Earth Blend

by Pescatore, Lori

  ���I can’t take half. It’s not right.��� Julie explained.

  ���Karen doesn’t just give away money. You must have earned it. Now, let’s talk salary and hours.���

  Julie was still not happy about Karen giving her half of the tips, but she let it go for now. ���I work days at the hospital as a volunteer. I would like to continue that. I’m done by five o’clock.���

  ���Alright, how many days can you work?���

  ���How many days can you use me?���

  ���Good answer.��� Dave smiled. ���I need someone for four nights a week and at least one weekend evening. How does Tuesday through Friday, six to ten sound? Then Saturday evening would be eight to midnight. You would be off on Sunday and Monday.���

  Julie thought for a moment. ���That sounds fine. How much does it pay?��� She was proud of herself for remembering to ask this important question.

  ���Eight dollars an hour. You should make enough in tips to supplement that hourly wage.���

  Julie had not counted the money Karen gave her. All in all it still sounded like a good start. ���What if I want more hours?���

  ���You work that out amongst your coworkers. There is usually someone that needs time off or something comes up. Just put the word out that you are available.���

  ���Okay. I think that works for me.���

  ���Alright then, check in with Calli every night and she’ll assign you your tables and you are all set.���

  ���Thank you, Dave. I appreciate the opportunity.���

  ���See you tomorrow.��� He walked to the bar area.

  Julie sat back for a moment to absorb the changes that had taken place in her life. It almost seemed surreal. She finally escaped her past. This truly was a new beginning. Her only wish now was for Austin to finally be able to deal with the changes in his life. She wondered if Marcus was able to reach him.

  Julie went back to change her clothes. Walking outside, the darkness seemed ominous. There were no stars in the night sky; clouds from the earlier storm still lingered. She began to walk down the street. Without even thinking about it, her feet led her to the Laundromat. She was surprised to see the interior illuminated. Looking inside, she saw a cluster of three people talking. Two she did not recognize, one she did. The person turned and smiled as he saw her at the window. He gestured her in.

  ���Uncle G, what are you doing here?��� She asked as she came inside.

  ���Julie, it’s good to see you.��� He said embracing her.

  Julie looked at the other two people standing there.

  ���Have you not met Austin’s parents yet?��� Gregg asked. ���This is Austin’s mother, Helene and his father, Jacob.���

  Julie shook hands with Helene and then Jacob. ���You’re a Blend.��� Julie said, still holding onto Jacob’s hand. ���Why are you a Blend?���

  ���Julie, there is a lot to explain.��� Gregg said.

  ���How does she know?��� Helene asked. ���Jacob… what is going on?���

  ���Wait, I was told you didn’t know anything.��� Julie looked at Helene.

  ���Everyone just stop.��� Gregg interrupted. ���There are a lot of things that need to be explained, but now is not the time. We need to focus on finding Austin.���

  ���He’s missing?��� Julie questioned.

  ���He ran out of here earlier and I wasn’t able to follow him.��� Jacob explained.

  ���Did you check the park?��� Julie asked. ���I followed him there earlier.��� She noticed Gregg and Jacob exchange glances when she mentioned the park.

  ���Why would he go to the park?��� Helene asked.

  ���Do you have any flashlights?��� Gregg asked Helene.

  ���Yes, in the office. I’ll get them.��� Helene went to retrieve the flashlights.

  ���Julie, when you followed him the last time, what did you see?��� Gregg asked.

  Julie looked seriously at him. ���What are you not telling me?���

  Helene came back with the flashlights.

  ���Stay here in case he comes back on his own.��� Jacob instructed Helene.

  Gregg, Jacob, and Julie left the building.

  After Getting in Gregg’s car, Julie continued her questions. ���I am so sick of these secrets. When is someone going to tell me what the heck is going on? What are you hiding?���

  ���I promise, I will tell you everything but right now my concern is Austin.��� Gregg said as he pulled up to the park entrance. The gate was down; the park had closed at dusk. ���Where did you follow him to the last time?��� Gregg asked, climbing over the low fence.

  Julie and Jacob followed Gregg over the fence. She started looking around, trying to remember which way he ran earlier. ���I don’t think he had a set path. He seemed to be in a panic.���

  ���He had a path.��� Gregg said, stepping further into the forest. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply.

  Julie looked at Jacob, who was avoiding her eyes. Her frustration with them both was building with every passing second. She grabbed a flashlight and began walking further into the park. ���Austin!��� She shouted. She heard the two men following behind her.

  Jacob ran ahead and picked up something that was hanging on a tree branch. ���It’s the shirt he was wearing earlier.��� He held it up for Julie and Gregg to see.

  Gregg took it from him and held it briefly before moving in another direction. ���He went this way.��� Gregg stumbled upon one of Austin’s sneakers.

  A new panic began to settle inside of Julie. She ran ahead to keep pace with Gregg. They found the other sneaker and then the jeans he had been wearing. ���Austin!��� She cried out into the night.

  A sound came from their left. ���Austin!��� Julie called again and listened. The sound came again from the same direction. Julie charged through the brush, her flashlight swinging wildly. She found him then, lying naked near a tree. He was curled in a fetal position. ���Oh my God, Austin!��� She ran to him and lifted his head up. ���Austin! Can you hear me?��� She went inside his body with her essence and breathed a sigh of relief that he was alive. The brightness of his Blend seemed duller than before. She scanned his body, looking for anything that needed healing. She couldn’t find anything amiss.

  Gregg and Jacob knelt down next to them. Gregg placed his hand on Austin and did his own scan. ���He is going to be okay.��� Gregg reassured Jacob and Julie.

  Austin groaned in Julie’s arms and buried his face against her. ���Julie.��� He whispered.

  ���I’m here, I’m here.��� She whispered back and held him tighter as tears fell from her eyes.

  ���Austin.��� Gregg lightly touched the boy’s shoulder.

  Austin lifted his head slightly. ���Uncle Gordi?���

  ���Yes, it’s me. You’re going to be okay. Can you stand?���

  ���What’s happening to me?��� Austin cried out before seeking Julie’s warmth. He began to shake.

  ���Austin, let’s get you dressed and take you home. We will figure out what is happening.���

  Austin glanced down at his body. ���What happened to my clothes?���

  ���They’re right here, son. Do you remember what happened?��� Jacob asked.

  ���Dad?��� Austin was still disoriented.

  ���How about we get him home before we start asking questions.��� Julie was angry at the secrets being kept.

  Gregg helped Austin put his clothes back on. The four walked in silence back to the car.

  ���I’m not going back to the house.�
���� Austin said when he saw the direction the car was heading.

  ���Austin, your mother’s worried about you.��� Jacob said.

  ���You need to rest.��� Gregg added.

  ���I’m not going.��� Austin’s voice deepened as thunder rumbled.

  Julie saw Gregg and Jacob glance at each other in the front seat.

  ���Let’s go to my apartment. Austin can relax and we can talk.��� Julie suggested. She felt Austin relax next to her. ���I live in the apartments next to the hospital.���

  During the ride, Jacob called his wife to tell her that Austin was okay. Gregg called Marcus at Julie’s suggestion to relay the same information. She could tell by the conversation that Marcus was none too happy about having to wait to get his car back.

  Inside Julie’s apartment, she guided Austin to the sofa. Once settled, she asked ���Do you want to lay down?���

  ���I’d rather have something to eat.��� He smiled at her.

  ���I can order a pizza.��� She suggested

  ���Fully loaded?��� He teased.

  ���Fully loaded it is.��� She smiled and placed her hands on his face. She remembered the night they shared a fully loaded pizza at Eli’s apartment.

  ���I’ll order it.��� Jacob volunteered. He took out his phone and called the only all night pizza place. He knew the owner personally and got him to deliver a pizza even though they had already ended delivery for the evening.

  Julie hadn’t noticed how late it was.

  The four sat around in silence for a few moments before Gregg finally spoke. ���I know you all have questions. There were many secrets kept over the years. I think we should all get some food in us before we start discussing things.���

  ���Secrets and lies.��� Austin interjected.

  ���As you both know, sometimes lies are necessary for our own protection.��� Gregg explained.

  ���Protection?��� Julie questioned. ���How can you call it protection when we don’t know the truth? How are we supposed to know what we need protection from?���

  ���I will explain things-��� Gregg began to say.

  ���Explain everything? Or just the things you think we found out about?��� Austin asked.

  The doorbell rang, making Julie jump. Austin placed an arm around her and kissed the side of her head. She melted against him as Jacob rose to answer the door. He returned shortly carrying two large pizzas. Their conversation was put on hold as all four ate several slices of the pizza. Once everyone had had their fill, the remainder of the slices were put in the refrigerator.

  All four returned to the living room. Julie and Austin sat together on the sofa while Gregg and Jacob sat in the two arm chairs.

  ���I’d like to start by asking you some questions, Austin.��� Gregg announced.

  ���No. You do not get to ask questions. I’m tired of being told a bunch of lies. I want the truth. Why did you not tell me the truth? Why did you let me think that woman was my mother?��� He directed his last question to his father.

  Jacob stood, the anger evident on his face. ���That is enough, Austin. I will not tolerate your comments against your Mother! She gave up everything to take care of you. Even after finding out that I am a Blend she didn’t abandon us. She wanted you to have a normal life as much as I did.���

  Julie could tell by the look on Austin’s face that before now, he had not known his father was a Blend.

  ���What? You’re a Blend too? What the hell? Are you even my father?���

  ���He is your father, Austin. Your birth was… unconventional.��� Gregg spoke up.

  Austin was visibly shaking. ���Unconventional?��� His voice cracked as he spoke. ���You are both insane.��� He turned to Gregg. ���You told us that we were blended into human fetuses. Of course that’s unconventional. If that man is my father,��� he gestured to Jacob, ���How is he a Blend?���

  ���Austin, I need you to calm down and listen. I’m going to explain everything.��� Gregg tried to placate Austin.

  ���Austin, let’s give him a chance to explain.��� Julie suggested.

  ���How are we going to know he won���t tell us more lies?���

  ���I want you to know the truth, all the truth.��� Gregg said, glancing at Jacob. ���I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time.���

  ���Then why didn’t you?���

  ���Out of respect for your father. Jacob is your biological father. Human Blends have never conceived children. The females’ bodies reject the fetus as foreign. The male Blends sperm have never been able to fertilize a female’s egg. The Blends’ are only able to be created after the human sperm has fertilized a human egg.���

  ���So, you’re saying I was an exception to the norm?���

  ���More so, your mother was. Your biological mother is not human. She’s an Earthling.���

  9. When Worlds Collide

  Austin and Julie sat on the sofa with their mouths open. Neither had expected the revelations they were told.

  ���What… what does that mean?��� Austin stammered out.

  ���It means you are not only a Human Blend, but an Earthling. The only one of its kind, that we know of. Earthlings are only created by the Mother Tree and the Earth. Your mother should not have been able to conceive you.��� Gregg explained.

  ���Eli said he can turn on and off his human parts though, to seem more human when necessary. Could that have been what happened?��� Julie asked.

  ���It’s possible. The pregnancy was very short. Austin grew to full term within a month. We were not sure he would survive. We had to keep things… a secret. Your mother was worried that she would be punished or worse, that they would terminate the pregnancy if they found out. We let things play out and you were born successfully. You showed no signs of being a Blend or Earthling. At first, we thought they canceled each other out and you would just be human. You grew and progressed as any normal human child would, until recently.���

  ���Does this have something to do with his reactions of late? The moodiness and the—��� Julie paused and looked at Austin. ���The storms! Is that Austin’s doing?���

  ���It may very well be. I’m just not sure. We would have to do some tests.��� Gregg answered.

  Julie looked at Austin, who had remained silent. ���Austin… say something.��� She grew concerned when he just continued to stare.

  Jacob came over to his son and knelt down in front of him. ���Son, I want you to know that I love you and am going to stick by you. Your mother, your Earthling mother, cared so much about you that she left to protect you. She did not want the others to find out about you. Helene does not know you are a Blend. She only knows about me because I could not hide the fact that my aging was so much slower than hers. I want to tell you everything, answer all your questions, and together we can deal with this. Please understand, I kept this from you to shield you and keep you safe.���

  ���My mother.��� Austin spoke, his eyes refocusing on his father. ���My real mother… where is she?���

  ���She’s with her kind, Austin. It’s safer that way.���

  ���I want to see her.���

  ���Austin, the Earthlings cannot find out about you. It could put you in danger.��� Gregg had joined the trio near the sofa.

  ���What kind of danger?��� Julie asked.

  ���I’d rather not find out. Julie, Eli cannot know about this. I know you two are close but it would be too dangerous for Austin.��� Gregg made sure to impress upon Julie the seriousness of the situation.

  ���I want to be alone.��� Austin said, standing up and mov
ing away from them.

  ���That’s not a good idea, Austin. You are a bit unstable at the moment. Your body is adjusting to the changes.��� Gregg tried to make Austin see his reasoning.

  ���I need time to… absorb. Please just go. Julie will stay with me.��� He turned to Julie, ���Won’t you?���

  Julie felt her heart break to see the pain-filled expression on his face. She went over to him and embraced him. He held her tightly. ���Of course.��� She gave her muffled reply. She released him and turned to Gregg and Jacob. ���Just go. He’ll stay here tonight and we will regroup in the morning.���

  Gregg was about to object but decided not to. ���Come, Jacob. We’ll come back in the morning. I’m just a phone call away.��� He said to Julie before he and Jacob left them alone.

  Julie crossed the room and locked the door before going back to Austin.

  ���This is messed up.��� Austin half laughed, half cried.

  Julie rubbed his arms and looked at him.

  ���We’ll figure it out, I promise.��� Julie said, picking a stick from the forest from his hair.

  ���I need a shower.��� He laughed this time.

  ���Right this way.��� Julie smiled and took his hand and led him to the bathroom.

  As Gregg and Jacob were leaving the apartment building, they saw Eli coming in the main doors. He stopped, noticing Gregg.

  ���Gregg, it’s good to see you. How are you?��� He said, shaking the man’s hand

  ���I’m good, Eli. I just stopped over to talk with Austin and Julie. They are turning in for the night.���

  ���How is Austin? I know Julie was worried about him.���

  ���Oh, he will be fine. Time heals all.���

  Eli looked at the man standing next to Gregg.

  ���Forgive me. Eli, this is Jacob Dorsett, Austin’s father.���

  ���Nice to meet you, Mr. Dorsett.��� Eli shook Jacob’s hand.

  ���Nice to meet you too. Doctor, is it?��� Jacob asked.

  ���Yes. I am the Chief Surgeon at Smyth County.���

  ���Isn’t that where Julie works?���