Progeny

by Erik Schubach

  At the end of the night, Brent had mentioned, “If only we could use misdirection like we did at the senior party.”

  That was it! I blurted out, echoing my thought, “That's it! Brent I need you to contact Rigel and everyone else you know at the Academy.” I looked around at the group. “All of you too!” Then I went about laying out my plan to the grins, chuckles, and nodding of everyone.

  I returned to my dorm with a smile. In the morning, Operation Tangled Web would commence. I almost felt sorry for the Dean. Almost.

  Chapter 15 – Falling Deeper

  In the morning, I filled Gen in on the plan to which she readily agreed to with an evil grin. I made a call to the Dean's office and made an appointment for after lunch. Then got online and booked a flight for this afternoon. One way or another, I was going to make this right. I only prayed I hadn't already blown it.

  June called. When I answered she said, “I'm goin' in, wish me luck.” I did and she giggled. “Oh the things I do for my frosh.” She hung up. I smiled warmly. June was such a good friend, better than any I had ever had.

  I made my way to my first class with Sammie on my mind and a smile in my heart. I sat in my usual place beside her empty chair. Professor McGill stood and walked to his podium as Jennifer started handing out some papers to pass around.

  I absently took one and passed the others on as the professor started talking. “I received this from a former student this weekend. It is her paper on the contemporary artist she was assigned. Now it is extremely unusual for someone to hand their paper in so early in the semester, but I wanted to share this with you all.”

  He looked around then continued, “Art is subjective as we have already discussed. But rarely have I had the pleasure of receiving a paper that in and of itself is a work of art. Were this student still here, she would have revived a perfect grade on this paper even though it doesn't conform to the norm, but that is what made this art. That and her disregard for the consequences of not giving her instructor what he wanted.”

  I just thought that it sounded like something Sammie would do when he said, “So, please, take a moment to read Miss Samantha Roth's paper on Mia Jacobs, and we can discuss it in a bit.” He finished and went to sit at his desk.

  My heart was beating double time. This was Sam's paper about mom. She sent it to him this weekend? Before I got stupid? I ran a hand lovingly across the cover sheet that only said, “Who is Mia Jacobs? by Samantha Roth” on it. Then I turned the page to the only other page of the paper. It was just a single sheet? Then I read.

  [This was supposed to be a paper about Mia Jacobs. About her life and choices that brought about the inspiration for her artwork. About the technical aspects of her style and the Jacobs Effect. But after having the extreme pleasure of actually meeting her, my own personal hero... and learning the startling truth behind it all, I refuse to lay bare her life only for a grade.

  But I will say this. What we think is her art, is not. It goes beyond that. All that we need to know about Mia Jacobs is in the pieces she shares with the world. She has laid bare her soul for all of us to see, sharing her defining memories.

  Her medium is not painting, nor clay, nor metal, nor any of the other materials these pieces are constructed from. The medium she works with... that she shares with us all... is the one thing that defines her as a woman, as an artist, as a mother. It is what drives her. That medium is love.]

  That was it. I was crying again. I smiled and wiped a tear away and looked up. The professor was staring up at me with a soft smile. He nodded at me and I nodded back. I sat back with pride for Sammie and pride for my mother as the class discussed the paper. I didn't think it possible, but here I was, falling deeper for the object of my affection. Sam was willing to let her grade tank than share what she had learned about mom. If only I could get her to forgive me. Then I sobered, and she let herself get expelled to protect me. Not on my watch!

  I checked my cell discretely, a dozen or more had texted me that Operation Tangled Web was proceeding as planned. I grinned and spent the last of the class daydreaming about Sam's lips and her pink lock of hair.

  My next class went slowly, time was barely ticking by. I received more messages from various people that they had done their parts of the plan. I grinned to myself. The students here were good people. Well, most of them anyway. The only bright spot of this whole mess was that Nash had got expelled too.

  Class was finally over. This is it, time to see the Dean. I gathered my stuff and smiled to myself and made my way over to the administration building. The lobby by his office which usually looked deserted was standing room only. I grinned and exchanged knowing nods to other students as I checked in with the secretary and got thumbs up from others. She shook her head at me and said wearily, “Dean Long will be with you momentarily Miss Jacobs.” I nodded and found a place against the wall to lean.

  A minute later a big burly guy that I recognized from my Trig class came walking out with Dean Long behind him, looking just as weary as his secretary. People cheered the guy.

  The Dean called out into the room, “Abbey Jacobs?” I started walking and as I passed a guy who just came out of the office he raised his hand and I high fived him on my way to the office.

  Dean Long almost chuckled at the display and then shook his head sadly as I entered and he closed the door behind me. He motioned for me to sit and he didn't even bother going around to his seat, he just sat on the corner of the carved mahogany monstrosity of a desk that dominated the room.

  He took a deep breath then seemed to hold it and asked with a tinge of humor in his voice, “So what can I do for you today Miss Jacobs?” I smiled apologetically at the tall beanpole of a middle aged man in his well pressed suit. I'm sure some of the greying hair at his temples and in his beard are from today. His suit coat was on his chair and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows indicating how hectic things must be today.

  I sat up straight and said in a strong voice. “Well Dean Long, I'm here to turn myself in. Samantha Roth was trying to protect me when she admitted to fighting with Nash Santiago.”

  He let out a long and weary sigh as he slowly shook his head.

  Chapter 16 – The Stuff of Heroes

  Mums was calling from the other room, “Sammie, dinner is ready.” I took a deep cleansing breath. Is it right for my chest to hurt so much? I think all the crying I have done lately has worked muscles I didn't know I had. I wondered when the heart ache would go away, or when the image of betrayal on Abbey's face would fade from my memories. All I wanted to do was be with her, but instead I only hurt her, bloody hell.

  I called out, “Be right there Mum.” I stared at my mobile again. I had stopped calling and texting Abbey when it became clear that she was never going to answer a call from me, but I was so tempted to try again.

  My mobile rang an hour ago, the caller ID showed it was the Academy, but I wasn't ready to deal with all the expulsion bollocks they probably needed to share with me. It was humiliating enough when I was hauled into the Dean's office with the entire board there and have them inform me of my expulsion for fighting. Reiterating that the campus had a zero tolerance policy. I just let it go to voice mail.

  The Dean had begged with me not to do this, he knew there was no way a tiny thing like me could have bloodied Nash up like that. He pleaded with me to tell him who was really involved. When I refused and said that I had provoked Nash because he had stolen my sketchbook and used my pictures to hurt another student, he had no choice but to accept my confession and enter the expulsion into my record.

  I glanced at my bedroom door and steeled myself, putting on a fake smile for my parents. I loved them so much and they didn't need to worry about me. I was so very ashamed when they met me at the airport Monday evening, but neither of them said anything about the expulsion. Instead, they offered me the one thing they have my entire life. Their love.

  I'm sure I had embarrassed and disappointed them, but you wouldn't have been able to tel
l, by the way they acted as it was just any other day. I know they were waiting for me to broach the subject and talk about it with them. I know I owe it to them, but the past three days I have felt like half my heart was missing. Nobody had ever effected me in such a way before. I haven't been able to sketch since she stormed out of my dorm room.

  I decided that I'd open up to my parents, they deserved to know what was going on. I smiled at them as I sat. Mum had a fryup ready, she knew breakfast for dinner was my favorite, and let me tell you, that woman cook. My first bite was loaded on my fork and headed to my mouth when I paused then set it back down. I looked at my two mums. I turned to my adoptive mum, I'm sure she would take this the hardest, for such a strong woman, her emotions were always hiding just below that stoic mask she wore. She has always held me high on a pedestal, that I never deserved.

  I finally whispered out to them, “I'm so sorry.” Then I started to cry.

  Mum stood quickly and she was suddenly engulfing me in a hug, Mumsy joined in. I looked into mum's spectacular eyes on her beautiful Native American face as she said, “You have nothing to be sorry about.”

  I sniffled and said in a husky voice, heavy with tears, “I got expelled. I know I've disappointed you two. I ruined my future.”

  Mum gave a soft smile and said, “One, it would be impossible for you to ever disappoint me...” she looked to Mumsy, “...us. Two, I'm sure there was a good reason, you’re not one to go off half cocked. Three, as Mia Jacobs would tell you, your future isn't ruined, that silly expulsion doesn't define you... define yourself Sammie.”

  Then Mum looked at Mumsy with mischief twinkling around in her blue eyes. “Besides, Flower here has her fair share of expulsions on her school record.” This was news to me and somehow not shocking as Mumsy winked at her then stuck her tongue out at her.

  Even though I was feeling like my life was over, I couldn't suppress a giggle at both the news and their antics. I hope that when I finally settle down with someone, that I would still be just as playful after almost twenty years together. This made me think of Abbey for some reason and the ache in my heart intensified.

  They hugged me tight again then returned to their seats. I took a deep breath and explained everything that happened. Right down to the look of betrayal on Abbey's face and the pseudo-fight in the Academy courtyard. Then to me taking the blame and getting expelled.

  Mumsy's stoic mask broke and she grinned hugely. “She did that without hitting the guy even once?” I nodded and she grinned again. “I knew I liked that girl!”

  Mum shot her a reproving glance but couldn't keep the slight smile off her lips, saying,. “Now Flower, don't go encouraging that kind of thing.” Then she turned to me. “So, you are saying that you took the blame to protect Abbey? And that you think we would be disappointed in you?”

  I nodded and she giggled, her alto voice sounded almost musical when she said, “So you did this for... love. And you think we'd frown at that? Samantha, you are the most caring and wonderful person. I tell you now, it may not have been what I would have done, but you did the right thing. Love is always the right thing.”

  I looked between my parents in shock. Love? Did I love Abbey? I haven't known her long enough have I? Then I heard the words coming from the mouth of Kimi Tup Ceqayseb Solomon Roth that I will hold in my heart forever, “I'm so very proud of you Sammie.” Mum nodded in agreement. I reached out and ran my fingers lovingly down the burn scars on her face as a tear rolled down my own cheek.

  I was crying again. I choked out, “Oh, bloody hell. I didn't think I had any more tears in me. I love you two so much.” They just grinned back at me like bloody muppets.

  We finished our meal then moved to the living room and discussed my future. There was the University of Washington, they had a great art program and had offered me a scholarship before, so maybe that was the best avenue to pursue.

  After a bit, the doorbell rang. I hopped up to get it. When I opened the door, my heart stopped beating as I looked up. There was a scared looking Abbey Jacobs standing there with June restraining her like she was attempting to run away in panic.

  I opened my mouth, not knowing what to say. She seemed to be caught in the same headlights as me. June rolled her eyes and comically mumbled, “Frosh.” Then said in rapid fire fashion, “Hank, meet Abbey. AJ meet Sammie. Abbey is stupid and makes assumptions. Sammie is stupid and takes the blame for others. Each of your hearts goes pitter patter for each other.”

  She paused and pushed Abbey toward me, saying, “There. Now kiss and make up. And for God's sake, invite us in, it is chilly our here Hank!” She was mumbling something about things never getting done if she didn't do them herself. I'm not quite sure because I was looking hopefully into Abbey's eyes.

  She broke, “I'm so sorry Sammie, I... I didn't know. I jumped to conclusions... I... forgive me?” I just wanted the bloody woman to shut up and kiss me so I shut her up with a kiss of my own. Her lips were where heaven started and ended for me, that is the only way I can describe it.

  One of my mums was clearing her throat from the living room. Oh! “Oh, come in ladies, please.” I saw Abbey reach hesitantly for my hand and pause as I led them in. Was she scared of me? I grabbed hers and laced our fingers with a shy smile. Then that thousand watt smile that I craved so much, bloomed on her face and her confidence returned to her teary eyes. Oh bloody hell, I just wanted her beside me always. Was I finally thinking again, after three days of hell?

  When we walked into the living room, my parents stood with shocked smiles on their faces when they saw Abbey. Then they noticed June and smiled in recognition. Well of course they'd know her, they spent enough time at Harmony Trax back in the day.

  Mum snagged her arm and pulled her into a playful hug. “June! Last time we saw you, you were like twelve; look at you now!”

  Mumsy stepped up to her and then gave her one of her rare smiles. “Little Junebug all grown up.” She bent down and hugged her.

  June was blushing as she said, “Gawd ladies. You make me sound like a little kid. Like these frosh here.” This got chuckles from my parents as they moved over to hug Abbey.

  Then I blurted, “Why are you here? I mean... it's brill that you are here. I just...”

  June looked at my parents and chuckled out, “It's like you gotta nudge them before they can complete a full sentence huh?” They grinned back and nodded.

  I glared at her and she shook her head and said slowly like I was three, “We are here to take you back to school.” Then she added offhandedly, “ Oh and Abbey can't live without you, or some such nonsense like that.” Abbey looked both embarrassed and shocked at June as my parents chuckled and sat down in their loveseat. They motioned toward one of our two couches for us all to sit in. I couldn't help feeling warm inside, so I gave Abbey's hand a little squeeze as we sat down.

  I looked at June and the gorgeous orange eyed woman beside me. “What are you talking about? I was... expelled.”

  June took on the tone of a mother explaining something to a small child. It would have been hilarious if it weren't pointed at me. “Well, things change. Your expulsion has been rescinded. Didn't the Academy call you?”

  I pulled out my phone in shock and looked at the voice mail from the Academy blazing away on the screen. “I thought... I... I didn't listen to it yet.” Then one word came from me in my daze, “How?”

  June sat up tall as my parents cocked their heads in interest. Then she said with an air of pride, “It was your girl, AJ, here, Hank. You should have seen it, it was epic! The stuff of heroes.” This perked up Mumsy's ears. I smiled, her and her thing about heroes.

  Chapter 17 – Legendary

  June started her explanation, “After we pounded some sense into Abster here and made her open her eyes to the truth, and told her how you took the heat for her and got expelled... we needed to figure out how to get you back at the academy.” Then she added mischievously, “And I couldn't shut Abbey up about promising to go on a date with
Sammie on Friday like she promised.”

  I was heating up, I could feel the heat of a blush on my face that must have matched the one on Abbey's face. She tried to defend herself to the chuckles of the other women. “Hey, I always keep my word!”

  I rose my head in defiance of the mocking women and proceeded to snuggle into Abbey a bit as a show of solidarity. Well that and oh my gawd, her scent was driving me crazy.

  Then June continued, “Abbey came up with a brilliant strategy. Shock and awe have nothing over confusion and misdirection. Let me tell you, the Dean is probably still reeling, not knowing which way is up.”

  Mumsy said in her clear soprano as June just grinned, “Please regale us of this brilliant plan.”' Mum playfully swatted her shoulder and we all turned and stared at June in rapt attention as Abbey tried to shrink away into the couch cushions. I just wanted June to tell the bloody story! She does have a flair for the dramatic.

  She just grinned at us and said, “It was so simple it was elegant. I must be rubbing off on her.” She shot a silly grin, her head bobbing around like a bobble-head. “She called it Operation Tangled Web. She had everyone we knew organize and get meetings with the Dean.”

  I was getting frustrated at the silly bird. She looked around at us then sighed and said, “Fine you impatient lot.” She crinkled her nose then continued, “It seems that this morning twenty five students went into the Dean's office to confess to being the one who made Nash beat himself up.”

  She paused for effect to let the shock sink in then added, “Plus the fifteen 'witnesses' who insisted it was a large bald guy, and of course Brent insisted it was aliens.” Mumsy snorted and June winked at me. “It seems everyone had signed confessions or affidavits for the Dean.”

  She smiled, “The frosting on the cake came when Abbey herself, the real perpetrator, marched into the Dean's office and turned herself in to take responsibility for her actions.” She looked at Abbey proudly and prompted, “And how did that turn out AJ?”