2020-11-13 - Lucky 13 - Eugene, Dante, Ho and Shaw
Eugene Sinclair wasn’t superstitious. It just wasn’t in his nature. He didn’t believe in ‘luck’, because he’d been told all of his life how lucky he was. Lucky that a family had taken him in; lucky that he had food in his belly; lucky whites took such good care of him. When he was 12, his then foster mother told him that it was his lucky day because she had decided that she would allow him to pleasure her and in return she would make his life better than it had ever been.
And that road ultimately led him where he was now. Prince George Youth Custody Centre.
Morning time wasn’t terribly hectic for them. Gene had showered the night before and was just putting on his thin shoes for breakfast when CO Beecher walked in with a man in a suit.
Beecher approached Gene where he sat. “Well, Sinclair. You’re one lucky savage.” he stood and glared as the suit handed Eugene several folded sheets.
“I’ll need you to sign where the x’s are, Mr Sinclair.” the suit said, offering Gene a pen.
Gen took the papers. “What the fuck is this?” he demanded, even as he started to read.
Beecher snorted. “Your Jew lawyer must have bribed all the right people.” he sneered.
The suit gave Beecher an exasperated look. “That’s enough, CO Beecher.” he chided the guard. He then looked at Gene. “Those are your release papers.”
Gene was reading them, his eyes growing wider as he read.
Ho wandered over from his room. “Release…” he sounded stunned.
Dante raised a brow as Beecher approached and called Gene a lucky savage. What kind of shit show was this going to become? But there was a guy in a suit….with papers. Dante tilted his head and observed and then they wanted Gene to sign stuff. Dante was immediately on edge until Gene’s lawyer was mentioned….by Beecher and his little slurs. “Release?” Dante repeated after Ho “Holy shit man...is it for real?” He looked hopeful for his friend. Dante also felt a pit forming in his stomach. He’d love nothing more than to see Gene go free. But he’d also miss the hell out of the guy.
Shaw ran over. “Sinclair’s getting released today?” He was practically climbing over Gene’s shoulder to sneak a peek like a little kid unable to wait.
Gene read the thing through, hearing his block mates as if in the distance. “It says …” he reads it again, as if he can’t believe what he is reading. “Charges were lowered from attempted murder to assault causing bodily harm and in the case of assault causing bodily harm, I am heraby released with time served.” he blinks and looks up at Dante and then at the man in the suit. “Effectively immediately?” he still has the pen, he just hasn’t used it.
The suit shrugs. “Well effected as soon as possible. Your lawyer won the argument last thing last night. This morning, she is going to bring you clothes, as the clothes you wore at the time of your arrest were … well … unsuitable to be worn and thrown out.” he explains, nodding to the paper. “I expect she’ll be a few hours.”
Beecher looks at Gene, still sneering. “You gonna sign that, or what?” he demands.
Gene keeps reading. “As soon as I’m sure I’m not signing my life away, which is what happened the last time I signed papers like this without reading them first.” he grumbles. He can feel Shaw nearly climbing on his back, but doesn’t say anything about it yet.
Ho continues to stare. “Jesus Christ.” he breathes. “You’re going home.”
Gene looks up then and then opens his mouth, then closes it again.
Shaw lets go of Gene’s back but looks like he’s about to start running in circles. He paces and starts saying “Oh man...Oh man…...you’re going home….Gene you’re going home…” He walks past him and shakes his arm if he can grab it.
Dante gets up and while not taking his eyes off Gene, redirects Shaw and literally sits him down back in his chair “Fuck...give him a minute.” Dante watches Gene and then asks “Are they sending you back east?”
Gene almost doesn’t notice Shaw getting off of his back. He scans the papers, lifting one off of the other. “OK, I don’t know this address, but apparently this is … my new foster home?” he looks at the suit.
The suit nods in agreement. “You’re being released into your attorney’s custody and she will take you to your new foster home. You can’t be released into your own custody because you are a minor.”
Gene’s hand shakes slightly as he turns the paper to face Dante. “I’m …. Going to Alexandra, Mendoza…”
Dante steps forward and looks at the paper and the address with a look of total shock. “4th street…..um that’s a block away from where I live on 3rd…” He looks up from the address at Gene and his face breaks into a grin and then he starts laughing “This rocks Gene. You’re moving to my town…” Dante takes another step and grabs Gene in an unexpected hug if he can and claps him on the back “Alexandra….holy fuck man…..”
Shaw blinks and looks confused “How did Gene end up going to where Dante lives?!” He’s happy for them but truly baffled.
The suit simply looks at Gene, expectantly. “Sign where indicated, please.”
Gene nods at Dante’s words and tries not to smile, but that isn’t as easy as it usually is. Dante hugs him and he half hugs him back, before he begins to sign. “When is my lawyer coming?” he looks at the suit. “I mean … packing for me will take about 20 seconds.” He hands the papers back to the lawyer.
The suit looks at his watch. “She said probably around eight-thirth o’clock. It’s almost 7 now. Someone will come to get you when she gets here and process you out.” He takes the release papers back. “Good luck, Mr Sinclair.” and he turns to leave.
Beecher snorts and turns. “I bet you’ll be back in here in 30 days.” he heads out after the suit.
Ho stares after them and then at Gene again with a big smile. “You made it man!! You're free!” someone from A block sticks their head in and whistles and Ho sighs. “Listen if I don’t see you … good luck man.” and he heads off, his homework still undone.
Gene watches him go and then looks between Dante and Shaw. “This should be you, Mendoza.”
Dante can’t stop grinning now “Don’t worry. I’ll catch up. This fuckin rocks Gene. I don’t even know what to say. I wanted you to come there...I just had no idea it could just happen. And you’re free. Natalie is some kind of legal goddess.” Dante chuckles “So uh write to us eh?” He laughs “God that sounds so weird…..I honestly don’t even know who else fosters besides Lydia….but you’re going to someone. It’ll be good. And if it sucks go knock on Lydia’s door. Blue house on 3rd. Actually go say hi anyways sometime...and Gen…..I might be too jealous if you get to look at her and I don’t…” He snorts “But she’s cool and I told her about you….ah man...Alexandra! You have to promise to tell me everything.” He had given Ho a vague nod as he left. I mean he’d see him later anyways.
Shaw looked both happy and sad “I’m gonna miss you Gene...but I’m happy you’re free. You deserve a good life in a good place.”
Gene blows out a breath. “You fuckin better.” he tells Dante about catching up. “You’re at the top of the class alone once I go.” he shakes his head. “I mean … I know she said she was working on it and things might happen fast but … fuck …” he nods. “Blue house on 3rd … and I guess I can just leave Gen a note and not look at her just for you.” he snorts. “I will tell you everything. I swear.” he looks at Shaw. “I’m gonna miss you, too kid. And don’t think just cause I’m gone you can fucking lay about.”
Dante grins “You get one last prison meal. Then real food forevermore. Hopefully your foster people are decent cooks. Or do you wanna skip it and beg them for a sandwich later?” He laughs. “I will admit I have food envy as well as you looking at my girl envy...and just….ah fuck the ocean and the woods. Gene it’s a good place to be free. You wanna chance some Klik loaf with us? Maybe they’ll have quote unquote eggs again…”
Shaw smiles “Aw no...I’ll keep working. I actually got a B on my last essay cause of you guys making me do it. My uncle would be proud.”
Gene snorts instead of laughing. His lips dont part to expose his teeth. “I don’t know if I can eat…” he admits and looks around the room. He pauses and glances at Shaw. “But that’s better than begging. Hopefully I wont get thrown into THAT right off the fucking bat.” he’s never told Shaw about his foster homes. “Your uncle should be proud. Keep studying. You’re gonna make a hell of a food tester when you grow up and get out of here.”
Dante sighs “Sadly Shaw and Ho and i have to eat...although god knows what Ho’s doing or who...let’s go to dinner and if you can’t eat just hang with us Gene? Last supper. You’re fuckin Jesus tonight…” He smirks and gets up “Gene Sinclair is an Alexandran……..god damn…”
Shaw beams at the compliments “I will. Maybe I’ll be one of those fancy wine assholes. What are those called?”
Danta snorts “Sommelier? Tonight you can be a juice asshole….”
Gene shrugs. “I’ll eat because you never know when it comes to foster families.” he rolls his eyes as he stands. “Oh yea … that’s what folks need to know .. Jesus was brown.” he snorts and funs his hand through his long wavy hair. Then he looks at Shaw. “Yea .. stick to the juice, man. Show your class some other way.” he grins and heads for the dining hall. “Fucking .. released…” he breathes.
As they walk to the dining hall Skelly and Calder flank Gene “Who’d you have to fuck in the ass to get out Sinclair?”
Dante steps between Gene and Skelly and just stares at him, not saying a word. If someone was going to start shit tonight, Gene wasn’t getting in the middle of it and fucking up his release.
Now Skelly taunts Dante “Oh tough guy...FUCK LIFE on your hands like some kinda badge…...guess what dipshit….you better watch life doesn’t fuck you!” Skelly’s pointer finger jabs Dante in the collar bone.
Dante still just stares and tries to keep walking but Shaw make a different choice.
Calder is just a toadie, walking and taunting with grins.
Shaw rushed Skelly and tackles him to the floor “You dumb fuck...leave him be!”
Two COs come and pull Shaw off Skelly and one of them says “Take him to the hole Jensen…..”
Shaw calls out “Bye Gene...I’ll miss you…” As he’s dragged off.
Skelly and Calder scatter at the arrival of the COs.
Dante moves like he’s going to try and stop them from taking Shaw but he knows he can’t so he just watches with a pained expression and mutters “Fuuuckkk…”
Gene doesn’t reply, but then so much happens. Before he can think, Shaw is being taken to the hole and Skelly has vanished with Calder into thin air. He reaches to pat Dante on the shoulder. Damn it…” he grumbles. “He’ll be fine. He kept us both out of trouble.” he looks in the direction they took Shaw and sighs. “This is a lot harder than I imagined it would be … but … Shaw’s a survivor.” and he was but not like he and Dante were.
Dante sighs and accepts Gene’s reassurance “You’re leaving me a single parent here…” He jokes as they walk in and grab trays to be filled with whatever slop they’re calling supper. “He did good. Let’s just hope he doesn’t go nuts down there with no one to talk to….” Dante holds out his tray and something brown and mushy squelches off a ladle “Uh...what is it?” He asks the cafeteria server.
“Eggs and sausage….I think…..there’s bread at least.”
Dante takes a big piece of bread and looks suspiciously at the food “He thinks…...well I’ll try it first...so if I die at least you can still go home today.” He jokes “God…”
Gene snorts a laugh and grins. “You can sue me for child support. Ya gotta prove he’s mine.” he retorts. He glances back one more time. “He has himself.” he gets bread and some of the stew and heads for their usual table. “Don’t die on me. I’m not sure I’ll make it on the outside. Alexandra likes YOU .. it don’t even KNOW me.” he sits and looks at his plate. “Man … another foster home.” he glances up and his face is a little scared. “Another foster mother…”
Dante tries to be positive. He knows what Gene’s been through “Natalie knows your deal right? She’d check it out I’m sure. And there are good people who foster because they want to help kids like us….I know that hasn’t been your deal. And like I say, if it sucks, go to Lydia. She won’t try anything….I swear. I can’t even imagine her thinking anything like that.” Dante bravely dips some of the bread into the sausage gravy and then chews slowly and makes a face. Then he shrugs “We’ve had worse….”
Gene nods. “Yea. She knows my whole story. I’m just a little cynical … ok I’m a lot cynical. I’ve never been in the kind of foster home you’ve been in, man. That Lydia sounds like .. I guess like a real mom in a lot of ways. That’s not how things have been for me.” he watches Dante eat and announce that they’ve had worse. “That makes it a gourmet meal then.” and he begins to eat also. “You know, my foster mom could be the worse cook on the island and still outdo this place.” he tries to look on the positive side. Then he pauses. “I’ll be put in the school I guess?”
Dante nods sympathetically “I know. And she is...she’s not my mom….and she doesn’t try to be...but she’s the closest I’ll get. Maybe this one...this foster mom will be that for you. I wonder who it is….” He thinks “Maybe someone with grown up kids like Michelle Kim? I don’t think she has a spare room….no no 4th….she’s on 3rd too...Maybe it’s the Petersons? They’re morticians….but nice.” Dante shrugs “I dunno man…” He laughs “Yeah and we don’t even have our sommelier?” Dante looks encouraging “the school’s pretty decent. Aw man you’re older than me. You’ll be in a different class than me. I don’t even know who’s in your class….Bunch of Carpenters...and Levar….doesn’t matter. You’ll make some friends I’m sure. Honestly, I’m a bit of ...well I have been a bit of a loner before Gen...and you now so I can’t even suggest anyone to hang out with. I mean Gen’s friends...Gen’s older brother Sasha.” He shrugs and laughs “I keep my circle small man.”
Gene listens to Dante reflect and speculate.on who he might wind up with. “Carpenters? Like Jesus? Terrific. Or morticians but no wine gurus.” he sighs. “I’ve always been a bit of a loner in school, too. I had .. clients after school and on the weekends. So … I’ll just concentrate on keeping my grades up and my head down. I’m fine with you being my only friend. Believe me, it’s been worse. At home I just took care of the foster siblings, especially when I wound up being the oldest sound. At least I could get them shit like ice cream or candy.” he snorts. “FunnyFunny because they always watched my diet and made sure I took care of myself. Except for a bunch being broken, I think my teeth are OK cause I sure wasn’t getting pop or ice cream treats.”
Dante laughs “No it’s their last name. Carpenter. Big family. Not religious but the guy runs a hardware shop...good name for it.. I’m the oldest of my foster family right now…..so I get that….not the other stuff...clients and that shit….yikes. I try not to give Stone sweets. He’s like a young Shaw...hyper.” He looks at Gene “Maybe we can sweet talk Gen’s parents into cutting you a deal for work on your teeth. They run the dental clinic. But even with a deal...i dunno dentists are expensive.”
Gene nods at another thing they have in common. “Well, be glad you never had to deal with clients. It’s not as great as some guys’ll think it is. And I’ll remember that if I meet Stone and he tries to get sweets out of me.” he half grins. “Nah .. I’ll see if I can get a job. I’ve never had one before, but I can repair computers. My last three homes we kids all had to share one and I was taught how, remember .. but never got money for it. If I'm good …” he sighs deeply and a little anxiously. “Maybe I can get a job after school or something.”
Dante thinks “There’s a tiny computer repair place by the hardware store actually, same building…..just one guy though. Bruce…..something. Funny thing he’s Indigenous to boot. Semiahmoo I think I heard someone say. Sold Lydia a refurbished laptop for me for school...still works. He might be a one man gig but you could ask him. And no...I could never do the job you did before...the clients thing. I used to sleep around a lot but since Gen I can’t imagine how i ever did it like that. I know you didn’t choose that life...at all…”
Gene nods. “I’ll look for it if I can.” he tells him. “And no … I didn’t choose it but it did make life easier … for a bit.” he takes a deep breath and finishes his dinner with his best friend. After dinner, they return to the E-Block and play a last hand of cards. The time passed quickly and slowly and soon, Beecher was back, carrying a plain brown paper bag. “Here’s your new suit, Sinclair. Change clothes, pack your shit, kiss your boyfriend goodbye and get the fuck out.”
Dante had hugged Gene goodbye, a bro hug since Gene felt like a brother to him now as well as a best friend. But the good part was he’d see him again soon. He just had to keep his head down for a while longer. As Gene walked away he grinned “You got this bro. See ya on the island.”
Tim Wong drove up to Prince George Youth Custody Centre with Natalie Sokal in the passenger seat of the rental car. As they got out they both put on face masks and walked into the building ready to receive Eugene Sinclair on his release. Tim was happy to let Natalie do most of the talking to the desk clerks.
Natalie was visibly pregnant now but somehow it just added to her natural ferocity “Natalie Sokal and Tim Wong for Eugene Sinclair.”
The clerk looked momentarily confused “I have a Timothy Wong not a Tim...”
Tim raised a hand “Still me...yes.”
Natalie barked at her “Really lady? In what universe is Tim not obviously short for that? Where’s my client?”
The clerk got on the phone and talked to what seemed like a couple of people, but after about 20 minutes, Eugene was escorted to the front. He was dressed in the grey sweatsuit and still had his prison slippers on his feet, because he had no clothes of his own.
Beecher held him by the elbow, as if concerned for the safety of others. He looked Natalie up and down, pausing at her baby bump. Then he looked at Gene and snorted. “Well, off you go. See you in a month. Tops.” he had little faith in the system.
Gene tightened his jaw, but said nothing to Beecher. He noticed Natalie’s baby bump, but it meant nothing to him really, except that his lawyer was pregnant. “I guess I’m all signed out.” he spoke softly, but still as if he were in a bit of a shock. He carries the brown paper bag that the clothes had been delivered in. It was all he had, and he’d gotten it all while in the prison.
Natalie had left the clerk stunned but as soon as she sawi Gene with the guard holding his elbow she rounded on him instead. She had shifted from heels to flats because of balance concerns but her flats were pointed in the toes. “Hello Eugene.” She greeted with a kind tone before dealing with the guard “You are. There’s no need to man handle Mr Sinclair. And if I’m not mistaken the goal of juvenile detention is to support and rehabilitate. So sending releases off with flippant unsupportive comments would likely not put you in your warden’s favour Mr....” She reads his name badge “Beecher... is it? Unhand my client now.” She demands.
Tim is behind Natalie nervously adjusting his glasses. He had given Eugene a little nod “Hello.”
Beacher lets go of Gene’s elbow and takes a step back, looking at Natalie with narrowed eyes. He gives Gene one more contemptuous look, turns on his heel and walks backInside the prison proper.
Gene watches this and can only give a grin at his lawyers guts. He still wasn’t entirely sure what is going on. Tucking his bag under his arms, he looks at them. “Thanks, Miss Sokal. I mean for .. everything.” he looks at the man. “Hello .. you’re ... who?” he really wants out of the building and off the prison grounds, but he is trying hard to remember his manners.
Tim exhales and blinks as Beecher walks away before smiling at Gene and extending a hand and then retracting “Sorry...habit. Covid. I’m Tim Wong. Your social worker. We have a face mask for you. Let me just use the dispenser on our way out before I handle it.” Tim trots over and takes a squirt of sanitizer and then pulls a packaged face mask from his jacket pocket and hands it to Gene.
Natalie narrows her eyes after Beecher and then grins at Gene which is visible around her eyes as Tim does his thing. “Let’s get moving. You travel light.” She jokes about the small paper bag. “Did you have breakfast already?”
Now they’re heading out the front doors towards a grey green Subaru compact SUV. “This is us...” Tim announces as he clicks the key fob and it chirps to unlock the vehicle. There’s a light drizzle of rain but the air is cool and fresh.
Gene had been staring at Tim’s hand, but not because he was afraid of germs. He wasn’t used to anyone wanting to shake hands with him. “My social worker .. right.” he follows his example and sanitizes his hands, then decides to do it twice. Then he takes the mask and figures it out before he nods to himself and follows them out of the building. He takes in a deep breath and looks at Natalie. “It’s .. everything I had. The books from Father O’Keeffe and the magazines. So … yea … light.” he pauses. “Such as it was, yea. I guess I ate.” he wasn’t convinced one could call it food. He looks at the SUV and pauses before he opens the back door to get inside. He keeps looking around as if he’s never seen the place before.
Natalie nods and then settles into the front seat when it’s time to get into the car. “We could hit a drive through before we leave town if you’re still hungry….we’ll hit something on the highway for lunch in a while.” She fiddles with her seatbelt so it fits her properly and doesn’t dig into her belly. “Thanks for driving Tim.”
Tim clicks on his seatbelt “Yeah me know about that drive through Gene. I’m good to stop or just hit the road.” He starts up the engine and turns on the radio but not loud. It’s pop music but not loud.
Gene pursues his lips at the mention of food. Not prison food. “It’s not necessary.” he tells them, not wanting to be a bother. “I don’t have any money anyway.” he looks out the window as the car begins to move, looking at the outside. “Did I say thank you, Miss Sokal? And to you Mr Wong.” He looks out the window again. “I cant believe … I don’t even know … I mean I never thought…” and he shuts up, not wanting to be annoying.
Tim glances at Gene in the rearview mirror “We do have a budget. No one was thinking you’d have a bank card coming out of prison Gene. Seriously just let me know. There’s a Tim Hortons and McDonald’s before we hit the exit. And hey it’s my job..” He doesn’t speak for Natalie.
Natalie smiles “It’s true...and you’re welcome Gene….but like Tim said. It’s my job too. You got a rotten deal there and I’m sorry it took as long as it did to set it right. It’s going to be weird for a bit I imagine. But it’ll get better now.”
Gene rubs under his nose, in a slight chuckle. “Yea … I’m pretty much dead broke.” he admits. “Um … I’ve been to McDonalds a couple of times, but not Tim Horton’s for a long time.” he tells them. “Which is most like ‘real food’?” it’s almost, but not quite joking. He looks at Natalie. “I .. I didn’t think you'd do it at all, ma’am.” he tells her. “I figured I might get out on my 18th birthday and figure it all out from there. So … weird … is an understatement…”
Natalie and Tim answer about the like real food in unison without planning it at all “Tim’s!”
Then Natalie laughs and sighs “I’m glad this didn’t take that long. Tim pull into Tim’s…..betcha hear that a lot..” She teases. “I’ll buy this round. Lunch can be from your social services budget. Get whatever you want Gene. I’ll have a bacon grilled breakfast wrap with no bacon.”
Tim rolls his eyes “Yeah I’ve heard that before. Don’t worry about money for food Gene. We’ve got it.” He turns off and pulls into the drive through line up.
Gene grins without showing his teeth. “Then Tim’s it is.” he considers. “Then .. the … hot breakfast sandwich on a biscuit and sausage?” he nods at Tim. “Well, I know the government takes care of that through the foster parents. Probably a good thing since I literally don’t have any clothes but these.” he plucks at the sweat shirt. “Thanks again, by the way.” he glances at the menu. “Food has never been the issue.” he murmurs.
Tim orders at the window and also asks for a coffee for each of them and creamers and sugar on the side. Once they’re through and food and drinks have been distributed he says “Well we have a road budget for picking people up and getting them to foster families too. But thanks Natalie ….for breakfast.”
Natalie looks back at Gene “Well you needed something to wear home. We guessed a bit at the size. You’re about the height of my husband but a little scrawnier...no offense. But I’m sure your foster family will make sure you have enough to wear for school and life in town.”
They pull back out on the road and are soon on a highway surrounded by mixed forest and scrub on both sides with the occasional farm.
Gene takes the coffee and food. “Thank you.” he looks at Natalie. “None taken. I’m skinny, I know. But the sweats fit and I’m sure the family will do the best they can by me.” He isn't trying to be insulting, but he’s had shit luck with foster families and his record shows that, as he’s been abused in one way or another in every one he’s ever been in. He looks out of the window. “Wow … so this is British Columbia.”
Natalie is hopeful “I’m sure they will.” She knew the record but she also knew Alexandra and had seen it’s best as well as its worst. “Some of it yeah. Alexandra is nothing like this part…” She laughs a bit and then gets a text and gets distracted by her phone replying.
Tim is still drinking his coffee and sips and drives “Guess you didn’t get to see as much coming in. This province is like 4 places in one...I mean there’s ocean, mountains ...this …..rainforests …..but yeah the island is it’s own deal. I grew up there. Moved back this year with my family. It’s a good place to live Gene.”
Gene nods as he eats and drinks, taking extra care to be neat about it. Tim is absolutely right, he realizes as he looks out the window of the long drive. Ontario had nothing on this place. In some places his jaw drops, but then he realizes it and closes it again. He spends literal hours just looking out of the window at rivers, lakes, trees. It’s like some kind of nature porn. And it was home now. But he is still anxious, but maybe not as bad as he could be, he realises. Natalie and Tim had a job to do. Dante had nothing to gain by overplaying Alexandra, so he waited for it, hoping his friend just didn’t have some blind love of his hometown. Finally the SUV crosses a bridge and, looking over it, Gene can’t help but breathe “Woah … I don’t remember it being like this. I mean .. I .. I was arrested in Vancouver…”
Natalie is a bit road weary by the time they get on the ferry. It’s been a long day and with stops for gas, bathrooms and a quick lunch it’s now getting late for her. By the time the SUV is parked on the ferry she’s fast asleep.
Tim looks awkwardly at Natalie and then back at Gene “Shoot…..well a lot of people stay in their cars because of Covid but if you want to go watch the sea go by, you can. I can stay with her. Just pay attention to where we’re parked...totally up to you Gene?”
Gene hadn’t noticed that Natalie had fallen asleep until it was time ot get on the ferry. He is surprised a bit by Tim’s offer to let him go and look if he wants, and then he remembers he’s not in prison anymore. “Yea. I think I will. Thanks, Mr. Wong.” he makes note of where the SUV was parked and goes up to the passenger observation deck. At first that’s great, but he kept feeling like the people were watching him, so he went up one more level, and outside. He could feel the wind on his face and smell the air and it was incredible. He wasn’t positive, but he thought he saw a whale, but the sun was down and he wasn’t positive. But he thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of being outside until he began to worry he would miss the announcement of Alexandra and he went back to the observation deck, where he stood watching out the window until he noticed two girls staring at him. Before they could speak to him, he heard the announcement for Alexandra and walked back to the SUV, getting in, fastening his seatbelt and grinning at Tim. “Thanks again, Mr Wong.”
Tim looked back and smiled “Glad you had fun. I’ll….we’ll drop sleeping beauty off to her hubby and then I’ll take you to your new home.” Soon they were docked and all the engines started up and cars began to move forward. In Alexandra cars were not so common so it was a short line of them. Tim pulled up in front of Natalie’s building and gave her a little nudge “Hey Natalie?”
Natalie woke with a start, totally disoriented “Oh shit did we miss the ferry?!” Then she looked around “I’m home?”
Tim looked back at Gene and laughed “Yeah. I’ll take it from here. The Walsh house knows we’re arriving. Goodnight.”
Natalie laughs at herself now “Oh Gene I’m sorry. I fall asleep s easily at this time of day. Listen, call me with anything…..in the morning. Welcome to Alexandra Eugene Sinclair.” She gathers herself and her purse and small bag from the back hatch “Goodnight guys.” And she’s through the door and up the stairs.
Gene looks out on Alexandra as best he can. It’s dark, but he grins when the SUV passes a lit up place called Perkatory. Dante had told him about the place. They they are pulling up at a law office and Natalie is calling it home. “Sure. I will.” he promises Natalie. “Thank you again, Miss .. I mean Mrs … Sokal …” he knew she was married now and he just didn’t know what to call her at this point. But then she’s gone and he sits, realizing now that he is tense. The next stop was his new foster parents house.
Tim gave Natalie a last wave and then they were off, a very short drive towards 4th street. They parked about half way down and then Tim got out and waited for Gene, directing him to one of the brownstones where the front light was on and there was a warm glow from the lights inside. “You ready?” It was almost rhetorical because he asked it as his hand finger pressed the doorbell.
A dog barked on the inside and a man’s voice called out “Hang on...let me get Rufus! Come on boy settle down.” The door opened and a tall middle aged Indigenous man looked up from holding and excited bulldog by the collar. He had short black hair that was greying and a long but friendly face “Hey hey come on in….he’ll chill out once you’re in here.” He backed up with the dog so they could step in “I’m Shea…” He was wearing a pair of old blue jeans and a blue plaid flannel shirt buttoned over a white tshirt. He had a pair of grey wool socks on his feet.
On the couch with a laptop on her lap sat Sparrow Walsh. She looked up and smiled. She looked a bit like her father so the resemblance was clear. She was in blue jeans as well and a green Alexandra Academy sweatshirt with an Otter on it for the school teams. “Rufus...sit! Hello.” She called out.
Lyra looks almost exactly like her mother did except she is smaller being only 10 years old. That she is Indiginous is also clear. She is standing beside the fireplace and clearly trying not to bounce up and down. She has shoulder length black hair and is wearing a blue jean skirt and an Alexandra Otters t-shirt. As the men come in she waves. “Hello and welcome!” she is naturally rather happy and cheerful with a natural energy about her.
On the coffee table are what look like cupcakes.
Gene didn’t bother to answer Tim. What could he say? No? This was his new foster home, whether he liked it or not. The sound of a dog was new. At least he’d have that. Then the door opens and he is facing an Indigionos man. Gene stares in shock for a minute and then closes his mouth and steps inside, slipping out of his prison slippers. He has no socks on, so he doesn’t have to worry about that part. He steps inside and looks at the girls. Neither is old enough to be Shea’s wife and walking in, he finds himself scanning the rooms for her. By way of greeting, he lifts his hand and grins a little. The little girl’s energy is a little bit contagious.
Tim steps in behind Gene and takes off his shoes, letting the introduction just take shape as he mostly observes. “Hi.” He greets casually. They’ve met him already though. This is about meeting Gene.
Shea lets go of Rufus and Rufus sniffs at Gene and Tim and then really sniffs at Gene’s shoes once they’re off before coming back to him and dropping on the floor in front of Gene and offering his belly. Shea laughs “He’ll be your pal forever if you give him a scratch. Eugene...or do you go by Gene? This is Sparrow and Lyra, my daughters. Rufus…..and that’s the lot of us. Lyra’s been baking but we also have a pot of chili on for a late supper and some garlic bread.” The house itself is very simple. Not overly decorated but some family pictures that look outdated where the girls are younger with a woman and then more recent pictures of the two girls and Shea. There are some wall hangings with Musqueam designs and in one corner in a cabinet a collection of beautiful drums. The furniture is older but in decent shape.
Sparrow gives a sort of casual wave at her introduction and gestures at her laptop “Don’t mind me...paper due next week.”
Gene drops as soon as he realizes that Rufus isn’t going to attack and is already scratching and rubbing the dogs belly when Shea says it will make him a friend of the dog forever. He can't help but grin, careful to keep his mouth closed. “Gene please, sir.” he replies. He blinks when he’s told that it’s only the three of them. No wife. He gapes, even as he pets the dog, but he relaxes immediately. Maybe his luck had finally changed. Maybe.
Lyra actually bounces as Rufus and Gene bond. “I’m going to try and make Corn soup tomorrow. I hope you like it.”
Gene looks sharply at Lyra, gaping again. He quickly realises his jagged teeth are showing and drops his head, speaking more into Rufus’s belly than into the air. “It’s my favorite. I don’t get it much. Thank you.”
Lyra beams. “Do you know a recipe? I found some on the Internet, but you’re actually Mohawk, so it would be best to come from you.” she motions at the cupcakes. “Those are Mohawk milk cakes. I hope they're alright. Internet .. you know.”
Gene looks up and this time lifts his hand to his mouth. “I … I do … actually … a lady in a reservation near my last few homes taught me” and then he gives his attention back to Rufus’s belly.
Shea smiles at his youngest reaching out to Gene and chuckles “Shea, please. You don’t ever need to call me Sir….I’ll be looking for someone in a suit behind me or something. Sounds like we’re gonna have some good food this weekend. Gene...do you have any allergies or anything we should know about?”
Sparrow chimes in “Are you a vegetarian….or a vegan? We’d be a shitty house for a vegan...I I swear there’s like 10 eggs in that cake Lyra made.” She teases her sister.
Tim stays quiet but he’s pleased with how it’s going. He settles into a chair close to the door, thinking he may not need to stay long.
Gene tries to get up and move further into the house, but Rufus follows, so he sits on the floor and Rufus promptly plants himself in Gene’s lap. First he replies to Shea. “Sorry sir .. I mean Shea. I don’t have anything … no allergies or anything.” Then he looks at Sparrow. “And no .. not vegan. I was basically raised in French homes so … yea … eggs.” he hesitates and then reaches for one of the milk cakes, carefully taking off the wrapper. He has to open his mouth wider, which shows off his teeth, in order to get it in quickly because Rufus is trying to steal it.
Lyra huffs at her sister. “Eight because I doubled the recipe.” and she sticks out her tongue. Then she watches as Gene eats the milk cake. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re like Snagglepuss. A cougar.” she seems absolutely delighted by that. She bites her lip. “You don’t have to hide your teeth here. We know you got in a bad fight that messed them up. They don’t affect your eating, do they?” she looks concerned.
Gene had closed his mouth as fast as he could and chewed then swallowed as best he could. He looks confused. “Snagglepus?” he looks around at Shea and Sparrow. “I mean .. I …” he clears his throat. “Believe me, I am no cougar.” he snorts. Ironically enough and probably unknown to Lyra, he had a great deal of experience with cougars. Then he shrugs. “I do OK … with these teeth. Eventually I’ll get a job and earn the money to get them fixed.” he looks at Shea. “If that’s alright, si … Shea. I can work.” he has been expected to for many years and in the worst ways in the last home.
Sparrow laughs at her sister calling Gene Snagglepus and a cougar and she gets the reference and Gene’s joke at it. But she doesn’t correct her little sister. But she offers words of encouragement “Well at least you can eat.”
Shea laughs hard “Snagglepus! Exit stage left! I showed the girls some of those old cartoons. Some of those Looney Tunes ones even have warnings at the beginning now...look out we got racism.” He slaps his leg and laughs some more and then nods and calms “Yeah sure you’re old enough to get a job. Sparrow works weekend mornings at the Breakfast Nook. As long as you keep it in balance with school because that’s still your first job at your age. Do you want to see your room? You get your own…” He shoots a warning look at Sparrow after he says it.
Sparrow smiles and sighs “I’m over it Dad…..it was my room for awhile but we’ve had other fosters. Come on Gene I can show you.” She sets her laptop on the coffee table “Rufus...let him up…..you big baby..”
Rufus looks up at Gene like he’s the last human on earth and he must have all the dog love. He’s a medium sized dog but solidly built and not light.
Tim stands up and offers Gene a business card with some phone numbers on it “I’m going to head out. But if you need anything, give me a call. Likewise Shea.” He smiles at everyone. He had laughed about the Snagglepus and cougar jokes because he was the right age to get them all but now things seem to be going well here and he was ready to be home with his own family.
Lyra eats another milk cake and bites her lip when Gene’s room is mentioned. She looks at her sister. “But I LIKE having a roommate. Then I’m not alone all the time.” she makes it sound like the best thing in the world, and it is for her.
Gene looks mildly interested. “Well I’ll look it all up. Racism in cartoons? Who knew, right?” he rolls his eyes and gently pushes Rufus off of his lap at the mention of his room. He looks a little anxiously at Sparrow, but when she says she’s OK with it, he relaxes a bit, although he isn’t convinced yet, simply because everything is going so beautifully he figures stealing one of the ‘real’ kids bedrooms might be the place it all goes horribly wrong. “Yea, I’d like that.” he murmurs. Then he takes the card Tim offers him. “Thanks again, Mr. Wong.” He watches him leave and is led up to his new bedroom with his bag of possessions.
The room is relatively small, but it is a row house. A single bed, already made with a blanket folded neatly at the foot. There is no closet, but a plain looking armoire with drawers in a corner. On the outside wall are two small windows that look out into the dense trees between the blocks.
Sparrow had given her sister a sweet smile. She did love her and it wasn’t horrible to share. Just less ideal at 16 than it was at 13 in some ways. She didn’t begrudge Gene. He had faced bigger problems than privacy issues and he needed a safe place and good family. She got that. Now she watched Gene take in the room that was his now “Dad and Lyra tend to shower at night and I’m pretty fast so we can figure out times for the morning. There’s a few clothes in the dresser that might fit you. We guessed at the size based on what your lawyer said but Dad will also take you shopping. But some t-shirts, pajama bottoms, an extra pair of sweatpants, bag of grey socks, bag of underwear. Also a few toiletries in a case. Toothbrush, soap, deodorant, a comb, razor and shaving cream. You can share from our family shampoo and conditioner. There’s a dark blue bath towel on a hook in the bathroom for you. Washcloths are in the cupboard down the hall if you need. Anything else in terms of personal products just put it on the grocery list on the fridge. We have dental floss and toothpaste paste in the bathroom cupboard. Bandaids ...whatever you need.” She has a look of dawning “Oh you need a phone activated. We have an old one we can do that with. Dad was supposed to get it started by tomorrow...” She smiles “There’s no curfew but text if you’re out and missing supper. Or if you’re gonna be really late. He’s easygoing but he just wants to know.”
Gene looked around the room as Sparrow explained everything. “I … well with my teeth, I go through toothbrushes.” he warns her. “Again, it’s a long term goal, you know.” he actually blinks when she basically tells him he will get a phone. He hadn’t expected that so soon. She then tells him he has no curfew and he scoffs. “That’s a switch.” he murmurs. “But I can do that. I … really have no idea if I’ll be in a lot or not. This is … really different from … ever.” he admits.
Sparrow nods sympathetically about Gene’s teeth “Well it’s easy to get another toothbrush anytime for the short term.” She laughs a little “Maybe different is good. Come on let’s go back downstairs. I want to spoil my dinner with one of those Mohawk cakes.” She starts back for the stairs.
Shea is now in the kitchen taking garlic bread out of the oven “Did you like the room?” He’ll ask Gene as he sees him. “You’ll have some chores but we share them pretty good so it’s not too much for any one of us. Do you like to cook?”
Lyra is setting the table in the dining room. She looks eager to hear if the room is okay or not.
Gene nods. “As long as its not the same, I’m good.” he laughs about the mohawk cakes and heads downstairs with her. “Yes, si .. Shea. Sorry.” he looks around. “I don’t mind chores.” his face darkens just a little bit. “I like cooking … yea.” he admits, but there is something there he isn’t saying, possibly because of the girls, or at least Lyra.
Sparrow walks over to the cakes and takes one and then unwraps it an eats it, giving Lyra a thumbs up as she listens to Gene answer their father. Then after he has she says “Dad did you do the phone thing for Gene for tomorrow?”
Shea sees Gene’s expression but can’t read the kid yet at all. He feels like there’s more but he’s not sure. He nods slowly “That’s good.” Then he hears Sparrow “Oh shit yeah...hang on…” He goes to a drawer at the desk along the wall and opens it “Yeah Gene, you can connect to the wifi in the house for now...but by mid day you should be fully activated with a working phone. Oh and we gotta go see that computer dude to get you a laptop for school. You’ll need it for homework.” Shea hands Gene the phone...it’s an older iPhone but it works well enough “Should still be on our wifi. You haven’t had that in a while eh?”
Gene’s attention was completely diverted by the phone and talk of a laptop. “Well it’s Friday night … I guess … tomorrow. The computer guy …. His name is Bruce .. right?” he remembers when Dante told him that … a million years ago it feels like. Long day. “And no .. Last time I had wifi was … in Ottawa... “
Shea looks surprised “I don’t think I said his name yet. You psychic?” He laughs “Bruce Davis. Genius with computers and electronics. He’ll have something.”
Sparrow goes and gets out bowls and plates now “We should eat the chili...getting sweetened out. Lyra can you put out the cutlery please?” She begins ladling out the chili and taking bowls to the table in the dining room.
Gene shakes his head. “Dante Mendoza told me. I didn't know his last name tho. We were in together. Me and Dante.” he looks around. “I can do it, if you tell me where they are.” he offers.
Lyra nods and heads back into the kitchen. “We can do it together, if you want.” she offers.
Gene nods and, now that he knows where the silverware is, he lends a hand, doing his part.
Soon they’re seating around the table together and bread is being passed around. Shea nods “Dante...ok. Yeah I knew about him but I didn’t make the connection. One of Lydia Alvin’s. Well then you have one friend from here already. That’s good.” He dips a hunk of bread into his chili and eats with little nods. Finally he muses “Bit spicy today.”
Sparrow raises a brow about Dante and then shrugs. She mostly knew about him through reputation but she was aware of him through school and of course everyone knew what happened. “That Brett guy died. Do you think that means Dante gets out earlier too?” She takes a bit of chili and chews and swallows “Dad I think it could use more spice.” She smirks.
Gene nods. “Yea. Lydia. I’m supposed to see them. I’d like to do that this weekend, if I can. And .. see Gen too.” he looks at Sparrow. “It doesn’t really work like that.” he explains what little he knows. “Dante didn’t kill Brett, so his sentence won’t be affected.” he fills his spoon. “But he could get early release if he keeps his grades up and stays out of trouble. Which .. isn’t always easy.” he admits and tries the chili. After swallowing he nods in Sparrow’s direction. “What she said.” he agrees.
Lyra listens. She knows a little bit about what happened with Dante because the school was small. It didn’t seem fair to her.
Sparrow makes a face “It’s a system that barely punishes people for sex crimes but if someone acts like a vigillante and their skin is too brown they nail their ass to the wall instead?” She rips her bread roughly “I hope Dante makes the prison honour roll.” She knows her little sister knows enough of this not to be too shocked by her words. They were a very honest family.
Shea nods sadly along with both Gene and Sparrow “Yep.” Then he circles back to the positive and practical “Well Lydia and Gen are neighbours so that should be easy. You want me to reach out to Lydia? I’m on that parent’s watch group chat that the Stanleys started a while back so I have Lydia in my contacts now.”
Gene looks at Sparrow and nods. “Pretty much.” he agrees and then he sighs. They surely know the part of his story where he got arrested and convicted. “Dante had a great lawyer, who got his charges dropped from attempted murder to assault, basically. Me? I was in for Attempted murder. I guess Mrs Sokal got the charges dropped and me released on time served.” he looks at Shea. “Please? Dante says he told them about me, but I’m a little nervous about just knocking on doors. I think I’ll wait till I’m in school to approach Gen.” because as nice as Dante said her parents were they were still white, blonde French people to him.
Lyra sighs. “It’s not FAIR!” she protests. “Why is it like that? Why?”
Meanwhile, Rufus lay himself behind Gene’s chair, silently.
Shea nods “It’s a good thing for Natalie Sokal. And now you’re here. I’ll text Lydia after supper. Talking to Gen at school is a good plan. Sparrow do you know her at all?” Then Lyra sighs and protests and Shea looks pained. He leans over and ruffles her hair “I know my girl. I wish I had an answer for you. But I don’t. It’s better here than some places. And you know we stand together and we’re here for you….and each other….at least in this house.”
Sparrow quietly eats as Gene talks, nodding every so often. She gives her sister a loving look and then shakes her head at her father “Not really...I mean I know who she is but she’s not in our grade. The new kids are always pretty obvious each year and Gen hangs out with another new girl….Elise. She’s one of the Dive Shop kids. The Girards live down the street.” She explains mostly for Gene.
Shea beams “Oh I like them...did some work for the shop because they needed more outlets. Andre and Suzette….and that boy looks like a mini Andre.” He laughs “Even walks like him.”
Gene is eating steadily, but also listening. This is a close family who looks out for each other. Not a broken ‘Injun’ home. He looks at Sparrow. “I know what Gen looks like. Dante told me enough.” he looks at Shea. “So they’re all from after the fog, right? The new families? And you guys and Dante were here for all of that?”
Lyra blinks and stares at him, smiling. “You know about the fog?” she sounds partly delighted and partly sad.
Sparrow smiles a bit “Gen’s cute.” She shrugs “I noticed.” Then she blinks as he reveals he knows about the fog “Shit…..”
Shea shakes his head and laughs “Well if Dante told you...that saves us a bit of time later.” He sighs sadly at Gene and then looks at his girls with a melancholy expression. “We were here. The girls lost their mother in the earthquake. My beautiful Belinda.” His jaw sets and he swallows.
Sparrow looks down at the mention of their mother’s passing. It as still very raw in many ways.
Lyra nods about losing her mother. “It was … bad …” she admits, sniffs and then takes more chili into her mouth.
Gene huffs about Gen being cute while noting that Sparrow is perhaps a lesbian. “I’m not going to notice that. I promised.” He jokes a little. Then the talk turns to them losing a wife and mother in that earthquake. “Fuck. I’m sorry.” He means both about their loss and about bringing up bad memories for them.
Shea looks at Gene with shining eyes but smiles “Thank you. Still a long path to walk. “ He puts a hand lightly on Lyra’s back for a moment and then clears his throat and looks at Sparrow “Don’t encourage him to check out his buddy’s girl. Introduce him to the ones in your class.” He smiles “If you like girls that is...I mean just because you liked or even loved one….we don’t assume anything in this house.”
Sparrow looks relieved to be on another topic and ponders “Girls in our class…..hmmm… Well Stella’s off limits. We’re not exclusive but I’m rather into her and hopeful. And yes I’m a lesbian...so you dn’t have to wonder. It’s a small class….Fernanda's taken. Too bad really. She’s hot….so her sister mind you and not too much younger. Winona….well she’s a Carpenter. They’re nice people fun people….not really…..well hey you’ll just have to see. New girl friend of hers...Miranda. Interesting...bit of a loudmouth. Can’t pick a hair colour. Can’t get a read on her.” She shrugs and eats some more. “Not that dating is the shit….sometimes it’s just better t say fuck it. Especially coming off your shit….no offense.”
Gene grins, his lips closed. “No .. no checking out Gen. I’m straight, but .. no.” he listens as Sparrow starts listing off girls in their class. “I don’t know what to say. I had a girlfriend my own age … and she … well .. It's why I’m on this side of the country now.” he clears his throat. “And I was mostly with .. you know … older women. Part of how my foster parents … did things.” he looks at Shea, unsure if he understands how he was pimped out. It would make sense for Natalie to tell him. According to his foster record, he is a problem kid. Thrown out of his homes for stealing or breaking the house rules. But it was another thing entirely in reality.
Lyra concentrates on her food. Sometimes the older people would talk more openly if they thought she wasn’t listening, but she knew a bit, thanks for her father’s policy of honesty.
Shea knew what Gene meant about older women but he hadn’t told the girls all those details. He didn’t want Gene to feel in any way exposed about something he probably needed a hell of a lot of counselling about. So all he can really say is “Fresh start Gene. I promise it’ll be nothing like the ones before. No one’s rushing you to get a girlfriend. Just focus on you...and healing. Settling into school and the house.”
Sparrow clued in that there was more to Gene’s words but she didn’t know what. Older women? She had been tempted to tease him and then thought better of it. “Yeah healing is good. And if you need help catching up in school here you can look at my notes for any of that. I was really kinda teasing about girls. You do you for a bit. What do you like to do for fun? I mean I get that it’s been awhile but what did you used to do? Do you play sports? Do you like movies? Do you like reading...like for fun not just school? Video games? We have a super old XBox but we mostly play PC Games in this house when we play.”
Lyra finished her dinner and finally looked to be turning in. “We have a couple of board games. Since we didn't have internet, that’s sort of what we got into. Oh! Oh and cards! Can you play cards?”
Gene was glad there was no pressure to get a girlfriend. He had his own opinion about himself and, including his messed up teeth he wouldn’t be attracting any girls, so it didn’t matter anyway. “I like to think the prison hept us all up to date, but .. we’ll see.” and then Sparrow brings up sports and things like that. “I love reading.” he admits, finishing up his chili and bread. Nodding in the direction of the upstairs, he tells them, “I have Jaws and The Old Man In The Sea in my bag. Which reminds me, I’d like to give them back to Father O’Keeffe in case someone else in need needs them.” he pauses. “I …. Didn’t play a lot … The last few years its been mostly work. You know.” it occurs to him he might be just as behind on games as a lot of the kids that had been in the fog. The problem with being an abused foster kid was never being allowed to do things after school for fear he might talk. And after he was 12 there was a lot for him to talk about that would get his foster families in trouble. But he is able to look at Lyra. “I DO play cards.” he smirks closed-mouthed at her. “Poker, Gin …. Stuff like that … but
Dante and I played War like every day.” he sighs and rolls his eyes. “Either he’s really good or I super suck at it.”
Shea chuckles “Eclectic reading. Father O’Keefe? Hmmm I’ve heard about that guy. I mean I know what he looks like. Hard to miss a redheaded priest in this town.” Shea sighs realizing of how much of a childhood Gene probably missed, even the older childhood part, which is not unimportant. “We like our games nights in this town….and cards is good, even if you suck at it...still fun to play.”
Sparrow shrugs “Hope so. We’re probably the same on stuff like math and science but maybe some different novels….although not Jaws or the Old Man and the Sea. Actually Mrs. Birch gives a pretty big range in the book choices. You can take on classics...hell you could even write a paper on The Old Man and the Sea if you want I’m sure. Or you can customize it. I’m pretty much reading and writing on Indigenous Canadian fiction...which is cool. Birdie...the Girl Called Echo series, Indian Horse…...but yeah you could probably take stuff from what you already did for sure. We also have some different courses like local history with Detective Lawry. He’s a Black Indigenous teacher….oh and wait...he’s married to your lawyer right?” She looks at her father for clarification but then teases him “That’s just cause you suck at cards Dad.” She grins at Lyra “But Lyra’s a little card shark.”
Shea nods “Yes he is. And they’re expecting a baby.”
Lyra smirks at the talk of cards. “Just give me your allowance.” she suggests. “But honestly I like playing for fun. But feel free to give me your allowance anyway.” she teases.
Gene laughs, still covering his mouth. “Not os much eclectic … I love fishing so … both are about fishing .. sort of … and in prison .. you read what you can get your h he looks interested in this detective who is married to his lawyer. “I … dn’t know … I mean she must use another name for work. But … whatever … he teaches Alexandra history? I want that.” he’s interested in the local history. Then he looks between Shea and Lyra. “Well I have a great poker face.” and he looks at Lyra. “Yea but now that you mentioned it I know to be careful when gambling with you.” he grins and suddenly yawns, not realizing how tired he actually was. “Shit. I’m sorry. It was like an 8 or 10 hour drive. It’s been a long day.”
Sparrow rolls her eyes at her little sister and laughs “Merciless brat.” She grins “Fishing is good here...I mean we are an island after all. They always have poles at the hardware store. Maybe that dive shop too but I think they’re more about swimming with the fish thn catching them.” Then she shrugs “Maybe they have different last names? Not everyone changes their name when they get hitched. It’s a cool class.” She nods at his admission of tiredness and starts collecting the bowls “Go crash Gene.”
Shea laughs “Never bet money with Lyra. And yeah Gene. Go to bed if you need to….I’m sure you’re tuckered out. If you wake up before us, there’s lots of cereal and milk...bread for toast….just help yourself to anything. Coffee...tea...juice. This is your home now so feel at home….I know that may take time. But at the very least eat the food like the other kids.” He snorts.
Rufus heard the yawn and looked up, ready to follow.
Lyra can’t help but giggle at Rufus. “He’s always wanted a human of his very own.” she nearly gushes. “His leash is hanging by the back door and there little sandwich bags in the drawer by the fridge for his poops. If I am up please let me go with you.” and she yawns pretty big herself. “I guess I’d better go to bed too.” she stands and hugs everyone, including Gene. “Good night everybody. Love you.” and she heads up the stairs for her shower and sleep.
Gene grins and smiles and finally looks a little shocked when he’s hugged by Lyra. “Thanks… I’ll walk him in the morning for sure.” he stands after Lyra heads upstairs. “Good night.. And thanks … for everything .. seriously.” He heads upstairs with Rufus on his heels. In time, he thinks he’ll be able to get Rufus to NOT sleep in his room … but tonight .. feels like a special exception. And he is right because Rufus’s snoring sounds a little bit like the echoing snores of Ho from E-block which help Gene fall asleep in his new home for the first time.
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