“I do not understand what it is with these people.” The obnoxious woman continued. “They come to this country and will not even learn to speak the language. If it wasn’t for us they would have been exterminated years ago.” At that moment everyone checked their watches and then handed over their money to Pauline. I was beginning to catch on as to what was happening here.
“For starters Gaia’s people lived here long before the pilgrims showed up.” Allison scolded her. “And the only reason they faced extinction at all was because of people like us.”
“Don’t get fresh with me young lady.” Mrs. Kendell shot an angry glare at Allison. I made a protective step next to Allison. The woman took a quick glance at me and then looked away in disgust.
“Do you want to play?” Allison whispered in my ear.
“Yes please.” I whispered in reply. Allison pulled me in front of her and wrapped her arms around me tightly. I played along and reached up and caressed Allison’s cheek tenderly. Allison in turn lowered her head and began to nibble delightfully on my neck. I honestly don’t know which felt better our touching or knowing that we were pushing the old witch’s buttons. I could see Allison’s father smiling from behind his now very uncomfortable mother. The woman’s complexion actually grew even paler than before at the sight of us cuddling like lovesick teenagers.
“Why is it every time I come into this house you people are throwing money around?” She choked as Allison continued her exploration of my neck.
“The family collection of course.” Pauline answered as she tucked the money into a cookie jar. “This money is for helping the women in Afghanistan. Care to contribute?” Pauline baited her.
“Always throwing your money away on these silly causes of yours.” Mrs. Kendell sneered. “You should pay more attention to what is going on under your own roof.” She shot a look of disgust at Allison and myself.
This proved to be all the prompting that Allison needed. She placed her fingers under my chin and raised my head to look at her. I swallowed hard as she lowered her lips to mine and captured them in a passionate kiss. I didn’t care if everyone was watching. Personally I would have made love to Allison then and there if I thought it would kill this nasty old woman. Then again even if it didn’t kill her …
“Where is David?” The old woman demanded breaking the spell.
Allison’s body tensed as she pulled her lips from mine. Everyone including myself just glared at her in amazement. I wasn’t even a part of the family and I knew enough to know that David’s absence was a sensitive issue. “Damn what is wrong with you woman? Even I know David is a cult! And I am sure that you do as well!” The look of pain on Pauline’s face was unmistakable. “Mother!” Jefferson snapped in anger. “Time to go.” He grabbed her roughly by the arm and led her out by the arm. Nicole and Allison were instantly by their mother’s side. As the two tried to comfort their mother I could hear angry voices coming from the front of the house.
Jefferson returned and brushed his children aside as he took his wife tenderly into his arms. “I’m sorry Baby.” He cooed. “I think that maybe you should lie down for awhile. Allison can finish up here after all she is the best cook in the family.”
“What?” I exclaimed.
“Allison you didn’t do that again did you?” Her mother question her in an accusing tone.
“What?” Allison tried in vain to defend herself.
“Stephanie you must forgive my thick headed daughter.” Pauline sighed. “She is always telling her girlfriends that she does not know how to cook. “
“Hey tell a woman that you can cook and you will never see another restaurant.” Allison argued. “Besides I have to be in the mood to cook for me it is an all day project. And for the last time Stephanie is not my girlfriend.”
“Yeah right.” The group chuckled.
“Apologize to Stephanie.” Pauline instructed her child. “Now.”
“I’m sorry.” Allison muttered as Nicole laughed. As their parents left the room.
“It is quite all right.” I answered letting her off the hook. “This simply confirms what I have suspected for sometime.”
“Can’t put nothing past you can I?” Allison said with a slight hint of flirtation.
“Honestly Stephanie.” Nicole chimed in. “You really should get this one to cook for you. Her chocolate chip pancakes are the best.”
“Really?” My mouth was watering already.
“No.” A tiny voice protested from behind us. “Her lasagna and that cheesy garlic bread is the best.”
I turned in shock to find Gaia smiling back at me. “I thought you didn’t speak english?” I stammered.
“Of course I speak english.” Gaia confirmed. “It was one of the things that saved me from the reservation when the Catholics arrived to save all of us heathens.” I stood there dumbfounded as I tried soak in this revelation.
“I told you that Gaia was Haley’s daughter in law.” Allison reminded me as she began to chop celery like a master. “You are so busted Professor Kendell.” I teased her as I watched her culinary expertise. She simply wiggled her eyebrows playfully.
“Are you the one who is writing the book with Allison?” Gaia asked me.
“Yes.” I answered her respectfully.
“Nicole child I am finished here.” Gaia said gently as Nicole slid off of the counter and went to take the bowl of peas from her. “You help your sister child. I am going to visit with Stephanie. Come with me and I will show you some of my mother-in-law’s papers. You must help me though. My spirit may move freely but my body is imprisoned.”
Allison stopped what she was doing and undid the brakes on the wheelchair. She showed me what to do and how to move the chair properly. “Go ahead.” Allison insisted as she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I have to warn you of something. Gaia knows things.” I just stared at her blankly. “Trust me she just knows things.”
“Uh huh.” I answered not having the slightest idea of what she was talking about.
I managed to wheel Gaia into her room without any problems. She instructed me to open a large hope chest and that was filled with books and papers. She directed me as to just what I should remove. I handle each item with respect as I placed them on the bed. “Come give me your hand.” She spoke softly.
I sat on the bed an offered her my hand which she clasped gently. “You have come home.” Was all she said as her eyes smiled up at me.
“Excuse me?” I questioned her.
“You have been searching for two things since your birth.” She explained tenderly. “Love and a family. This is your family now.”
“Gaia.” I spoke softly. “Allison and I are not lovers.”
“There is more to love than just the physical.” Gaia explained. “But that will come sooner than you expect. Although you have already suspected that it would. You have captured each other’s hearts. When your heart found Allison’s you found your way home. I know that you are troubled that she has not told you what is in her heart. You spoke first and are bothered that she did not say the same.”
“How did?” I stammered. Okay this is getting a little creepy. It was true! I was bothered by the fact that I told her that I love her and she didn’t say the same thing. She confessed that she cares about me and that she desires me but she never said that she loved me.
“I will tell you.” She said warmly as she patted my hand. “You sit there and listen like you did with your grandmother.”
“How did you know that I told her I loved her?” I asked slowly.
“I just know.” She answered gently. “Not to worry child, she loves you and when you hear her tell you will no longer have any doubts about the path that you have chosen. Trust me child.” She reassured me. “Pauline and Jefferson adore each other. Theirs is a perfect union. Their children grew up knowing this, seeing it every day through the good times and the bad. Each of them assumed that they too would find what their parents had. Not understanding that finding the one person is not as easy as it would appear. Each of them gave their hearts to the first person who asked for it. When their own relationships failed to live up to their parent’s it hurt them deeply.