Seven Sisters

by Eileen Troemel

  "How long before you make a decision," Mycos asked his arm around Lydia. Gregor stood beside them looking as concerned as the couple.

  "We don't like to rush these things," Sally said. "However, it depends on how quickly I can get the visits and interviews done."

  "I will see to it you have our schedule," Mycos said.

  "What's the biggest objection," Lydia asked.

  Sally's lips thinned. "There are those who feel allowing the aliens," she paused. "I'm sorry. It sounds harsh said that way. There are those who believe you will take these children back to your homeworld and force them into marriages."

  "They won't," Lydia said. "They have strict laws on the treatment of children."

  "You have personal experience about this, or Lord Mycos' word," Sally asked skeptically.

  "I'm learning the language and I looked up their decrees," Lydia looked at Mycos. "That's the right translation?"

  "It is," he said. "I did not know you looked them up."

  "I looked up the laws here," Lydia said. "I wanted to compare them. These men have taken us in, treated us better than any humans ever did. I trust them and their decrees. I don't trust human laws."

  "I understand you've had a rough time," Sally said.

  "No, I don't think you do," Lydia said. "Social workers visited Abby’s home before her stepfather literally threw her in a trash bin. The laws did nothing to protect her."

  "I've seen the records," Sally said. "It's not an excuse but there were a few years after the plague that a favor or the right amount of credits could shift the focus of an investigation."

  "We all have similar stories," Lydia said. "I don't trust human law or human aid. My experience has taught me not to."

  Sally nodded her understanding. "How do you know the right way to handle a child who has suffered trauma," Sally asked looking at Gregor and Mycos.

  "In order for them to trust, they have to feel safe," Mycos said.

  "We give them choices," Gregor said. "They came to us injured. We offered them healing and waited for them to say yes or no."

  "They ate everything we did until we felt safe enough to eat the food," Lydia said.

  "Have you consulted anyone," Sally asked.

  "We did not want to bring anyone else in the girls would have to decide if they trusted," Mycos said.

  "I read up on it," Gregor said. "I can provide my reading list."

  "I’ll take it. I came here expecting something very different from what I’ve found," Sally said. "I'll do what I can to expedite the process."

  "Thank you," Mycos said.

  ***

  "I see we have a guest," Sally said as Abby sat with her. "What's her name?"

  "Defur," Abby whispered. "Can .. can.."

  Sally sat on the floor next to the little girl. "What do you need," she asked.

  "Uncla," Abby said hiding her face in the bear. Sally considered. Technically she was supposed to only have the child with her.

  "Shall I go get him," Sally asked.

  Abby hopped out of her chair, ran to the door. "Uncla," she cried out to him. "Uncla?"

  "Right here," Gregor said hurrying down the hall towards her. "What is wrong?"

  "Please don't leave me with her," Abby whispered. "Don’t wanna be taken away."

  "Sally is not taking you away," Gregor said. He hugged her close as he stepped into the smaller playroom. Bookshelves lined two walls. Games and toys sat on lower shelves while child-size chairs and tables littered the middle of the room. He took a breath on seeing Sally sitting on the floor, her legs tucked to one side of her.

  "I am not," Sally said. "We're going to talk." She reached into her bag and pulled out a pad of paper and crayons. "I thought we could color together."

  "Color," Abby asked. "We don't have those."

  "Let us investigate them," Gregor said. He sat on the floor next to Sally, her scent drifted to him. She’d been to the house several times. Each time Gregor made sure to speak with her at length. At first, the conversations centered around the children, but they slowly turned towards other topics.

  "This is plain paper so you can draw whatever you want," Sally said. "But I also have these." She pulled out coloring books with pictures of animals. "These colors are meant to fill in the lines. Have you seen anything like this before?"

  "No," Abby said leaning from Gregor to Sally. "What's it for?"

  "To have fun," Sally said. "I noticed you didn’t have a lot of art supplies so thought we could start with these."

  Abby opened the box. "OOOoooohhh," she said. "It's more colors than the nail polishes."

  "It certainly is," Gregor said. Today his nails were painted green. "Here is a green like you picked for my nails."

  "I like green," Abby said. "It means it's warm and I don't shiver all day."

  "Do you shiver here," Sally asked.

  "No," Abby said. "Dearhar makes sure our wing is warm. He took us shopping for warm coats. I got to pick out my own. It's plaid with lots of colors."

  "That sounds nice," Sally said.

  "Mama never got me coats," Abby said. "She … she…"

  "It is all right," Gregor said as she reached for him. "Tell Sally. You will not be punished for telling the truth."

  "Because you'll make sure I'm not," Abby said leaning into him.

  "Yes," Gregor said. Abby hugged him, kissed his cheek.

  "Mama made me stand on the corner with no jacket," Abby said. "People gave me money and she’d take it to spend on yucky stuff for her and him."

  "Did you have fun shopping," Sally asked.

  "Yes, but Lyd was mean when we went to the toy store again," Abby said, her lower lip jutted out in a pretty pout.

  "Oh, what did she do," Sally asked.

  "She said I could only get two softies," Abby said. "There were so many purty ones. It’s hard to get only two. But we got games too. Dearhar sits with us to play games. It's fun. He's silly."

  "Did you get new games," Sally asked.

  "Lyd would only let us pick one each," Abby said. "She's so mean. Mycos kisses her to convince her we need more. Sometimes it works."

  "Can you draw me a picture," she asked smiling at the story.

  "What do you want me to draw," Abby asked.

  "What do you like best," Sally asked.

  "Safety," Abby said.

  "Draw me safety," Sally said.

  For the next twenty minutes Sally talked with Abby, watched her sit at the table completely focused on her drawing. She answered Sally innocently disclosing the horror her life had been with her mother and how Lydia and the other girls made it better when they lived on the street.

  "How do you like being here," Sally asked.

  Abby reached for Gregor. "I'm staying," she said frowning and starting to cling.

  "I believe I’d be body-slammed by Landros if I tried to take you away," Sally said. "I want to know what you like about living here. Can you tell me?"

  "Oh," Abby said hugging Gregor breathing slowly. "Them. The men keep me safe. I like the food but I don't like waitin’ for ice cream and cake."

  "We want you to grow stronger," Gregor said.

  She smiled at him. "I can ride my bike up and down the hall. Lydia said I shouldn't but Mycos said it was too cold to play outside. He… he kissed her a lot to convince her it was all right. But we got rules about it."

  "You do," Sally said. "What rules?"

  "No running into people," Abby said. "No running into furniture or other stuff. We hafta ask first."

  "These seem like reasonable rules," Sally said.

  "Gregor said in the spring we can go outside and ride in the driveway. It's a big driveway. I don't know if I'll be able to make it all the way around," Abby said.

  "You'll have to practice," Sally said. "Thank you for talking with me today."

  "Are you taking the colors," Abby asked as Sally started gathering things.

  "They are hers," Gregor said. "You can ask Lord Mycos and Lady Lydia if we can get som
e for you."

  "But we just got things from the toy store. Do I gotta give up one of my softies," she asked.

  "Do you remember where Mycos' office is," Gregor asked.

  "Yes," Abby said.

  "He's in there," Gregor said. "Go ask him."

  "Can I go," Abby asked looking at Sally.

  "I've enjoyed our time together," Sally said. "Go see what he says."

  "Lydia's the tough one," Abby said. "If I get dearhar to agree maybe he could give her kisses to convince her."

  "Seems like a solid plan," Sally said.

  "Bye," Abby said reaching out to touch Sally's hand. It was the first time she made physical contact with Sally.

  Once Abby was out the door, Sally said, "I could leave the crayons."

  "I think asking helps her realize the answer isn't always no," Gregor said.

  "It does help teach her limits," Sally said.

  "This is your last interview," Gregor said offering her a hand to assist her in rising from the floor.

  Sally took his hand and straightened her skirt. "It is," she said feeling disappointment.

  "Will you put in your report today," he asked continuing to hold her hand.

  "Tomorrow," Sally said. "If I could speak with Lydia and Mycos before I leave, I can give them my recommendation."

  "Lydia is with Mycos," Gregor said. "They were working on some details with the education program. Once Abby is done wheedling, I can take you to them."

  "What is your position here," Sally asked. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude. You seem to do everything from bodyguard to childcare to personal assistant."

  "Officially, I am in charge of security," Gregor said. "The childcare is my honor."

  "How is it an honor," Sally asked.

  "On my world, I would not be allowed a mate because of my position. I'm a younger son. I went into service as my father did," he said. "Children are usually tended by the men as the women are too busy. Since I have no mate, I would not have the care of children. Lady Lydia and the girls trust me. Children are the future. One I did not think I would have any influence over. I am honored to be in their circle of people they trust."

  "How sweet," Sally said. They strolled out of the small playroom. "Men on earth do not feel it's an honor. My brother complains when he has to care for his two children."

  "He is foolish," Gregor said raising his eyebrows. "I beg your pardon. I did not mean to…"

  Sally put her hand on his arm. "He is," she said. "My niece and nephew are sweet and loving. He only sees the work.

  "Do you want children of your own," Gregor said.

  "I do," Sally said. "Though I'm getting to a point where it might be too late."

  "No man in your life," Gregor asked hope blooming.

  "I've talked more to you than I have any other man for quite some time," Sally admitted.

  "I would like to continue our conversations," Gregor asked. He wanted to scoop her into his arms and take her back to his quarters.

  "Are you…asking me on a date," Sally asked.

  "I believe this is the typical procedure when expressing an interest in someone," Gregor said.

  "I can't until I sign off on this case," Sally said.

  "I see," Gregor said.

  "It would be a conflict of interest. My boss would insist on someone else going through this entire process again," Sally said. "However, by Friday I would no longer be involved."

  "Will you permit me to call you on Friday," Gregor asked.

  "Yes," Sally said smiling brightly.

  "Uncla," Abby flung open the door to see Gregor standing there. "Lyd said yes without the kisses. Can we go today?"

  "I know a store," Sally said. "It isn't far and on my way. If you wanted to meet me there, I’d be happy to help pick out art supplies."

  "A very practical plan," Gregor said. "Go get your jacket and ask your sisters if they want to come," he asked Abby.

  "Yeah!!!!" She scurried away calling the other girl's names.

  Gregor took her in to see Mycos and Lydia. He started to step out but Lydia said, "You might as well stay. This is as important to you as it is to us."

  "Thank you, milady," Gregor said.

  "I've made my decision," Sally said. "I'll be submitting my recommendation to allow the guardianship. I find all of you Hylatians charming and respectful of the girls. I'm surprised by the level of care you provide. I've seen your guards treat the girls with more care and love than I've seen some human parents show their own children."

  "Thank you," Mycos said as Lydia turned her face into his shoulder. She gripped his hand hard. He saw the glimmer of tears.

  Lydia swallowed and took a deep breath. "It means everything to us," she said softly.

  "My supervisor has indicated she wants this closed as soon as possible," Sally said.

  "Is this not important to make sure the children are safe," Mycos asked.

  "Yes, but with my preliminary reports she was comfortable with the placement," Sally said.

  "Does this mean we won't be seeing you anymore," Lydia asked.

  "Professionally, no you won't," Sally said but her eyes slid to Gregor.

  "She will be around," Gregor said. "After Friday."

  Mycos smiled, "Good. This is very good."

  ***

  Lydia curled into Mycos. "Could we really have legal guardianship of them by the end of the week," she asked feeling safe with his arm wrapped around her.

  "When I spoke with the supervisor, she sounded firm," Mycos said kissing her temple. "Does it relieve some of your worry?"

  "It means they can't be taken," Lydia said. "Thank you."

  "What are we doing with our private time tonight," he asked. Each night after the children went to bed, she went with him to his private rooms. They watched movies, read, talked. He kept her close to him, touched her. Tonight he wanted to lay her on the sofa and simply worship her.

  "A number of your men are making matches," she said. She stared at his lips, wanting them on her.

  "How do you know," Mycos asked.

  "Elaxus told me several of his team have started dating teachers at the school," she said. "The last time we met, he spent more time asking me about dating practices than talking about the project."

  "I knew I should be in those meetings," Mycos said his voice rumbled deep.

  "Why," Lydia said. "He's only got thoughts for Emily. His men only have an interest in their own mates. I think it's sweet they look for ways to connect with the women in the human way."

  "You are mine," he grumbled.

  "Yes, and they don't give me a second look," Lydia said. "It's reassuring to know I can be in a room with them and not have them…push things on me because they’re stronger than I am."

  Scowling, he pulled her close. "I would kill them if they did," he threatened.

  "Mycos," Lydia asked. "Can we just be here together?"

  "Anything you want," he said.

  She unbuttoned his shirt, pushed it off his shoulders. She watched his gray eyes darken. "I don't want to.. the birth control isn't," she stumbled over her nerves.

  "Touching and kissing," he said. "I want to touch you."

  "Yes," she said glad he understood. Her mouth connected to his, she sighed and hummed. "I want your hands on me."

  Mycos pushed her shirt over her head, dropped it on the coffee table. "What do you want me to touch," he asked lowering her back on the couch.

  "Can you test my limits," she murmured pulling him on top of her.

  ***

  The girls stood next to Lydia and Mycos. A squad of Myco's men surrounded them as they entered the new school.

  "This isn't our warehouse," Hannah said.

  "Mycos fixed it up," Heidi said. "It’s better."

  "We're not staying here," Abby said reaching for Mycos.

  "I wanted you to see how we changed it," Mycos said picking her up.

  Abby looked up. "The ceiling won't fall down," she asked.

  "Better n
ot," Elaxus said. He and Emily held hands as they showed them around.

  "We shouldn't be here if it will," Abby said squeezing Mycos' neck in a nervous hug.

  "You're safe," Elaxus said. "My life on it."

  Abby stared at him and saw the kindness she saw in Mycos' men. "Kay," she said and gave him one of her smiles.

  "You helped design our playground," Emily said. "Elaxus tells me all you girls contributed ideas on what to include."

  "It was fun," Heidi said. "We got to try out a lot of equipment."

  "Do you want to see the results," Elaxus asked.

  "Yeah," Dani said. "How many kids will be in here?"

  "The school will house up to a thousand," Emily said. "We're starting with four hundred. One of the other primary schools was condemned recently."

  "They found toxic crap in it," Nic said.

  "They did," Emily said. "Those children and teachers will join us here thanks to Lord Mycos arranging transport."

  They walked around the building and playground. "Who are all those people," Nic asked seeing the crowd of people wandering through the building.

  "The school board, the mayor and his council, and media," Emily said. "You've caused quite a ruckus."

  "How so," Mycos asked.

  "Every administrator from every school has toured," Emily said. "They’re clamoring for the technology, the building, and anything else they can think of associated with this project."

  "Good," Lydia said. "They should take it up with their representatives. This is a gift for this area, for the forgotten children."

  "I couldn't have said it better," Emily said touching Lydia's arm.

  "Whatta we gotta do with the ribbon thing," Nic asked.

  "Administrator Winston," a man said as he approached the group. "You've made quite the coup."

  "Mayor Bradley, how are you today," Emily said but she let go of Elaxus' hand and stepped in front of the children. Elaxus scowled but didn't say anything.