Museum Discoveries

Chapter 9

Nicky and I were sitting in the lobby of the museum, watching everybody have fun the next night. Rexy was chasing his bone around, which was tied to the back of a little remote control Hummer that Jed and Octavius were driving around. Teddy was sitting with Sacajawea on the steps, talking quietly to her. Dexter was on Larry's shoulder. Ahkmenrah was talking to Larry, and every once in a while he would look up at me. 

This time when he looked up, he paused and held my gaze. My cheeks flamed and I turned away. Nicky smiled and pulled me closer to him. Our fingers were intertwined, and we were sitting close together. 

Nicky looked at me. Standing up, he took my hands. "Come on. Let's go mingle." 

I laughed at his words. I stood up, but then placed a hand over my stomach, pausing. "Wait, hold on." 

He frowned. "Are you okay?" 

I shook my head. "No. I'm nauseous." 

Nicky helped me sit back down. "Try putting your head between your knees."

I did as Nicky said, but that only made my stomach hurt more. I sat up and leaned back against the wall. But I couldn't get comfortable. Sighing, I straightened up again. 

"Not helping much?" Nicky asked me. 

I shook my head and leaned into him. He wrapped an arm around me. "Dad!" Nicky called out. 

Larry turned and headed our way. When Ahkmenrah saw my hand wrapped around my torso and my uncomfortable expression, he came as well. "What's wrong, Crystal?" Larry asked me. 

I only made noises and turned more into Nicky. He answered for me. "She's feeling pretty nauseous. I started to help her up, but then she said she felt sick." 

Ahkmenrah stepped closer. "Crystal, are you going to be okay?" 

I shrugged and closed my eyes. Nicky's hand moved up and down my back, soothing me a bit. "Ahkmenrah, will you get her some water? There's paper cups beneath the desk." 

I heard footsteps walking away, so I knew it was Ahkmenrah, doing as Nicky asked. A moment later, the footsteps returned and Nicky placed a hand on my shoulder. "Here, Crystal. Drink this." 

I took the cup from him and placed it to my lips. After drinking it all, I began to feel a little better. Larry looked at me. "Better?" 

I nodded. "Yeah," Then I threw the cup on the ground. 

"Really, Crystal?" Larry asked me, picking it up and heading for the trash can. 

I snickered as he walked away. Nicky only shook his head and led me to the desk. He leaned me against it, and wrapped his arms around me. My lips brushed against his own and I smiled. Nicky pulled back and returned the smile. 

I can get used to this...

Late the next night, as Nicky and I were walking home so I could sleep, a voice rang out behind us. 

"Going somewhere?" 

I froze. Nicky stopped and turned to look at me. His eyes met the gaze of the man behind us. Slowly, I turned to find Kahmunrah and Dr. McPhee a few feet behind us. I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing it down rather painfully. 

Nicky stepped forward and took my hand. He pulled me closer to him, and wrapped an arm protectively around my waist. "Why are you here?" he asked them. 

Kahmunrah laughed. "Isn't that cute?" he looked at McPhee. "He's trying to be the hero," His smile faded and he glared at us. "Give me the girl." 

Nicky stepped in front of me. "No. Why do you want her?" 

"The way I see it, my dear brother loves her. But, he gave her up so that she could be with you. Oh, don't look so surprised!" Kahmunrah said to Nicky. "She didn't tell you? Shame." 

Nicky turned to face me. "Why didn't you tell me?" 

Looking at Nicky, I said, "I didn't think it was important." 

Nicky turned away. "What does any of that have to do with you wanting her?" 

Kahmunrah smiled wickedly before continuing with his story. "If Ahkmenrah won't give me the tablet, then I don't think he should have the girl." 

"She doesn't want to be with him," Nicky stated. "Like you said, he let her go." 

"But at what cost? He is still unhappy," Kahmunrah informed us. 

I spoke up now. "No, he's not. He told me as long as I was happy, then he would be happy." 

Kahmunrah shook his head, laughing. "Child, you are so daft! I've known my brother for countless years. While you have only known him for months. Clearly, I know when my brother is unhappy," His smile died again. "Now give me the girl." 

"How about no?" Larry's voice rang out. 

Kahmunrah and McPhee turned. Larry paused when he saw him. "Dr. McPhee? You're working with him?" 

McPhee only glared. "Of course I'm working with him! He promised me many riches!" 

Kahmunrah shook his head at McPhee. "I promise people many things. It doesn't mean they actually get them in the end." 

McPhee whipped his head to face Kahmunrah. "If that's the case, then why am I working with you?" 

"Because you're stupid enough to believe that I would give you what you want!" 

While the two were arguing, Larry slipped around them and Nicky pulled me away. We made a run for it. When we thought we were far enough away, we slowed to a walk. 

Larry unlocked the door once we got to the apartment, I immediately went to sit on the couch. Nicky watched me. Larry shut the door and paused when he saw me as well. 

"Are you okay, Crystal?" Larry asked.

"Hmm?" I looked up. "Oh, yeah. I'm fine," I went back to staring at the ground. "I'm just going to go to bed," With that said, I stood up and went to my room, shutting the door softly behind me. 

I thought about what Kahmunrah had said. He said that Ahkmenrah was unhappy. Kahmunrah told me that Ahk was unhappy because he let me go... but I couldn't help wondering if it was true. Surely, he was just making it all up. But on the off chance that it was true... what would I do? Confront him about it? Or just let it go? 

I bit my lip, thinking. For one, I was sure Ahk would tell me if he was unhappy. Right? So far, he seemed at ease and happy. Though, for all I knew, it could just be an act. Besides, Kahmunrah has done nothing but try and kill me... so how did I know if he was telling the truth? I didn't. 

Running a hand through my hair, I lay back on my pillows. This didn't make any sense. I'd known Kahmunrah longer than Ahk, but all Kahmunrah wants to do is attack me. And Ahk has been nothing but honest with me... at least, I think he was being honest. I sighed. I just wished I could know if someone was telling the truth or not. It would make my life a heck of a lot easier.