Jade

Chapter 8

“Wake up Jade.  The food is ready.”  Someone was shaking my arm.  I rolled over to see who was interrupting my peaceful slumber.  Ripley smiled brightly.  I just can't be mean to him.  That is probably why they sent him.  I sat up and stretched my arms and back.  I stood up and headed for the bathroom.  “Just give me a few minutes.”  I went in and shut the door.  I washed my hands and splashed some water on my face.  I changed my clothes to some tan khakis and a green long sleeved tunic and put my hair up in a bun, via the skin.  One last look in the mirror and I saw Yaris looking back at me.   I backed up, real quick, until I hit the wall behind me, freaked out.  What's going on?  Don't be afraid, I am just your skin.  Is that all?  I am how you communicate with Yaris telepathically.  We were doing it before I had you.  No, he was, but you weren't.  Is he hearing this conversation?  Yes, I am.  Can you explain what is going on now.  Come and eat.  I will explain afterwards.  Do not worry.  You are not crazy.  I walked out of the bathroom.  Ripley had left.  I made my way to the kitchen.

The smell of fried chicken was glorious.  I could smell it long before I reached the kitchen.  I was afraid they would make something I never heard of, then I would have to choke it down and pretend that I liked it.  The sides were all on the island counter.  Stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, corn and dinner rolls waited to be devoured.  They were already eating so I just took a little bit of everything and went to the table.  Kale got me a can of Diet Coke from the refrigerator.  I smiled at him, grateful, “thank you.”  I bit into a chicken strip.  I closed my eyes and I am pretty sure that I moaned.  It was tender and moist on the inside and crunchy on the outside.  By far the best fried chicken I had ever had.  “Who made this?” I asked, ”I am pretty sure I want to marry him.”  They were all smiling at me.  “What?” I asked, “so I like to eat.”  “Yaris made the chicken, but you have to taste the sides too,” Theo spoke up.  Oh, I planned on it.  I finished the piece of chicken and moved on to the stuffing.  Everything was really good.  “Where did you guys learn to cook?  This is all so good.”  “We took a culinary class a couple of years ago,” Yaris explained, “we got tired of eating takeout all of the time.” I went back for seconds.  I ate most of it, but couldn't finish.  I pushed the plate away and sat back.  “That was soooooo good.  Thank you for cooking.”  They were all still eating so I just sat and waited.  I don’t know if they just eat slower than me or if they eat more.  Probably a little of both.  Next time I will try eating slower.

When they were finished, I stood up and started collecting the plates.  “No,” Antony said, “leave that for us.” “I can help.  You guys did all of the cooking.”  “No,” Ripley this time, “it is our honor to cook for you.” “Okay.”  I put the plates back down onto the table and sat back down, unsure of what to do.  I have never been treated like I was special by anyone other than my parents, Rosa and Jeffrey before.  Even then I would still help clean up after dinner.  I noticed that Yaris didn't get up to help.  He seemed at ease with it though.  I think he is used to being served.

I just sat quietly as they cleared the table, loaded the dishwasher and put away what meager leftovers remained on the counter.  Yaris was looking over paperwork again.  As they finished cleaning, one by one they came and sat at the table.  They were all clearly waiting for something.  I wasn't sure what until Yaris looked up at them and said, “okay, you are dismissed.  Be careful and don't come back rowdy or drunk.”

They all smiled and stood up.  “Wait a minute,” I stopped them, “where are you going.”  I was curious now because of what he said.  “Clubbing,” Kale answered.  “I want to go,” I started, jealous.  “You are going to be busy,” Yaris interrupted, “you are too young anyway.”  “Ever heard of a fake ID?” I asked.  “Surely with all of this,” I gestured indicating the penthouse, “you could get me one.”  “We will get you one,” Theo spoke up, “after we go to the club.”  I crossed my arms over my chest and huffed, pouting.  “Your reaction just proves you are too young,” Yaris didn't look up from his paperwork, “ are you going to keep proving me correct?”  Seething with anger now, I bit back my reply.  I got up quietly and walked towards the door.  I need to be alone in case I start to cry.  I cry when I get angry.  Sometimes I can't control it.  Immature or not, let them think what they want by me leaving the room.  I walked out of the door.