Chapter 78
Anna apologized for leaving Kevin alone for the day, but Kevin assured it was alright and that he'd site see. "It'll be nice," he joked, "to actually get to see Paris." Kevin and Levi met for lunch like the promised and discussed the impending move to America. Kevin affirmed once again that they were all welcome in his home for as long as they needed and that a wedding would certainly swiftly follow. He told Levi about all the changes that had occurred in the neighborhood since Kevin moved into the house. The Synagogue was up and running, though sadly he'd been so caught up with work that he wasn't able to speak with the Rabbi of the Synagogue like he'd been wanting.
"If things go well, we should have you all in America by next year," Kevin said. "Although, Levi, may I speak with you frankly?"
"Of course," Levi said.
"If it's not legal by then and you can't come to America, then I would like to exercise the option of bringing you into America prior to citizenship being granted."
Levi appeared less that appealed to that option and cleared his throat. "Kevin," he said, "I understand you're frustration. Really I do. I don't mind telling you I'm well aggravated with it myself. Frankly, were you and Amber not engaged, I'd say to hell with it and we'd stay here. Getting in France certainly wasn't this much of a bureaucratic slog. However, you need to realize if we come into America on a whim without our citizenship, all my years as a banker? An accountant? That's gone. My skills acquired through years of hard work rendered completely irrelevant. So I'll have to work in a factory making barely enough to feed my wife and daughter and keep a roof over their head and clothes on their backs. And I know, I know. You'd help in any way you could, but therein lies the issue. Ineed to provide for my family. You'll provide for Amber once you've wed, but until then,I need to. I can't very well do that in a bleeding economy where Americans aren't getting jobs because the immigrants are working for nothing."
"What if we were to forge the documents?" Kevin offered desperately.
"That's illegal I assume," Levi said. "What penalty would you face were you to get caught doing such a thing should you get caught?" Levi's tone was very serious and Kevin answered somberly.
"A heavy fine, best case scenario," Kevin said.
"Worst case scenario?" Levi asked.
"That plus a prison sentence," Kevin answered.
"I'll not risk you ending up in prison," Levi said. "Least of all when we're supposed to come together as a family. Can't very well accomplish that with you in prison."
Kevin sighed, "I guess you're right."
"I have to tell myself this every day, so I'll extend the advice to you. Just be patient. We'll get through this and when we do, we can finally move on with our lives. You and Amber can move on with your lives."
"I want that more than anything," Kevin answered honestly. "We write to each other all the time, but it's just not the same. I want to talk to her, do things with her. I'm tired of writing about things I'd like for us to do or writing to her about my day or the week instead of sitting down with her and telling her. I just want to be married to her."
"I know," Levi said. "I might have been upset with you two initially, but in light of everything, I'm happy she has you. Any other man in your position may well have decided it wasn't worth all this trouble, but you've stuck beside her."
"I wouldn't dream of doing anything else," Kevin answered. "I would just prefer all this hard work we're all putting in would be rewarded sooner rather than later."
"Amen to that," Levi grumbled. "All the same, we're at least safe." Kevin glanced at Levi but only nodded.
Shortly after, Levi lamented that he needed to return to work and Kevin went about the day walking around Paris. Then he returned when Amber had and they waited for Levi and Anna to return and they performed the same ceremony that night as they had before. They lit the menorah, lighting one more while saying a prayer and ate a slice of rye bread with pickled herring. Amber stayed up with Kevin as long as would be permitted and, despite her offers, Kevin insisted he was alright sleeping on the couch. The same routine passed for the most part until there was finally a day when Kevin and Amber were able to spend a day together. They all had breakfast together and after Levi and Anna left for work, Kevin took Amber to the Eifel Tower to start. The river was frozen and snow covered most of the paths. Kevin held her hand while they walked along. Easily the simplest gesture they've shared yet somehow also the most romantic.
"Chicago beat this thing with the Ferris Wheel during the World Fair," Kevin said proudly.
"Chicago?"
"It's a city in Illinois up next to Lake Michigan," Kevin said. "Back in 1871, Chicago was still made almost entirely out of wood and one way or another the whole city caught fire. It's called The Great Chicago Fire. After that, the city came back with a wicked vengeance. They built skyscrapers, people were flooding in for work and their meat industry was booming. The trains were being built within the city and after such a great comeback, Chicago wanted to host the World's Fair. If I remember correctly, it was between Chicago, St. Louis I think, and New York. Eventually, Chicago managed to win the rights to host the World's Fair and they made the Ferris Wheel its main attraction."
"That sounds exciting," Amber said, vaguely familiar with what a Ferris Wheel was.
"My mom, Grandma and aunts went actually," Kevin said. "They even bumped into H.H. Holmes."
"Who?"
"He was a serial killer that was prolific during the time of the world fair. He had a hotel of horrors that was named the Murder Castle. It's been burned down now, but it was located in Englewood. Some claim he murdered as many as 200 people, but that's a bit lofty. With all the methods he used for disposing of the bodies, there's no way to be certain how many people he killed."
"Oh my," Amber said, slightly uncomfortable. Kevin noticed and smiled reassuringly.
"Sorry, just got carried away. Point is the United States outdid this useless thing."
Now Amber giggled, "Well aren't we getting arrogant?"
"We don't always get everything right, we Americans, but the things we do right we do really right."
"Isn't one of your national monuments a gift from France?" Amber teased.
"The Statue of Liberty," Kevin nodded. "And much like the Eifel Tower, she sits there and looks pretty. We just happened to ensure she had a function."
Amber giggled again. "I wouldn't pass her off so lightly. Whenever I have the time, I'll wander to the library and look up American History. I'm trying to become well versed with it seeing as we'll be moving there."
Kevin smiled. "What have you been learning about?"
"Well, I started with the founding," Amber said.
"Good place to start," Kevin said.
"I found a slight point of confusion I'm afraid. One book I read claimed Christopher Columbus discovered America, but another said he only went to the Bahamas and parts of south America but never went to America proper."
"He never went to North America, no," Kevin said. "And for reference, if anything tells you he was a hero, he wasn't. The man was a monster."
"How so?"
"I'll see if I can't do Nathan justice. I recall when we were discussing the origins of America and the man came up. Nathan's a big history fanatic so, he's already read all this stuff and had quite a bit to say of the man," Kevin smiled. "First of all, the man was an Italian map maker. Keep in mind, before I continue, that….I think 2000 years prior to his time, Eratosthenes had already accurately predicted the circumference of the Earth, which is about 40,000 kilometers if I recall correctly or just shy of 25,000 miles."
"Alright," Amber said, raising an eyebrow.
"Do you mind if I continue in miles?" Kevin asked.
"Go ahead," Amber smiled.
"Okay," he continued. "So anyway, there's a myth that Christopher Columbus wanted to prove the earth wasn't flat. That's incorrect. The church already knew the earth was round. This was common knowledge to anyone who'd had a formal education. And, once again to go on a tangent that would make my brother proud, the Inquisitions of Spain, while they absolutely did happen, were greatly exaggerated thanks to the Protestant movement obtaining the printing press and making a smear campaign against the Catholic Church."
"Okay," Amber said. "What does that have to do with discovering America?"
"I'm getting to it," Kevin smiled. "So anyway, the earth being round was common knowledge. That's not why the church laughed in his face. You see, the church was already aware that Asia was about 7000 miles to the east. Christopher Columbus was trying to claim Japan, one of the furthest parts of Asia, was only 3000 miles to the west."
Amber stopped a moment briefly doing the math in her head and blinked. "Wait…that doesn't make sense."
"No, madam, it doesn't," Kevin chuckled. "So the Church refused to fund his voyage because, as basic math will explain, that doesn't make sense. The only thing the man deserves any credit for is finding out that there's actually something between Europe and Asia to the west: the Americas. Granted, the Vikings discovered that long before Columbus ever did, but that's nitpicking at this point. So anyway, seeing as he couldn't get funding from the Church, Columbus instead turned to the Spanish crown that did fund his voyage."
"Alright," Amber said.
"Now, the aside from the simple fact that he didn't actually discover America, the man committed mass genocide of the natives that lived on the islands he did arrive to. He brutalized them, raped their women and children, forced them to mine for gold and would dismember them if they didn't produce a certain quota, riffled them with disease; you name it, this bastard did it. He even served a brief prison sentence at the Queen's hand for his atrocities until King Ferdinand pardoned him. However, he was stripped of his title and the man laid on his death bed swearing he found Asia. He didn't obviously."
"So not a hero?"
"No," Kevin said. "Calling Christopher Columbus a hero is akin to naming the Vikings heroes. Sure, they found new lands, but they were monsters. At least according to their victims that had a written language. As far as I'm aware, the Vikings were illiterate, but they crafted the finest ships the oceans had ever seen at the time."
"So seeing as the Vikings aren't credited with discovering America, who is?"
"Native Americans," Kevin answered bluntly and earned a giggled from Amber. "Well, that's the correct answer more or less. Honestly, it's a very long answer and I can see I've already bored you," Kevin smiled. "Around the 16th and 17th century, exploration became a big investment for a number of nations including England. Eventually the Americas became a territory they claimed and the first settlers that are best known are the pilgrims that came to the Americas to escape religious persecution. It just boomed from there."
"Ah," Amber said. "That's a far simpler telling of what I've been reading."
"What else have you read about?"
"The American Revolution and Civil War have held my attention most recently."
"Mom was born around the start of the Civil War. She hates talking about it. She was really little when they'd moved closer to the battlefront so Carlisle could act as a doctor. She tells us that one of her earliest memories was of the battlefield hospitals in white tents with no proper sanitation and watching doctors cut away limbs while the wounded soldiers screamed."
"I don't wonder why she doesn't like talking about it," Amber said.
"I understood why it bothered her when I was a kid, but seeing is far more traumatic than hearing of," Kevin said. "I'll be forever grateful for all the good that came of my going to war, but there are some things I just wish I could forget."
"I know," Amber said comfortingly and rested her head against his shoulder. "Don't think about that. How have you enjoyed spending Hanukkah with us?"
"Very much," Kevin smiled. "I just hope I'm not intruding on you all."
"No, of course not," Amber smiled. "You're never intruding."
"I'm glad to know it," Kevin said and kissed the top of Amber's head.
After going to the Eifel Tower together, they returned to the Notre Dame Cathedral going inside to see it in all its splendor. They sat in one of the pews together staring at the stained glass windows and listening to the priests recite and sing prayers while some people were lighting candles or praying or engaged in confessions.
"Does America have Cathedrals like this?"
"Not quite," Kevin said. "When America was being settled, it wasn't terribly fond of Catholics. A consequence of King Henry and his war with the Catholic church. That's not to say there aren't Catholic churches, but they're nothing compared to the churches of Europe."
"Synagogues are similar I imagine," Amber said. "I've heard stories about Synagogues in Israel. Our Rabbi back in Munich had been able to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He told us the synagogues were nothing short of breathtaking."
"It only makes sense," Kevin smiled. "Perhaps one day we'll go."
Amber smiled, "We've got a lot of places that we need to go to don't we?"
"Indeed we do," Kevin answered and kissed her cheek. "We'll see the world together one day. Perhaps we'll bring the children, but some trips I think should just be the two of us."
"A tour of Europe, a trip to Jerusalem; is there anywhere you haven't promised to take me?"
"I don't believe I've promised Asia yet, but we can add it to the list if you'd like," Kevin chuckled.
"Depends on where in Asia," Amber said.
"Where would you like to go?"
"I may have to get back to you on that," Amber smiled and leaned against Kevin as though she might fall asleep.
Their next stop together was the Palace at Versailles. Truly a splendor even just from the outside. It was more so when they entered the Palace and started walking around to see all the artwork, the halls, the rooms and the men that guarded it and servants that kept it clean. Through a number of the hallways, Amber and Kevin were walking while staring up at the ceiling staring at the artwork. It seemed as though every square foot of the ceilings had artwork accented with a large chandelier. The grounds were so massive and covered so much, that Amber wondered if the King and Queen had ever even seen the entirety of their own palace. Sadly, they certainly didn't get to see the whole thing before it was getting dark and they needed to leave.
They finally returned into town when the sun had set, though it was still earlier in the evening, and walked down the streets hand in hand. When it got really nippy, Kevin brought his and Amber's hands into his coat pocket to keep them warm. Amber sighed contentedly and looked forward seeing other couples walking down the street in much a similar fashion as them. She didn't really want to return home, but she knew they needed to.
"Are you hungry?" Amber asked.
"Starving," Kevin smiled. "Assuming your parents haven't returned yet, we can get dinner started."
"No," Amber said. "Mother's making that roast tonight, remember?"
"Oh, right," Kevin said. "Is that how she usually ends Hanukkah?"
"Only for you," Amber smiled and lifted her head to kiss his cheek. "Do you think you'll be using your little cheat sheet tonight or do you think you can do it by memory?"
"I'll do my best," Kevin said with a smile. "Thank you for being patient with me. You all seem to know the prayer like the backs of your hands."
"You'll get the hang of it," Amber smiled back. "Just keep practicing." Soon they reached the apartment and Amber let them in. Levi and Anna were both already home and Anna was making dinner.
"Oh, good, there you two are," Anna said. "How did you enjoy your date?" Anna teased.
"Strictly sightseeing," Kevin smiled reassuringly and glancing at Levi who also smiled appreciatively. "I'm sorry for not returning before it was dark. There's so little daylight during the winter."
"It's alright dear," Anna smiled. "The roast is almost done, so I hope you're hungry."
"And it smells delicious already, Anna," Kevin answered.
Amber took Kevin to the table after that and they continued their previous night's game of dreidel. Amber was winning initially but Kevin was starting to get the edge of her. He was reminded the past few nights of Amber's competitive nature. A nature one might call vicious. Soon, though, they were interrupted and the roast was served. They talked and enjoyed one another's company while they had dinner. Kevin lamented that he would need to return to America soon, so he said he'd leave tomorrow evening. While Amber was less than pleased, they made the most of the night. They all said the prayer while they lit the final candle of Hanukkah together and Kevin was pleased he'd not had to look at his cheat paper, though his accent still left much to be desired. They stayed up a while talking until it was time to retire for the night and Kevin remained on the couch. He had fallen asleep, only to wake to the smell of Amber's hair and the feel of her head rested on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and she climbed up the rest of the way so she was laying on him. Kevin kissed her head and hugged her tight and she gripped his shirt.
"Do you really have to leave tomorrow?" Amber asked even if it was a futile question.
"I'm sorry," Kevin said. "I've been gone too long as it is. I'm just glad we could have a nice time together rather than me popping in and leaving as soon as I came."
Amber nodded weakly. "When will you come back?"
"I don't know," Kevin answered honestly much to his chagrin. "As soon as I possibly can. Or better yet, I'll see you all once you get to America." Kevin felt Amber smile a little, but it was slight. She lifted her head and rested her chin on his chest.
"How long after we all arrive do you suppose before we can get married?"
"We'll start planning as soon as you land," Kevin teased. "But in all seriousness, we'll speak with the Synagogue near my house first. I imagine you guys will want to get integrated into the congregation; get to know everyone. Then we can put our names down for a wedding once Levi and I charm the Rabbi into agreeing. He's starting to like me, so maybe I've gotten most of the hard work out of the way. The rest we'll plan accordingly."
"Do you suppose Natalie would be willing to be a bridesmaid to me?"
"She'd be delighted," Kevin smiled.
"Good," Amber said. "I won't have any friends when we arrive, but I at least have your sister. Is Scarlet too old to be a flower girl?"
Kevin waved his hand dismissively. "She'll do it. If nothing else because her Uncle Kevin said so."
Amber giggled, "Good. Oh! JJ or Salem can be our ring bearer."
"There's a plan," Kevin said, releasing a small yawn.
"Who would be your best man?" Amber asked.
"Embry," Kevin said without hesitation and Amber smiled.
"Not one of your brothers?"
"Embry's the big brother I never had," Kevin said. "If Kyle has a wedding like ours, I'd probably be his best man. In Nathan's case, it would be Jae. No question of it."
"I didn't realize Nathan and Jae were so close," Amber said.
"Oh, they're thick as thieves like me and Embry," Kevin said. "They just never went through the brotherly bond of war."
"War is a brotherly bond?" Amber asked skeptically.
"Yes, ma'am, it is," Kevin said. "When you're at war, you're only as strong as the man to your left and the man to your right. I was lucky in that I had Embry to my right and Seth to my left. I made some great friends while I was in the army. We all did."
"I suppose," Amber said. "I remember it being a rather isolating experience."
"For you, definitely," Kevin said. "But everything's alright now. Anna and Levi are better than I ever imagined. And we'll be married soon. So long as life falls into place, the past can remain where it belongs." Amber nodded and rested her cheek against Kevin's chest again, listening to his heartbeat. Kevin hugged her tight again and brought her a little closer. "I probably should send you back to bed."
Amber shook her head gently, "Not yet."
"Alright," Kevin said. "In a minute."
A minute turned into an hour and Amber had fallen asleep on Kevin's chest. He lifted her into his arms and carried her back to her room, placing her in the bed. He'd released her to leave, but she woke and took a gentle hold of his hand. All she did was stare up at him longingly. Her blue eyes stared into his with a silent plea. He heard her heart begin to race, her breasts heaved against her accelerated breathing and her thumb rubbed gracefully against his hand. When Amber licked her lips, Kevin pulled her off the bed into his arms and kissed her passionately. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his passion in kind. She truly was a seductress, Kevin thought. She knew she need only bat her eyelashes and he'd give her the world. What passed between them was ravenous and done entirely while standing. Kevin kept their moans silent with kisses and held Amber tight while he brought them to a shared precipice of ecstasy. Afterwards, Kevin placed her back on her bed, but she wouldn't let go of him. For the moment, Kevin didn't fight her. He just held her.
"I love you,"Kevin said to her in Quileute.
"Je t'adore," Amber responded breathily in his ear.
They did have to eventually part and when they did, they shared one last kiss before Kevin left her room to return to the couch. Kevin woke up the next morning to the smell of mushroom tarts and he smiled. Amber was sitting beside him on the couch, but with her parents present, it remained tame. Amber had to return to work that day, so the two shared one last kiss before saying goodbye to each other and he also said his goodbyes to Levi and Anna. Once they'd left and Kevin was sufficiently stuffed off the mushroom tarts, he got his things packed and ready and wrote Amber two more letters, one tame and the other very erotic, before leaving to run for Le Havre and take the next boat back to America. Miraculously, he was back home in time for Christmas.
By this time, Nathan and Scarlet had been enjoying Las Vegas. Scarlet was already firm friends with a few of the kids and Nathan was only becoming more and more fond of Dan, Meg and Tamara. They didn't bring up what he and Dan had spoken about which Nathan was really relieved. Occasionally it would cross his mind either while he was talking with one of them or while he was trying to sleep. He'd not changed to a wolf in all that time even if only for the simple fact that he wanted to keep this little point of intrigue to himself. In the meantime, Scarlet played and attended schooling with the other children. Just before it was Christmas, Tamara offered to have Nathan and Scarlet join her on a field trip she wanted to take all the children on. She gathered up all the kids and they hitched a ride to one of the many canyons near Las Vegas. They were, sadly, nothing like the Grand Canyon, but it would do.
"Scarlet seems to love it here," Tamara said while Scarlet and the children were playing.
"I do too actually," Nathan smiled. "It's a dry heat. I like it."
"Is it just the heat you like, Wanderer?" Tamara asked, teasing Nathan with the name he'd mentioned he preferred out of all the nicknames he'd been given.
"You guys have been fine too I guess," Nathan joked and Tamara giggled.
"Just fine? I see how it is." They were silent a moment watching the kids until Tamara broke the silence. "For how long you're staying, perhaps you should get work and a place to stay."
"I don't know if we're staying that long," Nathan said.
"Alright, I should be blunt then," Tamara said, though she was still smiling. "Daddy has taken to calling you a Free Loader."
"I see how it is," Nathan said with a chuckle. "I guess I'll get out of your hair soon, then. Do you suppose he'd tolerate me at least until after New Year's?"
"New Year's it is," Tamara smiled. "Should we expect you to return one day?"
"After Scarlet and I have visited the Amazon, we'll pass through here on our way home."
"I look forward to it," Tamara smiled.
There was another moment of silence between them. Nathan watched Scarlet play and felt a little bad at the prospect of them leaving. She really did like it here. He'd talk to her about it tonight. Before it was dark, Tamara and Nathan brought the children back into town and they all got together at the gymnasium to eat dinner. Meg was working and sadly absent. While Dan was there with the girls, he was so tired that after eating, he just went to a corner, rested his head against the wall, and fell asleep. Scarlet was occupied with Mina and Lida and Nathan sat at a table alone watching them until Tamara came over to sit beside him.
"I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted," Tamara said when she took a chair beside Nathan.
"Kids tend to take the energy out of you," Nathan smiled.
"I let daddy know you were planning to leave after New Year's. Unless, of course, you've changed your mind?" Tamara said.
"No, don't worry. I'll be out of your hair by New Year's," Nathan reassured.
"Excellent," Tamara said. "Although we'll be sad to see you go. We've all quite liked you and Scarlet."
"Thank you for saying. We'll miss you guys. I promise we'll come back to see you again when we're returning home," Nathan said. He looked at Tamara only now realizing she was looking at him too. He suddenly remembered the talk he and Dan had once again and cleared his throat before looking away in the crowd.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Nathan said. "I keep thinking about something Dan told me a while ago."
"And what was it that he told you?" Tamara asked. Nathan was debating whether or not to bring it up with her, but eventually he looked at her again and she almost seemed to know exactly what he was talking about. She probably did.
"It had to do with an arrangement you all apparently have," Nathan started and Tamara smiled.
"Have you been thinking it over all this time?" she teased.
"I guess I have," Nathan said. "It's been a while. A long while."
"How long if you don't mind me asking."
"At least two years," Nathan admitted. "Maybe more. For a while, Tomoeh and I were having sex constantly. She wanted another baby so badly, but it wasn't happening. Soon she got sick and after that, it stopped. I hadn't cared at the time. I was more concerned with getting her better. I didn't really care after she'd passed away either. I was upset to have lost her and sex was the last thing on my mind. I was more concerned with Scarlet and getting us through loosing Tomoeh. Now….I'm starting to feel…I don't know."
"Restless?" Tamara asked.
"I guess that's one word for it," Nathan said.
"Well," Tamara said, "If Dan told me correctly, he said if you ever changed your mind to just let him know."
"While I'm flattered for the offer, I don't know if I'm interested in what he offered specifically. Of course….I guess if Meg doesn't mind…."
Tamara giggled a little, "And what about me? Or did you forget I was even part of the equation?" Nathan looked at her again. Her smile hadn't really changed. She still looked sweet. He was suddenly reminded of Meg and how she would stare at him sometimes. Even if they'd not brought it up to him again, Meg would still look at him wantonly at times with an almost cruel seductive glint in her eyes. Tamara was different. Her sweet smile reminded him of Tomoeh a little.
"Are you offering?" Nathan finally asked and Tamara giggled again.
"I never took you for one to be so shy about this," Tamara smiled.
"It's been a long time," Nathan said in his defense. "Honestly, I feel a little weird even wanting sex."
"You're human aren't you?" Tamara asked.
"Mostly," Nathan said, a mixture of honesty and humor. Tamara giggled, only understanding the joke of the matter without knowing the truth of it.
"Well," she said, "since you are 'mostly' human, it's not so strange to want some physical interaction."
"Maybe," Nathan said. "When Loran died, how did you take it?"
"I was devastated," Tamara answered bluntly. "I'd loved him my whole life if you can believe it. He was a year older than me and I'd always had a crush on him. When we got older, I was determined to win his affections."
"Obviously you did," Nathan smiled kindly.
"Indeed I did," Tamara said. "A little shy flirting here, a moment together eating lunch there and before you can blink, he'd asked me to marry him. After asking daddy's permission of course."
"I'm sorry you lost him," Nathan said.
"I am too," Tamara said. "Dan and Meg helped me a lot. Eventually, I realized I was wasting time wallowing in self-pity. Loran wouldn't have wanted that of me. It was hesitantly at first, but I started seeing Meg and Dan romantically again hoping it might make me feel better."
"Did it?"
"It did," Tamara said. "But then, Dan and Meg are close friends. I suppose it might different for you given we've not known each other long."
"I like to think we've become good friends since I've arrived," Nathan said. "I really do miss her."
"I miss my husband," Tamara returned with a gentle smile. It was just the smile Nathan needed at the moment. "But I don't feel bad for moving on with my life. It's like I said, Nathan: you can either wallow in pity or feel better. I don't mind admitting to you it's far nicer to feel better." Just then, Scarlet ran over with a bright, eager, and pleading smile.
"Daddy!" she yelled as she reached Nathan.
"What's on your mind, Scarlet?" Nathan asked, immediately turning his attention to Scarlet.
"Mina asked her dad if I could spend the night with them," Scarlet said. "He said I should ask your permission first."
"If they're offering, I don't see why not," Nathan smiled and patted Scarlet on the head. "You go ahead and have fun alright? Try not to burn down Vegas," he teased.
"I won't, daddy," Scarlet laughed and ran back to Mina and Lida with the good news. Nathan glanced at Dan. Scarlet told him Nathan had said she could spend the night, so he smiled at her and welcomed her to their home when they were all ready to leave. A moment later, Dan looked up at him and winked before returning his attention to the three girls.
"Looks like it's just me tonight," Nathan said quietly.
"Dan," Tamara smiled. "Intuitive and thoughtful as always." Tamara turned to look at Nathan. "So what do you say? Do you want to come over?" Nathan looked at her feeling torn. Tamara's gaze remained kind and gentle. It tugged at his heart a little. Eventually, he took a deep breath and decided that, perhaps, Tamara was right. He could either wallow in pity or he could live. Tomoeh would have wanted him to do the latter. After his deep breath, he smiled.
"Fuck it," he said and Tamara giggled.
"Not the answer I was expecting, but that will do fine," she teased. "Should we leave now?"
"I'd rather wait," Nathan said. "Let's join Dan and walk the kids to his house and then we'll go to yours."
"Discrete," Tamara smiled. "I appreciate the foresight."
"Oh, yeah," Nathan chuckled. "I forgot: I'm not good enough for you."
Tamara giggled, "Don't pay daddy any mind. He really liked Loran. If I did marry again, my new husband would have big shoes to fill. Lucky for you, we're just in the market of having a good time. Of course, daddy also doesn't know about any of this. So I still appreciate the approach to discretion."
"Think nothing of it," Nathan answered kindly.
Not ten minutes later, Dan appeared as though he and the girls were leaving, so Nathan and Tamara went to them and followed back to his house. Once they arrived, Nathan gave Scarlet a big hug, kissed her goodnight and told her to have fun. Dan gave Nathan one last encouraging look before retreated with the girls into the house. Afterwards, Nathan and Tamara started walking towards her house. It was a short walk, but Nathan felt himself getting nervous suddenly. He'd never felt this way before. Even his first time hadn't made him this anxious.
"Are you alright?" Tamara asked once they'd reached her house and were inside. "Did you want some coffee?"
"Coffee sounds good, thank you," Nathan said. While Tamara went to the kitchen to make the coffee, she continued to speak with Nathan.
"What about my first question?"
"As to your first question," Nathan said and then sighed. "I'm embarrassed to admit I'm nervous."
"Whatever for?" Tamara asked.
"It's just…..it's been so long. Not just since I'd had sex at all but since I'd been with anyone except Tomoeh. We'd been married nine years when she'd passed away." Nathan was silent a moment as the number weighed on his mind. "We'd been married since I was 16. I knew her like I'd never known anyone else. I knew what she liked, I knew what made her tick. I knew her like I knew myself. There was something reassuring about being so close to someone."
"Well then," Tamara said as she walked over to him while the coffee brewed. She surprised him and wrapped her arms around his neck in a reassuring manner. He shocked himself further when he embraced her right back. The fact that he'd done so made Tamara smile. "Treat me like you did her. Do to me what you used to do to her. But be careful Wanderer. We wouldn't want you falling in love with me now would we?"
Nathan was prepared to answer with his own joke, but Tamara beat him with a kiss she placed on his lips. It was so gentle and even friendly, so Nathan wasn't sure what came over him. Something just sparked in his mind and he near dragged her with him until he had her pressed against a wall. She'd suggested to him that he treat her as he might Tomoeh. He remembered vividly how he'd treated Tomoeh when they were together. He'd made love to her. He'd touched her longingly and savored every moment. What he did with Tamara was nothing of the sort. It was blind lust. This was fucking. Pure, uncompromising fucking and it happened right in the kitchen pressed again the wall they started at. The smell of the coffee wafted through the air as Nathan and Tamara were engaged in one another. She meet him with the same fury and the same eagerness. After it was over, their coffee was long since ready but Nathan kept her pressed against the wall a moment while they both recovered.
"That was rigorous," Tamara said breathlessly and with a giggle.
"Did I hurt you?" Nathan asked, feeling just as breathless at the moment.
"Not any more than I can handle," Tamara said and gave Nathan a quick kiss. "How about I get to our coffee?" Nathan finally released her, making himself decent again while Tamara retrieved two mugs and poured them coffee.
"Sorry about being like that," Nathan said offhandedly when Tamara handed him his cup.
"Don't apologize," Tamara smiled kindly. "I quite enjoyed myself actually. I admit, I look forward to telling Meg all about it. I don't mind telling you she'll be extremely jealous."
"Don't go fighting over me now," Nathan joked and drank his coffee and Tamara laughed her breathy laugh.
"How do you feel?" she asked. It was a strange question he'd thought, but he realized he felt much better.
"I feel….normal," Nathan said and Tamara's knowing smile told him she'd hoped for that answer.
"Good," Tamara said. "It's good to feel like yourself again."
"I guess I owe you a big thanks," Nathan said.
"You don't owe me a thing," Tamara said. "But while we're on the subject, thank you for tonight. I had a lovely time."
Nathan smiled back and they finished their coffee. The night didn't end with the single tryst against a wall and coffee. Afterwards, Tamara brought him to her room and they slept together again and even a few more times including once in the morning. It was strange. Nathan hadn't realized how much he'd needed that until he actually had it. He had another cup of coffee early in the morning but made sure to leave early enough that no one would catch him at Tamara's house. He returned to the Tribal Center and changed, bathed and by the time he returned to the gymnasium, Tamara and all the children she looked after were inside while she started them on their reading lesson for the day. Scarlet saw Nathan come out and she ran from the group over to him and gave him a hug.
"Morning, Scarlet," Nathan smiled. "Did you have fun?"
"Mhm," she nodded. "Dan made us all go to bed before ten, but we got to stay up and play board games for a while."
"Sounds like you had lots of fun," Nathan said.
"So what did you and Tamara do after you left?" Scarlet asked innocently.
"We…we went to her house for a while and had coffee," Nathan said, telling part of the truth.
"That sounds a little boring," Scarlet said. "Can we go to her house later and play with the dragons?"
"If she says it's alright, then sure," Nathan promised.
Nathan finally brought Scarlet back to the other kids and when the children were released for an hour of play, Scarlet asked Tamara if they could go to her house to play with her lizards. Tamara said that was just fine with her. To Nathan's relief, when he and Tamara spoke, it was though nothing had changed. She was friendly, she was proper and she treated him as she had before. Around the afternoon when the children were done with lessons for the day and were just playing, Meg came into the gymnasium and looked right at Tamara. She crossed her arms and smiled at her mischievously but turned her attention to Mina and Lida first.
"I see Dan told her," Tamara smiled.
"Of course he did," Nathan answered with the same good humor. Soon, Meg walked over with her daughters and Scarlet in tow with the same smile.
"Afternoon Tamara," Meg said. "Nathan."
"Afternoon," Tamara and Nathan said.
"Nathan," Meg said, "Scarlet mentioned that you were all planning to go to Tamara's house to play with her lizards. Mina and Lida want to go too if you'd be so kind as to let us join you."
Nathan shrugged, "Might I invite a few friends?" he asked Tamara.
"You know you're always welcome," Tamara answered.
"Mommy," Mina said. "Can we have dinner at Tamara's house?"
"Sure you can," Tamara smiled. "Will Dan join us?"
"I'll drop by the house and leave him a note letting him know we're at your house and to drop by if he's got the strength," Meg said and looked at her daughters. "Mina, Lida, I'll run to the house and leave your daddy a note alright? I'll be right back."
"Okay," Mina and Lida said and they went back to playing with the other kids, Scarlet not far behind.
"I'll see you both shortly," Meg said, smiling at Nathan knowingly before leaving. Tamara giggled again.
"What's funny?" Nathan asked.
"She's chomping at the bit for you now," Tamara said.
"Should I be flattered or feel like a toy?"
"Probably both," Tamara answered sweetly.
Meg did eventually return and once all the children were home, Tamara brought the group to her house and the girls played with the dragons, feeding them lettuce and crickets. Meg, to Nathan's surprise, didn't seem to bring anything up. But then she pulled Tamara inside with her for a prolonged time. They returned with coffee and Nathan was given a cup, but he glanced at Meg and noticed she appeared indeed looked jealous. When it was dark out, they all went inside and started dinner while the girls colored on the living room floor. They spoke for a while, but soon Tamara and Meg exchanged a look and Tamara went to the floor to play with the kids, leaving Meg and Nathan mostly alone.
"I heard about last night," Meg said, getting straight to the point. "Tamara was kind enough to give me the full details."
"So you two weren't getting coffee?" Nathan teased and the laugh Meg emitted was breathy and seductive.
"No, my dear Wanderer, t 'was a ruse," she joked. "I don't suppose I might be able to convince you to let me give you a try?"
"You waste no time do you?" Nathan chuckled.
"Given that you're expecting to leave around the end of the year, I don't really have time to waste, now do I?"
"I guess not," Nathan answered. "I can't say I'm open to exactly what Dan was implying but.."
Meg waved her hand dismissively, "Oh, that's fine. Dan won't mind. He may ask to watch, though."
"Pardon?" Nathan asked, nearly choking on his sip of coffee.
"Watch," Meg said as if it were a normal request. "I guess that may sound a little strange to you."
"A little," Nathan said, unsure how to respond. "You two are something, I've got to say."
"I know it sounds weird, but it really is exciting," Meg said. "He can be quiet if that helps."
"You're being….what's the word?" Nathan asked.
"Forward?" she offered.
"Extremely," Nathan said nervously. "I'll be honest, I'm not really comfortable with that."
"I understand," Meg said. He could tell she was disappointed but she remained seductive. "Just us then."
"And do I get paid after this little transaction?" Nathan joked, hoping to lighten the mood.
"Oh no, Wanderer," Meg played along. "I don't pay for what I can get for free."
"Fair enough," Nathan chuckled.
"So tell me," Meg said. "Tamara appears to have the children occupied. Perhaps we might secret away for a little while? Go 'check on Dan'?" Meg offered. Good lord, Nathan thought, if the woman wasn't determined. He glanced at Scarlet and the others and then at Meg, shaking his head gently.
"Not tonight," Nathan said. "Maybe tomorrow while Tamara has all the kids for school."
"Excellent," Meg answered with a smile. She lifted her coffee mug and tapped it against his. "It's been a pleasure thus far, Wanderer. I hope it'll be more so come tomorrow." She winked at him and drank her coffee.
Dan eventually popped by having returned from work and showered. Mina and Lida ran to him for a big hug and started telling him all about their day. Eventually they all had dinner together and Tamara insisted they all stay with her that night. The girls used Tamara's spare room to have another sleep over while Nathan, Dan and Meg all slept in the living room in either a chair, a couch, or the floor. Come morning, they all had breakfast together as well before Tamara took the girls with her to the Tribal Center. Nathan told Scarlet he would stay at Tamara's house for now and see her later. Dan left for work giving Meg a kiss before he left, leaving Nathan and Meg alone at Tamara's house. Meg smiled at Nathan with her usual smile while Nathan looked at her with a normal smile.
"It would appear, Wanderer, that we're alone," Meg smiled.
"Indeed," Nathan said and chugged the last of his coffee and took a deep breath. "Should we go to your house or something?"
"We can just stay here if you prefer," Meg said.
"I don't know if Tamara would appreciate us doing that," Nathan said but Meg waived her hand dismissively .
"I already spoke to her," Meg said. "She's fine with it." Meg got up from her chair and walked the remaining distance at the table between her and Nathan and gently took his hand.
They didn't say anything else as Meg led him with to Tamara's bedroom. She took control initially but soon Nathan took over as any remaining nerves left him. Much like they are in daily life, Meg and Tamara were two completely different people. Granted their first encounter had been rather rough, but as the night had worn on and into the morning, Tamara was gentle and submissive. Meg was anything but. One moment, he would be atop and in control, the next she would somehow manage to toss him off her and mount him as though he were a horse. She was spirited and unquenchable. One wave after another of climax would come, but it was never enough. She only stopped their exertions with great reluctance after realizing she needed to get herself to the inn for work. After she got dressed in a pair of work clothes she apparently had a spare of at Tamara's house, she walked over to Nathan as he was finishing getting dressed.
"That was one hell of a morning, Nathan," Meg said.
"Sure was," Nathan smiled back. "I can't say I've ever been manhandled before."
Meg giggled, "I like to keep my lovers and my husband on their toes. Alas, I have to get to work. I'll make sure to tell Dan all about it. He'll be sorry he missed it."
Ending on a slightly odd note, at least for Nathan, Meg went on her tip toes, barely reaching him, and gave him a quick peck on the lips before leaving. When Nathan arrived back at the Tribal Center, Tamara was preoccupied with the kids, Scarlet included. He walked over and sat nearby and Scarlet waved eagerly at him. Eventually, the children were released for the day to play and Nathan and Tamara were able to talk.
"So did you two have fun?" Tamara asked.
"Yeah," Nathan said. "She's feisty."
"Don't I know it," Tamara answered amused. "So if sleeping with me made you feel normal, what did sleeping with her feel like?"
"I don't know honestly," Nathan said.
"Do you still at least feel better?"
"I do," Nathan said. "She's was really volatile for lack of a better word. It was pretty exciting."
"Developing a liking for a rougher tryst are we?" Tamara teased and giggled.
"Perhaps," Nathan said and then looked at Tamara. "She said you were alright with us-"
"Indeed I did, so no worries," Tamara smiled. "Also, on Christmas, we always go into the desert for a Christmas dinner and for the kids to open presents."
"Fuck," Nathan muttered and bumped his head against the wall. "I didn't get Scarlet anything."
"Christmas isn't until next Wednesday so you've got time," Tamara said. "There's a department store in the city. I can show you to it if you'd like."
"I'd appreciate it," Nathan said. "Also, when do you suppose we could go back to the canyons? We still need to hang a red tree here and the canyons seems like the perfect place."
"We'll do that Saturday," Tamara said.
"Thanks, Tamara," Nathan said.
Dan was the one to come and get the girls that day. Scarlet went with him to spend time with Mina and Lida, giving Nathan a chance to go to the department store with Tamara to find a gift. The store seemed to have everything and people were already swarming the toy sections, but Nathan didn't want to get Scarlet a toy. They searched around the store trying to find something. He didn't have much money. He'd pick-pocketed a few people on the way without Tamara noticing, but it wasn't much. Perhaps enough to buy scarlet a new pair of shoes. She was growing out of the pair she had.
"She's grown quite a bit just since you guys came here," Tamara said. "How about I buy her a dress?"
"You don't have to," Nathan said. "Thank you for offering, though."
"Oh, it's no trouble. At least let me give her one of my old dresses? I'll give her one that's a little big for her and she can grow into it. Daddy has an old belt he'd let her have too."
"I appreciate it," Nathan smiled.
"So what's the next stop after this?" Tamara asked.
"We'll go to the Grand Canyon first. Camp out there and enjoy the view. Then we'll go south a ways until we reach Phoenix and then go East towards New Mexico. We may stop somewhere for a little while, but I don't know where yet."
"Well, good luck to you," Tamara said. "We really will miss you."
After purchasing Scarlet a good pair of shoes, Nathan paid and returned to Tamara's house for the dress she'd promised. She gave him a couple of dresses for Scarlet to wear in varying sizes and an old belt she found in her closet. She even gave him a spare pair of shoes in case she grew out of the ones he'd just bought her. They rummaged through her house for paper and string so Nathan could wrap all the clothes and shoes, then wrote her name on each package once it was done. Tamara agreed to keep the presents at her house before Nathan left and walked to Dan's and Meg's house where Scarlet was still playing. Dan let him in after one knock.
"You hungry?" Dan asked. "We have some left overs for you if you want."
"I'd love some," Nathan agreed and helped himself to a plate of what they'd had for dinner. They sat at the dinner table watching the girls play.
"So you and Peggy have fun?" Dan asked. Nathan choked on his water and Dan laughed. "What?"
"Nothing," Nathan said. "I'm just surprised you're asking."
"Of course I'm asking," Dan chuckled. "I haven't had a chance to talk to her since this morning so I'm going to you first."
"We had fun," Nathan answered awkwardly, still adjusting to their 'openness' on the matter. "You're a lucky guy."
"Indeed I am," Dan smiled proudly. "I hope she wasn't too rough with you."
"I was actually worried I was too rough with her honestly," Nathan said without thinking and Dan chuckled again.
"I'll be sure to ask her," Dan said.
"So you're really alright? I mean, me and Tamara was one thing but.."
"Oh stop it," Dan smiled. "It's fine. I already told you. This is what works for us. And the way our schedules are, I dare say this arrangement is necessary. She's appreciative for the new cock, believe me." Nathan chocked on his water again and Dan laughed. "Good God, I never took you to be so bashful."
"I'm usually not," Nathan said, coughing.
"Daddy, are you okay?" Scarlet asked from her spot on the living room floor.
"I'm fine, Scarlet. Never mind me. Just went down the wrong pipe," Nathan hurried to tell her and she shrugged and returned to playing with the girls. "Anyway, I'm usually not. I guess I'm unaccustomed to sexual openness. It's been a while."
"You're used to a proper Christian marriage?" Dan joked.
"It wasn't Christian, but it was definitely monogamous," Nathan said. "I've been with more women the past two days than I've been in nearly 10 years."
"It'd say you're on a roll, then," Dan chuckled. "So long as it's helping you feel like yourself again."
"It has," Nathan answered honestly. "Sorry about not letting you…"
"It's alright," Dan shrugged. "It's not unusual for a guy to be shy."
"I-" Nathan began, but didn't finish and just drank his water. Shyness wasn't what he would call it. That wasn't really it at all.
"Is that not it?" Dan asked as if he'd read Nathan's mind. Then he chuckled. "Oh, I get it. It's not that you're shy so much as you don't share. Greedy bastard aren't we?"
Nathan looked at Dan a moment before saying, "I guess you caught me."
"Nothing wrong with a little possessiveness when it's appropriate," Dan smiled. "Just be careful about it. Women don't mind a little possessiveness, but it gets old really fast."
"I'll keep that in mind," Nathan said, finally smiling a little.
Upon Mina's and Lida's insistence, Scarlet decided she wanted to sleep over with them again, so Nathan agreed to sleep on the couch. He started having a dream while he slept. His vision was blurry at first, but he saw a silhouette against the light of his room, the balcony doors wide open with the light of day shining in. Tomoeh. Still in his haze, he reached for rounded hips that moved gently up and down on his erection. His vision remained so blurred. But he soon realized the blurry image was not Tomoeh. The skin seemed darker when he paid attention. Long black hair, black as a Raven's wings, and he swore he heard an accent in the moans of pleasure in a voice he didn't recognize. The voice was slightly deeper than Tomoeh's and soon the blurry figure whispered his name with the accent on it he'd detected, but couldn't pin down. All the same, he continued to come closer and closer to a climax and soon he did. Yet when he did, he was suddenly wide awake and realized it was dark and he was slightly uncomfortable on the couch. He heard a gentle moan come from the woman on top of him and realized it was Meg.
"Good morning, Wanderer," she said.
"Good morning to you to," Nathan answered, unsure what else to say. "What time is it?"
"2 in the morning," Meg said. "I just got back from the inn and when I saw you on this tiny couch, you looked a little uncomfortable. I thought I'd make you feel better."
"Well…..thanks for that. Wait, did anyone-"
"Shh," she whispered and brought her face just a little closer to him. "Everyone's still asleep. We wouldn't want to wake them." She gave him a quick kiss. "Even when asleep you're very attentive. A talented lover indeed," she whispered. Then she gave him one more kiss and lifted herself off him and readjusted her clothes as she went to the kitchen to prepare a pot of coffee.
Nathan was still a little stunned as he put his own clothes back in order and tried going back to sleep, but he found he couldn't now. While a shock, he found he'd rather liked it and now he seemed to have boundless energy. He started thinking of the blurry image he'd seen in his dream. He knew he'd never heard that voice before or heard it speak his name. It seemed the more he thought about the woman he'd barely seen, her image became more and more blurry. Her voice remained clear, though. Clear as a Claire playing the violin. After a few more hours of just laying on the couch unable to really fall back asleep, he felt small hands on his shoulder gently nudging him.
"Daddy, wake up. It's morning," Scarlet said.
"Alright, I'm up," Nathan said as he sat up. "What's for breakfast?"
"Some fruit and toast," Scarlet said.
"I like fruit and toast," Nathan said and stood from the couch.
While they ate breakfast, Nathan finally told Scarlet that come Saturday they would be joined Tamara on the canyon and they'd put a red tree there. Scarlet eagerly agreed that was a great place to put a red tree and got to work on making one until they all had to leave. Nathan agreed he'd take the girls to the Tribal Center so Dan could get to work. Before leaving, Dan patted Nathan on the shoulder and winked at him when they'd exchanged looks.
As promised, come Saturday, Nathan and Scarlet went to the canyons with Tamara and searched all day for the perfect place to rest their ornament. Soon, they came across a rock formation, a formidable reddish brown shaped in an arch and had a beautiful view of the valleys, canyons and bluffs. Scarlet declared this was the perfect spot and searched all over the formation until she could a little spot with a loose piece of rock. She fiddled around with it until she got the red tree into place and smiled proudly at it. As they were walking back, Nathan caught Scarlet walk closer to Tamara and pull something from her pocket. It wasn't more than a piece of paper, but she did so without Tamara noticing.
"Hey, Tamara," Nathan said.
"Yeah?"
"You go on ahead," he said. "I think Scarlet and I could use a little time alone admiring the landscape."
"Alright," Tamara said. "You remember how to get to the bon fire?"
"Yeah, we'll see you there," Nathan said and Tamara said goodbye and walked ahead. Once she was good and far away, Nathan walked closer to Scarlet. "I saw that," he said.
"What?" Scarlet asked innocently.
"Don't what me," Nathan chuckled. "You stole something from Tamara."
"Just some paper," Scarlet said, holding up the tiny stack. "I've been practicing on the other kids and thought I'd try on an adult again. She didn't notice."
Nathan chuckled and lifted Scarlet in his arms and kissed her cheek, "That's my girl."
Scarlet giggled and hugged Nathan tight and they left to find the bonfire. When they were in a circle together, Scarlet discreetly put the paper back in Tamara's pocket as Nathan told her to and she was none the wiser. Tamara invited Nathan and Scarlet to spend the night at her house which Scarlet agreed to. She used the guest room and after Nathan tucked Scarlet into bed, he and Tamara stayed up for a while and, eventually, one thing led to another. When Wednesday finally came, the children and their families all came to the Tribal Center so they could open their gifts. Scarlet loved all her gifts and put on her new dress and shoes right away. After all the children opened their gifts, Dan and Meg walked over with one last box in their hand.
"Something for Scarlet?" Nathan smiled.
"For you, actually," Tamara said and accepted the box from Dan and handed it to Nathan. "We all pitched in and got you that."
Nathan was a little surprised, but eventually opened the box. It wasn't anything really fancy. A bronze circle rounded with letters and lines, tinted the color of an old map. Nathan picked up the compass and examined it. The needle moved as he tilted and examined it.
"For your travels," Dan said.
"Thank you," Nathan smiled and stood to hug all of them.
"We really are going to miss you," Meg said, sounding oddly sentimental.
"You're just saying that," Nathan teased.
"She's not," Dan chuckled. "She'll be having dreams about you for years to come you old stud."
Nathan chuckled, finally growing accustomed to the brazen talk, "You flatter me."
The remaining few days seemed to fly by. He got his and Scarlet's things packed and they remained at Tamara's house the remaining few days before New Year's. The whole town was bustling as New Year's Eve finally came. Las Vegas was decorated and filled with more lights than usual. The whole town shut down for the festivities and the Paiute held their own celebration at the Tribal Center where they held most all their events. Sadly, all the parents for the most part didn't remain until midnight since all the kids were out long before then. Scarlet, Mina and Lida were among the kids that couldn't stay up long enough for midnight, so they all left with the kids. They all went straight to Tamara's house and got the girls tucked in for the night while Tamara made them all coffee. It was only twenty minutes before 1936 was to start and they all sat in the living room together drinking coffee.
"What time are you leaving tomorrow?" Dan asked.
"After we have breakfast," Nathan said.
"Meg and I got some food ready for you," Tamara smiled. "It should last you a while if you're careful."
"Thanks," Nathan smiled. "Scarlet's a little sad to leave, but she's excited about it too."
"Just remember to visit us again," Meg said. "You and Scarlet are always welcome."
"That means a lot," Nathan said. It was rather strange. He'd never had friends quite like Dan, Meg and Tamara. He was glad to have them, though. While admittedly unorthodox, their brand of therapy they'd introduced him to had really done him wonders. Nathan raised his mug just a little. "Here's to you three. Thanks for everything you've done for me and Scarlet. You've treated us like your own." They raised their own mugs and they joined.
"Here's to a lasting friendship," Dan said.
They all drank their coffee to the toast and Tamara refilled their mugs with the last of the coffee. Soon it came closer to the appointment time and they all stared up at the clock as the long hand ticked away. When it was time, they counted down until it was midnight and sang Happy New Year before chugging their coffee as though it were champagne and Nathan sang Auld Lang Syne. They joined him as best they could but they didn't really know the words. After the song, Meg and Dan kissed, making no effort to be modest. He turned his attention to the clock and then looked at Tamara.
"Should we leave them be?" he asked and Tamara shrugged with a smile.
"If you'd rather," Tamara said. Nathan just nodded and she led him with her to her bedroom leaving Meg and Dan alone in the living room. Tamara gently closed but did not latch her bedroom door. "So are you tired?" Tamara asked.
"A little," Nathan said. "Are you not?"
"I did just drink three cups of coffee," Tamara said. "Besides, I wouldn't want you sent off without a proper goodbye."
Nathan smiled while Tamara walked the last few paces over to him and started kissing him. It started as had become standard, but they were eventually interrupted when the door gently opened with Meg and Dan entering. They entered cautiously hoping not to surprise Nathan. Normally he might have been, but by that time, it hadn't. However, it was strange at first. Nathan and Tamara hadn't gotten very far by the time Meg and Tamara came in and they'd not gone much farther either. Meg approached them on the bed before Dan had and she crawled up beside them and just asked if she and Dan could join them. Nathan knew they were waiting for his answer and he briefly contemplated. Nervously, he eventually nodded and the smile Meg gave him was the wicked smile he'd come to know pretty well. She got on the bed beside him and Tamara on all fours and gave Nathan a kiss while Dan started pulling off his clothes and lifting Meg's clothes. Tamara started doing the same to Nathan and Meg was still kissing him when Tamara took him inside her and she began to move up and down.
In truth, the experience wasn't as scary as he imagined. More or less, Dan and Meg did their own thing while Nathan and Tamara did theirs. Meg would kiss him from time to time while she and Dan had sex, but for the most part the two couples focused on their designated partner. He barely remembered they were in there at times. They reached an end around the same time and Meg and Dan fell asleep near instantly afterwards. After Nathan and Tamara were done, she came down and laid between him and the other two, resting her head on his chest in a manner one might mistake for romantic.
"That was different," Nathan whispered and Tamara smiled.
"They've wanted to do that for a while," Tamara said.
"Yeah, I know," Nathan said, "Certainly made my last night here interesting."
"That was the goal," Tamara smiled. Then she lifted her head on Nathan's chest so she was looking at him. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Nathan said.
"Don't laugh at me, but I've grown rather fond of you."
"I like to think we're good friends," Nathan answered.
"Indeed," she smiled, "so you'll not think it strange that I want to be sure you and Scarlet are alright on your adventures."
"I'm not sure I follow."
"I'm suggesting you send us all updates through your trip," Tamara said. "I'll write down my address for you and you can send the three of us updates so we know you and Scarlet are alright and having fun."
"I don't see why not," Nathan said. "Just write down the address and we'll send you updates."
"Excellent," Tamara said with a friendly smile and rested her head back on his chest. "Happy New Year, Wanderer."
"Happy New Year, Tamara," Nathan answered back and the two finally drifted off to sleep.
Nathan made sure he was awake early and dressed in the morning before anyone else. He got coffee and some food ready and made enough noise, despite his efforts to be quiet, to wake Scarlet. She came out of the little guest room already dressed but rubbing her eyes and yawning.
"Morning, Scarlet," Nathan said.
"Morning, daddy," Scarlet yawned. "Where are we leaving for today?"
"We'll start with the Grand Canyon. I figure we can camp out there for a few days. Tamara made sure we had enough food to do so if we wanted."
"Maybe two days," Scarlet said. "Where next after that?"
"Phoenix," Nathan said. "If we need to, we'll stop in Flagstaff first, but the goal is Phoenix."
"How long are we going to be in Phoenix?"
"However long we want," Nathan smiled. "Perhaps we'll get lucky and find some friends like we did here." Scarlet smiled at the thought as she sat at the table. "You hungry?"
"Yeah," Scarlet nodded.
"How does toast and jam sound?"
"Is it that cactus pear jam that Tamara makes?" Scarlet asked eagerly.
"It's the only jam she has, isn't it?" Nathan chuckled and spread the jam on some toast and brought it to Scarlet. "I admit, I'm going to miss this place."
"Me too," Scarlet said. "But we're coming back aren't we?"
"Most definitely," Nathan nodded and patted Scarlet's head.
Shortly after, Mina and Lida came up front and Nathan made them breakfast too. Tamara, Meg and Dan were the last ones to finally appear and join them for coffee and toast. As she promised, Tamara wrote down her address for Nathan and she asked Scarlet to make sure he remembered to send her a letter about all their travels so they could all keep track of them. Scarlet promised she would. It was nearing noon by the time Nathan and Scarlet finally left and it was only after hugging everyone goodbye and promising they would be coming back again.
With all their things on Nathan's back and Scarlet walking beside him, he waited until they were out of the city limits before picking Scarlet up and running for the Grand Canyon. They knew it the moment they arrived. The view was like nothing they'd ever seen before except in pictures. The canyon shined a bright red and pale browns depending on the position of the sun and it seemed to go on forever. The first thing they did was find the perfect place to put a little red tree ornament. Scarlet found a spot where she could tuck the ornament into a nook in the rock and placed the tree there. Then they set up camp and just stared out into the distance. Nathan got out some food Tamara had made them and they had a little picnic on the cliffs. When nightfall came on their first night, they laid on the blanket they placed on the rock staring into the sky at the stars. If Scarlet saw a constellation, she would point it out. Eventually, Scarlet fell asleep, so Nathan took that time to shift into a wolf. The first voice to enter his mind was Jae.
How nice of you to finally join us, Jae teased with a laugh. Nathan couldn't help but think about the past few months and Jae seemed surprised. That explains a bit.
Add that to the growing list of things to keep from mom,Kyle said. That list is growing at an alarming rate, Nathan.
It's not that much,Nathan laughed.
So Scarlet liked Las Vegas? Jacob asked in an effort to change the subject.
She loved it,Nathan smiled. She can't wait to go back.
And what you're looking at now is the Grand Canyon?Jae asked, admiring the rocks and view of the land that Nathan was seeing.
Yeah. Scarlet and I are going to camp out here for a bit and make our way to Phoenix. Then down to Tucson where we might stay for a bit until we Reach El Paso. That'll be our last stop in the States before we get into Mexico.
You don't speak any Spanish,Kyle pointed out.
Then I'll learn,Nathan said. Can't be any harder than French.
You don't speak that either,Jae teased.
Neither do you,Nathan said.
No, but I at least speak German,Jae laughed. Although in all fairness, I'm sure you'll take to Spanish well enough seeing as you'll be required to know it.
Thank you, Jae,Nathan answered firmly and they all laughed.
Nathan remained a wolf for a while longer getting caught up with everyone. JJ and Salem were doing well according to Jae. JJ was finally growing out of his phase of sucking on his fingers but he still seemed to like Hailey a lot, annoying Hailey something awful. JJ would sometimes insist he wanted to go to work with daddy but Jae would do his best to make him stay home with Natalie more often than not. Salem was starting to walk too, but he was weak on his feet. He'd walk for a little while trying to follow Natalie only to plop right on his butt only to try again. Jacob pointed out how much JJ looked like Jae and how Salem looked more like Natalie. Nathan had to agree. Eventually, he said goodbye and promised he would change back to give an update much sooner rather than later. He didn't wake up until he felt little hands nudging him awake. He groaned and sat up and Scarlet handed him something to eat.
"Morning, daddy," Scarlet said.
"Morning, Scarlet," Nathan answered.
"Did you change to a wolf last night?" Scarlet asked.
"Yeah," Nathan said. "You're cousins are getting big. JJ looks just like your uncle and Salem looks like Natalie. They all miss you; asked how you were doing."
"How are they doing?" Scarlet asked.
"They're alright," Nathan said. "Your Uncle Kevin got back from Paris."
"He did? How's Aunt Amber doing?"
"From what Kevin told them, she's doing alright. Her father finally got an appointment with the American Embassy, so they'll come to America soon."
"Do you think we'll be back for that?"
"We'll come home for it if we need to," Nathan nodded. "We can always get back to our traveling after your Aunt Amber gets here. Do you remember when you met her?"
"Not very well," Scarlet admitted. "I remember that guard that gave me his hat."
Nathan chuckled, "Yes, the guard from Versailles. Armand I want to say his name was. You two became buddies in all the time we spent at that palace."
"I'm glad I didn't bring the helmet with," Scarlet said. "I might have lost it with all this traveling."
"You don't want to lose that," Nathan agreed and finished his breakfast. "Did you want to spend another night in the Canyons or do you want to make our way to Phoenix?"
"Let's spend one more night here," Scarlet said. "I want to stare up and the stars again before I go to sleep."
Nathan smiled and patted Scarlet's back as she continued to eat her breakfast. After finishing their breakfast, they started wandering around the canyons for the remainder of the day enjoying the site of the cavernous land and the bright color emitted from the rock in the scorching sun. Even in January, the sun burned in the sky and beat down on them in dry hot warmth. Nathan loved it. It got cold again when the sun went down and they camped for the night, snuggling under thick blankets. When they woke up the next morning and after finishing their breakfast, Nathan got everything packed back up, picked up Scarlet in his arms and started the run for Phoenix. They did stop in Flagstaff to sit down and eat, but right after they traveled the remainder of the way to Phoenix.
It reminded Nathan of Las Vegas in that it was a big city surrounded by desert. Tall buildings surrounded by smaller businesses in the shadow of a huge mountain with snowcaps; a sight Nathan would never have expected to see. All the other smaller mountains were clearly desert but were not the same vibrant red they'd seen in Nevada. Here, he could tell there were plants that were just dead for the season and there were cacti everywhere. The sun still beat down on them with a vengeance and he could feel the sun soaking into his skin, deepening his color by the second. He and Scarlet had already experienced a rather glorious tan since they'd arrived in San Diego and it had only deepened as they went along. They stared on the expanse of the city and Scarlet smiled.
"I see you love it," Nathan smiled when he noticed Scarlet's smile.
"It's beautiful," Scarlet said.
"It is," Nathan nodded and looked into the city. "Mind helping me pickpocket enough for an apartment? Assuming you're up for the task?" Nathan teased and Scarlet looked up at him, squinting her eyes meanly at the challenge with a similar smile.
"Let's see who can get more by the end of the day," She said and started running ahead into the city limits. Nathan chuckled and followed after her, beginning their latest adventure.
*Just as a side note to my readers. I hope you do not mind my sharing, but I have exciting news. My boyfriend of 7 years and I have just gotten engaged! After years of talking about it and knowing it's what we wanted to do, we're finally engaged and plan to get married October 2018. Thank you to everyone who's enjoyed reading my fanfictions over the years and I look forward to writing more. I promise I won't let wedding planning interfere with keeping up my writing. Lord knows I'll need a little fantasy during some of this planning ;) – Greenpeach20*