachel already hung up. Since Livvy seemed so comfortable with Ardeth, she remained with him, while Galen called Rachel's cell phone to find out the details behind the arrest of Livvy's father. The other children, plus the last chaperone, weren't due to arrive for another three hours, which gave them time to choose their bedrooms and start getting unpacked.
Everyone met back in the study a half hour later. Livvy was sound asleep in Ardeth's lap, her head trustingly against his shoulder. Anck wished she had a camera. . . she would have loved to take a picture for blackmail purposes. However, she didn't have a camera, and she was afraid of waking up Livvy with the flash. She satisfied herself with a promise to get something even more incriminating the next time.
However, someone didn't have her scruples when it came to waking up little girls. There was a flash behind her, and Anck swung around to find a camera in Rick's hands, and a devious grin on his handsome face. She set her hands on her hips, glaring at him, even as she tried not to laugh. If he woke that little girl. . . However, the sound she heard from behind her wasn't a little girl stirring, but a grunt of pain.
Anck turned back around and winced in sympathy. Livvy changed positions and wound up smacking some very sensitive spots on poor Ardeth's body. Elbows and knees could do a lot of damage, as Anck well knew from growing up. Her mother always taught her that her beauty was no excuse for the lack of self-control demonstrated by boys her own age. . .and she was to defend herself however she saw fit from boys who wanted more than she was willing to give.
An 'ow' had her turning back around to face Rick, and Anck swallowed her laughter when she saw Evy smack him in the back of his head again. Damn. She was hoping it was Celia who did that. It would have been good for several laughs then, since Celia was more than a foot shorter than O'Connell. Still, Anck could derive a lot of amusement from this as well. Evy said in a stage whisper, "You should be ashamed of yourself!" She would have gone on and on. Anck *knew* her roommate, but Livvy started stirring. Evy's mouth closed firmly, and she glared at Rick O'Connell once more. She added in a real whisper, "I'll be watching you, Mr O'Connell, don't get any ideas about crossing any lines."
Anck couldn't help herself. She thought this Evy Carnahan was long gone, the uptight, annoying little prig who drove Anck crazy the previous year. At this resurrection of that annoying girl, Anck replied, "But where's the fun in that, Evy? Crossing lines is one of the most entertaining ways to spend your time!" Evy glared at her, and Anck saw her roommate's lips form an 'ooooooh.' But she didn't say anything. It was then that the rest of the children arrived.
It was decided while they were choosing rooms that Evy would bunk with Livvy. She was the youngest, and none of the other children were likely to accept having a 'baby' as a roommate. Anck and Celia would bunk together, Galen and Jonathan, and Rick and Ardeth. Originally, the woman driving the children to the house was to have been another chaperone. She was also a pediatrician, and the girlfriend of Galen's friend Matt.
Cassandra, Galen explained, didn't want to leave Matt alone. She also didn't want to leave Galen hanging, so she offered to drive the children to the house. At seven pm, as the adults and Livvy lounged in the living room (Livvy remaining firmly in Ardeth's lap), headlights shone through the window, and Galen said, "That's them. Rick, Jon, mind coming with me? Ardeth kinda has his hands full."
Anck also rose to her feet, as Jonathan started to demur. He looked quite comfortable, lying against a large pillow in the middle of the floor. But Galen gave him a Look, and Jonathan scrambled to his feet. Anck helped Celia up, then the pair pulled Evy upright as well. Galen added, "Celia, stay put and keep Ardeth company. . .I think six adults will be enough to deal with the munchkins."
Celia started to answer, then closed her mouth, eyeing her brother suspiciously. She was, no doubt, wondering who told her brother about her reaction to Ardeth Bey. Anck didn't have the heart to explain anyone who paid attention to her could have figured it out within moments. They could hear it in her voice, they could see it in her eyes. Celia sat down beside Ardeth, who favored her with a faint smile. Assured they would be just fine, Anck trailed after Galen and the others. Oh yes. . .this weekend would be *quite entertaining.*
. . .
There was an awkward silence after the others left, the kind that permeated the atmosphere when two people felt drawn to each other, and didn't know how to proceed. As hard as Celia fought it, she knew she was attracted to him. Wildly attracted to him, and it scared the hell out of her. As for Ardeth. . .she almost had the sense that he found her equally attractive. As used to the opposite as she was, that also frightened her. Even more than her own feelings for Ardeth, the concept that he was equally attracted to her was terrifying.
If she was right, if she wasn't imagining things, how did she proceed? What was she supposed to do in a situation like this? After several moments of silence, Ardeth said very softly, "You are very good with children." Celia looked at him, startled by the sound of his voice, and her companion continued, "The way you are with Olivia. . .you behave very naturally with her. I think you would like my younger sisters. The babies."
Mention of children distracted Celia from her fears. She did like children, very much. She liked children more as a teenager and soon-to-be adult than she did as a child. Celia asked in a low voice, mindful of the little girl in Ardeth's lap, "How old are they? Your sisters, I mean?" She learned from listening during the van ride to the house that Ardeth was twenty-two, three years older than herself, and a year younger than his step-brother.
"Seven and five. Their names are Yasmina and Thalia. My mother is Greek, you see," Ardeth explained. He paused, skimming his hand over Livvy's glossy hair, then continued, "I have two other sisters, both younger than I, and a younger brother. My brother, Anatol, is fourteen. . .the same age as your younger brother. Jason is his name, yes?" Celia nodded, and Ardeth continued, "My other two sisters are Acacia and Aleta."
"Yasmina and Thalia. . .their last name is O'Connell, right?" Celia asked, and Ardeth nodded with a half-smile. The girl continued curiously, "What are they like? I always wanted a sister. . .I love Galen and Jason, of course. How could I not? I mean, yeah, they sometimes drive me crazy, especially Jason, but they're family. And they're both real protective of me. Galen especially. But. . .I still wanted a sister."
"And now you have two. . .Anck-su-namun and Evelyn," Ardeth pointed out gently. Celia inclined her head in acknowledgment, and unexpectedly, Ardeth laughed softly. He said, "You have been learning from me, have you?" Celia blushed and ducked her head. She didn't like to admit it, but sometimes she did. . .adopt mannerisms she thought were cool. In Ardeth's case, she adopted a mannerism she thought was classy. His kinda reminded her of Delenn, her favorite character in 'Babylon Five.'
"Yeah, I suppose they are my sisters. But. . .I dunno. Sometimes. . .I mean, I try to get Galen together with my friend Margit. He. . .he kinda has bad taste in women. They all. . .they use him. Why does he do that? Why does he always go for the women who are needy and clingy, and who throw him away when. . .?" Celia asked. She stopped herself, closing her eyes. She hadn't meant to say that, especially not to a man she barely knew, but unfortunately, that was a byproduct of her overwhelming attraction to Ardeth Bey. Her mouth was working faster than her brain, and she didn't like that one bit.
Ardeth sighed very quietly, then told her, "I do not know, Cecelia. I am. . .unacquainted with the. . .courtships between men and women. My duties to my people leave very little time to learn such things. Rick tries to explain to me, as do my sisters, but. . .in my position, I can only take a strong woman for my wife. I would only want a strong woman. My sisters are both very strong, as is my mother. And they are honest. I have no time for simpering and hiding." Celia blinked at this brutal honesty, then smiled. The man just kept giving her reasons to like him!
"And I've never even been on a date. So I'm even more clueless about courtship than you are. Women find you attractive. . .really attractive. I don't know how to react to a man who thinks I'm pretty or appealing. I can't even imagine a man who might find me. . .desirable," Celia admitted. She stopped once more, blushing as she realized what she just said. She couldn't possibly be having this conversation with a man!
At least she caught herself in time, and said 'desirable,' instead of 'sexy.' Livvy was asleep, but there were some things she didn't need to be hearing even in her sleep. And at first, Celia was afraid that she went too far, because Ardeth was silent for a very long time. At last, however, he answered, "Do you believe it is possible, Cecelia, for a man and a woman who are attracted to each other to remain just friends?"
Celia frowned, trying to sort that one out. What was he asking her? After a moment, she gave a mental shrug and answered as best she could, "I guess it depends. Me. . .I would find it easy, 'cause I would be afraid of scaring off the man. And that's always a possibility. I hate this about myself, but I get real intense sometimes, and that scares off guys. I don't know how to stop being like that. . ."
She was rewarded with a lopsided grin, as Ardeth replied, "I am not unfamiliar with intensity, and its tendency to frighten people. My position. . .I am required. . .I do not know how to explain this. I only know how to be myself. I have never learned how to be anything else. I do not know how to. . .oh, how does Rick always say it? I do not know how to tone it down. And. . .I cannot believe I am saying these things!"
This was said with a groan, and Celia struggled not to laugh. She replied in a low voice, "I know just how you feel. And I can't believe I'm about to say this. . .but I'm attracted to you. I mean, really attracted to you, and I'm afraid I'm gonna scare you away." Ardeth made eye contact with her then, and Celia felt her heart jump at the expression in the dark brown eyes. No. Her heart fluttered, and her breath caught.
"I am not so easy to frighten, Cecelia. I feel. . .drawn to you. But. . .I wish to see if we can. . .if things can remain platonic. You are only nineteen years old. . .you have a future ahead of you, and I can offer you nothing. Nothing but friendship. Is that enough?" Ardeth asked softly. Celia saw Ardeth fight, when the twin twits from Texas attacked him and his brother. She knew how formidable he could be.
And now, she was seeing just how vulnerable he could be. It was an intoxicating combination. . .that steely determination, the martial skills, and the vulnerability she saw now. If there was one thing that Celia could never resist, it was vulnerability in a man. Not weakness. Even at nineteen, she understood the difference between vulnerability and weakness. This man was not weak. Far from it.
She saw the difference between weakness and vulnerability when she crossed paths with Neil Grady that summer. The signs were there all along, but she didn't know how to read them. Not at the time. She knew now. Just as she knew Ardeth Bey wasn't Neil Grady.
He was strong and he was capable. He was vulnerable and breathtakingly gentle with a little girl. He was exactly what Celia once thought Neil Grady to be. And he was exceedingly handsome. This man who took her breath away was asking her if it was possible to be friends with her, when he was drawn to her. To her, Celia Ferguson. The least attractive girl out of the three roommates. And behind those dark, intense eyes, she almost thought she saw worry. That she might reject him. How could she do that? How could any woman?
She whispered, "We'll make it possible." That was all she said. That was all she needed to say. Ardeth smiled suddenly, making his entire face light up. He was a breathtakingly handsome man when he was solemn, which seemed to be most of the time. But he was totally devastating when he smiled. Celia cursed herself for her words as he smiled at her, for it was in that moment that she began to fall in love with him.
. . .
Luckily for him, Ardeth Bey had no idea what Celia Ferguson was thinking. And he was distracted from even considering what came next in this tentative friendship by the sounds of children rushing toward the house. It was a sound with which he was greatly familiar, for he heard it often in Egypt, among his people. The children. . .they liked being around him. Sometimes, they would ring around him as he walked through the villages.
And sometimes, despite the chiding from the other adults and the elders, a brave child would bound up to Ardeth and take his hand. The young chieftain treasured the children of the tribes for this reason. Their parents told them that he took care of them, and that was all the children needed to know. They wanted nothing from Ardeth, only his love. And that, he freely gave.
Unfortunately, the noise of these children also woke up Olivia, who stretched and yawned, a small, sharp elbow connecting with Ardeth's midsection. He winced, but didn't make a sound. . .something that wasn't lost on his other companion. Cecelia smiled, her dark eyes twinkling with laughter. In spite of himself, Ardeth smiled as well. Much as he wished otherwise, he could see the humor in the situation.
He had not yet told Celia the whole truth about himself. He was drawn to her, he was attracted to her. . .but he was still learning to trust her. He knew, of course, that she might turn against him when she found out that he was the chieftain of his people. Might believe he didn't trust her by not telling her before. But he simply wasn't ready to let down his guard that much. Not even with this woman-child. But unlike the young maidens of his tribe, Ardeth could feel comfortable with this girl.
And then there was no more time to talk, for the other children spilled into the house, laughing and bickering and bantering. Ardeth hid a smile, seeing two little boys clinging to his brother, one on each leg. A third was draped around his neck, a human necklace. And it became harder still for Ardeth *not* to laugh at his brother when he saw Rick's disgruntled expression. This would be an enjoyable weekend for them all.
Two children accompanied Evelyn as well, a little girl clinging to each hand. Anck-su-namun was right behind her roommate, another little girl clinging to her waist. An unfamiliar young woman with long black hair followed Anck-su-namun with a little boy and a little girl. Jonathan Carnahan steered two children into the house. . .a dark-skinned little girl, and a little boy with dark gold hair and blue eyes. Cecelia leaned forward and whispered, "The little boy is Jonathan's son, Alex."
Ah yes, now Ardeth saw the resemblance. Galen Ferguson was the last to enter the house, and he had no less than five children accompanying him. One was atop his shoulders, two were clinging to his legs, and the last two walked at his sides. Cecelia continued in that low voice, "Alex's grandmother. . .his mother's mother. . .works at the hospital, and Jonathan made arrangements with Cassandra for her to pick Alex up at the hospital, since Jon couldn't do it himself." Well, that explained a great deal.
Galen gently disengaged himself from the children clinging to his legs, and said, "Cass, this is Ardeth Bey, Rick's brother. Ardeth and Rick are. . .at the university where Celia, Anck, and Evy are studying." Ardeth rose to his feet, taking Olivia with him. Cassandra walked over and shook his hand, the one that wasn't stabilizing Olivia on his hip. Galen continued, "Ardeth, this is Cassandra. . .Matt's fiancee and the last member of the gang."
"Hi, Ardeth. . .nice to meet you. Thanks for helping out this weekend, it was really nice of you to do that. Matt usually takes care of the horse-riding, but he's recovering from a. . . grudge match with a former boyfriend of mine. No, Galen, I'm not surprised he didn't tell you. He knew what you would say, and told me to tell you that you have no room to talk. Anyhow, he won, but it left him in a world of hurt. Cele. . .make sure you show Ardeth the horse that's problematic," Cassandra instructed.
Cecelia rolled her eyes, even as she nodded, and explained, "That's not entirely true, Cassandra, and you know it. There's one horse that is. . .very particular about who rides him, Ardeth. We swear Diablo is half- camel. . .yes, Evy, we know. You think camels are adorable. That's probably part of the reason Diablo likes you. Animals know these things. Anyhow, much as I love him, Diablo is named 'devil' for a reason. He's bad- tempered, for one thing. He's been known to try to take a chunk out of Galen's hide, and even Matt's."
"Diablo was part of an animal rescue several years ago. He was abused, and he doesn't trust most men. He'll let women near him, but he's real particular about men. Celia usually rides him. With her, with Evy, and with Anck, he's as gentle as a baby. He just doesn't like men. We keep him away from kids, just to be safe. Speaking of the kids, we have several hungry young'uns. . .Anck, would you do me a favor, and call in for pizza?" Galen requested.
This request, unsurprisingly, was greeted with shouts of joy from the children. Cassandra just laughed and said, "So much for nutrition. Anyhow, boys, it was great to meet you. Celia, keep an eye on Diablo, and I'll tell Matt everyone said 'hi.' Later!" As she turned to go, Ardeth noticed Cecelia once more rolling her eyes. He also noticed Anck-su-namun glaring at the beautiful doctor.
"Of course I will," he heard Cecelia mutter, "I'm not stupid, Cassandra, you just think I am." Ardeth looked at her questioningly, and Cecelia flushed, adding, "Sorry. Cassandra and I have known each other for ten years, and she still thinks I'm the nine-year-old kid she first met. Every time she leaves, she warns me about Diablo. He's never tried to bite me. . .or my roommates. She's gotten worse since she found out about my trip to Hungary last year."
Trip to Hungary? Cecelia gave a small shrug, explaining, "My friend Margit asked me to accompany her home for Christmas. She's in Texas, studying there. After my grandmother died last year, it was pretty much open season on me. . .my family tried to get me to change my mind about becoming an archaeologist while I was home for Thanksgiving. I finally told them if they didn't back off, I wouldn't be home for Christmas. They didn't take me seriously."
"And so, you went with your friend Margit to Hungary for Christmas. But why would Cassandra treat you as a foolish child for carrying out your promise?" Ardeth questioned. He thought of the times when he wished to push away the elders, when he wished he could simply be Ardeth Bey, and not the Med-jai chieftain. There was a part of him that resented this girl, for having a freedom he did not. . .and another part that was glad one of them had that freedom.
"She considers it running away. She handles things differently than I do, in part because of that former boyfriend she mentioned. Cassandra doesn't understand that I have to handle my family in my own way. I wasn't running away. Okay, maybe I was. But I also wanted them to understand that I would do whatever was necessary to make my dreams come true. I don't want to destroy my family. . .but I won't let myself be destroyed, either," Cecelia explained.
Ardeth understood. At least, he thought he did. And to protect this fragile new friendship, he would say nothing else. Celia sighed, then smiled and held out her arms to Olivia. The sleepy little girl went to her, snuggling close to her. The nineteen year old said in a low voice, "Livvy had dinner earlier, so I'll take her upstairs. I'll be back in time for the pizza. Keep Ardeth company, will you, Galen? And behave."
This was said with arched brows and Galen responded with an innocent, 'who me?' look. Cecelia didn't look convinced, but she carried Olivia from the room and up the stairs to the bedrooms. Ardeth watched her go, watched the way she bent her head over Olivia's, gently stroking the child's hair. She really was very good with children. Likely, she would make a very good mother some day.
Galen sat down beside him, settling his somewhat larger body comfortably into the same chair his sister just vacated. Ardeth looked away from Cecelia to meet the steady, dark blue gaze of her elder brother.
The other man said quietly as Ardeth's own brother and the Carnahan siblings began to organize the children, "Celia really didn't leave much out of that. The worst part is, Cass really does care about Celia. But she doesn't understand my sister, and doesn't understand that Celia's situation in our family is a lot different from Cass and her first boyfriend. I suppose in some ways, Cass is still growing up, just like Celia is."
Ardeth said nothing. What could he say? After a moment, Galen dipped his head, murmuring, "I'll be real honest with you, Ardeth Bey, 'cause I think you care just as much as Cassandra does about my sister. Maybe even more, since you seem to understand how to talk to her. I'm not proud of the pressure I put on my sister last year, to change her mind about her major. Especially when Matt warned me such a thing would happen, if I pushed too hard."
Galen looked up at him, adding, "I love my sister. More than. . .well, she and our brother Jason are the two most important people in my life. I would kill for her, I would kill for them both. Do you understand what I'm tellin' you?" Ardeth nodded, his eyes never leaving the somewhat older man. Galen sighed then, a soft exhalation, and he added, "Well, then. I suppose there's nothin' else to say. I can see you do understand. Just do right by her. That's all I ask."
. . .
Rick O'Connell really wasn't paying much attention to his brother, or his conversation with their host. Instead, he was more fascinated with this new side of Evelyn Carnahan. She had a take-charge attitude where the kids were concerned, and Rick quickly realized why her elder brother called her 'old mum.' She acted just like Jonathan's mother, and by extension, the mother of his eight-year-old son, Alex.
Half a dozen times while they were getting the kids washed up for dinner, the college student caught them tossing water at each other. It only took one stern Look from Evelyn, and calling the perpetrator's name, and there was no more water throwing from that child. Which didn't stop the other children from trying as well. It almost seemed to be a game among them, to see who could get away with what.
Almost to their delight, the children learned there was little they could get away with. Rick noted, too, that though Evelyn was Alex's mother- figure, that didn't stop him from testing her either. And yet, she kept her patience with them all. At one point, Evelyn looked up and just smiled. It was the first time since their initial meeting that she allowed her guard to drop with him. And that smile caused Rick's heart to drop. He couldn't stop the big, goofy grin from crossing his face. Ardeth was right again, damn him. . .Evelyn *was* beautiful. When his brother met her, Ardeth never even saw Evelyn's smile, and yet, he realized she was beautiful.
On the other hand, the little roommate took up Ardeth's attention. Why, Rick didn't know, but as long as Ardeth wasn't interested in Evelyn, he wouldn't complain too much. Interested. . .whoa! What was wrong with him? Interested? That was sooooo not a good idea! Sure, she was beautiful when she smiled, but she was still high-handed, stubborn, and. . .and. . . and. . .well, he would think of it in a minute.
Rick's attention was drawn away from Evelyn Carnahan as Anck Cortez returned to the living room. She said, "Pizza will be here in twenty minutes. . .where's Celia? Oh, never mind. It's Livvy's bedtime, and she's already eaten. Okay, here's the schedule for the next few days, everyone." Evelyn shushed the children, then looked expectantly at Anck. The other girl continued, "Bedtime is nine thirty tonight. Eat dinner, locate your rooms, and get washed up and changed. Tomorrow, we'll be getting up around eight."
The little roommate slipped back into the room behind Anck, as the girl explained, "Horses will be in the morning. Despite what you may have heard, all of the chaperones will be riding. Since there are seven of us, everyone will get a turn, but we'll need one of the older children to volunteer to watch the waiting little ones. We'll form up in lines tomorrow after everyone has eaten and allowed breakfast to settle. None of us want to be thrown up on while we're riding tomorrow."
Rick grinned at the groans this announcement brought. From behind Anck, the little roommate added, "Rephrase that. No one wants to be sick while riding tomorrow. Not only will it make you feel ill, but anyone who throws up while riding will have to go back to the house and not ride for the rest of the day." That brought genuine groans of distress from the children, and the girl added, "Tomorrow evening, we'll have a weenie roast, complete with a fire and roasting marshmallows, and some stories from Jonathan."
This brought cheers from the children. Rick never knew a child to turn down an offer of that kind. Evelyn continued, "And Sunday, we'll have a picnic. Anck, Celia and I will be making sandwiches for the picnic tomorrow afternoon while Mr O'Connell entertains you. He will be the clown this time." Rick made a face. . .he still couldn't believe they did that to him!!!! The children laughed with delight, seeing Rick's grimace, and Evelyn added with a laugh of her own, "And as you can see, he'll do an excellent job."
"Any questions?" Galen Ferguson asked. Rick glanced over at the pediatrician. He would have never expected such a big man to be so good with children, but the kids adored him. They climbed all over him, just as they did to Ardeth. Right now, his brother had no fewer than four children surrounding him. The two little boys were inspecting his tattoos, even as they listened, while the two little girls were playing with his brother's hair.
*Watch it, little brother,* Rick thought with a wicked grin, *or those little girls will be trying to braid your hair!* Yasmina and Thalia actually tried that in the past. Usually when Ardeth was too sick or too weak from injury to stop them. Fortunately, no one else in the camps or the tribes ever saw that. . .or Rick was sure Ardeth would never live down the embarrassment. Well, that was the case anyhow, because Rick never let him forget it when it happened!
"No questions? Well, I am surprised. However, the table is set. . .so please make your way to the table in a neatly and orderly fashion, or the ladies will turn you over their respective knees," Jonathan put in. He circled around Rick, adding in a low voice, "Something that might be fun for us." Rick was very glad he wasn't drinking anything. He knew he would have spit it out. Or worse.
Rick leaned back, answering in an equally low voice, "I don't think any of us would fit over any of their knees." Jonathan shrugged with a rueful smile. The children were filing into the dining room, herded by Rick's brother, Jonathan's sister, Anck, and Celia (yes, he was capable of remembering her name. . .it was just easier to think of her as 'the little roommate.'). Rick continued, "You're an older brother, you know about protecting younger siblings. What can you tell me about Celia Ferguson?"
Jonathan frowned, asking, "Why do you want to know? Is Ardeth younger than you are?" Rick rolled his eyes. People always asked him that. . .yes, Ardeth was younger than he was. Younger and more serious. If he was in a charitable mood, Rick would add that Ardeth was also the more mature sibling. If he was feeling charitable. Jonathan continued, "Well, she comes from a rich family. . .at least, her parents are wealthy. Her grandparents are another matter, and they raised her for the most part. Her grandparents were another matter, I should say."
Rick knew about her wealthy parents. He wanted to know about *her.* Jonathan continued, "I honestly don't know her that well. She's quiet. . .even more quiet than Evy. And just as. . .determined? Tenacious? Stubborn? Take your pick out of those three. She'll stand up for what she believes in. Or someone she believes in. A protective little thing, really. What, you're trying to figure out if she's good enough for your brother?"
Rick winced. He wouldn't have put it quite like that, but unfortunately, that was probably the most accurate way of explaining himself. Perhaps seeing his assent in his eyes, Jonathan admitted, "Can't answer that. . .don't know your brother very well. But I do know that she's very loyal. As many times as she and Evy have argued, Celia has always defended her against anyone else who maligns her. In a way, the three of them really are sisters. Evy and Anck argue more than Evy and Celia, though."
Interesting, but not what Rick wanted to know. He replied softly, "I'm probably jumping the gun. My brother won't even admit that he's attracted to her. Keeps saying that it's not possible, that there's no future in it. But if Ardeth decides at some point that she's what he really wants, I wanna know whether or not she's good enough for him. I give my brother enough grief. . .he doesn't need any more from some girl."
Again, Jonathan hesitated, before replying, "Like I said. I don't know your brother very well. But I do know what kind of a roommate she is to Evy, and I know how she is with Alex. So, in this case, it'll have to be good enough. I could never marry her. . .she's too much like a little sister to me. But your brother could do a lot worse than Celia. Yes, she's stubborn. Yes, she's not exactly model beautiful. But what would you prefer for your brother? A strikingly beautiful bitch, or an average- looking girl who would move heaven, hell, and earth for him?"
With that question ringing still ringing in Rick's ears, his companion moved in the direction of the dining room. Rick sat alone, still thinking about Jonathan's statements. He knew from Colin Burns that many of the students considered Jonathan Carnahan to be a joke. But the man who just told Rick more than he really needed to know was one whom Rick wouldn't take lightly. Perhaps in a different time and place, he would have been contemptuous of Carnahan. . .but not here. Not now.
He was still thinking about that five minutes later, when the pizza finally arrived. Since he was the one sitting in the living room, thinking, it fell to him to take the pizza and pay the delivery. . .people. Whether he liked it or not, the stuffy professor just gave him a lot to think about. What did he want for Ardeth? Rick knew from painful experience that his brother *could* do far worse than Celia Ferguson. . .but was that enough?
. . .
The rest of the night passed with a great deal of merriment. The children laughed and talked as they ate. The adults (well, adults and teenagers) listened with amused smiles, quietly stepping in when it seemed like one of the children was getting out of control. But for the most part, the adults listened with half an ear to the conversations of the children. At the same time, they concentrated on their own conversations.
After dinner, everyone crowded into the living room to watch videos. Given the wide range of ages, Galen and Celia chose to err on the side of caution. Galen managed to pry Jason's prized collection of 'Gargoyles' tapes away from the youngest member of the Ferguson family with the promise of returning them Sunday night. And fortunately, it was a cartoon that most children could enjoy.
Celia kept an eye on the younger children, just in case. These were children who spent most of their free time in the hospital. . .who saw other children sick and even dying, hooked up to machines. They lived with an uncertainty that no child should ever face. . .would their brother or their sister die? All brothers and sisters fought. . .it was the way things were. Celia often fought with both of her siblings. But she loved them both desperately. Because of Jason's brush with death two years earlier, she also understood how guilty some of these children felt.
Perhaps one had an argument or a fight with their stricken sibling only days before the accident or before the illness hit. Celia understood that she didn't cause things to happen. . .but it was still hard to remember. For a child, it was even harder to accept. If they did this, then something else would have never happened. Some of these children were growing up far too fast. . .and watching a few episodes of 'Gargoyles' certainly wouldn't hurt them.
When she and the boys were growing up, they often watched tv with their grandparents while their parents were at one social function or another. Once Bruce and Madeleine Ferguson could bear to let their children out of their sight, that is. Thomas and Annabelle discussed what they watched with their children. They understood the difference between fantasy and reality, even with the love all three children shared for science fiction.
Galen obviously took those lessons to heart, for after each episode, he would stop the tape. As soon as the 'pause' button was hit, the conversation would start up. These kids were a curious bunch. But after a while, they grew tired of discussions as they grew tired, and settled just for watching the various episodes. Celia's favorite storyline was always the Avalon arc, during the World Tour. And her favorite episode was 'Grief.'
'Grief' told the story of a grieving Egyptian father who sought to control the god Anubis, to bring his young son back to life. It was his plan to make himself the avatar of Anubis. . .and if he had to kill all of humanity to bring his son back to life, he would do it. Or so he thought, at first. But though his grief made him almost insane, he was still a good man, a loving father pushed too far. Unfortunately, as was always the case, the bad guys intervened just as the father was wising up.
The episode always made Celia teary-eyed. But this time, there was an added complication. Ardeth Bey. Like the grieving father, he was Egyptian. A tenuous tie, to be sure, but it was there, nonetheless. Celia couldn't help herself. . .she looked over her shoulder at Ardeth, who took one of the three armchairs in the room. The college student smiled softly, discovering him sound asleep.
That wasn't all she discovered. His step-brother also noticed that Ardeth was asleep, and quietly left his place in a second armchair. Rick O'Connell must have sensed her eyes upon him, for he turned to make eye contact with her. His gaze was, at first, direct and harsh. But Celia wasn't afraid of him. She never would be afraid of Rick O'Connell. Despite their rough beginnings, she learned over the last few hours that despite his best intentions, he was an honorable man. A protector, though he would deny it with his dying breath.
His eyes darted away from hers, to a blanket sitting at the foot of the sofa. He gestured to it, and Celia nodded. She walked on her knees over to the sofa and picked up the blanket, then returned. She handed the blanket to O'Connell, and he in turn spread it over his sleeping brother with a tenderness that threatened to suck the very air from her lungs. She learned something else about Rick O'Connell at that moment. No matter how hard he tried to deny it, he loved his step-brother very much. . .and was quite willing to kill for him.
One other person noticed his actions. And this appealed to Celia's sense of irony. Or maybe 'irony' wasn't quite the right word. However, Evy apparently turned to say something to Celia, and noticed O'Connell covering up his brother with the blanket provided by Celia. Quite unexpectedly, her brown eyes softened and O'Connell flushed when he noticed her expression. He mumbled, almost sounding flustered, "Just didn't want him getting cold, you know. From Egypt. Desert can get cold. . .oh, never mind."
Evy said nothing, just nodded and turned her attention back to the tv. Celia, however, continued to gaze at the two brothers. O'Connell glared at her, muttering, "What are you lookin' at?" She grinned impishly. *Nice try,* she thought, *but you won't fool me now.* She knew him for what he was now, and no amount of glowering could change her mind. He obviously figured this out, for he muttered, "Say a word about this to anyone, and I swear I'll deny it."
"Of course," she replied blandly, and returned her attention to the tv. As she did so, she noticed the time. It was almost time for everyone to go to bed. Technically, of course, she didn't *have* to, but the start of classes was always wearying. She nudged Evy, then nodded to the clock. Evy muttered something under her breath that no proper English girl should know, then got to her feet.
As her roommate headed upstairs to change clothes and brush her teeth before the rush to bed started, Celia once more looked over her shoulder. This time, she wasn't paying attention to O'Connell, but to Ardeth. She swallowed hard, an unfamiliar ache taking up residence in her throat. He looked so peaceful. . .and for the first time since she met him, he actually looked his age. When he was asleep, all his cares were smoothed away, but at the same time, it made her realize just how burdened he felt.
Why? What burdens did he carry? He made reference many times to 'his' people, and how impossible a relationship between them would be, because of his position. Was he a leader of some kind? Celia had no trouble believing that. In fact, when she closed her eyes, she could imagine him in the middle of the desert, his long black hair teased by the wind, and long black robes billowing about his body, a scimitar in hand.
Where she got the black robes, she had no idea. Maybe because he seemed to favor black shirts and black jeans. In any event, the image served to drive the air from her lungs once more. Because the Ardeth in her imagination was even more devastating than the young man now sleeping in her brother's favorite armchair. . .in what was her grandfather's favorite armchair before he died as well.
Her fantasies were interrupted as her older brother hit 'stop' on the VCR and said, "Okay, kiddies, it's nine thirty. . .bedtime." He was rewarded with a chorus of groans, and Galen continued, waggling a finger at the children, "Now, now. . .sooner you get to bed, sooner you get to sleep. . .and the sooner the morning comes, which means the sooner you can ride the horses." There was a long silence, as the children considered this, then the youngsters scrambled from the room.
Within seconds, the only people remaining were a half-asleep Anck, Celia, Galen, Rick, and the still-sleeping Ardeth. Galen was looking around the living room with a slightly stunned expression. Celia tried desperately to keep a straight face, but her willpower was shot to hell when Galen said ruefully, "There are times when I really need to think before I speak. Rick, you need help getting your brother upright?" Celia blushed. She didn't know why, but her brother's question led to all sorts of naughty thoughts. *Down, girl,* she told herself, *before you really get yourself into trouble!*
"Nah, we're okay. . .thanks, though. Don't take his falling asleep personally. He does this all the time. Any time he's sitting down for more than a half hour, he falls asleep. Gets it while he can," O'Connell answered as he gently shook Ardeth awake. Celia firmly instructed her imagination to take a hike before she had to take a cold shower. That really wasn't the way she wanted to start this weekend.
Ardeth mumbled something in Arabic, then added in English, "My apologies, Dr Ferguson. . .I believe going to bed is an excellent idea." He stumbled over a pillow left in the middle of the floor by one of the older children, and both Galen and Rick reached out to steady him. Oh dear. This sleepy Ardeth was utterly adorable. A strange term to use for a man like Ardeth Bey, but it seemed to fit nonetheless.
"First, there's no need to apologize, son," Galen replied, keeping a gentle hand under Ardeth's elbow, "and in the second place, my name is 'Galen.' No titles are permitted here. Let's get you to bed." Ardeth dipped his head, trying very hard to make sure one foot went in front of the other properly. Almost under his breath, Galen muttered, "When was the last time this boy had a good night sleep?"
Anck, who was more alert now, answered in Celia's ear, "Good question. But I'm sure you could make sure he got a good night sleep, amiga." Celia whapped her friend's arm, blushing. Dammit, she already had the imagination from hell going overtime. . .she didn't need any help from Anck! The other girl just laughed, looping her arm around Celia's waist, and nudged her toward the stairs. Not that Celia needed any further urging. Sleep sounded good.
. . .
Ardeth was actually awakened by the sounds of the children's groans when Galen Ferguson told them it was time for bed. However, he was warm and sleepy, and didn't really feel like opening his eyes. There was no need. Nothing required his attention. Unfortunately, Rick wasn't inclined to let him sleep in the armchair, and dimly, Ardeth realized his brother was probably right. But he really didn't want to leave the warm cocoon now surrounding him.
He allowed himself to be guided upstairs to the bedroom he would share with Rick over the next few days, somewhat surprised that he wasn't worrying about Lock-nah or Imhotep or Meela Nais. Or perhaps he should not be so surprised. . .Ardeth wasn't sure he had the energy to even worry about his long-time nemesis and Imhotep. He was even more surprised, in the part of his brain that was capable of rational thought, that he felt comfortable enough among these people to fall asleep so readily. And not even Galen Ferguson calling him 'son' was enough to annoy him into wakefulness.
In a matter of moments, Ardeth was relieved of his t-shirt, jeans, and boots, leaving only his boxer shorts on, before Rick covered him up once more. Ardeth settled under the blankets, sighing quietly as Rick gently rubbed his back. He mumbled, "I am fine, ya ahi." Rick laughed softly, but didn't stop what he was doing. Ardeth just drifted off toward sleep once more, soothed by his brother's fingers rubbing circles onto his back.
He slept for a time, until a shriek shattered his pleasant dreams. He was dreaming about his father, and the oasis where Suleiman took him sometimes when he wished to simply be Ardeth's father, and not the chieftain of the Med-jai. Even before the shriek died away, Ardeth jolted into wakefulness and rolled out of bed. He was at the door before Rick's feet hit the hardwood floor.
Ardeth went into the hallway as lights flickered on up and down the hall. He winced, shielding his eyes from the sudden brightness, and heard a gentle voice comforting. The voice had an English accent, and Ardeth realized that it was coming from the room shared by little Olivia Chase and Evelyn Carnahan. This was borne out a moment later when a bleary-eyed Celia Ferguson emerged from behind Anck-su-namun Cortez.
The older girl said, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, "Everyone back to bed. Evy has everything under control." Ardeth looked around, to find almost all the children in the hallway. The youngsters didn't look particularly keen on going back to bed. . .in fact, a number of them looked frightened. Ardeth wanted to go back to his warm bed. . .he was shivering in just his socks and boxer shorts. But he couldn't go back to bed until the children did.
And then, a little girl who was playing with his hair before dinner started giggling. Emily. Her name was Emily. And she was giggling, like she couldn't stop. Bemused, Ardeth looked down at himself to see what was so funny, for it seemed like she was looking in his direction. But one of the other children solved that particular mystery for him. A girl of about thirteen called out gleefully in a singsong voice, "I see England, I see France, I see somebody's underpants!" Ardeth blushed, realizing he charged out of the room without putting on jeans.
But he wasn't the source of the children's amusement. Rick groaned from behind him, "Oh, great." Ardeth turned to face his older brother, and fought back a grin of his own. The teenager did, indeed, see someone's underpants. . .namely his brother's. What made it particularly amusing was that like Ardeth, Rick was wearing boxer shorts. But where Ardeth wore solid colors (gray on this day), Rick was currently wearing boxer shorts with bright yellow smiley-faces. . . .a gift from their sisters the year earlier.
Ardeth couldn't resist. He knew he should, but he just couldn't let this go. He should let this go, since it wasn't just them. But by the same token, that was exactly why he couldn't do it. Rick did it to him enough times. Usually in front of the elders. . .and sometimes the maidens. With a perfectly straight face, he told his brother, "Go put on sweatpants, ya ahi, before you frighten the children. And that is enough to frighten me, so I can only imagine how it affects them." Ardeth was rewarded with a growl from his brother, as well as the sight of Rick's ears turning fire-engine red. Ardeth gave Rick his sweetest, most innocent smile.
"A pair of boxer shorts with smiley-faces. It does make one wonder, does it not?" Anck-su-namun wondered aloud, the innocent tone of voice at considerable odds with the mischievous sparkle in her dark brown eyes. Celia, who was only half-awake and was still catching up, took a moment to process that. . .then collapsed to the ground in helpless laughter. Anck- su-namun just grinned, said, "My work here is done," then picked up her roommate, who was still laughing hysterically. She steered her friend back into their room, and that was a signal to the children.
One by one, each child disappeared back into their room, until Rick and Ardeth were the only ones left in the hall way. Ardeth grinned at his brother, trying very hard not to laugh. If he laughed, he knew he would pay dearly. During a wrestling match years earlier, once Ardeth healed from the stab wound, Rick found all of his ticklish spots. That was usually the payment enacted in a situation like this.
Rick muttered, "You are so dead!" Ardeth swallowed hard, fighting back his laughter, and went back into the room. Rick followed him, repeating, "You are so dead, Ardeth! I will kill you in a thousand different ways before I'm finished with you." Ardeth said nothing. If he said something, he would start laughing. . .and then Rick really would kill him. His brother said in a muffled voice, "Dammit, it was funny!"
Yes, it was. Ardeth said, now that he had his laughter under control, "I was not making fun of you. I was merely. . .returning the favor." Rick looked at him, and Ardeth explained, "Fatima. Two years ago." He referred to a young Med-jai woman whom both brothers liked. She was married now, having chosen to be the wife of a simple Med-jai warrior. Rick blushed with embarrassment.
"I always knew you would pay me back when I wasn't expecting it," Rick muttered. He sat down on his bed, adding, "And you didn't start it. Guess I wasn't thinking when I put them on this morning. . .or when I charged here after you. I thought something was really wrong. Maybe a fire or a burglar." Ardeth nodded, slipping back under his covers gratefully. Rick said, doing the same on his own bed, "It was funny."
"Aywa, it was," Ardeth agreed, grinning in the night, "especially the look on your face when you realized what was so. . .eye-catching." Rick made a muffled sound that might have been a snort, but was probably a laugh. Ardeth continued, "I have never heard that rhyme before. Are you familiar with it, ya ahi?" Rick snorted outright at that, and Ardeth added, "Never mind. Of course you would be."
"You bet. Ardeth? You do realize that I'll have to get you back for this. . .and payback would have really been a bitch if Evelyn Carnahan was out there," Rick answered. Ardeth's grin broadened. Yes, he noticed the looks his brother directed toward the lovely English girl. Rick wouldn't be ready to admit it just yet. He would still be trying to maintain his pride. But it was just a matter of time.
"Of course. . .I expect nothing else," Ardeth replied smoothly. He paused a few beats, then asked, "The question becomes, what will you do to Anck-su-namun?"
Rick was silent for several moments, and at first, Ardeth thought his brother was asleep. Then Rick answered with a decidedly evil note of laughter in his voice, "Absolutely nothing, dear brother. Just drop a few hints, about how payback is a bitch. . .and then wait. Let her imagine what I'll do in payback, and then do nothing." Ardeth laughed softly. That sounded like something he would do, actually.
And Rick admitted, "I guess I've been spending too much time with you, Ardeth. Maybe I'll psych her out while I'm figuring out a proper prank to pull on her." Ardeth just sighed as he drifted back to sleep. He would have to watch his back over the next few days. Rick would pull a prank. Probably not tonight, because that was when Ardeth would expect it. Maybe the following morning.
In spite of himself, Ardeth was actually looking forward to whatever his step-brother dreamed up. He looked forward to the following day and the following night. Whatever was coming, it was bound to be entertaining.
Reviews!
Sailor Elf: (snickering) Yeah, I could easily imagine the look on Rick's face when he found out he would be taking the part of the clown. Yeah. . .poor kid desperately needs this holiday. She loses no time in attaching herself to Ardeth, too.
Evywannabe: Thank you for your patience. . .the fun stuff starts in earnest with this chapter, but the hysterical stuff comes next. Promise!
Brunette: You know, that's why I always use the term, 'the thot plickens.' It doesn't sound like gravy, and it's somewhat amusing. You're quite welcome for the response. . .and the idea of Beni and Ellen together? Whoa. Definitely points for imagination on that one. And a nice change from the Rick's sister/cousin and Ardeth stories.
Part Eleven
From that dark beginning came the most wonderful weekend Anck Cortez could remember in her life, much less in her college career. And she liked to think the best was yet to come. She liked to think that her life was only just starting. The only dark spot was her lack of male companionship. It would have been nice, to share this with a special man. Whether Evy or Celia would admit it or not. . .they had feelings for the step-brothers.
While Anck. . .the only man who showed any promise was Emmett Tepper, and he was trouble. Anck didn't mind trouble, at least, not for herself. But she knew enough about college life to know that she could mean trouble for Emmett Tepper, and that wasn't something she was ready for. Besides, she was too young to really get involved with anyone, much less a college professor who probably wouldn't give her a second thought.
She denied any allegation that she was playing both sides of the fence by adopting that attitude for herself. . .and urging her two roommates to act on their feelings for the respective step-brothers. For one thing, she greatly enjoyed seeing how flustered and indignant Evy became whenever someone mentioned her feelings toward Richard O'Connell. For another thing, she thought a fling would be good for Celia. It didn't have to be serious. . .just serious enough to teach Celia that she *was* appealing.
Anck, on the other hand, was an old-hand when it came to boys and dating. In fact, she was enough of an old-hand to know that a boy her own age would never do for herself. Well, for that matter, she thought Celia deserved a man. Not a guy, not a boy, but a man. Fully grown, totally mature, and confident in himself that he could get silly. Whether Celia was ready to find someone like that was something else entirely. Ardeth was a grown man, not a child in a man's body. . .she just didn't know if he had the capacity to get silly.
Not at first, at least. As Galen Ferguson's houseguests went inside on that first night, their attention was preoccupied with the little girl curled up against Ardeth's chest. Her name, Anck learned, was 'Olivia Chase,' and she was four years old. Her brother was dying, and her father was an alcoholic who began spinning out of control when his son was diagnosed as terminal. Olivia's mother was struggling to hold the family together. . .with some help from her son's doctor, Galen.
At her mother's request, Galen took Olivia home with him. The cleaning lady who came in and took care of the house once a week kept an eye on Livvy, while Galen waited outside for his volunteers. Livvy's mother Rachel had the telephone number at the house. . .just in case. While Galen was outside, watching for Celia and the others, Rachel called to tell them that her husband was arrested a few hours earlier. The news that sent Livvy out in tears.
By the time they were all inside, Rachel already hung up. Since Livvy seemed so comfortable with Ardeth, she remained with him, while Galen called Rachel's cell phone to find out the details behind the arrest of Livvy's father. The other children, plus the last chaperone, weren't due to arrive for another three hours, which gave them time to choose their bedrooms and start getting unpacked.
Everyone met back in the study a half hour later. Livvy was sound asleep in Ardeth's lap, her head trustingly against his shoulder. Anck wished she had a camera. . . she would have loved to take a picture for blackmail purposes. However, she didn't have a camera, and she was afraid of waking up Livvy with the flash. She satisfied herself with a promise to get something even more incriminating the next time.
However, someone didn't have her scruples when it came to waking up little girls. There was a flash behind her, and Anck swung around to find a camera in Rick's hands, and a devious grin on his handsome face. She set her hands on her hips, glaring at him, even as she tried not to laugh. If he woke that little girl. . . However, the sound she heard from behind her wasn't a little girl stirring, but a grunt of pain.
Anck turned back around and winced in sympathy. Livvy changed positions and wound up smacking some very sensitive spots on poor Ardeth's body. Elbows and knees could do a lot of damage, as Anck well knew from growing up. Her mother always taught her that her beauty was no excuse for the lack of self-control demonstrated by boys her own age. . .and she was to defend herself however she saw fit from boys who wanted more than she was willing to give.
An 'ow' had her turning back around to face Rick, and Anck swallowed her laughter when she saw Evy smack him in the back of his head again. Damn. She was hoping it was Celia who did that. It would have been good for several laughs then, since Celia was more than a foot shorter than O'Connell. Still, Anck could derive a lot of amusement from this as well. Evy said in a stage whisper, "You should be ashamed of yourself!" She would have gone on and on. Anck *knew* her roommate, but Livvy started stirring. Evy's mouth closed firmly, and she glared at Rick O'Connell once more. She added in a real whisper, "I'll be watching you, Mr O'Connell, don't get any ideas about crossing any lines."
Anck couldn't help herself. She thought this Evy Carnahan was long gone, the uptight, annoying little prig who drove Anck crazy the previous year. At this resurrection of that annoying girl, Anck replied, "But where's the fun in that, Evy? Crossing lines is one of the most entertaining ways to spend your time!" Evy glared at her, and Anck saw her roommate's lips form an 'ooooooh.' But she didn't say anything. It was then that the rest of the children arrived.
It was decided while they were choosing rooms that Evy would bunk with Livvy. She was the youngest, and none of the other children were likely to accept having a 'baby' as a roommate. Anck and Celia would bunk together, Galen and Jonathan, and Rick and Ardeth. Originally, the woman driving the children to the house was to have been another chaperone. She was also a pediatrician, and the girlfriend of Galen's friend Matt.
Cassandra, Galen explained, didn't want to leave Matt alone. She also didn't want to leave Galen hanging, so she offered to drive the children to the house. At seven pm, as the adults and Livvy lounged in the living room (Livvy remaining firmly in Ardeth's lap), headlights shone through the window, and Galen said, "That's them. Rick, Jon, mind coming with me? Ardeth kinda has his hands full."
Anck also rose to her feet, as Jonathan started to demur. He looked quite comfortable, lying against a large pillow in the middle of the floor. But Galen gave him a Look, and Jonathan scrambled to his feet. Anck helped Celia up, then the pair pulled Evy upright as well. Galen added, "Celia, stay put and keep Ardeth company. . .I think six adults will be enough to deal with the munchkins."
Celia started to answer, then closed her mouth, eyeing her brother suspiciously. She was, no doubt, wondering who told her brother about her reaction to Ardeth Bey. Anck didn't have the heart to explain anyone who paid attention to her could have figured it out within moments. They could hear it in her voice, they could see it in her eyes. Celia sat down beside Ardeth, who favored her with a faint smile. Assured they would be just fine, Anck trailed after Galen and the others. Oh yes. . .this weekend would be *quite entertaining.*
. . .
There was an awkward silence after the others left, the kind that permeated the atmosphere when two people felt drawn to each other, and didn't know how to proceed. As hard as Celia fought it, she knew she was attracted to him. Wildly attracted to him, and it scared the hell out of her. As for Ardeth. . .she almost had the sense that he found her equally attractive. As used to the opposite as she was, that also frightened her. Even more than her own feelings for Ardeth, the concept that he was equally attracted to her was terrifying.
If she was right, if she wasn't imagining things, how did she proceed? What was she supposed to do in a situation like this? After several moments of silence, Ardeth said very softly, "You are very good with children." Celia looked at him, startled by the sound of his voice, and her companion continued, "The way you are with Olivia. . .you behave very naturally with her. I think you would like my younger sisters. The babies."
Mention of children distracted Celia from her fears. She did like children, very much. She liked children more as a teenager and soon-to-be adult than she did as a child. Celia asked in a low voice, mindful of the little girl in Ardeth's lap, "How old are they? Your sisters, I mean?" She learned from listening during the van ride to the house that Ardeth was twenty-two, three years older than herself, and a year younger than his step-brother.
"Seven and five. Their names are Yasmina and Thalia. My mother is Greek, you see," Ardeth explained. He paused, skimming his hand over Livvy's glossy hair, then continued, "I have two other sisters, both younger than I, and a younger brother. My brother, Anatol, is fourteen. . .the same age as your younger brother. Jason is his name, yes?" Celia nodded, and Ardeth continued, "My other two sisters are Acacia and Aleta."
"Yasmina and Thalia. . .their last name is O'Connell, right?" Celia asked, and Ardeth nodded with a half-smile. The girl continued curiously, "What are they like? I always wanted a sister. . .I love Galen and Jason, of course. How could I not? I mean, yeah, they sometimes drive me crazy, especially Jason, but they're family. And they're both real protective of me. Galen especially. But. . .I still wanted a sister."
"And now you have two. . .Anck-su-namun and Evelyn," Ardeth pointed out gently. Celia inclined her head in acknowledgment, and unexpectedly, Ardeth laughed softly. He said, "You have been learning from me, have you?" Celia blushed and ducked her head. She didn't like to admit it, but sometimes she did. . .adopt mannerisms she thought were cool. In Ardeth's case, she adopted a mannerism she thought was classy. His kinda reminded her of Delenn, her favorite character in 'Babylon Five.'
"Yeah, I suppose they are my sisters. But. . .I dunno. Sometimes. . .I mean, I try to get Galen together with my friend Margit. He. . .he kinda has bad taste in women. They all. . .they use him. Why does he do that? Why does he always go for the women who are needy and clingy, and who throw him away when. . .?" Celia asked. She stopped herself, closing her eyes. She hadn't meant to say that, especially not to a man she barely knew, but unfortunately, that was a byproduct of her overwhelming attraction to Ardeth Bey. Her mouth was working faster than her brain, and she didn't like that one bit.
Ardeth sighed very quietly, then told her, "I do not know, Cecelia. I am. . .unacquainted with the. . .courtships between men and women. My duties to my people leave very little time to learn such things. Rick tries to explain to me, as do my sisters, but. . .in my position, I can only take a strong woman for my wife. I would only want a strong woman. My sisters are both very strong, as is my mother. And they are honest. I have no time for simpering and hiding." Celia blinked at this brutal honesty, then smiled. The man just kept giving her reasons to like him!
"And I've never even been on a date. So I'm even more clueless about courtship than you are. Women find you attractive. . .really attractive. I don't know how to react to a man who thinks I'm pretty or appealing. I can't even imagine a man who might find me. . .desirable," Celia admitted. She stopped once more, blushing as she realized what she just said. She couldn't possibly be having this conversation with a man!
At least she caught herself in time, and said 'desirable,' instead of 'sexy.' Livvy was asleep, but there were some things she didn't need to be hearing even in her sleep. And at first, Celia was afraid that she went too far, because Ardeth was silent for a very long time. At last, however, he answered, "Do you believe it is possible, Cecelia, for a man and a woman who are attracted to each other to remain just friends?"
Celia frowned, trying to sort that one out. What was he asking her? After a moment, she gave a mental shrug and answered as best she could, "I guess it depends. Me. . .I would find it easy, 'cause I would be afraid of scaring off the man. And that's always a possibility. I hate this about myself, but I get real intense sometimes, and that scares off guys. I don't know how to stop being like that. . ."
She was rewarded with a lopsided grin, as Ardeth replied, "I am not unfamiliar with intensity, and its tendency to frighten people. My position. . .I am required. . .I do not know how to explain this. I only know how to be myself. I have never learned how to be anything else. I do not know how to. . .oh, how does Rick always say it? I do not know how to tone it down. And. . .I cannot believe I am saying these things!"
This was said with a groan, and Celia struggled not to laugh. She replied in a low voice, "I know just how you feel. And I can't believe I'm about to say this. . .but I'm attracted to you. I mean, really attracted to you, and I'm afraid I'm gonna scare you away." Ardeth made eye contact with her then, and Celia felt her heart jump at the expression in the dark brown eyes. No. Her heart fluttered, and her breath caught.
"I am not so easy to frighten, Cecelia. I feel. . .drawn to you. But. . .I wish to see if we can. . .if things can remain platonic. You are only nineteen years old. . .you have a future ahead of you, and I can offer you nothing. Nothing but friendship. Is that enough?" Ardeth asked softly. Celia saw Ardeth fight, when the twin twits from Texas attacked him and his brother. She knew how formidable he could be.
And now, she was seeing just how vulnerable he could be. It was an intoxicating combination. . .that steely determination, the martial skills, and the vulnerability she saw now. If there was one thing that Celia could never resist, it was vulnerability in a man. Not weakness. Even at nineteen, she understood the difference between vulnerability and weakness. This man was not weak. Far from it.
She saw the difference between weakness and vulnerability when she crossed paths with Neil Grady that summer. The signs were there all along, but she didn't know how to read them. Not at the time. She knew now. Just as she knew Ardeth Bey wasn't Neil Grady.
He was strong and he was capable. He was vulnerable and breathtakingly gentle with a little girl. He was exactly what Celia once thought Neil Grady to be. And he was exceedingly handsome. This man who took her breath away was asking her if it was possible to be friends with her, when he was drawn to her. To her, Celia Ferguson. The least attractive girl out of the three roommates. And behind those dark, intense eyes, she almost thought she saw worry. That she might reject him. How could she do that? How could any woman?
She whispered, "We'll make it possible." That was all she said. That was all she needed to say. Ardeth smiled suddenly, making his entire face light up. He was a breathtakingly handsome man when he was solemn, which seemed to be most of the time. But he was totally devastating when he smiled. Celia cursed herself for her words as he smiled at her, for it was in that moment that she began to fall in love with him.
. . .
Luckily for him, Ardeth Bey had no idea what Celia Ferguson was thinking. And he was distracted from even considering what came next in this tentative friendship by the sounds of children rushing toward the house. It was a sound with which he was greatly familiar, for he heard it often in Egypt, among his people. The children. . .they liked being around him. Sometimes, they would ring around him as he walked through the villages.
And sometimes, despite the chiding from the other adults and the elders, a brave child would bound up to Ardeth and take his hand. The young chieftain treasured the children of the tribes for this reason. Their parents told them that he took care of them, and that was all the children needed to know. They wanted nothing from Ardeth, only his love. And that, he freely gave.
Unfortunately, the noise of these children also woke up Olivia, who stretched and yawned, a small, sharp elbow connecting with Ardeth's midsection. He winced, but didn't make a sound. . .something that wasn't lost on his other companion. Cecelia smiled, her dark eyes twinkling with laughter. In spite of himself, Ardeth smiled as well. Much as he wished otherwise, he could see the humor in the situation.
He had not yet told Celia the whole truth about himself. He was drawn to her, he was attracted to her. . .but he was still learning to trust her. He knew, of course, that she might turn against him when she found out that he was the chieftain of his people. Might believe he didn't trust her by not telling her before. But he simply wasn't ready to let down his guard that much. Not even with this woman-child. But unlike the young maidens of his tribe, Ardeth could feel comfortable with this girl.
And then there was no more time to talk, for the other children spilled into the house, laughing and bickering and bantering. Ardeth hid a smile, seeing two little boys clinging to his brother, one on each leg. A third was draped around his neck, a human necklace. And it became harder still for Ardeth *not* to laugh at his brother when he saw Rick's disgruntled expression. This would be an enjoyable weekend for them all.
Two children accompanied Evelyn as well, a little girl clinging to each hand. Anck-su-namun was right behind her roommate, another little girl clinging to her waist. An unfamiliar young woman with long black hair followed Anck-su-namun with a little boy and a little girl. Jonathan Carnahan steered two children into the house. . .a dark-skinned little girl, and a little boy with dark gold hair and blue eyes. Cecelia leaned forward and whispered, "The little boy is Jonathan's son, Alex."
Ah yes, now Ardeth saw the resemblance. Galen Ferguson was the last to enter the house, and he had no less than five children accompanying him. One was atop his shoulders, two were clinging to his legs, and the last two walked at his sides. Cecelia continued in that low voice, "Alex's grandmother. . .his mother's mother. . .works at the hospital, and Jonathan made arrangements with Cassandra for her to pick Alex up at the hospital, since Jon couldn't do it himself." Well, that explained a great deal.
Galen gently disengaged himself from the children clinging to his legs, and said, "Cass, this is Ardeth Bey, Rick's brother. Ardeth and Rick are. . .at the university where Celia, Anck, and Evy are studying." Ardeth rose to his feet, taking Olivia with him. Cassandra walked over and shook his hand, the one that wasn't stabilizing Olivia on his hip. Galen continued, "Ardeth, this is Cassandra. . .Matt's fiancee and the last member of the gang."
"Hi, Ardeth. . .nice to meet you. Thanks for helping out this weekend, it was really nice of you to do that. Matt usually takes care of the horse-riding, but he's recovering from a. . . grudge match with a former boyfriend of mine. No, Galen, I'm not surprised he didn't tell you. He knew what you would say, and told me to tell you that you have no room to talk. Anyhow, he won, but it left him in a world of hurt. Cele. . .make sure you show Ardeth the horse that's problematic," Cassandra instructed.
Cecelia rolled her eyes, even as she nodded, and explained, "That's not entirely true, Cassandra, and you know it. There's one horse that is. . .very particular about who rides him, Ardeth. We swear Diablo is half- camel. . .yes, Evy, we know. You think camels are adorable. That's probably part of the reason Diablo likes you. Animals know these things. Anyhow, much as I love him, Diablo is named 'devil' for a reason. He's bad- tempered, for one thing. He's been known to try to take a chunk out of Galen's hide, and even Matt's."
"Diablo was part of an animal rescue several years ago. He was abused, and he doesn't trust most men. He'll let women near him, but he's real particular about men. Celia usually rides him. With her, with Evy, and with Anck, he's as gentle as a baby. He just doesn't like men. We keep him away from kids, just to be safe. Speaking of the kids, we have several hungry young'uns. . .Anck, would you do me a favor, and call in for pizza?" Galen requested.
This request, unsurprisingly, was greeted with shouts of joy from the children. Cassandra just laughed and said, "So much for nutrition. Anyhow, boys, it was great to meet you. Celia, keep an eye on Diablo, and I'll tell Matt everyone said 'hi.' Later!" As she turned to go, Ardeth noticed Cecelia once more rolling her eyes. He also noticed Anck-su-namun glaring at the beautiful doctor.
"Of course I will," he heard Cecelia mutter, "I'm not stupid, Cassandra, you just think I am." Ardeth looked at her questioningly, and Cecelia flushed, adding, "Sorry. Cassandra and I have known each other for ten years, and she still thinks I'm the nine-year-old kid she first met. Every time she leaves, she warns me about Diablo. He's never tried to bite me. . .or my roommates. She's gotten worse since she found out about my trip to Hungary last year."
Trip to Hungary? Cecelia gave a small shrug, explaining, "My friend Margit asked me to accompany her home for Christmas. She's in Texas, studying there. After my grandmother died last year, it was pretty much open season on me. . .my family tried to get me to change my mind about becoming an archaeologist while I was home for Thanksgiving. I finally told them if they didn't back off, I wouldn't be home for Christmas. They didn't take me seriously."
"And so, you went with your friend Margit to Hungary for Christmas. But why would Cassandra treat you as a foolish child for carrying out your promise?" Ardeth questioned. He thought of the times when he wished to push away the elders, when he wished he could simply be Ardeth Bey, and not the Med-jai chieftain. There was a part of him that resented this girl, for having a freedom he did not. . .and another part that was glad one of them had that freedom.
"She considers it running away. She handles things differently than I do, in part because of that former boyfriend she mentioned. Cassandra doesn't understand that I have to handle my family in my own way. I wasn't running away. Okay, maybe I was. But I also wanted them to understand that I would do whatever was necessary to make my dreams come true. I don't want to destroy my family. . .but I won't let myself be destroyed, either," Cecelia explained.
Ardeth understood. At least, he thought he did. And to protect this fragile new friendship, he would say nothing else. Celia sighed, then smiled and held out her arms to Olivia. The sleepy little girl went to her, snuggling close to her. The nineteen year old said in a low voice, "Livvy had dinner earlier, so I'll take her upstairs. I'll be back in time for the pizza. Keep Ardeth company, will you, Galen? And behave."
This was said with arched brows and Galen responded with an innocent, 'who me?' look. Cecelia didn't look convinced, but she carried Olivia from the room and up the stairs to the bedrooms. Ardeth watched her go, watched the way she bent her head over Olivia's, gently stroking the child's hair. She really was very good with children. Likely, she would make a very good mother some day.
Galen sat down beside him, settling his somewhat larger body comfortably into the same chair his sister just vacated. Ardeth looked away from Cecelia to meet the steady, dark blue gaze of her elder brother.
The other man said quietly as Ardeth's own brother and the Carnahan siblings began to organize the children, "Celia really didn't leave much out of that. The worst part is, Cass really does care about Celia. But she doesn't understand my sister, and doesn't understand that Celia's situation in our family is a lot different from Cass and her first boyfriend. I suppose in some ways, Cass is still growing up, just like Celia is."
Ardeth said nothing. What could he say? After a moment, Galen dipped his head, murmuring, "I'll be real honest with you, Ardeth Bey, 'cause I think you care just as much as Cassandra does about my sister. Maybe even more, since you seem to understand how to talk to her. I'm not proud of the pressure I put on my sister last year, to change her mind about her major. Especially when Matt warned me such a thing would happen, if I pushed too hard."
Galen looked up at him, adding, "I love my sister. More than. . .well, she and our brother Jason are the two most important people in my life. I would kill for her, I would kill for them both. Do you understand what I'm tellin' you?" Ardeth nodded, his eyes never leaving the somewhat older man. Galen sighed then, a soft exhalation, and he added, "Well, then. I suppose there's nothin' else to say. I can see you do understand. Just do right by her. That's all I ask."
. . .
Rick O'Connell really wasn't paying much attention to his brother, or his conversation with their host. Instead, he was more fascinated with this new side of Evelyn Carnahan. She had a take-charge attitude where the kids were concerned, and Rick quickly realized why her elder brother called her 'old mum.' She acted just like Jonathan's mother, and by extension, the mother of his eight-year-old son, Alex.
Half a dozen times while they were getting the kids washed up for dinner, the college student caught them tossing water at each other. It only took one stern Look from Evelyn, and calling the perpetrator's name, and there was no more water throwing from that child. Which didn't stop the other children from trying as well. It almost seemed to be a game among them, to see who could get away with what.
Almost to their delight, the children learned there was little they could get away with. Rick noted, too, that though Evelyn was Alex's mother- figure, that didn't stop him from testing her either. And yet, she kept her patience with them all. At one point, Evelyn looked up and just smiled. It was the first time since their initial meeting that she allowed her guard to drop with him. And that smile caused Rick's heart to drop. He couldn't stop the big, goofy grin from crossing his face. Ardeth was right again, damn him. . .Evelyn *was* beautiful. When his brother met her, Ardeth never even saw Evelyn's smile, and yet, he realized she was beautiful.
On the other hand, the little roommate took up Ardeth's attention. Why, Rick didn't know, but as long as Ardeth wasn't interested in Evelyn, he wouldn't complain too much. Interested. . .whoa! What was wrong with him? Interested? That was sooooo not a good idea! Sure, she was beautiful when she smiled, but she was still high-handed, stubborn, and. . .and. . . and. . .well, he would think of it in a minute.
Rick's attention was drawn away from Evelyn Carnahan as Anck Cortez returned to the living room. She said, "Pizza will be here in twenty minutes. . .where's Celia? Oh, never mind. It's Livvy's bedtime, and she's already eaten. Okay, here's the schedule for the next few days, everyone." Evelyn shushed the children, then looked expectantly at Anck. The other girl continued, "Bedtime is nine thirty tonight. Eat dinner, locate your rooms, and get washed up and changed. Tomorrow, we'll be getting up around eight."
The little roommate slipped back into the room behind Anck, as the girl explained, "Horses will be in the morning. Despite what you may have heard, all of the chaperones will be riding. Since there are seven of us, everyone will get a turn, but we'll need one of the older children to volunteer to watch the waiting little ones. We'll form up in lines tomorrow after everyone has eaten and allowed breakfast to settle. None of us want to be thrown up on while we're riding tomorrow."
Rick grinned at the groans this announcement brought. From behind Anck, the little roommate added, "Rephrase that. No one wants to be sick while riding tomorrow. Not only will it make you feel ill, but anyone who throws up while riding will have to go back to the house and not ride for the rest of the day." That brought genuine groans of distress from the children, and the girl added, "Tomorrow evening, we'll have a weenie roast, complete with a fire and roasting marshmallows, and some stories from Jonathan."
This brought cheers from the children. Rick never knew a child to turn down an offer of that kind. Evelyn continued, "And Sunday, we'll have a picnic. Anck, Celia and I will be making sandwiches for the picnic tomorrow afternoon while Mr O'Connell entertains you. He will be the clown this time." Rick made a face. . .he still couldn't believe they did that to him!!!! The children laughed with delight, seeing Rick's grimace, and Evelyn added with a laugh of her own, "And as you can see, he'll do an excellent job."
"Any questions?" Galen Ferguson asked. Rick glanced over at the pediatrician. He would have never expected such a big man to be so good with children, but the kids adored him. They climbed all over him, just as they did to Ardeth. Right now, his brother had no fewer than four children surrounding him. The two little boys were inspecting his tattoos, even as they listened, while the two little girls were playing with his brother's hair.
*Watch it, little brother,* Rick thought with a wicked grin, *or those little girls will be trying to braid your hair!* Yasmina and Thalia actually tried that in the past. Usually when Ardeth was too sick or too weak from injury to stop them. Fortunately, no one else in the camps or the tribes ever saw that. . .or Rick was sure Ardeth would never live down the embarrassment. Well, that was the case anyhow, because Rick never let him forget it when it happened!
"No questions? Well, I am surprised. However, the table is set. . .so please make your way to the table in a neatly and orderly fashion, or the ladies will turn you over their respective knees," Jonathan put in. He circled around Rick, adding in a low voice, "Something that might be fun for us." Rick was very glad he wasn't drinking anything. He knew he would have spit it out. Or worse.
Rick leaned back, answering in an equally low voice, "I don't think any of us would fit over any of their knees." Jonathan shrugged with a rueful smile. The children were filing into the dining room, herded by Rick's brother, Jonathan's sister, Anck, and Celia (yes, he was capable of remembering her name. . .it was just easier to think of her as 'the little roommate.'). Rick continued, "You're an older brother, you know about protecting younger siblings. What can you tell me about Celia Ferguson?"
Jonathan frowned, asking, "Why do you want to know? Is Ardeth younger than you are?" Rick rolled his eyes. People always asked him that. . .yes, Ardeth was younger than he was. Younger and more serious. If he was in a charitable mood, Rick would add that Ardeth was also the more mature sibling. If he was feeling charitable. Jonathan continued, "Well, she comes from a rich family. . .at least, her parents are wealthy. Her grandparents are another matter, and they raised her for the most part. Her grandparents were another matter, I should say."
Rick knew about her wealthy parents. He wanted to know about *her.* Jonathan continued, "I honestly don't know her that well. She's quiet. . .even more quiet than Evy. And just as. . .determined? Tenacious? Stubborn? Take your pick out of those three. She'll stand up for what she believes in. Or someone she believes in. A protective little thing, really. What, you're trying to figure out if she's good enough for your brother?"
Rick winced. He wouldn't have put it quite like that, but unfortunately, that was probably the most accurate way of explaining himself. Perhaps seeing his assent in his eyes, Jonathan admitted, "Can't answer that. . .don't know your brother very well. But I do know that she's very loyal. As many times as she and Evy have argued, Celia has always defended her against anyone else who maligns her. In a way, the three of them really are sisters. Evy and Anck argue more than Evy and Celia, though."
Interesting, but not what Rick wanted to know. He replied softly, "I'm probably jumping the gun. My brother won't even admit that he's attracted to her. Keeps saying that it's not possible, that there's no future in it. But if Ardeth decides at some point that she's what he really wants, I wanna know whether or not she's good enough for him. I give my brother enough grief. . .he doesn't need any more from some girl."
Again, Jonathan hesitated, before replying, "Like I said. I don't know your brother very well. But I do know what kind of a roommate she is to Evy, and I know how she is with Alex. So, in this case, it'll have to be good enough. I could never marry her. . .she's too much like a little sister to me. But your brother could do a lot worse than Celia. Yes, she's stubborn. Yes, she's not exactly model beautiful. But what would you prefer for your brother? A strikingly beautiful bitch, or an average- looking girl who would move heaven, hell, and earth for him?"
With that question ringing still ringing in Rick's ears, his companion moved in the direction of the dining room. Rick sat alone, still thinking about Jonathan's statements. He knew from Colin Burns that many of the students considered Jonathan Carnahan to be a joke. But the man who just told Rick more than he really needed to know was one whom Rick wouldn't take lightly. Perhaps in a different time and place, he would have been contemptuous of Carnahan. . .but not here. Not now.
He was still thinking about that five minutes later, when the pizza finally arrived. Since he was the one sitting in the living room, thinking, it fell to him to take the pizza and pay the delivery. . .people. Whether he liked it or not, the stuffy professor just gave him a lot to think about. What did he want for Ardeth? Rick knew from painful experience that his brother *could* do far worse than Celia Ferguson. . .but was that enough?
. . .
The rest of the night passed with a great deal of merriment. The children laughed and talked as they ate. The adults (well, adults and teenagers) listened with amused smiles, quietly stepping in when it seemed like one of the children was getting out of control. But for the most part, the adults listened with half an ear to the conversations of the children. At the same time, they concentrated on their own conversations.
After dinner, everyone crowded into the living room to watch videos. Given the wide range of ages, Galen and Celia chose to err on the side of caution. Galen managed to pry Jason's prized collection of 'Gargoyles' tapes away from the youngest member of the Ferguson family with the promise of returning them Sunday night. And fortunately, it was a cartoon that most children could enjoy.
Celia kept an eye on the younger children, just in case. These were children who spent most of their free time in the hospital. . .who saw other children sick and even dying, hooked up to machines. They lived with an uncertainty that no child should ever face. . .would their brother or their sister die? All brothers and sisters fought. . .it was the way things were. Celia often fought with both of her siblings. But she loved them both desperately. Because of Jason's brush with death two years earlier, she also understood how guilty some of these children felt.
Perhaps one had an argument or a fight with their stricken sibling only days before the accident or before the illness hit. Celia understood that she didn't cause things to happen. . .but it was still hard to remember. For a child, it was even harder to accept. If they did this, then something else would have never happened. Some of these children were growing up far too fast. . .and watching a few episodes of 'Gargoyles' certainly wouldn't hurt them.
When she and the boys were growing up, they often watched tv with their grandparents while their parents were at one social function or another. Once Bruce and Madeleine Ferguson could bear to let their children out of their sight, that is. Thomas and Annabelle discussed what they watched with their children. They understood the difference between fantasy and reality, even with the love all three children shared for science fiction.
Galen obviously took those lessons to heart, for after each episode, he would stop the tape. As soon as the 'pause' button was hit, the conversation would start up. These kids were a curious bunch. But after a while, they grew tired of discussions as they grew tired, and settled just for watching the various episodes. Celia's favorite storyline was always the Avalon arc, during the World Tour. And her favorite episode was 'Grief.'
'Grief' told the story of a grieving Egyptian father who sought to control the god Anubis, to bring his young son back to life. It was his plan to make himself the avatar of Anubis. . .and if he had to kill all of humanity to bring his son back to life, he would do it. Or so he thought, at first. But though his grief made him almost insane, he was still a good man, a loving father pushed too far. Unfortunately, as was always the case, the bad guys intervened just as the father was wising up.
The episode always made Celia teary-eyed. But this time, there was an added complication. Ardeth Bey. Like the grieving father, he was Egyptian. A tenuous tie, to be sure, but it was there, nonetheless. Celia couldn't help herself. . .she looked over her shoulder at Ardeth, who took one of the three armchairs in the room. The college student smiled softly, discovering him sound asleep.
That wasn't all she discovered. His step-brother also noticed that Ardeth was asleep, and quietly left his place in a second armchair. Rick O'Connell must have sensed her eyes upon him, for he turned to make eye contact with her. His gaze was, at first, direct and harsh. But Celia wasn't afraid of him. She never would be afraid of Rick O'Connell. Despite their rough beginnings, she learned over the last few hours that despite his best intentions, he was an honorable man. A protector, though he would deny it with his dying breath.
His eyes darted away from hers, to a blanket sitting at the foot of the sofa. He gestured to it, and Celia nodded. She walked on her knees over to the sofa and picked up the blanket, then returned. She handed the blanket to O'Connell, and he in turn spread it over his sleeping brother with a tenderness that threatened to suck the very air from her lungs. She learned something else about Rick O'Connell at that moment. No matter how hard he tried to deny it, he loved his step-brother very much. . .and was quite willing to kill for him.
One other person noticed his actions. And this appealed to Celia's sense of irony. Or maybe 'irony' wasn't quite the right word. However, Evy apparently turned to say something to Celia, and noticed O'Connell covering up his brother with the blanket provided by Celia. Quite unexpectedly, her brown eyes softened and O'Connell flushed when he noticed her expression. He mumbled, almost sounding flustered, "Just didn't want him getting cold, you know. From Egypt. Desert can get cold. . .oh, never mind."
Evy said nothing, just nodded and turned her attention back to the tv. Celia, however, continued to gaze at the two brothers. O'Connell glared at her, muttering, "What are you lookin' at?" She grinned impishly. *Nice try,* she thought, *but you won't fool me now.* She knew him for what he was now, and no amount of glowering could change her mind. He obviously figured this out, for he muttered, "Say a word about this to anyone, and I swear I'll deny it."
"Of course," she replied blandly, and returned her attention to the tv. As she did so, she noticed the time. It was almost time for everyone to go to bed. Technically, of course, she didn't *have* to, but the start of classes was always wearying. She nudged Evy, then nodded to the clock. Evy muttered something under her breath that no proper English girl should know, then got to her feet.
As her roommate headed upstairs to change clothes and brush her teeth before the rush to bed started, Celia once more looked over her shoulder. This time, she wasn't paying attention to O'Connell, but to Ardeth. She swallowed hard, an unfamiliar ache taking up residence in her throat. He looked so peaceful. . .and for the first time since she met him, he actually looked his age. When he was asleep, all his cares were smoothed away, but at the same time, it made her realize just how burdened he felt.
Why? What burdens did he carry? He made reference many times to 'his' people, and how impossible a relationship between them would be, because of his position. Was he a leader of some kind? Celia had no trouble believing that. In fact, when she closed her eyes, she could imagine him in the middle of the desert, his long black hair teased by the wind, and long black robes billowing about his body, a scimitar in hand.
Where she got the black robes, she had no idea. Maybe because he seemed to favor black shirts and black jeans. In any event, the image served to drive the air from her lungs once more. Because the Ardeth in her imagination was even more devastating than the young man now sleeping in her brother's favorite armchair. . .in what was her grandfather's favorite armchair before he died as well.
Her fantasies were interrupted as her older brother hit 'stop' on the VCR and said, "Okay, kiddies, it's nine thirty. . .bedtime." He was rewarded with a chorus of groans, and Galen continued, waggling a finger at the children, "Now, now. . .sooner you get to bed, sooner you get to sleep. . .and the sooner the morning comes, which means the sooner you can ride the horses." There was a long silence, as the children considered this, then the youngsters scrambled from the room.
Within seconds, the only people remaining were a half-asleep Anck, Celia, Galen, Rick, and the still-sleeping Ardeth. Galen was looking around the living room with a slightly stunned expression. Celia tried desperately to keep a straight face, but her willpower was shot to hell when Galen said ruefully, "There are times when I really need to think before I speak. Rick, you need help getting your brother upright?" Celia blushed. She didn't know why, but her brother's question led to all sorts of naughty thoughts. *Down, girl,* she told herself, *before you really get yourself into trouble!*
"Nah, we're okay. . .thanks, though. Don't take his falling asleep personally. He does this all the time. Any time he's sitting down for more than a half hour, he falls asleep. Gets it while he can," O'Connell answered as he gently shook Ardeth awake. Celia firmly instructed her imagination to take a hike before she had to take a cold shower. That really wasn't the way she wanted to start this weekend.
Ardeth mumbled something in Arabic, then added in English, "My apologies, Dr Ferguson. . .I believe going to bed is an excellent idea." He stumbled over a pillow left in the middle of the floor by one of the older children, and both Galen and Rick reached out to steady him. Oh dear. This sleepy Ardeth was utterly adorable. A strange term to use for a man like Ardeth Bey, but it seemed to fit nonetheless.
"First, there's no need to apologize, son," Galen replied, keeping a gentle hand under Ardeth's elbow, "and in the second place, my name is 'Galen.' No titles are permitted here. Let's get you to bed." Ardeth dipped his head, trying very hard to make sure one foot went in front of the other properly. Almost under his breath, Galen muttered, "When was the last time this boy had a good night sleep?"
Anck, who was more alert now, answered in Celia's ear, "Good question. But I'm sure you could make sure he got a good night sleep, amiga." Celia whapped her friend's arm, blushing. Dammit, she already had the imagination from hell going overtime. . .she didn't need any help from Anck! The other girl just laughed, looping her arm around Celia's waist, and nudged her toward the stairs. Not that Celia needed any further urging. Sleep sounded good.
. . .
Ardeth was actually awakened by the sounds of the children's groans when Galen Ferguson told them it was time for bed. However, he was warm and sleepy, and didn't really feel like opening his eyes. There was no need. Nothing required his attention. Unfortunately, Rick wasn't inclined to let him sleep in the armchair, and dimly, Ardeth realized his brother was probably right. But he really didn't want to leave the warm cocoon now surrounding him.
He allowed himself to be guided upstairs to the bedroom he would share with Rick over the next few days, somewhat surprised that he wasn't worrying about Lock-nah or Imhotep or Meela Nais. Or perhaps he should not be so surprised. . .Ardeth wasn't sure he had the energy to even worry about his long-time nemesis and Imhotep. He was even more surprised, in the part of his brain that was capable of rational thought, that he felt comfortable enough among these people to fall asleep so readily. And not even Galen Ferguson calling him 'son' was enough to annoy him into wakefulness.
In a matter of moments, Ardeth was relieved of his t-shirt, jeans, and boots, leaving only his boxer shorts on, before Rick covered him up once more. Ardeth settled under the blankets, sighing quietly as Rick gently rubbed his back. He mumbled, "I am fine, ya ahi." Rick laughed softly, but didn't stop what he was doing. Ardeth just drifted off toward sleep once more, soothed by his brother's fingers rubbing circles onto his back.
He slept for a time, until a shriek shattered his pleasant dreams. He was dreaming about his father, and the oasis where Suleiman took him sometimes when he wished to simply be Ardeth's father, and not the chieftain of the Med-jai. Even before the shriek died away, Ardeth jolted into wakefulness and rolled out of bed. He was at the door before Rick's feet hit the hardwood floor.
Ardeth went into the hallway as lights flickered on up and down the hall. He winced, shielding his eyes from the sudden brightness, and heard a gentle voice comforting. The voice had an English accent, and Ardeth realized that it was coming from the room shared by little Olivia Chase and Evelyn Carnahan. This was borne out a moment later when a bleary-eyed Celia Ferguson emerged from behind Anck-su-namun Cortez.
The older girl said, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, "Everyone back to bed. Evy has everything under control." Ardeth looked around, to find almost all the children in the hallway. The youngsters didn't look particularly keen on going back to bed. . .in fact, a number of them looked frightened. Ardeth wanted to go back to his warm bed. . .he was shivering in just his socks and boxer shorts. But he couldn't go back to bed until the children did.
And then, a little girl who was playing with his hair before dinner started giggling. Emily. Her name was Emily. And she was giggling, like she couldn't stop. Bemused, Ardeth looked down at himself to see what was so funny, for it seemed like she was looking in his direction. But one of the other children solved that particular mystery for him. A girl of about thirteen called out gleefully in a singsong voice, "I see England, I see France, I see somebody's underpants!" Ardeth blushed, realizing he charged out of the room without putting on jeans.
But he wasn't the source of the children's amusement. Rick groaned from behind him, "Oh, great." Ardeth turned to face his older brother, and fought back a grin of his own. The teenager did, indeed, see someone's underpants. . .namely his brother's. What made it particularly amusing was that like Ardeth, Rick was wearing boxer shorts. But where Ardeth wore solid colors (gray on this day), Rick was currently wearing boxer shorts with bright yellow smiley-faces. . . .a gift from their sisters the year earlier.
Ardeth couldn't resist. He knew he should, but he just couldn't let this go. He should let this go, since it wasn't just them. But by the same token, that was exactly why he couldn't do it. Rick did it to him enough times. Usually in front of the elders. . .and sometimes the maidens. With a perfectly straight face, he told his brother, "Go put on sweatpants, ya ahi, before you frighten the children. And that is enough to frighten me, so I can only imagine how it affects them." Ardeth was rewarded with a growl from his brother, as well as the sight of Rick's ears turning fire-engine red. Ardeth gave Rick his sweetest, most innocent smile.
"A pair of boxer shorts with smiley-faces. It does make one wonder, does it not?" Anck-su-namun wondered aloud, the innocent tone of voice at considerable odds with the mischievous sparkle in her dark brown eyes. Celia, who was only half-awake and was still catching up, took a moment to process that. . .then collapsed to the ground in helpless laughter. Anck- su-namun just grinned, said, "My work here is done," then picked up her roommate, who was still laughing hysterically. She steered her friend back into their room, and that was a signal to the children.
One by one, each child disappeared back into their room, until Rick and Ardeth were the only ones left in the hall way. Ardeth grinned at his brother, trying very hard not to laugh. If he laughed, he knew he would pay dearly. During a wrestling match years earlier, once Ardeth healed from the stab wound, Rick found all of his ticklish spots. That was usually the payment enacted in a situation like this.
Rick muttered, "You are so dead!" Ardeth swallowed hard, fighting back his laughter, and went back into the room. Rick followed him, repeating, "You are so dead, Ardeth! I will kill you in a thousand different ways before I'm finished with you." Ardeth said nothing. If he said something, he would start laughing. . .and then Rick really would kill him. His brother said in a muffled voice, "Dammit, it was funny!"
Yes, it was. Ardeth said, now that he had his laughter under control, "I was not making fun of you. I was merely. . .returning the favor." Rick looked at him, and Ardeth explained, "Fatima. Two years ago." He referred to a young Med-jai woman whom both brothers liked. She was married now, having chosen to be the wife of a simple Med-jai warrior. Rick blushed with embarrassment.
"I always knew you would pay me back when I wasn't expecting it," Rick muttered. He sat down on his bed, adding, "And you didn't start it. Guess I wasn't thinking when I put them on this morning. . .or when I charged here after you. I thought something was really wrong. Maybe a fire or a burglar." Ardeth nodded, slipping back under his covers gratefully. Rick said, doing the same on his own bed, "It was funny."
"Aywa, it was," Ardeth agreed, grinning in the night, "especially the look on your face when you realized what was so. . .eye-catching." Rick made a muffled sound that might have been a snort, but was probably a laugh. Ardeth continued, "I have never heard that rhyme before. Are you familiar with it, ya ahi?" Rick snorted outright at that, and Ardeth added, "Never mind. Of course you would be."
"You bet. Ardeth? You do realize that I'll have to get you back for this. . .and payback would have really been a bitch if Evelyn Carnahan was out there," Rick answered. Ardeth's grin broadened. Yes, he noticed the looks his brother directed toward the lovely English girl. Rick wouldn't be ready to admit it just yet. He would still be trying to maintain his pride. But it was just a matter of time.
"Of course. . .I expect nothing else," Ardeth replied smoothly. He paused a few beats, then asked, "The question becomes, what will you do to Anck-su-namun?"
Rick was silent for several moments, and at first, Ardeth thought his brother was asleep. Then Rick answered with a decidedly evil note of laughter in his voice, "Absolutely nothing, dear brother. Just drop a few hints, about how payback is a bitch. . .and then wait. Let her imagine what I'll do in payback, and then do nothing." Ardeth laughed softly. That sounded like something he would do, actually.
And Rick admitted, "I guess I've been spending too much time with you, Ardeth. Maybe I'll psych her out while I'm figuring out a proper prank to pull on her." Ardeth just sighed as he drifted back to sleep. He would have to watch his back over the next few days. Rick would pull a prank. Probably not tonight, because that was when Ardeth would expect it. Maybe the following morning.
In spite of himself, Ardeth was actually looking forward to whatever his step-brother dreamed up. He looked forward to the following day and the following night. Whatever was coming, it was bound to be entertaining.