Tale of Two Visits

A young female walked up the beach house door. She wore, old worn clothes that was at least two sizes to big and pulled an old lady folding shopping cart. Her hair was soft wheat almost shoulder length, crowned with an old worn out baseball cap but well kept as were her nails, clean and trimmed. She approached the door and knocked.

Nat pulled the door open and peered out through the screen “Yes?”

“Ummm, hi,” she looked at him wondering why this seemed so familiar.

“Hello,” he greeted her again.

“I was wondering, if you had anything you could spare for the needy.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Food, clothes, anything you have laying around cluttering your place up.”She looked up at the tall mans face, trying to place him.

Nat smile with a chuckle, “I don’t exactly have much myself. I lost everything about a year ago when my house was destroyed. But come on in, let’s see what we have.” Nat pushed open the screen.

The young girl smiled brightly at him, “Oh okay. Thanks.” She entered the door dragging the empty cart with her, “This your parents place?” Her eyes took in the small living room with a couple of beanbag chairs with a coffee table and two surfboards in the corner. The kitchen was separated from the living room by a breakfast bar with two stools. There was a short hall off the living room with a room to either side and one at the end of the hall. “Nice place.”

“So..food is probably the one thing I have.” Nat pulled open a cabinet, “What can I interest you in?”

The young girl unfolded a piece of paper, “Um, van camp pork and beans, peaches,” she paused to tuck the paper back, “can of spam, anything you can spare.”

Nat rummaged through the cans, “You eat that stuff? Spam I mean.”

“Umm,”she tried to stop staring at him, “better than dog food some people gave me.”

Taking down a couple of large cans of beef stew, a couple of Freestone peaches, and a half dozen cans of soup. He remarked, “Dog food?”

Her deep blue eyes meet Nat’s as she nodded, “I’ll take that to if you have spare.”

“Well, I am fresh out, so I guess you’ll have to settle for people food.”

“Kewl it trades better.”

“Trades?” he asked, “How about something now?”

“Whatcha got?” she sat on a stool watching him.

He opened the fridge and bent over to look inside. “Can do eggs, sausage or steak.. got some left over boiled potatoes I can make cottage fry… Sandwiches?”

“Okay, sounds great.”

“Care for some orange juice?”

She readjusted her tired looking baseball cap, “yeah would love some,” Nat placed a bottle of OJ on the counter. She picked up the bottle gulping it. Nat turned around to set a glass next to it. “Help yourself.”

“Opps sorry.”

“No problem. Wren gets on me all the time about that.” Nat smiled. Seeing her put the bottle back down, he encouraged her, “Go ahead.”

“Your wife? She picked it back up and drank another half.

“So? Sandwich or eggs?”

“Yes”

Nat shrugged pulling out stuff. “No, Wren and I aren’t married, yet.”

The girl slide off the stool, placing his offered cans into her cart. Nat opened a couple of butcher paper wrapped packages revealing corned beef and Swiss cheese.

“So, what’s you name?”

She shrugged at his statement as if it confused her, “Ummm Jay.”

“I’m Nat.” He sat a skillet on the stove and turned on the flame.

“You’re that famous surfer guy?” a spark of light flickered in her mind.

“Famous?”

“The one with statues and stuff.”

Nat shrugged, “What statues?” he eyed her with a scowl.

“Guess not.”

Nat took out a round of sour dough and slices it thinly, “Just wondering where you might have seen it. I thought it was destroyed. Mayo, mustard?”

“Both if that’s okay,” Jay slide back up on the stool.

“That’s weird…”

“What is?”

Nat spread on the condiments to the bread and covering both slices with meat and cheese. “Mayo and mustard at the same time.” Nat placed one slice on the other and pressed on it lightly.

Jay spun around in the stool and looked at the living room, “Mayo is made of egg and will give me more protein and the mustard will help with veggie in take.”

Nat put the sandwich on a plate and set it before her. Jay picked it up, scarfing the sandwich down. He could not help but notice her nails neatly trimmed. He made a second sandwich and munched on it as he made eggs. “How long you been on the street?” he asked.

“For awhile,” she spoke between bites, “I kind of got lost.”

“How long’s a while? And lost from where?”

Jay finished the sandwich her mouth to stuffed to talk. Gulping more juice. “You make a mean sandwich.”

Nat sat a plate of potatoes and eggs in front of her, handing her a fork. “What else can I get for you?” he looked her over, eyeing her clothes.

Jay took the fork and looked him dead in the eyes smiling, “What ever you can spare. I don’t want to burden you, when you have already showed me so much kindness.” She shoveled the food in like it was air.

“We help each other down here, Jay. You said you were lost.”

“Yeah,” she polished off the orange juice, the plate empty.” This was great of you Nat.”

“Where are you from?”

Jay shrugs, “Where are you from?”

Nat gestured around the house, “I am from right here, this house.”

“Kewl, You sure are tall.”

“Yeah,” Nat looked a little…strange at the comment.

“Guess I’ve bugged you long enough.”

“I am not exactly busy.” His curiosity growing as she pulled up her sleeve revealing a very expensive watch.”

“You sure?”

“Sure. I know this area pretty well. How long have you been here?”

“In this area? Just this morning.”

“Exactly, where are you trying to go?”

“Don’t know.” Jay rubbed her forehead.” but it’s kewl. I been able to hook me up a sleeping place in trade for can goods.”

“Okay…just exactly what is the last thing you remember?”

“The last thing would be us talking… is that a trick question?”

“Who’s us?”

“You and me is my last memory.”

Nat nodded.

“I think I missed something,” Jay rubbed her head, “don’t remember much.”

“Like the rest of your life? What do you remember?” Nat leaned his elbows on the counter, his face about a foot from hers.

“Everything for a while now. It’s just my past is a bit foggy.”

“Do you know how you got to San Diego?”

“I woke up in a park.”

“Close by?”

“Not sure, they dropped me off here this morning. Not to many kind heart people like you.” she eyed the rest of his food, “you going to eat that?”

“Go ahead.”

“Thanks,” Jay pulled his plate to her and chowed, “Man is this good.”

“I can make some more if you want.”

Jay looked brightly at him, than knited her brow a little.

“Another sandwich?”

Jay cleaned the plate and reconsidered, “I don’t want to get sick eating such good stuff all at once.”

“Space it out then. Give it an hour or so to settle and I’ll make you something else.”

“Kewl, I can still get in my quota and hang out for a while.” She felt warm inside.

“Quota?” Nat raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah for ten cans of good can food, I get a room to myself and a shower for the night.”

“I can get you that for nothing. Who’s asking you to do that?”

“The woman who runs the place, for twenty cans I get a meal.”

“What place?” now he was interested, “Twenty cans you HAVE a meal..and more.”

“The price is the price. You don’t make the quota you don’t get what’s offered, like the ride here and pick cost me five cans yesterday. I wasn’t having any luck where I was going.”

“Where were you going?”

“Where ever there was a door but it’s kind of a poor area. I got lucky right before check in time, this guy gave me twenty bucks so I bought the cans.”

“You need a place to sleep, I can give you that. Without the cans or anything else.

“ummmm, no strings. Sure your girl friend won’t mind?”

“Probably.”

“How long can I crash here?”

“Long as you need.”

“Okay but if you get sick of me just tell me, I will vacate immediately.”

“I was going to go down to the beach and do a little surfing, wanna come along?”

“SURE!..” she bounced to her feet, “I love the water but don’t have a clue on how to stay on a board I think?” Jay thinks more, “nope not a clue.”

“Got a suit?”

“I’ll have to meet the van at dusk, tell them I’m not going back. Ummm, no, what I have is what I got on.”

“I don’t invade Wren’s space but I think Cass will have something.”

“A room mate?”

“Cass? Neighbor.”

“How many people you think will fit in here.”

Jay looked around and at the three doors, ”Figuring one is a bathroom about eight, eight tops.”

Nat stepped over to the back door, pushing it open, “Hey CASS! Need a suit for a girl ’bout your size!” Nat looked back at her “No, just two.” He caught something and waved, “Thanks” Nat tossed a bikini on the counter, “You can change in the bathroom.”

“Kewl,” she snatched up the suit, for a moment a spark lit in her mind, “which door?”

“End of the hall.”

Jay shut and locked the door. The room did not faze her as she stripped out of her multiple layers of clothes. The room had a larger, shower and Jacuzzi tub, a beautiful garden window bow full of flowers, and the floor was marble. She reappeared in a moment wearing the suit with all her stuff bundled in the one top. Her cap still firmly on.

Nat packed away the food while waiting for her to come out. Jay dressed in the suit, revealed a perfectly fit and healthy body being more well endowed than what he would have thought. Her skin was only slightly tanned but no marks of tan lines. The very expensive watch standing out like a sore thumb.

Nat offered a beach towel.

She accepted the towel, “Thanks.”

“How’d you manage to hold onto the watch?”

“I have to, it’s how I know who I am.”

“What?” Nat frowned. He rubbed his head with one hand.

Jay removed the watch and showed him the back, it reads: Jay I will always love you mom. “It’s shock proof, water resistant and three of the faces work on it.” She pointed to three time zone faces and the fourth at a dead still. “Sometimes when I’m holding it I can almost see her face.” She put the watch back on. “I’d bash any one trying to take this from me.”

Nat sat on the stool, propping his head up on his fist. “Where are you from?”

“Thought we where going swimming, aren’t you going to change too?”

Nat was only wearing cut offs and a tee shirt, “You aren’t going to answer me, are you?”

“I can’t remember where I’m from.” She paused, “don’t you got one of them Speedo surfing outfits?”

“I don’t want to scare small children.”

“Stuff comes back here and there. Till I remember, I got to survive.”

“Like what?”

“Stupid stuff normally.” Her eyes slightly drifted, “I’ll be doing something or talking and I will just remember something I did or some one I did the same thing with. MOTHER said given time I will remember, She runs the sleep house.”

“You remember anything about her?” he noted, “Sleep house?”

“The place that charges cans. She insists, we all call her Mother. My mom?” Jay thought hard, “I know she loved me.” She rubbed the watch.

A guy banged on the screen door “NAT RYAN! Get your ass in the water!”

Jay looked at Nat, a flicker just beyond her, “Nat Ryan, Nat Ryan..” she repeated it over and over.

“Hey, Sammy. I’ll be out in a bit.”

“Why? lets go,” she draped the towel over her shoulder stuffing her clothes into the basket, glad to get away from questions, her head hurt. “I’m Ready”

“Sure…grab the short board.” As he grabbed his larger board, “You can leave your stuff here, it’s safe.”

She looked at the board something familiar about it. She lifted the board, it resting naturally in her arm. Jay walked past Sammy, carrying the board like it was a feather.

Sammy watched her walk by, drooling a little.

Nat swung the board at Sam’s head, making him duck and break his concentration. “Cass will cut off your…” grinned at him as walked past.

“And Wren will break a frying pan over your head!”

Jay hit the sand, near water edge, sinking the board in, standing up as she waited for Nat. She laid the towel out. Nat stopped several times to speak to people as he walked down the beach towards her.

Jay sat playing with the sand as she waited. Nat stuck the board in the sand beside the other. Jay smiled up at him. Nat watched the waves, with a little ginned spoke, “Quiet today.”

“Ready?” she asked pulling up the board.

He watched a set of three come in, none more than ten foot. Nat hugged the board to his side, “Sure” Nat waded out into the foam and threw the board out in front of him, then climbed up on it.

Jay followed his example, getting totally on the board in first try.

Nat started paddling out, riding the waves by going through them. Jay paddled along side him doubling his action than passed him.

“Never done this before, huh?”

“Guess I must have,” she kept looking for the right wave, “sometimes I don’t know till, I try.”

“Feel familiar?”

“Sort of,” Jay smiled as a huge wave started up, “that one big enough?”

“You’re up.”

Jay paddled out a little more turning right before the wave lifted the board up. She pulled in her legs in perfect time and nearly jumped straight up on the surface of the board as the wave picked her higher “Whooo hooo!” she screamed as she hit the top of the curl.

Nat dropped in beside her, paddling to get up his speed

Jay rode the top of the curl, her foot work flawless, her form perfect. She shook her head, as the wave over took her, she wiped out.

Nat slide down the face and turned to run across it. He pulled the nose up and shot up, over the chest, falling in behind the wave.

Jay head popped up, cap still on the wheat golden hair clinging and framing her face. She coughed as she tried to get her bearings, “Dam where is that board.”

Nat pulled up onto the board and paddled over to her, “I guess you have some experience surfing.”

Jay treaded water, “Yeah , seems like years though, guess I did it as a kid.”

“How old are you?” he asked.

“Seventeen, I think might be sixteen.” She took hold of the edge of his board. “Care to give me a lift back and look for your other board.”

Nat rolled off the board, “I’ll get it.” He slide underwater.

She stayed holding his board. He came up beside the other board and pushed it over to her. She grabbed it with her other hand. Still holding his, Jay pulled herself slowly onto the board, “lets try again.”

Nat caught his board and pulled himself up on to it. Jay smiled, heading for the next wave.

“Wish they were bigger but nothings up further out.” I got a contest in Hawaii next week.”

“Don’t know if I could handle any bigger.” She felt something stirring with in her, “Lucky you. So you are the famous surfer dude.”

“Pays the bills,” he snorted, “If winning a contest in Miami this year makes me famous.”

Jay caught the next wave, it was bigger than the rest and she rode it in perfect form, till the board hit the shallows, Nat coming in next to her.

Jay was smiling and breathing hard, “That’s a rush.”

“Every time.”

“I think I need a breather.”

“How about something to eat?”

“The food is settling hard on my stomach, How about some water.”

“Sure,“ he pointed to a set of four tents set up in a square just up the beach. “We can get something up there”

“But I don’t have any money.”

Nat carried the board up the beach and drove it into the sand beside the tent. “No worries.” Jay stood her board next to his. Nat pulled open a cooler, tossing her a bottle of water, taking one for himself.

Jay caught it, taking long sip, staring out at the water, “It was worth the extra cans to get to the beach.” She stared out at the waves dreamily.

Nat spoke to a couple people, then grabbed a plate, piling shrimp on it. He dropped onto the sand beside Jay. Setting the plate between his legs, he began peeling the shrimp.

“Heck you must make a mint to eat like that.” Jay pulled her eyes from the plate up to his eyes.

“We all go in on the food. Whatever you can add, you do, if you can’t you make it up next time.” He offered her his plate. “Go ahead”

“That leaves me out unless they want the cans, I got from you.” she peels the shrimp, popping it in her mouth. “man real food tastes so good.”

Nat smiled, “Get more if you want and what have you been eating if this is REAL food.”

“What ever I can get my hands on. Some times I will for go the room to eat the can goods especially if they aren’t on the list.”

“You said you just got here…”

“To the beach,” she slightly sighed, “but I’ve been around here for a while. Not sure how long, days, a week longer ? It all blend together when you are out begging for a living.”

Nat took her hand suddenly holding it, examining it, “Not long at all. Manicure…still soft..

She inspected her nails, “My nails look awful.”

“You haven’t been doing this more then a few days.. Your nails are still clean and your hands are soft.”

“Seems like forever.”

“Maybe it’s happened before.” Nat looked her body over carefully. Her body was soft, smooth skin, firm, well defined and not in the least bit malnutrition. “You don’t look like you are starving.”

“I feel it.”

“Have you considered contacting the cops?”

“No way, they will just throw me into foster care or something. Mother said it was best just to leave the cops out of it.”

“Is your mother alive?”

“My real mom?”

“Of course.”

Jay looked very torn as she thought, “Yea I think she is, I can feel it in here.” she pointed to her heart. Something ached in her not quite knowing what.

“Don’t you think she might be looking for you?”

Jay shakes her head, “No, I got lost.” She rubbed her temple.

“ No?, She won’t be looking for you? Why not.”

Jay shook her head, “I don’t know.”

“And the cops would have an APB for a missing minor. If it’s been longer than 24 hours.”

“Heck, I know it’s been longer than that.”

“Then they might have something.” he suggested.

“IIII,, I don’t know,” she was heisted, “I won’t go with them if they try to take me. I can’t.. I need….I need to find something. I just can’t remember what.”

“They didn’t take me or Wren when our parents were killed.” Nat asked, “Any impressions? place, person?”

“The beach, this place,” she ran sand through her fingers. “I know I’ve been to the beach all my life, a special place the family would go.” Her eyes seemed off somewhere. “Just the three of us.” She rubbed her temple.

“Well you found that.” He asked, “Mom, dad and you?”

“Yeah I think so.”

“Or a sister or brother?”

Jay shakes her head, “I don’t remember siblings.”

Nat said, “That’s more then you knew a minute ago. The Statue?”

“That was a flash when I meet you. I saw it in like a newspaper or something but I’m not sure.” She popped another shrimp. “I do know I have survival skills and damn good luck.”

“Good luck you haven’t been raped and killed.”

“Yep virginity still intact and there hasn’t been anything life threaten. I have avoided trouble. You having a girl friend kinds of falls under trouble but your so way, kewl. I’m sure you can smooth it over.”

“Trouble? Why trouble?”

“Come on a woman comes home to see another women staying n her place on the invite of her boyfriend. That is trouble written all over it.” Jay looked at her watch, “I need to get back. I have to go meet the van in a little bit.”

“Mind if I tag along?”

“Sure.” she smiled handing him the plate and brushing off the sand from her heart shaped ass.

“Let’s get this stuff back to the house and get changed.”

“Race you.” She grabbed the board running back towards his house.

“I don’t think so.”

She yelled back, “CHICKEN!”

Nat picked up his board following her.

Jay waited at his back door for him, “Loosen up Nat, have some fun.”

“Not a matter of being loose.” Nat sat the board beside the door. “I race with Wren.”

Jay shrugs, “your lose. Mind if I use the shower?”

“Go ahead.”

Jay headed in the house, grabbing her basket, she disappeared into the bathroom. Jay showered and slipping back into her three layers of clothes. Quickly she rinsed out the suit, she was loaned and started cleaning the bathroom with whatever the supplies, she some how knew where they were.

Nat put on actual long pants and a pullover collared shirt and sandals. He sat down, writing a note to Wren explaining where he’s going.

Jay started touching the items in the bathroom in thought, realizing she was taking forever. Placing the still wet cap in place, she emerged from the bathroom with cart in tow. “I hung the suit over the tub to dry.”

“I’ll get it back to Cass later.”

Jay smiled, “kewl, tell her thanks.”

“I will.”

“It was fun being in the water again” she looked out the doors to the ocean, “We have to walk for a bit. Think I need to go up about a mile or so. I just have to wait for the van and tell them I won’t be going back.”

“No problem. Let’s go then.”

Jay looked around the house one last time as though drinking in the room, “It’s a really nice place.” She turned for the door.

“Nice to have it back, that’s for sure.”

Jay walked silent with side glances at Nat.

“What are you thinking?

“That this some how feels right but that’s stupid.”

“Maybe you know someone tall like me…can’t image that happening too often.”

“Yeah not many get to be so strong, tall and handsome all in one.”

“Careful or I might take that as a come on.”

“Nah just stating fact,” she chuckled, the chuckle tuning into a giggle, “just remember something said to me not sure who. Girl, some day your bluntness is going to get you in a world of hurt….” she smiled, “But gee it’s only fact.”

“Sounds a little cynical.”

“Me or them?”

“Them.”

Jay stopped at a corner a mile or so from his place. She spotted the van. It was old, beaten up but no rust and looked out of place as it cruised down the street “There they are.”

The van rolled up to them and the sliding door opened, “Jay get in, who’s your friend another one for Mother? Jay moved closer to the door, “Nah, he’s a guy I meet.”

Nat stepped over to the van and leaned a hand on the roof, “Just walkin’ along for fun.” Inside the van there was five homeless looking people and the driver who looked more middle class.

“Get in Jay.”

“Ummm, I’m not going back.”

Nat spoke up, “She’s got a place to stay.”

“WHAT!” the guy was beside himself, “You know the rules, now get in.”

“Rules?” Nat asked, “What are the rules?”

Jay answered, “I have to go back and tell Mother myself. “ She frowned. “But I don’t know how to get back here.”

“Nah,” Nat assured, “She’ll get over it.”

“Like hell, grab her.” The others in the van pulled her in.

“Get your paws off me,” Jay protested.

Nat spoke, “I wouldn’t do that.” He pushed the van over but stopped it from going over.

The guy in the van screamed, “HEY what the hell.”

Nat pulled Jay away from them, with the free hand. He let the van back down onto it’s wheels but held on to the door jam. “Kidnapping, even attempted kidnapping annoys me.”

The guy proclaimed, “She’s none of your business.”

Nat casually picked the van up with one hand, “I can make it mine.”

“Nat put the van down okay,” Jay requested softly.

“How far away? I think I can hit the ocean.”

“Just tell mother, I got to where I needed to be.” She looked to Nat, “The ground right here, in front of you Nat.” She rolled her eyes.

The guy sputtered off, trying to keep his voice even, “He will get tired of you and you will back Jay, just remember you will be back.”

Nat reached in, grabbing the guy, pulling him very close, as he sat the van down. “I am going to come visit you and Mother, you know that, don’t you?”

“We will be waiting,” the guy tried to sound tough as he trembled in Nat’s hold, “You might be a muscle bound brute but we aren’t afraid of you.”

Nat smiled, peeling back the roof of the van like a sardine can. “Sorry about the paint.” Nat tossed him back into the van.

The driver now sounded off, “You will be hearing from our lawyers for destruction of property. Some one your size can’t hide.”

“Jay last chance get in the van NOW!” the guy demanded.

“Hope you have friends in low places. But we can take this to the cops right now. In fact… “I think I’ll call them for you.” He pulled out his cell phone.

“I am staying here.” Jay said firmly.

“Screw you both, we don’t need you as much as you need us.” The driver punched the gas. Nat held it for a moment with out the least strain, then let it go when the wheels were really spinning.

Nat said, “I don’t care for your friends” he watched the van speeding away.

“They are just trying to protect us.”

Nat looked down at the manhole cover and debated on tossing it after the van. “From guys like me?”

“If I didn’t show everyone would be looking up and down for me. No, from weirdo’s and creeps, not guys like you.”

Nat said, “Not what your buddy told them, what you said. And you pay them to do this, right?”

“Well yeah, in can goods and big ticket items are worth more too,” she paused, “a color t.v. is a week of 3 meals and room.

“And you steal them for them?”

“Not me, I just go for the room, food and rides. They never asked me to steal anything, there is just a shopping list of sorts, you get handed or read to if you can’t read.”

“I do think my friends and I might have to stop in on them for a visit.”

“Your friends?”

“Yeah, friends…we sorta frown on crap like this.”

“What crap? Mother offers a place for those with nothing for next to nothing.”

“Come on, Jay…They give you a list of ‘items’ to ‘find’ in exchange for meals and a bed. How many of those people have any cash to buy a bottle let alone a TV. and how many people can panhandle a TV?

Jay said, “Not like any one has money, some time people get rid of the weirdest stuff. Like dog food when collecting for the needy. Dog food isn’t on the list. There is a good fifty kids that count on her for shelter and food and a shower.”

Nat muttered “I wish I had James money sometimes.”

She continued on, “or where would we be? In foster homes or in jail or sleeping in dumpsters? selling our bodies? Not every one is as generous as you are, to take in some one like me.”

“So they prey on you, getting you to steal for them.”

“I don’t steal, you can get food boxes once a month at churches.”

“They have to though, right?” he looked at her.

“Okay some of them might be stealing some,” she confirmed, “but how else could she do for so many with out something coming in.”

Jay bent over and picked up her cart that had tipped, starting to put the cans back in it. Jay looked up from the ground a Nat him now towering over as if she was a child. She stood up grabbing her forehead fainting back to the ground.

“Jay…Damn.” He dropped to his knees, checking her pulse, ”Jay…” He held her hand shaking her gently.

She to moaned a little.

“Come on, Jay…”

Jay eyes sprung open, staring deep into Nat’s eyes.

“You okay?” there was worry in his voice.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine just got dizzy.”

“What was that?”

“Just something triggered and made me feel all sick and dizzy,” she used his shoulder to get to her feet, “ Maybe to much fun in one day.”

“What triggered? Want me to carry you back?”

“Can I lean on you instead? Just to steady me till this feeling goes away? I think I’ll be okay now. Just feel a little weak. We don’t need some one calling the cops.”

“Jay….”

“What?”

“You haven’t said anything about me picking up that van.”

She looked confused “Should I have?”

“Most people don’t pick up a van full of people with one hand.”

“Yeah your right they don’t. Wow, you are strong.”

Nat eyed her, “You sound soooo impressed. You know others like me?”

“Somehow it didn’t seem so abnormal, till you pointed it out.” She leaned on Nat curling to his side as they walk back. She rested her head on his chest as they make there way down the street.

“Let me know next time you feel faint, okay.”

Jay hummed,“Sureee.ummmm Nat.” she pulled away from him with a small grin watching her feet as they walked.

“I have to go out a little later this evening. You wouldn’t happen to have the address for Mother’s place?”

“Every one knows where it’s at, it 4 blocks from the park in the old warehouse.”

“Not everyone,” he asked “Balboa?

“How many poor sections are in San Deigo? I’m not from around here.” She pulled out a piece of paper from her pocket. ”here’s the shopping list. I won’t be needing it any more.” She hurried her pace.

“Depends…you mean white poor, or Mexican or black?.” He looked at the list.

“Yeah” Jay said, “more Mexicans than whites but all three was around.”

“Old Town.”

“LOOK!” Jay pointed to a cloud.

Nat looked up from the list. ”A car?”

“It looks like a surfer on a huge wave. God’s shining down his luck on you. I think this has been the best day of my life.”

“I think your eye is more creative than mine.” Nat added, “Best one you remember.

“Nah he’s right there” Jay out lined the surfer crouched on a wave.

Nat stopped, “HEY! You ever see Fifty First Date?”

“Nope, I don’t watch the oldies much.”

“Oldie? It came out last year.”

“Oh, guess I must be thinking of some other movie.”

Nat said, “What did you mean oldie?

“Where do you got to go tonight? I can camp out on the beach till you get back.” Jay stepped more lively as she stayed a step or two in front of him bouncing like a little puppy.

“I have something to do just about every night.”

“Like what?”

“I’ll meet Wren there and tell her about you.”

“Kewl, “bouncing up to the door, she turned door knob, “You really should lock up at night.” Jay walked into the house.

“Around here? We all know each other too good for that.”

Jay shrugged, “So which is the spare bed room?”

“Don’t have a spare…Wren’s in one, I’m in the other.”

Jay looked at him dumb founded, “and she’s your girl friend right.”

“Yes.”

“Why two rooms? That seems silly.. oh never mind I get it,”Jay slightly blushing, “silly me.”

“Get what?” he looked confused.

“Why the two rooms.”

Nat eyed her, “Why?”

Jay said, “So you can each have “others ” over for the night. I heard about those types of relationships but I am still off limits. I don’t do that.”

“No, it’s not like that, “Nat said, “I’m in love with Wren, have been for about a year now, since I met her.”

“A whole year.” Her voice holding back.

“She wasn’t all that excited about the whole idea. Problem is there was another girl that wanted me.”

“Wow you must be a stud, yeah it happens but things turned out for the best.”

“Not really.”

“Why not?”

Nat goes to the fridge and gets out two Cokes,“I got hurt.” He handed her a can.“I was in a coma. Thing is the body still works even if you are in a coma.”

Jay looked at it squeezed it a little and the top popped open in reverse, “yeah.” She sipped the pop listening to his every word.

“This other girl used me to get herself pregnant. Trouble is, I didn’t tell her it was okay. And I never would have.”

Jay slide on a stool, “Coma’s are pretty serious, you could have died.”

Nat said, “Nah.. “Not me. Anyway, she got pregnant.”

She looked at him dead serious, “Every one dies, everyone.”

“Now try to explain to the girl you love, you didn’t cheat on her with this girl that’s having your baby.”

Jay said, “Yeah that’s a little sticky no pun intended.”

Nat shook his head, “You sound like Jessy. And she’s a friggin’ immortal telling me that crap.”

“What is immortality if one is dead inside?” she asked, “Only the appreciation of the time you have keeps you alive.

“Not idea, since I’m not immortal.”

She spoke a teaching she had been taught, “Keep your spirits looking for what else you can be before your gone, what mark you will leave behind.”

“I have spent the last months trying to woo Wren back.” He grew upset, “Look, anything I wanted to leave behind would have Wren’s blood, not hers.”

Pain reflected across her face as she whispered, “I see.”

“You know how hard it is knowing the girl you love will NOT be the mother of your children? I can’t hate my daughter but I sure as hell can hate her mother.”

Jay piped up, “You don’t know that.”

“She took my whole damn life from me in out stupid selfish moment.”

“Looks like you still have a life,” she looked around, and a nice … Pad? and you have your talent”

Nat pushed away from the counter and in two steps reached the two doors across from each other . He throw one door open, then the other. “I sleep there.” He pointed in one room. “The girl I want in my bed, sleeps there.” He pointed in the other.

“But you are still together, so what’s the fuss?

“For how long is she going to let me? God you sound like Jessy.” Nat held up a hand “Stop! You got a sleeping bag or something?”

“Sorry.” Her tone slightly off, “Don’t worry I can sleep on the beach. You don’t have to be put out on my account.”

“If you do, sleep by the tents. There up all year around and the people there will watch over you. But you can sleep in the living room. I might be out all night.”

Jay said, “it’s okay…… ummm, okay, thats kewl I can comb the beach for some fun. Mind if I borrow the board while your gone? Night waves are awesome. I’ll clean up the place to work a bit of my keep off.”

“Sure, “ he paused “Look, Jay I’m sorry I got upset.”

“It’s okay, it’s an emotional time for you. We all get them.”

“But Jessy called me today and told me the only way I can see my daughter is at her father’s place. And I can’t trust him.”

“What’s wrong with that? Better than not being allowed at all.”

“Jay, he has powers, Great powers.”

“So,” she shrugged, “so do you.”

“He altered my child genetic code to make her not my blood…because his daughter told him to.”

“So you don’t have a kid than?”

Nat said, “His daughter takes what she wants without bothering to ask me.” Nat said, “Then she gets her father to change my daughter so she ISN’T mine. I don’t understand that..if she just wanted a baby, she could have gotten anyone to go to bed with her, why’d she do it to me? Hell, her dad could make her pregnant with a thought.”

“Maybe she loved you to much? Love does nutty things to people.”

Nat said, “Yeah, right. She knew how I felt about Wren.”

“Ancient history, you got now.”

Nat questioned “Ancient?”

“Got to live on full steam and party till the sun comes up.”

“It was about a year ago.”, he was stunned by her.

“Still, if she’s not your blood why would this Jessy want you to visit a stranger?”

“She SAYS her dad switched things back. But why should I believe her?”

“And you don’t believe her?” That didn’t make sense to her.

“Let’s see….she rapes me.”

“That’s not lying to you.”

“Gets pregnant with my baby.”

“That’s still not a lie.”

“Has her dad change her genetics.”

“not lying.”

Nat spoke “Who talking about lies, you said ‘Trust”

“When has she lied to you?”

“I don’t believe anything she says, why should I?”

Jay factually stated, “If she never has lied to you, than you can believe she isn’t.”

“Has she ever given me one reason TO trust her or believe her?

Jay shrugged, “only you could answer that.”

“Because I don’t trust her, I can’t believe her. They sorta go hand in hand.”

Jay surmised, “So you let your kid suffer. I don’t think I will ever have a family to hard to be a parent. I am thinking about getting fixed. I rather not even have kids.”

Nat said, “She has a new man in her life and I am sure Jasmine thinks of him as daddy already. Not like I have been allowed to see her more than once and in a cave so I couldn’t escape. Too bad you’re not like Jessy…she could control her fertility. That’s another thing.. she knew she’d get pregnant…”

“You’re a girl.” He started.

“So.” She felt uncomfortable.

“Be honest. I mean REALLY honest. If I raped you and you got pregnant, how would you feel about the baby? How would you feel about me?”

“Okay shoot for it but expect bluntness… Nat, I would love it because that child was mine. Probably hate your action.”

“Then you are naive.” He dismissed her words, “You know what I did? When I got out of that Valley, I went to a rape group. I sat in on group sessions. I didn’t hold back the facts of my case. The women understood better than the doctor. Some of them had children by their rapist.They say they don’t hate the baby and I believe them.”

“See, I could love such a baby.”

“But they all say they can’t help but thinking about the rape every time they look at the child and each of them hates the man that did it to them.”

“You even remember it? you where in a coma!”

“Now, if I raped you.”

She cut him off, “Don’t even try it, you would be dead sorry.”

“That doesn’t matter.” Again he dismissed her words, “If I raped you and you had my baby. Would you let me see it? Would you let me visit your home? Would you want to even look at me?”

“Nat don’t ask that of me. I am not normal.” she had no way of telling him why she felt the way she did.

“Why? Why can’t you answer?” he was visibly upset, “You’re a girl.”

“Yeah I would still feel violated but I would allow it for the baby’s sake.”

“You are so full of shit.” He dismissed her yet again,“Not ONE woman I talked to in group ever wanted to see the man again, not one.”

Jay argued, “Think of the void that will be in that child life if they didn’t get to see him. They have questions.”

“You’d want you child to have a relationship with the man that RAPED you? That is a crime! That’s what I do at night, find people like that and put them in jail.”

“No, I would want them to know the man who fathered them, so they could understand themselves and there own inherited tendencies.” She held back her emotion, “Than why didn’t you toss Jessy in jail?”

“I’ve held the hand of a girl that was raped while she identified the guy I’d caught in a line up.” He paused his tale, “Right, Toss Ghost Archer’s daughter in jail.”

“He’s just another man.”

“Might as well lock up the Pope too.”

“It could happen.” She countered.

“Another man with a place he can hide her and how do you except to get her convicted? It happened on another planet…who’s jurisdiction is that?”

“So you punish the kid, to punish the mom, for what she did.” She gave up, “makes sense to me.”

“You think a court would let the rapist have the child of a rape?” He looked at her with both brows up but continued, “Not in another court in this country.”

“Bit different when it’s a women who is the rapist.”

“She’d either be in foster, or with me.” Firmly he stated. I checked into it. She is my blood, if I believe Jessy about her dad changing her back. I would get her. Now how do I take a child from her mother? Even one as…screwed up as Jessy.”

Jay agreed, “and thus cause another void in the child life for her mother.”

“Void? You have a mother and father? Both, right? I grew up without a father.”

Jay shook her not wanting to lie to him, she bent the truth “He’s my Daddy not my Father.”

“Same thing.. a father figure…”

“He’s the one that tucked me in at night and taught me about god.”

“Has he always been your ‘daddy’? All your life?”

“But he wasn’t the man who is my father.”

Nat said, “I understand that.”

“My mother let me knew all about my father, every detail of his life that was public and I did meet him.”

“I don’t have any idea who my father is..or were. and I don’t feel all deprived. Sorry…you got me on the one subject I get crazy about.”

“It’s okay, different people feel different. Some are whole not knowing and others seek to find the truth out for them self.”

Nat remarked, “Sometimes I wish Archer would just go back and stop his daughter from being stupid.”

“And kill your baby.” She could believe her ears.

Nat said, “She’d never exists. Not kill.”

“Sounds like she tried to fix it with that dna thing. Still kill her.”

“No, she just added insult to injury. No one would know it, though, except Archer.”

“Because she does exist.” Jay held her tone, “Sounds like she’s really young. Yeah kill his grand kid.”

Nat said, “Would you be that stupid.. never mind…”

Dryly she stated, “Nope, I never am going to have sex and never going to have a boyfriend.”

“He TOOK my daughter from ME! So what would stop him from a like retroactive abortion?”

“If Jessy told you the truth, which is sounds like she doesn’t lie, he gave her back to you too.”

“Do you have any idea what that family could do to me? I am surprise Jessy didn’t ask her mom to make me forget the whole thing.”

“Yeah I know what special people can do!”

“Hell, maybe that would be best…I’d forget, Wren would forget. We’d be all blissfully ignorant. Jessy would have her baby…and she could have a life with Diego.”

“So why not ask for it.” She tried not to be pissed, “and get her in the sack.”

“Ask for what?” Nat asked, “Forgetfulness?

Jay nodded. “Sure why not you seem to want to escape, than deal with it, sounds like an easy way out for you.”

“How would YOU deal with it? Go crawling to Jessy and kiss her ass and say she was right?.”

“How is that crawling to her? It solves all your problems and you don’t care about any of them.”

Nat folded his arms across his chest. “Wait a sec.”

Jay turned on the radio. She needed to escape.

“Where’s the part in your little world that Jessy has to pay for anything? Where’s the part where she says she is sorry for fucking up my life? Where’s the part she faces Wren and tells her what she did? and tells her, she is sorry?”

“Every day she raises your child, it has to eat at her.”

“How? She got everything she wanted.”

“Did she?” Jay already knew the truth to that.

“Except the one thing she’ll never have. Me.”

Jay got up, starting to dance to the just released song. “Got to love these old tunes. Yep, so how did she win anything if you are the golden ring, best she snatched was silver.”

“Because now she has a child to hold over my head. Now she’s got a wedge between me and Wren. I see it in Wren’s eyes. The coldness. Just when I start to get her to soften…Jessy comes back in some way.” He choked a little, “You want two parents? Like Wren had? Two parents that not only don’t love each other but use their daughter as a pawn?”

“Nope, I am happy knowing what I know, I just wish a to understand things. Sometimes you just got to do, to understand and forgive. Not saying this girl was right in hopping a stud muffin like you. You got to have them beating down your door.” She continued her dance.

“I might forgive, if she ever said she was sorry and I don’t mean her usual qualified ‘sorry’, her ‘sorry buts’” he looked at Jay, “Jay, I am not like that. It is my nature to love one girl. Totally and forever. If she leaves me…I guess my life would be over.”

“Yeah I know, sounds ancient.” She so wanted to spill the beans, “Nah as long as there is a breath, there is life and you just have to look at the good side of things. God blesses us in different ways and normally, in ways you don’t understand at the time.”

“Well God seems to have over looked me.”

She disagreed, “Nah you just aren’t looking at the good. Hell, you still got the woman you love with you and you get to know each other and all your moods and not have sex fuck it up like a permanent date. There has to be good times, else she wouldn’t stay.”

“You might not want to have sex, but I do.”

“My genes will die with me. I’m an only kid. Don’t need to be spreading bad genes into the pool.”

Nat said, “You sure? If you didn’t know your father, you might have a sibling or two.

Jay replied, “Nah, they would only be half, not the same. This mix is in me, isn’t going any where, it dies with me and all the curses of my birth.“ she wanted to change the subject, “Come on lets have a soda. I could use that sandwich, now.”

Nat said, “Bad gene’s huh? Your father’s or your mothers?”

“Neither, it’s the mix that was bad, it made me.”

“Yeah…all your fault. Like you had a choice.”

Jay went to the kitchen finding everything without asking. She made a huge sandwich and cut it in two, handing him half as she danced around the room. “Every one has a choice.”

“Why isn’t your father with your mother?”

“He hates her.”

“Not in their genetics. How does she feel about him?”

“She loves him, shit happens.”

“Why, if he hates her? Never mind.”

“Cause like you she really only loves, only one. SO I will never get caught into that trap. She loves daddy, not every man can hold a child to his breast and love it when it’s another mans. He’s a good dad. My mom would never admit she loves my Father.”

“Doesn’t that make a ‘father’?”

“Nope, A daddy is the one who tucks you in and loves you. A father is the man that made you what you are and all the sins of the parents are laid on the kid.”

“How could I be a dad to my daughter then?”

“Be there for her when you can,” she hoped she wasn’t messing things up, “let her know you and not the figure in a story.”

Nat asked, “How am I supposed to raise her if I can’t even see her?

“You said you can go to her grandpa’s house.”

“When will I get a chance to tuck her in, if Jessy won’t trust me out of her valley? When do I get to take her to the zoo, or a movie or surfing?”

“You don’t trust her, she don’t trust you, sounds like some one has to be the bigger person. Looks like she is trying, just not quite there in trusting some guy that don’t trust her.”

Nat said, “I never said I didn’t trust her with the baby. I know she’ll do anything she has to, to protect her, including keeping her safe from her father.”

“Than what’s the stitch? Try it, you don’t like, don’t go back, at least you man’d up to the attempt and made yourself out the bigger person.” She shrugged, “but shit you can just forget it. Forget you have her.”

“So how come I am the injured party and I have to make all the sacrifices?

“Like what?” she asked, not seeing his so called sacrifice.

“Where’s the justice in that?”

“Who said life is fair or just? If it was, there would be no crime, no one to save. We would all live in a rotting utopia, satanic, dull.”

“That’s what I fight for every day…justice.”

“and that is the dream of generations, now and forever.”

“I except it for other. Why shouldn’t I for myself?”

“So, not seeing your kid is justice?”

“You sound just like Jessy. You are using the same tactics as she does.”

Jay shook her head, “nah, I’m trying to understand.”

“Always making it my fault, my choice…”

“It isn’t, if you tossed it back in her court.”

Nat said, “It’s MY fault if I chose not to see my kid…under her terms, even if the terms to me are outrageous.”

“Than make a few demands, of your own. If she wants you to see the kid, than you have leverage. As long as she not just painting a face.”

Nat scowled. ”She has told me that if I ever tried to take the baby in any way she’d move to another friggin’ planet. The one time I did see her..you know what she did? She sealed us in a rock cave so I couldn’t ‘kidnap’ the baby.”

Jay started cleaning the house, pulling out a dish cloth and polishing everything, wiping off any finger marks.

“Like I ever gave her a reason to believe I would even think of stealing her.” He continued on, “And Wren? God…I can see it.. Jessy, can I have the baby this week end, we want to take her to Disneyland.” He played out his seniero, “She’d say “We?” I’d say “Yeah, Wren and me. I think I’d end up in a pit someplace near the center of the earth.”

“Hey you got to get the small steps in, to get the big one. She’s got to trust you, to not steal the kid.”

“Okay..I get my daughter to myself…Why shouldn’t I be able to do it with Wren?”

“but it’s all mute.”

“Hold on.” Nat asked, “Where exactly would I hide with Ghost Archer’s grandchild?

“Never know there could be a place, with the help of the right people. After all we are gifted over normals.”

“The right people? Do you know who Archer is?”

“Yeah the king of the hunt,” she mocked his titles, ”the lord mighty of San Fran.”

“Good God.. he can go into the past and follow me anywhere. How do you hide from that?”

“Maybe, Jessy used up all her favors with big daddy.”

“She’s just using it as an excuse.” Nat snorted. “Right. Then there is always Mommie..or uncle this or that…”

“Man are you ever so negative.” Jay spoke blunt, “You don’t see any thing but thorns in a rose garden. Not what I thought…” she stopped her words.

“Show me ONE place where something positive has happened to be since I met Jessy.”

“You meet wern.”

“Met her first.”

“You have a beautiful daughter.”

“Who I never get to see.”

“You are becoming one of the hottest surfers around, by your choice.”

Nat said, “You really think that matters? I do the surfing to finance the important part of my life. Look where I live? Does it scream MONEY?”

“It’s awesome, I like it.” Jay said, “ Just saying, looks like she is trying to make things up.” She started cleaning the windows.

“This house was rubble. Until this…drag…guy…showed up and fixed it. I am sure I still owe him plenty.”

Jay shivered, “See another good thing. Money can’t buy you happiness. You have to make that on your own.” Jay pulled out the vacuum, seeming to know where everything was and started sweeping, still dancing along.

Nat said, “I am trying…I try every day. I have Wren and I am patient with her. I know one day, she’ll come to me. I live for that day.”

“Than life is good and you are content.”

“I am content, until Jessy pops back into my life and stirs things up. It sets me back every time.” Nat pulled out a piece of paper. “See this? Jessy’s phone number. What do you think would happen…let’s just see.” Nat picked up the phone and dials the number.

Spock voice sounded over the phone, “Yes Mr. Ryan, I have instructions to teleport you at any time you wish.?”

Nat said, “Spock…you think I could come up there and visit for a bit?”

Spock asked, “Would you like to come now?”

“Actually, would it be okay to bring someone along?”

Spock apologized, “I am sorry, that would not be possible. It will require permission.”

Nat said, “It’s not like she’s never been there before. I want to bring Wren.”

Jay chuckled. “It’s okay I don’t want to go, you go, have fun smile a little.”

Nat raised an eyebrow.

“I will have to speak to Archer. Please hold.” Spock voice sounded in Archer library, ”Archer, Mr. Ryan wished to come to the Valley and bring Ms. Collins. I believe he is coming to visit Jasmine.”

Archer spoke, “Then you better ask Jessy.”

Spock voice echoed in the apple barn, “Jessy, Mr Ryan would like to bring Ms Collins to the valley to visit, your father requested I consult you.”

Jessy paused for a moment and took a deep breath… “Change her clothes to the cutest dress in the closet and make sure her hair is bushed, we don’t want him to see her with out her curls. Put her in the playroom and than teleport them.” Jessy mumbled, “She isn’t going to stand in the way of Jasmine’s happiness. I can handle this, sure I can. Spock tell me when they are with her and the second they leave, they can go any where but the apple barn that’s where I will be. Jessy bite her lower lip hard and started fidgeting.

Jay made the house picture perfect and way clean.

Nat pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it. He put it back to his ear, “Okay, Spock, I’ll call you later, thanks.” He sat the phone down.

Jay came out of the bathroom, it now shinning clean, “So what’s the damage this time?”

“Damage?” he seemed a little dazed.

“She had to have fucked your day up right. Some evil twisted phone message?”

“Never spoke to her. But Spock said I can take Wren with me. That’s like inviting the spider into the fly house.”

“Guess it’s up to you and a little trust. Mind if I clean the bed rooms?”

“Yes, I mind.”

“Okay, I won’t,” Jay admired the shine on the rooms she cleaned, a dusty bunny wouldn’t have a chance in there.

Nat took out another coke, sipping it in thought.

Jay pulled out the board wax, she flipped Nat board to her shoulder easily and took it out side and started waxing it.

Nat moved to the sliding door behind her. “I have to go.”

“Should I stay out while your gone?”

Nat stated, “You don’t have to. Make yourself at home but please stay out of Wren’s room. She’s very private.”

Jay asked, “okey dokey smokey, think I can use cass’s suit again?”

“Sure, just hang it on the fence when you are finished.”

“Peace, will do. I’ll take care of crib, while you rock.”

A tall blonde girl with her hair in a ponytail that reached her ass, walked up. She was wearing a black trench over what looked like a black body suit. “Hey, Nat! Time to get going!”

He acknowledged her, “Sure Chris, let me get my stuff. Oh, Jay, this is Christiana. Chris, this is Jay.”

“What up?” Jay looked up for a moment at the woman but went back to waxing Nat’s board.

Chris smiled, “Nothing much but Nat will find something for us to do later.”

Off handily Jay commented, “Yeah, I’m sure he’s just a babe magnet.”

Chris snorted a laugh, “That boy scout? are you kidding!?” The only thing he needs is a tattoo that says Wren…if he wasn’t SCARE TO DEATH OF A NEEDLE!”

Nat shouted from in the house, “I HEARD THAT!”

“Good thing to know. I can chase him around later with a sewing pin.” Jay chuckled at the thought.

“What, that he’s afraid of a needle or a boy scout?” Chris grinned.

Jay laughed, satisfied with the wax job, she stood up and began to sing and dance. “girls just want to have funn un. Oh girls just want to have fun.”

“God! you sound like HIM!”

Nat called out again, “I HEARD THAT TOO!

“I hate his damn ears.” Chris yelled back, “ WILL YOU HURRY UP YOU OAF!”

Nat called out “EAT ME, CHRISTIANA!

“YOU WISH!” Chris played.

Jay smirked, as she called to Nat “Nah he can’t find the hair brush. It’s in the drawer in the bathroom to the left!”

Chris informed Jay, “Nah, he still doesn’t like the tights. UM…you didn’t hear that.”

“Yeah, shows off all the right bulges.” Jay still held her smirk.

Nat stepped out of the bedroom, also wearing a black trench. “I heard that too, Chris.”

“I figured.”

Nat said, “Yeah, you figured right. I um, bent a van in front of her.”

Jay shrugged, “big deal.”

Nat looked at his tights, “I hope this one doesn’t split.”

Jay busted out laughing.

Chris grinned, “Personally I like that feature!

Jay busted out laughing. “whoo hoo a side show for the bad guys and lots of horny women. Can I tag?”

Nat blushed.

“Maybe if you stay SMALL!” Chris gave Jay a look. “Tag?”

“For the free show of him splitting the seams.” The vision in head made Jay grin.

“You understand what we’re gonna do, right?” Chris asked.

“Yeah fight bad guys and save the day.”

Chris looked back to Nat, “Maybe you should try it here first, Nat.”

Nat scowled, “Probably. But I am not giving you two a peep show this time.”

Jay snapped her fingers, “damn.”

Chris grinned, “I am SO jealous of Wren!”

Nat blushed, “Oh shut up!” He disappeared back into his room.

Jay added, “Join the club, Chris. He has a line up of those.”

The sound of the house groaning and a crashing noise erupted from with as Nat yelled, “CRAP! Now I gotta fix the floor!”

“I’ll do it.” Jay offered, “Just go get the bad guys.”

Nat came back out dusting wood splinters off a skin tight body suit of black and white with gold highlights. “First the bed, now the floor.” He pulled the trench closed.

“It happens,” Jay said, “just go with it.”

Chris noted, “Guess it didn’t split.”

Jay teased, “Dang and I was hoping for that peep show.”

Nat said, “Nah, It held and I went all the way up.”

Chris looked to Jay, “Nat might run around in cut offs up to his ass all the time but he’s really a prude.”

“HEY they are NOT up to my ass.” He protested.

Chris grinned “Sure…. I’ll be in the van”

Jay chuckled as she grabbed Wern’s board, setting it up for waxing, “Nat.” Jay stopped, walking up dead in front of him.

“Yeah?” he looked to Jay.

Jay requested, “Bend down, will yeah.”

Nat frowned but lean down for her.

Jay tossed her arms around his neck and kissed him softly on the cheek, “Thanks for everything.”

“What was that for?” he asked.

“Everything.” She backed away from him.

“Haven’t done much except feed you.” Nat looked at her puzzled.

“Nah you done far more than you will every know.” She started waxing the board. “Better get before she takes off with out you.”

“Can’t exactly do that…I’m the boss.”

Jay looked to the ocean, “I’ll never forget this day in any way shape or form.”

Nat smiled, “Provided you aren’t “Fifty first Dates”.” He pulled on a pair of gloves.

“You never know.”

“That’s what I am afraid of.” He said, “If you wake up and don’t know where you are…you’ll probably find this tall blonde guy standing over you, but don’t worry, he’ll help you.”

Jay said, “Nah, I don’t think that will happen. I’ll never forget Nat Ryan the famous surfer board champ.”

Nat snorted, “Right…not like I’ll ride the hundred footer.”

“You never know, “ she seemed to beam with pride,“you just might.”

Nat said, “Maybe I’ll get my game on, like Tony Hawke.”

Chris called out impatient, “NATHANIEL!!!”

Nat rolled his eyes, “Gotta go. Have fun surfing.”

Jay said, “Peace Nat. I will.”

Nat heads out the door and does a little dance step as he does.

Nat climbed into the van with Chris and two other girls.

Chris inquired, “Wren seen her yet?”

“Not yet..I’ll tell her about it when we get to the base.”

Fuji piped up, “Her?”

Nat said, “Jay…

Alicia interested was peeked, ”Oh.JAY?”

Nat scowled

Chris added, “She’s pretty good looking but she looks familiar.”

“Familiar like a wanted poster?” Fuji sounding hopeful.

Alicia asked, “Why do you ALWAYS see people in wanted posters?”

Chris jested, “Looking for her next date!”

Nat remarked, “Because she studies them all the time. HEY, no powers in the van!”

Nat pulled the van into a covered drive and starts down towards the waterline

**********

Jay watched as Nat left, her memory fully back. Her sprite sank inside her, with the pain she felt. She headed to Nat’s bedroom. Easily she cleared his room in to the living room. She pulled the wood planks from the floor one by one, till there were just the wood supports left. She placed all the rubbish to the side of the cottage to be out of the way.

“Spock, Please, I need eight floor support beams, sub floor, tongue and groove mahogany flooring and the tools to install them, for this room. Place them in the hall.” A beam of light fell inside the cottage as all her supplies where delivered. “Thank You Spock.”

Jay placed the two house jacks to either side of the beam and leveled it. She slipped a support beam to ether side of the broken beam and drilled the pilot holes for the bolts. She bolted the three beams together at multiple points. She moved to the nest beam repeating the task, till all the beams were reinforced. She thought on everything he said, every thing she knew as she worked.

The floor was finished in what seemed no time to her. She brought back his things placing them were he always kept them. Everything, back into place. She looked at his bed frame as she set it into place. “Can’t hurt to fix this too.” She went to work on modifying the frame.

Her work complete, the room shined in perfection. She smiled as she headed to the beach. Jay sat on the beach by the tents watching the ocean, her eyes far off and mind drifting.

*****

Nat rolled into the garage and stopped next to a weird looking car with the hood folded up and a guy sticking out of it. “Where’s Zach, Josh?”

“Where do you think?” Josh replied never leaving the hood.

“Computer room. Marina come down to see him today?” Nat asked.

“Not that I saw.” Josh continued on.

Nat said, “Josh, you KNOW you don’t know anything about a steam engine.”

“Guy’s gotta learn, Boss.” Josh ignored him.

Nat pushed into the computer room “ZACH! I need some info on Mother.”

Zach jested, “YOURS OR MINE?”

Nat said, “That was in very bad taste, Zach… Roll call, people!” He moved into a large room with a round table at the center, pulling out a chair and sits. “What have we got?”

Chris started, “I got a hit this morning I need to check out.”

Nat said, “Who you want to go with you?”

“Josh.” She answered.

Nat nodded, “Take the van. Okay, Fuj, I got a job for you, a little undercover”

“At LAST!” Fuji leered at him.

“Not THAT undercover,” Nat watched Wren come in and sit in the chair beside him. She nodded to him. Nat continued, “I need you to get into this group in Old Towne. They take in homeless people and then send them out with a ‘shopping list’ of things and services offered in exchange for the things on the list.” Nat unfolded the list and handed it to Wren, who looked it over and passed it on. “They tried to force a girl into their van earlier tonight and I had to stop them.”

Wren raised an eyebrow “Did you now.”

Zach announced, “Found something.”

“Okay, I did get a little carried away.” Nat turned to Zach, “What do you have, Zach?”

“A Mrs. Wigglings opened a homeless shelter in 1940 and she was referred to as Mother.”

Nat said, “1940?”

Zach confirmed, “Yeah, she’s still alive.”

“64 years ago?”Nat spoke, “Damn, she’s got to be like 85 or more.”

“More like 97.” Zach corrected.

Chris grinned hopeful, “Think she’s undead?”

Nat shook his head. “Not everyone that old is a vampire, Chris.”

“A girl can hope, can’t she?” Chris added.

Zach reported, “She has multiple holdings all over the place and investments and still lives in old town.”

Nat noted, “Girl’s got roots.”

“Old, dusty roots.” Josh added.

“Anything in NCIC?” inquired Nat.

“Nope, shes clean as a whistle.” Informed Zach. “ She has never had even a ticket.”

Nat said, “Okay, It still smells funny. Fuji, can you get all homeless?”

“Do I gotta dye my hair?” Fuji asked.

Nat grinned, “No, I am sure blue is perfectly normal in Old Towne.”

“I’ll use a rinse, make it black.”

Nat stated, “A black hair Japanese girl, who’d a thunk it.”

Fuji grinned, “I think I have something old.”

Nat remarked, “What you are wearing is fine.”

“Hey, I worked hard on this look.”

Josh teased, “Yeah, crawling around under the power unit again.”

Fuji came back, “Hey, I can’t figure out how the thing works. It shouldn’t!”

“Time for that later. Who do you want as backup?” Nat asked.

Alicia volunteered, “That would be me.”

*****

Cass stepped out, onto the porch. “Sammy?”

“Yeah, babe?” Sammy stepped out after her.

“That’s not Nat’s van.”

“No, it isn’t.” Sammy stepped over the low picket fence between yards. “Hey! What’s happening?” Sammy looked into the house; the drapes had all been closed. They were never closed. Sammy knocked on the door. “NAT!”

Cass shouted to him, “HE”S GONE BABE!”

Sammy looked over at Cass “Oh.” He banged on the door “HEY, We called the cops!” Cass picked up the phone and dials a number written on the wall.

The door flew open, Sammy pulled into the house and forced to the floor face down. The guy spoke quickly, “Grab what you have, we will be back to get her.” He turned to Sammy on the floor, “Now be a good little boy and stay right there and you won’t be hurt.” The guy and the other five grab what they could, heading out the door, into the van. The driver tore off.

Nat picked up the phone, “Yeah?”

Cass voice was panic, “You better get home. Someone’s in your place.”

Nat slammed down the phone. He looked at Wren, “You get the others to the cottage.I’ll jump it.” He ran up a tunnel and out into the open night. Turning to face the house direction, he took a leap, covering the distance in a single jump, landing on the small patch of lawn.

Cass pointed after the van “They went that way! Van, beat up Chevy, full size…FG2223M, looked grey.”

“Thanks, Cass.” He leaped straight up and scans the area, looking for a moving van. Nat hit the ground and leaped again, this time he landed, behind the van as it pulled off from the light.

Nat tapped a manhole cover with his foot and it leaped into the air. He caught the metal disk, squats a little, flipping the cover like a Frisbee. It hit the rear axle of the van and rips it off before embedding itself in the transmission. Nat grinned, “God I love manhole covers!”

The driver leap out and starts running like hell.”

Goliath ran towards the van, his height increasing with every step, He leap over the running man, twisting as he does and lands in front of him, facing the man. Goliath greeted, “Hello.”

The man ran right into him, falling on his ass. Goliath picked him up by the front of his shirt. The man fought back to no avail. Goliath walked back to the van.

Driver protested, “Let me go.” He kicked and squirmed int the iron grip that held him.

“We need to talk.” Goliath picked the van up with the other hand as peered inside, “Hi, guys.” To his surprise there was no one in the van. All of his and Wern stuff laid in the back. Goliath sighed, leaping, making the arc HIGH but landing back on the lawn of his cottage. He sets the van down still holding the man.

Sammy scowled as Goliath lands, “That’s one of them.”

“I gather this stuff belongs to the owners of this house?” Goliath asked.

Cass put a hand on Sammy “Yes…we’ll put it back if that’s okay?”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Goliath still holding the guy, leapt a short way to the tents. Walking down to the water’s edge.

Jay was just sitting on the beach watching the people, with a pile of shrimp skins on a plate. She turned her head to look at the wave of sand Goliath stirred.

Goliath sat the man on his feet “Don’t make me chase you, it just gets me angry. Why did you break into that house?”

“What the fuck!” exclaimed the driver, “They where giving a donation to the needy. I just went to pick it up.”

“I see. Shall we try again?” Goliath picked him up again and started wading out into the ocean.

“I don’t know what yeah are talking about.” As the water rose on the driver, he exclaimed, “Hey are you crazy?”

Goliath held him up a little, “You know. You hear all about paranormals like me being servants of the law.” Goliath moved out further, the waves not even rocking him. “Trouble is. I serve justice, not law.”

“I have rights. I’ll sue yeah.” The driver was grasping for threats to throw. “I want to speak to my attorney.”

Goliath stopped, the water up to his chest, “Sure, Okay, the name’s Goliath.”

“Fine than take me to the station and book me.” The driver requested.

“You don’t understand, no charges, No police.” Goliath lowered him into the water.

“I’ll get you for man handling me too,” the man now panicking, “What kind of demon are you? Fuck this water is cold!” He gasped for air as a wave passed over his head.

“I’ve seen demons, you’d already be lunch. Yeah, it’s cold? I don’t notice any more.” Goliath stared down the man, “Picking up stuff donated, huh? Tell me. Was it boxed and marked? Or did the owner let you in?”

“No, we take care of it for them, they just had it setting out.”

Goliath lowered him deeper.

“What the fuck man. I’ll freeze to death”

“Took care of them how?” Goliath smiled, “Wait until it gets to you balls, that REALLY gets cold.

Driver gets slashed in the face with water, gasping for hair he added, “or drowned.”

“You can’t swim?” Goliath shrugged, “Oh well, we can call the owners and ask them to come get you then.”

“Sure, sure,” the man stammered, “take me to a phone.”

“I think I’ll ask that lady in the house next door. I am sure she has their number.” Goliath pulled him out of the water.

“I just have to call dispatch.” The driver fear of death fading. “They can clear this up.”

“Much better, did you know you stink?” Goliath walked up the beach, holding him high.

Jay followed behind them, staying out of direct sight. She moved to the water’s edge, back to the house, listening to every word.

Goliath walked back to the house and saw Wren and the team all in civilian clothes standing in front of the house. “Good evening.”

Cass pointed out, “That’s the one that knocked Sammy down and told him they kill him.”

Sammy asked, “Man, wha’d you have to trash Wren and Nat’s place?”

Wren spoke, “I am curious about that as well.”

Goliath asked, “This your place, ma’am?”

“Yes, it is.” Wren eyed the giant. “Why did you come into my house?”

“Just call dispatch they can clear this all up. I just was picking up the donation.” The driver answered.

Wren looked up at the dangling man, “Could you put him down, please.”

Goliath sat him on his feet, giving warning, “Don’t make me chase you.”

“Thanks for calling off the brute.” The driver tried to steady his numb legs, “See she knows.”

Wren pulls out a cell, dialing 911, “Yes, I’d like to report a burglary.

“What this is a misunderstanding.” The driver holding, to his story.

Wren continued her call, “No, that will not be necessary, one of your superheroes has him.” Wren gave the address. “Wren Collins. Yes, it is my home. Everything is still in his van. No, it doesn’t look like it is going anywhere. Thank you.” Wren folded up the phone. She looked him in the eye, her face hard. “The police will be here shortly.”

“It’s okay they will clear this up.” The driver spoke with more confidence. “Dispatch sent me here for a pick up.”

“Hey, they trashed the place!” Fuji looked inside, “Looks like they grabbed EVERYTHING!” She could not help but notice the shiny, sand-less floor of the cottage.

Chris took a look in, “Wasn’t like that when I picked up Nat for work.”

Fuji had to ask, “Who does your floors, Wren?”

“It gives Nat something to do. Could you please move down wind?” Wren gestured for the guy to move away a bit.

Goliath said, “I hear the police.”

“Just call my dispatch, I am sure we can solve this all peacefully like.” He ignored Wren’s request.

Wren looked to the driver, “The police will give you a free call.”

“Well, I think I’ll go replace that manhole cover I borrowed. Sorry about the problem, ma’am and you,” he pointed his finger at the driver, “Please don’t run off.” Goliath leapt away.

“He’s not going anywhere.” Sammy grinned evilly.

Nat replaced the manhole cover after flattening it out again, then jogs to a nearby house and borrowed a friend’s car. He pulled in behind the cop car.”

“Finally some reasonable people.” The driver spoke seeing the cops roll in.

Nat stepped up behind Wren, asking, “What’s going on?”

Driver spoke first, “Officer there has been a huge mistake. If you just call my dispatch, I am sure we can clear this all up.”

Wren looked up at him “This man and a few friends removed all of our things and place it in that van”

“I have the paper work in the van.” The driver offered proof.

Cop asked, “Are you the owner?”

Nat said, “Yes, I am.”

“ID please?”

Nat pulled out his wallet and handed over his ID.

The second cop asked the driver, “Where is this paperwork?

The Driver went in the to van. He fishes through a stack of papers, now scattered on the floor, “Here it is, the pick up order.”

The second cop took the paper, looking it over. The paper was a pick up order for donation, door would be unlock the address is correct on the paper. The second cop handed the paper to Wren. “Did you call for this?”

Wren reads it, Nat reading over her shoulder. ”I certainly did not. Why would I give away everything I own?”

Nat added, “Neither did I.”

“Let me call my dispatch.” The driver insisted again, “Obviously there has been a mistake. We pick up the leftovers from estates sales all the time. They give us an address and we clean it out for the new owners to take position.”

Nat retorted, “Not from a house that is obviously lived in.”

“It’s all legal and they all look lived in.” the driver not dismissed Nat.

“Not if these people didn’t sign for it.” The Cop looked for a signature.

“Come on just call dispatch,” the driver still insisted, “All the full legal stuff, is down there any ways.”

Fuji stepped away from the man, fanning her face from his stench.

“Hey I don’t smell that bad.” The Driver sniffed under his arm.

“Officer, how about this,” Nat suggested, “We call his dispatch and see what they say.”

“Yeah and that Goliath guy abused me.” The driver added, “I want him arrested.”

The cop looked to the driver, “Who?”

“The big freak that dragged me into the ocean. That’s assault and against the law.” The driver stated indigently.

Wren piped in, “Might I ask why you would pull our neighbor into the house and force him to lie on the floor?”

Sammy jumped in, “I was wondering that too.”

“No idea what your talking about, that guy just made that up.” The driver defended himself.

Sammy pulled up a lock of hair, revealing a bruise.

The driver jested, “Man your wife must have a good back hand.”

“I’ll swear out a warrant.” Sammy stood his ground.

Cass was sarcastic; “Just love beating up my man!” She kissed Sammy

The driver pointed out, “See she admits it too.”

Cop looked at the driver, “You’re kidding, right? I’ve know Cass and Sammy for years. Hell I used to surf with them.”

“Oh great, I am being railroaded,” the tossed his hands up, “Even the cops are in this whacked out nightmare.”

Wren requested, “Let him call his office, if they collaborate his story we might be willing to forget the whole thing.”

Driver sighed in relief, “Finally a sane suggestion.”

The Cop shrugged, “Saves paperwork.” He handed the man a cell phone.

The Driver dialed the phone, “Yeah Barney trouble with this pick up at the last stop.”

“Would save us from having to get new stuff while ours is evidence.” Nat whispered to Wren.

“What do you mean!” the driver looked pissed. “Here officer talk to Barney.”

The Cop took the phone.

The driver turned to Wren, “I’m sorry ma’am, they wrote it wrong on the pick up.”

“And what about me?” Sammy glared at the man.

“You got one hell of an imagination guy.” The driver, blowing Sammy off.

“I don’t think so.” Sammy started getting pissed.

Nat said, “Hey, Sammy…live and let live, man.”

Driver added, “Than I want that Giant arrested.”

Wren stepped in, “Nathaniel is correct, Samuel but if you insist on having Goliath arrested, Samuel might reconsider.”

“Okay, okay.” The driver agreed just wanting to get out of there. He turned to the cop, “Mind dropping me off, since Goliath toasted the company van.”

Nat whispered to Wren “You know he’s full of it, right?”

“Nathaniel, I am not that stupid.” She softly replied. “And if you ever call me ma’am again, you will be sleeping on the ceiling for a week.”

Nat grinned as the team and him, started unloading the van.

Nat’s floor is now a mahogany high gloss floor. Wren leaned against the door jam as Nat places the bed

“I see you’ve done more renovations.” She commented.

Nat grimaced, “I tested my suit before I left… made a new hole in the floor.

Wren surmised, “Looks like our friend does not care for structural damage.”

Nat said, “I guess.”

Fuji called out, “Hey, who’s stuff is this?”

“Certainly not mine.” Wren looked down at the old clothing and cart.

Nat said, “That’s Jay’s”

Wren crossed her arms looking at Nat, “And who is ‘Jay’?”

Nat requested, “Can you guys finish…I need to borrow Wren for a few

Josh answered for all, “Sure thing.”

Nat wrapped an arm over Wrens shoulder, “Let’s go for a walk.”

“Why does this sound ominous?” she asked.

“Nothing sinister.” Nat lead her down toward the beach. “This girl knocked on the door this morning after you left. She was looking for a hand out. Well, I brought her in and fed her and gave her some food to take.” Nat looked at her out of the side of his eye.

“Typical.” She interrupted. “Do not look at me like that, Nathaniel, you have a soft heart.”

Nat hesitated, “Well…

Wren looked at him, “You ended up offering her a place to stay.”

“Well…yeah.”

Wren sighed, “What am I going to do with you?”

“How about marrying me?” he suggested. He noticed the balled up silhouette wearing a baseball cap, at the edge of the water, the moonlight bathing the figure. “There she is.” Nat turned them, leading Wren with him. He stopped beside Jay. “Jay? You awake?”

Wren sounded off, “Nathaniel that is such a ridiculous question.”

A tiny voice floated from her, “I’m sorry, really am. I didn’t want to bring you any trouble.”

“Sorry of what?” he asked.

Jay replied, “those guys.”

Wren asked, “You know them?”

“They are from the shelter,” Jay said, “Guess I should have told mother myself.”

Wren looked the girl over, moving slightly to alter the moonlight on her face.

Nat promised, “Mother and I are going to discuss this at some point.”

Jay stood up 5’10” in height her beautiful wheat honey hair near her shoulder.

Wren met Jay’s eyes at the same level. Jay looked at Wren with her deep blue eyes.

Wren looked from Jay to Nat, “I am Wren.”

Nat added quickly, “Sorry, Wren, this is Jay.

Jay spoke softly, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Ms. Collins.” She offered her, her hand. “I’m really sorry for all the trouble I have caused you.”

Wren took her hand very lady like. Jay shook her had firmly. “I won’t be bothering you for long. Just a night or so.”

Nat said, “I don’t think it would be wise if you stayed the night down here.”

“I agree.” Wren added.

Nat said, “And if they are that adamant about you ‘reporting in to Mother’, maybe you need somewhere less public to stay.” Wren gave him a look. Nat informed her, “She knows, Wren. Nat looks at Jay “She has her own powers.”

“Recruiting, Nathaniel?”

“Kewl,” Jay liked the idea, ”be my first mission.” She softly chuckled, “How’d you know I have powers?”

“Not so much a mission as a safe house.” He shook his head, “You dropped enough hints.”

“Like what?” she needed to know her mistakes.

“Like not saying anything when I ripped the roof of that van.” Nat said, “Just little things you said.”

“Well, It didn’t seemed strange. I have troubles with my strength sometimes, I tend to break things if I am not cleaning them. But if I am cleaning the stuff, I seem able to handle things.”

Wren raised an eyebrow “Really” She glanced at Nat.

Jay said, “Yeah I just came into it.”

“Anything else?” Wren queried.

“After I fainted a bunch of my memories came back. I’m just not ready to go home yet.” She admitted.

Nat asked, “What did you remember?”

“Enough to get home.”

Nat asked, “Well, where are you from?”

“Miami Florida,” Jay looked into his eyes, “Saw you surf there.”

“Will you need fare to get back to Miami?” inquired Wren.

“Nah my folks are loaded.” She shrugged, “When I lost my memory, all I could remember was I wanted to get to the beach in San Diego.”

He nodded, “The watch is a giveaway.”

“Really,” Jay looked at the one of kind top end Swiss watch, “It’s just a watch, only kept it cause of the inscription.”

Nat asked, “Do you remember what you were looking for here?”

“Yes,” she slightly blushed as she looked to her feet kicking the sand with her toe.

Wren asked suspiciously. “And that was?”

She thought, not wanting to lie, “To see him surf again. He’s awesome. World champion material.”

“Nathaniel?” she regarded the other girl, “You came all this way to see Nathaniel surf.”

Jay nodded, “I didn’t plan any of this. I just woke up in a park.”

Wren asked, “What is your family name?”

Jay looked at her strangely, “Family name?”

Wren doesn’t blink, “Yes..mine is Collins. What is yours?

Jay heisted, “Wayne. Why?”

“I was just curious. I see a remarkable resemblance between you and Nathaniel.” She turn to Nat, “You have no idea of your father’s name, Nathaniel?”

Nat shook his head, “Come on Wren…you know I don’t”

“ Really, Wow, no way.” Jay rambled trying to figure out the correct response, “Would be kewl if true but that’s far fetch. He’d only be a half, which isn’t the same and my mom told me tons about my dad. Well my father not my daddy.”

Nat looked at her, “You seem to have a thing about half siblings.”

“Hey shit happens, every one has the right to feel different on different matters.” She defended herself. “it’s just normal, it what’s make us who we are.”

Wren keep staring at Jay, “There IS something else familiar about you.”

“No idea what that can be since you just meet me.” She felt uncomfortable.

“No…not you….” Wren drifted in thought. ”But someone that looks like you.”

“I fixed your floor Nat.” Jay tried to change the subject. “Hope you like it.”

“You fixed the floor. I thought Nick did it.” He looked surprised.

A cold shiver ran down her back as she tried to play dumb,”Who? and I made up your bed too.”

Wren stated, “Just a friend.”

Nat turned as someone walked up the beach toward them. Jay turned her head not changing expression on her face but mumbled, “You got to be kidding.” She started back away toward the house.

Nick stopped before Nat and Wren, ”If you speak my name, I hear it and become curious.”

Wren greeted him, “This gives us an opportunity to thank you for all you have done.”

“Yeah, I really don’t know where we’d be if you haven’t helped us. What can we do in return?”

“I’ll let you be with your friend, peace.” She tried to escape the fricken dragon.

Nick greeted her, “Hello, Jay. Perhaps you should stay.”

“Nah,” she declined but could not move further away. She cursed in her mind, “Dam it!”

“You seem to be lost.” Nick eyed her.

Jay said, “I was but I know my way home now thank you.”

“But you have grown since I last saw you.” The glint in Nick’s eye danced.

Jay said very politely, “I’m sure your thinking of some one else.”

Nick asked, “Did you find out what you wanted to know?”

“A lot but not all.” She hated this.

“Then you are staying until you do?” he asked.

“No! I was thinking about hopping a plane tomorrow or the next.”

Nick smiled, “But isn’t it exciting…playing this game?”

Nat looked to the girl, “Game?

Nick laughed softly, “You? A Plane? Besides, do you think a plane will reach where you are going?”

“I’m sure I can make it back where I belong with out messing up.” She was getting angry.

Nick glanced over at Wren, his look speculative.

Nick looked to the couple and offered, “Don’t you want me to explain what is going on?”

“Damn it! Uncle Nick DON’T.” She shouted at him. She covered her mouth, he had tricked her. “You ruined everything.”

Wren started her words, “Indeed I would.”

Nat said, “UNCLE.” Nat suddenly stood up straight. “You are from the valley.”

Nick just smiled, “I ruined nothing. The words are yours.”

“Yes you did! You showed up. I just got my memory back.” She protested.

“Memory back, You’re one of Archer’s kids?” Nat asked.

“Yeah when you ripped off the van roof, it came back. And No, I’m not his kid. I am his grand daughter.”

Wren nodded, “I don’t think it is quite that close.”

“Please to meet you, My name is Jasmine Ryan Wayne Fireoak Ramirez,”

Nat said, “Jasmine? Ryan?”

Jay said, “Sorry Daddy, I just had to see what happened myself. I wasn’t trying to cause trouble or change anything. You will do what your heart tells you. I just wanted to see you back now.”

Wren surmised, “Daughter, I thought she looked familiar. Jessy.”

Nat said, “You can time travel, like Archer.”

Jay nods “Not very good at it and it wiped my memory till i got triggered and totally eats my energy

Nat stares at her.

Jay said, “I just wanted to see, and understand and you told me a lot, just being my friend

Wren asked, “And do you? Understand?

Jay said, “Yeah I do.”

Nat said, “If you are from the future…did I visit you? Did I get to take you from the valley?”

Jay said, “Sometimes you got to do stuff in order to get it all straight. I can’t tell you that.”

Nat said, “I must not have. Otherwise you would not be here.”

Jay said, “No, I can’t influence what you will do. No, I had to get my roots and the stories all right. Everyone holds back pieces and it it’s all jumbled up when you look at it all.”

Nick shook his head, “You cannot even observe a thing without altering it.”

“Then you do not know Nathaniel. He holds nothing back.” stated Wren.

“I sure didn’t today.” Nat realizing now, what it meant.

Jay just shrugged her shoulders, “Things happen.”

“You have a seed of doubt now.” Nick looked to Nat, Nat to dragon in human form. “If you visit and did not before..it will change everything… if you do not visit and did before, again a change.”

Nat nodded.

“The future is what you make it, no one else,” Jay argued, “You will do what your heart tells you to.” She gave Nick a quick glare. “It was great surfing with you.”

Nick questioned, ”You have never actually listened to your grandfather about time travel, have you?”

Jay said, “He droned that stuff, like school work.”

Nick schooled her, “Everything you do has effect. Now, you have split the time line but because Archer is a Unique, only one of them has him in it. I hope you find the correct one.”

“If you didn’t show up, I wouldn’t have had to leave.” Jay turned to the couple, “Sorry I messed your life up daddy, Ms Collins.”

Wren spoke, “Child, you did nothing. Why would anyone blame you for existing?”

Jay disagreed, “YES I did. I was born, it’s okay.”

Nat said, “The circumstances can be loathed but the result is not responsible.”

Jay said, “Just a bad mix in the genes, it’s kewl.”

Nat said, “You actually think you have bad genes? Who does that point to? Me or Jessy?”

“Neither” she admitted, ”it’s just me.”

Nat said, “It’s not like the sins of the parents are passed on in the blood.

“Aren’t they?” Jay said coldly.

Nat replied, “No

Nick smiled.

Jay walked up to an inch before Nat and hugged him tightly, “I wuv you. I got to go. Don’t worry I wont time slip back any more. I won’t mess things up any more. I just had to understand.”

Nat requested, “Ask your mother if she ever said she was sorry…I am just curious if I have that in my future.”

“Every day of her life.” She said as her eyes filled with tears knowing that would never happen. Her mother was dead.

“But does she ever tell me.” He asked.

“Guess you would have to actually talk to her to find that one out. She doesn’t lie Daddy. She just sees things different. My other daddy understands that and even makes him laugh some times. Sorry for the house and the trouble.”

Nat searched for answers, “DO I ever stop hating her?”

“I can’t tell you that either. I was kind of hoping to do a mission with you but that’s off.” She sighed.

Nick spoke to Jay, “You have all the time in the world. Blood tells, child. One of those ‘bad’ things you spoke of.”

“I am the one who steers my ship.” She was tired of Nick’s interface.

“Go on thinking that.” Nick chuckled, “I hate to disillusion the young.

“Thank you very much I will.” She turned her head away, folding her arms.

Nat asked, “Jay, can’t you stay a couple days?”

“I might mess more stuff up,” she shook her head, “I guess I let, to much slip when I wasn’t with my memories. Daddy, you know where I am any time.” Nat stared at her as she continued, “and no tricks. Mommy really isn’t like that and she tells me all the time quick fixes never seem to work.”

Nat asked, “If I visit.. this will not happen, will it Nick?”

“I never said you didn’t visit or you did or why you do what you do.”

Nat said, “Simple logic, Jay. Listening to you talk before you got your memory back.”

“My trip was not to get you visit me.” She bite her tongue can he really be so dense. “Uncle Nick can erase all this, the easy way out, just like going back and erasing me.”

“If I allowed your family the easy why out of every trouble you get into, I would have no excitement in my life.” Nick chuckled.

“Uncle Nick will you never let me live that down.” She wanted him gone. He had ruined everything.

“You are the one that speaks of choices.” Nick pointed out.” You have made yours.

Jay hugs Nat one more time very long and hard. Nat hugged her back gently.

“Yeah and I will live with the consequences of them.” Jay hug increased in strength as she whispered in his ear. Hoping he would understand. “Peace father.” She stepped back, “Time to go. Peace Ms. Collins, it was a pleasure to see you again.” Jay opened the portal sliding away faintly hearing her daddy.

Nat glanced at Wren, then back to Jay’s fading form, “Again?”

Nick dusted his hands, “My work is done.” He blinked away.

Wren looked at Nat, “Are you okay?”

“No, Wren…I don’t think so.”, he put his arm around her shoulder, “I don’t think so.” They walk back to the cottage in silence.

The house was put back together, except for a piece of paper on the floor. Wren bent over looking at the phone number. Nat almost fell into a beanbag chair.

“This must be for you.” Wren pressed it into Nat’s unresistant hand.

Nat glanced at it, then closed his fist on it.

********

Jessy took the girl from the play room, out for a walk in the valley, “It’s okay Jasmine. Some day maybe.” She smile at her curly haired daughter. “Lets go birthday shopping.” She lifted the huge baby to her hip and went on a search for Diego. Diego looked up from the paper, Harriet’s portrait half finished.

“Me and Jasmine are going to the Mall,” she announced while admiring his drawing.

“Town? Is there an art store there perhaps?” he inquired.

“Of course there is, the Mall has everything. Jasmine gets to pick out her birthday present.” Jessy smiled into the deep blue eyes and bushed a Shirley temple curl from one. “Want to go? or just a girls time out? Nat hasn’t shown, so I want her to have something nice.”

“I think I will go, if you do not mind my sitting and drawing.”

“Hey you might sell a few. It would make a kewl Christmas present to give.” Diego smiled, “You know better.”

“I could hope.” She bent over and kissed his forehead. He lifted his face to her and she kissed his nose.

“If that is what I must settle for, I am content.” He said softly.

“You never have to settle for anything.” She pressed her lips to his in a gentle kiss. He closed his eyes returning the kiss. Jessy stroked his hair with her free hand as they kissed.

Jasmine squirmed, “KISS!”

Jessy broke the kiss, letting Jasmine lean to him. “I think she’s jealous.”

Diego kissed her no the nose.

“I will get my case.” Diego stepped into this shoes and picking up the wooden artist’s case.

“See Jasmine, Daddy takes longer to get ready then we do.” Jessy giggled

*****

Nat picked up the phone and stared at it, then sat it down. He moved into the kitchen and stare blankly into the fridge, his mind elsewhere. He slammed the door, cracking the wall behind the fridge. Again he turned to phone, the picking up the number, punching in a number, nearly shoving the buttons thru the handset.

Spock’s voice sounded on the other end, “Hello, Mr Ryan, how can I help you?”

Nat gruffly, “Let me speak to her, Spock.”

Spock replied, “I will see if she is available.” He switched to radio. “Jessy, are you available for a phone call from Mr Ryan?”

“You’re kidding,” she filled with dread, “He wants to talk to me!”

Spock confirmed, “Unless you can define ‘her’ as someone else.”

Jessy looked at her daughter on her lap, “I doubt Jasmine could talk. Okay patch it through to the cell. She picked up the cell phone and turned it on.

“Go ahead, Mr Ryan.” Spock alerted Nat.

“Hello.” She greeted her anxiety growing.

“You have made your stipulations, the Valley. I have a few of my own.”

“Shoot.” Jessy bite her lower lip waiting for his stipulations.

“The treehouse is the only place I will go, get permission. I will t-port there and NOT leave it.”

“I will ask Uncle Nick.”

Nat continued, “There will be NO surveillance by Spock or you or your father or mother or anyone else in your valley.”

“Agreed, anything else?”

“IF she chooses, Wren may come with me but I promise to NEVER bad mouth you in front of the baby nor will Wren even speak of you.”

“Agreed,” Jessy brushed the girls locks hugging her.

“There will be times that I will be allowed to tuck her into bed, in the tree and Spock or you can move her after I leave. There will be times I wake her up in the mornings, you can also arrange that in the tree.”

“If Uncle Nick agrees, agreed. I have to warn you she isn’t fond of him.”

“I will give you plenty of notice and coordinate your schedule with mine for visits.”

“Not needed, you can come when ever you want.”

Nat asked, “Jay isn’t fond of Nick?”

“How did you know her nick name?” she was shocked.

“She told me.”

Jessy went silent on the other end of the line as she looked at the baby. “Okay if you say so and no she doesn’t like being around him.”

“She’ll come to call him Uncle Nick, in time.”

“What did you do go to a fortune teller?”

Nat said, “Oh, In the years to come, I will be taking her surfing.”

“Hard to do that in a tree house but I am not going to argue with you Nat. The whole valley is open to you.”

Nat continued, “The time will come when we will be free to go where ever she wishes.”

“Okay, How did she tell you?”

“When will you be prepared for my first visit?”

“As soon as I talk to Uncle Nick. If you will settle for the playroom immediately.”

“No. I don’t want anything to do with the Valley.”

“Than after I talk to Uncle Nick. I will have Spock call you. Any thing else?”

“Not at the moment. I’ll be awaiting Spock’s call.”

“Alright, have a nice life.”

Nat hung up. Nat moved over to the fridge and opened it, this time taking out a Coke and a couple of wrapped sandwiches.

Jessy sighed, hugging her baby tight, “I hope I am doing the right thing Jasmine. I really hope I am.” She left the baby at Diego’s feet and headed to the great white tree house.

Jessy summoned the earth to lift her up and knocked on the rail. “Uncle Nick are you home?”

“Come in, Jessy.” His voice floated to her.

Jessy stepped off her pillar, letting it recede back into the earth. She peered through the door, “I need to ask you a favor for Jasmine.”

Nick leaned back in his chair and a flash of ruddy red light disappearing from his hand. “It is rather an intrusion.”

Jessy took a seat in front of his chair on the floor. “You already know why I come and I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t feel it was really important. Nat’s cold heart is thawing and I don’t want her to miss her chance.”

“It was never frozen.” He corrected.

“Just give her a space I can let Spock t-port her to. It will only be when he wants to see her.”

“Spock does not work in my home.” He added, “No, it is the only way you will let him see her. There IS a difference.”

“Fine.” She stood up to head to the door.

“Would you like to see her room?” Nick stood and gestured to a set of stairs down into the heart of the tree.

“No,” her heart pained her uncertain she was doing the right thing.

“As you will.”

“Just let Spock drop her off and pick her up.”

Nick insisted, “You will have to do that, personally.”

“I don’t want to ever see those two ever.” She sighed, “If I must I will. You don’t get it.”

“I did not say you had to be here when they arrive. Explain my ignorance.”

Jessy sighed, “I don’t want to ever see that room and I can’t leave her alone.”

“She will be alone for but a wink of the eye.”

“It would be just easier if Spock could drop her off when they are arriving. I won’t always be around, if it will be more than one visit. Nat has already been spying on her, so at least that’s good.”

Nick raised one eyebrow, “It continually amazes me how much power you give up to a machine.” Nick folded his arms across his chest “And how do you think he is doing that?”

“You.”

“Why would I do that?”

“How else would he know her nick name.” She paused, “To be a thorn in my father’s side. I don’t care, it got him to want to visit her.”

“I do not use your father’s family against him, no matter what he thinks.”

“I would ask that you won’t take them from this valley when they do visit. I’m not ready for that.” She was torn inside, the fear whelming.

“I see you don’t get it.” Nick explained, “Nat has always wanted to see her. You have been the impediment.”

“Look it’s hard enough to want to do what’s right. If they try once to turn my little girl against me or my father. They will be putting me in stronghold.”

“Do you actually think they would take your child?”

“Yes or worse, poison her mind.”

Nick asked, “Where could they hide? You do enough of that, yourself.”

“Come on Uncle Nick, you could find a place and you are in cahoots with them.” She paused, “I do not!”

“And I am not.” Nick stated.

“I never say a bad thing about Nat to her and I will never.” She gave up, “Okay I will have Spock call Nat. You agreed to the room.”she held back her tears.

“You should seek another source of Nat’s knowledge. Perhaps it is closer then you can imagine.”

“Yeah, like she got on the phone and said hey dad my nick name is Jay and I want you to come visit. She’s just a baby, one word talking.” She shook her head, “Nat would have never of talked to anyone else with that information. That leaves it to you and only your home. Come on.” She mumbled under breath, “I can live with this.”

“The room is prepared.”

“I’ll bring her if he calls back.”

“He already has. At my word, he will be here.” Nick informed her.

“Please just don’t fuck up her life okay. I did enough of that.” She walked over to the edge and dived of the ledge, letting the earth move to meet her. Going to the apple barn, she prepared Jasmine, each honey wheat curl perfect.

She looked at Jay holding back her tears, “You got to be a good girl. No fits.” She hugged her tightly, “You get to see your father again.” Slowly she walked back to the tree house with the baby toddling next to her.

Jay demanded, “UP!” Jessy lifted the large baby to her tiny hip. “You got to say please with him, remember please.” Again she summoned her earth elevator to take them the tree house balcony. Inside of the tree house it had transformed to look exactly like the apple barn. “Wonderful.” She said dryly.

Nick appeared from the air, “It is her home. It is the place she is most familiar with.”

“You going to do this for every visit?” Jasmine eyed Nick, hugs her mother tighter.

“Why not?” he asked.

“It’s up to you, I was only looking for one room not your whole place.”

“It isn’t my ‘whole place’, merely a small part.”

Jessy tried hard to get Jasmine to leave her arms but the girl clung on tightly.

“I shall go to settle her.” Nick vanished.

Jessy sighed walking up the spiral stairs to the huge room that was Jay’s. She noted each detailed reflecting her home. “Come on Jasmine, lets play.”

Jasmine looked around, slowly sliding from her mothers arm. A soft bong, sounded.

“Mommy has to go but your Father will be here soon. I will always love you Jay,” she bent over kissed the curls, Jasmine already playing with her cars.

Nat appeared as Jessy moved out of sight. Jasmine looked up with her deep blue eyes at the big man, her smile recognizing him. “Daddy.”

*****

Nick sent a soft gong to Jessy. She shot to her feet, racing out the apple barn catching her stone board, aiming at max speed to the tree house the earth rising higher till she slide off the board and landed on the balcony. In a full run, she climbed the ramp. The child napping on the bed. Carefully she lifted her to her arms, making sure not to wake her. She descended back to the balcony. Kissing the child’s forehead, she summoned the earth elevator. She softly whispered, “Thanks Uncle Nick.” She lowered them to the ground.

Nick’s mind touched hers, *you are welcome*

She laid her daughter down in her real bed, curling up beside holding her, never wanting to let her go. She arose the child still sleeping, she looked around the child’s room, than a dread thought hit her. “It was a double.” She looked at the mini surfer statue of Nat sitting on the baby’s head board.

“Hope he didn’t notice.” She took the statue with her. She did little things so Jay could have something of her father. She wanted her to know him and not much she could give her daughter of him. Diego leaned against the railing watching. She walked down the ramp fingering the figure, noticing Diego, she slide the figure to her side.

“She sleeping, guess he wore her out and that is a big feat.” She looked to his loving eyes, “Diego, I am doing the right thing, right?”

“Yes?” Diego confirmed, “It is always best for a child to know their parents, as long as the parents are worthy.”

Jessy tossed the statue in the trash. “I’ll make her another someday best he don’t see that.”

“Why not? It shows you wish her to know him.”

“He could think something else. I don’t want him thinking things.”

Diego reassured her, “It is an honest thing, Jessy. You read too much into the actions of others. Sometimes, people are simply what you see.” He half smiled, “As I am. You cannot stop that.”

Jessy smiled at him, “But I can try and not give him anything bad to think.” She paused in thought, “I will have to move my studio.”

“You see goblins in all things.”

“I don’t want to mess up her chance. I love her to much to screw up her life.”

Diego shook his head, ”I doubt there is anything you could do.

Jessy hugged Diego, resting her head in his chest. “I wish that was true. I will kill them both if they turn her against me. I’m just so afraid of loosing her, Not just physically.”

Diego comforted her, “Still looking for an excuse? You cannot hold so tight that, that which you hold breaks.”

Jessy sniffled, ”Sometimes, I wish he had died in that coma.” She frowned, speaking in a sad voice with a tear in her eyes.

“Jessy!” Diego held her tight, “You cannot help what your heart does.”

“That was the longest three hours of my whole life.”

He stroked her hair, “Both mother and daughter survived.”

“I wish I knew if she behaved . Maybe get daddy too..” she stopped the thought with a sigh, “No she’s going to have what she is born to have. Why is being a mom so hard.?” Jessy moved from his embrace. “I’ll go fix us some dinner.” She kissed his softly, wiping the tear she turned heading for the kitchen.

Diego retrieved the statue from the bin.