“She’s got a point, Al,” Evan agreed.
I didn’t care if they wanted to fight, as long as that got Alik off my back about the secret he was sure I was keeping. Heck, I wouldn’t mind discussing quantum physics if that got my brothers to leave me alone.
“I’m pretty sure we could step out for fifteen minutes. We can make sure Cole and Dr. Andrews know where we are if there’s an emergency. Now that mom has awakened, her condition isn’t nearly as delicate. And her call-button is right next to her. Matter of fact…I bet the children on the third floor would love to see a good match.” Alik smiled at his idea.
“Oh, that’s a great idea. I don’t think they were as much fascinated by Cole’s magic tricks as they were about laughing at him in general. Pretty sure they wouldn’t mind scooting to their windows and watching us on the hospital’s lawn from there,” Evan concluded.
“You’re serious about this?” I asked.
“Absolutely,” the boys said in unison.
“Maybe little Megglet has lost her edge, Evan,” Alik teased.
“She’s probably too worried about messing up her hair…” Evan added with a knowing nod.
“Or braking a nail,” Alik pretended to buff his nails on his jeans then held his hand up to his face in mock adoration.
My blood was boiling. I hated it when they teased me, and they knew it! Stupid brothers!
“Okay, baby brothers. You asked for it. Alik, you go arrange it with the head nurse on the third floor. Evan you tell hospital security that we’re just performing a martial arts ‘demonstration’ for the patients to watch from their windows and not actually trying to kill anyone. I’ll go let Dr. Andrews know where to find us. Meet me on the north lawn in ten minutes,” I said through clenched teeth.
“Excellent!” Alik smiled widely. “And after I kick your butt, you have to tell me whatever it is you’re keeping secret.”
“And if I win, you have to walk around for one full day with a sign on your back that reads ‘I wet the bed!’” I growled.
“I don’t wet the bed, Meg,” Alik laughed. “This secret must be juicy if you’re that mad at the idea of having to spill it.”
“Shut up!” I countered stupidly.
“What happens if I win?” Evan piped up from the corner of the room. He was tightening the laces on his sneakers.
Alik and I looked over at our little brother and laughed. “Thanks Evan, we needed a little comic relief just then,” Alik teased.
“I wasn’t trying to be funny, and I could win.” Evan sounded like a little kid who wanted to keep up with his big siblings, but instead was left pouting and kicking at the dirt in frustration.
“You could win, Ev,” I said. “But today, I need to teach Alik a lesson.”
“Pft. Enough talk; let’s go!” Alik was already walking toward the door. Evan and I followed.
“Maze, you stay here and watch after mom, okay? We’ll be back in a few minutes, but don’t be surprised if some of us are limping when we return,” I narrowed my eyes at Alik.
Maze sat dutifully at mom’s bedside and sniffed loudly. He didn’t approve of us leaving, at all, and for a split second, I sensed this could be a bad idea. Everyone would see us outside putting on a superhuman display and anyone who knew anything about us could easily conclude that our sick mom was left alone.
“Hey guys,” I said. “Maybe this isn’t such a good idea. What if…”
“Are you backing out?” Alik taunted, raising one eyebrow.
“Come on, Meg-a-Chicken! We won’t hurt you too badly,” Evan chimed in.
I tightened my jaw knowing full well if I let the words I was thinking gush from my mouth, I’d sound worse than a drunken sailor! I closed mom’s door behind us and listened for the lock to click.
It was only then that I noticed the time. It was eleven thirty. I was supposed to meet Creed at noon. Darn it! Even if I finished kicking Alik’s butt by noon, I’d end up all sweaty and roughed-up looking when I met Creed on the hospital’s west lawn. Shoot!
10 Yelling at the Drive-Through
Creed happened to be sitting in his truck in the hospital parking lot trying to decide what to do next. He had a half hour to kill before meeting the girl. Maybe he should pick up some lunch for them. On second thought, that may look too desperate. Besides, it’s hard to talk with someone when we’re both chewing. He started the car, drove down the street and pulled into a fast-food drive-through.
“I’ll take your order whenever you’re ready,” the plastic menu said in a bored tone. Creed was still amazed at some things most Americans take for granted. There were no drive-through fast-food restaurants in or around the Facility back in Germany.
Still not sure how to do this, Creed yelled back to the voice. “Yeah, hi. I need to get two drinks.”
“Small, medium, large or extreme?” the voice droned.