Jack packed all the instruments and other equipment, shoving all but two cases in a corner. He placed Snowy\u2019s case to one side and picked up his.<\/p>\n
Snowy watched him. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to do this!\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I am the man of this family now. It was a stupid dream. We will work on yours. I can\u2019t handle the bull shit drama, when our lives are totally screwed up. Maybe when we are older I will. Right now we focus on yours. After all we only have each other.\u201d He removed a tear that slipped, tuning it to ice. His headed pounded, his hand shook as he tried to keep control.\u201cGet ready, I have one last thing to do before the Taxi gets here.\u201d He scribbles a note, taping it to the case.<\/p>\n
It was six thirty in the morning as he crossed the street. He set the case at the door of Gran\u2019s house. The taxi pulled up as he returned. Snowy came out dressed to perfection, holding the sun umbrella. Jack opened the taxi door for here. He entered and gave the address. It was a short ride, he paid the driver. Holding the Umbrella above them both they found a place to seat and watched the city come alive. They entered the building at 8:40 making it to the reception desk, the receptionist still getting things readying for the day. \u201cWe were told to be here at nine, This is Snowy King,\u201d he stated to the women, \u201cI am Jonathan Vargo and will be escorting her.\u201d He didn\u2019t wait for a response he just took a seat next to Snowy.<\/p>\n
*************<\/p>\n
Gran retrieved the case noting Bell\u2019s name on the folded note. \u201cBell, some here for you I think.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes ma’am.\u201d She unfolded the note reading: Live your dreams.\u201d Bell muttered “What this shit? Who dream I gonna live?”<\/p>\n
Grabbing up the case Bell headed across the street, knocking on the door. \u201cFuck!\u201d she exclaimed when no answer came. Placing the case out of the sun she returned home.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat was that all about?\u201d Gran questioned as Bell entered.<\/p>\n
Bell shrugged, \u201cLike I know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it was supposed to be a gift, you should at least accept it girl.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGran, I got my guitar, don’t need to one pick one out for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gran gave a questioning look, \u201cYou ain’t going to keep it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Bell shook her head “Gran, how long it take me to find my Gibson? More dan a year, right? Guitar gotta speak to ya or you ain’t never gonna feel it.”<\/p>\n
“You make sure you go over there and thank them anyway.\u201d She instructed her granddaughter.<\/p>\n
“Ma’am… I go get it if they ain’t home when the sun hit da porch. I ain’t never gotta let an guitar suffer cuza me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bell retrieved the guitar just after noon but stood it just inside their front door.<\/p>\n
***************<\/p>\n
Scanning the photos on the walls she noted the poses and lighting used. \u00a0 Jack just sat there waiting. Snowy browsed through the magazines, checking out the fashion. One magazine, over a year old, had a cover picture of a supermodel who was murdered just before last Christmas. The caption reads Saundra and Actor husband Aiden Collins Murdered, in a small off set circle is a picture of Wren Collins.<\/p>\n
Snowy noted it was Ms. Collins she had meet and read the first line of every paragraph to get the jest. Basically it told of the Hollywood power couple murdered on the way home after premier, of his latest blockbuster movie. \u00a0\u00a0Snowy looked at Jack, \u201cShe is one of the mean girls. We have to be careful; no telling what she is up to.\u201d \u00a0 Jack looked at his watch, it reading eight fifty five.<\/p>\n
Two young women arrived just as the secretary came out of the inner office, \u201cMiss King, if you will come this way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snowy placed her hand on his arm, as they stood, following. Jack matching her graceful sway, reducing his stride.<\/p>\n
Behind the desk was a slightly overweight man of about fifty, as they enter he said into the phone “Right on time, I’ll let you know,” then hangs up.<\/p>\n
He stood, coming around the desk, he didn\u2019t offer of a hand but was obviously checking out Snowy from head to toe. “How old are you?” \u00a0 He made a twirling motion with his hand over her head.<\/p>\n
“I am fourteen, we both have valid working permits till November.\u201d She executed a perfect runway turn.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat experience do you have?\u201d he asked ignoring Jack. Before she could answer he held up a hand to stop her, “Anything in print that I may have heard of?”<\/p>\n
“Last thing was a piece in Glamour. They used me in an article. It was just a fluff piece, to get me known.” She took a relaxed poise as she spoke, “Only a page but the biggest thing to date.”<\/p>\n
“What kind of work are you looking for out here?”<\/p>\n
“I am willing to do most, just no nudes, no semi nudes and I have to have Jack with me. You can say he is my body guard.” She said without hesitation.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou’re fourteen, we don’t do nude kids, you have to go to Europe or New York for that.\u201d He stepped over to the desk and touched a button, “Get Andre up here.”<\/p>\n
“He viajado” Snowy said in Dutch.<\/p>\n
Jack half smiled at her.<\/p>\n
“Podr\u00edas decir que lo hemos visto todo” she stated doing perfect Japanese.<\/p>\n
The man turned back to the pair. “I will need to speak to a parent or guardian. Can’t sign anything otherwise.”<\/p>\n
Jack spoke up, \u201cThat would be me since we are orphans; I am trying to get the legal end done for us to be emancipated. But we still have the signed documents, at the other agent. You might be able to transfer it or sub contract till the legal end here is finalized.\u201d<\/p>\n
The man shook his head. “You can\u2019t transfer things like that, kid. I need a guardian then.\u201d<\/p>\n
A thin guy with long hair, looking a bit hurried, came in thru a rear door. Around his neck was a camera.<\/p>\n
The man pointed at Snowy, “Head shots, full body, all angles.”<\/p>\n
Andre acknowledged with a nod as he gestured with his hand, \u201cSure, come on with me…what’s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSnowy”<\/p>\n
Jack moved to follow them as Andre stopped and looked at Jack stating, “Closed set.”<\/p>\n
“I go where she goes or you don’t get pictures.” Jack glared at the photographer. He then continued, \u201cWe don’t have one. Sorry to waste your time. Come on Snowy.”<\/p>\n
Andre fired off an entire roll of film as Jack talked. Snowy did what she did best and played to the camera. The lens always on Snowy, Andre reloaded.<\/p>\n
The man replied, “Get that settled, then come back and see me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andre shook his head, “Light’s not great but I can work with it.”<\/p>\n
Jack answered him, “I will get a rush on it, don’t want to wait to long.”<\/p>\n
The man offered a business card which read: Samuel Warren, CSA and a phone number.<\/p>\n
Snowy accepted it with a smile handing it off to Jack, “We should have it cleared up in no time was a pleasure meeting you.”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou might have something kid” the man commented as the secretary lead them out.<\/p>\n
“Thank you for your time.” she hooked her arm to Jack.<\/p>\n
They left the office. Jack opened the umbrella, as they hit daylight. He thought to her, \u201cThat was a waste of time, yet another dream crushed by this place.\u201d<\/p>\n
She thought back, \u201cNo, they will see what they all see, sooner or later. We just got the ball rolling.\u201d<\/p>\n
He thought to her, \u201cStill no deal if they don\u2019t let me be in there?\u201d<\/p>\n
She thought back, \u201cYou know I won\u2019t be alone with any of them. I am not going to risk it. I am allowed to have a body guard and you are it.\u201d Jack hailed a cab.<\/p>\n
Rolling up to the school, looked out the window. \u00a0 The school was within walking distance of the house. It only looked to be a year or two old.<\/p>\n
They made their way to administrations office, which was part of the central rotunda and school was obviously in session as a large number of kids from about 14 to 18 moved purposely thru the halls. One girl spotted them grinning as she approached. She was taller than Snowy by a few inches and deeply tanned with distinctive South Pacific Island features.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi! You must be Jack and Icy! I’m Aveolela Aloese, you can call me Ave. \u00a0I thought you guys didn’t start until next Monday!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am Jack and this is Icy, just in case you got us confused,\u201d he joked. \u201cCould you head us to the counseling office we need schedules for next week, books and syllabus. We don’t want to enter behind on anything.”<\/p>\n
Ave frowned. “You want to see Miller then.” she says “This way.”<\/p>\n
“He works here to?” Jack smiled.<\/p>\n
As she led them up a long circular staircase along the inside of one wall, she pointed to the first room down one wing. “That will be your homeroom.”<\/p>\n
On the second floor she led them down the other wing from the classroom to a glassed in area where a woman sat behind a counter tapping on a computers.<\/p>\n
Ave pushed the door open for them and held it. “There here to see Mr. Miller.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack smiled at Ave, “Thank you for showing us Ave.\u201d<\/p>\n
The woman stood, lifting a section of the counter. “This way.”<\/p>\n
\u201cSee ya Monday,” Ave said.<\/p>\n
“See you than” Jack looked back, as they made their way to the office.<\/p>\n
Miller was ensconced behind a massive desk. He did not stand when they were shown in. Absent in the room was any seating besides the chair Miller occupied.<\/p>\n
“Mr. Miller it is a pleasure to see you again,” Jack offered his hand.<\/p>\n
Miller slide two pages across the desk at them. “Schedules, you share all classes. Each class has at least three other metas in them, all your teammates. These are based on your last school but you might find this a little harder than those classes.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Thank you, I was hoping to get the books and the class syllabus.\u201d respectful Jack spoke<\/p>\n
Miller thumbed a post it on each page. “Locker assignment, yours is the top, Jonathan, Ms. King’s the bottom, combination on the post it. All books are already there.\u201d<\/p>\n
“We do have a week to catch up. We will get backpacks to carry our books. So when can I hear some of those Marine stories, my Uncle would tell us his for hours.\u201d<\/p>\n
He slide another pair of pages with diagrams, “Map of the school ground and a walk path to your house. Class begins at eight am sharp.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snow spoke, ” I am never late. Daddy drilled that in.”<\/p>\n
He added yet another page. “Training schedule for your first week with Monday being an evaluation meeting, in the Gym right after your last class. You will meet the rest of your people then.”<\/p>\n
Jack piped up, ‘I think you would have liked my Uncle.”<\/p>\n
Snowy thought to him, \u201cOh you are such a liar.\u201d<\/p>\n
“That’s all. Anything else you need, talk to Ryan or Thornquist. He turned back to his computer. \u201cAnd start wearing your earwig when you leave the house.\u201d<\/p>\n
Icy rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n
“If that is the chain of command, will do, again it’s been so nice seeing you.\u201d He gathered the papers and escorted Snowy out. Both of them laughed to each other in the link as they spotted Ave.<\/p>\n
Ave was leaning against the wall just out of sight of the office when they come out. \u201cI didn’t hear any yelling.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Why would Mr. Miller be yelling?” he asked<\/p>\n
Ave grinned, “Because you are metas.”<\/p>\n
Jack smiled in amusement, \u201cWe need to find lockers.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThey will be over in the right wing with mine, I’ll show you.\u201d She led them around the rotunda and up the steps to the third floor.<\/p>\n
“We prefer gifted, as our label.” Jack mentioned.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of us don’t feel all that gifted,” she says. She pressed her thumb against a thumb reader and the door clicked, \u201cYou might want to test it, see if they got you in the system yet.\u201d She closed the door.<\/p>\n
“I only need my books as we will be sharing.”<\/p>\n
\u201cGive it a try!\u201d Ave suggested.<\/p>\n
Jack pressed his thumb to the door. The door clicked open. He shot a worried look at Snowy. He closed the door staying in the hall. Snowy pressed her thumb, the door opened.<\/p>\n
Within the link Snowy asked him, \u201cHow did they get our fingerprints?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are so screwed.\u201d He thought back. Verbally he asked trying to fight the growing pain, “So the 1st floor like this, we have to press that thing all the time?” he asked<\/p>\n
Inside the door was a hallway with lockers just inside on the right wall. Six rows of lockers over six more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is our classes dorm wing, all our lockers are in here.\u201d She pointed down the hall, six doors on each side<\/p>\n
“Miller said hers was on 1st floor.” He rubbed his temple, he could feel warmth to his skin.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou mean the locker? No, yours is this one, and hers is that one.\u201d Ave pointed to two of the lockers stacked on top of each other.<\/p>\n
“No, I will not be back here” Jack said as he unlocked the locker.<\/p>\n
Books and supplies filled the space within. He pulled off his shirt revealing his pale but well define chest. He piled the contents into his shirt, as Snowy loaded her locker into it. She hurried noting the sweat now beading on his skin.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you will be back here, Wednesday.\u201d Ave informed him.<\/p>\n
“Why?” He tried to keep focused.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeam meeting is held here in the common room.\u201d<\/p>\n
“When?. I was told Monday, Wednesday and Fridays are training. I didn’t hear about any meetings.” he looked confused, “How often and how long?”<\/p>\n
Ave made a gesture and a snake of water slithers out of one of the open areas further up the hall. It wormed its way up to her feet and coiled around her until in rests like a cobra on her shoulder. \u201cWe can use our powers here. We practice here without blowing things up or being seen.\u201d<\/p>\n
“That\u2019s the training in the gym, but the meeting shit.\u201d Jack was getting irritated.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso WE are the Blue Team and WE need to get to know each other. It is called team building by Mr. Harding.\u201d<\/p>\n
“How long are we stuck in the meeting?” he asked again<\/p>\n
\u201cHours usually, depending on the raid.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack grabbed his shirt and pulled Icy back to the door. Opening the door, he pulled Icy down the stairs as he leaves<\/p>\n
Ave followed them. “What’s wrong?”<\/p>\n
“They didn’t say anything about no damn meetings and they expect me to show up right after a fucking hot day at school! They are either trying to kill me or starve us!” Jack growled out, trying to get to the house.<\/p>\n
Mal is waiting at the bottom of the stairs “Language, Jack. How are we trying to kill you or starve you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack headed out the front door dragging Icy along as he gets bearings for home, still carrying the shirt of supplies “Don’t worry about that’s my problem!” Coming to a stop he scooped up Icy, setting the books on her and walking a fast full stride.<\/p>\n
Mal followed along “You seem to think we are out to get you. If there is a problem, tell me.\u201dMal stopped following. “I’ll have Miller get you back home tomorrow.\u201d She started to return to the building.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know the problem,\u201d He said as he gritted his teeth, still moving.<\/p>\n
She turned back “I am NOT a mind reader, I don’t know.”<\/p>\n
“You want the whole campus knowing!” he screamed<\/p>\n
“Well we have a perfectly good common room on the first floor with all new AC you need. Or you can run back home, your choice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Icy moved out of his arms. “I am sorry my brother is having a problem. I will fix him by morning.” Icy gave Mal a nasty stare.<\/p>\n
Mal came back over to them; her voice lowered “Is that what you have to do? Fix him?”<\/p>\n
“I do not mean it literally.” she looked at her, “He thought you would be there.”<\/p>\n
“Come Jack, you need to rest.” she commanded as she held the umbrella over him.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou obviously do not want to be here, so, I’ll tell you what, we’ll set you down back at your home and you can go on about your merry way. If you decide you need even a little help, call us. We don’t need someone who is NOT going to work with us but we also are not going to abandon you completely.\u201d<\/p>\n
“We never said we wouldn’t work with you.” Icy said. “You already have abandoned us.”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou aren’t even trying. We are willing to give you anything you want or need. You get pissed at god know what…what was that last night, Jack? Bell do something stupid?\u201dMal asked.<\/p>\n
“He called you for help and all you could say, was about here.” Icy keep talking Jack keep walking.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe apologized for what? He said we didn’t get you guys. NO we … I don’t. I asked if he got me or Nat or Bell, then he hung up.\u201d<\/p>\n
“She called him WHITE BOY. You know how much we have gotten teased about out paleness. Then she just spouts all her racist slurs at us.” Icy\u2019s head was in a swirl, the pain overriding her fear.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe calls me Clear girl all the time!\u201d Mal shrugged.<\/p>\n
“Should I call Bell, BLACK girl? Would she like it?”<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what did he say to her that set her off? Bitch about her playing?\u201d Mal nodded, “Yeah, because she IS a black girl. She damn proud of it<\/p>\n
“He was taking about a band fit and she was putting me down too.”<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, he said she might not ‘fit’ huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
“We have to attend eight hours of school, unknown training and then go to a meeting! Heat and food!\u201d Snowy was losing her cool.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo Bell that’s the same as saying she don’t fit because she is black If he’d said ‘let’s get Snowy in on this and see what happens … All Bell cares about is her music.\u201d<\/p>\n
“HELL BEN my \u2026 best friend and Jacks best friend is Of dark skin!”, She was getting very upset, as she grabbed her head.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou better get that skin thing out of your head.\u201d She whispers “We are Metas, not black or white or yellow.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I need to go. We will be at the school..” she fell to the ground before finishing her words.<\/p>\n
Mal was on her knees instantly “ON NAT, get a doctor, Snowy’s down in the parking lot. Jack is down, up the street.\u201d Mal pointed to Jack “There, Nat!” In the distance, a siren was heard.<\/p>\n
Snowy opened her eyes, fighting to stay awake. “NO DOCTORS!\u201d She was being carried by a guy with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes with Nat carrying Jack back to the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon’t worry, no doctors,\u201d The guy said with a smile, \u201cI’m Slater and I’ll be your ambulance for today. How are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n
“MY head hurts, it will pass.” she stated, trying to focus.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust relax, only a hundred yards or so to go.\u201d He turned a little to allow her to see Jack being carried by Nat. Jack was out cold. \u201cI am glad I got you, he’s not so beautiful.\u201d Mal followed carrying the books.<\/p>\n
“You probably say that to all the women,” she studied him resisting making her head worse by attempting anything.<\/p>\n
He smiled “Only the ones that I find myself carrying home after they pass out. Would you happen to have the key to the house?\u201d<\/p>\n
She half smiled, “It’s not locked”<\/p>\n
Mal rushed ahead to open the door.<\/p>\n
Nat spoke aloud, “Miller, cancel!”<\/p>\n
Nat let’s Slater thru first “Where would you like me to drop you?\u201dSlater asked with a grin.<\/p>\n
“On my feet would be nice,” she requested, “Please put jack on the couch and turn down the air.\u201d<\/p>\n
Slater sets her very gently on her feet, holding her a moment to ask “You okay then?”<\/p>\n
“He is burning up.” She stumbled to the freezer, pulling out a cube the size of the freezer. Grabbing a towel and hammer, she hit the cube.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat can we do to help Nat asked, taking the cube from here “Hold on a sec, how small?<\/p>\n
“He needs an ice bath..” Snowy said as she tried to steady herself.<\/p>\n
\u201cSlater, tub. Turn on the water? He asked her as Slater carried Jack to the tub.<\/p>\n
“The water is to hot unless we add salt, which will lower the temp of water as the ice melts.” she searched the cupboards making a mess.<\/p>\n
Slater lays Jack in the tub and Nat holds the block of ice over him, knocking chunks off with the edge of his hand<\/p>\n
“This is not our first round with change. It’s just the worse one.” she tossed him the salt they had.<\/p>\n
Slater caught the box, adding it into the tub.<\/p>\n
Nat chopped the entire block into chunks, \u201cWe are going to have to put in a different system.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snowy headed to the espresso machine, she could feel the pain overtaking her. She had to stay awake. She had to tend to Jack.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need Espresso, sit down! I’ll get I,\u201d Mal catches Snowy “Tell us what you need.”<\/p>\n
\u201cI need more ice till I can hear him again.” she is almost crying as she make the liquid goo. Steadying herself with the wall she made it Jack and slide to the floor. “You found us at the wrong time.”<\/p>\n
\u201cON, Miller we need more ice, get a truck of it here now. OFF.\u201d Mal says, \u201cSo, a walk in freezer is first on the list.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nat called out “A bigger AC”<\/p>\n
Slater added “TOWELS!”<\/p>\n
“We had one in the basement for the changing. It was his bedroom.”<\/p>\n
Mal says “What do YOU need?”<\/p>\n
“Time to get normal again.” Snowy gulped down the cup, “More please. I have to tend to him.”<\/p>\n
Slater turned, rushing out the front door. He ran back in with a pile of bagged ice in his arms. \u201cMy nips are frozen!\u201d<\/p>\n
Nat ripped open the bags and adding them to the tub. Snowy went to Jack kneeling, singing a lullaby as she opened her mind to his, the pain in hers increasing but he looked more relaxed<\/p>\n
\u201cRock salt is best for the ice to release the cold the fastest.\u201dShe held her head trying to think.<\/p>\n
Nat spread his arms and herded the now larger mob out into the living room. Mal brought another cup of espresso into Snowy. Snow screamed in pain holding her head as multiples of her run through the house.<\/p>\n
Nat stated, “Oh crap.”<\/p>\n
Mal caught Snowy putting her arms around her.<\/p>\n
“Jack, come back. I need you.” she pleaded in a whispered as tears fell against Mal, her eyes growing heavy.<\/p>\n
Slater nodded, “Mental Images.”<\/p>\n
Jack\u2019s body seemed hotter as it melted the ice even faster as her pain linger. Slater drained the tub as Nat brought in more ice. Between the two of them they keep the water\/ice level near the top of the tub. Jack icicled up. Jack looked like he lost 30 pounds in this form his nose a little longer his hair iced and icicles all over his skin. He even seemed to even be taller.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell hello, Icehawk.\u201d Nat remarked.<\/p>\n
Snow sniffled, “I can hear him.” She looked relived as sagged in Mal\u2019s arms, “I have to stay awake. Jack is back I can hear him, I need to stay awake.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c Another Espresso!\u201d she called out. Mal was shivering but still held Snowy, asking Nat, “Who?”<\/p>\n
Ave came in holding a cup. Mal was trembling almost so much Snowy spilled the cup.<\/p>\n
Nat s asked, “Ave, can you clear the water?\u201d<\/p>\n
The Samoan girl nodded and all the water not in the tub formed up a snake and disappeared into the sink.<\/p>\n
Mal smiled, “Thanks, Ave, I can almost feel my feet. No self respecting N’oreasterner is going to admit cold.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Sometimes I can’t handle his cold,” she seemed to be drifting in and out as she drifted, he jerked as if fighting to wake.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nat suggested, \u201cWhy don’t we move out of shrapnel range.\u201d Ave and Slater backed out as Mal came to her feet, Nat offering her a hand up.<\/p>\n
Bell asked, \u201cThat white boy gonna live? I need him fo my band!”<\/p>\n
Mal stepped out of the room, “Bell!”<\/p>\n
Jack suddenly stopped moving, a second later, the ambient temperature dropped by two levels, and created \u00a0 an icy patch moving well into the hall, as icicles shoot from him pelting the ceiling. Ceiling pieces fell into the tub and room, as the projectiles stuck into the roof.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Nat swept Snowy up and covered her with his body.<\/p>\n
“I need to stay awake he needs me.” Snowy was struggling,<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to stay un-punctured be ice.\u201d Nat says and sets her down<\/p>\n
Nat looked down at Jack, “You got anything else?”<\/p>\n
“We have always helped each other. I need to help him. I am just sooo.” she forced herself to move. Reaching the kitchen, took the Espresso cups and drank them like shots, undulated.<\/p>\n
\u201cMal, keep her awake. ” Nat says<\/p>\n
“Be calm my prince.” she commanded, he mind reaching his as her head pounded.<\/p>\n
Snowy start sing hush little baby the room filling to look like a nursery with two white hair children in bed. The verses come alive. The mockingbird flew through the room.<\/p>\n
Slater led Gran, Bell and Ave out of the house. Nat retrieving more ice.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat tha shit?\u201d Bell asked.<\/p>\n
Slater answered, \u201cMental images, she can make them come alive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gran commented, \u201cIts beautiful n sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bell snorted, \u201cShe gonna put on some concert show.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack eyes sprung up, as he pulled himself to stand the icicles fell off him. Stumbling to Snowy, he grabbed a hold of her as she passed out again. Jack cried ice tears, weeping silently over her.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat can we do for her now?\u201d Mal asked<\/p>\n
Nat dropped the bags as he started to speak, \u201cIf you’d … \u201c<\/p>\n
Mal held up a hand, stopping him.<\/p>\n
“Nothing all I can do is sing in her mind so she is not alone. I am useless. I can’t do this.” Jack cried softly. The ice droplets fell onto Snowy\u2019s limp form.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat can we do…we have other resources.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I need to get her warmed up, she can’t do the cold like me.\u201d He hugged her tightly.<\/p>\n
Mal offered, \u201cThen let me, Nat get out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a few things to get set up with Miller,” Nat growled then said to Jack, “I told you ANYTHING you need, I am not bullshitting.” Nat closed the door softly behind him.<\/p>\n
Jack placed his frigid hand on Mal. “I tried to reach out. Just… I ..”<\/p>\n
Mal took Snowy from him “Which is her room?” There are four bedrooms<\/p>\n
Jack pointed to the second bedroom on left side of the house, which was located just before the bathroom he had been in.<\/p>\n
Mal carried her in. “Pull back the covers” she commanded, Jack moving away from them instead.<\/p>\n
“I’ll freeze her in this state. I’ll kill her too.” he cried, leaning on the walk to stay up right, the ice forming on his skin.<\/p>\n
Mal laid Snowy on the bed then covered her, using the blankets to rub some warmth into her. \u201cON Nat, space heaters! OFF. No, you will kill her if you fall apart! She doesn’t handle your level of cold well?\u201d<\/p>\n
“I can’t handle this. It’s draining me. How can I hold together when we are changing?” he wiped the ice drops from his face. \u201cNo she pretends to. She is just like all of you.”<\/p>\n
Mal checked out her fingertips, the tip of her nose and her toes. \u201cON Nat, heat packs now! All this ice and you never thought to get her something to keep her from frostbite? Nat … NOW!\u201d<\/p>\n
“She does what she wants, I can’t keep her in the parka and gloves” he shook his head, leaning to the walls making it to the living room couch. He placed his elbows on his knees and his head in hands, trying to summons what energy he had left.<\/p>\n
Ave came in the house without knocking, a knapsack over a shoulder, \u201cWhat room?\u201d She asked Jack.<\/p>\n
Mal shouted, \u201cIn here!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ave disappeared into the bedroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood a space blanket too.\u201d Mal tore open a hand warmer pack as Ave removed her blanket and covered her with the space blanket. Mal padded her fingers with the packs and wrapped the blanket around them as Ave does the same for her feet. \u201dGet me a warm washcloth, Ave, for her nose.\u201d Mal directed.<\/p>\n
Jack started singing with his heart and soul into it, trying to reach Snowy\u2019s mind, \u201cI’ve seen the seven wonders of the world I’ve seen the beauty of diamonds and pearls But they mean nothing baby Your love amazes me.<\/p>\n
Ave retrieved a warm cloth.<\/p>\n
Mal snapped, “Shut up, she’s not dying today.” She slipped a hand under the blanket onto Snowy’s belly. \u201cShit, why the hell IS this girl actually warm?\u201d<\/p>\n
“It’s her favorite, Ben use to sing it to her.” Jack stopped singing aloud but kept the song playing in the link.<\/p>\n
Mal activated several more packs and slipped them in under Snowy’s body, then a few more on top.<\/p>\n
Ave said, \u201cMal?\u201d<\/p>\n
Mal replied, \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ave was holding a hand out toward Jack, “Feel it?”<\/p>\n
Jack called out, “Mal I told you in the car. We were changing. I guess I am not very good at… at anything.” He entered the garage leaving the women to tend to Snowy.<\/p>\n
Mal growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ll get him, ” Ave said.<\/p>\n
Ave followed him out into the garage, \u201cYou gotta calm your shit!\u201d \u00a0 She moved close to Jack, “You’re like radiating cold.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I am trying,” he picked up Snow guitar and started playing the song again picking up where he stopped.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrying what? Are you using any powers right now? Something is sucking the heat out of the area.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly our link, we talk and feel each other through it.\u201d He confirmed.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlaying calms you?\u201d Ave asked.<\/p>\n
“Yes and singing, we use the singing a lot . Just no way of explaining something, something you have done since birth. We were born with the gift.”<\/p>\n
\u201cDon’t explain, just do it, I’ll go back in … helicopter.\u201d Ave headed back into the house and out the back where a chopper was dropping in a military grade portable AC unit.<\/p>\n
Jack changed the tune singing again, \u201cWhen I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.\u201d<\/p>\n
A couple of sailors helped get it into position, than cut it loose. From inside the body of the machine they pull a couple of elephant trunks and taped one end to the outlet. They run it thru the window to Jacks room and seal it off. “Somebody gonna freeze tonight,” said one of the sailors. A few minute later there was a rumble and the unit came on, slamming the bedroom door.<\/p>\n
Ave came back into the garage “You are going to be able to hang meat in your room in about ten minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Yeah, Uncle John did that a couple of times when he bagged two bucks,” he tried to jest.<\/p>\n
Through the front Nat returned with a pair of space heaters.<\/p>\n
Mal sat them up in Snowy’s room then chased Nat out. She called out, \u201cAve?!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ave called back, \u201cIn the garage, Mal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mal came out the garage and looked at Jack, “She’s pink again”<\/p>\n
Jack stopped playing, putting her guitar gently down.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat kind of temperature tolerance do you have?\u201d Mal asked.<\/p>\n
“I never had a thermometer on me. I lasted three days in northern Canada in a huge blizzard.” Jack shrugged, the pain level almost gone.<\/p>\n
\u201cJesus…are you comfortable in a normal air-conditioned room?\u201d Mal asked, \u201cWere you comfortable on the plane?\u201d<\/p>\n
“I caused it, it killed my parents. I was changing that storm killed my uncle.” Jack sighed, “Ac is a little warm, the plane she kept me asleep so I don’t know. That helicopter I couldn’t breathe.”<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause you were enclosed or was it warm? Plane was at 66, the chopper under 40. Classes are 68.\u201d<\/p>\n
“All your combined body heat on the chopper, plus I was in change.\u201d He shook his head, “I can handle school. Have been for this year, but this other stuff\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat other stuff?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI need to eat more often and I can’t eat the crap you buy in grocery stores, it also agrees better with her though she can eat the other stuff. After eight hours in school Me and Ben would freeze up the school basement before I had to go to another function. You are talking making me stay in heat over sixteen hours. Right now I am changing, so I can’t even do my normal.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will set up one of the rooms on three for you, drop the temp. Classes are usually six and a half hours.\u201dMal informed him. \u201cYou can go up there at lunch to cool off.\u201d Mal frowned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy do you think I am not a model too? Besides that I am not gay. Those light get so hot.” Jack stated.<\/p>\n
“You are labeling all male models as gay?\u201d Mal smiled.<\/p>\n
“Let\u2019s see I was in it from 6 to 8, she\u2019s been doing it since six and I go with her. I think I saw two straight models. So yes in my experience most are.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can have an ice bath installed in school too, if we have to. As for your meals, you tell us what you want; we will have if catered, no fast food, all fresh. I have been a meta now for about two years…meta, not gifted, meta.\u201dMal clarified.<\/p>\n
“Uncle John would bring our lunch. I was still trying to figure all this out but her pain was getting to me.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy is she in pain?\u201d<\/p>\n
“That is the first sign we are about to change. She gets a headache. Either I cause it or she does but she knows it is coming. We thought we were done with this one. Makes it hard to think. I need time to think. We gain the gifts at the same time just a little spaced, might be hours or days apart, sometimes at the same time. Our parents always knew. They had things set up for us not to be found.”<\/p>\n
\u201cMiller had the NSA after you.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Only after the car crash, I’ve been this way my whole life. \u00a0 When did he get his bleep? ” Jack looked up at her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cBleep?\u201d She asked<\/p>\n
“On the spy network for tracking people like us?”<\/p>\n
\u201cThe NSA isn’t or tracking people like us, or wasn’t until 7\/4. \u00a0 Once Miller got started, he pulled them in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ave added, \u201cMiller heard about me the day after I put my house out….took him two more to get to Pago Pago.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mal nodded as she spoke, \u201c Took him less than a day for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Uncle John was asked to experiment on…. what you call meta and he refused. Our folks saw the sleazy side of the company.”<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, there are some people that want to exploit us…more than the government.\u201d Mal agreed.<\/p>\n
“I couldn’t run. I had to get capture. I had to rest to think straight. If I didn’t cooperate he would have never caught us. Then there was your eyes.” he looked at Mal, “I thought …”<\/p>\n
\u201cThought what?\u201dMal tried to understand.<\/p>\n
“I thought you understood and could catch us. I believed you and trusted you. I was raised not to trust but a few with this. I openly betrayed Snowy when I told you that we were changing when I stopped the thief\u2019s. I thought you understood what that meant.” Jack rubbed his temple. \u201cIt’s hard to be strong and be an adult when you are changing and can’t think straight.”
\nMal explained, \u201cNone of the rest of us changed like you did, and none were painful…well, Slater did break just about every bone in his body.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ave added, \u201c He got better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack sighed.<\/p>\n
\u201cSee, you didn’t tell me what was going on, you assumed. Stop that. Each of us is as different as we are the same.\u201d Mal continued, \u201cWe all need different things and I don’t read minds. Not my power. But I know someone that would read your mind in a heartbeat, you want me to get her?\u201d<\/p>\n
“Damn it, I tried, it’s not easy for me or her to trust. I even tried to call you. I just couldn\u2019t. This here is ripping me up. Like I am turning from everything I know and I am.” He paused, \u201cWhere is Ben when you need him.” He added, \u201cNo one touches my mind but Snowy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mal half smiled “You don’t have to worry about her doing it…she’s scared shitless of Wren. Jack, we don’t ask or demand your trust, we just want a chance to earn it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack looked to Ave, “Mind checking on Icy for me Ave?”<\/p>\n
Ave grinned at Mal, “Sure!”<\/p>\n
Jack waited till she is gone. “I need a friend that I can open up to, because no way I will do this again. I’m a wreck right now. I need someone that will help me just as Snowy does. I\u2026”<\/p>\n
He couldn\u2019t find the words and just sat there.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ll always be willing to listen and like Nat said, I don’t pass anything on unless you want me to.\u201d She tried to comfort him.<\/p>\n
He formed an ice rose and handed it to her.<\/p>\n
She takes it “Jack … I graduate in June … going to Columbia in July …”<\/p>\n
“I don’t want to talk to the second in command. I don’t want it to be a shrink session.. I want it to be like\u2026\u201d he switched subjects, \u201cSo we can have this moment to be… close. Tomorrow is never promised, only today.”<\/p>\n
Mal eyes him “What do you mean ‘close’? You’re not even 15.”<\/p>\n
“I would like you to be my friend and hopefully Snowy’s. Who else am I going to get to order shit on our next computer? Not trying to hop you bones, I can have that any time.”<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, you can, can you.\u201d She eyed him, \u201cWhat do you like to do on your days off?<\/p>\n
“Ice skate, hockey. Snowboarding. playing gigs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPainting, sketching, going to museums, studying art history.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I can do that. I might learn something. Just need to have cool off times. Wait!” Jack grabbed her hand and pulled her to the living room window. \u201cI can do this.\u201d He frosted the window over. \u201cDoes that count as art?\u201c He chuckled, “One art thing we were taken to, it had a blank paper entitled snow storm. They called that art.”<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you keep it that way except what I do?\u201d she asked<\/p>\n
“I can try”<\/p>\n
\u201cGive me a nice thick layer, at least two millimeters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack turned on his power giving it a light blast.<\/p>\n
Mal went into the kitchen and coming back with a spoon. She begins slicing the frost with the edge of the spoon, so to the glass, others just a faint mark. Moving back and forth across the window, adding marks here and there, nothing immediately recognizable she worked. Stepping back she pulled Jack across the room.<\/p>\n
Jack looked back at the window seeing the frosted painting of Snowy, smiling, eyes almost twinkling. “My queen,” he whispered<\/p>\n
\u201cI paint, I sketch, I live to draw.\u201d<\/p>\n
“It’s beautiful, can you teach me?” he requested.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe’s beautiful, I just catch that point in time,\u201d Mal shook her head, “Not in seven months, not in seven years….could you teach me what you know on the guitar in seven months?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot like we have anything else to do. The dick won’t talk to her about her career till we are emancipated, stupid idea to try doing that in a change.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou mean Samuel Warren?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah we have no guardian.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen get one. Gran would be glad to stand as your guardian, or Keely, Not all of the team have parents.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Only one person we both trust.” he grimaced, “Not the position I wanted you in. I rather get us declared as adults with a good friend to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOr we could ask Mrs. Flores, Shannon’s mom, It will take time to get it thru the courts.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Then it will have to be you.” he sighed \u201cbut we are not going to look at you like a mother figure.\u201d He added in a mumble, \u201cNo way, I can.”<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m not sure if I can do it. I’m not eighteen yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
“We will have to wait for the courts. I’ll call Miller, he might help me.” Jack was exhausted, his mind moved like molasses. “Can you get us like dozen computers, someone to teach us to turn it on and about twenty cases of sunscreen highest uv you can get?\u201d Jack put in the earwig, “What temp does this thing stop working at?”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou gotta know something about Miller, Jack…\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack interrupted, “That he’s a snake in the grass and hates the gif… metas”<\/p>\n
She added, \u201cand he will screw you any way he thinks he can get away with. He doesn’t just hate us, he is scared of us, that’s worse.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I really want to hear his marine stories.”<\/p>\n
That’ll never happen, not from him.\u201d<\/p>\n
“You never know? Some day he might even be fond of a Meta. Tomorrow is never what we see or plan.”<\/p>\n
\u201cMark’s dad, the general, had Miller’s service record pulled.\u201d Mal mentioned.<\/p>\n
“She is awake and is hungry,” Jack goes barefooted in his soaking pants to pull out some fruit and cheese from the kitchen.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat does she like that you don’t eat?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ave came out of the bedroom “She\u2019s awake.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Can you take her this for now please, I need to squeeze some juice for her.” Jack offered the plate to Ave.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe needs more than juice … Mal speaking Swedish \u201cGud jag l\u00e5ter som mormor.\u201d (God I sound like grandmother).<\/p>\n
“She likes chocolate, French fries and for some unknown reasons. Milk shakes.” Jack sighed.<\/p>\n
“She needs something to stick to her ribs. A good hearty soup right now.” Mal decided.<\/p>\n
\u201cJag tycker att choklad \u00e4r en kvinnlig sak.\u201d He said in Swedish. (I think chocolate is a female thing)<\/p>\n
\u201cChowder, bean, vegetable beef.\u201d She listed off.<\/p>\n
“NO, no beef,” warned Jack.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n
“Anything like, chicken, cows, pigs even deer. It doesn’t agree with us. If it comes from the sea, lake or ocean we are fine,” he shook his head, “That’s why I don’t understand milk shakes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSeafood only, I know this little fish shop down at the wharves, everything just off the boat that day.\u201d Mal spoke as she thought.<\/p>\n
“Than any fruit, nuts or berries, we are fine. Not like you can get unprocessed food at school.”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don’t know our school. Ern’s demands…. But they refuse to serve whale or walrus…\u201d<\/p>\n
“No chewing on blubber, how will I survive.” he chuckled as he squeezed the fruits in the juicer.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t know if he was joking, he is hard to read sometime.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I am joking Mal. I only tried blubber once. It wasn’t very good.” He shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe loves it…freaks Shannon out. His mom sends him stuff from Alaska every month or so. We go to Balboa park and picnic, great smoked salmon.\u201d<\/p>\n
He leaned heavy on the counter.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat’s the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n
” I am wet and tired but she isn’t ready.” He tried to focus, \u201c’So who saw what I can do and what? What did they see?\u201d He grabbed some cheese and sat at the table breaking off chucks<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly team or people that know of the team. Slater, Nat, Ave, Me, Gran, Bell…miller never got in.\u201d she listed off.<\/p>\n
“Who is Slater?”he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeam White, code name Psiblade, he’s a mentalist, like Snowy.\u201d<\/p>\n
“She never meet one like her before.. \u201cHe ate some cheese.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe’s not the only one.\u201d confiding in him she continued. \u201cYou haven’t met Deb yet, Code Name Seer, She’s a telepath.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Snowy wants that sooooooo bad. So what did I and or her show off? I have a reason for asking.\u201d He looked at her confused face, “When we change we accidentally showed something new as it comes out. I thought the Jack Frost look was going to be it. I have to know what I am trying to control, just like she does, makes it easier. That is why one of us stays awake to watch. \u00a0 I am asking which of our powers manifested during the change. At least one of whatever you witness is new to us. I just want know what you saw. I’ll know which is new.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, if I don’t know what powers you have, I can\u2019t tell which is new…we all saw a bunch of Snowy’s running around the house but Slater said they were images.\u201d<\/p>\n
“That’s new.”<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd did you see the hole in the bathroom ceiling? That was you and Nat said something about ice hawk.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Never heard of it. How did I break the ceiling, an Ice blast?” he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t know, Nat got everyone out just before it happened. He had to protect Snowy with his body.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Well I have to know. Till I finish getting the control, that will go off on it’s own. I have never broken a house before.”<\/p>\n
\u201cJust the ceiling, didn’t go thru the roof.\u201d<\/p>\n
He considered, “Still a first, That must be my new one”<\/p>\n
v\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDo you usually ice over?\u201d Her eyes watched him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was coming into that when you found us. We only received one at a time before but it was rapid this time and strong. I couldn’t control the storm. Guess we still had a few more powers to get out.”<\/p>\n
You know Nat’s going to go over all this with you both, he’s going to want to see it work.\u201d She explained, \u201cFor you it will be easy…for her, not so much, hard to show mental powers.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Not when you are on the receiving end, she gives one hell of a headache to people. I don’t care I will show, but Snowy. She does it at her own time. ”<\/p>\n
\u201cWell…I have to warn you about Wren then…. Deb tried to read her…Wren made floor paint out of her.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Snowy doesn’t have that one yet, so no prob.”<\/p>\n
\u201cPissed her off, big time, especially after she realize Deb read Nat… If she want to show something, when she is ready…try Josh, he let Deb do anything to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
“More than likely me, because I never keep my defense up for her, she is always in my mind.” He pushed his plate of cheese away.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon’t think that would be a good test, you are used to it and more than a little biased.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Mal one day she will have to sing you starry starry night, for me. I think you would like it. Though I think you would have to be open for it” He wasn\u2019t sure how her power worked on others.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, the idea is to see it things work again a resisting meta or a vampire by the way, Vampires…you are useless. A mental power? Like Deb’s mind link thing? We have to agree to that.\u201d<\/p>\n
“No, I meant it is something you would enjoy, not test for combat.” Figuring she was joking about vampires he added, “No blood to suck, ice water in my veins. They would never see me coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou’d never see them coming…they are faster, stronger and really hard to kill. But Snowy, she’d be a delicious little snack. So if you know one is around, run and carry her with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now he wondered if she was kidding, her tone sounded serious to him. \u201cHow do I know?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI … they scare the shit out of me but they can’t touch me. …and I can disintegrate them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snow sat up on the edge of the bed. She peeled away all the blankets. Setting her bare feet to the ground she steadied herself as she stood. Grabbing her blanket she draped it around her, leaving her room she headed for Jack.<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, she rises.\u201d He informed Mal.<\/p>\n
Appearing silently into the room Snowy spoke, “I am a bit of a mess but we are down a bathroom.”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have two…shall I get out of your way?\u2019 asked Mal.<\/p>\n
“No, Jack needs to get to bed, he is tired.” She glared at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter what he hopes, I am not going to tuck him in,\u201d Mal grinned<\/p>\n
Jack stood up bow slightly to them both, \u201dAs you wish.” he trotted off to the good bathroom.<\/p>\n
Icy chuckled, “My head is much better.”<\/p>\n
You hear another blast Jack came back out going to his new chilled room, saying as he passed, \u201cWe need a wall fixed too.”<\/p>\n
\u201cI was not concerned with your head so much as your fingers and toes…and nose.\u201d Her concern real. \u201cYou realize that a missing nose tends to put off a talent agent?\u201d<\/p>\n
“It has only happen a few times . I stayed to long during his change. I think the death of my Father triggered the new ones.” she sighed, “But we need paper work. If this agent just pays a commission to my old agent. He could use us with the paperwork that is still good to November.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBorrow Wren’s lawyers.\u201d Mal suggested.<\/p>\n
“Can you get me the number? We don’t want to bother Nat or Ms. Collins.” Icy went to the fridge looking for food.<\/p>\n
\u201cON Wren, do you think your lawyers would represent Ms. King with Mr. Warren?\u201d \u00a0 Mal tapped numbers into her cell. \u201cThanks, see you later. You have a pen and paper?\u201d<\/p>\n
“I am sure there is one in his shirt but if it is for a phone number, Jack activated me one. It’s in my purse.\u201d She retrieved the phone, only one number in it, that from the business card.<\/p>\n
Mal read off the number from her phone rather than taking Snowy’s phone.<\/p>\n
Icy looked at the phone and hit a button, she waited, hit another. “Is this where I enter it? she asked Mal showing her the phone. \u201cI’ll find that paper.\u201d Making a mess she produced paper and a pen. “Jack has always taken care of our phone. Dad had us share it.”<\/p>\n
Mal takes the phone, punched in the numbers then handed it back.<\/p>\n
“Thank you.”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou’re welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n
Icy looked at Jack’s door and retrieved a candy bar from her purse and unwrapped it, “Don’t tell Jack okay.” as she took a bite, then hide the rest back in the purse. Snowy jumped up from the table doing a happy dance for no reason<\/p>\n
****moments before***<\/p>\n
Jack dropped the earwig into his night stand pulling out his old phone and dials it,<\/p>\n
As the voice answered he spoke, \u201cRed 2\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUnderstand, and you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are green2 maybe 3. Still trying to figure it out. In a changing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFuck, how is she doing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMajorly missing you. I want you to Come to San Diego and stay with us. You can decide for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou sure it\u2019s green 2.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I have a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll catch a plane tonight, should I bring my gear?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, looks long term here.\u201d \u201cGive me the address\u201d Jack tells male voice their address.<\/p>\n
****<\/p>\n
Icy actually smiled at Mal. “OH this is going to be great! You will love him Mal.!” she held her face hardly able to contain herself, “Do we have to tell someone, so he can get to our house?”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou’ have to meet him at the gates to let them register him as a guest but unless his picture is in some Post Office it should be fine.\u2019<\/p>\n
“Not sure what flight he will get, most likely stand by, might be late.”<\/p>\n
Mal had never seen Icy happy since they retrieved her.<\/p>\n
“Oh forgot, Jack invited our bbf to come stay with us!”<\/p>\n
There was a knock at the door. Icy sighed the smile gone as she went to the door and opened it.<\/p>\n
Bell, with the guitar case “You cousin left this at my place.” She offered the guitar to Snowy.<\/p>\n
Snowy did not take it. “I know it was a present from him to you.”<\/p>\n
\u201cGot my own guitar, don’t need another one.\u201d<\/p>\n
“What\u2019s wrong with it? My father spent a lot of money for it. It’s top of the line?”<\/p>\n
\u201cI GOT my own guitar, guitar be like personal, took me a year to find mine, don’t need no other.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Alright I will give back to him, if you insist.” Snowy said<\/p>\n
Bell sat the guitar down. “I got music ta make.”<\/p>\n
Snowy picked up the case and tossed it towards the garage door.<\/p>\n
Bell headed back to her house, flinching when Snowy threw the case.”Mus’ ntt be all dat, thrownin’ it ‘orund like dat.”<\/p>\n
Snowy shrugged and shut the door. “I need some food. How far to some where I can get food? We will have to get other stuff for Ben.” She held her forehead, sitting back down with Mal.<\/p>\n
Mal responded, \u201c Nothing closer than a mile or so.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Things will be better when Ben gets here. He knows what to do.”<\/p>\n
What kind of food are you looking for?” Mal inquired.<\/p>\n
“I’m just really hungry. Nothing much left after two days of eating. I don’t know how to cook, either. Jack does all the cooking. Any good vegetarian take out that use all fresh ingredients?” Snowy placed the shirt bundle on the table and untied the books, sorting them and making two stacks.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot sure about vegetarian places, most are sea food and only one ‘fast food’ place, a Subway,\u201d<\/p>\n
Snowy shivered at the thought, “Does the seafood places deliver?”<\/p>\n
\u201cI think Point Loma Sea foods do. They are just on the other side of Point Loma.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I haven’t learned any of the area yet. I was hiding inside for my changing. I told Jack to do the same but he had to get supplies.” Snowy sighed, “I thought we had completed, the headaches were going away.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat kind of sea food do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n
“Un-breaded shrimp, maybe a nice un-breaded seared salmon?”<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is California, breaded is no the usual way they do seafood.\u201dMal added, \u201cExcept calamari.\u201d<\/p>\n
“In Michigan they coat everything in bread and deep fry it, neither will we eat.”Snowy paused, \u201cExcept Red lobster, you could get some eatable food there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want platter or sandwich or just a bucket of shrimp?\u201d<\/p>\n
“A bucket would be nice. I will try the platter to, hold anything breaded or deep fried… well except…” she looked at Jacks door. “No hold all deep fried.”<\/p>\n
Mal opened her cell scrolled through her numbers. \u201cGrilled or steamed?\u201d<\/p>\n
“Safest would be steamed, don’t know if they use butter to grill.”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want just shrimp? or fish, scallops, crab, calamari, calms, oysters … and they make killer crab cakes.\u201d<\/p>\n
“No crab cakes that contains unknown binder as bread crumbs. The bucket of shrimp and the rest sounds awesome.”<\/p>\n
Mal will call in the order for two pounds of shrimp, two streamed platters with scallops, crab and fish then two crab cakes and a half hound of crab with butter.<\/p>\n
\u201cFries? Coleslaw?<\/p>\n
“ahhhhh, yes fries .” she bite her lower lip, “Don’t you dare tell him I ordered them.”<\/p>\n
\u201cFires is fine.\u201d Mal looked at Snowy, \u201cSalad for him?\u201d<\/p>\n
She nodded, \u201cVinaigrette on the side.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mal closed the phone, \u00a0 “Twenty five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I will rest again when he wakes. He went through a big one. But at least we know what to control. We will need a few dozen computers.” She offered Mal her bank card. “I’ll pay for them.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy a few dozen? inquired Mal.<\/p>\n
“Because I tend to smash them when they refuse to work right.” Snowy shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you don’t know how to use them so you smash more.\u201d she tried to comprehend .<\/p>\n
“My dad would just set up the documents for us to type into and he took care of the rest.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThose computes are probably two grand each.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Jack is much better at than me. He had the one I smashed, running. When Ben gets here, he will pull me away before I break to many of them.” She smiled again at the mere thought of Ben, “He won’t let me near his laptop.” Snowy studied the living room window, “Wow Jack has never done anything like that before. It’s … me!” Snowy got up, going to the thermostat, turning the air to the lowest setting. “I don’t want it to melt, it’s beautiful!”<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess he took me at my word, it is still frozen, Mal softly smiled, \u201cI’ll do the next in something more permanent.\u201d<\/p>\n
“You did that… Thank you , “She paused, “I would offer you something to drink but we only have water and what\u2019s left of the espresso.\u201d Snowy wipe her forehead, “Do you need a parka? I have mine and his.”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou might want to … reassess the heating in here.\u201d Mal suggested, \u201cMaybe find a median.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Everyone always assumes that we are both able to handle the same temperature because of our skin tone. I don’t mind the cold, as long as he is comfortable. We need a few more cases of sunscreen too. It will go fast, with how sunny it is here.” Snowy divided up the supplies, then opened the top book to the first sticky note. Sighing, she put the books down. “That food is taking forever.”<\/p>\n
\u201cNot that long, only been 30 minutes.\u201d Mal grinned.<\/p>\n
“Guess I am really hungry, still have a little headache. Makes time feel like it is standing still.”<\/p>\n
The knock sounded on the front door.<\/p>\n
Snowy sighed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ll get it.\u201d Mall offered.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank You, \u201c Snowy pulled the blanket tighter around herself.<\/p>\n
Mal went to the door and after a couple moments, came in with two heavy plastic bags. \u201cYou really need to stop turning the AC up.\u201d Setting the bags on the counter, she started sorting it into three piles.<\/p>\n
“No fries for him.” Snowy reminded.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn’t sure about drinks so I got lemonade, it is the only fresh drink they have. Got him a salad, doesn’t come with fries.\u201d Mal snagged a fry and ate it. Yours are going to get cold if you don’t get eating.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snowy looked confused and joined her at the counter.<\/p>\n
\u201cI need some warmth, mind if I eat out back?” Mal took up a large Styrofoam container and large drink.<\/p>\n
“Is this the customary way to eat in California?\u201d Snowy devoured the fries like she has not eaten in weeks, as they walked out to the patio.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomeone should feed you before you start gnawing on someone’s leg. What do you mean? You mean sitting on the patio?\u201d Mal pulled open the sliding door with one finger, the warm air flowing in.<\/p>\n
“Well, in some countries all eat from the same pot. Jack always served me my food and you made piles.”<\/p>\n
\u201cGrab it and come out here, warm up! That’s an order from the second in command.\u201d Mal sat in one of four patio chairs that surround a glass toped table. All the garden flower were dead. She looked up at the sky “Um…the sun is already on the other side of the house…What did you do to the flowers?”<\/p>\n
Snowy closed the door behind her as she sat across from Mal. “Jack was emotionally distraught and covered them with snow, when he lost control.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWell…glad I don’t get emotionally distraught. More than plants would die…<\/p>\n
So, he just takes it out on harmless flowers?\u201d<\/p>\n
“We lose control when we are changing trying to deal with both our pain and emotions. He had to deal with his and mine and I his and mine, it is always that way.” Snowy emptied her bucket of food and tried the lemonade.<\/p>\n
Mal pushed up and crossed to a very dead plant. Running her hand over the tops of the dead plants, almost like stroking them as she does, they disintegrate into dust.<\/p>\n
“Good pick, he will enjoy the lemonade.” Snowy smiled and took another sip.<\/p>\n
Mal returned to the chair after she touched all the dead flowers. \u201cThe trees will be okay, but you might get brown grass a little early.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I am sure the only one who will use this area will be Ben. He took care of the yard for my Dad”<\/p>\n
“Still, no reason to throw a hissy.”<\/p>\n
“What do you mean?”<\/p>\n
“I am talking about control. Just because you are mad, or upset, you can’t go blowing off your powers like that.”<\/p>\n
“Guess you don’t understand the change at all. I thought you would, being a Meta. It happen the same fo..\u201d Snowy thought better of completing her statement, \u201cAnyways, when we are in a change we can’t keep things controlled like we can a week or so after. In a week, he should be back to normal with no accidents.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, you’re just going to wipe out grass and flowers for how long?\u201d<\/p>\n
“Unless it happens again, this was the first multi changing we have done. Usually if we have time to “think” we are fine in a week.\u201d Snowy stated<\/p>\n
\u201cPaige the other day was the closest we ever come to someone blowing things up but she’s eleven and she didn’t expect it, no one did. Her power was all teleporting.\u201d<\/p>\n
“We were born mind linked. We have gone through five changes throughout our lives, so far. I get headaches to warn us when it will be starting.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThink there will be more? How much warning is the headache?\u201d<\/p>\n
“A few days warnings except this time we were going through a change, when it last change happen. My head never stopped hurting the pain was the most I felt like deep down. He had to bare that along with me, we are linked. He was trying to rebuild us and take on things , my dad took care of. I couldn’t help him because I couldn’t help myself at that point and he lost control, dead flowers. That is why I wanted to hide in the house when we arrived. One of us had to be prepared to help the other. We know the routine.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy didn’t you tell me?\u201d she asked<\/p>\n
“He was trying to when he called you but he was unable to finish reaching out because all the faces and everything crashing in, he didn’t know how. Ben could of helped him, We lied to you. Ben knows our secret. It is hard to fully trust anyone when you first meet. You he trusted once he looked in your eyes. I am trusting you, not because he does. You I will tell the truth to from now on.”<\/p>\n
\u201cNext headache you get, we’ll get you both to safety, it is what team does.\u201d She assured the girl. \u201cHow long ago did this start?\u201d<\/p>\n
“Birth we linked, Six we received our first real gift. It happens about every two years. So, I guess you would say as long as we have lived.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, we don’t need a destroyed school.\u201d<\/p>\n
“We should be done now by all facts we read. We are past puberty.” Snowy stated. “But like it was pointed out, we are not all the same. It was an assumption I made because Of our experiences. Our parents always knew, so they gathered data to find out what to expect. Even they were not ready for the first.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat facts are those? What data? How did they gather it?\u201d now she was really interested.<\/p>\n
“Come on, they wanted my dad to experiment on the gifted. They only keep working for them because if you leave. You seem to fall off the face of the world. They had tons of data they borrowed.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWho are ‘they’?\u201d<\/p>\n
She stated, \u201cWorldwide Global Tech. Who do you tell? Who do you trust? Who have they bought? Tell no one, Trust no one, always be on your guard and never lose control. Do you understand now why we have trust issues? You think we trust Miller? Or the government?\u201d<\/p>\n
Mal spoke in thought, \u201cWe have been researching two groups.\u201d<\/p>\n
“You will see you can trust Ben.” Snowy changed the subject.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs he a meta?\u201dshe asked.<\/p>\n
“I am not allowed to answer that under the bond of bbf’s, but I am sure you will figure it out. I said I won’t lie to you and meant it.” Snow sipped her lemonade.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact that you don’t answer is answer enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Exactly and didn’t betray my Knight, he was with us for the 2nd changing”<\/p>\n
“And he is arriving tomorrow?<\/p>\n
“As soon as he can catch a plane,”<\/p>\n
“Where is he, I’ll send the plane.\u201d<\/p>\n
“He should be flying stand by on Delta right now at Metro airport in. No way to contact him, till he arrives here. Are you going to finish your food?”<\/p>\n
Mal eyed her “You want it?”<\/p>\n
“Please, I am famished.” she chuckled.”Not like I have an agent yet taking all the food from me. This one had me eat noting but celery sticks and carrots because he felt I looked bloated.” The fries disappeared the moment offered, salmon not far behind. “:Can\u2019t eat much when I have a headache either. I think we will need a daily supply delivered and we will have to get junk food for Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, if you liked this, I’ll give you the number. That fish was swimming yesterday.\u201d Mal offered.<\/p>\n
She slide her phone to Mal. Mal added the number.<\/p>\n
“Thank you. It is inconvenient when he is asleep.”<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you can pig out?\u201d<\/p>\n
“I do like to do that, but he takes care of lot things for me, so I can study. Once I get working, WE will have no free time. If he changes his mind, free time will be with the band. Like dad always said you must live your dreams.” She sniffled pulling back a tear.<\/p>\n
Mal reached across the table and touched her hand, “Your father’s remains will be here tomorrow.”<\/p>\n
“Good than we can do our ritual as soon as Ben arrives, and we need to find a place no one can see in an area near the sea.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThey will be coming into Coronado, Nat ordered a full military reception for him.\u201d<\/p>\n
“We would like to see that. Oh by the way he’s awake now. Yelling at me because he can smell the fries.” Snowy lowered her head with a devilish grin.<\/p>\n
\u201cTell him they are mine.\u201d Mal stated.<\/p>\n
“He doesn’t believe me, go figure.” Snowy chuckled.<\/p>\n
Jack came out of his room dressed in white dress pants and a white cotton loose pull over. He headed to the food left and started to nibble, giving the drawing an extra blast.<\/p>\n
Jokingly Mal said, \u201cMust be the fries on your breath.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snowy smiled, “You think there is a place we can go that no one is watching it’s private. You of course can come.”<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of places like that, what are you looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n
“Open space on a cliff top, overlooking the sea. We will be using our powers so it has to really private.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWow… That’s a tough one in Southern California. I’d have to ask Nat, he knows the coast.\u201d<\/p>\n
“That\u2019s how we did Jacks, parents. Something close would be okay.” Snowy looked at her, \u201cThis is all between us, Ben has to see before we tell anyone. bf rules and all. If he is good with you than you are a bbf.”<\/p>\n
Jack goes to the door and waved at them while eating his salad.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am sure Nat will figure out someplace nice.\u201d Mal assured her.<\/p>\n
“What you see at it. Will be between the four of us, Okay? \u00a0 I am putting my full trust in you.” Snowy said seriously.<\/p>\n
Mal picked up Snowy’s phone again and transferred a few more numbers. “These are most of the food places within a mile or so. Most are seafood, like I said, There are a couple good Mexican places and a couple Italian. Point Loma Seafood is a popular one for the teams. They deliver to the dorms, they don’t normally do that but we are a huge customer.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Do they have Shark Steaks?” She bite her lip.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t think anyone has thought to ask but it is a seafood market as well as a restaurant.\u201d Mal commented, \u201cIt was a market before they served food. I know they have swordfish steak, tuna, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n
“They remind me of what I remember beef to be.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy don’t you just have a steak?\u201d Mal asked.<\/p>\n
“I don’t want to be sick for a week.”<\/p>\n
Mal held up her hand thumb and forefinger about two inches apart “This thick… Why would you be sick?\u201d<\/p>\n
“When we were little we became ill and it was decided that we could not eat certain food or we would be sick.”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou ever have an allergy test?\u201d<\/p>\n
“NO!! no doctors ever! You had to of know the rules. Didn’t your parents teach them to you? Rule 1 no doctors ever.” Snowy exclaimed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have say, a peanut allergy…you could die. I’ve never heard of an allergy to steak, unless it is in some vegan\u2019s head.\u201d<\/p>\n
“No he makes peanuts all the time. WE know this works, why change it when we are in need of time? Not a good idea to be experimenting with change, while changing.” Snowy felt Mal was dismissing what they knew to be.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou guys sure you didn’t grow up in Lancaster PA?\u201d<\/p>\n
“No, we were raised in Gaylord so we could hide.”<\/p>\n
Mal stopped and listened then says “Ok, I’ll let them know. Where is it better to hide, a town with 30000 people, or a city of 3 million people? I was just told there will be a crew here first thing in the morning to fix the ceiling and wall. They are also going to put in a bigger AC and replace the one back here with a potable walk-in freezer unit.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I think our parents did the best they could, for as long as they could. We will forever be indebted to them in our hearts. Jack will never come out, you know.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThen we will have to put in a TV and some curtains.\u201d<\/p>\n
“We don’t watch TV.” Snowy commented.<\/p>\n
For the second time that day a knock sounded at the front door. Setting down his food, Jack made his way to the door opening with a smile.<\/p>\n
Delivery man spoke, “Got a pair of mopeds here, you want them in the garage?\u201d A truck was backed up in the driveway. The rolling door was up revealing the bikes in the back.<\/p>\n
“Sure, let me get the door.\u201d Jack left the front door open and headed to the garage opening the main door.\u201d<\/p>\n
The delivery man picks one up and sets it on its stand. The man lifted the second out and sets it on the kick.<\/p>\n
“Thank You , were do I sign?” asked Jack<\/p>\n
The man offered a clipboard “Right there, Tanks are full, as requested.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack signed; fishing in his pocket he pulled out a crumbled twenty and handed it to the man. “Thank you.”<\/p>\n
He nodded at the twenty then dropped the clipboard into the truck and returned with a pair of helmets, \u201cState law, damn it.\u201d<\/p>\n
“We will obey the law.”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou ridden before in California?\u201d<\/p>\n
“No, sir I haven’t. Could you explain?” he asked<\/p>\n
\u201cGet a vest, because those assholes are gonna claim they didn’t see you, Day glow yellow. Bike has good lights and plenty of reflectors but watch driving at night, especially around dusk or dawn. If it’s foggy, walk.\u201d The man lowered his voice “and if you’re riding alone….carry something.. some joker will club you and steal the bike.”<\/p>\n
“They are for emergency use. We will be getting a car soon.”<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, either that or get something that will do more than 30 mile per hour.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Thank you. I will get those Jackets as soon as I can.”<\/p>\n
The guy handed him the receipt. “Number on that and address we ain’t far, three miles. Drop in and got those vests, I’ll cut you a deal for buying the bikes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack smile, “You will see me very soon. Thanks again.”<\/p>\n
\u201cBe careful out there!\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack nodded, “We will be.”<\/p>\n
The guy climbed back into the truck and waved as he drove off.<\/p>\n
Jack wave to the man and close the door. Walking back he sees his case just tossed and he sings out “SNOWY!!”<\/p>\n
******<\/p>\n
Snowy stated to Mal, \u201cWe are in need of Yellow riding Jackets”<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat for?\u201d Mal asked.<\/p>\n
Snow answered, “So we don’t become road pizza. Jack has the place we will by them from.”<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeaking of street pizza…you ride a bicycle?\u201d<\/p>\n
“We had dirt bikes, since almost forever and snowmobile.” Snowy informed, “You don’t live on acres of land and not enjoy it.”<\/p>\n
\u201cI was thinking more like ten speeds with Alpine gears.\u201d Mal commented.<\/p>\n
“We learned when we where little, you never forget to petal.”<\/p>\n
\u201cI know Jack has problems with the temperature but we are doing a ride Saturday morning to Old Town, then over to Balboa Park.\u201d<\/p>\n
“When Ben gets here we will have a car.” Snowy shot a look at Jack as he screamed inside the house; he picked up the case and took it to the garage.”<\/p>\n
“I’ll ask him. He said for you he would cross the desert.” she chuckled, busting out laughing. “Okay,” she calmed herself to a light giggle, “I was only suppose to say yes, delete the rest.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWeather guessers are saying cool, about 55, will that help?\u201d<\/p>\n
“My headache is gone so, after a wonderful night sleep in his cool room. He should be good for eight hours but with him still getting control I would limit it to six, for safety reason. Rule six: always take the side of caution.”<\/p>\n
Jack starts cleaning the house.<\/p>\n
“While you are with him, I will stay here and tutor him in our assignments.” Snowy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho? Jack?\u201d<\/p>\n
“Yes it is very efficient way to study. He can be doing something else and I can be teaching him what is in the books. Rule 13 Never cheat.” she stated “The mind link has its uses” she giggled.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore then you know,\u201d Mal explained, \u201cWhite uses it instead of the earwigs most of the time but what do you want me to teach Jack? What subject?\u201d<\/p>\n
“Pick one! Than I can go roam too, you teach him and he will feed me.” Snowy smiled brightly at that idea<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m an art major; you want to learn art history?\u201d<\/p>\n
I am sure you could handle tutoring ninth the grade math and English since you are about to go to college. We are very fast learners and it would be lovely to be taught in Dutch again. We don’t have many opportunities to speak in the others. We both speak multi languages.”<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t speak Dutch, Swedish, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snowy made a face looking at the house, “Okay the fart brain told the wrong one. I hate when he does that.”<\/p>\n
\u201cSnowy, I do have my own studying to do. I am the leader of Team Red, so we have a lot of team stuff to work on too. This Saturday is our first really free day in a month.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snowy understood, “If you can, otherwise we do it like we have since we were six. It lets him live his dreams too. No reason to have us both stuck in the house studying when he can live his dream. He is my bodyguard when I work. I won’t do a shoot without him or Ben in the room. If I didn’t free up his study time, he would be living only my dream. You are to live your dream that is what we were taught.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is his dream?\u201d<\/p>\n
“He wants Snowy and the drifters to hit the top ten charts and be the hottest band for years for Ben. I want to be a bio chemist and complete my dad’s work, but for now I want my career, I want to see where it takes me. Jack hasn\u2019t picked a new one yet, but he needs free time so he can.”<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are playing with the band, how are you going to get your degree?\u201d questioned Mal.<\/p>\n
“Ben goes to college on line. I figure by the time I am ready to go. The Online selection would be better. But we live our dreams and life throws you a curve and the dreams adjust and change. This was more than a curve-ball, or bump in the road, it is a derailment. Ben would of course be the keeper of the computer so I don’t break it. I don’t see why people waste time on them. There is too much to experience.” she sighed “but I know I have to learn how to use one for college.”<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd for team training.\u201d Mal noted.<\/p>\n
Snowy turned pale as shook her head. “You use one of those things? What do you type back and forth?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRaids, It is all about following orders, about doing your job, playing your role.\u201d<\/p>\n
“On a computer.” Snowy sounded doubtful.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll safely, no one dies for real.\u201d Mal added.<\/p>\n
“Except for a few dozen computers, you are talking like a video game right.”<\/p>\n
\u201cExactly…I know, I am not a gamer either, nor were most of the teams. Nat and Wren both were like you, No computer in the cottage, no desire for one. Blame it all on Fuji and Zach.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I think a different kind of headache is coming on.” Snowy frowned, “I have always avoided them. I think they are waste of time, Jack and Ben would spend hours on the video games. I tried once. I couldn’t even make it move, dead.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThe idea is to work as a team and Jack would be right there to show you what to do if he plays already.\u201d Mal pointed out.<\/p>\n
“Then why not do it in the flesh, at least you are not sitting on your ass, not moving. You need to know what they move like in the real. He does not play on a computer, they are foreign to him too and Jack plays video games.”<\/p>\n
Mal put her chin on her fist “It is either that or real physical training with the team and how are you going to train to take orders?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI would rather the physical. Jack I think would have Ben teach him computers.”<\/p>\n
Mal stands, “Fine … what are you going to do to stop me, right now, from killing you?” Mal turned slightly transparent. \u201cAll I have to do is touch you and you are going to die.\u201d She touched the Styrofoam container and it disintegrates, \u201cJust like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snowy commanded with her powers, “Be normal.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWho are you going to call, who are you going to tell what’s happening,\u201d Mal held her hands out, \u201cWell? See, I learned something; You can’t use mental powers on me while I am in this state. But I can touch and kill you. This is the kind of thing you will need to know. And Jack? He can’t do much either, you need to know who CAN hurt me.\u201d<\/p>\n
“But a game can do this magic thing? Making it so we know how? and if I had felt danger Jack would of attacked you. I always have my prince.”<\/p>\n
Mal called out, \u201cJACK! Come attack me please!\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack look up, “You want me to do what?”<\/p>\n
Mal moved between Jack and Snowy “Attack me!\u201d<\/p>\n
“Snowy what did you say this time. ” he glared at the girl, “With what?” he was lost.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat new ice blast maybe?\u201d Mal asked, \u201cAren’t you curious about it?\u201d<\/p>\n
“I can’t do that, please. I’m not ready My lady.”<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of two things would happen. You attack me…your blast,\u201d Mal turned and looked at Snowy “Would hit her or, since she is my teammate, I drop my de-solidification and take the hit. Which do you think I’d do?\u201d Mal dropped the desolid and picked up her lemonade.<\/p>\n
“You would take the hit. But I would never attack someone in direct line of her. I would have to reposition.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThing is, I don’t want to train you to fight meta for Miller, I want to train you to fight to protect her. Look, getting late, I have homework, and I missed most of today’s classes.\u201d She pointed at Jack “You suck it up and keep her room WARM.\u201d<\/p>\n
He looked at Mal as he escorted her to the door. “Ben will teach her, might take some time.”<\/p>\n
\u201cLet her EAT. Fries do not kill people…or I’d be dead and fries don’t make you fats.\u201d She looked down “Nope, no fat” And chocolate is a woman’s right!\u201d<\/p>\n
Looked at Mal as if looking for the first time, he was stunned as he noticed her looks, for the first time. “OH, they don’t.”<\/p>\n
\u201cNeed anything, call and use the damn earwig, I hate miller listening in on everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I have already destroyed my old phone. I’ll call you on my new one some time, when I can’t find that thing. I have one question?”<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow cold can it withstand before shattering in my ear?”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don’t get anywhere near absolute zero, so you are fine. Q made then to work down to like -100c. He says it works better cold.\u201d<\/p>\n
“How cold do I get?”<\/p>\n
\u201cToo low for zero and don\u2019t freeze her out, you want her to have to have her nose cut off? Be a man and suffer a little 60 degree heat wave.\u201d She directed him.<\/p>\n
He handed her an ice rose. “You better go study; you have to live your dream to.”<\/p>\n
She took the rose considering, \u201cMaybe it will last until I get to the dorm. I can put it in the freezer.\u201d<\/p>\n
“They make great drink stirrer at a party too.” Jack smiled at her.<\/p>\n
\u201cGet two ten speeds, alpine gears and helmets and something bright.\u201d She ordered,<\/p>\n
“ME?”Jack was taken aback.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy Saturday,\u201d she waved as she head out into the street.<\/p>\n
“Okay, I’ll get Ben to help me.” Jack waved back.<\/p>\n
Mal called back, “If Ben is going to help…three ten speeds with alpine gears.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack looked at Snowy, \u201cWhy did you do that?”<\/p>\n
Snowy replied as he came back into the house, “She guessed after I swore the oath, She is my bf.”<\/p>\n
“About time you picked a female.”Jack laughed, “Things are actually starting to look less gloomy.” Jack flipped on the radio singing along, Snowy joined in as they danced to the music.<\/p>\n
Snowy grabbed the top book, “You go shopping. Take a taxi. We have studying to do.”<\/p>\n
Jack bowed to her, “As you wish.” He pulled out the phone scrolling it to find the taxi service and orders a cab. “OH, shit, the ear wig.” he ran back to his night stand retrieving it and putting it on.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Jack packed all the instruments and other equipment, shoving all but two cases in a corner. He placed Snowy\u2019s case to one side and picked up his. Snowy watched him. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1432","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-minutemen","category-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1432","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1432"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1432\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1433,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1432\/revisions\/1433"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1432"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1432"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ravensplayland.com\/wpRAVEN\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1432"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}