North American Vampire Council & Past Calling (Hypernaturals 12 & 13)

Not My Work

Everyone is awake because of the second door knock and my conversation with Victoria. We got dressed and the four of us headed for the cafe suddenly ravenous. My parents, Morgan's parents, Angel, Vera, and our kids will all be there soon if they are not already.

Inside the cafe, I looked down over the fireplace end to see an enormous picture of Fred Rogers in his famous sweater smiling over the space.

The social area is now Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

Morgan thought of that one. The picture fits the frame too. If I had done it, it would have been one of Bob Ross, painting his happy little trees, but Morgan's is better.

The frame is a little gouged where the plate came off the bottom. We can put a new plate on to cover the scrapes, but that is a detail that either was overlooked in the insanity or they did not have time to fix. Given the level of detail on the things they were ready for? A huge sign for the Camp with a Buckaroo Bonzai quote? So good. This detail is nothing. Less than nothing.

I kind of like the scar on the frame. A reminder of the huge folly that transpired here.

Seated at a long table, we ordered a high protein breakfast in double portions to refuel after the night's labors. The food was served on a wide variety of plate patterns and the coffee arrived in an assortment of mug shapes. All large mugs: Morgan did not bother with small cups for Vampires.

I had a mental image of Morgan pushing a cart through the store loaded with their entire inventory of plates and large mugs. I smiled to myself, but Morgan was looking at me and seemed to understand the general drift of my thoughts. She smiled back.

As we sat and ate, I occasionally listened to the surrounding hubbub of the room. About what you would expect. People that slept through the excitement getting a blow by blow account from people that watched the camp redesign. Many people had been impressed by the size of the fire. There were some sour comments here and there by Crew about all the work they just lost. I guess that means the contractors did not do all of it. Other Crew sometimes replied they liked the response. Said it was perfect.

I like that some of them comprehended the need to erase that appellation from the Camp. They did the work. Not me.

Our families appeared at five after eleven, and we hugged, kissed, touched the Vera and Angel baby bumps, and asked about food requirements.

Vera gave me a knowing expression. "I can't believe they named this place after you. I totally believe you went apeshit about it."

Angel agreed. "I thought this was a bad idea from the beginning. not that you don't deserve some recognition and credit. How you get it is important." She touched the baby bump. Said nothing but left that hanging in the air. Catori is not a tribute or anything, but she would not be happening if Angel did not feel a particular way about the whole thing.

I kissed them both for understanding who I am.

We were all seated at the long table we had selected knowing more are coming. When more food arrived, the baby momma's tucked in, Vera to double portions because baby mamma and Vampire.

I put Rachel in my lap, Laura jumped into Helen's. We finished food and decent coffee.

Diana decided to not sit in a lap because Nakoma didn't and she is a big girl now.

Nakoma was looking down the room to the social area and at Mr. Rodgers, wearing a secret smile. She knows her dad. She knew this would happen too.

Everyone knew about this but me? I need to someday keep a secret none of them know.