~
They made it back to the house and slipped in the mudroom door, giving Melina access to a warm shower and a change of clothes, courtesy of Rozar. As the most modest of all the sisters, it was only right that she supply Melina with something semi suitable. She had given Melina black capri pants and a plain green t-shirt.
"I wasn't sure what you would like to wear, but this goes with your boots, kinda and you seemed to like green," Rozar said timidly. "I'm sorry I don't have something fancier, but my sisters do and you don't seem the type to want to wear those things," she gestured to the low cut tops her sisters donned.
"No, this will work beautifully. Thank you for your kindness, miss," Melina said sincerely.
She was shown how to use the shower and left her to her business. When she finished, they went back out of the mudroom door and out to the shop for supplies.
They made quick work of going through the supplies and Melina was able to get a few bits and pieces of things she thought would work to fix her ship, including some bonus materials she had never seen before.
"This room is simply fascinating. I knew that things would eventually take off and people would look into alternative sources for fuel and light and everything," she gushed and walked around the room touching everything she could. "When I get back home, it will be difficult for me not to try to duplicate some of these things. It's probably better if I stop touching everything, but it's so difficult. With a push of a button you get light. No flame. Incredible."
"Maybe we shouldn't take her back in the house and show her the television," Zotom joked.
"What is that? Now I want to see it," she stepped toward him so quickly, he nearly stumbled over himself trying to back away before she could touch him.
"It's a waste of a smart girl's time," Audire said. "It's for mindless entertainment and makes you lazy."
"Oh, that doesn't sound fun at all," Melina agreed and frowned at Zotom. "I would much rather stay here and play with all of this," she motioned to the table covered in gadgets, wires, pieces of machines, and more.
"I'm going to go make us all a little snack, then we can head back to your ship and we can help you, if you can tell us what all you need done. Does that sound okay, Melina?" Rozar asked.
"Yes, that sounds just lovely, thank you."
Melina sat at the stool closest to the door and began to take apart a small box. She tugged at her clothes uncomfortably for a moment and then looked around to make sure no one was watching her. The clothes were surprisingly soft and fit very well, but she was worried too much of her body was showing.
She adjusted a knob on the box and it suddenly burst open. Springs, cogs, and other parts went flying. She stepped off of the stool to gather the things and bumped heads with Zotom who had leaned down to help her. She didn't even realize he was in the room still.
"Oh man. I'm so sorry. I keep causing you injury," Zotom said as he grabbed her elbow to steady her when she swayed backward.
"I think I'm okay. I just need to sit down for a moment. Trust me, I have survived much worse," she chuckled.
Fury flashed through his eyes, "Someone has hurt you before?"
"No, not in that way," she answered quickly. "My brother is a year older than I am and has tormented me all of my life. He loved to play tricks on me, hide my things, and make me chase after him. We were very close." Sadness filled her eyes.
"I'm sorry," Zotom guided her back to the stool and continued to pick up the pieces. "Do you know where he would have gone? Or why he left?"
"My father wanted him to join the church, but we are just not cut from the same cloth as our family. My father's choices never seem right to us and when he tried to force his ideals on us, we have always fought back. This time, Benjamin just had enough. He said to me that he was going to go on a small trip to find himself and would return soon. After a week, I began to worry. When the second week was complete, my father started to push me to marry this man whom I have no attraction to. The man wants me to be a mother and take care of his home, but I'm simply not that sort of woman. I know it's unusual, but that's just not how I'm made. I love to be home and be with my family, but I like to do things, too. I want purpose in my life. I want to make a difference and try new things. That is so taboo in my time," she paused and looked out the door toward the house. "These women, they are so lucky that they have power and choices." She suddenly stopped. "Oh goodness, I'm sorry. I talk too much."
"No, I love to hear your voice. I think it's great that you are like that. Women are still treated like objects or are used to care only for children now, also. But there are some women like these Cortez sisters that fight for what they want and do what is right. I've never met such stubborn, amazing women in my life. I've only known them a short time, but we already call each other family." He smiled at her as he stood with the parts in his hands. He placed them on the table behind her, his breath only inches from her temple. She felt instantly like her heart would burst.
"There are no men that look like you where I come from," she admitted before thinking. She blushed furiously and bowed her head to hide her face.
"What? Rugged, exotic, incredibly sexy?" he jeered as he took a few steps back and then made an overly manly stance in the middle of the room. His miniature muscle flex would have made any of the sisters laugh and call him embarrassing things, he was sure of it.
"Yes. All of those things." She kept her head down while speaking.
She heard the wind leave his lungs and silence filled the small space. Before she could speak, Rozar peered through the door and said, "Come on out. We set up a picnic."
"Yes. On my way. Thank you, miss," Melina scurried to follow Rozar. When she stepped out of the room there were more people than before. A few more ladies had joined and at least three more men.
The amount of people would have intimidated her on any other day as she loved to be on her own and away from crowds, but the people seemed so happy. They were laughing and joking with each other. They all looked completely strange to Melina. Their clothes were strange, their hair was odd, some had colorful pictures adorning their bodies and jewelry in body parts that seemed uncomfortable at best. No matter their differences, they were happy and together. Soon, without noticing, sorrow nestled in her heart. She never had times like this with her own family. Perhaps if there were just a few days like that, where family and fun were what was most important, she wouldn't have been so miserable. Perhaps Benjamin wouldn’t have run away. Perhaps things would have been different all together.
"Come sit and have some food with us, Melina," Rozar called from across a lovely blanket placed on the grass under a shaded part of the vast yard.
"Yes, thank you," Melina rushed. "I believe I was lost in thought for a moment. My apologies, miss." She timidly sat beside Rozar and noticed a strikingly handsome man sitting very close to her. He had a giant mass of blonde hair and didn't seem to notice anything, except that Rozar was next to him. Envy filled Melina's heart.
"No problem. We all do that from time to time," she poked the man in the chest. "This is my mate, Shade."
The man nodded his head and said, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, ma'am."
"You as well, sir," Melina blushed. The men were all so polite and sweet. How did these women stand it?
"Be careful getting lost in your thoughts. If Audire is near, you should worry. She can hear your thoughts," Rozar added.
"What? Truly she can?" When the woman nodded, Melina turned to Audire and said, "What am I thinking at this very moment?"
"You're thinking you wish you didn't have to go home and that you could stay here with us," she answered without looking up from her feast.
Melina, in a very unladylike moment, simply sat with her mouth hanging open.
"I told you," Rozar giggled. "Aww, that's sweet. You can stay with us as long as you like. We have space here and at the Calusa camp as well. Isn't that right, Zotom?"
"Uhh yeah. I have rooms. A place. We have
stuff. Yes."
Everyone in the yard barked in laughter.
"Melina, you truly must be something magical. This guy never acts like this," a darker, taller version of Zotom said as he stepped from behind a tree. "Sorry I'm late, guys. What's for lunch?"
"Dantez, it's about time. Come on over. We have fruit, veggies, sandwiches, and whatever. Just jump on in," Audire invited.
"Looks delicious," he agreed, then turned to Melina again. "Hello, I'm Dantez. I believe my brother spoke about you earlier on the phone. He's been a little naughty today. Typically, we don't casually assault lovely ladies like yourself. I do hope you can forgive him for being such a buffoon."
"Sir, I am not sure what a buffoon is, but I have forgiven him and understand his stance. It takes a lot more than a little tap on the head to take me out. That's for sure," she smiled triumphantly.
She was gifted with a broad smile from the man. "Nice. I like you."
"Thank you, sir. You seem lovely as well."
They all sat and had lunch. Their mother was said to be busy, but she showed up before the end of lunch. A strikingly gorgeous woman, when she walked up to the place they were all sitting, it was as if the wind carried her there. It was amazing to Melina. She was sure something was different about this family, but she couldn't figure out what. This time was so strange to her, but she was hoping to learn their secret before leaving.
When lunch concluded, the girls talked and the men cleaned up quickly. Melina stood in awe when she tried to help and Dantez said, "No, dear. We have it under control, but thank you so much for offering." He was polite and he wouldn't let her clean. Surely this was some other dimension or universe.
She wandered back to the room with all the gadgets and leaned against the door frame. Letting out a content sigh, she gathered the things she planned to take to the ship, and turned to head back so she could start work.
She immediately slammed right into Zotom and dropped all of the parts on the ground.
"My goodness. I'm so sorry. I feel very clumsy today or unlucky or something."
"Well, I feel lucky and you're in a different place surrounded by strangeness. You're just a little off, that's all," Zotom comforted.
She tilted her head slightly and he chuckled. "Why do you laugh at me?"
"It's just very cute that you make the same face and tilt your head just like the sisters do. They all make that same face when they are confused. It's endearing."
"Well, if I am to be compared to any women alive, I'm honored to be compared to them. They each seem so unique and amazing."
"That, they are."
"Why haven't you taken one of them as wife?" she asked sincerely.
His eyes bugged and he choked on the air. "One of them? No. I mean, they are nice, yes, but they're not my type and I see them as family."
"Your brother sees them as family as well, but I think he has eyes for that one," she pointed to Saber. "Who wouldn't? She is very exotic and commands attention."
"That, she does -." His sentence was cut off by a loud explosion. Zotom threw Melina to the ground and covered her with his body. Scanning the area, he looked for what could have caused the sound. Tendrils of smoke rising from the forest showed them where the source of the blast came from.
Looking down at Melina, anticipation, not fear covered her features. "What was that? Is everyone okay?" she asked.
"Well, I'm fine. How are you?" he smiled down at her.
"I am quite comfortable, even with a hulking mass of man covering me," she jested.
"Oh, sorry," he leapt up, grabbed her hand, and pulled her up to him in one motion.
"You're very graceful," was all she could say.
She looked around the yard to see if all was well. Instead of running away from the explosion like many would expect, she and the others actually headed toward the blast. As they got closer, they realized it was her ship. When she saw her hard work and only way home billowing smoke and dripping cinders, she dropped to her knees and wept.
"It'll take forever to fix this!" she lamented.
"Don't worry, I will help you," Zotom offered honestly.
"Really?"
"Yes, of course. All of us will," he volunteered before anyone could even speak. He knelt down beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders in a comforting hug.
"Thank you. I don't know what could've happened. Everything was stable when I walked away earlier. I closed everything. Nothing was left burning. I don't understand."
"I do," grunted Audire. She dragged a man by the back of his neck like he were a puppy. Her strength was incredible. "I found this ingrate hiding in the bushes over there. Guess who he works for?"
"Moreno." Rozar spoke the name it burned her mouth.
"Why has our father sent you here? State your business. Now," Audire demanded as she shook the man.
"We heard the crash and he wanted to know what was going on and sent me to find out. He said if there is evidence or something here that can help you defeat us to get rid of it, so I did," he smiled and sucked his teeth in victory.
"Your father would do this?" Melina asked.
"Yes, even two hundred years later, fathers don't always understand their daughters."
A breath later, Melina saw two giant cats emerge from the forest. She jumped up and hid behind Zotom. "Oh my goodness, what should we do? I have no weapons. Where did those things come from?" Panic welled in her voice.
"Relax," Zotom soothed. "They are totally fine."
"They are giant cats! Look at those claws and teeth. What is fine about that?" her voice had become shrill and cracked at the last syllable.
"Because," Zotom turned and grabbed her face, kissed her forehead, and looked back at her. "Trust me. Calm down."
"Okay." Something about him made her trust him immediately. When he turned back, she saw the cats stand on their hind legs and walk forward like people. As they walked, they began to shift into humans. Before her eyes, the amazing women she met earlier emerged from the giant cats. Their fur changed into flesh, their claws retracted, and they were there, literally in the flesh.
Dantez tossed them both a shirt and shorts and they dressed quickly.
"Sorry about that, Melina. We had to protect our home," Rozar said as she rushed to her side. "I am sure this is a whole lot to take in at once and you're probably pretty freaked out right now, but we really are good people and will help you fix your ship or make a new one or whatever you need. I think I speak for all of us when I say I'm so sorry our father harmed your amazing creation."
"In the future all people can turn into animals? Or just you?" Melina asked honestly, her curiosity levee had burst and her mind was racing.
"Umm, not all people can, just really special ones," Zotom answered for them.
"You?"
"Yes, but I'm not a cat. I can show you later, if you'd like."
"Interesting. Perhaps it will be a nice bit of scientific research to stay here a while and learn your ways before going home," Melina said slowly. Her words were coming shorter and slower as if she were thinking already.
"Well, we have plenty of space for you to stay with us," Rozar volunteered. "Or you can stay with Zotom's tribe also or split it up. I'm not sure how long it will take you to fix your machine, but I'm sure we can handle it."
"It may take me a very long time to fix it," Melina said slowly as she looked up to Zotom.
"I hope so," he acknowledged.
The girls giggled and Dantez smiled broadly. "Well, now that we have that settled and this vermin to take care of," he took the wiggling man from Audire's hand. "How about we head back to the house, get what we can out of this guy, and dispose of him properly? What say you?"
"Yes!" everyone shouted.
"Oh my goodness. Are they going to kill him?" Melina asked Zotom quietly.
"No, they are just going to ask him some questions and then make him work for us for a while. It's how they do things here." When she looked confused, he added, "You kno
w, it's a very long story that I will happily tell you while you're here with us."
"Fair enough. Would you accompany me to my craft? I just need to see if anything has survived. I can use as many parts from it as possible if anything is salvageable."
Zotom looked saddened, but agreed. "You know, you could stay here with me… with us. You don't have to go back there."
"I appreciate your lovely offer," she answered and then looked into his eyes. "I tell you what, you assist me in rebuilding my craft and by the time it's ready, I will let you properly persuade me to either stay or go. Do we have a deal?"
"How long do you think it will take?"
"Weeks, I'm sure." She looked over the destruction as they got closer. "Gosh, maybe even a few months. This is a wreck."
"Deal."
"You are either very confident in your ability to persuade me to stay or have a very devious plot to keep me here, sir," she guessed. "I am intrigued either way."
"As am I."
They checked the wreckage and found that there were many key parts of the craft that were still in working order. She plucked and dragged parts to the tree line and showed Zotom what was good and what was a waste. He watched her in fascination as she meticulously went over each piece. She obviously loved the work and was very proud of her creation.
"I'm very sorry about your craft, Melina," he offered sincerely.
"Yes, I am as well. Something was obviously not right with it or it wouldn't have crashed in the first place though, correct?"
"Yeah, you have a point. You'll fix it up good as new."
"You sound very confident in me for someone who just met me."
"Well, our first day has been an interesting one, but I feel like I will have enough days and backup," he gestured to the forest where they could still see the others heading back toward the house, "to convince you that fate brought you here."
"I guess we better get to work soon then. You have a big job ahead of you," she said, leaving the meaning open.
"I guess so, but how about tomorrow? First, let me show you how mindless television is and how amazing popcorn is."
"Very well. Let's finish up here and then head back with the others."
"Ooh, so bossy."
She giggled, "I promise I don't mean to be. I don't think I've ever had a man around that would help me with things, so it's refreshing to have. I apologize if I come off sassy to you."
"It's okay. I love a sassy woman." She blushed and got back to her work.