Mirror, Mirror (Book 2)

Chapter 41: Cave Explorers

After Oliver's conversation with Amelia was over, Mama Marie brought the duo over to Jake and explain what is going to happen.

"Jake and I are going to gather every single child in this wretched camp and get them out of here," explained Mama Marie, rubbing her fingertips against the cane.

She swerved her sunglasses over to the counselor's direction then asked, "Do you have a vehicle that can carry several people?"

Jake thought about it for a second before nodding.

"Yeah," he beamed. "There's a tour bus somewhere in the garage. I use it to take toddlers around the camp."

Oliver nodded in approval. "That's good! Gather all the kids and tell them that you want to take them on a 'special tour'."

"A special tour?" Jake repeats carefully. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"You and Mama Marie are going to take them home," Oliver explained. "Amelia and I will handle Mr. Hamwood, but in the meantime, make sure every child— senior or not—is on that bus."

"Especially Beverly Hills and John Cena," added Amelia snidely. "They need to leave too."

"Why?" Jake asked. "They can help you guys."

"No, they can't," Amelia argued. "Jane is a hooker and her husband is a masochist. They'll only get in our way."

Jake gawked at her, then looked in Oliver's direction.

"Is she always like this?" he asked.

Oliver rolled his eyes. "Yeah, get used to it."

"What?" cried Amelia. "I'm just stating the elephant in the room."

Just then, Mama Marie raised her hand politely and Oliver called on it.

"Yes, Mama Marie?" he asked.

"I am thinking that I should stop by in the kitchen," she suggested. "I can make a batch of fried chicken and salad for the children, in case they get hungry."

Oliver smiled. "That's a great idea, but also you two need to keep Jonah and Mr. Hamwood under the dark; we don't know what plans they have in store for us."

Grinning at his suggestion, Mama Marie puts her withered hand on Oliver's left shoulder.

"Alright, Oliver," she says with a smile. "I am counting on you and Amelia to stop this monstrosity, once and for all."

The boy nodded firmly. "Thank you, Mama Marie."

"You're welcome, son." said the blind chef cheerfully.

Then all of a sudden, Mama Marie had leaned over to his right ear then added in a low whisper, "If something bad were to happen to me, please watch over Teresa."

Oliver's green eyes twinged in surprise. 

Although he had taken care of Amelia and many other supernatural creatures for years, Oliver had never babysat a mermaid before.

In fact, the boy wasn't sure about Teresa's appetite or her knowledge of human customs.

"Why? How come?"

But Mama Marie didn't give any explanations.

"Please," she begged. "just find a good home for Teresa."

Oliver stared at her in confusion.

"Are you sure you want me to look after her?" he whispered back. "Why not some of your old colleagues?"