First One In Last One Out

by Laura Marie Henion

  Katie sensed her mom was upset. She glanced around the table at the others, feeling their eyes upon her as well as the feelings of guilt.

  Lea smiled apologetically at Katie.

  "It's settled then. Why look for a place and pay rent when you can live here rent-free? The food isn't bad either,” Billy said.

  "I guess it would be all right for a while, until I am settled in with my job at the hospital. Thanks mom,” Katie said then took a sip of lemonade from her glass.

  "So, how was it, working at such a busy city hospital? Have you seen really intense stuff?” Melody asked.

  Katie thought Melody was sweet and a good match for her brother Donny. They were so in love and expressed their attraction to one another openly. Katie watched Donny give Melody complete attention. Katie thought about Bradley again but quickly pushed aside the feelings.

  "Yes, it was intense but I loved working in the ER. I feel most useful there.” Katie was happy to tell her family a little bit about her profession and her extensive experience.

  She continued to ramble on as her brothers, Melody and Mom asked questions about those experiences. They seemed awestruck at her abilities.

  "Katie has an awesome resume. The board members were very impressed. In fact, your boss called from the hospital in Bolton Bay. He was sorry to see you go, all the staff were,” Donny stated then smiled.

  "I can't believe they called. Really?” Katie asked, feeling rather surprised.

  "Yeah, they did and now I look really good, finding such an outstanding replacement trauma nurse for the ER.” Donny showed conceit and pride as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

  "Ignore him, Katie,” Melody said, then gave Donny a light jab on his arm.

  "Will you two get to work together?” Michael asked then took another bite of Italian bread.

  "We sure will, and I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully, my baby sister won't let all the fame and glory of her experience and reputation go to her head,” Donny teased.

  "No way, not Katie. She's a McKeller,” Billy said with a smile and Katie smiled back.

  After dinner, Katie and Melody helped Mom clean up while the boys sat on the porch.

  Donny peeked through the door. The women were in the kitchen.

  "So what do you think?” Donny asked Billy and Michael.

  "She's gorgeous. We're going to have our hands full keeping the guys away from this house,” Billy said then laughed. Michael stayed silent.

  "You're not kidding me. I wanted to ask her about the fire, about her injuries but I know she needs time. We can't bombard her with so many questions her first night back home.” Donny peeked through the doorway again to be sure Katie was not in earshot.

  "She doesn't want to tell us. She's holding back, can't you tell?” Michael added, then turned towards the porch railing to look out into the night sky. The stars were bright, the air was warm but an eerie feeling sat on the tip of the breeze.

  "Can you blame her, Michael? Obviously she minimized her injuries,” Donny told his brothers.

  Michael and Billy looked at him sideways, seemingly not quite understanding what he meant.

  "I noticed a slight limp when Katie was walking. She hides it well but it's still there."

  "How the hell can you detect something like that?” Michael challenged.

  "It comes with being a doctor. Also, didn't you notice after we showed Katie around the house and the property that she needed to sit down?"

  "She could have been tired from the train ride,” Michael countered.

  "From sitting for hours? I don't think so. Take my word for it, there's something there,” Donny said with confidence.

  "So what do you suggest we do about it? We can't point it out or make her feel uncomfortable. We have to make her see that we love her and she can trust us,” Billy said.

  "That we're here for her and we're just as anxious to be part of her life,” Donny replied.

  Michael exhaled, his arms laid crossed in front of his chest. Donny and Billy looked at him.

  "What's wrong Michael?” Donny asked.

  "This is easy for you guys. You have no problem openly expressing your emotions. I am a real man. That shit's difficult,” Michael blurted out.

  "Screw you, a real man!” Billy stated, raising his voice then looking back towards the doorway to be sure the women were not in earshot.

  Donny laughed then shook his head at Michael.

  "I know it's not easy for you tough guy, but she is our only sister. Just try to keep the lines of communication open. It's not like she's a stranger,” Billy added.

  "Pretty close. We know nothing about her. Look at her hair. Did you know she was wearing it long? What about her experience at the hospital? Did you know she was so involved, so professional and experienced? I sure as hell didn't,” Michael said.

  "She's an adult Michael, not some kid. Just try to be open and talk to her about everyday things as much as you can. That will make it easier to handle the harder conversations and subjects,” Donny replied.

  "You mean the fire?” Billy asked.

  "Among other things. She's a knock out and as long as she's living under this roof you two are going to have to handle the guy situation like dad would if he were still alive,” Donny told them.

  Billy laughed and Michael sighed again.

  "This conversation is giving me a stomachache, never mind my pounding headache,” Michael said.

  "That will be my pleasure,” Billy said with a smile, rubbing his hands together almost planning his technique already.

  Donny patted Billy on the back.

  "There's no doubt in my mind you won't enjoy it bro."

  Michael stayed silent but promised himself he would protect his little sister every way he could. Whether Billy and Donny could see it or not Michael did not care. Katie would always be the baby of the family.

  "So Katie, how does if feel to be back home?” Melody asked with a smile, as she continued to dry the dishes Katie washed.

  Katie inhaled some fresh air from the open window then glanced at her mom.

  "It feels good. I can't believe all the changes to the area. I noticed all the new construction outside of town closer to the train station. I suppose the population has increased a bit over the years."

  "It sure has. You will have to check out the new park the town put in last year. It is gorgeous. I wish there was a park like that when you kids were growing up. It would have kept you entertained,” Lea stated.

  "You did a good job entertaining us, Mom. Some of my fondest memories are the days spent at the beach, cooking on the Hibachi grill, and roasting marshmallows as soon as the sun went down."

  "Oh yeah, those were some fun times."

  "Donny often talks about those times as well. Especially the delicious grilled shrimp your dad would make. He has tried his hardest to replicate the same taste but just can't seem to do it."

  "Is he still trying to figure Mack's secret recipe out? I told him what the ingredients were."

  Melody and Lea continued to talk, but Katie was half listening. She was still stuck on the emotional shock she felt at the visible and natural topic of discussion.

  Obviously, she missed the healing process the rest of the family worked out together. She could not help the feelings of jealousy and anger. Immediately, she was lost in thought and the feelings of sadness recalling her dad and his famous grilled shrimp. For the rest of the family it brought smiles but for Katie, it still brought sadness.

  Melody must have sensed Katie's discomfort, and stopped talking about the shrimp.

  It was an awkward moment and Katie was certain there would be others as the days went on. She tried to focus on the fact that she was home. She glanced towards the doorway in the direction of the porch. Katie could see Michael leaning against the porch railing through the kitchen window. He appeared upset or maybe tired. What did she know? She could not help feeling that her brothers were discussing her.

  Katie covered her mo
uth to camouflage the yawn. Melody and Lea smiled knowingly.

  "I'm sorry. I'm just a bit tired from the trip."

  "That's understandable. Your room is all set up for you. I was planning on you staying with us.” Lea smiled.

  "I appreciate that, Mom. As a matter of fact, I'm honestly relieved I don't have to go apartment hunting. I had enough of an aggravating time trying to find someone to transfer the lease at my place in Bolton Bay."

  "Who took it over and what about the furniture you had purchased not too long ago?” Melody asked before taking a sip from her cup of coffee.

  "The furniture helped to seal the deal to two juniors from the university."

  "Well, those boxes you shipped here arrived two days ago. I had Billy store them in the basement. It didn't seem like you had that much stuff."

  Katie glanced at her mom then back down at her mug of coffee.

  She was hesitant in her response which made her next statement probably seem suspicious.

  "I figured why bother? Moving back to Warrens Cove is a new start for me. I didn't need to bring along everything."

  Everyone was silent a moment.

  Katie just hoped that they wouldn't push her for further information.

  It was bad enough her hip was aching and that Donny had to have noticed. Katie was filled with concern. Then came the anxiety of having to tell her family what happened, how much more involved it was. Why would they need to know the details? She's alive, isn't she? Shouldn't they be content with that? She was immediately on the defensive.

  Stop it Katie! Don't jump the gun. They won't ask and if they do then you can handle this.

  Katie sighed, wondering if she really was ready for this move.

  "Well, your mom worked really hard on the new bedroom. You're gonna love it.” Melody broke the silence.

  "I'm sure I will."

  "It was nothing, really,” Lea whispered. Katie picked up on her mom's uneasiness. She needed to smooth the way and eliminate any suspicion of her own guilt for not being open with her family.

  "I can't wait to see it. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty tired. Would you mind if I headed up now? I think it's been a long day of traveling and excitement to be back home."

  The women rose from the table.

  Katie said goodnight to everyone then retired to her old bedroom.

  It was a guestroom now, remodeled by her mom once Katie decided to return to Warrens Cove. Her mom had decorated with earth tones and Bombay style furniture. Pier One came to mind as Katie eyed the brown bamboo and green leaf comforter, pillows and matching wall art. It was not as extreme as a jungle theme but it made Katie think of the Islands, beaches and warm tropical air.

  Katie took a deep breath, relieved to have gotten through the first night home without questions about the fire or her time in Bolton Bay.

  Katie thought about her mom and how lovely she looked. Donny had said their mother was depressed lately and seemed to have a lot on her mind.

  Katie could not tell at all. She looked happy, probably because all her children were together under one roof. They had not been together like this since their dad's funeral.

  Those thoughts made Katie sad.

  She was not going to ponder over the past. She was home again and ready to start her new job on Monday. She looked forward to it and tomorrow morning she would begin her first full day at home with a jog on the beach two blocks from their house.

  Katie thought about her brothers. They were so handsome and they had completely different personalities. She smiled just thinking about the excitement in Donny's voice as he said they would ‘definitely’ be working together. Then there was Michael's uneasiness and tough guy ways. He wanted to talk to her, she could sense it as well as his resistance to show any sign of vulnerability. Their father was the same way. Then there was Billy. She giggled aloud. Billy was so funny and easygoing. She was grateful that he broke the awkward tension between Katie and their mother. Katie did not want to offend her mom but she also did not want to pressure her into having Katie live in the house again. Billy solved that problem and Katie was deeply relieved. She was tired of living alone. She needed her mom and her brothers more than they would ever know. She was happy to be home and she looked forward to being part of the family again.

  The Rainbow

  Earl Redding Jr. entered the shelter. The shelter—that was a joke. It was a shit hole, filled with shit from the entrance to the top floor. It was five floors of losers, burdens to society, drunks, thieves, whores, and druggies living their shit ass lives in a so called ‘shelter'. The wealthy that lived within miles of the apartment building, as a committee decided to call the place, ‘The Rainbow'.

  'Dead end’ was more like it.

  The thought of burning down ‘The Rainbow’ and turning it into smoldering ash, with its residents, filled Earl with excitement.

  He had a plan but timing was everything. He needed this hideout and he needed to blend in.

  Redding walked passed the elevator. It was a joke, just like the small group of unruly trash, about to engage in a brawl.

  Garbage filled the elevator from the cockroach-infested bottom to the stained, yellowed, water damaged ceiling. Flies smothered the trash and the stench hit Redding's nostrils and gut simultaneously.

  He thought about tossing a match to it all. Visions of flames traveling up the walls, across the ceiling, and up the entire five floors helped minimize the assault from the stench.

  Redding climbed the two flights of stairs, his thoughts still organizing a plan to burn down his present residence. As he approached the next flight of stairs, he nearly collided with the young blonde.

  Redding smiled wide, the young social work intern grabbed the railing tightly, her body wedged up against the wall.

  He laughed at her obvious show of fear.

  What a misguided fool she was. Any of the men who frequented ‘The Rainbow’ would devour her up in an instant if given the chance.

  "Hi,” Stephanie exclaimed.

  The weirdo scared the crap out of her. The stairs were the only access throughout the whole building. It was a goddamn fire hazard and no one gave a shit. Keep these people off the streets and away from the high-end areas. The wealthy nearby residents cared little about these people. They just wanted them to disappear, and here she was, a stupid social work intern attempting to assist the needy of society and achieve her degree. The more she visited The Rainbow, the more she thought about switching majors and going for a business degree. She was just frustrated and guys like this creep in front of her made her wish she was a cop with a gun.

  The most horrible feeling overcame her. Little goose bumps covered her entire body, and a creepy feeling consumed her to her soul.

  Stephanie recalled something her cop boyfriend told her.

  "Follow your gut, Steph. It could make the difference between living and dying."

  His words echoed truth.

  Stephanie nearly stumbled.

  Redding reached for her. Stephanie was not quick enough.

  The devilish look covered the weirdo's face that took on a new reddish tint as he held her elbow rather tightly.

  "You'd better be careful around here doll, there are no gentlemen and a beauty like you wouldn't have a chance."

  He let his tongue slowly peek out between his lips, then he licked them, staring deeply into the blonde's eyes. She froze in place, a young, defenseless kitten with no means of escape. Her only choice would be to succumb to his powerful authority. He gazed over her body with his eyes, feeling every quiver and shake of fear. It was protruding from her porcelain skin in the form of tiny bumps. He licked his lips again then placed a hand inches above her shoulder and against the sticky, concrete wall behind her.

  The blonde pulled away, taking off down the stairs before he had a chance to taste her.

  Redding laughed while his eyes followed her down the staircase. He noted that his manhood now stood at attention. He had been ignoring his personal needs for
way too long. Fire consumed his every thought.

  Redding turned, climbed the last flight of stairs, walking uncomfortably and with bad intentions in his mind about the blonde.

  As he rounded the corner, the door to his room was in sight with a few streetwalkers looking to land a score.

  The one brunette he had ‘played’ with a few times tried to pretend she did not see him. It was all a game.

  He abruptly grabbed her by the elbow, the others gathered round giggling and laughing then pleading that he take one of them instead.

  He waved his hand at them, a sure sign he was not interested.

  A moment later, he had the brunette pinned up against the door inside his room.

  His hand was at her throat while his other hand flicked on a lighter by her face.

  "Ready to play baby?” he whispered and she squirmed, offering herself, knowing what ritual this ‘John’ was into.

  Stephanie practically ran out the front doorway. She did not want to show her fear or concern for her safety but that damn creep was freaky. Every ounce of her felt his evilness. She just knew he was bad and her reaction, her show of fear, was out of her control. “Damn It!” she yelled aloud as she headed around the corner and to the safety of her car.

  She jumped inside, locked the doors and grabbed the steering wheel. She needed something to grasp onto and hold tight. Why was she stuck with this particular internship? What had she done to her professors to punish her like this? Plenty of other students in class did not have a clue about real life. She had a clue. She wanted to work with children and told her professors that before internship placement. They were playing a damn game. Whatever any of the students chose as their preferred assignment, the professors purposely assigned them the complete opposite. They were on a damn power trip. The truth of the matter was that the damn professors could not hack it in the real world. Well, screw them and their sick games. They were just as mean and uncompassionate as the people who established The Rainbow.

  This was not why she decided to obtain a social work degree. She wanted to help people, she wanted to make a difference, especially with children. Presently her instincts seemed more like a cop's instinct. Stephanie glanced over at the passenger seat. She stared at her sketchpad, knowing that she should really get back to The Rainbow but her gut was insisting she not ignore the signs or her reaction to the creep. She glanced up through the windshield, knowing that no one would be checking on her. Another ignorant move by a so-called professor. The truth was the jerky professor was scared to come here himself, little weasel.