Downpour

  “Its a date!” he cheered with a faint rasp in his voice. I cleared my throat nervously when the doorbell suddenly rang. The music changed on the radio and so did the mood of the room.

  “Woof! Woof!” Oz jumped at the front door.

  “Come on in!” Frank called out with a smile.

  “Here we go,” I whispered.

  ~Why Can’t We Be Friends: War~

  Kai walked through the front door first. He looked tired and stressed but tried to hide that fact behind his big goofy smile. Obviously he and Sam were still having their troubles.

  "Hey bro," he spoke sullenly.

  "Aloha brother," I said back and shook his hand. He eased his tense grip for a second until he saw Asia at the table. Her eyes barely made contact with his as she looked past his frame.

  "Hi Asia."

  "Kai," she said as cold as a robot. At that moment Sam passed through the doorway with Madi in her arms. The thunder came back quickly and the sun fell behind the clouds again.

  "Samantha," Asia spoke through her teeth. I felt to scared to move. What should I do next? Should I turn and run? Thankfully, Frank had the answer for me.

  "Welcome my guests…my family," he almost cheered again.

  "Thank you for inviting us Uncle Frank." Sam smiled and glanced my way.

  "Thank you for coming, and thank you for bringing my baby girl. Let me see her!" Frank called out as he reached for Madison. Sam gently handed her over and Madi stretched her little legs as Frank scooped her up. He kissed her forehead and inhaled a long breath as he did.

  "Ahh, the smell of youth!"

  "Nice to see you again Asia. Max told me you were back on the island," Sam spoke calmly. Lightning crackled outside as Asia came to her feet. She glared at Sam for a painfully long second before finding my strained face and then Madison’s.

  "May I see her Uncle?" Asia asked politely. The room fell silent and Sam took a nervous step toward Frank and Madi. He just smiled and nodded yes. I was still holding my tongue, not sure what to do or say.

  "I just wanted to see something…" Asia drifted off as her cool hands met Madi’s warm ones. As soon as they touched, time seemed to slow, and it felt harder to breathe. As Asia held her up to her face, the two of them studied the other intensely. The moment was strange at first but quickly turned powerful as the storm calmed outside. The wind settled and the sun shined brighter. Sam’s worried face found mine across the room.

  "Well? What do you think?" Frank asked bluntly. His question snapped Asia out of her trance. Slowly she walked over to me with Madi tightly inside her arms. Madi’s tiny fingers twirled themselves within Asia’s curls along her shoulders.

  "She’s perfect," Asia whispered to me and looked right through me. Her cold blue eyes welled up slightly with tears. I took Madi into my over heating arms and she cooed as she rolled herself into my chest.

  "Hey bug," I smiled. Asia watched me closely and Sam walked up next to us quickly. There we all stood in the familiar circle and tangled web we had all known too long. Asia placed her hand on my forearm. Sam softly stroked Madi’s head next to my chest. Kai sat down at the table, upset, and began filling his plate with food.

  "Oh that's right! Time to eat!" Frank cheered with a clap of his hands. Sam leaned in and removed Madi from my arms and smiled a little.

  "Sorry for last night," she said.

  "Its okay," I lied. I wasn’t okay with it. There was so much to be dealt with, so much to figure out. Asia didn't like her words at all and her arms folded across her chest, flexing tightly as she did. I tried to ease her anger with my eyes but all that did was make me want to hide. She looked so angry with us, or just me. So I let my bangs slide in front of my eyes and stuck my hands in my back pockets sheepishly.

  "Come on you three…grubs on!" Frank teased. Sam made her way to the table. It took Asia another moment of staring at me intensely before she slithered over to the dinning table. I shuffled over with the weight of the world on my shoulders and a knot in my gut. Even though the breakfast spread out before us smelled absolutely delicious, I was no longer hungry.

  “Is that Sydney?” Kai asked with a mouth full of bacon. His hands tightly grasped the open page of Asia’s photo journal. I sat down next to Asia and she tightened in her seat a little. Sam caught my eyes from across the table as she watched the photo album and then me.

  “Yup, Australia,” I huffed. Asia slid her hand over the tribal tattoo that we had been given during our visit. I watched her fingers trace the lines along her skin. She seemed lost in thought.

  “I love the outback. One of my favorite places!” Frank added. He quickly started filling glasses with juice and little umbrellas.

  “Man I would have loved to have been there!” Kai said excitedly, and Sam shot him a serious look. He shrunk in his seat a little.

  “I mean…it would have been nice to look up Marcus and his fam…” Kai trailed off to himself. An awkward silence filled the room. The radio serenaded us for few awkward seconds when Asia finally spoke.

  “Australia was…” her eyes met mine as she caressed her tattooed arm. “Life changing.” She let a sigh escape her lips. Sam watched us curiously and noticed the matching tattoo on my upper arm, peeking out just enough from my sleeve. Her mouth filled with a pout as she began to settle Madi into her seat with a small bottle of milk.

  “There will be plenty of time to catch up ladies and gents, but for now lets just eat,” Frank said with authority as he noticed the table becoming emotionally unstable. That’s exactly what we all did. We ate with hardly another word listening to my uncle’s golden oldies play throughout the house. Thirty minutes passed, quiet and cordial. It would not last though, as things turned ugly again.

  I held Madison close as Kai and Sam argued in the living room. They tried not to make a scene and kept their voices to a dull roar, but it was obvious that this morning was not the best idea.

  "Sorry sweetie…this is all my fault," I whispered to my daughter. The guilt was becoming overwhelming.

  "Son, their issues are not your fault," Frank spoke from behind me. Asia watched from only feet away as she loudly washed the dirty dishes. Apparently I hadn't whispered low enough.

  "All this pain everyone is feeling is my fault. I did this," I sulked. Asia looked upset as she looked at me from behind my uncle. She hardly ate this morning, watching me with Sam and our little girl.

  "Max, we make our decision with the circumstances that we are given, sometimes they work out and sometimes…"

  "They’re a mess." I cut him off as I watched Sam and Kai making up in the living room. They were still upset with each other but they ended things with a hug. That hug showed the closeness they still shared. It hurt to see my best friend and possible soul mate in each other’s arms. I buried my face in the thick ticklish curls of hair on the top of Madi’s head. She smelled wonderful. Asia watched the pain fill my face and posture. That instantly pushed her over the edge.

  "Damn it!" she cursed from the kitchen sink. Thunder crashed against the windows with no rain in sight. It startled everyone, especially Madi.

  "Are you okay dear?" Frank called out as he ran to the kitchen sink where Asia had cut her hand open on a knife. She held it up in a fist and blood streamed down her wet forearm. Her eyes filled with fire as my attention turned to her.

  "Uh oh…that looks awfully bad. Max get in here," Frank demanded. I rushed over with Madi tight in my arms.

  "Asia," I gasped.

  "I’ll handle Madi, you help Asia," he ordered, as he removed Madi from my warming arms. Asia stepped forward with her steel glare on me.

  "That’s alright Uncle. He can't help anymore. Remember!" she snapped. Her eyes were ice blue fire as she stormed past me with a shove against my shoulder. Electricity slid through her nudge and tickled me down to my bones. The clouds rolled over the sun again and filled with grumpy moans.

  "Oh," Frank said sullenly. He watched as her words cut me deep. I watched her storm off to the bathroom.
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  "I don't need your help!"

  "Go after her son," Frank pushed.

  "But…" I stumbled.

  "But nothing…go."

  "Okay," I caved. Sam and Kai watched from the couch unsure of what to do. I ran to the newly slammed bathroom door and knocked gently. Asia was already crying inside. Something she didn't do often.

  "Asia?" I asked, and the sky rumbled loudly all around the house.

  "Go away Max!"

  "Please," I begged. The lights flickered as the lightning returned with a vengeance. From behind the door she was silent. I gave up and walked into my bedroom, upset. I pressed my hands and face against my window and let the vibrations from the thunder massage my aching head.

  Frank walked to the bathroom door and Sam stood up to take Madi from his arms. He waved to her to give him one more minute with her. She stopped and stared at the two of them. Slowly she nodded that it was okay even though she was not happy with the idea.

  "Asia dear, I think I can help." Frank coughed from outside the door. I listened from my room but kept my pounding head against the cooling glass of my bedroom window.

  "I don't need your help either!"

  "Asia…please." A coughing fit jumped from his lips. He sounded awful. His wet cough began to choke him, making me cringe. Within seconds she opened the door and pulled him and Madison in. The door slammed behind them. THUD!

  "Uncle Frank are you okay?"

  "Take Madison from me…" he said choking.

  "I can’t," she said stubbornly holding up her cut hand. Frank began to cough harder and started to lean against the sink. Madi slid loosely in his grasp. Disgruntled and worried, Asia reached out and scooped up Madi. She tried to do it with only her good hand but found that she needed both.

  "Sorry if I get any blood on you princess," she said guilty and wrapped her bad hand in a nearby towel. As she eased Madi into her grasp, Frank’s coughing seemed to fade. In her arms, Madison began to glow with warmth. Frank stood up as good as new and began to smile.

  "Uncle Frank? Your fine now?" she asked, annoyed with him. He smiled even bigger and placed her hurt hand onto Madi with force. Before she could pull away, Madi’s little hands fell around her knuckles with a tight little grip.

  "Just sit still Asia. Give her a second." He winked, looking completely fine now. She filled with anger as she realized that he had been faking and tricked her, but before she could fully unleash her wrath, the heat from Madi filled her throbbing hand.

  "What the…" she gasped. Heat radiated through her skin and down to her bones in her hand. She could feel the wound healing under the blood soaked towel within seconds. The thunder stopped itself outside. Asia felt dazed and a wave of joy passed over her as Madi’s eyes smiled at her and she screamed with a joyous “yippee.” Her little hands slapped together.

  "See…I told you I could help," Frank taunted.

  "Madi…" Asia softly stuttered as she realized that she had inherited my long lost gift. They stared at each other, locked as one. After a moment Frank leaned in and kissed Madi on the head.

  "Max doesn't know my dear," he smiled and checked her hand. It looked like nothing had ever happened.

  "He doesn't?"

  "Well, he might deep down, but he hasn't let himself figure it out yet. Like father like daughter." He laughed out loud, which turned into a real cough. Asia wrinkled her brow and held her hand against Madi’s tiny palms for a moment. Slowly she walked out the door. As she made her way down the hallway she looked at me curiously as she passed. I couldn't figure out the look on her face. It was serious, yet calm. She walked right up to Sam who was waiting impatiently.

  "Is everything okay?" Sam asked. Asia said nothing and stared at her coldly. Kai sat uneasy, waiting for me to come into the room.

  "May I have her back please," Sam said as a demand. Asia tilted her head cautiously and leaned into Sam. Madi giggled in Asia’s arms before she handed her over. Madison seemed to fight the passing and reached her little arms out toward Asia. This made Sam confused and angry. Rain started drenching the windows, filling Asia’s face with a small smile.

  "Thank you," Sam said, full of anger. Asia stood still and said nothing. Sam noticed Asia’s healed hand wrapped loosely in a bloody towel. Her breath became hard and she turned Madi away from Asia’s glance. Madi started to cry instantly. Her wails made me run out into the living room.

  "Is she okay?" I asked both of them.

  "She’s fine!" Sam scolded. It hurt my feelings as she snapped at me. Asia smiled and turned to me.

  "Actually, she’s much more than fine," she winked at Frank behind me. I felt completely lost and confused. Sam turned to me angry and scared. Asia walked past me and began cleaning the kitchen again. I would have followed her but Sam’s hurt face kept me locked in my tracks.

  "Lets start over," Frank said from behind me and patted me on my back. I stood there, confused but agreed, and walked over to the stereo and changed the song that had been playing.

  Peacemaker - 20

  ~Stand By Me: Ben E. King~

  As the music started, Frank’s face filled with a grin. I had put on one of his favorite songs. Kai signaled a thumbs up in agreement and slid one of the dinning chairs out towards me.

  "Thanks bro," I said as I sat down next to him. Frank followed suit. Sam stood uneasy in the living room watching the raindrops peel their way down the window glass. Madi nuzzled her head into her chest, slowly calming her tantrum. Asia pouted on her feet watching me closely.

  "Samantha, Asia, would you please come join us?" Frank insisted. Sam stood still, not sure what to do. Asia shifted her weight and glared angrily at Frank. Lightning loudly crashed outside the windows. This only strengthened Frank’s resolve.

  "Asia please," he insisted again. I watched as her face filled with annoyance. She crossed her arms tightly.

  "No," she growled. Kai winced in his chair. Frank shook his head slightly and coughed into his handkerchief.

  "Asia dear, if you intend to continue staying under my roof, you'll give me the benefit of the doubt," he said calmly and with the authority I had come to know and love. Sam’s eyes caught mine as he said it. She did not like the idea of us living together. She gripped Madi tighter and walked over to the table and sat next to Kai. Asia could see the hurt in Sam’s eyes and relented her stance. Slowly, she sat down next to me. She was still very angry with me and leaned away from me in her seat.

  "Thank you Asia. Now, to share what this little social gathering was really about," he announced. We all looked at one another, confused. I should have realized this wasn’t just another family get together. His famous feasts never were.

  "I know it’s Thanksgiving weekend, but I’m taking Madi Friday. All day."

  "What?" Sam asked worried.

  "Everyone enjoy their holiday. Eat, laugh, and be merry. But then I think you four should take the next day to catch up with each other." The table fell quiet. We all looked around at each other.

  "Frank, I don't think…" I tried to convince him.

  "Things are all mixed up right now. It is time to fix that." He smiled at us all, one by one. He saved his biggest smile for me. He already knew he would get his way. He always did.

  "Frank, I have homework to catch up on this holiday weekend…things have been a little busy," Sam tried her best to convince him. Reluctantly her eyes found mine. With all the drama going on, I had forgotten that Sam and Kai were new students in college. A milestone I had been ignoring.

  “I have a photography assignment that has to be finished by the weekend,” she continued. Asia let her big angry eyes roll inside her head.

  "You four need to remember how much you all care for each other. You need a day to yourselves. So, after Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, I will pick up my darling lil' angel," he smiled bigger and made a silly face at Madison. She giggled at his old, wise head.

  "But Frank…" Sam huffed. She knew it was no use to fight him though. His mind was made up.

&nbs
p; "School isn't going anywhere Samantha.”

  “I don’t know,” she said wearily.

  “Madison will stay with me that night, and first thing in the morning you four will have an adventure. Together." He took a small sip from his drink. He won.

  Thunder shook everywhere, shaking the furniture.

  "Count me out!" Asia snapped. Kai looked around nervously at the shaking walls. Sam only glared at her and then me.

  "Please. As a favor to me?" he asked Asia politely. I could taste Asia’s anger and waited for her to explode but she didn't. Instead she found Madi’s round eyes across from her. The two of them stared at the other intently. Sam shifted in her seat unhappily, and slowly the storm outside subsided a little.

  "What do you say…you in?" Frank asked once more. Her eyes never left Madi’s as a small smile escaped the edge of her mouth. The rain finally stopped peppering the windows.

  "Okay," she agreed in a whisper. I found myself speechless. Asia and Madi had really bonded with each other. It was almost magical. Sam watched them anxiously. She was very worried. Kai on the other hand was…well…Kai.

  "Awesome! I know the perfect place to go!" he cheered and clicked his drink with Frank’s glass. The two of them smiled like old friends.

  "Awesome," I mocked them unsure. My head pounded and I excused myself from the table.

  Kai and Sam only stayed a few minutes after that. She was still unsettled about Frank’s newest request but she tried her best to hide it from him. Quickly, they gathered up Madison and all her things. Kai gave me a hug and a handshake. He seemed to have enjoyed Frank’s latest meal, as usual.

  “Until next time Uncle!” Kai waved to him.

  “Anytime my son,” Frank waved back. He nudged me forward toward Sam. Madi clung to her with a yawn lingering on her little face. She looked so much like my sister it made my blood race. Sam let me kiss Madi goodbye but pulled away from me quickly. It hurt when she did. Asia watched us, upset. I could feel her hard glare from across the room.