Progeny

by Erik Schubach

  Sammie grinned at the phone and said, “Hello Mrs. Jacobs.” I winced, she hated being called Mrs. Jacobs, it always reminded her of losing Mother.

  Mom paused for a moment then said softly, “Please Samantha, call me Mia.”

  I took charge and explained, “The reason I'm calling you Mom, is that Sammie is doing a paper on you but, of course, can't find any info. I was just wondering if she could speak to you sometime to gain some insight into you and your art.” Sam's eyes went wide. I knew what I was asking. Nobody and I mean nobody, has ever interviewed Mom with her permission.

  Mom answered carefully, “Well, OK baby girl. But only because she is your friend.” I opened my mouth to reply, but she continued, “Actually, why don't you bring her along when you come next weekend for the exhibit opening? D-does that sound OK Samantha?”

  Samantha had a huge grin on her face and she appeared to be hyperventilating. I grinned and laid a hand on her shoulder to reassure her that it was OK with a smile of my own. She just kept nodding at my phone. I chuckled and said, “She can't hear you nodding, you silly woman.”

  Sammie stuck her tongue out at me cutely then said, “That would be brill Mia.”

  Mom chuckled, she must feel comfortable with Sam already. For some reason, that was really important to me. I nodded once and said, “Great, then it is settled. We'll see you Friday night mom.”

  My mother replied, “Great! I'll see you girls then. I'm sorry to rush off, but I have seventeen minutes and forty three seconds to finish my current project. I love you Abbey, I can't wait to see you.”

  Sammie and I said our goodbyes and we hung up, just to be tackle hugged by a giggling blonde who was saying, “OMG! This is so amazing! You are amazing!” She paused a second then released me quickly with probably the cutest blush I had ever seen on her face. It was warming my cheeks too.

  We spent the rest of the night just talking about everything but school. I wanted to learn as much as possible about this girl that seemed to get through all my defenses like they weren't even there. I can't remember a time in my life where I could speak so freely with another person. I was sharing things with her that only my mom knew abut me. In exchange, she was sharing precious secrets about her own life with me.

  By the end of the night, I felt I knew her parents and her 'aunts.' I didn't see Satin Thunder as these women who were larger than life. Instead, I saw them as loving mothers to this intriguing woman in front of me. She made them seem so... real... like everyday people. Most of the people I know have some sort of problem with their families. Not that they don't love them, but there is usually some friction. But all I saw from Sam for her mother and her adoptive mother was love and adoration.

  I couldn't stop myself from smiling every time she spoke of them. I took note that even though Kimi Solomon, well Roth now, was not her biological mother, but had adopted her when she married Skylar, she loved her fiercely. It sounded as though it was the same where Kimi was involved.

  I reluctantly said my goodnight. We had classes in the morning. But she made me promise to be at Campus Grounds for lunch with June at noon. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

  Chapter 8 – Mia Friggin Jacobs!

  I woke up with a bloody smile on my face and Abbey on my mind. I hugged myself when I thought of her. Damn if she wasn't a right fit bird!

  I took the time last night before I went to bed to let my parents know that I'd be visiting next weekend and that I'd be speaking with Mia Jacobs. Mumsy's voice got far away, like it did when she spoke of heroes, when I mentioned it. I giggled. Mumsy loves her heroes.

  They were excited and I had to remind them that I hadn't even been away from home two weeks. This got Mum saying humorously, “Our little girl is all grown up now and doesn't need us anymore Flower.”

  Which got the teasing response, “It was bound to happen Sky.”

  I shook my head at their antics. I said with a grin, “Oh shush you. I swear I raised you two better than this.” This got chuckling all around. I loved how playful my parents were. I don't understand why so many people are surprised that 'Kimi Solomon' was so emotional and fun, they seem to be under some misguided notion that she is stoic and unfeeling. I ended the call with my promise to spend at least some of my time with them when I was back in Seattle.

  The week crawled by so slowly, only my time with Abbey seemed to rocket by. I could never get enough of her. Her strength, sarcastic humor, and her need to champion everyone had me wanting more. I was seeing one of those bloody heroes mom always spoke of in Abbey, and... I liked it.

  June was acting weird whenever she saw the two of us together, she seemed to get this goofy lopsided grin. I wonder what the silly bird is on about. Both of them were constantly having me put my sketchpad down when we spoke, I never realize I am sketching anymore, I have done it as long as I can remember.

  Marie and Brent had started dating, much to my satisfaction. They were too cute together. We had to constantly remind the poor redheaded bloke to breathe. June, of course, has started referring to them as 'The Reds.'

  Abbey was a permanent part of our lunch group and we were both permanent fixtures in each other's dorm rooms in the scant spare time we had between classes and studying. On Thursday, I finally met her roommate Genevieve when she wasn't passed out from partying. That girl is hilarious. But the weird thing is, she doesn't seem to ever study and she is in the top of the freshman class with Abs and I. She's just getting the partying out of her system. Gen said, “That's what freshman year is for right?”

  The only blemish during the week was when my sketchpad disappeared from my bag in my Freestyle Art class on Thursday. I had left to use the bog and it was gone when I returned. I reported it to the professor and I cried about it that night, so many memories lost, almost three months worth in that sketchbook. Abbey and June consoled me. Gawd I loved those women. Abs had said, “Then we'll all have to help make new memories with you.”

  We had agreed to take an earlier flight on Friday so we would have more time to visit at home. We spoke with our professors or their aids to get our assignments for Friday. I really liked the freedom we had in the college environment.

  When I woke up Friday morning, I was full of energy and felt like bouncing around. I was going to meet with Mia Jacobs today, can you bloody believe it?! I prepped for the day in a rush and snagged my carry on suitcase, Clunky, which I had packed last night. Then I was out the door to Abbey's room in the other dorm.

  I tapped lightly on the door and got the familiar sleepy grunt from Genevieve which I have learned means, “Why good morning Sammie. Splendid day out today. Please, won't you come in and make yourself at home?”

  I grinned and entered the room and Gen opened one eye from where she lay on her bed and grunted again and closed her eye to get back to sleep. I could hear Abbey in the cottage humming.

  I smiled at Gen and said playfully to her, “And a good morning to you too sleepyhead.” She grinned without opening her eyes and snuggled into her pillow, the silly bird.

  Abbey stepped one foot out of the cottage and she looked phenomenal, her usually straight hair was a wavy flood around her shoulders. I caught myself staring and almost drooling as she started running her flat iron across it, straightening the gorgeous waves. Oh, she's talking to me. I snapped myself out of it and said eloquently, “Huh?”

  She chuckled and said slowly like she was dealing with a git, “I said hi, Sam.”

  I responded equally slowly. “Good morning Abs.” She crinkled her nose at me and went to step back into the cottage.

  I blurted, “Why iz you be straightenin' dat spectacular hair?” Then gave a silly toothy grin as I tilted my head in question.

  She paused a second then smiled, almost sadly. Did I say something wrong? She replied, “It is just my way of differentiating myself from my other mother. We have... similar looks.”

  I nodded, not quite understanding but said, “A shame, it is bloody gorgeous.” She blushed and disappeared into the c
ottage.

  I sat on her bed and idly looked around. There was an old fashioned photo album sitting on her side table. I picked it up and smiled, does anyone use these things anymore in an age of electronics and the internet?

  I opened to a random page and saw Abbey with a beautiful dark haired girl. They looked so happy together. To my shame I found myself getting a little jealous of the girl with Abbey. I touched Abbey's face in the picture as she came walking out of the bog and looked at the book in my hands.

  I shrugged at her in apology then looked down at the picture again and said wistfully, “You two look so happy in this picture. Was she your girlfriend?”

  Her nose crinkled in pure amusement as she shook her head in mirth. “One, ewwwww. And two, the reason for my straight hair.” She was grinning like the Cheshire Cat now.

  I squinted an eye in confusion then looked at the picture again. Wait, there were some subtle differences between Abby and... “Bloody hell! Your mothers?” She was nodding quickly, she looked almost ready to burst out laughing but was somehow able to contain herself.

  I looked at the picture then her again, the similarities were almost spooky but I saw some definite differences now. Then I pointed at the other girl and asked the obvious now, “Mia?” She nodded. I smiled at her and said, “Well... I still liked your wavy hair.”

  She crinkled her nose at me again then grabbed the bag she must have packed last night and prompted. “Shall we be off?” I nodded and we made our way out to the bus stop.

  By the time we were in the air I was knackered, I had been up most of the night, I was too excited about meeting Mia and seeing my parents again. I know, pathetic, just two weeks away from home and I already missed it.

  I woke up with my head on Abbey's shoulder as the captain was announcing our final descent. Her scent was relaxing to me. I peered up into her amber orbs, not wanting to move but grudgingly sitting up and said quietly, “Terribly sorry. I have to be the worst traveling companion ever.”

  I couldn't read her smile as she bit her lower lip and said in a husky voice, “No complaints here.” I don't think it would be possible to blush any more than I did at that moment.

  After we touched down and taxied to the terminal, Abbey grabbed our bags from the overhead and we made our way out. Abbey paused for a moment while we were making our way out of the security area in the terminal. “Mom is a little... eccentric...”

  I stopped her before she could continue. “Don't you dare finish that thought. It will be brill.” She nodded and gave me a cute smile and we continued out to the common area.

  We hadn't gone more than ten feet when this gorgeous middle aged woman, who had absolutely no right looking as good as she did, stepped through the crowd while avoiding contact with everyone and going directly up to Abbey and reached up and engulfed my tall companion in a warm embrace. I heard her whisper, “Baby girl.”

  Abbey comically picked her up and swung her side to side in the hug, the other woman's combat boots dangling off the floor as Abs said, “I missed you Mom.” Then she set her down and turned toward me and introduced us. “Mom, this is my best friend at the Academy, Samantha Roth.” I blushed, was I really her best friend? Well, I guess the same was true of her.

  The woman looked at me in a way that was almost unnerving. Like she wasn't just looking at me, but taking in everything that I was, analyzing it, categorizing it. I could see a fierce intelligence in those eyes and something almost dangerous. Oh. I understood it when her eyes flickered between me and Abbey. It was almost tangible, her love for her daughter and her need to protect her.

  All of that happened in the blink of an eye, but it felt like it had gone on forever. I saw her body visibly relax and a smile that could only be described as a gift from heaven bloomed on her face as she said, “I-it's good to be able to p-put a face to the name. I'm pleased to meet you... again, S-Samantha.” She shook my hand, but I could tell she wasn't really big on people touching her. Probably influenced by her OCD.

  I was so relieved, I don't know why her acceptance of me meant so much but it did. I started breathing again and shot her a nose crinkled smile and I blurted out, “No, the pleasure is all mine Mia. I wish I could remember more about our first meeting. I was so young and I was worried about Aunt Bobbie.”

  She smiled back at me and replied, “Let's get out of here. There are too many people. Lunch ladies? Then you can tell me about your impressions of college so far.”

  Abbey looped her arm in her mom's and said, “That sounds wonderful.” They took maybe three steps, dragging Abbey's suitcase behind them when Abbey turned back and asked slyly, “You coming Sammie?”

  I shook myself and smiled, hurrying after them. OMG, I'm going to eat with a legend! Mia friggin Jacobs! I dragged Clunky behind me as we made our way into the parking garage and to an ancient looking yellow SUV that looked as though it had just rolled off the showroom floor. It was awesome! I glanced down at Mia's boots then at the car. I couldn't suppress a smile as we loaded our suitcases into the vehicle then piled in.

  I hopped into the back seat. Abbey looked torn between joining her mom up front or sitting in the back with me. I shot her what I hoped was a puppy dog look and she grinned and hopped in the back seat. Mia wiped her hands with a moist towelette, then wiped the steering wheel, and adjusted her mirror so she could see us as she drove.

  We chatted about our experiences so far in school. Mia asked me as many questions as she did her daughter, keeping me engaged in the conversation. We wound up at Pike Place Market and I was about to suggest The Pike Bakery when the ladies just automatically started steering us in that direction. Apparently they knew of Mrs. Z and her culinary artistry. I grinned at that.

  When we arrived Mrs. Zatta looked over and waved as we were assaulted by the mouthwatering smell of fresh baked bread. The ladies bypassed the little expanded metal tables and brought us back outside and sat at one of the tables near the street performers. I looked a question to Abbey and she smiled softly at her mother. “Rectangular tables out here, round in there. These are easier to organize things and align them to the table edge on.”

  Mia looked shocked that her daughter was explaining to me but relaxed as I just nodded and said, “Cool, I can see that.”

  Then Abbey said, “You want me to get you a menu Sammie? Mrs. Z knows us here.”

  I giggled out, “Noooo, that's OK, she knows what I like. Which is pretty much anything she makes.”

  Mia smiled at that. Either because she agreed or because I knew Mrs. Z too. Any self respecting Seattle resident would know this place. The food that Mrs. Zatta made was nothing short of ambrosia.

  A couple minutes later an older woman came out with a tray and set the food, drinks, and utensils down. I waited as Mia and Abbey straightened their forks and knives on their napkins and arranged the table. Mia kept poking at her utensils with her finger until they were aligned. Abbey winked at me and reached over and aligned my fork and knife for me. I saw Mia visibly relax at that. I had to smile.

  We all sliced off a bit of the heavenly smelling ham and cheese bakes. The bread was steaming and the aroma was seriously making me drool. After we all moaned in delight at the taste, Mrs. Z smiled and trundled off, back into her little cafe bakery.

  Gawd I loved these. She always put just the right amount of onion and peppers in these lunch bakes to punctuate the other tastes and textures. I swear she is an artist in her own right. I'd normally pick it up and eat it as a hoagie, but the ladies were using knives and forks so I followed suit.

  We continued to fill Mia in on school and she shared the similarities from when she had come to college. I was fascinated whenever Mia would put her fork down to take a sip of her cola. She would nudge the fork with her finger until it was perfectly straight on her napkin and aligned with the edge of the table. She absently straightened mine once, as well. I thought it was kind of cool, as a signature Mia thing I can even remember from the one time I met her as a small child. I started making
sure I set my fork down straight whenever I grabbed my cola. She seemed to relax a bit when I did.

  Halfway through the meal, Abbey grinned at her mother and said, “Sorry mom, it just has to be done.” Then grabbed her lunch bake in her hand and hoisted it up to take a huge bite with a cheesy grin.

  I actually snorted as Abbey nudged her head toward mine. I grabbed mine and shot a sorry to Mia with my eyes then grabbed mine and took a big bite too with an equally cheesy grin. The elder Jacobs looked back and forth at us and placed her fork down, arranging it just so, then shook her head at us then said comically, “Oh hell.” Then she followed our lead. After her first bite she admonished Abbey, “Honestly girl, I didn't want her thinking we were a couple of animals.”

  I giggled and said, “Too bloody late, I go to school with Abs, remember?”

  This got a chuckle from Mia and Abbey said, “Hey! Well... fine. But still... hey!” I happily munched the rest of my meal with a victorious look on my face. Which only got a playful squinting of her eye, promising much pain.

  After the meal, it took almost ten minutes of Mia arguing with Mrs. Z to take our money, we were back in the yellow SUV that I learned is called a FJ Cruiser and heading north. This excited me a bit because that brought me closer to home too.

  Mia drove us across Lake Washington at Evergreen Point and over to Yarrow Bay. We pulled into the long driveway of a gorgeous lake house. Everything was bloody immaculate, as a show house. The lawn was almost manicured and the rows of flowers were perfectly aligned. My eyes darted from one small bed of flowers to another, then I squinted as I realized each had ten flowers in them with low lying mossy flowers beneath. There were an even number of beds with even numbers of flowers. I grinned... Mia's doing.

  The house was in such good repair if I hadn't known that Abbey had grown up here I would have believed it had just been built. I started wondering just how severe a case of OCD Mia had. But it made her even more fascinating to me, like daughter like mother, I guess. I grinned.