0193

Sabastian and Sol moved to the living room to let Claudia and Susan complete their board game.

They chatted aimlessly for a little bit, but then Sol asked, "Do you think Susan was serious about me giving my life to protect her?"

"I have no idea, perhaps you should ask her."

Before Sol could respond, Mary came downstairs saying, "I feel worse today then I did yesterday." She threw herself onto the couch and covered her face with her arm.

"I need to go to the city. Perhaps you should take me. A change of scenery might do you some good," Sabastian said to her.

"I feel so awful, I don't know if I even want to leave the house."

"Well, I need to get to the city and Sol cannot drive me. I would appreciate if you would."

Mary moved her arm and looked at Sabastian, "If I must. What's sunny boy doing that he isn't willing to give you a lift?"

"I'm visiting Mina," Sol answered.

"So I have to chauffeur stodgy pants here, and you get to go have fun? That's so unfair." She covered her face again.

"I think a night away from your fun might help to clear your mind," Sabastian said.

"Whatever, I'll take you. Just give me a few minutes to rest. I really do feel horrible."

"I am not surprised," Sabastian said.

"Why do you say that?" she asked, not moving.

"I believe your time with Mina is more mentally draining then you realize."

"Well, we have been through a lot lately," she said, missing his subtle hint at Mina's control over Mary.

"So we have," replied Sabastian.

"Say hi to Mina for me," Mary said to Sol, though Susan, who was walking into the room, answered.

"We will," she said, jumping into Sol's arms.

"Yes," Sol said, "we will."

"Your glow is fading," Susan said to him. "When you believe, its gonna stay strong forever."

He patted her head and said, "Then I had better hurry up and become a believer."

"Oh, it'll happen when it's time. Can we go now?"

"Yes, yes we can," he answered. To the others he said, "I assume I'll see you later tonight." He carried Susan to the car.

After they heard the car drive off, Mary sat up and said, "I mean no disrespect, but sometimes that little girl says some unusual things."

"Yes, she does," Sabastian answered. "When will we be leaving?"

"Let me go put on cooler clothes."

"Why, your clothing seems appropriate for the weather?" Sabastian asked, misunderstanding Mary's desire to look good for the trip.

"Uh, yeah. I'll be right back," she said, not bothering to explain.


[Copyright Reuben Gregg Brewer, 2005, 2006. All rights reserved.]