Shifted

Chapter 12

We drove the long winding path to his house.  The last time I'd traveled this road I was clinging to Jackson as we sped along on his motorcycle.  Now that I wasn't scared for my life, I took the time to admire the view as we climbed higher and higher up the mountain.  Eventually we based by a fork in the road that I recognized.  It was where Jackson had picked me up when I'd found my father's old house.  We passed the road that led down to the old abandoned house, and kept driving up the mountain. 

Finally we turned off the road, onto a long driveway surrounded by tall trees.  We pulled up in front of his large house, and Jackson rushed over to open my passenger door for me.  I felt my cheeks flush red, and he flashed me a wink.  We walked into the house, and I was immediately surprised by the amount of noise.  When I'd last been in the Alastair household, it had just been Jackson and his grandmother there.  Tonight as we walked into the kitchen, there were several people hustling about, all talking and laughing at the same time.

There was a blur in front of us, and suddenly Jackson was tackled by two fast moving, giggling creatures. He picked up one of the little girls that had launched themselves at him. The other little girl attached herself to his leg, giggling as Jackson tossed the other into the air and caught her. The one that was wrapped around his leg suddenly noticed me, and hid behind Jackson. She peaked around his legs at me, and I gave her a smile and a quick wave. She blushed and giggled.

"Jacky!" The little girl in Jackson's arms squealed. "Put me down!"

"Guys, this is my friend, Casper," Jackson said to the room full of people. A woman with an apron covered in flower came over and kissed Jackson on the forehead. She had long black hair, and similar sharp features to Jackson. Based on how much she and Jackson looked alike, he could only have been his mother.

"It's nice to meet you, Casper," she said. "Any friend of Jackson's is welcome in my home. You can call me Sharon."

Jackson pointed to the little girl attached to his legs. "This is Kiley, and this is Cassy.  They're twins.  Don't feel bad if you can't tell them apart, I'm the only one who can."

I smiled, and we went into the kitchen.  Jackson's grandmother Peggy saw me, and rushed over to give me a big hug.  "How have you been sweetheart?"

I smiled at the warmth of the old woman's welcome, and told her I was doing well.  She smiled at me, then picked up a wooden spoon from the countertop.  She walked over to where Jackson had sat down at the kitchen table with his feet propped up.  With an innocent smile, the old woman swung the spoon and whacked Jackson on the back of his head. 

"Hey!" Jackson said. 

"Make yourself useful, child," Peggy said.  "Set the table."

Grumbling, he got up and went to work getting out plates and utensils.  The old woman took me by the hand and sat me down next to her at the table.  I tried to offer to help, but she just waved it off.  The hustle and bustle of the room returned, and Peggy gave me a knowing look. 

"How are you really doing, sweetie?"

Surprised that she somehow knew what was going on in my head, I took a moment before I answered.  "Jackson and I went to my father's grave today."

Peggy nodded, and gave me a small smile.  "Your father was a wonderful man.  Good friends with my son.  He was like a son to me.  If you ever have any questions about him, you can talk to me."

I nodded gratefully, and she gave me another hug.  Just then Sharon put food out on the table, and people began to sit down.  Jackson's cousin Glen, the police officer sat down across from me, and gave me a smile and a wave.  Jackson sat down next to me.