Neutral Space(41)

“Jackson, dear, I thought you and Kheda would…” my mother started as she opened my door. We were caught, but mother didn’t say a word. She closed the door and went back downstairs. I thought Kheda would be mortified, but she was a good sport she merely laughed. I was more embarrassed than she was. She kept assuring me we were married. I knew that was the case, but my mother just caught me having sex. Lucky for Kheda she was a very persuasive woman.

We went down to breakfast a short while later, and my mom was outside working in the garden. I poured myself a cup of coffee and went to talk to her. “Mom, I uh,” I didn’t know what to say.

“Jackson, you’re a married man. I should have knocked.” She gave me a grin. “Mark and Sarah normally lock the door.”

“We thought everyone was out of the house.”

“Is that why I slept last night? Thanks for the consideration.” She put an arm around my shoulder. “She seems like a good woman Jackson I’m happy for you. I have to say I was worried if sex were even possible.”

“Mother, I can’t believe we're having this conversation.”

“Do you think I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be your age? Or what your father was like then.”

“All right, enough.”

“I’ll come make you some eggs. That’s what I came up to offer before.” She said as we headed back inside. Kheda was seated at the table waiting for us with a kettle on for tea.

“All fixed?” she asked in Kelsairan.

“My mother’s a fiend, just like you. Things I never wanted to know.” I replied in Kelsairan. Kheda Smiled.

My mother got out a skillet and began making us some bacon and eggs. “So when are you leaving Jackson?”

“In the morning, I guess.”

“So soon?” She frowned.

“You know we have to.”

“I know. Where will you go?” My mother asked with a sigh.

“We need information,” I said simply.

“Are you sure it’s wise to see her with Kheda?” She asked.

“I know all about Jeannie.” My mother smiled at Kheda, and Kheda looked at me.

“Don’t worry dear you mean more to Jackson than she did. They never got caught in the house and especially not in his bed. In the barn once but…” My mother shook her head.

“Mom, you’re not helping.”

“In the barn? Where they keep animals?” Kheda gave me a look.

“I can’t believe Mark told you about that.” I shifted uncomfortable.

“Where else Jackson?” Kheda asked.

I looked to my mother annoyed. “You and Mark are giving her bad habits.”

“Really, Jackson? I’m just trying to be helpful.” My mother said in her defense.

“Finally out of bed,” Sarah commented as she came in. I gave her a look not wanting to get into it. “You forgot to lock the door didn’t you?” My mother laughed as she sat down our plates.

“Don’t worry. Mark and I made that mistake once, and it was dad that came in. I was seven months pregnant with the boys you can imagine the scene. Mark couldn’t face dad until they were born.”

“Where are the boys?” Kheda asked.

“I took them to school.”

“Why are you guys living here, anyway?” I asked my sister.

“Dad and Mark are remodeling the house during the offseason.” Mom gave Sarah a small plate of bacon, and she accepted it gladly. “I just wish I knew if this child was going to be a boy or a girl. I don’t go to the doctor for three more weeks.”

“The bio-scanners on our ship could tell you.” Kheda offered.

“Really, you wouldn’t mind?”

“We can go after breakfast. It’s not far.”

Sarah and Kheda disappeared for several hours after breakfast. I was starting to get worried, but my mother said they were probably off somewhere talking. I went outside and helped her in the garden as best I could, but more often than not I merely kept her company.

The girls came back before lunch and Kheda stepped off the transport with dad, Mark, and Sarah. “Where have you been?”

“It’s a girl or at least its going to be. We told Mark, then we went to town to get a few things.”

“Did you go into any shops?”

“Jackson I’m not stupid. I sat on the transport with big oversized sunglasses on and looked ridiculous.”

“I’m sorry, Kheda. One day I’ll take you but not yet.”

“I know, Jackson. I have a surprise for you.” She took me by the hand and led me inside. She locked my door when we were in my room. She set down a bag in her hand and unzipped her one piece. She pulled it off past her waist revealing red lace panties instead of her usual white briefs. I was surprised, to say the least. She stepped all the way out of her clothes and turned around for me. “I don’t understand why part of them are missing, but Sarah said you would like them.”

I swallowed. “I do,” I pulled Kheda in close and felt the skin on her bare butt.

“I have others. Do you want to see?”

“No, just keep surprising me like this.”

“She wanted me to get something for my breasts too, but I don’t think I need it do you?” I shook my head.