Progeny Page 8

  She was in mid sentence, telling me about the one time she skipped class in her senior year to attend a reading by one of her favorite poets when it happened. My lips were on hers, I couldn't hold back anymore. To my extreme delight, she responded as fervently as me.

  I've kissed a lot of people in my dating life, but absolutely none of them compared to this. I felt detached from reality in some way, just floating where nothing existed except our contact. I reveled in it, my body was heating up and buzzing like nothing I had ever felt. I was so lost in the moment that I almost jumped out of my skin and hit the ceiling when someone cleared their throat from the doorway. Bloody hell!

  We broke apart quickly, gasping for air and I'm sure it would have been a tossup which one of us was blushing more at Mia standing at the door with a sly grin on her face. Oh lord, take me now! I was so embarrassed and there was nowhere to hide. Abbey's shock bled away into a silly smile as she looked at her mother and asked, “What's up Mom?”

  Mia snorted with a grin then said, “I was just coming to let you girls know that it is getting late and the Roth's are ready to get going. So unless you simply can't pry your lips off of each other, they wanted me to collect Sammie for them.”

  I was still blushing and biting my lower lip as I looked back and forth between the two women, but most of my mind was preoccupied replaying that kiss. I nodded then mouthed to Abbey, “Sorry.”

  She giggled as we hopped off her bed, saying, “What the heck for? That was...” I blushed again and pushed my pink lock over my shoulder and scooted back out to the great room. I caught Mia playfully bumping hips with Abs as we went out to my waiting parents.

  One look at the blush on my face and Mumsy's blank face bloomed into a knowing smile. She said with humor coloring her voice, “Ooooo I see there is much teasing to be had on the ride home!”

  Mum slapped her shoulder playfully and said, “Flower, you are so bad!” And everyone but me chuckled. But playing over and over in my head was the fact that I had kissed Abbey Jacobs and she kissed back! So I could endure any amount of teasing my parents could dish out. Bloody hell, I'm staring at her lips again.

  We said our goodnights with promises of visiting tomorrow, and Abbey followed us out to the Jeep. She gave me the warmest hug, which I never wanted to end, then I got in the car and gave her a tiny wave as we pulled out of their long driveway.

  Then Mumsy said with her perfect comical timing, “Soooo is she a good kisser Sam? That's an important thing you know.”

  But then Mum came to my rescue and said quietly, “Now Flower, be nice.” She paused then said with her own perfect comical timing, “So Sammie is she a good kisser? You two look so cute together.” Traitor!

  Mumsy actually snorted at the betrayal as I blushed, and she said appreciatively, “Nice Sky!”

  I held my head high in defiance and then melted and gushed out, “OMG! Yes!” Which just got mirthful chuckles from my evil, evil parents.

  By the time we got back home in Issaquah, I had been sufficiently embarrassed and the topics had turned to my experiences in college so far. They were genuinely excited to hear about my impressions. Both were saddened by the loss of one of my sketchpads, Mumsy more-so than Mum, as she has the same obsession with them that I do.

  It was almost midnight when we got home. I dragged Clunky into my bedroom and looked around, it was just as it always was. It was funny how similar my room was to Abbey's, but without the undercurrent of order. With band posters and actors but interspersed with hundreds of my sketches pulled out of my sketchbooks covering the walls. I ran my fingers along some of them as they called to mind distinct memories. They chronicled my life thus far. I lovingly ran my eyes across the hundred or so sketchbooks lined up on the shelf above my bed. Oh, the memories they contain.

  I got myself ready for bed, then went out and hugged my parents and told them goodnight before returning to my room and flopping face first onto my bed. I screamed into my pillow in glee as I kicked my feet in the air. I had kissed Abbey Jacobs!

  Then I got under the covers and was out before my head hit the pillow. I dreamed of Abbey's lips.

  Chapter 10 – Progeny

  The next morning, Mum was tapping at my door and stepped partially in and said, “Honey? Time to get up. Flower just got a call from Mia. She wanted to know if we wanted to go to her art opening at the Midtown Gallery this morning. Something about not being able to shut Abbey up about inviting you... I mean us.”

  I grinned at her evil ribbing and said sarcastically, “Gee thanks mum.” I threw my pillow at her as she retreated back to the safety of the hall with an almost schoolgirl giggle.

  I smiled. You know what? I really love my parents, they are far too much fun to be around. I shook my head and hopped out of bed to prepare for the day. Oh lord, I had no clue what I was going to wear! I wanted to look good for Abbey! Something elegant for an art opening? Or something trendy... I had... oh bloody hell... ummm... “MUM!? I need help!”

  A minute later my Mum came in with a crooked grin on her face as she sat on my bed. She tilted her head at me as she adjusted her receiving cup on her prosthetic foot. I blurted out, “What am I going to wear to the opening?”

  She started chuckling as we heard Mumsy down the hall calling out, “She really has it bad doesn't she Sky?”

  Mum, being the evil traitor that she is, replied, “Truly, Flower.”

  I reached for my pillow to defend my honor, but I forgot I was out of ammunition. I looked at my pillow laying on the floor by the door and giggled out, “We're just friends mum!”

  She stood and spoke with a perfect Valley Girl accent, “What-evah Sammie.” Then she laid a hand on my arm and her tone softened, “Let's see if we can find you something nice to wear that Abbey will like. We're partial to her as well.”

  I sighed in relief. I had no clue what would be appropriate... I mean I didn't want Abbey to think I was uncivilized. I had to get out of my own mind, so I grabbed my sketchpad and started drawing as Mum sang while she rooted through my closet.

  She came out with an elegant black and charcoal grey dress I had worn to Uncle Remmy's funeral last year. He wasn't really my uncle, but it sure felt like it when we lost him. He was a spry ninety five years old and as sharp as a tack. He passed in his sleep. Some people say he was a cantankerous and grumpy old bloke, but those people never got to see the caring man that hid behind that act. We all saw him as Aunt Bobbie's surrogate grandfather. There isn't a man that knew the Cascade Mountains like he did. Which made him invaluable for Bobbie's outdoor outfitter's business.

  My breath hitched a moment at the memory of the funeral. A soft, consoling look from Mum put me back on track. It certainly was a pretty dress. I smiled and nodded, saying, “It'll do.”

  Mum rolled her eyes with a chuckle and laid the dress out on the bed and started out the door, speaking over her shoulder, “Hurry up now. You only have a couple hours to get ready before we go.”

  She squeaked then giggled as she was struck from behind by my stuffed rabbit, Mr. Floppy that was expertly thrown by yours truly. I grinned in vindication and looked at the dress then went about getting ready.

  After my shower, shaving my legs, and drying my hair, I got dressed then looked in the mirror. I guess I'm passable, I could see every flaw about me, then went about curling my hair and doing my makeup. Then I topped it off by putting in the delicate silver drop chain earrings and matching chain necklace my parents got me for my sweet sixteen birthday.

  I slipped on some low black heels. I couldn't get the fact that I loved how Abbey towered over me out of my head. So inch and a half heels are all I wanted to wear. Oh bloody hell, my parents are right! I've got it bad! I giggled at the thought of my first impression of Abs. Even though I had completely misjudged her, I had to admit that I was attracted to her right from the start, and... we had made out last night!

  I smiled at the memory and checked myself in the mirror one final time. I nodded. It will have to do. Then I gra
bbed my bag and sketchbook and walked out to where my parents were mock-patiently waiting. I had to smile when I saw them. I truly hope I can look as good as them when I'm middle aged. I really believe they still look as good as they did the day they retired from the music industry all those years ago.

  With a huge smile, Mum looked at me then up to Mumsy who had this odd look glittering in her eyes. Was it pride? I blushed and asked, “What are you two on about now?”

  Mum shook her head and said with a smile, “You look brill Sammie. Did you want a bite before we go? I don't know if there will be refreshments.”

  I nodded and then helped her in the kitchen to make a light breakfast. We ate then talked a bit as Mumsy and I sketched. Time was going so slow. It was the longest fifteen minutes of my life! Then finally the traitorous clock decided to move again... and what do my bloody parents find so funny? I need to create some sort of list so I can put them on it!

  We piled into the Jeep and drove to the Midtown Gallery. Wow, the lot was packed! But then again, it was a Mia Jacobs showing, so it made sense. I smiled at that, I still couldn't believe I actually knew Mia Jacobs now! She was so full of emotion. As we spoke yesterday, I saw below it all... an undercurrent of... unimaginable pain? Coupled with a determination to weather it and concentrate on the happy memories and building new memories. I don't know how to categorize what I saw, but it felt like incredible strength of character... like her daughter had.

  We exited the vehicle and smoothed our dresses and I practically had to drag my parents to the door. There was a man there taking invitations from guests. Oh, this was a private showing? I looked at my parents and they didn't have an invitation. The stout man didn’t look up but put his hand out to us as he read his list, expecting an invitation. When one didn't materialize he looked up and recognition spread instantly on his face.

  He had a huge smile on his chubby face as he said professionally, “The Roths Mrs., plus one. Please go right in, Mrs. Jacobs is expecting you.” Then he checked something off on a list on his clipboard and opened the door for us. We thanked him as we passed through and into the gallery.

  Abbey was just inside the door greeting people as they came in. My heart stopped. She was a vision! I had never seen her wear anything but jeans and t-shirts or blouses at school. But now, in a white sundress with her wavy hair flowing back over her shoulders, bangle bracelets and three inch open toe heels, she was the definition of femininity.

  She blushed and looked uncertain suddenly when she looked at me staring at her gape mouthed. She nervously asked, “What? Is it that bad? Oh god... I told mom.”

  I was shaking my head and Mum reached over and gently closed my mouth for me. I finally remembered two things. One, I needed oxygen at some point, so I exhaled and took a deep breath. And two, how that talking thing works. You know, your mouth moves and words come out. I blurted out, “No...it's... you look... You're bloody beautiful Abbey!”

  A smile bloomed on her face. Her eyes had never left me the whole time as she scanned me up and down. Then she shyly said, “Thank you. And you've never looked so... I mean... that dress.”

  We were interrupted by my parents chuckling. We looked at them and simultaneously blushed at their mocking of us. Abbey went on the defensive with a smile for me and a squinty look for them as she handed us our programs and said in a professional manner, “There are refreshments by the back wall. The art will be unveiled at eleven. Now shoo, the whole lot of you.”

  Mum grinned and chuckled out, “OK OK, we get the hint. You do look lovely though Abbey.” Mumsy nodded in agreement and gave her one of her rare smiles.

  Then Abbey stopped me with a hand placed lightly on my forearm and whispered. “You really do look beautiful Sammie. I'll see you in a few minutes?”

  I nodded, it was easier than that talking thing, which I still didn't have down since I saw her like this. Oh, I know, maybe I can try some letters! I squeaked out in a shy voice, “OK.” But before I hurried off to catch up with my parents with a blush burning on my cheeks, I added, “I really love your hair like that.” Then I made my escape as she raised a hand to her hair and twisted a lock in her fingers cutely.

  I approached my parents at the refreshment table and grabbed a grape juice. I looked around the gallery. I hadn't been to this one before, I loved art and decided I was going to look around before the event started. I realized my parents hadn't spoken yet. I looked back at them and they were holding hands and were looking at me with silly grins.

  I blurted out, “What?”

  Mum dragged Mumsy off in a different direction while shaking her head singing in her low musical voice, “Abbey and Sammie sitting in a tree.”

  I was mortified, and it only doubled when Mumsy finished for her as they walked away, “K I S S I N G.” But then I smiled proudly, I HAD kissed Abbey hadn't I? I happily wandered around the gallery, I still hadn't caught a glimpse of Mia. I started looking at some of the amazing art pieces and absently sketched my impression of the event so far. But a tall angel in a white dress seemed to wind up in all my sketches.

  I closed my book and pondered a bit about how I was acting, like a bloody schoolgirl with a crush. I mean, I've dated plenty of people, but no guy nor girl had ever had this effect on me. I needed to talk to Abbey. I had never wanted to ask someone out more than I did that very moment. But what if she says no? Bloody hell Sammie, no need to borrow trouble! I gathered my nerves and decided that I would today.

  When the antique grandfather clock in the lobby chimed eleven, the curator of the gallery stood over by the covered works at the Jacobs exhibit and said, “May I have your attention please?” I made my way over with the crowd and found my parents. I stood beside them and we exchanged little smiles then looked at the curator.

  When he had everyone's attention he continued, “Thank you all for coming today. Most of you know me, Herbert Reins, the curator of the Midtown Gallery. Now we have something special for you today. We have the extreme pleasure to have one of the most influential artists of our time here to display some of her extraordinary works. This woman needs no introduction, but I'll do it anyway. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mia Jacobs.”

  Applause erupted from the crowd, it sounded like a Satin Thunder concert to me! Then from a little side door, and extremely embarrassed looking Mia walked out to stand next to Herbert. The cheers doubled. She looked stunning in a flowing black dress. I can't tell you why, but the combat boots on her feet had a tear welling in my eye.

  She was rubbing that tiny teddy bear in her hand again. She seemed to be drawing strength through it or something.

  Then she closed her eyes, and I saw her finger twitching... was she counting? At an apparent ten count, the shy and embarrassed Mia was replaced by a strong, confident woman with her head held high as she said, “Th-th-thank you Herbert.” He nodded and took a step back. She smiled and looked around at the gathered crowd and continued, “And thank y-you all for being here today. I'd like to share with you a grouping of pieces that I hold close to my heart.”

  She held her hand out in a beckoning gesture and my angel stepped up next to her. She towered over Mia and looked quite embarrassed. Then Mia finished with, “I call this exhibit, Progeny.” Then she tugged a string and all of the covers simultaneously fell off of the collected works. There were five canvases and a sculpture centerpiece. I couldn't get close to see them. I saw Mia fade back against the wall with Abbey. I pushed my way through the crowd to them.

  I leaned against the wall beside them and said with a grin, “This is so exciting. I've never been to one of your openings before Mia, I love your art. It doesn’t look like I'll get to see these works until the crowd thins a bit. Don't they know they shouldn't crowd the pieces? All of your stuff is best viewed from a distance.”

  Mia gave me a sparkling smile and said, “I know, right? I've never understood these events.”

  Abbey cut in, “It is so they can celebrate your mom, and you know it.”

  Mia shook h
er head and replied, “I know baby girl, but the focus should be on the memories I am sharing instead.”

  I smiled at the two then stopped breathing again, I'm going to have to see a doctor about that, it isn't natural is it? Oh, never mind, it's just Abbey's hand in mine. She laced our fingers and I froze. I didn't want her to let go. Mia chuckled and walked off, she said to me as she walked past, “Breathe Sammie.” So I did. Hey, she's a smart lady!

  Abbey grinned down at me and whispered, “Don't mind her, she has been teasing me all morning.”

  I snorted then covered my mouth then said, “It can't be any bloody worse than both my mums have subjected me to this morning. I'm quite sure that all parents believe it is their duty to embarrass their children.”

  She smiled softly then looked over toward the exhibit and murmured, “You don't know the half of it.”

  I looked at her and locked my eyes on her amber orbs... the orange flecks were mesmerizing. I squeezed her hand. I breathed out, “So... about last night.”

  She cocked her head and blushed. “I'm so...”

  I cut her off, “It was amazing!” She seemed to relax and her confidence had returned instantly. I continued, “I was sort of wondering if, maybe, you'd want to...”

  A dark haired bloke around our age interrupted. “So Abbey, I was wondering if you might reconsider. I think we were a good match and...”

  She cut him off. “Good God Kenny! Can't you see I'm talking with someone here? And besides, it was you that broke things off with me. So no, I'm not interested. Can you, please leave me and my girl alone here?” He looked at the two of us with an odd look on his face, then wandered off back into the crowd.

  I blushed. My girl? I take it this plonker made the colossal blunder of breaking up with this magnificent woman. Was he just trying to ask her out? Why was I feeling jealous suddenly? Oh gawd, now I was going to sound pathetic, like him showing up prompted me to ask her out.