Mana Pool Snippets - Keystone

Part 2

“I realized something,” Arana started. “I’ve been watching the news. Helps with the magic breaks. I’ve noticed that abandoned terran children are up this week. This is turning into an ugly trend, Scott.”

“Very ugly, she’s reminding me of myself,” Scott added. The dirt on the couch started bugging him. “Be right back,” he said and walked to the kitchen for anything to clean up the mess.

Reminded about lonely children raked his heart concerning he was family-less for two whole years. Two years ago he successfully recovered from a mental hospital with Katie’s help and unofficially adopted by the family. His love for Katie was strong in high school and it was stronger afterwards as he made up almost everything he missed, but those memories of loneliness are never forgotten.

This cannot be this way. Somehow, the Livingstons have to take Andrea back.

As he got the hand vaccum, some washcloths and fabric freshener, but despite the drama unfolding, he forget where Jaruka hid. Scott opened the pantry door.

Jaruka sat on a step stool as he had the briefcase open on his lap, still broadcasting the morning’s Howler Cycle race. He looked up at Scott, a fresh bruise over his right eye. “This is not like I’m a wanted fugitive or those movies about tiny fragile aliens, Scott,” he said, “ It’s been over a month, I have the right to be out in the open.”

“Well this is a family friend we’re talking about, and what you did was pretty shocking. You’re lucky she didn’t ask about you, but you deserved that black eye,” Scott said.

Jaruka sniffed, yet the bruise caused no pain. It nearly disappeared on its own from Jaruka’s fast healing ability.

“Come help me with this, can’t leave you alone anyway,” Scott told him, but Jaruka just brooded as Scott started cleaning; the totems giving the support they could.

“So who is she?” Jaruka asked.

Scott set all the pillows on the floor and yelled as he vacuumed. “It’s Andrea Livingston. I’ve known her for like two years, but Katie and the rest know the Livingstones for a long time. Before the Wave she comes by on her own every other day just to be with us. She looks up to Katie like a sister because she an only child.”

Arana coughed and yelled, “Parents own an accounting firm in the city and they handle the winery’s taxes. On the plus they are devote Temecula wine supporters and are one of several sponsors for the parties.”

“I see,” Jaruka said. “So why is she here looking like she had a mud fight with grimlods?”

“What are grimlods?” Keeji asked.

“You will feel sick if you knew.”

“Okay let’s not talk about space now,” Scott yelled. “Besides the race, did you hear what she said?”

“No, sir, I was too busy with the race. I’m not in the right mind to give a damn about human issues.”

“Can you please not be snippy for once today?” Scott asked with a strong tone.

Jaruka was silent.

“Alright. So, back to Andrea. She said that ever since she transformed last week on her thirteenth birthday…” Jaruka took a breath but Scott beat him. “…I know about the thirteenth birthday thing. But ever since, her parents kicked her out and forced to survive in the wild.”

“Ouch,” Jaruka said. “Well she handled herself well.”

“Girls her age are not allowed to be outside, not with those idiots running around. I’m shocked she stayed hidden for so long.”