Humanoid (Dream Warriors Book 1)

Chapter 33

CHAPTER 33

Christmas and New Year at the Douglas household came and went without a glitch. A humid Australian Christmas didn't sit comfortably with me. What a bizarre experience. Azure blue skies, unbearable humidity and constant sweating contrasted with the dullness of frigid old Blighty, but ultimately an event I wouldn't forget in a hurry.

JayJay had picked me up from the Tropical Research Centre and bought me back to the Mossman farm on Christmas Eve. He neglected to mention my tryst with Jalun or what happened to Matt. Our entire exchange centred on ecology and conservation. It was a tremendous relief.

Kiah made it home in the afternoon with little to report from Brisbane. She mentioned she worked a shift every day at Woolworths since we finished university. No rest for wicked. Then she asked me if I'd seen Jalun. Who chose not to grace us with his presence for the holiday period, still away at Thornton Peak or the town of Noah (depending on who you spoke to?) I blatantly lied to her, uncertain what she knew about recent events involving her not so human brother. The telepathic abilities I believed they shared hinted she already had an inkling about what happened. So why should I play her stupid game?

On Christmas Day, we stuffed ourselves on traditional European, seasonal cuisine prepared by Leonie. Mary arrived after dinner with her daughter, Sue and granddaughters, Ulla and Leif, to join in with our celebrations. And in the late afternoon, Raymond popped in for a brief, yet unexpected visit.

Within the hour, Leonie whisked me away to her studio to view her artwork, perhaps conscious of my reluctance to engage with her father. I found her interpretations of the legends and traditions of her people vibrant and thought-provoking. Her skill shone through the paintings, boosting her status as an internationally recognised artist.

After the art tour, Kiah, Leaf and Ulla dragged me on a walk around the extensive farmstead. Nattering with the girls about films and music offered a light relief from the stresses surrounding the oddities of my ex-boyfriend, as I now considered him, and their grandfather's persistent prying. By the time we returned to the house, Raymond had gone home.

I spoke to Grampy, who verified Dad arrived on Christmas Eve and intended to stay for the entire holiday, which almost triggered a heart attack. After my initial shock, it pleased me they would spend quality time together. Here's hoping they didn't end up arguing throughout the entire festive period.

Kiah returned to Brisbane the day after Boxing Day to cover holiday shifts. Her determination to save money for an eco-vehicle said so much about her commitment to conservation. Except, something about her icy composure seemed highly suspicious. Even Leonie seemed concerned about her adopted daughter.

On New Year's Eve, out of pity, JayJay offered to take me with him and his mates to a popular bar in Cairns, but I declined. I reckoned I'd experienced enough excitement this year for one person, thank you very much. Instead, I played card games with Leonie and Mary, waiting for midnight.

Kiah texted me to confirm she spent the evening home alone, or so she said. Misty's parents held a New Year's Eve cocktail party at their extensive mansion in the Florida Keys and invited all her high school friends. Kaito face-timed me before leaving for an illegal party in the suburbs, and I messaged the girls again once the clock struck midnight (Misty loved the difference in time zones). Ten minutes into the New Year, I went to bed.

To placate his mother, on New Year's Day, JayJay woke me early in the morning and demanded I got ready for his much anticipated rainforest tour of Mossman Gorge. The missing link to my enthusiasm was Misty, thousands of miles away and unable to share the experience like we planned.

After a delicious English breakfast prepared by JayJay (yes, the giant Adonis can cook), he drove to the Mossman Gorge Tourist Centre and tagged me onto a prepaid excursion with a family happy to include me in their private party.