The Telepath's Daughter

Bird-Watching

Reid and Ana parted company from the old doctor with the assurance that they'd see him again that evening as soon as his duties permitted. They were hurrying across the hospital lobby, thinking only of finding Melinda, when a deep, joyous voice rang out, its rich, warm tones conjuring images of palm trees and sunny skies.

"My friends! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome back!" Julio Ruiz, in all his magnificently overpowering presence overtook them. He gathered both Reids into his arms. "I understand another happy occasion is at hand!" He glanced pointedly down at Ana. "Another life is to begin. My congratulations to you both. I am glad you returned to us."

Giving neither of the prospective parents a moment's breath, Julio kept them scooped within his embrace as he ushered them out the hospital's large, glass doors. "You are staying with Miss Millie, yes? You must be. There is no other accommodation to be had for many miles." The Palero priest's pure laughter seemed to echo and bounce as he deposited his charges on the sidewalk. "I will come with you."

"So you're still living at Millie's place?" Reid remembered the cultural growing pains the little bed-and-breakfast hostess had endured when first introduced to the exotic appearance and practices of Julio and his Palo beliefs. Reid had rather thought the Palero priest would have eventually sought other accommodations.

Julio's wide grin told him otherwise. "We are used to each other now and she enjoys the attention my Palo rites and celebrations bring her. Also..." Ruiz glanced over his shoulder at the hospital as they put some distance between them and the building. ...we can now talk this way. Far enough from the Doctor's patients. He has shields around our place of work to filter out mental distractions...

The trio continued making their way toward Millie's as Julio confided how his domestic arrangements were faring.

I spend most of my time at work. I am still a novelty here. His laugh rang out. Although you wouldn't think a town of such strange origin and population would be leery of novelties! It is nice at the end of the day to go home to someone like Miss Millie. She is simple and easy to understand. And she has no ESP-er talents at all, so I can let my mind wander without worry of anyone picking up thoughts I would rather keep to myself.

Reid squeezed Ana's hand. We'll try not to eavesdrop on your thoughts while we're here, Julio...or should I call you Doctor Ruiz now?

I know of no institution that would name me 'doctor,' but...The humor faded from Julio's features. ...but I have learned more of the secrets of creation and existence here than any school could ever offer. My friends, it is a miraculous place. And he is a miraculous man...The Palero's voice softened as he privately recalled the experience of working with the ancient physician who'd established this sanctuary. ...a miraculous man and a marvelous teacher...But...Ah! Here we are. Home.

Reid opened the picket gate that led into Millie's prim, tidy front yard. Ana and Julio preceded him, but before any of the three even reached the porch steps, a small, giggling bundle of excitement rocketed through the front doorway, fetching up against Ana's legs with a hug and nonstop chatter.

Mommy! Daddy! I love it here! I love it! There's so much here that isn't anywhere else! It's like...it's like...Melinda stopped, eyes wide as she craned her neck to take in the full measure of the tall, dark man looking down at her with a fierce gaze that reminded her of Uncle Aaron's.

Julio Ruiz inclined his head in a courtly gesture. Well, hello, young lady. I bet you don't remember me... "And since we are now in the land ruled by Miss Millie, it is better that we talk aloud, as she does." He winked at the tiny girl. "More polite that way."