Chapter 5
The once beautiful big home was now a military base. Though Katt assured Ana they’d all be gone in the next few days, Ana had her doubts. Dawn was breaking and not a soul was asleep. Ana sat in her bedroom trying to maintain her structure; everything kind of hit her at once. Lance, being the biggest threat to her sanity. However, even with him she lost it as most of his belongings had been on the lawn for days now. She just felt helpless anymore; torn by every man who’d ever walked in and out of her life. She almost started to lose it as a gentle knock on her door sounded. Turning to see those familiar green eyes stare her down.
“I see you’ve been busy,” His base voice sounded across the room. “lance, what are you doing here>”She took a step closer. “Katt wants you to know, that you are in charge, they hare going to leave for the day. Lance hands her the letter. “A few gaurds are going to stay posted if you need rest.” Katt always knew how to keep Ana’s mind off of hearache..keep her busy. She was flattered and almost glad to know she had that kind of power once again. Rising she twisted her long locks of red. “then leave, get your shit and leave.” She demanded with a defiant chin. Lance was a bit taken back.
“I just need to get a few things. I’m sure Katt is tired of sharing her toothbrush with me.” Lance glanced at her to see if she even cared, but she was stone. Her long fingers captured strands of hair and pinned them back.
Turning for the door she tossed him a bag and made her way down the stairs. The smell of pancakes filled the air as Remy stood over the stove cooking. Every man and woman with the troop had breakfast before him or her. Even the very tired almost branded Katt. She sat twirling her fingers in her tossed restless hair. Dark circles started to carve away at her face, but that’s what you get for not sleeping.
Avery and nick still very shaken sat at the breakfast bar waiting on their share. Remy had noticed the pair looking so pitiful he made them a special treat. Mickey ears with blueberry eyes. “Look alive mon bebes, no need to feel dat way.” Katt from across the room smiled seeing a change in him. Rising from the kitchen she made her way into the great hall. The room so dark that the bed lies; almost as if it were floating. She had so much work to do, and wasn’t even ready to begin.
A gentle well groomed hand came to her shoulder. “Go home hun, get some rest I’ll take it from here.” Katt smiles to Ana and makes her way out. Ana now left alone makes her way the plastic fortress erect in the middle of her living room. Pressing back the curtain she let herself in. She was almost nervous about being there, but that never stopped her before.
The man now only in white pants and hospital style tunic looked strangely at peace. Bandages wrapped his head leaving his thick brown hair to fall down close to his eyes. His shoulder was wrapped and arm in a sling. His wide chest rose and fell struggling to keep a rhythm. She came up to his side her fingers smoothing over his hand.
“Well hello.” She spoke, almost embarrassed but knew it the best thing to do.
“Welcome to Earth.” Her voice trailed off realizing she didn’t even know his name. His life depended on her, and she didn’t know one thing about him.
At his feet rest a chart, poorly kept up. At the top in bold black ink It read. ‘Kenobi, Obi-wan.’ She lifted the page to read on, but her attention was called back to him. His forehead glistened with sweat and he struggled to breathe. She pulled the oxygen mask over his defiant lips, and watched the panic leave his features. “There Obi-Wan sleep well.” She took a seat at his side, her every fiber being pulled to stay with him. She studied him like a book, memorizing every worry line that carved at his face. She knew he to be too young for such things.
Little pitter patter demanded her attention as Nick stood just outside the tents door. His voice soft and low called out to her,” Is he going to be ok?” It never surprised her the maturity this boy had at times. She motioned him in and pulled him to her lap. “I think so sweetheart.” She said placing a soft kiss to his temple.
“Daddy Lance said he’s from the moon..Is that true?” He asked; eyes the size of quarters. Ana wrapped her arms around him and smiled. “I’m not so sure it’s the moon, but I know he’s from somewhere out there.” This was all too exciting for her, as she always knew deep down there was more life then what was known.
“Daddy Kevin says outer space is for Fuck ups to grow balls.” Ana gasped and swatted his leg, “Nick! Don’t SAY such words!” She hated the way Kevin, Nick’s real father was so careless in raising him. Though there wasn’t really much to like about Kevin. Thoughts of him made her blood thicken and burn as it traveled her veins. She didn’t say anything to Nick, but he could tell she was upset.
“I’m sorry Mommy” He leaned in and hugged her. Kevin rarely came around to see his sun, but a phone call was always expected on special days. Kevin was a bastard, and one of the few men that entered Ana’s mind and carved out his name. She’s afraid of him because she knows she can’t fight him off. He has invaded her boy and spirit too many times. Her being grew tense and her thoughts went black.
Resting her chin atop Nick’s dark hair she looked out over the Man’s body amazed and how he was built. She thought for a moment she saw his fist ball up, as if he were angry with her.
@~`~,~
The day raged on and threats of storms darkened the afternoon sky. Big thick clouds churned over the horizon. Ana stood in the window staring mindlessly out at her ruined garden. Beautiful roses tromped to death, and the statues shattered against the stone path. She felt so..blah as it never failed to surprise her. Every time she comes so close to owning a beautiful home something goes wrong. Her thoughts raced with questions she didn’t’ have the time or the energy to find. Everyone was gone now as the sky opened letting the rain fall.
The Storm tore on deep into the night. The last bits of evening were slowly ticking by as the clock struck 8. Ana settled into a bath as the children finished a movie. Remy tinkered with something in the garage while Katt still struggled to make it back. Lightning flashed and crashed closer then anyone would like and soon the power had fallen. Each room grew dark and until eyes could adjust they all stood perfectly still.
Nick and Avery stood swiftly, and ran into the only room that had light. The medic chambers lit the only path they could take. All the lights ran off a back up generator and hummed dimly.
“Nick hold my hand.” Avery pouted her blue eyes trembling with fear. She took his hand and sent the other to her mouth, sucking nervously on her thumb. Nick turned to the younger girl and held her tightly. “ I saw a flashlight next to E.T. this morning.” Avery already liked this idea. “Then we could find Mommy.”
Ana had no clue the power had cut out due to the candlelight that lit her bath. She was unaware that Nick made his way to the plastic curtain and rose to the tips of his toes over Obi-Wan’s bed. His small hand reached out and took the hilt of what he thought was a flashlight. Once he had it in his grasp he turned an ran back to where he left Avery.
“Here it is!” He said with delight.
Avery looked it over, “ Think that belongs to that man..maybe you..” She was cut off-by him pushing up the button. A blue blaze of light shot from the handle tip and hummed of pure power. The song of the lightsaber rang out down the marble halls. It lit up the pairs face and mesmerized eyes.
“Wow..” They both said in a gasp. “It’s like a sword!” Nick said swinging the blade around. He was going to have fun with this! Avery stepped back to avoid being hit, as he tore down the hall. Even though the lightsaber made noises it’s self he still narrated the swings with his own effects. Avery felt a tingle run over her skin and something tell her this was a bad idea. Even at five years old she knew something wasn’t right.
“Nick put that back.” She said and took a few steps closer. Nick swung at objects absolutely amazed at how easy it cut through even the most solid substance.
“Nick stop!” Avery shouted but it only made him turn on her. “I’m going to get you!” he teased and chased the now squealing Avery. She cried out for Ana, and that cry was heard through three stories. She climbed atop the couch and turned on him.
“Turn it OFF!” She demanded and the blade closed to darkness. Nicks eyes grew wide with amazement as he felt the handle rattle between his hands. Letting go he watched the blade sore to rest at Obi-Wan’s side. Nick turned to Avery absolutely shocked.
“Did you do that??” He asked her, and she shrugged. Both of their hearts pounded, and Nick half turned to run after the blade but heard Ana coming down the halls.
Silently outside one more came from the sky.