X-Men-First Class: Rise or Fall
Chapter Two Hundred Seventy-Eight
Author's Word: Hi, fam! Sorry for how long this has taken, but I was busy being Super Auntie: Heiress Edition. I actually wanted this up by Saturday to celebrate the 17th Birthday of fam member, Mik15. Happy birthday, babe and thank you so much for being a long-time and supportive fam member. For those of you who are going to feel flashback deprived, hello! Long-running series, remember? Simply stay tuned. While you're at it, please enjoy and review!
From the rustling leaves to the chirping birds and scattering squirrels, every single utterance he passed seemed to resonate all the louder to the eight-year-old. Though booming to his ears so sensitive, they all sounded the same. They all laughed, sneered, and pointed. So preoccupied by the taunting, he hardly noticed when he reached his family's property.
At work in the garden, the head of strawberry blonde regarded her returning child with as bright a smile as the sun splashing across her countenance. "Logan."
The boy redirected his path to go kiss her cheek. "Hi, Mama."
Elizabeth held onto him at his slim middle. "How was school? Did you find out about your essay?"
Logan nodded apathetically. "B-plus."
"That's wonderful, sweetheart. Wait until your father hears." Studying his expression closely, she wanted to know, "Logan, what's wrong?" At his slight turning of the face, she deduced, "The boys again?"
"Mmhmm," Logan muttered.
Elizabeth's eyes filled with woe for her boy. "Do you want me to go with you tomorrow? Speak to your teacher?"
"No," he turned down. "Forget about it, Ma. I don't care what they say."
"And you shouldn't," Elizabeth reaffirmed. "Boys like that aren't worth a second thought. They're petty and jealous. You may not believe it, but as small as you are, you're bigger than all of them put together."
A tiny smile appeared on his face. "Thanks, Mama." He looked to the flowers. "Can I help you?"
"I'd love it," Elizabeth accepted. "But get out of your school clothes first and make sure your books land on the desk, not the floor."
"Yes, Ma." Logan continued towards their house.
Putting his lunch pail down, he hardly had time to remove his sweater as the mewing creature hurried to greet him. Getting the sweater hung on a hook, Logan used his free arm to pick up the cat and nuzzle with him. Making it to his bedroom next, he let Pickle Toe jump to the bed. After leaving his two texts on the desk, he found and started to get into his worn play clothes.
Noticing the small square shaped mirror on one shelf, Logan picked it up between his finger and thumb. After engaging in a short staring contest with his reflection, the boy flung the mirror to the floor. Pickle Toe jumped at the shattered pieces that resulted.
X
At the way the winds grew almost furiously by evening, the dark-haired man very nearly blew through his own front door.
Hearing the commotion, Elizabeth left the kitchen for the entryway. "John?"
"We're in typhoon territory." Done hanging up his coat and hat, John shared a replenishing kiss with her. "Ah, much better." She smiled up at him and he held her to his front. "Is that peach cobbler I smell?"
Elizabeth nodded. "I'm hoping it will cheer Logan up."
Following her into the kitchen, John wondered, "Is he alright?"
"Yes, except," Elizabeth sighed near the stove, "he's having trouble with that same set of boys. You know how they are. Constantly making fun of his size, calling him ugly. How they go out of their way to put him down, the whole thing makes me sick."
"Don't let it upset you," John advised. "These schoolyard skirmishes. You know how boys are. Besides," he placed the small package he carried with him on the table, "if this doesn't cheer him, nothing will." He then petitioned, "Logan! Come here, son!"
Arriving promptly, the boy walked right to him. "Hi, Daddy." He positioned himself at his feet. "You want me?"
"Well, you are useful here and there." John ruffled his hair. "Look what I picked up for you on my way home."
Unwrapping the ribbon that bound it, Logan removed the box lid. He immediately gasped at the contents. Two jars of ink, three new pencils, and all on top of a fresh stack of paper.
Logan beamed, bouncing in place. "Thank you, Daddy!"
"You're welcome," John replied. "Only try not to run through it all in a week's time. And I want to hear nothing but good about your schoolwork."
"Yes, sir." Nearly floating on air, Logan collected the package and carried it to his room.
Elizabeth went to hug John's arm. "You really made his night."
"It cost a little more, but," John held one of her hands, "it's nice to see him focused on something constructive." His son could be such an oddity at times.
Settled at his desk with Pickle Toe warming his feet, Logan worked his pen across the first page. He made certain to be as neat and precise as possible to avoid wasting even a drop of ink.
Dear Victor,
It's me again. School today wasn't much better. The same ones I told you about started in on me again. Always saying I'm ugly. Do folks call you ugly? Our mama says I'm bigger than all of them, even though I'm short. Guess you're short, too. Don't you hate it?
We've been talking about explorers in school. I wrote an essay about Christopher Columbus. You ever heard of him? Probably not, seeing as he's more important to the States than he is to us. Have you ever gone exploring? I think it'd be terrific to sail around, going wherever you want. After I find you, we can go sailing. We'll go to the States and everywhere we want to in the world. Nobody will mess with me because you'll be there and nobody will mess with you because I'll be there.
I will find you someday, brother. I promise.
Your brother,
Logan
PS, Pickle Toe says hi.
XXXXX
Load of chopped wood supported entirely by one shoulder, the blonde teenager moved across the greenery. The tiny vessel of chatter hopped alongside him.
"They really fell for it! My whole class thought that train was gonna run her right over, but I knew the whole time he'd save her," Logan raved. "But boy, was it ever neat!"
"You and those movin' pictures." An amused Victor shook his head slightly. "Does sound like a pretty good field trip, though."
"It was. It's unbelievable, big brother!" Logan took time to spin in a circle. "Someday I want to be in a real picture show. Beat up the bad guy, save the girl- but none of that kissin' junk- and be famous!"
"Famous, huh? Just try not to forget us when you're livin' in that great big mansion."
"Course not!" Logan immediately dismissed. "I'm gonna buy us the biggest, fanciest house there is. Just you, me, Ma, and Pickle Toe." He tugged on Victor's sleeve. "You think I'll ever be in pictures?"
To that, Victor replied, "If you fancy it, little brother, I'm bettin' you'll have your own picture series."
Grinning widely, Logan began daydreaming the possibilities.
That evening after dessert, Elizabeth brought the boys to the living room for fittings. While his mother noted the necessary adjustments, Victor took in the blue collared shirt he currently modeled.
"Ma," he spoke tentatively, "you sure it's alright for me to wear these?"
"Absolutely." Elizabeth rolled back one sleeve. "Believe me, he would never want his clothes in storage for the moths."
From where he watched from a chair, Logan said, "I like the way they look on you."
Victor sent his brother a little smile. "These are more clothes than I've ever gotten to wear in my life."
Logan asked, "Mama, when can I wear Vic's old shirts?"
Elizabeth regarded him fondly. "When you're just a bit bigger and your shoulders wider."
"The longer it takes, the more of my stuff you'll wind up with," Victor pointed out.
Appeased, Logan reached down to pick up Pickle Toe. The cat used his rough tongue to groom the boy's cheek.
XXXXX
Sunset nearly upon them, the youthful pair scampered across the damp rocks that all but made up the shore. Her in a lacy white dress with no sleeves and him wearing tan shorts and a black sweatshirt, they carried their shoes and stayed latched to each other with their other hands. When she slipped yet again, he instinctively gripped her all the tighter to prevent her pretty form from making actual contact with the ground. He attempted to hide his delight in the squeals she produced every time.
"Er—" She moved across another stone with a swift jump. "Erik, would you please just tell me why we're on this mission of madness?"
"Eh eh," he clicked his tongue, "patience, my love. It will all be worth it once you see it."
The doubtful Magda at last received her fruitful reward when they made it to the near endless river's central point. Across the way on the edge of a cliff, a magnificent property stood. Made up of yellow stone marble and a scarlet roof, its size appeared immeasurable with four towers that attempted to touch the clouds. Vast greenery and blooming buds surrounded it.
Squeezing her hand, Erik nudged, "Well?"
When she could vocalize again, Magda breathed, "Oh Erik… it's… it's beyond words. Absolutely breathtaking."
"Like you." Raising her hand, he kissed her fingers. "That's why it will soon be yours."
Magda gaped at him. "What?"
"With all that we've managed to put away for ourselves, it won't be long now until we make claim to one of these palaces. Imagine it, Magda." He let go of her hand to bring his arm around her shoulders. "Spectacular gardens, gorgeous entryway with a parlor, our children racing about, each with a horse of his own out in the stables, perhaps even a pup or two."
"Erik," she faced him, tugging on his shirt front, "do you really mean it?"
"Of course I do. Everything we've ever wanted." Erik brought her into a hug, staring thoughtfully into the horizon with darkened eyes. Everything…
X
Itinerary in hand, the blue eyes could not help wandering across the bedroom to the vanity. In her lavender nightdress, Magda glided the comb through her hair. Being so freshly showered, the strands looked crinkled and absolutely ravishing. It had taken more than a year for the ebony tresses to grow out to the point of tumbling down her back again. Though it still thinned at the top, it mattered not to Erik. He deemed every follicle radiant. He also noticed the body attached to the hair, much rounder than the vessel of skin and bones he first met. Her hips and chest spread out more, practically beckoning him. He rolled off the bed and onto his feet.
Rising, Magda could hardly turn as she felt the arms clamp around her. "Ooh!" She laughed enchantingly. "Erik."
His lips went to her neck. "Come to bed, Magda…"
Able to move, Magda joined their lips for a quenching kiss. She walked backwards, crooking a summoning finger as she eased onto the mattress. Erik climbed up after her. Going to the belt that kept his black robe together, Magda untied it and Erik let it slide off him. He arose a little so that she could work his sleep pants down next. His turn finally, he got her nightdress over her head in a swift motion. They then helped each other worm out of panties and boxers. Eyes completely glued to him, Magda reached for and switched off the lamp.
X
With morning light seeping in through the blinds, the blue irises revealed themselves through the cracked eyelids. Sitting up, the young man took the time to bask in the slumbering figure beside him. Somehow able to pry away, Erik moved to get ready for the day. He showered and changed quickly then sat on the edge of the bed to load his small weaponry into his cloaked ankle holsters. He immediately slowed upon feeling the slender arms coil him from behind.
"Good morning, my king," she breathed into his ear.
Erik kissed her wrist. "Good morning, my fair queen."
Glancing at the window, Magda determined, "It's too beautiful a day to share you. Let's have breakfast in." She began working her lips from his shoulder to his jaw. "Along with lunch, dinner… dessert."
Erik kissed her back and said, "I only wish I could. But I have too much to see to today."
Deflating entirely, Magda brought up, "It's the Sabbath, Erik."
"And I'll be keeping it holy by cleansing the Earth of unnecessary filth."
The young woman sighed in irritation. "Do not twist the Lord's commands that way, Erik."
"Or He'll do what exactly?" Erik's eyes became as equally ice blue as his tone. "Take away everything and everyone we have in the sickest ways imaginable? Or more than likely, merely stand by while our accuser's take that honor?" Getting up, he walked to the dresser to retrieve his watch. "I've no fear of God's wrath, Magda, but our enemies will cower under mine."
"Can you even hear yourself anymore?" Magda regarded him with a mix of frustrated disbelief and sympathy. "I remember when we spent months in seclusion. When nothing else matter so long as we had each other. But this, what you're doing, you've become completely obsessed. You talk about our future while being too fixated on the past."
"It is the present that matters, Magda," Erik emphasized. "It is up to me to make it safe for our future children. Why can't you see that everything I do is for us?"
"For us?" Magda echoed incredulously. "You've left us as an afterthought. We haven't even had our ceremony yet."
"What's the use in it?" Erik rationalized. "You know my commitment to you. We've made our vows to each other. We don't need a ridiculous, overdone affair to cement our devotion. You are my wife, Magda."
She only stared back at him. "Were that true, you would want to solidify it. Your revenge is your first love, not me."
"I won't waste time arguing that ridiculousness with you." Erik slipped his wallet into his pocket. "I should be home in time for a late dinner." He walked back to the bed to kiss her.
With a glare, Magda turned her head from him. Making out her form through the sheer sheet, Erik delivered a hard smack to her rear. She screeched and jumped, hands going right to the spot. Erik took his leave with a wide smirk in place.
XXXXX
The normally yellow eyes made hazel sparkled over the sights and sounds of the department store. Wearing a powder blue jacket over her black and white checkered skirt and top, she held tightly to the hand of the older boy and mutant. Having only been with him for a few days, it was the little girl's first outing since the night he discovered her in his kitchen. Instead of recoiling in disgust or trying to harm her, he invited her not only into his home but into his family as well. Through his special mind powers, he had knitted and implanted the memories into the adults, primarily focused on their mother and stepfather.
Their mother- Raven struggled to grasp such a concept. The last mother she had known… blinking, she ordered those agonizing recollections back into the pit where she left them burned and buried. No, they no longer mattered. Nothing from her former existence of fear, hunger, and isolation mattered. That night in the kitchen killed Raven Darkholme and gave life to Raven Xavier. When she held onto Charles with a greater grip, the boy drew her to his side, safely under his arm.
When they made it to section of fashion for girls, Raven did not know where to begin. The day after they met, Charles had gone out to get her a few basic pieces. However, he had expressed wanting to take her out to pick out what she liked. Such an idea sounded somewhere between impossible and foreign in Raven's ears. Now, standing there with all the pretty articles surrounding her, she did not know what to do with herself.
Charles caught on right away to how anxious and uncertain she felt. "Do you want some help?"
"Mmhmm," Raven nodded.
Going to one rack, Charles showed her a variety of dresses in all kinds of colors. When she remained unsure, Charles encouraged her to look harder and pick from whatever called to her so to speak. She pointed out one, a light pink number with Peter Pan collar. Charles approved and selected four others in pale purple, green, yellow, and blue he thought she would look just lovely in. Slowly but surely, Raven got the hang of things and managed to decide on different skirts, blouses, and shoes she liked. Charles made sure to purchase multiple pairs of tights, sweaters, and proper coat for her.
It amazed Raven the way a boy like Charles had no difficulty whatsoever navigating through the girly garments. Charles positioned her in front of a mirror and held out different barrettes and ribbons that complimented her mutated golden hair nicely. He also showed her some fitting to her reddish orange hair for their alone time.
When the moved on to the aisles filled with toys, Raven became a statue with dropped jaw. She could have exploded on the spot with untold glee. Unable to hide his own smile, Charles insisted on her choosing whatever she liked. Though hesitant at first, Raven came out with several stuffed animals, dolls, a tea set, and several other items that would fill her new room. After they left everything with their driver, Charles brought Raven to a soda shop, where they both acquired massive banana splits.
"Thank you so much, Charles."
"Oh, it's nothing," the British child dismissed. "We just have to be sure we don't spoil our dinner."
"No, I mean for… everything." Raven's eyes swelled with gratitude. "For everything in the whole wide world."
Charles smiled and tickled her cheek. "You're welcome for everything in the whole wide world. And thank you, too."
Raven lowered her spoon curiously. "For what? I haven't done anything for you."
"Oh yes you have," Charles countered. "I've always wanted a little sister."
Corners of her mouth coated in fudge and cream, Raven grinned from ear to ear.
X
Both bathed and lounging in pajamas on the bed made up in purple and white linens, the pair flipped through the album together.
"Look, there's Daddy." Charles tapped the picture. "We must have played in the snow for hours that Christmas morning."
"You're so little," Raven marveled.
Charles laughed at her reaction. "Well, I was only three."
Raven looked to him contemplatively. "Would your daddy have liked me?"
"Our daddy," Charles answered, "would have loved you." He reached out his hand to smooth through her hair. "And he does from where he is."
Raven smiled with shining eyes, but gasped at the way the woman entered so suddenly.
"Mother." Charles sat up on his knees. "What's wrong?"
"I'll be downstairs waiting on your stepfather. He's running late." Walking to the bed, Sharon took Raven's hands a moment. "Good night, sweetheart."
Much bigger smile in place now, Raven returned, "Good night, Mother."
"Don't keep her up, Charles. She needs her rest." Sharon walked out again with that.
Charles peered after her in silence. Night, Mother…
XXXXX
From the black and white screen of the television set, the waltz music emitted throughout the family room. Seated on the right end of the sofa, Hazel delicately puffed on her cigarette holder. The fuchsia accessory matched her sleeveless cocktail dress and lace gloves. She kept an arm wound around her youngest child, who filled her lap space. The bright-eyed three-year-old wore a coral dress with multiple petticoats to fluff out her skirt. Next to them, the eldest had on a style similar to their mother's in raspberry. The blonde teen on the other end sat in a peach shade. Hazel had on pantyhose and the three girls covered their legs with white stockings and mary-janes; all with dainty, sparkling butterfly clips in their hair. They watched the ballroom performance of men in striking tuxedos and women maneuvering with absolute elegance in their layered gowns.
"None of the boys in dance class can glide around like that," said Adrienne. "Clumsy oafs, only good for crushing my toes."
"Now, darling, you mustn't be too hard on them," Hazel reasoned. "How can they not trip over themselves when tasked to dance with the prettiest girl in the entire class?"
Adrienne grinned proudly. "That's true. Poor helpless fools."
Emma rolled her eyes. "Who wants to try moving around all evening in those awful clothes? Always itching and pinching."
"You learn to carry yourself in them with the same prestige and dignity of a knight in heavy armor. This is why your etiquette lessons are so important. Speaking of which," Hazel gave the golden-haired girl a pointed look, "do not slouch that way, Emma. Gentlemen find hunchbacks something of a turnoff."
Holding in a sigh, Emma corrected her posture.
"Oh, look at him." Adrienne indicated one of the male performers. "He's as dreamy as Clark Gable."
"Clark Gable in the flesh cannot compared to your father on the floor." Hazel sprinkled ashes into the crystal cigarette tray on the end table and laid her holder on top of it. "I remember the first dance he ever invited me to. Given in honor of the university's top scholars." Letting Cordelia up, Hazel stood and walked a few steps away from the couch. "When we took to that floor, every light seemed to dim as we became the only two people in the entire world. The way he led- confident, refined- while never taking his eyes off me." Bending a bit, Hazel took Cordelia's bitty hands to execute a short spin with her. "It was pure enchantment."
Cordelia smiled dreamily, trying to keep in stride with her mother.
Adrienne put forth, "I bet you and Daddy were the loveliest match there."
"There and everywhere, my precious," Hazel confirmed. "Hooking your father left all other girls positively green."
"Oh, is that right?"
Turning to the doorway, Hazel saw her husband and son. "Yes, it is. Don't let it inflate your head all the more. We wouldn't want it to pop now."
Picking up Cordelia when she toddled to him, Winston took in her appearance and that of her sisters'. "Aren't my gem stones absolute visions?"
Chris silently mimicked him from behind.
Emma looked to her disgruntled brother. "Where are you going?"
"Golf at the club," the teenage boy grumbled.
Winston chuckled, patting his shoulder. "Boredom is an unfortunate aspect of building connections."
Folding his arms, Chris beseeched, "Mommy, why can't I go with you?"
"To the Women's Club Luncheon?" Hazel laughed breathily at the mere notion. "Don't be silly, dear. You'll be completely out of place among us hens."
"But Mommy…"
"That will be enough, Christian." Taking Cordelia from Winston, Hazel summoned her older daughters over. "Come, ladies. We have an entrance to make."
Adrienne made her skirt twirl as she spun through. "Right away, Mother. That miserable Kristy Harrison won't know what hit her. See you later, Daddy, little brother."
Winston lowered to kiss the top of her red hair then paused Emma in the doorway. "Question, love. Do you smell spoiled cheese?"
Confused, Emma shook her head. "No."
Winston tapped her nose. "Then stop making that face as if you do."
Keeping her glower internalized, Emma flashed him a taut smile to be allowed passage.
"Bye-bye, Daddy."
When Cordelia leaned over, Winston pecked her cheek twice. "Have a wonderful day, my sweet baby."
Hazel acknowledged her son's gloomy countenance. "Come now, Christian, it won't be as bad as all that. A little time spent on the green will only mold you into your own brute force in the business world." She glided a hand down Winston's cheek. "Like your father."
Winston brushed his lips across the departing woman's manicured fingertips.
XXXXX
Five minutes into the warm meal of baked chicken, cheddar mashed potatoes, peas with diced carrots, and biscuits conversation remained void. The sliding of silverware, occasional drip from the sink, and enthusiastic squeal from the toddler in his upraised seat acted as the only sounds to be heard around the circular table.
Clearing his throat, Christopher put forth, "As riveting as this evening is, I just figured out how to really liven things up. Let's throw a wake."
"Might as well," Alex mumbled, pushing his peas across his plate with his fork, "my batting average is gonna be buried soon."
"Honey, it's only for a week," Katherine placated. "We just want you to concentrate on improving your math scores. A B on Friday's test will pull up your average and put you right back in the game."
"Mom, there is no way I can make a B on this thing," Alex insisted. "This unit is too tough. And I'm going to be behind in practice."
"Alex, if you applied a tenth of the effort you put into baseball on your studies, you wouldn't have this problem," Christopher pointed out. "One week without it is not the end of the world. Honestly, it may do you good to take some time away from it."
Dropping his fork onto his plate, Scott scowled his father's way. "Should've figured you wouldn't care. Everything I like is a joke to you."
"Whoa, hey," Christopher protested, "that is not true."
"Yes, it is," Alex maintained. "You're just mad that I'm not into Boy Scouts or ready to sign up for Military Camp like the kids of your war buddies. Well, I'm a ballplayer, not a boot-licker." Rising from the table, the boy stalked out of the kitchen.
"Alex," Katherine called after him in vain.
"Terrific," sighed Christopher then glanced over at his youngest, who had crumbs all over his plump cheeks. "Mind having a word with him for me, Scottie?"
"'Kay, Daddy." Scott attempted to scramble down from his seat.
Ready to burst with laughter, Katherine arranged him back into place. "I'll talk to Lexie. You keep Daddy company, alright?"
"Right, Mommy." Scott gripped his spoon to scoop up more potatoes.
Making it to the second floor, Katherine knocked on the door belonging to her presently unsatisfied boy. "Alex? Sweetie, I—" Going for the knob, she found it would not turn. "Alexander Summers, you better move that chair this instant. I've told you about that."
In seconds, she heard the dragging of wood followed by the prompt opening of the door. "Sorry, Mom."
"At the moment," she walked in behind him, "I'm more concerned with what went on downstairs. That outburst was completely uncalled for, Alex."
The male blonde sighed regretfully. "I'm sorry, Mom." He went to sit on the side of his bed. "I just get so sick of Dad acting like what I care about doesn't matter. That it's just dumb kid stuff."
"Honey, you know your father doesn't feel that way." Rolling over his desk chair, Katherine sat in it, facing him. "Every single game, your dad is right there in the middle of the crowd, being one of the loudest, most obnoxious parents to grace the Earth. Members of the PTA have issued multiple verbal threats against us for this season alone."
Alex cracked a smile and snickered. "Mom…" Sobering a little, he said, "I know he's rooting for me in the stands and all, but I'll never be tops in school. Some of this stuff… they make it too hard."
With kind eyes, Katherine transferred over to sit by and bring an arm around him. "All your dad and I want is for you to put your best effort in. Now, in all honesty, have you been doing that with arithmetic?"
"… No," the boy admitted. "Not really."
Nodding, Katherine went on with, "What Dad said about you having this week away from practice, he wasn't knocking your game at all. Sweetie, neither one of us want you so wrapped up in sports that you neglect everything else. You have so much more to offer than what anyone can see on a playing field."
"Like what?"
"For starters, you're a wonderful, thoughtful, patient big brother to Scott and enormous helper for me. And when you make a genuine effort, you do extremely well in school. Remember all the work you put into that model of the digestive system last year? You made the highest grade and your teacher put it on display."
"Well, that was different," Alex reasoned. "That was really fun to put together. Making my own guts and stuff."
"It was enough to churn any stomach," Katherine recalled. "And no one could have done it better."
"That's what Dad said," Alex remembered. "He got a kick out of it."
"I know," she smiled at the memory. "Don't you see?" She sent fingers into his hair to stroke the yellow strands so similar to her own. "Your father encourages the best out of you because he knows what you can do. He's not out to ruin your fun or your batting average- personally, I dare anyone to compete with that."
"Yeah, Mom," Alex grinned, exchanging a high-five with her.
Katherine leaned in to hold him in a side embrace. "You want your dad to see your side of things. Try to see his, too, even when it's difficult. He loves you so much, honey. And so do I."
Alex inched over to snuggle in her lap. "I love you, Mom. Like crazy."
Katherine kissed his temple and rocked with him a little, missing the feeling in recent years.
X
Giving off what he hoped sounded like a jet's engine as opposed to a team of whales during mating season, Christopher whirled in place with the three-year-old on his shoulders. Giggling with immense enthusiasm, Scott kept his arms spread and brown eyes on the sky. Slipping into her blue sweater, Katherine stepped out onto the back porch. From the top step, she observed the high-fliers.
"Coming in for a landing," declared Christopher urgently. "Are we clear?"
"Ten-four," Scott replied.
"Alright, here we go, coming in…" Maneuvering so that he flopped to the ground with the boy secured to his chest, Christopher let loose a breathy whistle. "Well done, captain!" He hoisted the tot up above his head. "Well done!"
Scott squealed and took notice of the woman approaching them. "I landed the plane, Mommy."
"I saw. Good job." Katherine lowered beside her husband. "This will earn you the key to the city- made of solid chocolate."
Scott's eyes became aglow. "Oooooh!"
"Hm, what do you think?" Bringing Scott closer, Christopher addressed Katherine. "If we keep him tightly sealed in a vacuum bag every few days, could we actually keep him this size?"
Katherine laughed softly at that. "If only."
"I don't know what it is, Kat." Christopher held Scott to his front. "Kid's only ten years old and he's already got me pegged as the enemy. That's it. When he turns thirteen, it's boarding school. For me."
Katherine grasped both sides of his face. "As if I'd let you let loose from the ball and chain so easily."
"You can come, too." Christopher smoothed his thumb over her wrist. "We can start our own coed dorm."
"Very tempting." Katherine kissed him. "And there's nothing wrong with you and Alex. Ever since Scott came along, he's been trying to grow up so fast. I can only imagine what goes on in his head half the time."
"He'll let you in on it before me."
"For now," she said pointedly. "Until girls and hormones come on the scene. Then he'll be all yours all the time while I'm stuck being out-of-touch."
Christopher considered it and nodded. "You know, I think I can live with that."
"Yeah," Katherine laid next to him, "I bet."
"Daddy," Scott piped up, "fly some more. Pleeeease?"
"Oh Scottie, no more flying," Christopher groaned lightly. "We're just going to stay right here forever. Maybe rent from that family of gophers that's always going after your mom's azaleas."
Scott pressed noses with him. "Pleeeeeeease? Daddy…"
With a put-upon sigh, Christopher arose with him. "Alright, alright, but after this I get to go on your shoulders for a while."
Scott instantly agreed with, "Kay!"
X
After peeking in on his peacefully sleeping youngest, the airman strolled across the hall to check on enemy fire with the oldest. Positioned at his desk, the blonde child's eyes seemed frozen to the pages in front of him.
Christopher made his presence known with, "Heard Scottie threw a pool party in the tub tonight. Bathroom was dry as a bone when I went to mop up."
"I clean it up already," Alex told him. "I let him play around too much and besides, Mom doesn't need any extra work."
"We're in agreement." Christopher glanced towards the window expectantly. "That meteor should come crashing through any second now."
"Dad…" Alex gazed up. "I'm sorry about dinner. I didn't mean any of it. School just gets to me sometimes."
"I know you didn't mean it and I probably didn't help a whole lot." Christopher knelt near the hair, facing his son. "But I really wish you'd come talk to me instead of letting things stew until you finally blow."
"You're right, Dad," Alex admitted. "I'll try to do better."
"That's all I ask. And for the record," Rising a bit, Christopher placed an arm over the thin shoulders, "I hope you do make it big as an all-star athlete one day."
"You do?"
"Of course. That way you can foot the bill for Scott's college tuition. Not to mention one of those luxury condominiums down in Miami for Mom and me."
"Dad," Alex eyed his father sardonically, "you're really not that funny."
Christopher countered, "And you're really not that cute."
The boy scoffed. "Yeah, I am."
"… Yeah, you are," Christopher retracted. "Who am I kidding?"
XXXXX
From the slow drizzle developed a steady rain. With the droplets bathing their entire surroundings, the first-grade pair remained dry within the small red and blue plastic structure. Through a slit in one wall, their eyes of brown and hazel peered out, watching the falling wetness. After growing tired of the sight, they laid on the floor and stared at the ceiling.
"I sure wish we could stay here," Leon said wistfully, "for as long as we want."
Suzie put forth, "Know what I wish?" At his head shake, she told him, "I wish our parents would get married. Then you'd have a mommy and I'd have a real daddy again. And we'd be brother and sister."
"But you have Chloe."
Suzie scowled a little. "I'd rather have you for a brother than her for a sister any day."
With a smile, Leon said, "I like your wish better."
At the intense boom of thunder followed by lightning illuminating the sky for a brief second, the children gasped and shot up.
"We have to go."
Getting the playhouse door open, Leon scrambled out first to block a little of the moisture from getting on her. Once Suzie rushed out next, they latched hands ran as fast as they could. The rain grew into a heavy downpour, blurring their vision a bit. Making it down the first three blocks, they stopped at Suzie's house due to it being the closest. The girl dashed to her front porch, but looked back to smile and wave at him.
Leon returned the gestures before continuing to his own home. Due to the darkened atmosphere, the boy did not notice the black cloaked figure until he very nearly collided with it.
"Ah!" Leon stumbled to his bottom on the sidewalk.
"Simba." He pulled back the hood.
Relieved to see Jared's face, Leon said, "It's only you, Cousin."
"Only me out here looking for you." Unzipping his coat, Jared picked him up and safely enclosed the child inside the outerwear. "And your father." Jared made haste for their house. "Who is worried sick about you."
Upon hearing that, Leon drooped a little in his cousin's arms.
X
Once he returned as well as learned his son to be far out of harm's reach, relief settled inside Seth. As he changed out of his soaking clothes and into lounge pants and smoking jacket, what he knew he had to do next dwelled within his mind most unfavorably. Going down to the living room, he waited with solemn head supported by laced fingers.
In his own robe and pajamas, Leon peeked inside the common area while clutching the dog tags around his neck. More dread than he possessed already pooled inside of him at the way his father sat in the very center of the couch. Leon knew he only took up that much space for one purpose.
Spotting him first, Seth reached a hand forward. "Come here to me, son." Leon moved his feet as quickly as he could without running. "How are you feeling?" Seth lifted him at the waist and brought his ear to his chest. "Any coughing?"
"No, Daddy," Leon answered.
"Good." Letting him go to his feet again, Seth held on by locking their hands and eyes. "Leon, why did you and Suzie leave her yard without so much as a word to her sister?"
"Suzie wanted to get away from Chloe," Leon attempted to explain. "I did, too. We only went to the park."
"That isn't the point, Leon," Seth said matter-of-factly. "You should not have left the yard at all. And why did you want to get away from Chloe?"
"… She always says bad things about Cousin Jared. That… that he's a murderer for going to war."
"Oh, son." Seth offered his tiny hands reassuring grips. "I understand that well and hear it constantly myself. It's unfortunate that many people have that negative view of our servicemen. Chloe's only a teenager and likely going along with the opinions of her friends. But if she makes you both that uncomfortable, I'll speak with Suzie's mother about you two spending more time over here."
Leon developed a small smile. "That'd be great, Daddy! Thank you."
"You're welcome. However, that still doesn't excuse you. It's only been a few days since you got over your cold and you didn't even have your rainboots on." His eyes a blend of seriousness and affectionate, Seth touched Leon at his hairline. "I was frantic when you didn't come home on time. So was your cousin."
"I'm… I- I'm sorry, Daddy…" Shakes quivering throughout his entire body, Leon's pupils formed and spilled over in an abundance of tears.
Seth could not even attempt to continue the scold as the instinct to gather his son into his arms dominated. He brought the small sobbing lad to his chest and ran a hand down the back of his robe. Sending gentle shushes into his ear, Seth caught a glimpse of the vacant corner on one side of the room. He considered merely giving Leon a timeout, but knew that would involve his baby being apart from him, even by a few yards. He deemed that out of the question and also knew his son required much better incentive to keep from straying. Seth knew well he could easily happen on one or many who would do a lot worse to him than any disparaging remarks from an ignorant teenage girl.
"Calm down, my son." Seth patted his upper back. "Daddy doesn't want to have to dry off again so soon."
Though he sniffled, Leon could not help his giggle and attempted to rub at his eyes. "Yes, Daddy."
"As much as I don't want to, Daddy has to spank you, Leon," Seth informed him. "I need you to behave and keep still. Let me know right away if you feel a headache or coughing spell coming on, alright?"
"Right," Leon replied in a whisper with nod.
Getting his son situated across his lap with great delicacy, Seth brought his robe up and pajama pants down. Allowing his underwear to stay in place, he began the punishment with moderate force. He knew Leon already felt gravely remorseful. On the fourth swat to his bottom, Leon whimpered and fidgeted.
"Leon," came the reproach coupled with warning smack on his thigh, "didn't Daddy say to keep still?"
The boy nodded hard. "I'm sorry…"
With one hand gentle on the boy's back, Seth gave him fourteen altogether with the last two much harder for emphasis. He resituated his pants and robe then picked his baby up to rock against his shoulder again. Hearing Leon's cries resume, while not as bad as a moment ago, Seth shut his own eyes to combat the heat and threatening moisture he felt. No, only his son and nephew, however much Jared denied it, were allowed the luxury of tears.
When Leon quieted down to sniffs, Seth took him into the bathroom to wash his face. Not wanting to take any chances, he next gave the boy a peppermint to combat potential coughing spells while Seth prepared a late dinner for them. It came with some difficulty, as Leon wanted to linger at his father's pants leg. Though he did not want to deny his baby the closeness, Seth wanted to keep him away from the stove as well. The man felt immense gratitude when Jared walked in. He brought Leon to sit in his lap at the kitchen table.
A clearly worn Leon twirled the chain to the dog tags around his finger. Jared cradled and spoke to him softly. When he got through fixing the soup, Seth only prepared a small bowl for his son with a piece of bread, knowing Leon would not have much of an appetite while fatigued. Jared kept him in his lap while they ate.
Minutes into the light meal, Seth honed in on Jared's murmuring. What began as humming developed into incoherent utterances too faint to decipher. The young man's expression contorted, appearing bewildered and agitated. Rising from his chair in nonchalant fashion, Seth came around to massage his nephew's soldiers. Once the tension decreased, Seth took a short leave of them to retrieve Jared's medication.
X
Under his wealth of bed covers, the tired little boy managed to hug his lion toy tightly. Before he could fully drift away, he heard the footsteps and felt the additional weight on his mattress. At the feel of his father's arms, Leon inched right into them.
"Daddy?"
Seth pressed lips to his boy's forehead. "Yes, son?"
Leon asked, "Can you marry Suzie's mommy?"
Not remotely expecting such a question, Seth gave off a reactionary laugh. "Where did you get such an idea?"
"Suzie wants us to be brother and sister."
"Ah, I see." Seth sent soothing fingers through Leon's hair. "But I'm afraid her mother and I won't be getting married. You see, in all my life, I've only loved one woman and I still love her."
Touching his father's hand, Leon felt the smooth gold band around his finger.
XXXXX
At the presence of the engineer in navy coveralls, the janitor paused in a doubletake. "You're still here?"
"No, Reeve, it's a hallucination." Red toolbox in hand, the weary-eyed man proceeded in a perturbed pace through the main level of the hospital. "I told you to quit huffing Clorox."
With a chuckle, Reeve walked after him. "I thought you were off today."
"Yeah, I did, too," Carter responded. "Don't know what gave me that wild idea. I only put in the request a month ago. I was supposed to be out of here at midnight until Wallace called off at the last minute. Some emergency came up- translation: they had to roll him out of the bar in a wheelbarrow- and I'm stuck playing fall-guy for the fuckers."
Genuinely startled by the language from the normally genial man, Reeve released a long whistle. "I see they pissed you right off."
"Damn right," Carter confirmed brazenly, causing a passing teenage candy striper to scuttle by him faster. "I told them this is my daughter's tenth birthday. Lauren and I were going to wake her up, take her to breakfast, make the whole day of it. Now, I better hope I get to see her before noon." He sighed with equal fury.
"It is some BS," Reeve concurred. "But hey, listen," he went to round the corner, "if you decide to torch the place, shoot me a head's up."
"No promises." Feeling yet another yearn for caffeine, Carter entered the maintenance lounge. Believing sleep deprivation had finally gotten the better of him, he blinked rapidly over the female pair sitting at the oval shaped table. "Okay, they've got to be lacing the coffee around here with something because this can't be my kid. See, I just saw my little girl yesterday and she was a cute, itty bitty nine-year-old."
"They swapped them out in the middle of the night." Lauren played in a section of the girl's lengthy brown hair. "I figure we'll try this one out for a week or so."
"Good idea, hon." Carter looked to their daughter with a smile that completely washed away his formerly livid countenance. "Happy birthday, MVP."
"Thanks, Daddy." Wearing a royal blue jacket and pleated skirt with glittery embellishments with tights, flat shoes, and a yellow top, Maya made an excited path for him.
"Whoa now!" Carter raised his left palm to halt her. "Do you really want to hug a tired old slob with your pretty outfit on?"
Maya answered, "Only more than anything."
At that, Carter left his toolbox on the floor and used both arms to sweep up the tiny frame. Maya tucked her head under his chin.
When Lauren neared them, Carter mouthed 'thank you' and drew her in with Maya nestled between them.
X
After unwrapping two dresses, a new cross necklace, a Scrabble game, and four books, Maya reached the last and largest box. Removing the festive paper that covered it, her eyes swelled and she gasped while flapping her hands about in immeasurable giddiness.
"The junior biology kit! I love it, I love it, I love it!" Practically throwing her entire body over the box, Maya squealed until her expression grew abruptly worried. "Do we have enough money for this?"
Though not completely surprised by the question, Lauren threw her head back in disbelief. "Do you hear your daughter, Carter?"
Camera in hand, Carter sat by her on the living room couch. "Alright, peaches, you caught us. We stole it. Now, hurry up and play with it before the police show up. Mom and I are going to prison and you're going to live in a candy castle in Whoville with Cat in the Hat."
Maya lifted her arms in a cheer. "Yes!" Returning to the kit, she grinned at each of them. "Thank you, Daddy!" She hugged him then hurried over to Lauren. "Thank you, Mom!"
"You're welcome, MVP." Lauren bowed her head to kiss the top of Maya's, catching a flash in her eye. "Ah! Carter! Get that camera off me!"
"Hon, come on." Carter rushed up, attempting to capture her face. "You're gorgeous."
"You're a liar." Lauren fled for the kitchen.
"Hurry, MVP!" Carter charged forward. "We got her now!"
The giggling ten-year-old hurried to assist her father in blockading her mother.
X
Slim lass in puppy themed pajamas in his grasp, Carter carried her into her quarters. Supporting her with one arm, he used his spare hand to flip back her blanket and comforter. He laid her down with her head on the pillows and covered her immediately, not wanting to risk an autumn chill affecting her ultra-petite form.
Rubbing at her eyelids, Maya declared, "I'm so sleepy…"
Carter warmed internally at her infantile gestures. "Well, you are ten now. Old age is sneaking up on you." He used his fingers to sweep hair away from her brown eyes. "Did you have a good day?"
"No," Maya shook her head. "Just a terrific one."
"Yeah?" Carter looked at her solemnly. "I'm sorry I wasn't here when you woke up. I wanted to be; more than anything, baby."
"Oh, I know, Daddy," Maya reassured. "It wasn't your fault. When I become a nurse, I'm going to work in the hospital with you and Mom. We can hide out and eat donuts all day."
"I like the way you think, lady. By the way, when they promote you to chief-of-staff, can you get me all weekends off?"
"Only if I can stay up late whenever I want."
"You drive a hard bargain, ma'am, but it's a deal." Carter shook with her, holding onto her small hand.
Entering the room, Lauren went around to the other side of the bed to sit and face their daughter. "We wanted to save this one for later." She showed her the rectangular, wrapped package.
Taking it, Maya removed the paper to discover the glossy purple cover that bound the book. "A Bible diary?" She began flipping through it curiously.
"It has blank pages after each passage," Lauren explained. "You can write down all the questions you have before you forget them. It'll help you during your quiet time with God to ask Him anything that's been heavy on your mind."
Maya said, "Some of the Sunday School teachers say we're not supposed to question Him."
"Yeah, I bet," Carter scoffed. "I heard that a lot as a kid. Self-righteous adult ignorance; classic. What they don't get is that a relationship with Christ must be exactly that, a relationship. Seek Him out, talk to Him, ask Him things no matter how stupid they sound to anyone else. Are you always going to get a crystal-clear answer? Right, dream on," he waved off, making Maya giggle faintly, "but it will bring you closer to Him. That's what matters."
Maya nodded and hugged the book to herself. "Thanks, Mom and Dad."
"Alright now," Lauren moved along, bowing her head, "link up."
After the three joined hands and closed their eyes, Carter picked it up with, "Heavenly Father, I want to thank You on behalf of my family for everything. Most of all, for giving us this beautiful, amazing little girl ten years ago today. We ask that you keep her safe, happy, and faithful to You and Your word. It may be her birthday, but it's her mother and I who were given the real gift. Thank you again and again, Father. Amen."
"Amen," Maya and Lauren echoed.
Getting the covers better situated over her, Lauren kissed the front of Maya's hairline. "Good night, sweetheart. We love you."
"I love you, Mom," the little girl whispered. "I love you, Daddy."
"Love you, love you." Getting in near to her ear, Carter said again, "Happy birthday, MVP."
Smile bigger on her face, Maya shut her eyes again.
Lauren gently pried the book from her hands to lay on the nightstand.
Getting up, she headed for the door then glanced back. "You coming to bed?"
"Yeah," Carter's eyes stayed attached to the drifting child, "in a minute."
Letting off a tiny murmur, Maya rolled over closer to her plush Grinch.
XXXXX
Seated in the middle of what he once knew as their living room, the tired brown eyes tried to absorb the absolute nothingness. The artworks from their tribe, the portraits, every image only a week ago he could have pointed out blindfolded had been taken away. Square shaped emptiness remained on the walls in their place. The same could be said for the furnishings, particularly the pieces created by his father's very hands, that once filled their home.
Not that the little boy did not know the truth. Even before their belongings wound up in boxes, the already empty, meaningless dwelling was no longer their home. No, his home had been taken away on angel wings. The same way the familiar light in his mother's eyes diminished near to the point that it seemed completely extinguished some days. When he lingered near to her, he sometimes saw its return, but it came off as the radiance of sunrise being replaced by florescent bulbs.
Done with the majority of carrying and hauling, the men of the family walked in.
"Time to go, baby boy." Logan reached down to pick him up. "Mama's waitin' in the truck."
Raising his arms to his father, rage possessed and practically made the child's lips foam at his uncle attempting to take hold of the rocker beside him. "No!" Throwing himself on the crafted horse, Cody released a snarl. "Don't touch it! Get away from my sister's horse! Get away from us!"
Not bothered in the least, Victor backed away several paces. "I'm sorry, Mite." He reiterated, "I'm sorry."
Trying not to let the stress of the day, not to mention the last few months, effect his tone, Logan put a hand to his son's back. "Just let Uncle Vic put it in the truck. You can have it back as soon as we get there. But Mama needs you right now."
With jittery limbs, Cody slowly released the rocking horse. Victor crouched to collect it with the same delicacy of lifting a newborn. While his brother handled that, Logan carried his son out front to the car.
From the passenger's side, Kayla stared forward listlessly until she spotted them and readily opened her door. "CoCo."
"I'm here, Mama." The boy left his father's arms for her lap.
With his wife latching onto their son, Logan shut the door for her. He and Victor re-entered the house for a final walkthrough, ensuring that they had not neglected any stray objects. They took different levels to inspect.
When he finished with the first floor, Victor proceeded to the second to see if his brother needed assistance. Following his senses, the blonde initially thought he would find him in the master, but had to redirect his path into the bedroom only a few feet away from it. Poking his head inside, he saw his younger brother positioned rigidly in the center of the pink space. He had to fight the instinct to go to him and use his larger form to shield and embrace the brunette, but Victor knew even the attempt would be fought with full fury.
"You fall asleep, Runt?"
"Keep your shirt on, geeze," Logan countered without turning around.
Somehow reanimating, he left out with Victor, closing the white door as they did.
X
Darkness crept in all too quickly that evening. If not for the fact that his uncle and father had put together the structure piece by piece, the boy would have known nothing but terror walking through it. Settled between his parents in their upstairs quarters, Cody managed to worm out of his mother's hold. He climbed down from the edge of the bed and took his leave on tiptoes.
Making it to the downstairs and the location of his as well as Victor's new bedrooms, he slowly crept towards his own. Stopping near the bed, he knelt to the rocking horse and nuzzled its wooden face. He next moved on to his closet and pulled on the string to activate the light. At the very back, he blissfully fell on top of the folded blanket of pink and white coloring. Getting it wrapped around his shoulders, Cody picked up the framed photograph that stood a few inches away from an ivory teddy bear. At the blue eyes and glowing face staring back at him, Cody pecked the picture and brought it in near to his chest.
XXXXX
Cigarette all but fused to his mouth, the lanky male made his return to the garden unit with brown paper bag in his possession.
Absently scrubbing the sink, Miranda looked his way with a bright smile. "Hi, baby."
"Hey." Depositing the bag on the counter, Kyle removed his cigarette long enough to kiss her. He removed a six-pack. "Put those up."
Going to the small ice box, Miranda placed the drinks on a shelf. "Did you…" She accepted a package of fish sticks and a couple cans of beans from him next. "Did you get something for Joseph? He's had a good day today."
"Yeah, yeah, I got him something." Kyle picked up the bag again. "Where's the kid, anyway?"
Miranda indicated the shut bedroom.
On the soiled mattress, the little blonde child used the sheet to wind around himself as a block from the brisk air that seeped in right through the closed window. With his arms and head the only parts of his body visible, he colored on the notebook paper with the crayons he had managed to sneak out of school. His door flying open so abruptly startled him and his overhead light flickered.
"Calm your little ass down. It's just me. So damn slow…" Fishing around inside his bag, Kyle retrieved the loaf of bread and threw it.
Catching it, Joey regarded it so fondly his eyes almost filled with tears. "Thank you!"
"Don't get greedy. That better hold you over a couple days. And hey, kid." Kyle tossed another bag his way.
At the package of gummy worms, Joey inhaled their scent through the clear wrap. Raising his head, he smiled at Kyle, but the man walked out, shutting the door as quickly as he had opened it. Returning to the food, Joey ripped through the plastic to begin devouring the first two pieces of bread.
Later that night, the winds picked up with such force it sounded as if fists tried to break apart the window. Under the thin sheet and blanket, Joey's shivers drew him right out of his sleep. Keeping the linens around him, he walked out of his room and kept going until he reached the other door off the kitchen.
"Mama? Mama…" Attempting to work the knob, it surprised him not at all to find it practically nailed in place.
Wanting to use the tablecloth for more coverings, the child's blue eyes landed on the kitchen faucet. Dragging over a chair, he climbed up to the seat on his knees. Twisting the left nozzle, Joey watched the water flow until billowing steam developed. Putting both hands under it, the scorching moisture brought an instant smile to his face.