Chapter 7
December/Holiday Break
The past few weeks have been harder on Kaja than dealing with Cass' actual death. Eric refuses to accept Neena and has lost many of his privileges for his remarks to or about the turian. Including the Age of Dragons MMO. Kaja canceled everyone's accounts. Derek doesn't mind because he hasn't played it since he got the group together to beat on Eric the first night Neena was over for dinner. He's been drawing more and venturing into painting on canvas with oil paints.
More than once, Kaja and Neena have come close to ending things. They've had long discussions about their feelings for each other, which is why they continue to stay together and sludge through Eric's unbearable attitude towards Neena. Kaja is thankful, he hasn't gotten into any more trouble at school or done anything that violates his probation. Every Saturday and Sunday at 0700, he meets with others troubled youth given work detail as part of their probation to clean the various parks around the city. The one place he feels weird being at and doesn't like cleaning up is Shepard Memorial Plaza. As much as he hates his momma most days, he likes knowing he's Shepard's grandson.
There is something about changing the trash bags around the statue that bothers Eric. He can't put a finger on why, but he feels weird being near the statue with a reflective vest on changing trash bags or sweeping the sidewalk around the benches. He always gets assigned to that area. Eric blames Kaja for it. Even though she's has nothing to do with it. He even blames his momma for the judge not accepting the deal in the first place and giving him seventy-five hours of work detail and assigning him to park cleaning duty instead of the agreed fifty. Eric is at a stage where he believes Kaja is working behind the scenes to make his life as hellish as possible, even though she has not done anything besides reading him and Randy their rights the day Ben brought them in.
Since Karrera came home a few days ago, Eric's rants at home have lessened. They have also become less venomous in nature. Kaja and Neena believe once Karrera heads back to Thessia, he'll go back to how he was before she came home. Because Derek took over her old room, Karrera is sleeping on the sofa in the study even though there is an open bed in Eric's room. Karrera doesn't want to share a room with him for several reasons, but mostly because she feels it's inappropriate for her to do so. It doesn't help, she's not exactly happy with his antics towards her dad and Neena.
Karrera has done what she has always done and that's listen to him without saying much in return. She hopes he doesn't think she approves of his behavior because she doesn't. She's talked to Derek as much as she has talked to Eric and agrees with Derek that Eric is being irrational about Neena. Karrera likes Neena, but the last thing she wants is to attempt to get Eric to like the turian. She sees the strain her brother's are having with each other. Derek isn't afraid to tell Eric off and defend their momma's relationship. Karrera does not want Eric thinking she's taking sides when her view is the same as Derek's. She doesn't want him feeling ganged up on. At least not while she's home.
There is one thing Karrera does not appreciate Eric doing and that is blaming Kaja for Cass dying. Her dad isn't the one who told her about it, it was Derek. Even when she brings it up with her father, Kaja refuses talk about it. All she says is it's between her and Eric and not to concern herself with it. Worry about your studies and not what you can't control. Karrera does plan on saying something to Eric if she overhears him saying it to Kaja. If anyone knows the difference between a loving parent and an unloving parent, it's Karrera. She has experienced both and knows for a fact, her father is a loving parent, who loved her bondmate as much as she loves her kids.
Karrera remembers that day and the weeks before when Cass started acting scared after hearing about the prison break. She'll never forget waiting for Cass to pick her up from school and never showing up. She knows her father did everything possible keep everyone safe. Eric is forgetting that. The Alliance let him through more than one spaceport. Eric is forgetting that too. If Eric really wants to blame someone, he should blame the prison for allowing them to escape in the first place. Not his momma for being the victim which landed Nichols in prison. The young maiden has yet to tell her youngest brother how she feels because she knows Eric needs someone to confide in. She's always been the one Eric turns to when he needs to talk to someone. Not his momma or his twin brother, but his asari sister.
Eric, Karrera, and Derek walk through the front door with arms full of groceries. "Come on, Karrera, come to Adventure Park with us. You know you like riding the rides too. Admit it sis, it's fun," says Derek as he pushes the door shut with his left foot.
"Yea and they have everything decorated like the North Pole on Earth. Santa Claus and everything," remarks Eric.
Kaja jokingly says, "Plus you can get your picture taken with Santa. I'll hang it right here." She points to a spot where a picture of the twins with Santa when they were three-years-old hangs on the wall.
"No, dad. I'm not getting my picture taken with Santa," says Karrera. She smiles at her father.
"Awe, why not? I think you'd look cute sitting on Santa's lap," retorts Kaja while laughing.
Karrera rolls her eyes and shakes her head at her father. "Ha ha. Very funny, dad. I'm as big as you are. How cute would you look?"
Kaja poses like she is sitting on Santa's lap. "I would be very cute."
Eric closes his eyes, pretending he didn't witness what he just witnessed. Derek starts laughing then says, "Come with us, momma?"
Eric snaps his head in Derek's direction then glares at his twin. His movement doesn't go unnoticed by Kaja. She would love to go with them, but has plans with Neena. "Nah, you don't need me tagging along. Besides I have my own plans for tonight."
Karrera asks, "Going out with Neena, dad?" She helps Derek put the groceries away.
Eric mumbles something no one can understand as he leaves the kitchen after dropping off the bags he is carrying. There are times he wonders why he's such an ass to his momma about Neena. He refuses to back away from his stance of not wanting anything to do with the turian even though she is someone he can talk gaming with besides his friends. He has it in his head and won't back down from it that his momma doesn't deserve to have anyone because she got his mom killed. The youth isn't blind. He knows Neena loves his momma and his momma loves the turian back. He has said and done all he can to force them apart and they stick together.
Since Karrera's been home and has accepted Neena, Eric hasn't said anything about her where others can hear him. He mumbles then walks away. Derek is up his ass enough, he doesn't want Karrera bitching at him too. There is one thing about the turian he likes but will never admit to it. Neena being related to Garrus Vakarian, Hero of the Reaper War and a friend to his grandparents. He doesn't think there is a time when he has been to the Citadel where they haven't gone to look at the Normandy statue or visit the memorial museum. Garrus with a visor over his left eye, standing to Shepard's right while Liara is to Shepard's left. He remembers the stories told at the museum about each member of the ship's crew. Garrus seems like someone who is willing to do what is necessary to get the job done. Even bending the rules.
Bending the rules, that is something Kaja does not believe in. It asks for trouble and opens a door that can not be closed again. Eric's not sure if that is true or not. He's not in a position to find out either. Being on probation for eighteen months has forced Eric to stop skipping school and stop getting into trouble. The only trouble he does get into is mouthing off at home. Unless he breaks the law and not the rules at home, he won't get into hot water with his probation officer. That is the only thing that matters to Eric. The sooner he can get done with his probation the better.
Kaja hears Eric mumbling but keeps her attention on Karrera's question. "Yes, we have plans. You just dropping your brothers off or are you going with them?" Kaja grabs the bananas from the bag then peels one and starts eating it.
"Yes, sis, please come with us. It will be fun," pleads Derek.
Karrera puts her hands out in defeat. "All right, I'll go too. I'm not getting my picture taken with Santa."
"I think all of you should be in the picture together. I have a spot to hang it," jokes Kaja in between bites.
"Goddess, no, dad. Just...no. I'll ride the rides, but no to Santa." Karrera moves her arms when she speaks and the movements make Kaja laugh and almost choke on her banana. "Dad, you alright?"
Kaja gets the bite to go down then she says, "Yes, I'm fine. Are you going to be that dramatic in the courtroom? Between the look on your face and your arms moving about, you made me laugh."
Karrera furrows her brow, places her hands on her hips, "Dad! I wasn't trying to be funny."
"I know." Kaja hugs her daughter. "It was funny, though."
Derek covers his mouth to keep from snickering. He agrees with his momma. Karrera's response made him laugh too. Karrera looks over to him. "Hey, don't look at me. I agree with momma, it was funny."
Karrera puts her hands over her heart, "I feel the love. I feel the love." Then the young maiden starts laughing.
Eric hears the laughter in the living room and wonders what is so funny. He shrugs his shoulders at his own thoughts then dismisses them to watch the animation vid with his aunt Gaia doing the voice acting for the lead's side kick. It's a campy vid, but Eric likes it because Gaia is in it. To this day, he can't believe the famous asari actress is his aunt. He only wishes she would send them something from the vids she makes, but she never does. Eric is sure Kaja has asked Gaia not to. He never considers that maybe Gaia can't send him something from her vids or even the possibility, Gaia doesn't want to. Everything that doesn't go his way, is his momma's fault.
Kaja slides a credit chit into Karrera's hand, "This should cover everything. You can head out now if you want."
"Trying to get rid of us, momma?" asks Derek with a smirk on his face.
Kaja puts her index finger against her lips, pretending to think about her answer. She grins at her son. "It's quite possible I am. Would you rather hang out here with your dear ol' momma or go to Adventure Park with your brother and sister?"
Derek scratches the stubble on his chin. He's attempting to grow something that resembles a beard, but it looks like anything but a beard. "That's a silly question. I'd rather ride the "Terror of Dis" than hang out with you. Sorry, momma, it's true. I love that ride more than you." Derek can't keep a straight face and starts laughing before he finishes saying "than you."
Kaja laughs then ruffles Derek's longer hair. "Is that so, wise guy." He hasn't cut it since the weekend he was grounded for getting into a fight at school. Where Eric gets his hair trimmed every two weeks and still has to keep himself clean shaven. Kaja has promised Eric once his probation is over he can grow his hair out and have facial hair if he chooses. "Karrera you can take the car. I'll take a taxi, if I need to."
"You sure, dad? I can always ask grandma for her car," replies the young maiden.
"I think you forgot about the presentation she is giving at the university tonight. There's no car for either of us to borrow. Which is why I'll take a taxi." Kaja pats her daughter's shoulder.
"That is tonight. I did forget. Why aren't we going again?" asks Karrera.
Derek answers. "Because we weren't invited."
Kaja adds, "It's a presentation to a small group of potential donors for an exploration of a ruin in the Traverse and not open to the public. Your grandmother was the one who uncovered it and passed the information to the university's archeology department."
Karrera says, "I always forget grandma is also an archeologist besides an information broker."
"We all do. Now, get out of here." Kaja shoos her kids from the house, so she can have it to herself before Neena comes over later in the afternoon. All she wants to do is sit in a hot relaxing bath then spend a quiet night at home with her turian girlfriend.
Adventure Park
Karrera and the twins are sitting at a table having an early dinner or late lunch. Or as Eric likes to call it, a snack. It always amazes the young maiden how much her two brothers can eat in one sitting and how much they've grown since she left for school a few months ago. Eric sucks every drop of water from the bottom of his cup. Making an annoying noise with the straw. Both Derek and Karrera look at him. "What?" asks Eric as he sucks more air through the straw, annoying his brother and sister.
Derek gets up from the table. "Lets ride the bumper cars. I want to ram someone." He points to Eric with a quirky grin on his face which makes Karrera smile at him.
"Sounds good to me," says the asari sibling.
Eric looks at both siblings. He knows they're planning on ganging up on him because each one will have their own car. "Hey, don't think I don't have you in my sights, Derek." Eric playfully pushes Derek in the arm as they walk towards the bumper cars.
"Bring it on, Eric," replies Derek.
Adventure Park has a festive spirit about it with all the different lights and a big holiday tree on a stationary dock that sits in the middle of the pond, which is also in the middle of the park. Once the sun goes down, the tree lights up and illuminates the surrounding area in an array of colors. Each different area of the park has a different holiday theme. The area where the bumper cars are in has a North American look from the 20th Century. On the far wall, there is a picture of Santa riding in a bumper car with a happy go-lucky look on his face.
Most patrons to the park find the picture humorous , but there are a few who don't like it. The park only has it up during the Holidays and it hasn't hurt their business by using it every year. It's a cheesy picture of Santa riding the bumper cars. The park has several different styles of Santa riding the various rides. Every picture is as cheesy as the bumper car picture. The owners are lovers of cheesy humor and are not bashful about sharing their love with others. Their oddball humor hasn't caused the park to lose any business, if anything, It has helped bring in business. People from other colonies hear about the quirky amusement park and come to Elysium to find out for themselves.
As the three siblings stand in line, Derek says, "I can draw it better looking than that." He points to the Santa picture.
Karrera says, "Why don't you draw something up. Make sure you watermark it first, then sent it to them offering to do more if they like that one. Or do more than one and give them options to choose from."
"Hey, that's not a bad idea. Maybe I'll do that. It can't hurt right?" asks Derek.
Eric adds, "I think you should overcharge for it. Try to make some money back. We spend enough credits here."
Derek rolls his eyes at his twin. "You mean momma's credits. You've never spent your allowance here. We've always been given so much to spend. We always spend what she gives us, but I don't ever remember spending more and needing to use our allowance."
"Yea, what ever. As soon as it hits my hand, it's my money." Eric points to his palm as he talks.
As the twins needle on each other over whose money it is, Karrera wonders what happened to cause them to stop being so close. She also wonders why Eric is so angry with both his brother and his momma. The problems he has are his own fault. I do wonder after seeing how angry and uncooperative Eric has been to dad, if he would do the same to me if I was the prosecuting attorney. All dad did was her job. There has to be more to his problems then Cass' death. Derek and I have moved on. Dad has too. Why can't you, little brother? I mourned Cass more than I did when my own mother died. I swear, we're talking before I go back to Thessia.
They get to the front of the line and when the ride worker allows the next group in, Eric heads to the red car furthest from both is brother and sister. Derek lets Eric get into his car before moving to a couple of cars behind and takes the orange/white car. Karrera is several cars back in a black/blue car. Once all the riders are strapped into their cars, the worker turns the power on and the cars start moving. Derek realizes his mistake in car when his car has a hard time making left turns, which is the direction he needs to turn.
This gives Eric an opening to smash a few cars near him before he catches up with his brother and has Derek in his sights. Karrera laughs as she rams Derek's car moving him enough for Eric to hit her instead of Derek. Derek rams into a few cars before Eric rear-ends him and gets a warning from the workers to stop the rough stuff. Karrera hits Eric's car before their time is up. Their cars are in the same area and all three siblings are laughing at each other. Eric and Karrera both tease Derek about his poor choice for a car. They get in line for the bumper cars again.
When they exit the bumper cars for the second time. Two sets of eyes, watch their movements. "Hey, isn't that the Mitchell twins? Who's the asari?" asks an older teen with a black bandana wrapped around his head.
"Yea, that's them. I think she is their sister."
"She's still trouble. Too bad they're not here without her."
"I always said if I ever saw either one of them again, they were going to regret it. Their bitch sister doesn't scare me any."
"Even though she's an asari and all asari are biotics? Think, man, think." The teen with the black bandana points to his head.
A wicked grin appears on the second teens face. "I am thinking. Trust me. Take her out first then it's an even fight."
"Okay, if you say so, man." The two teens follow behind the twins and Karrera. They stay far enough away to not be seen, but close enough to know which rides they are riding and where they go between rides. The two teens also ride a few rides and even got in line behind the twins to see if either one will notice them. They don't noticed they're being tailed, which the two teens think will work to their advantage.
Kaja's House
Kaja and Neena are lounging on the sofa, cuddling, watching an action vid, Fast, Furious: Citadel. So far, it's been a quiet evening at home with no kids. Kaja remembers the last time she was alone with someone she loves without worrying about being interrupted at any moment. She savors every moment she has with Neena because the turian makes her feel whole. And because of that, Kaja is able to handle Eric's attitude towards her girlfriend. It helps having Derek and Karrera on Neena's side.
They have had a few discussion on what Neena can do or should not do to change Eric's view, but nothing has worked out. Kaja has noticed since Karrera has been home, Eric hasn't been as vocal and mumbles a lot when ever Neena's name gets mentioned. Karrera amazes her father. Kaja knows Karrera likes Neena. She has said as much, but she has yet to say anything to Eric and allows him to rant about the turian. All Karrera does is listen. If Karrera can keep the ability to say unbiased on hearing two sides of a debate, Kaja thinks her daughter will make a great judge some day.
Neena turns to face Kaja then kisses her lips when the ending credits start rolling across the screen. "I love that vid. There's just enough plot to keep me interested between all the exploding cars."
"All it needs is Blasto," comments Kaja before she kisses Neena.
Neena tilts her head to the left after they end their kiss She asks, "Blasto? Who's Blasto?"
Kaja starts laughing. "This is Blasto." She flips the channel to the Citadel Movie Classics Channel, knowing they are running a Blasto marathon the entire weekend. She'll never understand this channel's fascination with a character who is over two-hundred years old. Kaja doesn't remember wearing them, but has seen picture of her wearing Blasto shirts or playing with Blasto toys when she was a baby and toddler.
"Oh, him." Neena rolls her eyes when she sees the hanar.
"Yea, I sorta grew up with him," replies the asari.
"And you're old too." Neena places a tender kiss on Kaja's nose.
Kaja teases in between kisses, "You're still a kid."
Neena laughs then straddles Kaja's lap. She places both hands on the cushion near Kaja's head. "I wish we could be this way more often, Kaja."
"I do too and I wish Eric would accept you like Derek and Karrera have. Since Karrera has been home, he's been less vocal. Maybe she can wear him down for us." Kaja smiles at Neena as she runs her hand over Neena's cheek.
Neena does her best to show a cheeky grin. "I think I need to try harder."
Knowing how much effort Neena has given to get Eric to accept her, Kaja doesn't believe she can do anything more. "Hah, I don't think that is possible without you buying him off. I'd rather you didn't do that."
"I did pick up a few things I'd like to give him and Derek. They are things I bought from the company store. I know both would love something from Age of Dragons." Neena whispers softly, sensually into her girlfriend's ear, "Enough about that. I want you." The turian starts kissing the asari's neck. Making sure she hits a few sensitive areas.
Kaja gasps with desire as Neena's lips move across her skin. She wills herself to not start their meld in the living room. The last thing she wants is for the kids to come home to find them melding in the living room. As she was with Cass, Kaja loses time when she melds with Neena. If she didn't have kids, it wouldn't matter, but she does. Even though she has started doing more for herself, Kaja still puts her kids and their reactions to things first. When it comes to Neena, it's Eric's reactions she is most worried about. She slides from under Neena. "We should take this some place, um, more private."
Neena snickers at Kaja's modesty, but admires how she continues to put her kids first. She knows what the asari is thinking. How would the kids react if they came home and walked in on them? Neena isn't sure if she wants to find out either. "Just remember to lock the door. I remember walking in on my parents once."
Kaja pulls Neena close, "Don't worry, I won't forget. Been there, done that. Twins were four, I believe."
Neena shakes her head, "Why am I not surprised?" She winks at Kaja before they head towards her bedroom.
Once Kaja locks the door, Neena teases, "Are you sure it's locked."
"Oh, I'm very sure," replies Kaja as she runs her hand down the turian's back then removes Neena's top.
Their clothes end up in a heap jumbled together on the floor. Kaja starts their meld the moment they hit the bed. The couples lust and desire overcome them both and sheets end up on the floor along with the pillows. With each meld Kaja shares more of herself with Neena, but keeps her memories and feelings for Cass locked away. Those are memories she will never share with anyone. She would ask her mom about sharing memories of bondmates who are no longer with them, but Liara still hasn't moved on from losing the love of her life, Leia Shepard. So, she can't really answer that question, but Kaja feels those are private memories and are for her and her alone.
Neena's body and mind is intoxicating to the asari and Kaja can't get enough. Neena feels the same way. She can't be with Kaja enough. They treasure these moments alone, so they can enjoy themselves intimately. The one thing holding their relationship back is Eric or Neena would have moved-in already. Because Neena has the new job, Kaja has gone out of her way to make sure Neena is happy and has little stress. The asari wants to make sure what happened to Cass on Feros doesn't happen to Neena.
Kaja is trying to fix the mistakes she felt she made at the beginning of her relationship with Cass, but by doing so, she fears she making different mistakes. Only time will tell if she's made any new ones or not. The sounds from their love making reverberate throughout the room. If anyone was home and near Kaja's bedroom, they would hear them. The asari's eyes revert back to their normal ocean-blue color after several hours of melding.
Neena has Kaja in her arms, with both breathing heavily. "Will you hand me a pillow?"
Kaja reaches over to grab the one pillow on that side. She playfully smacks Neena with it. "Here you go."
"Why, thank you." Neena places the pillow under her head then grins at her lover.
Kaja reaches over Neena to grab the other pillow. Her hip is close to the turian's face. Neena runs her fingers down Kaja's legs and up again while she places soft kisses on the asari's blue skin. Kaja tosses the pillow against the headboard before she lies down next to her love. The turian wraps her arms around the one she adores. Kaja asks, "Comfy now?"
"Very much so. We need one other thing." The turian grabs the covers then scoots closer to the headboard. Once Neena resettles, Kaja moves closer, and Neena again holds the asari in her arms. "Perfect."
"I concur." Kaja holds Neena's hand then kisses her palm. "Stay here tonight. I want to wake up tomorrow with you lying next to me, Neena." She kisses the turian's palm again.
Neena's body tingles with each kiss she receives from Kaja. Her body screams yes stay, her mind attempts to thinks clearly. "I want that more than anything, Kaja, but what about Eric's reaction when he sees me in the morning?"
Kaja turns to face Neena then kisses the turian softly. "There is no better time for us to find out than with Karrera being home." She kisses Neena again. "I love you, Neena."
"I love you too, Kaja." She kisses Kaja then forces the asari to lie on her back. Their kiss intensifies as Kaja instinctively starts another meld.
Adventure Park
The park has started their nightly announcement the "park is closing in thirty minutes" message. Anyone who has been to the park enough knows they'll say it again when there is fifteen minutes left. Again with five minutes left and they'll repeat the park is closed until everyone vacates the premises. Karrera is ready to leave, however the twins want to ride one more ride and they're near the ride's entrance. Eric says, "We have time for one more ride."
Derek adds, "The entrance for Dark Space Raiders is right over there." The older twin points in the ride's directions.
Karrera gives in."Okay, one more ride then what are we doing afterwords?" They enter the line one last time before the park closes.
"We should get something to eat. The diner near the history museum is open. I love their food," replies the younger twin.
"Eric, is there a time when you are not hungry?" asks Karrera, she is teasing him, but really does want to know if there is a time when he doesn't want something to eat. Derek too, but he's not as vocal about it.
Eric grins at his sister. "Ah, never. Well, maybe when I'm full." He rubs his stomach with his right hand and he has his tongue peeking out between his lips.
"You're still the weirdo," teases Derek with an impish smile.
"And your still silly," says Eric. As much as Eric gets annoyed with is twin, he does love him and at times misses their talks. They don't agree when it comes to Eric's view about their momma seeing Neena.
Derek bumps Eric while saying, "That I am." He turns his attention to his sister. "Yes, getting something to eat after we leave sounds good to me."
Karrera chuckles at her brothers. They're more alike than they care to admit and she's sure they'll work through their differences as time moves on. Both are stubborn at times and Karrera knows where they get it from and it isn't their mother. "Alright, food it is. I'm not really hungry though."
"So, sit and watch us eat." Derek has a cheeky smile on his face. Karrera shakes her head at her brother, Derek is such a cheese ball, she can't help but love him for it. The line moves at a steady pace, which means before they know it, they're at the front of the line waiting for the next vehicle to arrive and unload.
The two teens who are following the twins overhear them saying they riding one more ride then leaving. The teen with the bandana on his head says, "We should ambush them in the parking lot. They funnel everyone out the main exit.
The second teen nods. "Sounds good. I think I know what their car looks like. We should follow them to it and if there isn't anyone else around, we pounce.
The teen with the black bandana responds, "I have something we can use. It's in the car and we need to go get it. We need to be quick about it."
The two teens walk quickly towards the park's exit so they can execute their plan to jump the Mitchell twins in the parking lot. The second teen has a grudge with the twins and tonight, he's going to finally get the pay back he feels he rightfully deserves. Since the twins nor the asari noticed the two teens following them for the past few hours, the vengeful teen feels good about the surprise attack. It's something neither twin expects and enacting his revenge is going to be oh so sweet.