Bomber listened to the beeps and low squeals of the two kids’ DSi’s as they played their games. He smiled to himself, thinking that was the best thing ever invented for children. He watched the TV without really paying attention to it, and scented the soft perfume of Lorenco’s Abuela as she came into the waiting lounge.
She looked slightly worried as she sat down on a row of chairs behind him. He glanced back at her. “Everything all right?”
She nodded. “Lorenco, he is always concerned.”
Bomber looked at the two kids. “I can understand that.”
They sat this way for a while. Bomber felt that she was staring at the back of his neck, boring into it. He felt his hackles rise, and he got up from the chair in front of her, then went to sit next to her.
She watched him carefully. He sat down, a seat between them. She still kept an eye on him. “What?” he asked, not realizing it came out kind of snippy.
She raised an eyebrow at him. He backed down immediately. “Sorry.”
Hours passed. Bomber caught himself not breathing a few times. He glanced more at the window than the clock. The kids fell asleep, and Bomber got up fluidly to pluck their DSi’s from them. He glanced back to see Abuela sitting with her head cast back, and her eyes closed. He smiled, and got the kids’ DSi’s before they lost them.
“Senor Bruce,” said Abuela, and Bomber turned.
He walked over to her, handing the DSi’s to her. “Yes?”
She looked up into his face, and reached out for the consoles. “You are…no humanos.”
Bomber blinked. “Humanos?”
“Human. You do not drink. You do not eat. You do not breathe. We cannot find you during the day.”
“I work early – “
She gave him a look, one eerily similar to the one his mother would give him when she knew he was lying. Again, he looked down.
“Ló que esta? What are you?”
He never felt so trapped as he did at that moment. Other times, he could fight his way out. But he couldn’t do that here. Lorenco was right, he didn’t lie very well.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
Again, that look. Bomber wondered if all mothers had that look trademarked somewhere.
He spoke quietly, “I live on blood.” Then he looked up for her reaction.
She opened her mouth a little, and Bomber was prepared for a wicked tongue-lashing. She closed her mouth, looked around the room, especially at the two children.
Bomber crouched down to her level, resting on his heels. “I love him. I would protect him with my life.” And I’d walk into the sun if I let that fucking Beast take over again and hurt him. Never. Never again, I swear that on my mother’s grave.
She must have seen something more go on behind his eyes, as he thought out that vow, because she was reading his face as well. “And them,” he motioned to the two sleeping children.
She didn’t follow his motion, staring at his eyes. “You help mi nieto, si?”
“Yes. Yes, I help him.”
She pulled her purse against her chest protectively. Bomber didn’t blame her, and he went to sit away from both her and the children. Now he’d blown two people’s trust in him. He shrugged, and absently picked up the three year-old Good Housekeeping magazine that was on the table.
He was in the middle of a “How to Organize Your Kitchen In Ten Easy Steps” article from 1986 when Lorenco came in, looking haggard, but grinning. “Es un nino. It’s a boy.”
Abuela clapped her hands, and asked something in Spanish. Bomber got up, glancing at the window as he did. He felt he had an hour, possibly less, and he had to get that body out of the bathroom. Then Lorenco said, “Mateo Cristo Demetrio Castillo” and Bomber realized that was the new child’s name.
Bomber said, “That name’s longer than he is.”
Lorenco looked at Bomber and laughed. Bomber walked by him saying, “Congratulations.” He patted Lorenco on the shoulder. “I have to go home.”
Lorenco nodded. Bomber pulled out his wallet. “For a cab.” He thrust a few twenties into Lorenco’s hand.
“I’ve got money,” Lorenco said, looking down at the money.
“I know, but this makes me feel like I’m not abandoning you.”
“I know you wouldn’t abandon me.”
Bomber studied Lorenco for a moment. No. I’d just tear you apart instead. He smiled, though it wasn’t necessarily warm, and left the area. He could have gotten to the garage faster if he ran down the stairwell, but then that would breach the Masquerade. He’d already breached it tonight. He didn’t want to bring any more karma down on his head.
(Note: Bomber lost control of his Beast and attacked Lorenco just prior to their going to the hospital.)
Word: 829
Inspiration: Lorenco’s suggestion, and poking my muse, thank you very much.
Music: None.