Angels Among Us

by C. E. Barrett

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  CHAPTER 27

  Daffyd woke and stretched luxuriously. The house was silent around him; no sounds of anyone moving about yet. He wondered if he could sneak into the bedroom for socks and underwear without waking Seren. Throwing on his clothes from last night, he went upstairs and crept into the bedroom. Seren was sleeping on her side, facing into the room, the window at her back. He pulled a drawer open and retrieved the items he was after. When he closed it, he glanced into the mirror attached to the dresser's back. Seren was still sleeping. Moving with a grace that belied his size, he left.

  He decided a shower would be nice to start the day. As he stood in the hot spray, he suddenly wondered where the hot water was coming from. Down in the kitchen, they had to rely on the stove to heat water, but up here it came from the taps. He decided whoever had built the house had been demented, or, just possibly, they had started renovating with the upstairs. Perhaps the modern plumbing just hadn't been installed in the kitchen yet.

  By the time he was finished and dressed, Seren was out in the hall, waiting for her turn. She was wrapped in a bathrobe and leaning on the wall outside the bathroom. She smiled at him when he came out.

  “Good morning, Daffyd,” she said cheerfully, although dark circles under her eyes testified that she hadn't slept particularly well.

  “Morning,” he replied. “Forgive my saying so, Seren, but you don't look terribly rested.”

  “Nightmares,” she said simply. He nodded in sympathy. He had had nights like that.

  “Any you want to talk about?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “No. I just want a hot shower, clean clothes and coffee.” She pushed herself off the wall and started into the bathroom.

  “It's my turn to make breakfast,” he reminded her as he started down the stairs. “I'll get the coffee going first. It should be ready by the time you come down.”

  “You're an angel, Daffyd,” she called after him. She closed the door, and turned on the taps in the tub. When the water was the right temperature, she stripped off her robe and nightgown, and stepped into the warm spray. It felt glorious. She scrubbed herself vigorously, reveling in the feeling of being clean again.

  A quick memory surfaced of showering with Terry. She smiled sadly. They had been very good together. Being without him had gotten easier over the years, but she still missed him terribly now and again. She washed her hair, her fingers becoming Terry's massaging her scalp. She closed her eyes to help the image form; Terry standing behind her, his hands in her hair, working the shampoo into a thick lather. Then, while the water poured down, rinsing her head clean, he would rub her neck and shoulders, eventually reaching around to cup her breasts. The memory-fantasy progressed, and Seren's hands were less businesslike and more caressing to her body. Suddenly her eyes flew open and she jerked her hands away from her abdomen. Terry's hands had become Daffyd's, in her mind's eye and it had startled her.

  Didn't I tell you last night not to go there? she demanded of herself. Sexual fantasies about Daffyd are only going to make you horny and frustrated, more than you already are. So stop already!

  She finished her shower hastily. Back in the bedroom, she dressed even more hastily. She wanted to put the incipient fantasy behind her as far as possible, so that it wouldn't interfere with her real relationship with Daffyd. It wouldn't do to go downstairs and throw herself at him. He was rapidly becoming very dear to her in many ways, and she wanted nothing to come between them.

  She stopped on her way down the hall to check in on Devany. Rapsim was standing beside the bed, looking into his odd little device. Seren waited until he was done before she spoke.

  “How is she?” she asked.

  He looked over his shoulder at her. “Seren! I didn't hear you come in. She's fine, just fine. All her readings are normal, and she's dreaming like mad. That's good,” he hastened to reassure her. “It means she's processing things. I think we should give her at least until lunchtime before we wake her. She might even get up on her own before then.” He smiled at her, his wide green eyes radiating warmth and confidence. His open, pleasant face was comforting. He took her hand.

  “Come on, let's go down and get some breakfast.” He led her from the room and down to the kitchen.

  “There they are!” Reznik exclaimed when they walked through the door. She was sitting on the table, her feet resting on one of the benches, a coffee mug steaming in her hands. Daffyd was busy at the stove.

  “Something smells wondrously good,” said Rapsim, and peered past Daffyd's elbow, trying to see into the pan.

  “He says he's making an ‘ap Owen special', which he learned from his dad. He's keeping the ingredients a big secret, though. Family tradition, and all that.” She grinned widely. “A man like this one doesn't wander by every day, Seren. If I were you, I'd scoop him now!”

  Seren smiled and poured her own cup of coffee. She had seen Daffyd's spine stiffen at Reznik's words, and she decided not to add to his discomfort. She shook an admonishing finger at Reznik, who only continued to grin mischievously around the rim of her cup. Seren decided she would have to speak to the other woman later about her suspicions regarding Daffyd, and why she shouldn't say things like that.

  Daffyd, watching his breakfast masterpiece like a hawk, heard Reznik's words, and had almost gone rigid with shock. He was able to control the worst of his reaction, but he felt the flush creeping up his cheeks. He was grateful his beard would hide most of it, and he might be able to blame the heat of the stove for the rest. He considered her words to be in somewhat poor taste, but he supposed she might just be very broadminded. With her exposure to other species and cultures, perhaps she thought nothing of men and women being together. Seren hadn't responded verbally, and he couldn't guess at her reaction. At least she hadn't reacted with an outburst against heterosexuals, for which he was thankful.

  When she leaned past his arm to peek at breakfast, he jumped. He had been so occupied with Reznik's offhand comment, he hadn't noticed Seren's approach. He felt her hand jerk away from his back, where she had rested it for a moment as she tried to see into the pan. No, don't pull away, Seren. I didn't mean ... you startled me, that's all. I like it when you touch me.

  He looked down at her and shooed her away from the stove. “Out!” he commanded. “You can look all you want when it's on your plate. Go set the table. And you,” he waved the spatula at Reznik. “Get off the table and help.”

  “Yes, Papa Daffyd,” said the young woman saucily, and hopped down. Daffyd snorted at the title and returned to his cooking. Rapsim was already getting out utensils, and putting them in place. Seren passed plates to Reznik, who ferried them to Daffyd for filling. In a few moments they were seated and eating.

  “This is really good!” exclaimed Seren. “You weren't kidding yesterday when you said you could cook! Gerri's right. Someone should scoop you!”

  Before he could respond to this, an unexpected voice spoke up sleepily. “What smells good?” asked Devany from the door, rubbing her eyes.

  “Devany!” said Seren in surprise. She half-rose to her feet, but Rapsim gestured her back. She glared at him but sat back down. There was something about the little man that commanded respect. “It's breakfast, Devany,” he said. “Would you like some?”

  “Who are you?”

  “I'm the Counselor,” he said. “This is ProtoLeader292.” He used the mission number to complete her title. The others looked at him curiously.

  Devany accepted his statement without question. The titles were unfamiliar but reassuring. Someone In Authority was finally here. She sat at the table. Seren rose again and got a plate out for the little girl. She transferred a portion of her own meal to Devany's dish. Daffyd added some from his, and they put it in front of her with a dessert fork, which was more her size. Silence descended as they ate. Conversation seemed superfluous at the moment. Each was lost in thought. Devany's arrival had eased Seren's distress considerab
ly and she felt much better about facing the future. She had felt herself a colossal failure; first to her own children for vanishing without warning, although it was beyond her control, and then to Devany for failing to help her cope. This little girl represented her own family to her and she felt strongly the need to be a mom to her. She was bothered by the child's aloofness and emotional distance. How can I get through to you, Devany? A little punkin like you should be smothered with hugs and kisses, but you don't seem to know how to react. I guess you didn't get many, but don't you know that Daffyd and I would just love you to bits? Oh, Baby, I hope you learn how nice it is to have people love you.

  Reznik ate her ‘ap Owen special', which was possibly the best-tasting thing she'd ever had. It was something like an omelet but she couldn't identify everything he had put into it. It was incredibly delicious, whatever it was. She glanced from time to time at Seren and Daffyd, studying them covertly, a skill at which most Recruits were more than adept. She liked Seren and hoped they could be friends. Having someone like her to visit with on trips back to Earth would be mega-cool. Maybe I can be like you when I grow up, she thought at Seren. You don't have any training or experience with this cross dimension leaping, but look how well you're keeping it all together. And you still manage to keep your sense of humor! Rap will getcha home, Seren, don't worry.

  She turned her attention to Daffyd, without ever lifting her eyes from her plate. Now, you, Mr. ap Owen, she scrutinized him through lowered lashes. There's something more than meets the eye with you. You look so poised, so self-confident, but my-oh-my, the undercurrents running through you! At first meeting, she had thought him homosexual; something in his manner, the way he behaved on the surface with her and Seren. On closer examination, however, Reznik had noticed subtleties in Daffyd's reaction to Seren, and realized that he was more than a little attracted to her. Now, I wonder why you hide that from her? She likes you, too, in case you didn't notice, Mister. You and I ought to have a chat, I think. She plotted how to go about getting Seren and Daffyd to clue in to the fact of their mutual attraction.

  Rapsim ate his meal with slow deliberation. He was considering the meaning of the fluctuating energy fields the multi kept tripping over. At their highest peak, they almost resembled readings associated with portals; the technological devices the Recruits used to travel from one dimension to another. If there was a portal of some kind here, he wanted to find it, but the surges were randomly placed, irregularly timed, and the merest of swift flashes. He wasn't certain he could pinpoint one long enough to discern its origin. However, he was not a man who gave up easily. It was a Dral trait to persist in the face of adversity. I'll just have to go over every inch of this place; yard, house, barn, everything, until I nail the reading down. Some kind of portal brought us here, there must be a way back! He suddenly remembered the conversation with Daffyd last night, the appearance of the clothes and toothbrushes. He glanced across the table at the other man. What do you know, I wonder. Maybe we can talk later. I'd like to know what else you suspect. P'haps you'll give me a clue to follow up on, something you've seen, or found, that I don't know about yet. He returned his attention to his breakfast.

  Devany nibbled tentatively at the food on her plate. She had no idea what it was, but everyone else was eating it. Her portion had come from Seren and Daffyd's, so it probably wasn't drugged. She ate with increasing enjoyment. The presence of the new people offered her some comfort. They had titles, which meant that they were Authority Persons. That, in itself, was reassuring. She sneaked a quick peek at Seren. You're not a Mother, she thought accusingly. You know much too much to be a Mother. You're a Tester, aren't you? And I said I use my imagination sometimes. A thrill of fear went through her little frame. Please don't erase me! I don't want to be like Piotr. He was scary after, and they had to send him away. PLEASE don't do that to me! Her hand paused on its way to her mouth. Daffyd glanced down at her and caught her frightened look. He dropped her a quick wink and a warm look that told her not to be afraid. She felt the fear recede a hairsbreadth. There was something about Daffyd that made her feel safe when he was near. She went back to her meal.

  Daffyd was consumed by his own thoughts. The appearance of the moon last night, in addition to the other things, had confirmed his suspicion that someone, or something, somewhere, was not only paying attention, but taking an active part in their lives. Whoever it was didn't seem to be reading their thoughts, but responded to verbal expressions of need or want. How far does your power extend, he wondered. Was it you who brought us here, and if so, why? Are you going to send us home again? For himself, he didn't particularly care, except for missing his family. His life would be taking such a terrible, and possibly deadly, turn for the worse that staying here would almost be preferable. But Seren needed to go home. His reverie was interrupted by a quiet voice near his elbow.

  “Daffyd, what are you?” Devany looked up at him.

  “I don't understand what you're asking, Devany,” he said.

  “What's your Title? What do you do?”

  “I make music. And I lead musicians in making music,” he smiled down at her. “Do you like music, Devany?” He hoped she knew what he was talking about.

  “Yes. We get to listen to it every fourday. Sometimes it's happy but sometimes it makes me feel funny inside. Is that right?” She looked concerned over her admission, almost as if she expected punishment.

  “Oh yes,” he replied. “Music can make you feel every kind of emotion. There's a piano in the living room; would you like me to play for you later?”

  “Yes.”

  He smiled again. Her long sleep seemed to have done her a world of good. He was glad. He had been more worried about her than he had let on yesterday. He had thought it best to keep his concern to himself, not wanting to add to Seren's burden. The guilt he had felt over Devany's disappearance and subsequent condition had now been replaced by a deep relief.

  “Will you make music soon?” Devany asked.

  “After breakfast, when everything is tidied up, I will,” he said.

  The meal was soon over, and with everyone working together, the kitchen was soon spotless. Rapsim headed outside to examine the grounds more closely, and to investigate the grassy plain. Perhaps the portal readings were coming from out there. After all, that was where they had all landed. Daffyd took Devany by the hand and led her to the living room. Seren had found a notepad in a drawer in the kitchen, and a pencil to go with it. She sat at the kitchen table, putting her thoughts and impressions of the past few days down on paper. If she ever got home, this stuff was going in a book! Reznik made an attempt to talk with her but Seren asked if it could wait until later. She hadn't done any writing for days and it was taking its toll.

  “Sure,” said Reznik. “It's important, though, okay? Don't forget.”

  “I won't,” Seren glanced up, smiled briefly and returned to the notepad. Reznik wandered out after Rapsim. Seren sat and let her chaotic thoughts flow down her arm and out the pencil onto the paper. Slowly, she became aware of music drifting through the house. Her head lifted and she listened, a smile playing about her lips. The piece was nothing she recognized, although it was reminiscent of Beethoven's Für Elise.

  She stole quietly into the hall and stood silently in the doorway to the living room. Daffyd sat on the piano bench, Devany beside him, rapt eyes watching his hands as they moved over the keys. He was evidently playing from memory, as the sheet music that had been there was now neatly stacked on the piano top. From time to time, he cast a quick glance at the child beside him and smiled at the expression on her face.

  The music changed, becoming evocative and moving. Devany's face underwent a series of expressions and her chin quivered. Seren saw Daffyd notice the girl's reaction and the tune was suddenly cheerful and rollicking. Devany beamed up at the big man. He twinkled back at her.

  Seren watched the exchange, and thought, Oh, Daffyd, what a great dad you would make! It's a shame you won't ever be one. I bet Ria a
dores her ‘Ankle Daffyd'.

  Again, the music shifted moods, conjuring feelings of loss and loneliness. Seren felt a tear slide down her face. She wiped it away, and realized that Devany, too, was crying silently. Suddenly, the child sobbed aloud. Daffyd stopped playing immediately and turned to the little girl. He put a hand on her shoulder and she climbed into his lap. She put her arms around his neck and pressed her face into it, under the line of his jaw. His big hands covered her back and he patted her comfortingly, murmuring reassurances.

  Seren could hold back no longer. She walked across to the piano bench and put one arm around Daffyd's broad shoulders and the other around Devany. She leaned her cheek against Devany's hair for a brief moment. When the child's weeping had subsided into a series of hitching and catching, Seren pulled back a bit. Her eyes met Daffyd's and he nodded approvingly at her. She tore her gaze from his face and focused on Devany.

  The curly head lifted itself out of its hiding place against Daffyd's throat. Tears had soaked into his shirt and beaded the hair on his chest, where the top two buttons were undone. Devany's face was streaked, and so pitiful it tugged at Seren's heart.

  “Are you all right, honey?” she asked, and stroked Devany's hair.

  Devany shook her head. “It's too strange for me here. I don't like it. I just want to go home to Nanny512 and the Language Center. I just want things to be the same as they were. Why can't I go home? What did I do wrong? Why am I being ‘Tested'?” Her eyes went huge and her body stiffened in Daffyd's loose embrace. People being ‘Tested’ weren't supposed to know, and if they guessed, it indicated that they had too much imagination. Her sudden terror was almost palpable. Daffyd's arms tightened around her, strong and protective. His deep voice made soothing sounds that quieted her fears to a manageable level. Nanny512 sometimes let her charges sit in her lap like this and Devany had always liked the comforting feel of it. Now, she concentrated on the feeling of safety that Daffyd's embrace provided and let her terror subside another notch or two.