Chapter 3: Monday Evening

Monday Evening

Kara waved at Tony, Cosette and Laura after pulling the skirt up. “We wanted to let you know your show was a success. Nearly all of the school is passing around your version of the story; not one of the old rumors” Tony quietly told them when they got close.

“It helped that we made sure to correct anyone who was still spreading one of the old versions” Laura added.

“You said ‘nearly all’. I think I can guess who some of the people are who would want to hold onto the false rumors” Emanuel replied.

Kara glanced at Cosette, who had been studying Emanuel. “Are you okay big brother? You look kind of out of it.”

“Okay sounds about right.”

Cosette turned to Allison. “Did something happen to big brother, big sis?”

Kara hung her head very slightly. “Manny got some difficult news during drama. Don’t worry Cosette; Kara and I will make sure he stays okay.”

She grabbed Allison’s free hand. “Just ‘okay’ my muse? We won’t stop until he feels better.”

Allison laughed softly. “Yes. Completely better. Right Manny?”

“If anyone can accomplish that, it’s probably you two.” Kara watched the bus pull in. “Our bus has arrived.”

Tony stepped forward and put a hand on his shoulder. “I know I’m not as good as your girls, but if I can help with whatever is going on, you’ll let me know, right?”

He chuckled softly. “Yeah. Promise.” He trudged off to the bus. Kara shook head.

When Emanuel was out of ear shot, Tony turned to them. “I’m completely serious. If you two notice something, call Cosette, and she’ll make sure I find out about it.”

“Manny’s promise wasn’t enough?” Allison asked.

Kara smiled sadly. “He’s been on the team since freshman year, right?” Tony nodded his head. “I take it you have as well?” He nodded it again. She turned to Allison. “When you’re teammates of a sort with someone for that long, you know when something they said doesn’t sound right. That wasn’t a completely sincere promise. I know what his promises sound like, and that’s not it.”

“Exactly. There was no energy in his voice for it. Even when he had to promise something he didn’t want to, that energy was still there. Keep a close eye on him.”

“We will”

Allison turned to her. “Have you heard a false promise from Manny before?”

She nodded toward the bus. “Yes. The day of his mom’s funeral. He promised he was handling things okay, but I could tell he wasn’t. Only one other person could really tell.”

“Who?”

“You. I’m not sure if you remember it, but I know you were there. All of our parents were once close friends, and there was no way any of them were going to miss a chance to say goodbye to her.”

“I don’t remember being there.”

“I distinctly remember you going over to him and pulling him away to play for a little bit. I was annoyed at first, but got over that quickly when I saw his smile return for a little bit. I kind of wish I’d gotten up the courage to join you two.” She paused. “Do you really not remember?”

“Yeah. My non-school related memories of the last ten years are spotty sometimes; and I don’t always trust the ones I do remember. The trauma that I wasn’t dealing with for that decade was slowly doing some awful things to me.”

Such as? She got on the bus and looked around for Emanuel.

Do you remember seeing me around school at all the last three years? Our school may not be ‘small’, but it isn’t THAT big.

Kara pointed at the softly snoring Emanuel in the back. He has a wall up. I didn’t feel it earlier, but I’m sure of it. And no, I don’t remember seeing you around at all last year.

Did you ever notice a very plain looking girl in very baggy clothing?

No, but I do remember a few of the class bullies mentioning ‘that ugly, fat chick from the other class’ and how she was no fun to taunt anymore.

Kara sat down next to Emanuel. That ‘ugly, fat chick’ they were talking about was me. As soon as my breasts began to really start to grow, I wore nothing but clothing three sizes too large for me. I didn’t want to be noticed, and did my best to hide in plain sight. Allison sat down next to Kara. I remember you very clearly.

She gently laid Emanuel’s head on her bare breast. Even with all those years of Kempo under my belt, I still could be very impetuous. That would have made it hard to hide, even if I want to. And I had no desire to hide even then. She glanced at Emanuel. He’s not looking so good.

No, he’s not. And I’m worried that if he gets worse, even we won’t be able to help him. I was planning on making an appointment with an outside therapist to continue dealing with my own crap; I’ll strongly encourage Manny to do the same.

Good. I don’t want to lose the love of my life because his father decided to be an utter idiot. He’s too good of a man for us to let him suffer through this.

Agreed.

Kara glanced up. This is my stop. See you both tomorrow.

Maybe later today. I might need to call you over if this gets worse.

I’m sure when I explain what’s going on to my parents, they won’t make too much of a fuss if that needs to happen. She gently stood up, moving his head to Allison’s breast. You may want to wake him up.

I will.

Kara bounded off the bus to both parents, waiting by the door, with surprise plastered on their faces. “Did your week start, sweetie?” her mom asked.

Kara nodded her head. “Yup.”

Not good. Hopefully a nap before dinner will help.

Make sure he eats something. I’m concerned that this could become full blown depression.

Me too.

“And where are your clothes?” her dad asked.

“The ones you brought this morning? Still at Allison’s. I borrowed a skirt from her. You forgot to bring any underwear or a bra with what you dropped off.” She paused, and stepped inside. “I have news to share.”

“Oh? What is it sweetie?”

“I’m finally dating Emanuel.”

“And Allison is okay with that?”

“More than okay, Dad. We’re also dating.”

“You’re ... what?” He sat down at the table just as his legs threatened to buckle from underneath him.

“You three are a triad? Are you all aware how much work that’s likely to take?”

Kara sighed. “Yes Mom, we have some idea. We’re not going into this blindly.”

“I would ask where you’d find the information you need for that, but I forget sometimes just how big the internet has become. Are you sure about this?”

Kara, darling, come as quick as you can.

As soon as I’m done explaining things to my folks, I’ll bike right over. “As sure as I can be. We’ve left room for any of the connections to be dropped if one or both of those involved decide that works better for them.”

“You’ve left allowances for the triad to become a V. Good.”

“Honey, are you sure...” her dad began.

“Yes. She already knows one of the terms; it makes sense she’d know the other. Our kids are smart.”

“Uhm ... are you willing to trust me on something?”

Her dad started to open his mouth; only to shut it just as quickly when her mom quietly shot him a glance. “If it’s reasonable” she replied.

“Mr. Lopez finally cracked completely, and did something that’s going to land him in jail for a long time. Emanuel found out earlier today, and is not handling it well. I’m really worried about him, and feel like if I’m not by his side now we’ll risk losing him to his own grief and pain.”

“I always thought that young man was holding onto far too much of both. Go; support the boy you’ve loved for so long.”

Kara smiled. “Thanks mom.”

She grabbed her back pack, dashed out of the house and hopped on her bike. Moments later she was at the Kirses’ house. She went to knock on the door only to find it open. “My daughter is expecting you upstairs in her bedroom.”

“Thank you Mrs ... Mom.” Kara ran up the stairs, into the room and dropped her bag. “I came as quickly as I could.” Where do you want me?

On his other side. We’ll hold him as close as we can until most of the immediate stuff is out of his system, and then we can try talking to him.

Okay. Kara laid down on his other side, and cuddled in close. She felt his breathing relax a little.

That seems to have helped a little. Emanuel continued to babble, sobbing in between words.

Can you hear us, my pillar?

It’s no use Kara. Do you feel the wall he’s behind?

She focused for a moment. Yes, and it’s awful, I’ve never seen anything that strong, or felt anything that thoroughly filled with sadness and guilt.

Exactly. Only he can bring something like that down, and that’s not happening unless we help him through this part first.

It stopped?

Yes darling. He’s no longer crying. But, that’s because he cried himself to sleep. And I doubt he has much left in the way of tears.

Emanuel eventually started to stir again. What time is it, my muse?

Nearly six. “Manny? How are you feeling?”

“Horrible. My throat is dry and scratchy, and my eyes feel like all the water in them is gone.” He lowered his voice considerably. “And I can’t ‘hear’ either of you” he whispered.

Allison smiled gently and rolled him onto his back so he could see both of them. “You cried yourself to sleep. I’d be very surprised if you didn’t feel like crap. And you have one heck of a wall up right now.”

“What do you mean?” he croaked. Kara sat up and handed him the nearby, half-filled glass of water. He quickly drained it. “I don’t have a wall up.”

“Yes my pillar, you do. Try to focus and see if you can ‘see’ it.”

He nodded his head slowly, then focused for a few moments. Suddenly, his eyes went wide; as if he’d been punched in the solar plexus. “Where did this horrible thing come from?” He grew quiet again, and a few minutes later dramatically rested his head in his hands. “And why can’t I take it down?”

“You didn’t intentionally put that up, did you Manny?” Allison asked gently.

“No! I’d never put up something so vile.”

How deep does your hurt go, my love? To pull up that much pain, sorrow and guilt so quickly; I can’t begin to fathom it.

Neither can I Allison. Do you have any idea what we can do to help?

I think I have one idea. “Manny, do you trust me?”

“Yes. More than almost anyone.”

She smiled. “Good. Let’s go downstairs and into the backyard then.”

They each stood up, took an arm, and helped him down the stairs and towards the back door. Allison nodded at her mother in the kitchen, then pointed toward the backyard with her free hand. I was just letting my mom know where we’re going. She’ll make sure neither Dad nor Sarah interfere or do something stupid.

Allison sighed with relief as they stepped outside. “So, what are we doing out here, my muse?”

She pointed to a spot under a nearby tree big enough to shelter all three of them. “We’re going to help Manny vent as much of the pain, sadness and guilt that’s fueling that wall as he can. Did he ever teach you the colors technique?”

Kara smiled. “Yeah, years and years ago. I haven’t used it in forever though.”

“That’s okay; we spent some time using it yesterday. You could say it’s fresh in my mind.” She paused, helped Emanuel sit down in the right position, then motioned to Kara to do the same. “We’re both here for you my love. Remember; the bad color; the guilt, sadness and pain out, and the good color in.”

His eyes closed and his breathing grew slow and steady. “Black out, gold in.” He stopped a few minutes later. “It’s no good. No matter how much I try to drain it out, it refuses to leave” he exclaimed, his voice starting to become ragged and distressed again.

Kara, darling; rest one of your hands on his shoulder, and the other on his hand. I’ll do the same for the other side.

What’s your plan?

We’re going to give our love the strength he needs to cleanse that awful energy. “Manny, when you feel our hands on your shoulders and hands, try again. This time, take strength from us if you need to.”

“But...”

“We’ll be okay. Worst comes to worst, we’ll just need to nap for a little bit. Try again, but this time feel my own silver energy intertwining with yours.”

Kara smiled. “And my bronze as well.”

His breathing grew calm again, and Kara felt him begin to draw from her energy.

Suddenly they felt the ‘ground’ under the wall give way, and watched as the bricks began to fall into the earth. As the last brick fell away, they felt a huge blast of joyful energy. I can ‘hear’ you both again!

Allison smiled. She did. We’ll need to break this connection to go get it though.

That’s okay. I’m sure we can connect like this again if we want to.

That’s true Manny. Kara pulled her hands away, and watched as the gold rushed back into his body. There’s still a little of your gold and your bronze in my river.

I could say the same about your silver. It’s not a lot, but it’s definitely there.

Emanuel smiled and stood up. “Thank you, both of you. I couldn’t have done that with you.”

Allison stood up, and helped Kara up. “It was the right thing to do. We couldn’t abandon you when you needed us most.”

Kara smiled. “Exactly what she said.”

Allison started towards the door to the house. Manny, remember the conversation we were having earlier?

Yeah. What about it?

I think, on the deepest level possible, we’ve already done it.

Done what?

Let’s grab our food, and I’ll explain Allison replied. They entered the dining room, and saw three set places, a full plate of food at each, and a bottle in a bucket of ice with a note tied to it. Once again, Mom realizes things before I do. One day, I’ll be the first to pick up on something.

What does the note say? Kara asked.

Let’s talk first. I know exactly what it says, and my explanation should come before we read it. “Kara, while we were on our way out of school, we talked a little bit about that potential new law, and how it would allow both of us to legally be Manny’s wives one day.”

“And yours. Don’t forget about that.”

“There’s no way I can. Anyway, Manny didn’t want to scare you by bringing that up in our thought chat; so he kept it back. If he had, do you know how you would have responded to the idea?”

Kara put down her fork, and thought for a second. “That I would be lying if I said I hadn’t considered that, but it was far too soon to give it serious thought now.”

“How about now?” Allison asked.

Kara smiled. “It doesn’t feel too soon anymore.” They grinned as Emanuel’s mouth and fork both dropped.

“Exactly. I think I can explain why the sudden change in thought happened.” They both turned to Allison, their full focus on her. “What we just did, in the backyard, was one of the most intimate things I think anyone could ever do with another person. More so than any physical act that might happen as part of making love. You said it yourself Kara; we became one. What’s one of the typical understandings of what a marriage is?”

“Two people coming together to become...” she started “one.”

“Exactly. Only in this case, it was three becoming one. Please pick up your jaw Manny.”

“So, my muse, what you’re saying is that, in a manner of speaking, that sharing was a marriage ceremony?”

Allison smiled. “Yes. And like any good marriage, once ‘mixed’ the two always leave something of themselves with the other person. We certainly did. The only difference between what we did and a typical ceremony is that we can’t legally be considered married...”

“Yet” Kara finished. They glanced over at Emanuel. “Allison, I think we may have broken him again.”

He shook his head a few moments later, and looked back at them. “I wasn’t planning on this happening now. Eventually, yeah, but...”

“It might feel too soon, but it really isn’t Emanuel.”

“Allison and I have only known each other for a little over a week. Surely, that’s enough to allow me to feel this is happening too quickly.”

Kara sighed “If that were true, I’d agree. But that’s not true. How much do you remember before your mom passed away?”

He picked at his food a little. “Not much. I remember having a few close friends, but only one of them stuck around until now.”

She shook her head. “That’s incorrect. Two of them have. Give me a sec to grab the photo album I made for you.”

Kara dashed upstairs, into his room, and grabbed the album. As she turned to head back down, Allison’s mom came face to face with her. “Uhm ... hi again Mrs. Kirse ... I mean, mom.”

“I wondered when you three would realize how far back you all go.”

“They haven’t yet. I’m still the only one. But this” she tapped on the album “should help jog their memories. And if this doesn’t work, I have one more ace up my sleeve.”

“I wish you luck then. We’re so close to having Allison truly back to us.”

“From what?”

“She’ll tell you when she’s ready.”

Kara shrugged and bounded back down the stairs and into the dining room. She opened it to one of the early pages. “Do you recognize any of the people in this photo?”

“Your parents, mine, and you” he replied.

“What about the little girl sitting next to you?”

“She does look familiar, but I can’t quite place why.”

She flipped to another picture a little further in. “Okay, how about this one?”

“Just you. Although, again, the other girl is awfully familiar.”

“Okay, one more photo.” She flipped to one towards to the back of the album. “So?”

“Again, you, my folks, and my aunt.”

Kara pointed to a girl laughing in the photo. “See this girl here?” He nodded. “She’s the same girl from the other two photos. She’s in maybe sixty percent of the photos in this album.”

“Who is she?” Allison asked.

“She’s you. You were one of our closest playmates for years; up until a little after your eighth birthday. Then, you started to become more distant, but still hung out. Just less frequently, until...”

“Uncle Martin. I was eight when he sexually abused me, and it’s only recently that I’ve broken free from the trauma’s control.”

Kara felt her face fall, and pulled Allison into a big, loving hug. “I didn’t know.”

Allison smiled gently. “Manny was the first to find out, and he’s kept my secret so far. It’s okay that you didn’t know.”

Kara breathed in deeply. “You stopped coming around for good after the funeral. I stopped going to that house too; Emanuel always came to mine.”

“Then what happened?” Allison asked.

“Remember how I mentioned those bullies?” Allison nodded her head. “Emanuel, you might remember a trio of idiots you threatened to knock some sense into a few years back.”

“Yeah. They were talking about doing horrible things to a sweet girl in one of my classes. I could never quite figure out what she was hiding under those huge shirts; at least, until that first day for us.”

“I still don’t actually remember any of what you shared through the pictures Kara.”

“Me either partner.”

Kara closed the album and put it off to the side. “I’d like to try something real quick.” They nodded. “I’m going to share a memory with both of you.” She focused for a moment, then remembered trick or treating when she was six.

“So?”

“I don’t know what you did, but a whole flood of childhood memories came rushing back. I remember a particularly heated game of checkers with both of you when we were seven. I thought you were never going to speak to me again Ally.”

“From everything I could see, it looked like you were cheating. Of course I’d be furious. I didn’t realize, until much later, it was really that I sucked badly at the game.”

Emanuel laughed. “I was way too proud then to ever cheat at a game I knew I was good at.”

Kara grinned. “Good. You both remember now.”

“I’m glad to have these memories back, darling. But why did you want to try that?”

“To show Emanuel that we’ve all been friends for years; some of us just forgot about it. We’ve known each other a lot longer than we originally thought we did. Is wanting to seriously get married to the two of you that crazy with that in mind?”

“Less crazy, I’ll give you that” he replied. “So, from a deep, spiritual point, we’re married now?”

Allison smiled. “And that brings us back to the note on the bottle of sparkling apple cider. I’ll read it.”

She reached for the note. Allison’s mom rested a hand on her shoulder. “You don’t need to. I’ll tell you what it says.”

“You’re a ninja too Mrs. Kir ... I mean, mom?”

“No, I’m not a ninja; you three are simply awful at paying attention to your surroundings sometimes.” She laughed heartily. “The note simply says ‘congratulations on your marriage to each other’, and a little blessing. May there always be more smiles than tears in your relationship.”

“Can that really be considered a proper marriage ceremony? I won’t deny that was the most intimate sharing I’ve done with anyone. But it didn’t feel like a ceremony” Emanuel replied.

She shook her head, grabbed the bottle and opened it. “There are some cultures where, if two people share deeply of each other under the open sky, with the intent of spending the rest of their lives together, they are considered married. You three did that; your witnesses were the wind, the earth, and the tree you all sat under.”

“And now you as well mom?”

She laughed gently. “I am no witness. But I verbally recognize the commitment you three have to each other; that, by your own statements, became one; and that, you have the necessary foundation for this relationship to last.” She quietly poured the cider into three champagne flutes. “I told your father, that after last night, we’d need to get you another ticket for CGE; but he wouldn’t listen. He laughed as I was putting together this table spread; especially at the bottle and the note. He’ll be the one feeling foolish now.” She handed them each a flute. “Now, I believe a toast is in order.”

Emanuel grinned. “Indeed.” He raised his glass. “To the rest of our lives, together.”

“To the rest of our lives” they repeated, smiling.

“Good. You were always the most logical of you bunch of troublemakers, young man. It’s good to see that you’ve learned to look past that sometimes.”

“Did the senate get around to voting on the new marriage equality bill Mrs. Kir ... er, mom?”

Her smile transformed into a huge grin. “Yes, they did. The governor was there at the assembly too; they overwhelmingly voted yes, and he signed it as soon as they presented it to him. If you are so inclined, in just a few months you can make all of this legal.”

“That quickly?”

“They need at least three or four months to take care of the logistical things. One of the senators said she’s hopeful they can have everything ready by then. Have you decided what you’re going to tell your parents dearie?”

“Nothing new for the moment. I’m sure they’ll need some time to adjust to the news I dropped on them earlier. I don’t want to pile more on top of that.”

Her laughter threatened to fill the house. “Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary dearie. They met each other two weeks before they got legally married. And don’t worry about them giving you any grief about anything you’ve already told them. Just mention CGE to them, and it will all click.”

“But I didn’t have a chance to tell them everything I originally wanted to.”

“That’s not a problem. Go ahead and call them; let them know they’re cordially invited to join us for desert tonight. Say, about nine.”

Cordially invited?

Use that exact phrase darling. Trust me.

Okay, I’ll go make the call. Kara stood and went to the phone. “Hi mom.”

“Is everything okay now?”

“Yes. Mrs. Kirse wanted me to let you know that you and dad are cordially invited to join us for desert tonight.”

“Cordially ... invited ... are you sure she said that honey?”

“Yes, those were her exact words.”

“Uhm ... did she say what time?”

“She said nine. That won’t be a problem for dad, will it?”

“Absolutely not. I’ll make sure of that.”

“Good.”

“I love you honey.”

“Love you too mom.” Kara hung the phone up in its cradle and stepped back into the room. “Mom almost freaked when I said ‘cordially invited’. What hidden meaning is there to that phrase?”

“Good! You’re learning dearie.”

“You three look awfully tired. Would you like to nap a little while I prepare for our guests?”

Is this another ‘polite order’?

Yes.

“That sounds like a lovely idea Mrs ... mom” Kara replied. “Come now lovers.”

Allison smiled and led them upstairs. “Are you really tired darling, or were you just humoring mom?”

“I’m a little tired, but it was mostly the latter. I don’t want to get on her bad side.”

“Very few people do. Do either of you have a preference for how we cuddle this time?”

Kara smiled. “I think we should keep our ‘husband’ between us.” She laid down on one side of the bed, and pulled Emanuel into the center, then patted the free space on the other side of him. “Well, my muse?”

Allison smirked back. “And I suppose you want me to be the one doing the spooning this time?”

“Exactly!” Kara pulled him close to her, resting his head on one of her breasts. She gasped as Allison draped her arm over him and grabbed the other one. You...

You would have done the same thing if our positions were reversed, and you know it.

Yeah...

For now, let’s rest. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to have fun once your folks go home Emanuel added.

Kara felt her eyes begin to close. She opened them again to a plain, white room.

A door appeared in the room. And there’s our invitation in. Follow me.

Kara stepped through the door after him, and stared around in awe. “This is beautiful!”