He yawned long and rubbed his eyes, turning to Greg. “Just stay put here until El gets back. These new two should be fine. How’s Josephine been?”
“Flirtatious.”
“Figures.” Robbie snickered. “I’m gonna go see how things are with her then I’m taking off.” He watched Greg nod and then Robbie headed to the Skills Room where Josephine usually was. “Hey you.” Robbie nearly skipped into the Skills Room.
“Faker,” Josephine says.
“What?” Robbie laughed.
“You act all energetic but you aren’t. You are a tired little boy.”
“Thanks.” Robbie grinned. “I like being called a little boy. So how’s my afghan coming?”
“Good. I’m bored. You think you can talk to that father of yours about letting me out at least to do some baking.”
“What kind of baking?” Robbie asked.
“Anything you like.”
“Chocolate cake.”
“Get me the supplies and it will be the best chocolate cake you ever ate.”
“We got them.”
“Set it up and you’ll get that cake first.”
Robbie raised one eyebrow. “It’s not gonna cost me sexual favors now is it?”
“As much as I’d like to say ...” The smile dropped from Josephine’s face.
“What is it?” Robbie asked.
The answer came in the form of Henry’s voice. “Robbie.”
Robbie rolled his eyes and turned around. “What?”
“I’ve been looking for you.” Henry smiled at Josephine. “Hi, Josephine.”
“Prick.”
Quickly he looked at Robbie. “See, did you hear her?”
“Hear what?”
“Fine.” Henry stepped back. “I’m going to Joe, not about her vulgarity but you. I thought I could come to you first.”
“Henry. What the fuck did I do now?”
“The question is, Robbie, what didn’t you do?” Henry started walking out. “Maybe I’ll make a list. Perhaps if you would have fixed that gate on the coop we wouldn’t have sixty-five chickens running around.” Henry stormed out.
“Shit.” Robbie’s covered his eyes and looked up.
“Did you forget?” Josephine asked.
“Yeah,” Robbie answered “I’ve been busy. I’d better go before my dad has a fit.” He reached down and pinched Josephine’s cheek. “I promise I won’t forget about asking about you.”
Josephine knew he wouldn’t forget her and she vowed that her first order of business would be to make Robbie that cake for being so nice to her. Her second order of business would be to find out what kind of pastry or cake was that Henry person’s favorite and she’d make that for him, only after insuring that whatever she made Henry would definitely make him sick.
<><><><>
“He’s doing well,” Andrea told William. “And it isn’t like Ellen can’t keep an eye on him. But ...”
“You don’t want to release him?” William asked.
“No.”
“Why?”
“He needs to stay for ...”
“Andrea.” William interrupted. “Like our children, sometimes we must let patients go. He has to go. He’s better and he should be over at the containment to start his Containment process. I’m sure the gentleman would like to be out and about the community.”
“I’m sure too.”
William looked over Andrea’s shoulder to Glen who sat on the edge of the bed. “You get him ready to go. I’ve left my daughter-in-law waiting long enough.” He started to leave and noticed Andrea looking down. “Andrea, cheer up.”
“All right. I just enjoyed having a patient.”
“Miguel hasn’t been feeling well lately with that ulcer of his. Maybe we can admit him for testing.”
Andrea’s eyes lit up. “Oh could we?”
“Sure.” William patted Andrea on the shoulder. “Just get him in for a checkup and I’ll do the rest.”
“Thank you.” Much happier, Andrea went into the room to attend to Glen.
William, glad he could at least brighten Andrea’s day some, moved toward the lab. Ellen paced about. “I take it my sleeping son hasn’t returned yet.”
“No.” Ellen shook her head. “And he’ll be here soon. Did you ...”
“Hmm.” William peeked into the tray on the counter. “Fresh blood, Ms. Vampira. Do we have new survivors?”
“Yes. Did ...”
“How many? Two?”
“Yes.” Ellen nodded. “William, did ...”
“You should have put these away. You know how Dean gets.”
“I know. William, please.” Ellen stopped him as he put the tray in the fridge. “Did ...”
“Glen comes to you today.”
“William,” Ellen spoke out in desperation. “Did you do it?”
“Ellen, my favorite daughter-in-law.” William laid his hands on her shoulder. “Yes I did. And yes, you are having a baby.”
“Oh my God.” Ellen looked speechless
“So when do you tell Dean?”
“Tell me what?” Dean asked as he walked into the lab.
William saw it on Ellen’s face, the ‘not yet’ screaming at him. “That you’re short.”
“Thanks.” Dean shook his head and kissed Ellen. “Sorry, I took so long. I was so worn out I couldn’t stay up.”
William snickered. “We know that wasn’t a problem at least in one instance.”
So confused, Dean swayed his head to his father. “What are you talking about?”
“Nothing.” William began to hum, “Ellen did get some nice fresh blood in the fridge for you today.”
“Really?” Dean asked. “New survivors?’
“Two.” Ellen hurried and kissed him on the cheek. “I have to run. I’ll see you tonight.”
“El.” Dean turned as she ran by him. “What is that you are going to tell me?”
“Well, and William will agree, it deserves to be saved for just the right moment. See ya.” With a quick flash of a smile, Ellen darted out.
Lost, Dean faced William. “I wonder what’s up.”
“I can tell you if you’d like.”
“No.” Dean shook his head and headed to the fridge. “It wouldn’t be ...” He paused by the fridge. “O.K., tell me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“All right.” William shrugged and moved to Dean. He laid a fatherly hand on Dean’s shoulder. “Son., the truth is, she’s leaving you. She gonna give a try to Henry now.”
“What?”
“Yep.” William moved to the door. “She thinks you’re too small, big headed, arrogant, selfish, sexually inadequate, and not to mention, you snore.” He walked out rambling. “You’re history, my little son. Gosh, will I miss her.”
Dean shuddered his head then scratched it. “There’s something wrong with my father.”
<><><><>
“Frank.” Ellen tried not to laugh as she said his name. “There is nothing wrong with your eye.”
“I’m telling you, El.” Frank followed her from the dining room to the hall. “When I push on it, it hurts.”
“Quit pushing on it.”
“But if I could just put it back in ...”
“Frank.” Ellen spun around to face him. “Do you know how dumb you sound? There is ...”The buzz of the Containment door, brought in Robbie. “ ... nothing wrong.” She noticed Robbie stammering. “Robbie? What’s wrong?”
Robbie staggered two steps, tilted his head, and dropped to his knees before Ellen with a whine. “El,” he faked cried. “I’m so tired.”
Ellen looked down to the eyes that looked up to her.
“Help me, El.” Robbie grabbed her clothing. “Please. Help me. Hide me. Help me to sleep.”
“Robbie,” Frank snapped his name. “Get up.”
“Frank, I don’t think I can.”
“Get up,” Frank ordered stronger. “Now.”
“Frank.” Ellen
was aghast at Frank’s lack of compassion. “He’s tired.”
“I don’t care. I got a busted eye.”
Robbie’s head perked up and he stood up, looking at Frank. “What’s wrong with your eye?”
“It’s stuck.” Frank pushed on it.
“Maybe you just need to pop it back into joint,” Robbie suggested.
“There. See, El.” Frank pointed to Robbie. “My brother understands. Help him hide for a nap and tell Dan he can leave. He won’t listen to me. I want to show him his housing and shove his ass on rounds tonight.”
Ellen rolled her eyes and took a step to the Skills Room. “I’ll get him then I have to go. I have to be back tonight for class.”
“So do I.” Frank followed her.
“No you don’t,” Ellen told him.
“Are you going to be here?” Frank asked.
“Of course.”
“Then so do I.” Frank smiled. He saw the look Robbie gave him. “What? It’s our special time.”
Robbie grumbled.
Ellen looked back at Frank. “Well, just don’t interrupt tonight with your Frank theories on being civilized. It doesn’t ...” Just as she stepped to the Skills Room, she stopped when she heard another buzzing. Turning around, she saw Dirk walk in. “What are you doing here?”
“Joe says saw-rye to stop bye see that new chick-a-de, you got here in this-con-tain-ment.”
“Melissa doesn’t speak to anyone,” Ellen told him.
“Not her.” Dirk said. “Joe-so-fine.”
“Oh.” Ellen nodded. “Follow me. She’s in here, crocheting.”
Dirk looked to Frank and winked. “A woman who can use her hands. Day jus don’t make a woman anymore who skill foe-lee uses her hands.”
“Or her mouth,” Frank commented then grunted when Ellen stepped back and hit him. “What?”
Ellen shook her head. “Get your mind out of the gutter, Frank. Maybe one day a survivor will show up who can skillfully use her mouth for you and I’ll point her in your direction.”
“I’d appreciate it.” He saw the glare he got from Ellen. “El, I’m joking.” He looked at Robbie. “Man, she is so serious today.”
Ellen had a march to her as she stepped into the Skills Room. “Josephine, this is Dirk. Watch out. He’s a dirty old man.”
Josephine smiled.
Ellen tossed her hands up when the echoing sound of the buzzer was heard again. “What now? It’s like Grand Central Station.” She moved to the Skills Room door and looked out. Henry walked down the hall. “Robbie, it’s for you.” Ellen walked over to Dan, who was reading.
Robbie stepped to the door. The flinging back of his head let everyone know who approached. “Fuck.”
“Robbie.” Henry stormed in. “Can you possibly hide anymore?”
“Can you possible get in my shit anymore?” Robbie asked.
“Come on. What have you done today?” Henry quizzed.
“What have you done today?”
“I nearly completed my list of things to do. Have you?”
“I would if people wouldn’t keep adding to it.”
Ellen walked between them. “Excuse me. Can you two not fight here? Frank, can you tell them?”
“Tell them what?” Frank asked. “Ready Dan?”
“Yeah.” Dan seemed so happy. “I’ll grab my gear.”
“Hurry.” Frank poked back with his thumb and stepped aside for Dan to pass. “Tell them what, El?”
“Tell them not to fight.”
“No.” Frank shook his head and walked away.
“What!” Ellen threw out her hands. “What is with you?” Ellen cringed when she heard Henry bitching some more at Robbie. “Henry.”
“What?” Henry asked.
“Leave my Containment Center.”
“But I’m speaking to Robbie.”
“No, you’re bitching at him. Go.” Ellen pointed. “Go.”
Henry backed up and looked once more at Robbie. “Now you’re getting a girl to stick up for you.”
Robbie scoffed, “That’s only because I wanted to put you on an even level with someone.”
Henry, after sticking out his tongue, walked out.
After rubbing her head, Ellen glared at Frank. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. For what?”
“For stopping that,” Ellen said sarcastically as she marched out.
“I really didn’t do anything, but you’re welcome.”
Ellen stopped in the doorway. “You would think you did.”
“Did what?”
“Forget it, Frank. Go poke your eye or something.” Ellen left.
“I’m trying.” Frank looked at Robbie. “What is with her mood? Can she possible be anymore premenstrual?”
Robbie snickered. “Actually Frank, no. The question should be, can she be any less premenstrual?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Frank asked.
Robbie opened his mouth and closed it when Ellen popped her head in the Skills Room door and shook her head. “Um ...”
“What?” Frank repeated.
“What?” Robbie asked.
“Huh?”
“Excuse me?” Robbie questioned.
“I was asking you what?”
“About?”
Frank stared for a second. “I don’t know. I forgot. I have to go. You people.” He moved to the door. “And now my eye hurts again.” He quickly sneaked a kiss to Ellen. “See you tonight.” Then he walked down the hall yelling, “Dan! Hurry the fuck up!”
Ellen walked back into the Skills Room. “Shit. That was close.”
“I’m taking it you don’t want him to know.”
“Robbie, he is the last person I want to find out. Not yet. Trust me. He won’t handle it well.”
“I guess you’re right so I won’t tell him, but it will cost you.”
Ellen smirked. “What?”
Robbie’s shoulders dropped and added a tired whine to his tone. “Help me sneak a nap.”
Ellen looked upon the face that reminded her of a child begging, so innocent, so tired. She laid her hand on his cheek with a smile. How could she turn him down? He wasn’t needed until that night. Greg was there to control things. And ... it was Robbie.
<><><><>
“Wail.” Dirk shook his head with a smile. “How old are ya now Joe-so-fine?”
“Eighty-three.”
“My. My. You don’t look a day over sixty-three.”
Josephine blushed. “You flatter me.”
“Someone ought to.” Dirk smiled “Bet those breasts of yours are still perky as can be.”
“Like a military haircut,” Josephine said, “High and tight.”
Crash!
Dirk looked over at Melissa who nervously picked the pieces up off the floor to the game board she had dropped. “Now see that girly there.” Dirk pointed at Melissa. “She cain’t hold onto nothin. Was sat tell ya. Bad hands. Now look at chew. You got that thar crow-shetting goin. And dem hands is goin and goin. Good hands.”
Josephine winked. “They still maneuver well.”
Dirk smiled.
<><><><>
“Robert.” Joe called his name. “Robert,”
Robbie only grumbled.
“Robert, get up.”
Quickly Robbie opened his eyes. It was dark in the men’s quarters where he slept. “Shit.” He sat up.
“What the hell were you doing?” Joe asked with a scold.
“Um ... .” Robbie rubbed his eyes.
“Dad?” Frank interrupted. “I believe he was sleeping.”
“Thank you, Frank, for that keen observation,” Joe quipped. “Christ, Robbie, I’ve been looking for you for two hours.”
“I’ve been here.” Robbie stood up.
“Obviously.”
“Why ... . why were you looking for me?”
“You fixed the gate but you flew the coop like our chickens. We needed help out there.”
Robbie cringed. “
Dad, can you just hold off bitching at me until I wake up?”
“You shouldn’t have been sleeping.”
“I was tired,” Robbie defended as he walked from the Skills Room.
“Well, you have a bed for sleeping, and a home. You also have all night for doing that, but you know goddamn ...”
“Dad.” Robbie spun around.
“Oh, no.” Joe shook his head. “Don’t tell me you are telling me to be quiet.”
“No.” Robbie shook his head. All he thought about was coffee. He moved toward the Dining Room.
“Good, because daylight hours are viable hours to be worked and not spent sleeping because you spent the night before up all night drinking.”
“Yeah.” Frank got his comment in.
“Frank,” Joe said irritated. “Why are you here?”
“Social Skills class tonight. I’m helping.”
“Why?” Joe asked.
“Because I can.”
“Oh that’s right,” Joe spoke with sarcasm. “You’re the ultimate modernized and civilized man.”
“I am.”
“Your ass, Frank,” Joe snapped. “You walked around all damn day poking yourself in the eye.”
“I was pushing it back into place,” Frank corrected. “It hurt.”
Hearing Joe’s stock ‘Christ’, Robbie grinned as he made a cup of coffee. He felt the weight lifted off his shoulders and was ever so grateful Frank was there because no matter how angry Joe got with Robbie, when Frank stepped into the picture, Joe’s irritation always shifted Frank’s way.
<><><><>
“I can’t wait any longer.” Ellen hurried and handed Billy to William as she proceeded to gather things for her Social Skills class. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“No, not at all. You go.” William responded.
“Thank you. I was supposed to be there ten minutes ago. Joe will have a fit.” She rushed to the door. “Alex is sleeping, but she’ll probably wake up. Tell Dean ...” Ellen smiled when the door opened. “Hi.”
The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20 Page 30