Chapter 9
That night, Emily went outside, as the night seemed to crawl on into a midnight, while the Florida wind blew hot. With her sippy cup beside her, Emily looked upwards at the sky….at the red sky and the lack of stars that seemed to be hidden, or captured by the essence of a blood red sky….or a fleshy pink sky.
Emily continued to pray, as she looked downwards at her folded hands….gleaning inwards towards some hope. The door opened, as Mandark came outside. Emily glanced upwards from her prayers.
"Hello, darling". Mandark said, kindly with gentle soothingness. "I was wondering where you were….you escaped from bed…well…dad was in there anyways….but he is passed out as of now…..somehow, unfortunately". Mandark said, in a soothing, gentle, loving voice. Emily nodded.
"Well, how have you been, coochie?". "We didn't get much of a chance to talk all day due to everyone being here…..but hopefully, you're doing well". Mandark said, kindly with gentle soothingness. He smiled, hugging Emily from behind. "I'm doing ok". Emily replied.
"I'm happy, honey". "I've always been happy to see someone as amazing, and as beautiful as you….you are my everything, coochie". Mandark said, soothingly with gentle, loving kindness.
Mandark relaxed on the chaise, as he put one leg over the other. He smiled, as he took out a cigarette to smoke. "Come lay with me, darling". Mandark said, in a softened, soothing, silky, seductive, gentle, kind, cuddly voice. His voice sounded soft, tired, and loving still.
Emily turned her head a bit to see Mandark as she rose from her kneeling position on one of the porch chairs…coming over to sit with him on the chaise. "Mmmm, every moment I don't wake up with you, I miss you so badly". "And I want you so badly, honey". "How have you been sleeping this evening?". "Well, perhaps?". "No nightmares, or scary, sad dreams?". Mandark asked, kindly with soothing gentleness. Mandark brushed Emily's cheeks in a soothing, gentle, softened manner. "No, nothing like that". Emily replied. Mandark nodded a gentle, kind, loving nod as he smiled, brushing Emily's cheeks lovingly. "Well, I'm happy, honey". "Nothing has bothered you, and perchance…..nothing could bother you". Mandark said, kindly with gentle soothingness. Emily nodded. Mandark smiled as he rubbed Emily's back a bit as well. He whispered to her, as she looked skyward.
"How are you regarding your mom and dad?". "Is everything ok, now?". Mandark asked in a softened, gentle, loving, and soothing voice. Emily nodded. "I'm ok now". "My mommy and daddy….they'll always be here….and everything will always be ok….I know it will". Emily said. Mandark nodded a gentle, soothing, loving and kind nod. "I'm glad, honey". "You deserve so much good that comes to you…..and in every aspect, you'll find happiness everywhere….wherever it is, and wherever it might be". "You can do anything…never forget that". Mandark said, soothingly with gentle kindness and loving softness. Emily nodded, as she returned to her brother's arms for a hug. Mandark held her close….kissing her cheeks lovingly. He held her close in his arms…to his bare chest, as he soothed her…..singing her a lullaby, caressing her, and keeping her in his arms…..he lulled her to sleep…..only afterwards, did he take her into his room, and got her down to bed. They both slept well that night…..and were inherently grateful that they had one another to look towards. Even as the night drawled on into Thanksgiving.
The next day, the smells of food wafted through the air. A warm, Earthy smell of Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cornbread casserole, pepper soup, pumpkin soup, macaroni and cheese, as well as pecan casserole filled the air. There was also cranberry mush, and salad as well. Pumpkin pie, lemon meringue pie, and cherry pie sat out for much later.
Mandark straightened his tie, as he put on his suit coat. "Check out this nice tie I got from dad…it has some Turkeys on it….how enthralling, isn't it?". Mandark said, kindly with soothingness as he chuckled. "It does look nice". Emily replied.
"Your dress looks beautiful, coochie". "And the braid you have in your hair looks simply divine….". Mandark said, kindly with soothing gentleness. "Thank you". Emily replied. Mandark looked downwards at his tie, as he tried straightening it only for it to come loose. "Darling, I need a favor". Mandark said, gently with kind soothingness. Emily raised her glance to see Mandark. "Could you tie my tie for me?". "This little stinker keeps coming loose all of a sudden". "Would you like to straighten it for me?". Mandark asked, kindly with soothing gentleness. Emily nodded.
Emily went on ahead, and straightened Mandark's tie. Mandark smiled a gentle, loving smile. "So are you feeling ok today?". "No scary dreams, or sad thoughts?". Mandark asked, gently with soothing kindness. "I am ok….but I am kind of…..sad….but everything is ok….I guess". "I know my mom and dad are here….each and everyday". Emily replied, as she finished Mandark's tie.
"Here's somewhat of an odd question…..answer honestly if possible….but, do you feel as if we're replacing your family?". "Do you feel as if we're too much for you in the way of showing affection, or trying too hard?". "Do you feel as if we don't preserve your mom and dad's memory enough?". Mandark asked in a soothing, gentle, kind, and loving whisper as his tie rustled.
Emily thought for a moment before answering. "No, it's ok….I guess…you all have been so nice when you adopted me….took me in, and helped me". "I really appreciate it a lot". "You guys are so kind, and nice….I'm really happy and really thankful that you helped me….you guys kind of let me be myself…..and you're really fun as well". "I just want to say thank you….and thank you so much for helping me….I really appreciate it". "You talk to my old mom and dad, too, and everything is ok with you and them….you've been great…..and I really appreciate it….I just want to say thanks a lot….I appreciate it a lot". Emily said. Mandark smiled a gentle, loving, and soothing smile. "You are most welcome…..and you will always be a favorite of mine". Mandark said, soothingly with gentle kindness.
Emily nodded, as she came to Mandark's arms for a warm hug. Mandark smiled, carrying Emily to the other room. Oceanbird had on a brown, strapless dress. "I think dinner might be ready, honey". Oceanbird said, kindly with a soothing gentleness and kindness. "We'll definitely be in there, mom….thank you so much….and I love you". Mandark said, in a soothing, gentle, loving, and kind voice. "I love you too, honey". Oceanbird said, gently as she kissed Mandark's forehead, kindly.
Mandark smiled, as he and Emily came into the dining room, and took their seats. Lalavava and Windbear sat down as well. Princess Morbucks went home to her family.
Food was passed around as everyone took some, and passed it around. For the turkey, there was some salt, for the mashed potatoes, there was hot sauce, and for the stuffing, hot sauce was available as well. Some cranberries were there, as well as some fig jam for the bread, and casserole.
"Let us bow our heads in prayer". Windbear said, kindly as a prayer was recited before everyone began eating. Food was eaten slowly and steadily. "Hmm, I love when we do the blessing…wouldn't you believe there are 6% of the population out there that identifies as Agnostic or Atheist". Mandark said, kindly with softness as he began eating. "Mmm, I believe it….since homosexuality is a thing now….and those people are their own breed". Lalavava mentioned, as she ate some of her turkey. "Hmmm, something odd, isn't it?". "We don't have, or know anyone who is Atheist or homosexual". Oceanbird said, in a mutter as she ate.
"We haven't either….homosexuality, thankfully enough….is rare". Mandark muttered, as he ate his food. "Hmm, well, homosexuality doesn't have to be Atheism…I'm sure other religions allow for same-sex couples to marry". "Think about it….Buddhism, Hinduism, Daoism…any Asian religion or denomination". Lalavava muttered. "I think in the book of enlightenment, there is something about unity between a man and a woman". "And as for Hinduism, which is polytheistic, the number of gods and goddesses involved with spouses of the same sex is minimal to none". Mandark muttered. Lalavava raised an eyebrow. "You really want to debate what's in the book of enlightenment, or in the pantheon of Hindu gods". Lalavava scoffed, aptly.
Mandark shoveled in some more food. "I'm just reporting what I've researched…..which is an aspect that states heterosexuality as the norm". Mandark muttered. "A man and a woman is all the unity we need". "Though, I wouldn't be opposed to a man marrying another man". "I believe that a man can be stately, butch, and have the efficacies of a true, rugged male while also being attracted to another man". Mandark stated.
"And so…a feminine man is straight?". "Come on, that can't be right". Lalavava muttered back. "We don't know for sure….I have a colleague of mine who likes tea parties, the color purple, staying fit and trim, theater, and he's married to a woman". "How do exactly we know for sure, unless we ask them their situation". "We need to be more enlightened towards what's interest-based, and what sexuality is". Mandark said.
"It is just so unusual for a straight man to be feminine, or for a homosexual man to be manly". "I get that it can be deceiving at times…but still". Lalavava mentioned. "Well, a manly, rugged man with a beard, and chest hair can still be seen touching his partner's butt is all I'm saying". Mandark muttered, as he took more food after shoveling some food in. "While some agree that homosexuality and being gay is wrong, I happen to be a progressive man….I don't care who marries who, or who kisses who as long as they're happy". Mandark stated. "Until they get their weens crossed….then, it's a sight for sore eyes". "Or maybe it's an eyesore". Windbear joked, as everyone laughed. "But what a gay man does with his partner in bed is none of my business". Windbear continued, as he smirked a sneaky, cunning, cheeky smirk.
Everyone continued laughing. More food was eaten, as Emily ate one item on her plate at a time, but still went back for a 3rd helping.
"She's eating more than usual….have we seen that before?". Oceanbird asked, in a soft voice. "The Xanax I gave her, interacting with the Cannabis increases appetite….but she'll be full soon". "We'll watch her, and after this plate, I'll cut her down a bit so she doesn't get sick later". Mandark said, in a mutter. Oceanbird nodded, as she continued eating. Conversation went on, as Oceanbird smiled, kissing Emily's cheeks. "You're mommy's best friend….forever and always". Oceanbird said, kindly with soothingness, as she rubbed Emily's back soothingly.
"Thank you….and you're my best friend, too". Emily said. Emily finished her plate, pushing it back. "I'm full". She said, as she drank from her sippy cup. "Would you like to split some ice cream with me?". "I have some to cleanse my palette". Mandark said, soothingly with gentle kindness. "Ok". Emily replied, as the family wrapped up their conversations, and then, sat in silence….as they had dessert. They let their stomachs digest the food, as Oceanbird coughed a bit. "Mmmm, I need a cigarette". "Want to come with me, Emily, baby?". "I'd like to brush your face, and kiss your cheeks….I need someone to snuggle with". Oceanbird whispered, gently. Emily nodded, as she went outside on the chaise with her adoptive mom.
The moon was yellow…golden that night as it glowed above in a mystifying, eloquent, faceted manner. Oceanbird smiled a gentle, loving, soothing smile as she laid out on the chaise. "How are you this evening, darling?". Oceanbird asked, kindly with soothing gentleness. Emily nodded. "I'm fine". Emily replied, as she drank from her sippy cup.
"I'm happy you're doing well, darling….today wasn't too hard for you, was it?". "It being Thanksgiving without your mom and dad". Oceanbird said, in a gentle, loving, kind and soothing voice. "No, it was fine". Emily replied, as she looked upwards at the moon which hung high in the sky.
"You ate a lot this evening….you must've been really hungry, honey". Oceanbird said, kindly with soothing gentleness. "I was really hungry….I don't know why though….I usually don't eat 3 plates of food". Emily said. "Mmm, your older brother has you on some medicine right now….and the medicine is responsible for why you experienced such an increase in appetite". "You usually don't that much…but today was a bit different….only and all because you took medication". Oceanbird said, gently with soothing kindness. "That's ok…medicine makes someone hungry for a big meal". Oceanbird chuckled a bit.
She smoked her cigarette, tapping ash from it as well. "You may not remember so well…but…when you were a baby, and you just came home from Ukraine….your adoptive mother held you in her arms…..and whispered of how you were her greatest gift". "Which you certainly are….you're the world's best gift…..and you are someone who will continue to change the world wherever you go". "You've given so many people so many things…..and your amazing pulchritude, glory, and beauty will make the world a better place in its entirety". "Who you are…..and who you've always wished to be….has come to you…..and it has made you a beautiful, wonderful, extraordinary, and incredible person". "You make me smile each and every time I see you". Oceanbird whispered in a soothing, gentle, loving voice as she brushed Emily's cheeks. "Thank you". Emily replied.
Oceanbird brushed Emily's cheeks lovingly….all while she hummed a gentle, soothing, and kind lullaby. "Where are you looking, Emily, darling?". Oceanbird asked, in a soothing, gentle, loving, and kind whisper. Emily returned her glance to Oceanbird. "I'm not looking anywhere". Emily said.
"You're looking away…..it's as if you feel deep in thought about something….look at me….see into my eyes…..I love you…but most of all, I love us…and more than anything, I want us to be happy". "Look into my eyes…..be still, and know that the Lord is beside you…..he protects his children….he entrusts his best archangel with the lives of others….be beside the Lord….for he is always with you". Oceanbird whispered, soothingly, as she massaged Emily's face.
Oceanbird hummed a gentle, loving, kind, and soothing hum of a lullaby as she nuzzled Emily feeling the gentleness and pulchritude of her heroine. Emily closed her eyes….hearing Oceanbird sing to her. "In your arms…..I can still feel the way you love me when you hold me". "I can still feel the love inside you when you kiss me….I could stay right here fo-r-ev-er in your arms". Oceanbird sang to Emily in a semi-vernacular, gentle, somewhat on-key singing voice. She kissed Emily's cheeks as Emily's eyes remained closed. "But there ain't no way….I'm letting you go now, and there ain't no way, using so little of my know-how, never see your face, never trust the one I'm with, never see the day".
"I'm keeping you forever and for al-ways". "We will be together til the end of our days". "I wanna wake up in the morning to your sweet face…always". Oceanbird sang this as she kissed Emily's cheeks lovingly. Oceanbird hummed a gentle, soothing, kind and loving hum as she nuzzled Emily. Emily kept her eyes closed…she kept her breathing slow, and she relaxed….hearing the kindness of Oceanbird's voice.
Oceanbird smiled as she nuzzled Emily kindly. Emily heard her adoptive mother's voice…..finding peace in stillness. The stillness and gentleness of the moment, reflected as Emily heard the whispers of her adoptive mother. "Darling….lay your head right here". Oceanbird whispered, kindly with soothing softness and gentleness. Emily did as was instructed and laid her head down on Oceanbird's breast…as Oceanbird gently whispered, humming another lullaby…..all while she caressed Emily's forehead. "Love you…..now, always, and forever". Oceanbird whispered, gently with kind soothingness. She kissed Emily's forehead, humming to her, softly. Emily felt the squishiness, and the gentleness of Oceanbird's breast….all while Oceanbird whispered to her, kindly. Emily closed her eyes…..feeling the nourishment in its gentleness. "Te amo, te amo…she says to me….she lays her head down on my chest, as I kiss her cheeks…will-ing-ly". "Then, we dance underneath the candelabra, it's so in-ease, what I feel to her, is something real, and something….angelic…like my baby brought to me in a cradle from heav-en". Oceanbird sang softly as she kissed Emily's forehead.
"Te amo, then I put my hands on her head….told her no, she crack, te amo, then she felt her hands around my chin….I saw in the light….without asking why….Te amo…could someone tell me what she says?". "I think it means I love you". Oceanbird sang in a gentle, soothing, loving whisper. Emily was asleep by this point….and she felt more nuzzles, and heard more of Oceanbird's 3 hour long song.
Oceanbird laid her head down on the headrest of the chaise. She extended her feet outwards, her bare feet, as she kept Emily close to her.
Footsteps were heard, as a deepened smoker's cough, and a gentle, dove-like, deepened, wise, soothing man's voice was heard with them. Windbear had come outside to retrieve Emily. He saw them sleeping, as Oceanbird was now naked with Emily close to her. Not that Windbear was much different…..he was shirtless.
"Baby…". Windbear whispered, kindly with a gentle, loving, and soothing voice. He laid down beside Oceanbird, as the 3 of them fell asleep. Windbear wrapped his arms around his wife and child.
Mandark came outside at 1 am, seeing the 3 of them curled up outside in the 90 degree night. Or at the least, 88 degrees.
"Mom, dad". Mandark whispered in an angrily hushed whisper. He poked their faces. He took a picture of the 3 of them with his Kodak camera, as the flash was turned on….and those 3 shot awake immediately.
"What….what's going on?". Oceanbird asked, as she stammered awake. "I think it's time to get up, unfortunately". Windbear stammered, as he took his palm off of Oceanbird's breast. Going inside.
"Emily is welcome to rest with us….if she'd like". Windbear said, kindly with a soothing, gentle voice. "I'm sure she is…..she can rest with you…it's ok". "I'll sleep in the guest room, and you both can sleep in my bed". Mandark said, as he rubbed his eyes. Windbear nodded. "Thanks, bud". He replied.
Oceanbird carried Emily in, as Emily took the middle of the bed. "Mmmm, we slept for a long time, huh?". Oceanbird said, in a gentle, softened whisper. "Do you feel awake now?". Oceanbird asked, gently in a whisper. "Kind of". Emily replied, as she rubbed her eyes in tiredness. "I sort of feel awake, myself". Windbear whispered, gently as he and Emily laughed.
The parents got into bed, as Oceanbird tucked Emily in on one side, kissing one cheek, while Windbear tucked Emily in on the other…kissing Emily's other cheek. Emily felt affection on both sides….both sides of her adoptive parents….kissing her cheeks, tucking her in, as she laid down to sleep….with the blanket over her, feeling the essence of a lovely, sappy, softened, relaxed Thanksgiving. It was a Thanksgiving everyone could be happy about