Page 15 of The Cerulean Sister
"Yes, everything is fine. We were just talking about how hard it is to be apart, all of us. I can't ask Calliape to come see me anymore. Not when she clearly is doing better here,"I say privately through our tether.
The clang of ceramic chimes behind us as she and Allister have a small conversation about the stiff hinges on the green-painted cupboards while gathering her mugs.
"If you are comfortable traveling, we can visit Calliape more often."
"Are you certain?"I glance at Allister, knowing it would mean we would run into him more and 99 would be faced with the sad memories that come up when they are together.
"I am used to him doing that, Ferren,"99 says, picking up on my hesitation.
"I know this is not how you wanted me to meet him, but I am glad he is here. It makes me feel closer to you."
He has no reply to that, just a flush of amber light spreading across my skin like he is happy too.
99 pours the tea as I join the others at the little table again, and even though Calliape has set out four mugs, he will not join us, so I know the cup he pours is for me. I take it from him, and he watches my lips as I sip the pleasantly warm liquid.
"Thank you."
"My pleasure," he says, low and just for my ears.
I have to breathe in deeply to keep myself focused on staying on a more pleasant note before we leave. But I can't help the flurry of thoughts and the echoes of my conversation with Calliape swimming around. 99 snags on the topic of being together, all four of us. I can feel my shoulders relax when he agrees and all but promises to follow through with that idea.
"August will be back in another day or so," 99 announces suddenly.
"Oh, that's wonderful news. Remind me to get new locks for my liquor cabinet," Allister quips while handing Calliape a steamy mug.
She takes it with pursed lips, her cheeks deepen in a flush, and she won't make eye contact with anyone again. She continues to be both secretive and obvious about whatever is between her and August. From the way they have always and continue to look at each other, I think it's only a matter of time.
"When he returns, Ferren and I will come and visit again," 99 says to Calliape.
I beam at his almost immediate solution to what would make us both feel better.
"Well, when he does, I want you all to gather for dinner at mine," Allister offers into his mug.
The three of us seem to pause in a suspended shock at the invitation.
"Would that be ok, Ferren? I would like to get to know you more, see who is putting up with my son," Allister asks with a smile.
"Dinner would be lovely." I know my eyes have saucered at the kindness in his voice.
"As long as you are cooking real food, none of the packaged things you gave me. Adding hot water and stirring is not cooking." Calliape adds.
Allister and her go back and forth about the weird Viathan foods available, and I try not to take a side.
99 runs the hand resting on the back of my chair down my hair. He sends me affection and amber light, making my cheeks heat at the sudden rush. When he holds my gaze like this, it's like he can't believe I am right in front of him and if he blinks, I will disappear.
My stomach still flips a little when he looks at me with such adoration, helmet on or not. And right now, it makes me think that even though he would have preferred Allister not to be here, he is truly pleased his father likes me.
Chapter
Five
The ride home is easier. 99 keeps a slower pace, casually moving us across the flat prairie between the settlement and back to the capital. The sky is vibrant with pink wisps, making the twigs that stick up out of the grass seem out of place.
The peacefulness makes me relax into 99, overcome with needing to be closer. He reaches down and pats the top of my hand, smoothing it like he feels the same way after the surprisingly pleasant afternoon.
The fallen monuments scatter the landscape ahead, the size of each piece greater than any of the statues on Cosima, the largest almost twice the size of the houses in the village we just came from.
99 points again, as if asking if I would like to see them.
