The Knights of Sheba Ep. 13: "Soldiers" A

Episode Thirteen: Soldiers

 

            Ms. Olivia steps in, swings wide, and Geneva pivots and brings her sword up.  The wood connects and echoes through the compound’s empty basement.  They slide their blades together, meet at the guards, their faces inches apart.  Geneva is focused, while Ms. Olivia is entirely passive.

            They part, Geneva backing and bringing her blade down overhead.  Nina blocks it and goes for a kick, catching Geneva in the chest and knocking her to the ground.  Then, she looms over Geneva, driving her own blade down only to have Geneva deflect it.  Shifting Ms. Olivia away, Geneva brings Ms. Olivia’s weapon down and pins it to the ground with her foot.

            Now, Geneva lunges backward, her attack missing only by inches. Ms. Olivia lifts her blade, breaking Geneva’s balance and lands a blow to Geneva’s side.  Geneva backpedals, wincing, as Ms. Olivia comes in again and swings. This time, she disarms Geneva and throws her to the ground.

            Ms. Olivia steps over Geneva, poises her blade over Geneva’s head.  Now, she is smiling and panting.  “And I say that is that.”

            Geneva scowls.  “I can still win.”

            “I highly doubt that, Ms. Oaks.”  Ms. Olivia steps away, twirls her blade and tucks it under her arm.  Geneva sits up, and Ms. Olivia says, “Now, don’t be sour.”  She goes to the table and pours herself some water.  “You’ve improved considerably these past few months.”

            Geneva stands, and Ms. Olivia hands her the water before pouring another cup for herself.  “You keep saying that,” Geneva says after taking a long drink, “But I don’t feel like I’ve gotten any better at all.”

            “You’re too hard on yourself.”

            “And you’re still holding back.”  Ms. Olivia shrugs, and Geneva says, “See.  That’s what I mean.  An enemy won’t hold back, will they?”

            Ms. Olivia takes both swords to the weapons rack and hangs them up.  She looks at Geneva over her shoulder.  “Would you like for me to give it my all from now on?”

            “…Not when you look at me like that.”

            “You need to train at your own pace, and you’re doing fine.”

            Geneva slouches.  “I guess you get what you get in this situation.”  She looks at Ms. Olivia.  “Come on, let’s get things cleaned up.  I’ve got an essay that won’t write itself.”  She sighs.  “Turns out there are some things this ring can’t do after all.”

 

-The Knights of Sheba-

 

            Geneva buckles herself in and stares out the window.  She has showered since her training and is now wearing a jacket.  After Erak’s coup, things changed dramatically around the compound.  Erak was captured and sent away with those who supported him to await trial, while Ms. Olivia was made interim commander of the post.  While she doubts a full appointment, she is taking the time to restructure things at the compound and to make Geneva feel more comfortable there.

            Ms. Olivia herself made a point to apologize to Geneva, frequently and emphatically, until Geneva told her to stop.  Things are still tense between them but, Geneva understands these it will take time to be better and is trying her best to stay positive.

            She slicks her hair back while Ms. Olivia climbs into the driver’s side of the SUV.  After that, they pull out onto the long, dirt road and away from the compound.  On the way, Ms. Olivia says, “Ms. Oaks, I had thought you might like an update on the Council.  May I?”

            “Shoot,” Geneva says, and Ms. Olivia pauses and looks at her.  “I mean, uh, go ahead.”

            “Oh, well, yes.  Erak is to be put before the Council to plead his case.  Pending their decision, he will be sent to prison for rehabilitation or put back into service.  His trial will be soon, and he will be defending his claims against me, among others.”

            “So if he wins, he’s just going to come back here?”

            “I find it highly unlikely that he will be found innocent.”

            “Yeah, I don’t.”  Geneva crosses her arms, sinks into her seat.  She feels tense, tight, and angry, but she satisfies herself by glaring out at the city in the distance.  “I’ve been reading those books you gave me.  Seems to me like elves aren’t very fond of everybody who isn’t them, so it seems pretty darn in character for them to look the other way so long as he’s advancing their agenda.  Which is crap, by the way.”

            “While I can agree that the Council and the elven public in general enjoy their illusion of supremacy, I can also assure you that they prefer to be aware of their agent’s actions before those actions are taken.  In that regard, Erak has done very poorly.  And, it may help to learn that I know someone on the Council who is as furious with him as you are.”

            “I doubt that,” Geneva says.  “The jerk tried to kill my girlfriend.”

            “Yes. And you saved her.”

            “Barely.”  Geneva gives a long pause, watches barren fields drift by.  Soon, they will start planting and working the fields again.  “He deserves to get the book thrown at him.  And hard.”

            “Excuse me?”

            “As in,” Geneva sighs.  “This would be so much easier if you just knew this stuff.  Don’t you take, like, language classes or something?”

            “I learned English in preparation for this job, but I didn’t have time to learn all of your idioms.  And sometimes, I hear you say things and fear that no amount of training would have helped.”

            “It would have helped some,” Geneva says, “Anyway, I meant that you guys should give him a harsh punishment.  Cause, you know, what he did was pretty harsh.”

            “Ah.  Indeed it was.”  Ms. Olivia glances at Geneva before taking a turn.  “And, I promise you, I have no intention of letting him get away with it.”

            “Good,” Geneva says, and she leaves it at that.

            They leave the fields and pass over a small bridge into the edge of the city.  Ms. Olivia turns onto the highway.  The sun is high and gives everything a glossy shine. A blue sky greets them from behind the towering buildings.

            The tranquility is broken by Geneva’s pocket.  She pulls her cellphone out and flips it open, and Ms. Olivia glances at her.  “Is someone contacting you?”

            “Kit.”  Geneva taps a few keys on her phone, presses send, and puts it back into her pocket.  She notices Ms. Olivia’s repeated glances and stares back in response.  “What?”

            “And how does she have your number?”

            “Claude used her phone to call me,” Geneva says.  “And, also, I gave her my number later after she deleted it.”  Ms. Olivia begins to speak, and Geneva throws her hands up.  “What? What am I supposed to do?  I have a phone.  And a girlfriend who knows I have a phone.  We can’t just keep pretending.  Besides, there has to be SOME perks to this job.”

            Ms. Olivia shakes her head.  “Really, Ms. Oaks.”

            “It’s fine,” Geneva says.  “It’s fine.  It’s definitely fine.”

            “I don’t like it.”

            “I know you don’t.  You never do.”  The phone buzzes again, and Geneva stares ahead with her fingers on her pocket.

            “Well?”

            “It’s fine,” Geneva says again, and she adds, “I promise.”  She then pulls the phone from her pocket and reads Kit’s response.  A grin spreads across her face.

            Seeing that, Ms. Olivia’s expression softens.  “How is Ms. Wright doing?”

            “Better than you’d expect, what with being targeted for assassination and all.”

            “She does seem quite resilient.  And your relationship is well?

            Geneva winces.  “No, no, we’re not talking dating.  No offense, but that’s, like, super personal.  Let’s keep this relationship professional.”

            “If you insist.”

            “I do.”  Geneva rests the phone on her leg and her head on the window, and she watches the streets pass by.  “It’s fine, though.  Good, even.”

            “I’m glad to hear that.”

            “Yeah, yeah,” Geneva says.  They bounce over a pothole and onto her street.  Ms. Olivia pulls up to her house and rolls to a stop.  Geneva grabs her things from the backseat after undoing her seatbelt.  “Thanks for the ride.”

            “Thank you for all of your hard work, and one thing before you go.”

            “Of course.”

            “I will be gone for some time.  As I mentioned earlier, I must go and speak on behalf of both you and the prosecution, as it is I who arrested Erak and brought his crimes to light.”

            “Okay.  So, what, time from training?”  Geneva hopes she sounds upset but can feel the joy growing in her chest.

            Ms. Olivia laughs, quietly, and stops only when she finds Geneva staring.  “Oh.  I had thought that was one of your jokes.  I apologize.”

            Geneva sinks into her seat.  “Funny.”

            “Yes.  Well, I hadn’t planned on giving you time off.”

            “But, you said I was improving.”

            “And I think we should move forward with the momentum of our progress backing us.  Viness will handle your training in my absence.”

            “Vinnie, huh?”  Geneva scratches her chin thoughtfully, nods.  “I like him.”

            “That is good to hear.  He will be picking you up from school.”

            “Right, right.”  Geneva pushes the door open.  “Well, travel safe, then.  And get that bastard. And by bastard, I mean Erak. And by get him I mean throw the book, which means, well, you know.  I think you get what I’m getting at.”

            “Yes,” Ms. Olivia says, “I will do my best.”

 

-The Knights of Sheba-

 

            “I like it.”

            Claude stands, arms crossed and staring critically.  The ratty old sofa sits in front of him, mostly silent.  It releases a groan as Shirley sits on it, and a bit of dust as she pats the cushion beside her.  She looks expectant, and he knows that means for him to join her.  He does so reluctantly and with a small frown.

            “Oh, come on,” she nudges him, “Don’t be so sour.”

            “It’s just a lot of money.”  He looks at the couch, picks at the fabric of the arm rest, and grimaces.  “For this.”

            “Well, good furniture—new furniture—costs a lot more, and we don’t make much.  So, we take what we can get.”  She snuggles up to him, smiles.  “Besides, it’ll be nice to have a place to sit for our meals.  Or for reading.  Beds,” she says firmly, “Should be for sleeping.”  Standing, she goes to the kitchen to take the kettle from the stove.  She pours tea for both of them and peeks at him over the counter.  “And you really need to cheer up.”

            Claude shifts in his seat.  “I’ll get used to it.  It’s just going to take some time.”  He falls onto the center beam and reaches between the cushions to feel it with his hand, and he sighs.  “A long time.”

            Shirley brings in two cups, still steaming, and hands him one.  She blows on her own and sips at it.  Claude holds his and lets the smell fill the room.  While Shirley curls up beside him, folding her legs under her as she settles, she asks, “So, have you heard from your little girlfriend lately?”

            “Don’t call her that.  And no.”

            “Do you still have her number?”

            “Somewhere.  Probably.  Why?”

            She shrugs.  “Just thinking, we don’t have many friends around here.”  She blows more on her tea, sips it and winces at the lingering heat.  “Especially not ones who actually know what you are and what you do.”

            “I guess.”

            “I think we should have her over for supper.”

            Claude pauses, wide-eyed, his cup poised for his lips.  His lips open, close, curve back into his frown.  “No,” he says.  “That’s an awful idea.”

            “Why?”

            “She’s a teenager, for starters.”

            “Oh, you’re making a big deal out of nothing.  We’re not that much older.”

            “No, but she’s very, very young, and a few years can mean a lot of difference in situations like this.”

            Shirley rolls her eyes.

            “Okay, imagine how you would feel about two adults inviting a teenage girl over to their apartment.”

            “I wasn’t thinking she would come alone, Claude.  She can bring her girlfriend.  What’s her name?”

            “Kit.”

            Shirley smiles.  “Yeah, her.  They were cute together.”  She sips her tea and hums her approval.

            Claude sighs.  “Shirley.”

            “Come on.  We’ve shared an experience with them that we can’t, or shouldn’t, share with anyone else. Where else can we get that?”

            “This is a really bad idea.”

            “Please, Claude.”

            He taps his thumb on the mug, stares down at rings working through the tea.  Then, he sighs and looks at her, finds her big blue eyes watching him.  “You’re really set on this, aren’t you?”

            “I may have already picked out a table that’s in our price range.”  She pouts skillfully.

            “Fine.  Fine, I’ll call her tomorrow and see if we can set it up.”

            “Thank you!  Thank you so, so much.”  She leans forward, kisses his cheek.  “I know you don’t get it, but I think it’s good that we have friends in this. And, besides, it’s the least we can do after everything that’s happened.”

            Claude looks away, sulking.  “Yeah.”

 

-The Knights of Sheba-

 

            That night, Geneva and Kit have supper together for the first time in weeks.  With school back in session and the knights still eating up her time, Geneva has little left-over time for Kit, but it is easier now.  They are able to have private phone dates in the evenings, provided Geneva’s schoolwork is done, and there aren’t so many lies.  It is strange sometimes to have Kit asking about the knights, but it is also nice.  For Geneva, it is proof that one thing in her life at least is real.  

            Geneva does herself up for the date.  She wears a blue top that used to fit more tightly around her midsection and a pair of jeans which have to be belted to her slimming waist.  Her makeup is light and, by her own admission, a product of Beatrice’s hands.  The different products still bewilder Geneva, though she sometimes likes to pretend she understands what Beatrice is doing.

            Kit picks Geneva up and compliments her at the door, and then she takes her away.  Instead of the diner they head to somewhere bigger and nicer.  Kit is wearing a strapless dress, pink in color, and layered.  It fits her well, as everything seems to, and emphasizes her bust.  When they arrive at the restaurant all eyes are on her, and she proudly takes Geneva’s hand and leads her inside.

            They are seated by a handsome man with a thin mustache who gives them their menus, and, after some debate, they agree to order full course meals at Kit’s insistence..  Geneva also orders a soda, but only after making Kit promise not to tell Ms. Olivia.  Once the food is ordered, Kit stretches in her seat and gives a big smile.

            “Ms. Olivia keeps you on a diet, huh?”

            “As much as she can.”  Geneva grimaces after sipping her soda.  “Though, she doesn’t even have to try anymore.  This stuff doesn’t taste as good as it used to.”

            “Want to order something else?”

            “Nah.  It’s fine.”  Geneva slouches forward and blows bubbles into her drink through her straw.

            “Been a while since we’ve been able to get together,” Kit says, leaning forward.  There are countless attractive people in the room, well-dressed, some with their families.  Decorations line the walls, expensive paintings and sculptures the likes of which Geneva has only imagined are real, but Kit’s eyes are on her.  “You look beautiful, by the well.  Tired but beautiful.”

            Geneva laughs.  “Thanks.  That about describes it, but it’s not too bad.”

            “Yeah.  At least we can text,” Kit says.  “Still, I’ve missed being around you.  Think Ms. Olivia would ever let me stay and watch you train?”

            Geneva blows a particularly loud burst of bubbles as she tries not to laugh, and it earns her a glare from the couple next to them.  After offering a quick apology, she looks back to Kit.  “You want to watch me?”

            “Sure.”

            “No.”  Geneva shakes her head.  “No, no, not a good idea.”

            “Why not? I just want to see what’s going on there.  You’ve been losing weight so quickly that I’m half-afraid she’s starving you.”

            “Bruising me,” Geneva says, “That’s all she’s doing.”

            “Okay, but really, I just want to spend time with you.  More time, I mean.”

            “I know, I know.” Geneva sighs and rubs her neck.  She stirs the ice in her drink about with her straw and stares down at the table.  There is a light at the center, dimmed by a plastic sleeve that glows with a deep red color.  The sleeve has a web of black lines cut across it, isolating the red plastic from itself and casting long, netted shadows across them.  Geneva stares at the light and traces the web-work with her gaze.  “Listen, Ms. O will be out for a few days.  I’ll see if I can find-slash-am able to have some time off, and may we could get together to study.”

            “Study?”

            Geneva shrugs.  “I’m a busy gal.”

            “Well, I’ll take what I can get.  Where’s she going, by the way?”

            “Back to her home world where the elves live—Realm of Light?  Something like that—She’ll be there for a while, too, I think.  She had to go back to, well, you remember that Erak guy?”

            “The jerk who ordered the attack on me?”  Kit’s tone shifts now as she speaks.  She sounds distant, almost like she’s talking about someone else entirely.  Geneva looks up to see Kit averting her gaze and sees where Kit still has bruises around her wrists where the elves held her.

            “Yeah.  Well, he’s going to be on trial, and Ms. Olivia has to go and speak against him or be a witness or something formal like that.”

            “Oh.  Well, I’m glad to see that he’s getting what he deserves.”

            “Yeah.”  Geneva thinks for a moment to tell Kit that the situation is more complex than that but decides against it.  Instead, she says, “Me, too.”

            Kit’s fingers twitch, and then she moves her hand across the table toward Geneva.  She stops partway, palm flat against the tablecloth, and she stares at her hands and at her bruised wrist.  “Hey, Genny?”

            The waiter comes by then and leaves the food with them.  He asks if they need anything else, and they refuse him and thank him for the food.  He leaves, and before they can continue Geneva already has a spoon full of something in her mouth.  It is creamy and rich and smeared across her lips.

            Kit pauses.  “Hungry?”

            “Sorry.”  Geneva wipes her mouth delicately and swallows her bite. “You can’t tell Ms. O about this, either.”

            Kit smiles now.  “I won’t.”

            “So, what did you want to say?”

            “Well, I was wondering.  I mean, we haven’t talked much yet about, well, all of it and I didn’t want to be too forward.”  Kit looks across the table to find Geneva staring back at her in open confusion.

            “Uh, yeah?”

            “Well, I mean, I was hoping we could talk about you.  And you being a knight.”

            “Oh.”  Geneva jams her fork into her mouth and chews with deliberation.  She swallows, sips her soda, and grimaces.  “Depends on what you want to know, I guess.”

            “What’s it like?”

            “A pain in the keister.  Next.”

            “Thanks.”

            “Just saying.”

            “Fine.  Why is it a pain?  What do you do?  What’s the training like?  And what’s it like to fly?”

            “It’s a pain because of the training, and the time I have to put into it.  Mostly, I train.  Training sucks.  Flying is pretty cool, I guess,” Geneva says, and she picks at her meal.  “It’s not glamorous, though.  Not like you might think.  It’s nothing but getting yelled at and getting knocked down.”  Geneva pauses as the memories come.  Andromalius, scattered in the snow, the smell of his blood so thick that she can’t breathe around him.  The elves, dressed in black, limbs and blood scattered in the grass, and all she can think about is how they were trying to hurt Kit. She leaves her fork by her plate.  “I hate it.”

            “Then why not quit?”

            “Can’t.”  She looks at her signet ring now.  It is glossy in the dim light of the room.  “I don’t know the specifics of it exactly, but the armor is a part of me now.  I’ve tried taking it off, and I can’t.  It’s, like, connected to me, to my skin or my bone or something like that.”

            Kit stirs her water while Geneva returns to nibbling.  “That doesn’t mean you can’t quit, though.  Ms. Olivia seems pretty level-headed, and I’m sure she’d understand.  Just tell her that you can’t do it.  That you don’t want to do it.  I mean, you’re only seventeen, and this all seems pretty dangerous.”

            “I can’t do that either.”

            “Why?”

            “Because.”

            “Because why?”

            “Just because.”

            Kit stops.  She reaches across the table to take Geneva’s hand. “Geneva, please.”

            Geneva looks at her, sighs.  She takes all of the breadsticks on Kit’s plate and moves them onto her plate while staring pointedly at Kit.  “We’re getting ice cream after this.”

            “Of course.”

            Geneva sighs again.  “Fine.  Listen, the night of the party, when I had to leave, there was a monster—a demon—downtown.  It was wrecking the place and looking for a fight, and I had to...It was a blur, and my body moved on its own, and I’m not entirely sure what happened,” she pauses to breathe, “But I got an arrow stuck in him.”

            “And?”

            “And I won,” Geneva says.  “But it wasn’t glorious.  It wasn’t heroic.  It was—I can barely remember the night, just bruises when I don’t remember the blows, and being scared.  There was running and jumping and stabbing and...” Geneva’s frown deepens and the shadows cast a mantle over her face, giving it an edge.  “Do you know what it feels like to stab someone in the eye with an arrow?  Or what it’s like to have an explosion go off a few inches from your face?  It’s jarring, steals your breath away, like a punch to your whole body.  Then, there’s all the blood.”  Tears come to her eyes, and Geneva offers an apology as she wipes them away.

            Kit squeezes her hand, and they make eye contact again.  “Don’t be.  Don’t ever be sorry about opening up.”

            Geneva sniffs and wipes her eyes with her napkin before going back to her food.  “Anyway, can we change the subject?  No offense, but I don’t even have a job and all I do is talk about work.  When I’m with you, I’d rather spend the time eating different forms of bread and cheese.”

            “Sure.”  Kit gives Geneva’s hand one last squeeze before taking her first bite.  “But, just for the record, I’m always here to help you.  And I always will be.”

            Geneva smiles, faintly, before stuffing her mouth full, and she says a silent thank you in response.

 

-The Knights of Sheba-

 

            Nina sits in her car and stares out at the compound.  Since Erak’s arrest, she has taken over daily operations of the border defense.  It was difficult to start.  Many of the elves were loyal to Erak or, at the very least, disagreeable toward her.  It took weeks to quiet those voices of dissent down to mere whispers.

            Viness helped.  His time at the compound didn’t make him friends, but the elves there were afraid of him.  He had single-handedly defeated each of them in hand-to-hand combat enough times that they knew any form of mutiny would be met with swift and painful arrest.  In all honesty, Nina fears him to, if for nothing else that his unclear intentions.

            She chooses to live away from the compound still, though she has spent many nights there, falling asleep over school work she has nearly forgotten to grade.  At Viness’ insistence she has taken up residence in Erak’s former quarters and has even started keeping back up supplies there for extended stays.

            Today, she is making her final tour of the facility before leaving for the Realm of Light.  Viness walks alongside her, assuring her that the compound will be as she leaves it and that Geneva will be kept training in her absence.  Despite this, she still feels the need to look over the patrol schedules, as well as question him about Geneva’s training.

            “I’m thinking of teaching her some hand-to-hand,” Viness says when asked.  He sweeps his long hair back and leans against the nearby wall as he speaks to her.  “She won’t always have that little wand of hers, and it will be good for her to know how to defend herself in a clutch.  Besides, we don’t have enough information to train her properly as a knight.”

            “Yes.  Unfortunately, the information is limited.”

            “Still, I’ll keep it basic.”

            They climb the stairs up to the first floor together, and Viness follows her out to the front lawn.  The sky is overcast and the air a bit cold and wet.  It had been sunny only a few hours before.  The weather here turns quickly.

            Viness watches the clouds grow dark and heavy as they approach the SUVs.  “Are you sure I shouldn’t come with you,” he asks when they reach the vehicles and comes to a stop.  “After all, I was there from the start.”

            “Trust me, we have enough people who can speak on it, and we have him.  That man will do more damage to himself in the end, I am sure.  You’re of better use here, watching the humans and Ms. Oaks.”

            “And all the elves still wanting a fight.”

            Nina nods.  “Are you sure you can handle this?”

            “I’ll be fine, I’m sure.”  He clutches his chest.  “Though, your concern is touching.”

            “I see you’ve adopted human sarcasm.”

            “I’ve perfected it.”

            “Yes, well, just keep an eye on the tree.  I worry what might come out of it.”

            “I’m sure the entire world won’t burn while you’re away.”  Their gazes meet, and he sobers and salutes her.  “Still, I’ll keep it safe.”

            “Do.” She salutes in return.  “Until my return, Lt.”

            “Take care.”

            She nods.  “You, too.”

 

-The Knights of Sheba-

 

            Kit parks her car on the street in front of the Oaks’ house and lets it idle.  She sits there, trading glances with Geneva.  The day was warm in the morning, but storm clouds are moving in, blowing wet and cold.  Geneva tucks her hair back while Kit keeps her hands on the wheel.

            Finally, Kit says, “So.”

            “So, guess funs over,” Geneva says.  “Back to the grind.”

            “Guess so.  You have a busy night?”

            Geneva shrugs.  “Homework, homework and, uh, oh yeah, more homework.”  She sighs.  “But tomorrow I have to train after school.  So, I have to get my homework done while I can.  Maybe try to get ahead.”

            “I see.”  Kit drums her thumbs on the steering wheel.  “Sounds rough.”

            Another shrug.  “Sad part is, I think I’m kind of getting used to it.  Whenever I do have free time, I feel like I’m going nuts from boredom.”

            “Whoa there, that doesn’t sound like the Geneva I know.”

            “Right? How’s a girl supposed to be a slacker when she can’t slack?”  She shakes her head.  “What’s the world coming to?”

            Kit laughs.  “Sounds to me like you could use a distraction.”

            “Like a shot in the foot,” Geneva says, allowing herself laughter, and they meet eyes again.  Geneva smiles before turning her attention to the floorboard.  She presses her feet together.  “Thanks for supper, by the way.  And for, well, just thanks and stuff.”

            “Anytime. Sorry they didn’t have any ice cream.”  Kit releases the steering wheel and takes Geneva’s hand, and she squeezes until Geneva looks at her again.  “But, seriously, anytime.”

            Blushing, Geneva pulls her hand away to fake-stretch.   Then, she stares out the window at her house.  The windows in the front glow with light and make her wince.  She rests her hand on the door handle.  “So, uh, Kit, I was thinking, I’ve got some sciency questions I could use some help with.  Maybe.”  A fleeting glance at Kit and, “What do you think?”  She says it how she imagines cool people say things.

            Kit smiles, turns off the car.  “I think that it would be cruel and selfish of me to leave a beautiful girl in need, that’s what I think.”

            “Oh.  Then I guess we’ll have to find a beautiful girl.”

            “I already have,” Kit says.  She undoes her seatbelt.

            “Really? Just like that?”

            “You said it yourself, limited time.  I’ll take what I can get.”

            “Fine, then welcome to my humble abode.”

            “I feel like I’ve racked up some frequent flier miles here lately.”

            “A few. Maybe.”

            Kit grins toothily, lifts her eyebrows.  “Think I’ve earned a free ride.”

            Geneva blows a raspberry, pushes the door open.  “Pervert,” she says, and she steps out of the car with Kit trailing.  They walk to the front together and Kit holds the door while Geneva enters.  As soon as they are inside, there is a call from the living room, and they stop to make an appearance.

            Everyone is gathered in the living room.  Geneva’s mother is wearing a nice dress and has her hair curled.  Her father, on the other hand, is reclining in his chair with a beer and a wary expression.  He is still wearing his uniform.  Beatrice is on the couch between her mother and a handsome-to-average looking boy sitting beside her.

            “Hey, Genie,” Beatrice says, wearing a big smile and even bigger earrings.  She waves from the couch.

            Geneva takes in the scene with her usual calm and strips her coat.  “Uh, hey,” she says while Kit takes her coat and puts it on the coat rack.  They stand together near the entrance, being careful of how close they keep their bodies and how that might be perceived.  Geneva hugs her own arm to keep from accidently taking Kit’s hand.  “So, uh, what’s going on, everyone?”

            “Your sister has brought over her new boyfriend,” Geneva’s mother says, her excitement making her voice high.

            “Mom, he’s not,” Beatrice looks at Geneva.  “We’re just friends.”  She looks at the boy.  “And we’re just hanging out.  No commitments.”

            The boy shrugs noncommittally.

            “Oh.  I’m Geneva.  Her sister.”  Geneva crosses the room, shakes his hand.  He nods at her, she nods back.

            “So, where have you two been,” Beatrice asks, her smile knowing.

            “Just grabbed supper.”

            “Well, don’t you two look all dressed up for supper?”

            Geneva looks at Kit, who shrugs, and then blushes before returning her attention to the family.  “Don’t you look all dressed up for no commitment?”

            Beatrice frowns, a warning that all younger siblings know.  Her eyebrow twitches.

            “Anyways,” Geneva says, “I think we should be heading upstairs.”

            “What, already? Don’t you think you should stay and tell us more about your evening,” Beatrice says.

            “No, no,” Geneva says from the doorway.  “Wouldn’t want to steal the thunder from you and your new boyfriend.”

            “He’s not my,” Beatrice looks at the boy, looks back at Geneva, “It wouldn’t be a problem at all.  In fact, we have…”

            “Listen, that’s interesting, but I’m really swamped with homework.”  Geneva takes Kit by the hand and drags her from the room.  “Sorry, guys. Love you.  Nice meeting you.  We’ll talk to you later.  Ta-ta!”

            They retreat up the stairs and into Geneva’s room.  Inside, Geneva sighs and leans against her door before locking it behind her.  Kit comes to rest on the bed.  “Well, that was interesting,” Kit says as the air settles.

            “Beatrice was trying to get my mom distracted.”  Geneva grins. “They’re getting the third degree about their relationship-that-so-totally-isn’t-but-totally-is-a-relationship.  Poor saps.”

            Kit laughs.  “You’re such a sweet sister.”

            “Hey, siblinghood is rough.  You do what you’ve got to do.  Sometimes, it’s the only way to survive in this world.”

            Again, Kit laughs, and she shakes her head.  Then, she looks around the room.  “So,” she says, reaching down into Geneva’s book bag.  “Where exactly is this homework you need help with?”

            Geneva approaches the bed while Kit is distracted and shoves Kit back.  Then, she climbs on, straddling her.  “Let’s forget about that for now.”  She smiles, self-consciously, but leans forward anyway, resting a hand on each side of Kit’s head.  “We’ll have time to study later.”

            Kit smiles up at her.  “Genny?” Geneva kisses her, quickly and decisively.  As they part, Kit is blushing. “What in the world has gotten into you?”

            “What do you mean? Weren’t you asking about your free ride earlier?”

            “Yeah, but I didn’t think—You said homework.”

            Geneva sits up, lifts her shirt off.  “And we will do homework.  Later.  For now, I think we need to use the time we have wisely.”

 

The Knights of Sheba 113 A…End