Chapter 18

The instant Ahkmenrah rose, his feet were touching ice. At least, that's what he thought, but it was just the floor. It is that time of year again, he mused. When would he ever acclimate to winter? Clearly not tonight, he sighed as he wrapped a blanket around himself in a shawl. Larry looked up apologetically as he approached. "No, it's not your imagination, it's extremely cold in here- the heating system has been iffy all day. McPhee promised he'll call the electrician over here tomorrow to fix the it... Sorry guys, I know it's not comfortable for you, but I'm gonna try to hook up one of the backup generators. Until then, we'll make the most of things."

This turned out to be far easier for many of the exhibits than their caretaker would've supposed. The miniatures in particular knew how to make the most of a tough situation. "Jedediah, I'm unsure about this," Octavius mumbled as he and Jed stood atop their makeshift snow hill. They'd managed to sneak in a bunch of snow with Attila's help.

"Come on, Ockie, it'll be fun!"

The Roman general decided not to mention the dangers they faced the previous times Jed had selected their 'fun' activities.

"Race ya up the hill!"

No Roman could resist a challenge. By the time they whooshed down the hill at a tie, Octavius was laughing harder the Jed. "Let us race again!" He cried. Jed stared incredulously for a few seconds before realizing his friend had already started climbing back up the slope. "Hey, no fair!"

Ahkmenrah grinned wistfully as he watched the miniatures race. By now, it had moved far beyond Jed and Octavius: Roman battalions and American wranglers were competing in teams down the hill, inspired by the success of their leaders. Sometimes, he wished he could shrink down to their size and participate- they always appeared to have fun, regardless of the dire circumstances. Admittedly, this evening he was more in the mood to read a novel, since the temperature was too freezing for much else.

"I see I'm not the only one who despises the cold."

The pharaoh looked up to see McKenzie waddling towards him, bundled up with a scarf, muffler, parka, mittens, boots, and, when she removed her coat, a heavy padded jacket over a leather jacket with a forest green sweater underneath. Ahkmenrah was impressed. He'd borrowed a couple of sweaters from Larry, yet here was McKenzie dressed in at least five layers- inside the museum. "Egypt was much warmer than New York."

"I imagine so. However, let's not let the chill prevent us from enjoying the season's delights!"

"You seem cheerful," the pharaoh replied.

"Of course I'm cheerful, it's the weekend! Ever grabbed a cup of coffee out in the snow? Little else is as magical, in my opinion."

Ahkmenrah shuddered, recalling the last time he'd done that activity. "That would be unwise, in my case."

"Oh right, your sensitivity to caffeine. We could always grab decaf!"

"Perhaps, but I would rather enjoy this story, if you do not mind."

"Mind if I join you, then? Nothing like resting by the fireplace during a winter's night."

She'd hardly sat down when Nicky dashed in. "Ahk!"

"Hello, Nicky!"

"Wanna play in the snow?"

"Not right now."

"Aww, come on! Are you scared of getting beaten again?" Nicky teased, snatching the book away and forcing the young man to pay attention to him. "Come on, Ahk, you've been moping around so much lately. Where's your sense of fun?"

"It has been a while... Did you complete your homework?" The boy nodded. "Including your algebra?" Shuffling his feet, Nicky nodded again. Ahkmenrah raised an eyebrow.

"I only have a couple of problems left, and those I'll do later, I promise! Come on, let's go!"

Accepting the fact that his novel would have to wait, Ahkmenrah relented. "Very well, we shall battle with snow!"

"Great! Last one outside is a melting snowman!" Nicky dashed away before Ahkmenrah could so much as lift a toe.

"Wait, that's not fair!" He laughed. He barely paused long enough to motion for McKenzie to join them.

"What am I doing here?" She sighed as she followed them. It seemed her patient rarely needed her around to bolster his mood- indeed, she got the impression she was either a hindrance or an occasional nuisance to him. Maybe all he needed were his old friends to heal himself. She was just the spare part. Shaking herself, she hurried off. She'd show them. She'd show them all.

"So, who wants to throw the first-?" Nicky was cut off by a snowball whacking him full in the face. Two stunned faces swiveled in one direction.

"What? You suggested we play, so let's begin!" McKenzie shouted, already forming a second projectile. Initially, all three of them pitched against each other- every person for him/herself. Then the ruckus drew Attila outside as well. No translation was necessary to understand he wanted in on the fun; he partnered with Nicky, while McKenzie and Ahkmenrah teamed up. This proved most fortuitous for the king, since his therapist's unparalleled aim won them the game. All four players returned to the museum soaked through their winter gear, to the night guard's dismay.

"You're overworking Mr. Harris, you know," he shook his head. "Hang up your stuff by the fire and I'll grab the hot chocolate. Care to lend me a hand?"

Fortunately, Mr. Harris didn't seem to mind; in fact, he acted most cheerfully as he mopped away their damp footprints. "Keeps me employed, so I can't complain." Was it Ahkmenrah's imagination, or did his gaze flick to him a fraction of a moment longer? Still buzzed from their game, he shrugged it off- it was time to cease dwelling on the poor worker. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but glance backwards to spot the janitor's eyes lingering on him.

Later on, as she observed Ahkmenrah and Nicky quietly nestled with the boy's math homework, McKenzie swallowed an unnameable emotion. Where exactly did she fit in in here, this magical foster home for lost souls? Obviously the pharaoh was needed in the museum; he was a peaceful, helpful presence. The same couldn't typically be said for her.

She was so busy ruminating in her mild self-displeasure, she almost missed a bright flash- the pharaoh's smile. He'd smiled at her. Why? Merely for tossing a couple of ice balls? Whatever the reason, for once she didn't overthink it. For a moment, she accepted it for what it was- a possible sign of friendship.

Eventually, the Nicky fell asleep. She couldn't help but stare in quiet pleasure Ahkmenrah tuck the boy in quietly. "Does he often slumber here?" She asked in amusement.

"During the weekends, yes."

"Well, I suppose that's reasonable, since tomorrow isn't a school day." Masterful conversation skills! What else might I bring up, the weather?

"Indeed," he looked up at her shyly. "You played very well. Where did you learn to aim so accurately!"

"Oh! Yes, well, when one is raise with two older brothers, one learns to survive in snowball fights quickly."

The pharaoh chuckled. "Being the youngest is never easy, is it?"

"No I suppose... Wait, you had older siblings?"

"One, a brother. Before you ask, I do not wish to discuss him." Not yet. Perhaps never!

One more piece of the puzzle to solve. "He truly looks up to you, you know," McKenzie stated softly. Even from her brief time among the inhabitants, she couldn't help but notice Nicky's whole demeanor brighten whenever he was with Ahkmenrah. Despite the snowball comment, she'd looked up to her brothers in a very similar fashion.

"He's a remarkable child," he murmured. "I dearly enjoy our time together, though admittedly it doesn't happen as often as before." Inwardly, he cringed as he remembered Nicky's light scolding about his constant moping- had the visions taken that strong a hold of him? Hopefully tonight would begin to make up for lost time.

"What grade is he in?"

"He will begin middle school this year, a phase I have heard can be quite challenging." He bit his lip anxiously.

"It is, but trust me, he'll do splendidly. Like you said, he's a remarkable child." Unconsciously, she edged closer to where Ahkmenrah stood, watching over his young charge. She didn't have to be a therapist to see the love in his eyes. Clearing her throat, she said, "It's quiet late, I'd best be going home. Same time tomorrow?"

"Safe and pleasant journey, McKenzie!"

She smiled before slipping out.


Happy winter's season, my dear readers! Finals are now over, so I have slightly more time to devote to writing for fun. I hope you all will find my chapters as enjoyable to read as I do in crafting them! :)