Home » The Archives » Chapter 9 » Regrouping and Recouperation
| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #120 is a reply to message #119] |
Sun, 22 July 2012 18:50   |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma:
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Sunday, August 5; 8 PM; Baltimore (5 PM, Los Angeles, 12 PM August 6, Tracy Island)
David and Sheila's home wasn't tiny, but when you put eighteen people into it, it began to seem that way. Lena's whole family had gone there for a belated celebration of Zuberi and Dalila's second birthday (David and Sheila had had a small celebration with their twins on their actual birthday, the first.). Sheila's mother, father, and older brother plus his wife were there, too
The twins, Siti, Naomi and Kevin were all sitting on the floor. Kevin was playing with Zuberi and his newly acquired stuffed lion, which was very soft and almost half the size of its owner. Naomi and Siti were playing hide-and-seek with Siti's new favorite blankie, a present from her aunt and uncle, David and Mai.
The conversation had been fairly general, but turned to the latest International Rescue outing and the consequences. "I heard on the way over that their medical vehicle got the worst damage, although one of the team members -- the CMO -- was pretty badly injured. However, the latest updates say the CMO will recover," said Sheila's mother.
"Dat's good to know, Patricia," replied Lena. "Dey do so much to help people, I tink it would be a great loss if dey had to shut down for any reason. Aldough I don't believe de loss of one or two of deir operatives would cause dem to shut down."
Naomi looked up at her grandmother. "I wish I knew who those people were. I'd love to give them a hug and thank them."
Lena hid her smile, made difficult when Kevin retorted, "If you knew, Naomi, the whole world would know within twelve hours. And they do need their security."
When the laughter died down, and Naomi had retaliated by throwing a bow at her brother that had been missed when the gift wrappings had been cleared away, Lena replied, "Well, honey, since you don't know who dey are, you can never know when you have hugged one of deir people. So spread your hugs around."
Siti, had been toddling around, getting attention -- and especially hugs -- from as many people as she could, stopped in front of Kevin and squatted slightly. A moment later, he screwed up his face and exclaimed, "Whoa! I think someone's ripe enough to be picked!"
There was more laughter as Leslie started to get up, but was stopped by E.J., who declared he'd take care of it. He picked up his daughter and headed down the hall to the twins room, where they'd left the diaper bag. He almost stopped and turned around when Kevin said, "What have you been feeding that kid, Leslie? That has to have been the worst smell I've ever experienced!"
Joy jumped in before Leslie could answer. "It isn't the worst I've ever smelled, young man. You could clear a room faster than anyone I've ever known when you were that age."
"Aww, Mom!"
A few minutes later, E.J. returned, with Siti asleep on his shoulder, and the diaper bag over the other. He glanced down to see Zuberi sprawled on his lion, also asleep. "I think it's time this party broke up, as much fun as it's been. This one fell asleep when I was cleaning her. And it is a workday -- and a school day -- tomorrow."
There was a general agreement, and everyone rose and began to collect their things. Naomi carefully picked up Dalila, who was half asleep wound up in her blanket, and yawning. She took her down the hall, followed by Sheila with Zuberi and the lion. They returned a few minutes later to say that both birthday children were out like lights. It took another twenty minutes for goodbyes, and last minute tidbits of information to be expressed, but soon the visitors were in their vehicles and on their way home.
As David closed their front door, Sheila moved into his arms. "We are so lucky. We have wonderful families."
"Yes we do." He put his arms around her, holding her close. "And we've started another one."
"Mmm." She put her head on his shoulder for a moment, then raised it and looked into his eyes. "Oh, guess what Naomi said while we were putting the twins down."
"What?"
"You know how she likes to write. She told me she got an idea for a story about Zuberi. She's going to write it and send it to us. She even has the title - Zuberi and the Lion."
Post by Hobbeth on 10/28/2006 11:04 AM
  
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