Alpha Ian's The One and Only

Chapter 9

"Just take those old records off the shelf,

I'll sit and listen to 'em by myself,

Today's music ain't got the same soul,

I like that old-time rock and roll."

The song is blasting in the kitchen, I am lip-syncing the lyrics into the spatula, and Bri is playing air guitar she had seen Liam do on occasions. It was one of dad's favourite songs. He loved to play his mix tape on weekends or holidays. Mom baking, dad goofing around with her, coaxing her into a dance, and then stealing a kiss when no one was looking. Or so they thought. So that's how Bri and I decided to kick-start the weekend by baking cookies and listening to old songs.

It has been four days since the incident at the basketball game. The three days following the incident were hectic. Discreetly Ian, Creed and Bane patrolled around the house, standing guard watching over us. Their house visits were limited because I have warned them not to drop by unannounced. I don't want the children to be uncomfortable with the sudden presence of three men.

Ian's soup was an instant hit. Bri has even declared it her favourite food of the century. Liam and Claire were feeling much better now. I, on the other hand, am a bundle of nerves. After Ian told me about the possible connection between the Scythe and the bombing, I couldn't help but wonder how one organisation have directed the course of my life. Was it a coincidence? Or was someone deliberately targetting me? I was more inclined to believe in coincidence, but a small voice in my head said it could be intentional. I still haven't told Ian about the Amazon incident. I should tell him sooner before it is too late. Late for what? I don't know, but I have a feeling of urgency growing inside of me.

I heard the front door open. "We are home," Liam announced.

"Really? Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band?" Claire said.

"We were in the mood for some old country rock and roll," I said, popping a cookie into her mouth. "How is it?"

"Hmmmmmm, it is soooooo goooood!" She exclaimed with her mouth full.

I smiled and turned around, only to take a step back because Liam was standing behind me with his mouth open. I popped a cookie in his mouth as well.

"How was your day so far?" I asked them both, moving towards the fridge to get milk and ingredients for sandwiches.

Claire went first, "It was okayish. I have a group assignment with three girls from the Biology class. We will mostly work in the library after school or during free period. Oh, and my English teacher loved the short story. She said there was so much depth and emotions wrapped in a few chapters. Other than that, it was a normal, boring school day."

"Mine was fun because I couldn't write, the teachers told me that I could take the assistance of others with homework and assignments. Now I have people doing my work." He said it like a boss.

"I think the teachers meant you have to be present while others are doing your homework," Claire clarified.

"Tomato tomatho. So what's this story you wrote?" Liam asked, eating another cookie. Liam pretends to be flippant about some things, but I know he would never give any trouble to anyone. He does as much as he can, even if it means writing with his left hand, before asking for help. Just like his father.

Placing a glass of milk and a sandwich in front of them, I replied, "Claire wrote a ten-chapter story for her English assignment. You should read the story it is very captivating." I almost succeeded in rescuing the remaining cookies placed in front of him before he stole two more.

"I am a man of action. I can't spend my days sitting around reading some fiction. It's not productive at all. Sorry, Claire-bear."

"Está Bien," Claire replied in Spanish before taking a bite of her sandwich. [it's okay]