Quest for Destiny Chapter Four
Quest for Destiny Chapter FourChapter 4
There came a knock at the bedchamber door of the Cambridge estate. Raanana looked up from the aged book she read – one of many in Myer’s library. The door opened and Sarita peaked in.
“Yvette’s awake,” the younger stated.
Setting the book on the bed, Raanana quickly rose and followed. Her hat and vest were left at the wall table and chair, though her holster was worn for all to see. Only Myer, Lavina and Jeremy got near. Even so, her fading scent kept those three a couple steps away. The rest of the household remained on other floors or in the far wing.
The home had returned to a semblance of normality in the last seventeen hours since the bonfire died away – a normality enforced by Myer. The mother who went out one door and in the next could only surmise what constituted normal in such a place.
“Morning,” the young femella greeted from the bed, seeing her mother. There was little resemblance between the two. “Why are you here?”
Going to the young woman on the side where the chairs rested, taking hold, “That’s a very silly question.”
Squirming from the embrace, Yvette scrunched her nose with a sneeze. “What’s that smell?” She scooted back more.
“Sorry. I let it fade, but you know I’m naked without it.”
“I like the perfume. This is different.”
“It’s different to you now. It’s going to get worse.”
“What do you mean?” Without waiting for an answer, “I’m starved. Is there something to eat?” She then considered her surroundings, “This is nice. Where are we?”
“Could I have a chance to answer one questions before going on to the next?”
“Sure. Why am I here? What happened?” she asked while feeling around her hips to discover what bounded her. “I have to pee. Why am I wearing a diaper?”
There was a nervous chuckle from Raanana as Katy, Myer, Eiddwen and Lavina entered through the open door.
“What’s going on?” Yvette asked, followed by, “Who are all of you?”
Raanana rolled her eyes, losing track of answers for her daughter, saying, “First things first. Go to the bathroom.”
“I’ll show you,” Katy stated.
“I’ll do that,” Sarita told the woman who wore a tomato-colored satin gown.
Raanana instructed her daughter, “Leave the diaper in the bathroom. I have your clothes from the other day. Now that you’re up, we’ll get you out of here and back home.”
Myer objected, “We talked about that.”
“You have one thing to do. Find Caroline. I’m taking Yvette back to Colorado and away from all this.”
“I have classes,” Yvette stated.
Sarita corrected, “We don’t. We missed some days and Myer arranged for us to begin next semester.”
“Or the one after that,” Myer added. “Or whenever you’re ready.”
“He paid our resident housing and classes for the degree.”
“You did?” Yvette asked the man. “You’re Myer? Why would you do that?”
Raanana rose from the bed, eying the man, “You can try answering this barrage. I’m still waiting for a chance to begin with the ones presented to me.”
“What’s going on?” Yvette asked.
“Now she’s repeating,” Raanana stated to the group. Turning to her daughter, she told her, “Go to the bathroom. We’ll get some food on the road and discuss this.”
A realization began filtering through Yvette’s mind. Looking to the man. “You’re Myer.”
“I am.”
“My mother talked about you. You’re….” She looked to her friend. “Did they hurt you?”
“No,” Sarita replied. “A man attacked you Tuesday.”
“What day is this?”
“Friday.”
“Dear,” Raanana addressed, taking her hand. “Go to the bathroom. There’s a lot to explain.”
“That smell. It’s the perfume.” Her eyes darted to each person in the chamber, as she shifted against the headboard in an attempt to get further from the disturbing reality. Centering on the three she knew the least, she surmised, “I’m one of you.” To Lavina, “I remember you now. Why did this happen?”
“I’m so sorry, dear,” the thin regal woman stated. She wore a white gown that barely veiled her form. “It was necessary. You would have perished from this life.”
“Perish? Huh?”
Sarita moved closer, next to Raanana, telling her friend, “I thought he was raping you. Then…. I saw…. There was so much blood.” Tears flowed freely. “I couldn’t do anything. You were dying and I couldn’t do anything.”
Eiddwen caught her eyes. “It’s all right.”
“No, it’s not all right,” the younger, plump femella snapped, her voice cracking. “It’s not right at all. I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s not all right.”
“No, it’s not,” Raanana agreed. “It is what it is and we have to carry on.”
Yvette looked to her friend. “I remember part of it. I was at my car. I got in, but a man pulled me out before I closed the door. I don’t know where he came from. He was fast and strong. I tried….” Her voice clogged in the throat.
“It’s in the past, dear,” her mother soothed, setting a comforting hand on the arm. “You don’t have to tell us. We know what happened. The man’s gone now. He’ll harm no one else.”
“He pulled me to the trees. I tried to scream and bite his hand. He held my mouth. I thought he was going to… to…. That’s not what he did.” Looking into her mother’s eyes, “I know you told me about them, but I didn’t believe you. You even had those people show me videos. I thought it was just a wild Wiccan thing.”
“I’m not Wiccan. You know they couldn’t do what I do.”
The room closed in on Yvette. Everyone watched the young student while her life flashed in confused imagery. “This is real,” she muttered.
“I’m afraid so,” the mother replied. “I explained some of what I knew, but I didn’t want to fully expose you to them until you were ready. I made a mistake.”
Pulling her friend across the bed with her, Yvette slid off the bed at the far side. “Damn, I have to pee. Let’s go.” She was still assessing her surroundings.
Sarita shuffled to the floor, then guided Yvette to the exit. “I’ll show you.”
Passing through the sculpted frame of the open door into the hall, the thinner student declared, “Hell with the bathroom. I’m getting out of here.”
“Yvette,” Lavina addressed. “You can’t leave.”
Ignoring her, the thinner student looked both ways along the hall, asking her friend, “How do we get out of here?”
“This way,” the plump one told her, taking the lead, guiding her into the foyer, then down stairs to the front door.
“I have to pee.”
“Just do it. You have a diaper.”
“I can’t hold it any longer.”
The two trotted out the door, descending the portico stairs. Yvette—in the powder-blue nightgown she woke in—had an odd waddle as the bladder spurted with each step. Her friend bounded beside her in the wheat-colored day gown, her fullness fighting for its own escape.
By the time they reached the gate, they were panting heavily.
“Now what?” Yvette asked, looking at the sturdy, locked, wrought-iron barrier. She extended her view to either side where nine-foot, red brick walls continued beyond sight.
“We climb. We get to the road and find help.”
“Please stay,” a man’s voice came from behind.
Turning, the two saw Myer being joined by Lavina, then Katy, Raanana, the striking blonde femella, a large dark woman and a tall man with white hair. The rancher was the only one breathing deeply, though less so than the students who backed to the gate. Metal clanged when they slammed against the cold grid. The bright early sunlight filtered through trees.
“Let us go,” Sarita pleaded. “We won’t tell anyone.”
“We can’t allow that,” Lavina stated, “especially the way you’re dressed. You’ll draw attention.”
“Dear,” Raanana added to her daughter, moving the closest. “As much as I dislike being here – or the situation – you can’t go yet. You need to clean up – and I suppose you should eat before we go. You haven’t had anything more than broth for over two days. We have to talk, then we can go home.”
“I have school.”
“I’ll get you set up in Colorado, where you’ll be safe and I can protect you.”
“She’ll be safe here,” Myer declared.
“She wasn’t,” the mother remarked, her tone dismissive.
“None of us knew she was here.”
“Eblin did. His sister does.”
Lavina told her, “Your family’s scent is known to us. That’s all Eblin and Caroline needed.”
“Then you all should have known.”
“I wish we did. We could have protected her. I would have had a guardian for her.”
“Well, that didn’t happen.”
“Of that, I’m sorry. You and I have been friends for years. Why not tell me Yvette was going to college here?”
“I knew she didn’t wish to follow my path. I hoped to leave her out of it completely; letting her have a normal life. She could be the accountant she was planning to be.”
“I’m going to work at NASA,” Yvette declared.
“If you wish,” her mother told her. “You can get an engineering degree in Colorado.”
“This is a better school, even for accountants.”
“If not Colorado; California has good schools and it’s far from here. I can set you up there.”
“I want to go here.”
Katy told the mother, “They’re both paid up for the next three years.”
“Give it to someone else. I’m taking my girl home.”
“Sorry, Mom. I’m going to this school.”
“No you’re not. It’s not safe.”
The students looked at each other, then the group in front of them. For a while, none knew what to say, then Yvette expressed, “I need to change clothes and I’m starved.”
Myer took a step forward, speaking to Sarita, “You know you’re safe here. Let’s go back to the house. You can show her where to bathe. Her clothes are waiting. We have other clothes, if she wishes. Once she’s freshened, we’ll dine and answer all your questions. Later, we’ll send both of you with the car to get things from the dormitorium. You have rooms here. You can stay as long as you need.”
“We have the one room,” Sarita remarked.
“We could give you another. There are some in the other wings we could prepare for you. There are several adjoining rooms that would allow you two to be close.”
“Why do all this for us?” Yvette asked.
“We owe you. You were attacked because of a decision I made three years ago. I should have terminated him then. Or at least, held him for your mother to deal with. Now, we have a mess.”
“You killed him?” Sarita asked.
“He’s no longer with us,” the man explained.
“What about the police?”
Raanana answered. “This is beyond law enforcement. They’re not equipped to handle these situations. They’re not able to handle these people, so it comes to others to do it.”
Myer caught the implication. “Handle us?”
“Yes. You may have lived longer, but we can handle you. It’s easier to let you be at peace, as long as you stay out of our way.”
“I see. Well, there won’t be any handling for now.” Turning to Katy. “Please head back and have a meal prepared. Yvette has much to learn.”
“So do I,” Sarita added.
Myer smiled. “Are you ready?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“You always have choices.”
“It didn’t seem like it. You wouldn’t let us go.”
“You were able to go. Yvette had to stay.”
“If she stays, I stay.”
“You will?” Yvette asked, squeezing her hand affectionately.
“Of course. We’re friends.”
“I’m glad.”
The pair looked at the expectant group, then Sarita admitted, “I’m hungry, too.”
That ended the urge to flee, but not the apprehension. The pair allowed themselves to be guided back. They went to the room first presented to Sarita on the night the students arrived at the mansion. Yvette took the first shower, then Sarita.
The students dressed in fresh gowns laid out for them; Sarita in cerise, her friend in jade. Yvette accepted it over the clothes she arrived in, even though they were cleaned and repaired, showing no sign of the trauma they experienced.
The meal was prepared and Eiddwen escorted the friends to the dining room where a wide range of cuisine had been spread on the long table having a cream-colored cloth. Indirect sunlight filtered through a row of curtained windows opposite the doors overlooking the courtyard within the non-guest wings. Four candelabras were unlit along the table. The decor of the chamber and layout was suitable for a noble feast.
The friends halted as they entered. Only a portion of the seats were occupied, and those with the same people at the gate. Myer sat in a chair larger than the others, midway on the far, long side. Next to him, in slightly smaller chairs, were Lavina to his right and Raanana at his left. Twenty-seven other smaller, yet regal chairs continued on either of the broad sides. No seats were at the ends.
Jeremy stood behind Myer’s left. Marcella sat opposite Lavina. A setting was empty on Raanana’s left.
“That’s for you –” Eiddwen told Yvette, “with your mother.” Smiling to Sarita, “We sit on this side.”
The friends looked longingly at each other, but felt ill at ease to complain. Sarita sat at the setting mid-table, facing Myer with the blonde at her right.
“Welcome,” the patriarch greeted, eyeing each with a pleasant demeanor. “There’s a variety of dishes.” To Yvette, as she approached her mother, “Those near you should suit your growing tastes. Though, if they’re still too spicy, please say so and we’ll move others closer for you to sample.”
Taking the seat, the thin student replied, “I’m sure it will be fine. I could eat a horse.”
“Well, no horsemeat is here. We have lamb and beef today. There is a variety of fruits, spicy mushrooms….” To Sarita, pointing to a platter closer to her, “Those mushrooms are tamer with a pleasant stuffing.”
“Why the difference?” the plump woman asked, taking a couple and some medium rare beef strips, as well as salad.
Raanana answered. “These people’s tastes run stronger. It has to do with the way their digestion works. Spices help with the rare meats.”
Katy stood on their side, pouring wine into silver goblets for Sarita and Eiddwen while Jeremy poured something that looked like thin cream of tomato soup for Yvette.
“What are you giving her?” Sarita asked Jeremy.
Lavina told her, “You won’t care for it.”
“Why not?”
Raanana explained, “Yvette is changing. She has been since the attack. That’s the price for saving her life.”
“Changing?”
“I’m afraid so,” the woman responded with a sigh. Her eyes were sad, flickering to retain anger. “She’s becoming like them.”
“What does that mean?”
“Mmm,” Yvette toned, after a drink. “This is good. What is it?”
Myer told her, “We call it crimson milk.”
“What’s in it?”
Myer looked to the friend on the far side, asking the plump student, “How much do you really want to know?”
“Everything.”
“That’s a great deal,” Raanana replied. She then spoke to everyone at the table. “Before anyone says anything more about this meal, let’s discuss Yvette’s situation with Sarita.” To the fuller student, “I should have told you more before now.” After a measured breath, “My daughter is going through changes. I had hoped to spare you details, but I see I won’t be able to.”
“What changes?”
“Remember back to your puberty and how your taste in food changed?”
“Sort of. I guess I do like different stuff now.”
“Precisely. Our tastes matured. I’m getting old enough for it to happen again. Menopause does that to us women. Men are spared this delight. Their hormones are simpler.” With a glance to her daughter, “Well, Yvette is changing again.”
Watching her friend cut a slice of lamb that was pinker than seemed healthy, having a good amount of ground peppers and seasonings, “I’d say. I didn’t think she ate meat like that.”
“She’ll eat more of it. She’ll need the protein.” Fighting disgust, “There’s protein in that drink, as well. My daughter is becoming a thing of legends and she’s going to eat more like them.”
“What legends?”
“Most all of them. Beyond this estate, these people are myths. I wish you never had to know the truth of it, but you insist on remaining friends.”
“Of course we’re friends. Why say that?”
“She’ll need friends like you. It won’t be easy. I’m worried about how you’ll take it.”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not. I can’t blame you. No one here does. You don’t know the extent of what’s happening. It took me years to fully accept the reality of these people.”
Lavina told the woman from the other side of Myer, “You began learning how to handle us when you were not much older than Sarita. Those myths misrepresent us. We’re not complicated to know.”
“The years made you complicated, though it is true that myths have you distorted. Even so, they do have insights.”
“Most all of them are distorted.”
“Please let me handle this.”
“Of course. Handle it.”
“I’m sorry for that choice of phrasing.” Back to Sarita, the mother explained while each around the table sampled dishes, “My girl is changing. It’s more drastic than puberty – or menopause. She’s becoming something more than simian – as they think of us – a lot more. She may seem like us in many ways, but she won’t be. She’ll be more than simian.”
“How much more?”
“This is where it gets complicated. It all depends on who did it and what was absorbed.” Raanana looked to Myer expectedly.
“It was Gulzar.”
“And?”
“He’s been around longer than I have.”
“Great,” Raanana moaned, seemingly physically ill. She looked past the man.
Lavina told her, “Not as long as I have, and I’m not saying how long that’s been.”
“I have enough to ponder your years.” To Sarita, “Well – this will complicate her new life greatly.” Raanana emptied her goblet, then held it up. Jeremy filled it from a bottle much like the one served to Sarita and Eiddwen. Taking another gulp, “I need to think.” Catching the eyes of everyone at the table, “I don’t want this discussed yet.”
Myer nodded, then told Sarita, “That wine you and Raanana are drinking is from Lavina’s Vineyard.”
The discussion went to wines and the matriarch’s estate in Virginia, then to foods in general, avoiding any of the more exotic dishes.
Eventually, Lavina changed the subject abruptly, asking Sarita, “You mentioned you’re working on an aeronautical engineering degree.”
“That’s the plan. Yvette and I are hoping to work at NASA.”
“What courses are you taking?”
“Right now? Literature and physics with Yvette, and history on my own.”
“You did mention that. Are you delving into gravity wave theory?”
“Not so much. Gravity wave principles, beyond the obvious, are more advanced and we haven’t discussed it much.”
“So, nothing about what happens within concentrated gravity of singularities?”
“There’s some research, but it’s all theoretical.”
Yvette praised, “Sarita is good at it.”
“So is Yvette,” the friend stated. “When she gets mirror alignment’s worked out, she’ll get her grades up in this class.”
“I guess I have to do that next semester.”
“Both of us.”
“We’ll ensure it,” Lavina told them. “Whatever Myer doesn’t cover, I will.”
“I still don’t understand why you’re so generous,” the plump woman admitted.
Marcella set a hand on Sarita’s arm. “Accept it. It’s meant as a compliment and we all know you will do well.”
“I don’t know. I hope so. These classes are hard.”
Raanana looked over. “I’m sure your parents will appreciate the assistance. Tell them you gained a grant from a private institute. That is what happened.”
“I guess. We were going into debt for this.”
Myer finished a bite, then told her, “Give me the details later and I’ll deal with it.”
“Please, love,” Lavina told the man. “I’ll take care of that.”
Sarita shook her head, eyes moistening. “I can’t believe this. It’s like a dream.”
“A good one, I hope,” the thin, mysterious woman remarked.
“Not entirely.”
“I suppose not. If you know anything of gravity wave physics, I’d love to hear about it.”
Myer looked to the woman at his right. Raanana did as well while the masle commented, “This is a side of you I didn’t know existed. Physics?”
“I’m curious.”
“I know – but physics?”
“There had been many breakthroughs. I’m just wondering how far they’re getting along.”
“Pretty far,” Sarita told her. “I’ll ask the professor if we’re studying it more. He may not want to go into much, since it’s not the focus of our course.”
“Don’t lasers measure gravity waves?”
“They could, theoretically. They split the beam, sending them on different courses of the same length. That’s the hard part. The lengths have to be precise. The two beams are rejoined when they return. Differences and fluctuation in phasing could show a gravity wave. We may not have anything sensitive enough to feel them. At least, nothing’s been detected yet.”
“We have time. I’m just curious.”
Lavina led the conversation around the student’s curriculum until the only ones interested were the students and Lavina.
In a lull during dessert, Raanana came out of her silence. “I suppose this situation is as much my fault as anyone. More so probably.”
“I can’t see how,” Lavina told her.
“You helped me three years ago.”
“We were saving your grandniece. It’s the Sullivans who are at fault.”
“I’m referring to here. I let them escape. I failed to get them all.” To her daughter, “I’m sorry about that. I should have done more.”
“I’m fine,” Yvette stated, taking a bite of her second helping of strong custard.
“No,” the mother told her softly with a long sigh, “you’re not fine. You’ll have to learn a whole new life. I’m afraid they’re correct in this matter. I’m not equipped for that. I’m more suited for endings than beginnings. I can’t take you home. I know that now. I should have realized that before. God knows, I still want to take you with me. I now know I can’t. These people will teach you what you need to know.” Fighting tears, Raanana told the man next to her, “I’m placing her in your care. I don’t have to remind you what would happen if—.”
“No, ma’am,” the man stated, cutting her off. “You don’t have to tell me. Everyone here will ensure her safety.”
Lavina agreed, “They will. I’ll also keep aware of what goes on with her.”
“Thank you both.” Rising, the mother expressed, “I’m exhausted. I’m going to lie down now.”
“Are you all right, Mom?”
Kissing her daughters forehead, “I’ll be fine. I didn’t get much sleep since I heard of the attack.”
“I’ll come with you.”
“No. You stay. They have to talk to you.” To Sarita, “I want you to come with me.”
“I want to hear what they have to say.”
“Not yet. There are things they have to show her. She knows some of it, even if she may not have believed it before. You’re not ready for that. Neither is Yvette, but it’s her life now.” To Lavina, “I trust you the most here. Please, be gentle with my girl.”
“We will. I’ll ensure it.”
The Jewish witch and plump woman left the room. In the antechamber, after the sculpted doors were shut, Raanana told Sarita, “I’ll tell you what I can at my room.”
“I don’t want to leave her.”
“It’s beyond us now. She’s one of them. She’ll remain your friend, like Lavina is mine. However, she now lives in a different world. I never thought I’d lose one of my children to this, but life has ways of handing out surprises.”
~ ~ ~
For over an hour at Raanana’s room, the two talked as they sat on the bed. They had been leaning against the headboard when there came a knock at the door and Yvette entered.
“Hi,” the young woman greeted both. “I’m sorry, Mom.”
“None of this is your fault.”
“I’m still sorry.”
“Come give me a hug. They may become fewer. I’m not comfortable without the perfume.”
“You don’t need it here. We’re safe.”
“You didn’t think so before.”
“I know. I was confused.”
“I’m still not sure what’s going on,” Sarita stated.
Patting her leg, Raanana expressed, “We all have a lot to catch up on. I have to get used to what happened.”
Yvette nodded, “Me, too.”
“What did they show you?” Sarita asked.
“I’ll tell you later. Let’s go. They’re taking us to the dorm and sorority.”
“Why can’t we drive ourselves? Our cars are still locked up?”
“For now, they’re going to drive us. That Caroline woman is still out to kill me.”
“You’re taking this well.”
Raanana remarked, “That’s part of the changes. Like puberty prepares us for bearing children, these changes prepare them for this life.” Nudging Sarita off the bed, “Go. Enjoy your time with Yvette. She’s still much the same. Her eating habits have changed, though she’ll still eat pizza and cheeseburgers, so don’t act differently with her. If it’s bland for her, she’ll still eat it.” To the daughter, “Don’t complain when it’s bland.”
“I won’t.”
“I’m still waiting for my last hug.”
“It won’t be our last. Don’t put the perfume on.”
“I have to. I still have a lot of people who wish me gone and it keeps them back.”
“What about gas masks?” Sarita asked. “Couldn’t someone use one to get close without the effect?”
“They could hold their breath, but it does affect the skin. It gives me a warning. Unless the masks are completely self-contained, like scuba gear, it won’t work. The aroma is too fine, though the powder would be blocked. It would be obvious if they wore one. As a perfume, I’m warned about who they are when they get close. The reaction is instant. They can’t tolerate it. I have other ways of handling them when I know who they are.”
“Yeah; that gun.”
“For a start.”
Yvette told her friend, “You should check out that walking stick closer.”
“Another time,” Raanana stated. “Now give me that hug and get going, so I can cry.”
The two students embraced the woman.
“Happy Sabbath, Mom.”
The older woman just nodded, unable to reply without choking. After she was alone, Raanana cried for a while, applied more perfume, then cried herself to sleep.
~ ~ ~
The pair of students rode in the back seat of an early model luxury sedan, the interior having leather and polished wood. The plump, young woman watched her friend. Sarita had changed back to the outfit she wore on Tuesday. Yvette was still in the gown and both wore coats. There was silence. Neither knew what to say first. Sarita’s mind was a whirlwind of questions. She kept glancing to the driver – a tall, solid, well-dressed man she only knew from the mansion. She had no reason to trust him.
Yvette didn’t know the driver at all and was still weak and confused. So much had been said to her, she figured it would take weeks to sift through it all. Though raised knowing about these people, it was hard for her to consider their existence were more than stories and videos.
Long looks between the friends didn’t pass knowledge as it once did. Their world changed and there was no common references to connect the two.
“I know,” Yvette finally expressed, making an assumption of the last spark in the other’s eyes. “We can talk at the room.” Seeing the glance from the man through the rearview mirror, the thinner whispered, “Myer said he’ll stay outside.”
After a while, the car pulled along a street across from a long brick building. The driver turned back to the pair, his right arm along the seatback. “Is this the place?”
Sarita nodded, as Yvette told him, “It is.”
“Good. Take your time. I’ll remain here, should something happen. You’ll have enough commotion to deal with without having to explain me. Run along. Have fun. Talk it out.”
The two exited the vehicle on the walkway side and went to the nearest corner.
Sarita looked to the car in the shadows of the low sun. “We don’t have to go back.”
“I do,” her friend stated, as they stepped into the crosswalk.
Looking up and down the streets at the assorted people, mostly femella students their ages, Sarita expressed, “We don’t. We can stay here and catch up with our classes. Your mother can bring us our cars and stuff.”
“I’ll go back to class next semester. But for now, I have to stay with them until we know where Caroline is. If I don’t go back, Myer will send people to find me. They can smell us. We’ll talk in the room.”
Reaching the main entry, the pair ascended the three steps to the landing. After a brief pause with Yvette holding the handle, the thinner pulled open the aluminum framed glass door and both proceeded into the warm lobby.
“Yvette – Sarita,” a high pitched voice called from the top of the texture-coated, metal side stairs painted pale-blue. “You’re back?” Rushing down, “What happened? They said you were sick, but wouldn’t say what it was.”
“Hi, Mindy,” Yvette greeted the slender brunette. “I’m fine, now. It was nothing.”
“It was something,” Sarita told her friend. “You almost died.”
“Died?” Mindy asked.
“It’s nothing,” Yvette insisted. “We have to pick up a few things.”
“They said you dropped out.”
“Only for now. We’ll start classes again next term.” Giving a quick hug, Yvette told the brunette, “Good to see you. We have to go.”
Up the stairs, the pair left the casual student-friend with more questions than answers. Other students greeted them and it took a while to reach Yvette’s room down the long hall.
Inside, Yvette closed the door. “Whew. I forgot how noisy people can be.”
Sitting in one of the two chairs, Sarita stated, “You didn’t mind before. You gossiped with them all.”
Going to the small bed at the left, Yvette plopped on it, laying back, “I guess. It’s different now.”
“Your mother said things would be different. They all said that.”
“What did Mom—.” There came a knock at the door. “Go away,” the thin student called out.
The door opened and an older woman entered. “Hello, Yvette. I came to check on you.”
“That was fast.”
“Mindy’s worried. We all are.”
“I’m fine.”
“You look exhausted. Shouldn’t you still be in the hospital?”
“I wasn’t. I’m fine.”
“All right. As Head of House for your team, I have to make sure.”
“Thanks. I’m really okay. I’m tired. That’s all.”
“You do look tired. Your room is paid up for a long time, so…. Well, I guess that’s it. Welcome back.”
“I’m just getting a few things. I’ll be staying with friends for a while.”
“Good. I hope you feel better.”
“I do.”
The woman left. Sarita rose and locked the door. Turning to the friend, “I’m sorry.”
“That’s not your fault. She just had to check.”
“Not her. None of this would’ve happened, if not for me.”
“Eblin hunted me. Not you.”
“I got you to take the physics class. You wouldn’t have been out there that late, if you were taking normal math courses without lab work.”
“I would’ve been bored.”
“You wanted to be an accountant. That’s as boring as it gets.”
“I’m good at it. There’s good money in it and lots of jobs available.”
“True. There is only one NASA.”
“We’re still going.”
“Are you sure? Doesn’t what happened change all that? Your mother explained some of what you’re going through. Could you hide it?”
“I don’t know. I will though.” Yvette glanced at the other bed, saying, “It’s a good thing Janet isn’t here.”
Sarita examined the woman’s neck peeking from the bodice and coat, “It’s a good thing that scar is gone.”
“They say the redness will fade in a week or two.”
“That’s incredible. You didn’t see it. It was gross. I thought you were going to die.”
“I didn’t.” Sitting up, Yvette asked, “What did my mother tell you?”
“Not much. She talked a lot about what you’ll be eating.”
“Yeah. Food’s tasty. Their food is.”
“I guess. Our salads are out.”
“I could eat salads, but eggs sound better – and a meat lovers pizza. Go order it.”
“Eggs and pizza?”
“Just pizza. With anchovies and jalapenos.”
“I don’t think so.”
“On half then.”
“They’ll wonder.”
“Let them wonder.”
“Hiding?”
Yvette looked the inquisitive friend over. It took a few moments to grasp the meaning of the question. “Just a meat lovers. Is that all right?”
“Fine. I’ll be back.”
It took several minutes for Sarita to return. When she did, Yvette watched the young woman lock the door. The thick coarse black braid dangled close to her full, rounded rump and square hips filling out the snug jeans more than Yvette could.
“Come lay with me,” Yvette requested – having removed her coat while the pizza was being ordered. It now laid on the floor by a simple side stand near the bed.
Observing the sensual, grayish-green eyes, the fuller woman told her friend, “Your mother warned me about this.”
“We’ve done it before. We have time.”
“About forty minutes.” Sarita went to the bed, standing close, watching the reclined woman, now scooted towards the wall.
“What’s wrong?” Yvette asked.
“You know how much I like you and enjoy our time together.”
“And? What?”
“You haven’t been this interested before.”
“I have been.” Glancing to the door, “I wasn’t comfortable with it. It’s the way I’ve been raised.”
Removing her coat, dropping it on the one near her feet, Sarita laid on the bed, facing her friend, propping her head on her hand. “No it’s not. Your mother and I talked a lot while you were… sleeping. She didn’t raise you that way. She didn’t say anything specific about how she raised you, but I saw the way your mother and that Lavina woman acted together. It reminded me of Glenisha and me.”
“Your high school friend?”
“Yeah. We act like that still.”
“They don’t see each other very much.”
“Neither do Glenisha and I anymore. That’s fine. I have school. She has her kids.”
“You didn’t talk about her much.”
“You hardly told me about your mother.”
“Now you know why. What was I to say? Mom’s a witch who ends people’s lives?”
“She does?”
“She didn’t tell you?”
“No.”
“Oh.” Leaning over, Yvette kissed lips as full and soft as the rest of her friend.
Sarita let the contact linger. After, she expressed softly, “I don’t know about this. You were nearly killed. Now you tell me your mother’s a murderer or assassin, then kissed me?”
“I like you – and you like me.”
“But, Raana killed people. More than one by the use of people.”
“They’re not really people. Not like you and me.”
“Me. You’re one of them now. Whatever that really means. I’m still not sure. Your mother said the myths are wrong; that you’re a combination of some sort.”
“Mom told my brothers and me about them when we were growing. She showed us videos. She taught me to shoot and stuff, but I didn’t care for it much. Now I’m what she told me about. At first, it sounded like the old horror movies, but it’s different.”
“How?”
“I don’t crave blood.”
“Blood?”
“Yeah. I enjoy the taste with meat, but spices are better. It’s not like the stories.”
“Your mother told me about that. What did Myer and Lavina show you?”
“That was freaky.”
“Yeahhh?” Sarita urged, lengthening the tone for the other to elaborate.
“Well – they became wolves.”
“Wolves?”
“Slowly at first. They changed their eyes – then the rest. Meyer did it first. It was like some of the videos I’ve seen at a place Mom took me to. Lavina changed next, much faster. Then they changed back, like it was nothing. They just stood up.”
“With clothes?”
“No. They took them off first.”
“What else?”
“That’s all they did. They said they can do other animals – or parts, mixing what they want.”
“You weren’t attacked by an animal. He was a man.”
“They don’t have to change. Eblin could have, though.”
“He was strong,” Sarita stated, as a chill quaked through her body. “He pushed me on you from the gutter like some doll.”
“Yeah. I forgot. They told me what you did. You could’ve been killed.”
“You nearly were.”
“I’m fine now.”
Shifting closer, the thinner woman kissed the other, brushing strands of loose hair from the rounded face. Sarita let it happen, her left hand sliding to the back of her friend’s head in a gentle, affectionate manner.
After a couple more light kisses, Sarita told her, “I’m nervous.”
“I feel it.”
“I don’t want to be.”
“I feel that, too. We’re still friends.”
“I know. Your mother said that won’t change. Lavina and her are friends – and Lavina’s like you.” Looking deep into the other’s eyes, “That’s so weird to say.”
“It’s weird to hear.” A few more kisses, then Yvette pulled her head back. “Did she tell you how they do this – my mother?”
“She doesn’t know I know. She told me you would be more assertive. That’s the word she used. She also said how passionate they are – also her words. Your mother told me you would be more passionate, as well. Mostly, we talked about the foods you would prefer now.” Examining Yvette’s face more, Sarita told her, “You seem normal, but more aggressive than I’m used to.” Taking a deep breath, “I like it.”
“Me, too. I was thinking about my mother’s perfume.”
“She said she wears it a lot.”
“All the time. The others are allergic to it. I guess I’m allergic to it now.”
“If Raana wears it all the time, then Lavina couldn’t be…. Maybe they’re not.”
“I think they are. It makes sense now. I know my mother had lesbian friends. She still does.”
“That’s why I said you weren’t raised that way – the way you said. I didn’t know that before. I thought it was because you were Jewish.”
“I’m not very Jewish. Neither is Mom really. She does a lot our rabbi wouldn’t approve of.”
“I would imagine.”
“I don’t celebrate Sabbath unless with family.”
“I know.”
“I’ll have to ask my mother about Lavina.”
“Don’t. She doesn’t know I suspect.”
“I’m sure she does. Mom knows things about people. I’m certain she knows a lot about you now. That may be why she told you about this.”
“Oh, God; I hope not.”
With a kiss, Yvette expressed, “It’s okay. She likes you. I think you’re more of a daughter to her than I am.”
“That’s not true.”
“It is. I look more like my father.”
Sarita made a show of looking the triangular face over, then to the modest bust peaking from the neck line of the gown. “I don’t think so.”
“I sure didn’t get Mom’s boobs.”
“You may, when you have children.”
“I doubt it. I saw pictures of my mother when she was younger than I am now. She always had them.”
“Yours are cute.”
“I wish mine were like yours.”
The two chatted, their affection growing to mutual satisfaction. They were working on more pleasures when a knock came from the door and a familiar, high-pitch voice called to them in a playful tone. “Pizza for Yvette Halpen. Get it before we do.”
“Damn,” Sarita muttered, scrambling from the bed, pulling the panties and jeans up, zipping. Shoving fullness of her mammae back into the black bra, she buttoned the blouse.
Yvette grinned from the bed, her gown already brushed, pushed and tugged into place, covering her feminine form. The friend opened the door and exited. Mindy gave knowing glances with a smirk, as the door closed.
By the time her friend returned from the front entry with the medium pizza and sodas, Yvette could tell the flushness in Sarita’s light-brown complexion had waned.
“I’m so embarrassed,” Sarita declared while locking the door and setting the box with a balanced six-pack on the table. Taking one of the cans, opening it, she took a deep swig.
“Don’t worry. Your skin’s darker. I doubt they know.”
“Ohhh – they know.” Taking another swig, “Mindy does. She’ll tell the others.”
Rising from the bed, Yvette went to the box. “It doesn’t matter. You don’t live here.” Taking a slice, “After we eat, we should go to your sorority and get some of your things.”
“That won’t take long.”
“We can take as long as we want.”
“I don’t want to stay there that long. I’m so confused. I don’t know what to tell the sisters yet, but I don’t want to go back to that mansion.”
“We have to. Tell your sorority sisters I was sick and you were helping me.”
“Sick with what?” Sarita asked. “Why didn’t you go to the hospital? Why not let people visit?”
“We do have to tell them something.”
“What?”
“I was in private care. I have some illness they haven’t figured out.”
“Make it cancer. That way you can cover more absences.”
“That’s good. Leukemia. My blood is different and it’s not contagious.”
“You’re not losing your hair. You’re not going through chemo?”
“New drugs. We caught it early.”
“That’s better than the truth.”
“We better not tell them that.”
The friends ate, catching each other’s eyes. They giggled of knowing what they had done and what the others around the residence hall may be discussing. No words passed between the two. For the time, it was as it had been before; each knowing the thoughts of the other.
“Yvette,” the plump woman addressed after a few minutes.
“Yeah?”
“There’s something I’ve been able to do for a while. More like, it happens to me. It’s the reason I apologized.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I do. I knew we would be friends when we first met.”
“I know. You told me.”
“I didn’t tell you why.”
“It’s like a soulmate thing for friends.”
“Something like that. There’s more to it. I had dreams about you since I was a kid.”
“About me? We never met before coming here. You’re from Michigan.”
“I am, and you’re from Colorado. I still dreamt about you, as well as coming to MIT. I didn’t bother applying to other schools. I knew I would be coming here.”
“What about NASA?” the thinner asked. “Do we go there?”
“We work for a space program – so, yes. That’s the only one we have. I don’t think we go to Russia or Europe, or somewhere else.”
“I hope not. I don’t know Russian or Chinese.”
“Neither do I. Japan, India and Europe have programs. I don’t imagine going there, either.” Sarita took another bite. After a deep breath, she told her friend, “I had a lot of dreams about Lavina. They go back as far as I can remember.”
“When did you meet her?”
“Wednesday. She arrived the morning after the attack.”
“You never met her before?”
“Not in this lifetime.”
“You believe in reincarnation?”
“Maybe. I’m still disoriented. I told Eiddwen about some of my dreams – most of them. I began remembering others.”
“She knows you dreamt about us – and Lavina?”
“Not Lavina or us. Not by name. I told her there were people I didn’t know. She said they may be people in other dimensions.”
“Now you believe in that, too?”
“I don’t know what to believe. I love science fiction. That’s what got me into science. Or, was it the other way around.” Finishing the can, the fuller added, “Many of my dreams come true. I used to tell people, but it freaked them out.”
“I would think so.”
Seeing flared emotion, “I shouldn’t have told you.”
Yvette took hold of Sarita’s right hand, squeezing it affectionately. “I’m glad you did. We’re friends, no matter what happened to me.”
“It happened to both of us,” Sarita stated, kissing the hand before releasing it.
The students smiled, ate and talked of lighter topics.
* * * *