by C. Sunrise
“Sorry, Momma, no disrespect intended, but I’m not leaving her side until she tells me to. Now, what’s going on? What happened to her? Do any of you know?”
“It looks like her body just shut down, overwhelmed by the emotions and everything else. Poor thing.”
“She doesn’t know what’s going on, does she? Does she know anything? Does she even know what she is?”
What I am? The daughter of spies?
Someone sighs. “No, she doesn’t know anything. It’s... it’s complicated. We didn’t even know if she would ever have to know anything.”
Ummm, what? What the hell is going on?
“What? Why would you think that? You, her parents and her best friend, never said anything? I saw your husband’s eyes, and I bowed my head to him in the living room. So, I’m fairly certain I know what he is. Although I have lots of questions. And Percy over here is, well, we all know what he is based on his attitude alone. I also noticed his eyes changing colour too—different shades of green making it a little less obvious when they change.”
“And I’m assuming you are like your husband too, am I right? You all hid it from her for all these years? How is that even possible? Perhaps more importantly, why did you hide it?”
Before anyone else can answer, my eyes finally open. They feel like my eyelids weigh as much as a car. I lay there blinking for a while until I notice four blurry shapes in front of me. They slowly come into focus and I see Kace and my parents standing beside my bed, with Percy behind them.
My freaking head. Why does it hurt so much? What happened? Was that all just a dream?
I try to remember what happened, but the last thing I recall was sitting at dinner laughing and having a good time. I have no idea what transpired between then and now that would have landed me in my bed with everyone staring at me with such concerned looks on their faces.
“Wh... what happened? Where am I?” I croak, my voice sounding like I was at a concert for the last twenty-four hours straight.
“You’re awake!” Kace says excitedly as he comes and sits on the bed beside me. “You had me... us... so scared, Kitten. How are you feeling?” I know Kace’s concern should flatter me, but it’s making me a little worried.
“I’m okay,” I reply. “I’m tired and feel like I got hit by a truck, but mostly I just feel tired.” My response causes him to relax a bit which makes me feel a bit better too.
Why is my body so responsive to his emotions?
“We are so happy you’re awake and feeling better, Kitten,” Momma says as she smiles at me. “We’ll leave you two alone. Come on Percy, Shasta, let’s give these two some privacy.” She waves them all towards the door. I say goodnight to them as they leave the room. Percy looks over at me with an apologetic smile and mouths “Sorry, Pussy-cat” before turning to join my parents.
“What happened?” I ask Kace once everyone has left the room.
He gives me a pained look, like he wants to tell me something but can’t decide if he should or not.
“Let’s not talk about that right now,” he replies. Under normal circumstances, I would force an answer out of someone who was hiding something, but I just don’t have the energy for that right now.
“Okay,” I mutter as I yawn. “Promise to tell me tomorrow?” I use all my energy to stare Kace firmly in the eye, letting him know that I won’t let things slide once I am feeling better tomorrow. He smiles and nods, appreciating my warning.
“Yes, Kitten, we’ll talk tomorrow,” he says, and I realise how comforting his deep voice can be. “I’ll make sure you get all the answers you need, and I’ll be right there beside you.” He squeezes my hand reassuringly before bringing it up to his lips and gently kissing it.
“Kace, can you sleep in my bed with me tonight?” I ask as I feel the exhaustion taking over. “I would feel better with you close to me.”
“Yes, Kitten,” he replies as he smiles and places a soft kiss on my forehead. “I’ll stay with you tonight.”
Kace strips down to his boxers and gently slides into bed beside me. The fact that I’m not all over this man right now is a miracle and a clear sign of how exhausted I truly am. I don’t know what happened tonight, but Kace seems both tense and sad. I move closer to him and cuddle right into his strong, comforting chest and feel him relax.
I feel so much safer with Kace beside me.
I fall asleep in his arms and that night I have the best sleep of my life. I had imagined our first time in bed together playing out a bit differently, but this was just as good in its own way.
Kace later told me that his heart skipped a beat when I asked him to sleep with me. He felt bad and responsible for what happened tonight because he couldn’t get along with Percy. He hadn’t expected me to want to talk to him ever again, let alone sleep with him. It made him truly appreciate the warmth of my body against his, the smell of my hair, the touch of my soft skin, and the way I let out soft whimpers and growls in my sleep. He drifted off to sleep feeling the happiest he had ever felt.
SEVEN
I awake to the sound of birds singing at my window; a pleasant way to start the day. Although, I can’t help thinking it would be even better if I wasn’t alone in this bed right now and, if memory serves me right, Kace was in my bed last night when I fell asleep.
What exactly happened last night? Was it all a dream? It felt so real. Maybe I’m finally losing my mind.
I toss my legs over the side of the bed and force myself to sit up. Reaching both arms up towards the ceiling, I engage in what just might be the best stretch of my life and let out a huge yawn.
Ugh. Why do I still feel so tired?
Just as I’m contemplating putting on an eye mask and going back to bed, I hear noise coming from downstairs.
Are those voices I hear? Is that Momma, Papa, and... Kace’s too? And Bel?
Reluctantly, I get out of bed instead of curling back up into my nice, warm, cozy slice of heaven. I throw a pair of basic black yoga crops and a red spaghetti strap tank top and pop into the bathroom to freshen up and throw my hair in a ponytail. Then I give myself a once over in the mirror to see if I disguised the ‘I just woke up from a coma’ look I was showcasing when I first walked into the bathroom. Satisfied with my appearance, I head downstairs to investigate the noise.
From the living room entryway, I notice Rebel and Jay sitting on one couch talking amongst themselves. Papa and Percy are sitting on another couch talking with Momma and Kace, both of whom are standing in front of the couch.
“It’s something I have never seen before. I don’t know-” Papa says as I walk into the room.
“I hope I’m not interrupting your little breakfast party, but it looks like my invitation got lost in the mail,” I say sarcastically as I walk through the threshold.
Everyone stops conversing and look towards me. I’m so busy making sarcastic faces and gestures for dramatic effect, that I miss the first step into the sunken living room. Down I go. Again. This is why I’m glad my parents have a nice fluffy rug in this room. I can’t even count how many times I’ve fallen on those stupid steps.
“Why is this my life?” I ask as I lay on the floor.
This rug is so soft. I could literally fall asleep right here, right now. I’m sure no one will mind.
I can’t see everyone’s faces from the position, but I can hear everyone except my parents laughing. I’m guessing that Papa is probably shaking his head and Momma is rubbing her forehead—that’s how they usually react to my clumsiness. I get up and adjust my clothes.
At least I didn’t pop a boob out of this tank top when I fell; that would have sucked.
“Wow, she’s beautiful, even after the rough night she had,” Kace says under his breath. I don’t know why I seem to be the only one that heard him. Maybe no one else was paying attention, or perhaps they just don’t care.
I scan the room, and everyone, except Kace, has a solemn look on their face. “Yikes, who died?” I ask jokingly, hoping to break the ice. “I thoug
ht you’d all be a little happier to see me this morning after the exciting night we had.”
“Oh, I’m always happy to see you, Kitten,” Kace says and then winks at me.
“Oh boy, he’s got it bad, I can’t wait to tease him about this later,” Jay mutters from the other side of the room. I can’t help but chuckle.
Why isn’t anyone else laughing at what Jay just said? Kace didn’t even acknowledge him, and that’s something Kace would have rolled his eyes at. Weird.
“I had a great dream about you last night, Kace,” I say, still not sure if I dreamed about him being in my bed last night or not but hoping Kace will shed some light on the situation.
“Well, Kitten, maybe I can make all of your dreams come true right now,” he says with hunger showing in his eyes and I don’t mean a hunger for food. “How about we go upstairs and-”
“Okay, you two lovebirds,” Momma interrupts him. “Please don’t forget the rest of us are in this room. There are some things a mother never wants to hear their child say,” she says while wagging her finger at both of us.
“And there are some things you never want your father, who owns a shotgun, to hear you say,” Papa says, glaring at Kace. I laugh, not only at Papa’s comment but also at the terrified look on Kace’s face.
Suddenly, I’m wrapped up in a pair of arms. Bel throws her body into me so hard that we both almost land back on the soft, fluffy rug. Fortunately, I catch my balance before we topple to the ground.
“I love you, Sie,” Bel says as she squeezes me. “Don’t you ever scare me like that again!”
“Tell that to the two knuckleheads that almost put me into a coma with their ridiculous bickering.” I glare over Bel’s shoulder at Kace and then Percy.
“Hey, he started it.” Kace throws his hands in the air.
“Whatever,” Percy replies, his voice dripping with attitude. “I’ll gladly finish it anytime, mutt.”
Here we go again. Already. I guess these two aren’t fast learners.
“I’m just going to ignore them,” I say to Bel. “Hashtag idiots.” We laugh and pull back from our hug.
“They’re quite the pair,” she says nodding her head towards Percy and Kace. “I can see why you lost your shit last night. Good thing they’re hot.” I nod in agreement.
So damn hot. I think as I let my eyes shamelessly take in every inch of Kace and Percy, wishing they were pressed against my body right now.
Oh, hey hormones. Welcome to the party. I almost thought you weren’t going to join us.
“Well, as fun as this has been, I’m fudging starving,” I say placing my hand on my stomach. “I hope there’s actual breakfast around here somewhere or I will unleash all things unholy on all of you.”
Rebel and I laugh at Kace and Jay, who look terrified by my hangry comment. They clearly haven’t spent much time around me, otherwise they would know that you don’t mess with me and my food. A trait I got from Momma.
“Yes, yes,” Momma says as she lets out a knowing sigh. “Everyone head outside for some breakfast.”
Our family likes to take advantage of beautiful weather and eat as many meals outside as we can. My parent’s spent many years making this place the haven it is today—set up with several areas for outdoor entertaining, benches strategically placed throughout the property with the best views of the land, a swimming pool, horse stables, tire swings, and a games area with horseshoes, croquet, a life-size chess set, and walking trails. There’s just something so relaxing about being out in nature instead of cooped up in a room staring at walls.
Momma has outdone herself as usual with all sorts of fruits and berries, oatmeal, and waffles. I watch as Jay’s eyes almost fall out of his head when he sees all the food.
“And you brought out breakfast cupcakes too,” I say excitedly to Momma. “Cuffins? Muffcakes?” Everyone laughs, but we all know that’s what we’re going to call them from now on.
“Kitten, you sure can be strange at times,” Momma says and nods her head towards Papa. “You get that from your father.”
“Hey!” Papa fires back at her. “I’m sitting right here and can hear you.” He rolls his eyes and Momma laughs.
“Your family cracks me up, Sie,” Bel says with a huge smile on her face. “I usually end up with sore sides from laughing so much.”
Momma agrees with a shrug and a smile. “We are rather fantastic.”
“Okay, everyone, eat up. We have lots to talk about after breakfast.” Papa didn’t have to tell us twice.
“Oh my God, Sie!” Jay exclaims with his mouth full of food. “Your mom has the best muffcakes!”
We all pause and stare at Jay, Papa giving him a death glare.
“Babe, I don’t think that sounded the way you wanted it to,” Rebel says with her nose scrunched and lips twisted. Jay’s eyes widen, finally processing what he had said.
“Jealous?” He asks, looking at Bel seductively.
“Nope, just concerned for your safety,” she says casually, continuing to eat her food. “Didn’t you hear Shasta mention the shotgun earlier?”
Jay looks terrified for a second and we all laugh. Even Papa, which after a few seconds helped Jay relax again.
Breakfast was amazing. Not just because of the muffcakes and other delectables, but more so the fact that everyone actually got along. There was a lot of talking, laughter, and smiles... and naturally, a few winks were thrown in there too. It was a perfect breakfast—almost like we’re all one big, happy family.
“Momma, did I see luggage in the hallway?” I ask, remembering the suitcase I stubbed my toe on earlier. “Are you planning on going somewhere?”
“Oh Sie, with everything that has been going on I completely forgot about that,” she answers excitedly, clapping her hands. “Remember when I said I have a surprise for you? Well, your father and I booked a trip to Australia for a month.” She lets out an excited squeal and continues, “You can stay here and have the whole house to yourself.” She pauses briefly as both her and Papa’s happiness fades. “But with everything that has happened, maybe we should stay home.” She nods slowly, as if agreeing with her own statement.
Oh, hell no! Not a chance!
“No way, Momma!” I squint my eyes her briefly before smiling. “That’s awesome. I feel fine, so, you have to go. You’ve been talking about going there for as long as I can remember.”
It’s true, we have a dream trip scrapbook we started when I was very little, where we would stick anything and everything about Australia. There are news articles, magazine clippings, photos, coins, poems, drawings, and small trinkets adorning the pages. Momma’s and Papa’s faces light up again.
She nods. “We can talk about this again later but thank you, Kitten.”
“Technically, you won’t always have the whole house to yourself,” Percy chimes in as he wipes his hands on a napkin.
“What do you mean by that?” I ask.
He explains that Momma and Papa offered to let him stay here whenever he is in town and until he finds his own place. He’ll also run Papa’s business while they’re out of town. He won’t be here too often though, as he’s going on a few business trips for Papa too. Kace didn’t seem too impressed with this revelation—he’s just sitting there glaring at Percy and flinching every time he mentions that it’ll just be the two of us here. I’m not really surprised with Kace’s response though, but I am impressed with how well he’s controlling his jealousy right now.
“That’s right, Sie.” Papa shrugs. “You’ll have a roommate once in a while. The housekeepers and groundskeepers will show up a few times too. But let’s continue this discussion later. I would like to talk with you about something else in my study right now.” He stands up and motions towards the house.
I nod and follow Papa into the house, not failing to notice the sad looks on everyone’s faces as we leave them outside. I’m not sure what Papa has planned for our conversation, but everyone’s reaction has me curious and a bit anxious.
Papa doesn’t say a single word on the walk to his office, which is unusual for him. He appears to be deep in thought. We get into the room, and he turns and looks at me, motioning towards the room.
“Please sit, Pup,” he says, with a serious look on his face.
I pick my favourite seat in his office—the big one beside the large window where I like to sit on rainy days and read books. I curl my legs up under me and wait for Papa to come join me. Once he sees that I’m comfortable, he walks over and sits in the chair across from me. He spends a few minutes looking at his hands, as if he’s trying to figure out what to say. I’ve never seen Papa nervous about anything before, and I find it unsettling. “What did you need to talk to me about, Papa?” I ask in a sweet voice, hoping to encourage him to finally say something. The silence is killing me.
He takes another deep breath before speaking. “Well, Sie,” he starts, “I think I may know what has been happening to you lately.” Then he pauses and stares at me for a moment with a slight hint of a smile attempting to show on his face. Or maybe it was just a nervous twitch. I’m really not sure if he is pausing for dramatic effect or if he is waiting for me to permit him to continue.
“Go on,” I say as I pull one of my knees towards my chest and wrap my arms around it, holding it in place. I’m not sure if I’m hugging my knee to comfort myself in response to Papa’s unusual behaviour or a subconscious attempt at buffering myself from whatever he is about to say.
He nods and continues, “You see, Pup, we are a special family.” He follows that with yet another dramatic pause.
Ahhhh! He’s killing me with these pauses.
“Well, yeah, I could have told you that,” I say in response to his less than shocking statement. “We’re amazing.” We both chuckle and I’m glad to see he is loosening up a bit.
“Well, yes, I’d have to agree there,” he agrees with a smile. “But I mean it in a different way.” He crosses his arms and leans back into the chair. “We have noticed your eyes changing colour and we know that you didn’t dye your hair. That all became quite obvious at dinner last night. We also know that you seem to draw a lot of attention from males lately.” He flips his hand towards the door behind which Kace and Percy are no doubt anxiously waiting to hear about our conversation.