Neutral Space(38)

My parents were waiting for me on the road as we turned the last bend to the house. I thought I’d landed far enough away so they wouldn’t come to meet me. Then I saw who ratted me out; Matthew and Gabriel, my sister’s boys. I asked Kheda to wait and went ahead. I could see my parents straining to see her as I approached. Then my mother saw me and forgot about Kheda, at least for the moment.

“Jackson, we were worried.” She hugged me.

“If not for your letter we almost could have believed those lies.” My father said with a grin. “Tony got it to us just before the news hit. Said you came to his restaurant.”

“You read my letter then?” They both nodded.

“Foolhardy thing to do risk your life for a woman.”

“Kyle,” my mother scolded him.

“They weren’t going to let us out. I was going to die in there.”

My mother turned away. I could tell she was trying not to cry. “We know, son.” My father hugged me for the first time since I’d left to join the army.

“Is that her, Jackson?” my mother asked.

“It is, but I have to tell you, we… we got married over a month ago.”

My father looked concerned “A Kelsairan, Jackson? And not just any Kelsairan, but Major Trekes? She’s killed more of us than anyone knows.”

“Dad, I love her.” My mother gave my father a nasty glare. “things are going on in the war on both sides that are wrong. Both our governments have been lying to us.”

“Jackson…”

“I know I sound crazy, but I can’t tell you everything, for its too dangerous for you if I did. You just have to trust me.” He nodded finally. “And Dad, just so you know, I killed my fair share of Kelsairans.”

“Jackson, stop,” my mother hated talk of the war. “Kyle, this was Jackson’s decision, and he made it now we have to accept it. Whether Kelsairan or not, this is the woman he chose.”

“Well, let’s meet her then.” My father finally said.

I went back and took Kheda by the arm. She looked at me worried because it had taken so long. I assured her everything would be all right.

I saw my father’s eyes brighten when he saw her. There was no denying she was a beautiful woman. I saw my mother slump with relief when she saw my father’s glower diminish.

“Well now, young lady, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He said as if he’d been happy from the start.

“Kheda, this is my father Kyle and my mother, Saleena.”

“Kheda?” my father was confused.

“My given name Mr. Peterson.” She said in perfect English.

He was still confused but was more impressed with her ability to speak English. Matthew and Gabriel appeared from their hiding spot and stood before Kheda, staring up at her like she was a mountain. “My nephews, Gabriel and Matthew.”

“Hello, little men.” She said as she bent down to have a closer look.

“Are you really Kelsairan?” Gabriel, the older and bolder of the two twins asked.

“I am.”

“Why are you here?”

“I’m married to your uncle.”

“Wow really?” Gabriel looked to me. “Good job, Uncle Jackson.” Both boys took a hand and pulled her to the house.

“Is Sarah here?” My mother nodded. “Crap, I’d better warn her.”

“Matthew Gabriel, stop that. Go get your uncle’s things from his ship.” The boys raced past me towards the ship.

“Dad, we’ll just sleep out there. I’m sure the house is full with Sarah and the boys.”

“Sarah and Mark stay in her room, and the boys stay in Luke’s. Your room is yours.”

I stopped beside my father and held his arm so my mother would walk ahead “It’s also right next to Luke’s room.” I looked away hoping he wouldn’t make me elaborate.

“And ours, I guess you two will have to be very quiet.” He grinned.

“Dad,”

“You’re mother will be disappointed. You come all this way and not stay in her house? I’d never heard the end of it and neither would you. Do us both a favor, huh Jackson?” he pat me on the back.

I sighed. “All right, go warn Sarah. I’m going to keep the boys out of mischief.”

“I’ll go. I want to see this thing.” My dad waved indicating the ship.

“All I have to say is her brother gave it to us, and he’s well off.” For some reason, I knew if he saw it without some warning. He’d think I was lying or I’d stolen it. I don’t know what I was thinking, but it had been Kheda’s and my home for two months, and I was suddenly defensive.

Sarah looked up as I stepped into the kitchen. She stopped chopping carrots and let the knife go. “Jackson, I’m so glad you’re home.” She hugged me then let me go. “You look good.”

“Thanks, Sarah.” I smiled at her.

“Just in time for dinner as usual.” Sarah turned back to the stove.

“Sarah I didn’t come alone.” I picked at her vegetables.

“Is Jeannie here?” She glanced over her shoulder.

“No, I brought someone else.” I snatched a carrot.

“Who, Jackson?”