The Pharaoh

Chapter 12

I felt like I was intruding. I was watching this family being reunited while I just awkwardly stood in the background. Aiden hugged and exchanged pleasantries with his family, catching them up on his royal and dangerous life. All the while I just stood in the background twiddling my thumbs.

They continued their talking, me not paying attention to any of it as we began to walk. Instead, I stood and walked a bit behind them and gave them their space. I understand why Aiden wasn't sure if he wanted to bring me here. This is obviously a personal place... his own sanctuary.

The family began to walk down the hill and I silently followed. I looked around the area and realized that this dome was even bigger than I originally thought. This place was miles long. All of it green with oases spread throughout the hills. Animals were grazing in the distance and a small farm with vegetables and fruits was near some of the small buildings. Flowers were abundant, mostly white, and let out a whimsical fragrance.

I felt dazed and not entirely there as I walked. I'm not wanted here. I'm not meant to be here.

"I always feel like I'm in the way when he's home. Mind if I hang back here with you?" A raspy male voice asked me.

I jumped slightly, the voice startling me rather badly, and whipped around to meet the voice. The man had salt and pepper hair. His eyes were dark but kinder and softer than most. He was tanned and had laugh lines around his eyes. He was in good shape, with the occasional scar on his arms and legs.

He smiled at me with slightly yellow and crooked teeth and apologized, "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to scare you."

I smiled back and replied, "It's not your fault. I should've paid better attention."

He chuckled and held his hand out, "I'm Rhett Kates. Aiden's stepfather."

"Alison Bell," I said as I shook his hand in greeting, "Aiden's most current burden."

We both laughed and released our grip. We watched the family consort for a little bit before Rhett announced, "I better move the sheep. It's nice to have you home, Aiden."

"Nice to be home, Rhett," Aiden replied with a slight nod.

Rhett then patted Aiden on the shoulder and left the house that we were in. When did we get inside of a building? How out of it have I been?

The family went right back to talking and I went right back to feeling awkward. I looked at the door that Rhett had left through and went towards it.

"Where are you going?" Aiden asked as I was about to walk out.

Aiden's mother put her hand on his bicep and said, "Oh honey let her explore. We both know there's no place safer than here."

"Yeah but Alison seems to have a special power that's called danger attraction," he teased.

"Whatever, Aiden," Evie said as she slapped his arm, "I'm sure she wants to see everything. It's a nice change from the desert's sand ."

Aiden clenched his jaw and uncertainty filled his gray eyes. "Honey, let her wander," his mother told him.

"Fine," he grumbled in defeat.

I smiled and was about to walk out when his mother asked, "Would you like a change of clothes and a bath? You seem to be about Evie's size and I know how traveling in that hot sun can be."

"That would be really nice actually," I admitted.

"Evie go get something for her," she told her daughter. Evie quickly left her seat and walked through a beaded-covered doorway. "When you go outside there will be a big stone pathway that will lead you to the water that we use to bathe in," she informed me.